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Published on: January 18, 2018
Ischemic stroke subtypes : a population-based study of functional outcome, survival, and recurrence
G W Petty1, R D Brown, J P Whisnant
1Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. petty.george@mayo.edu
Early ischemic stroke recurrence is highest for atherosclerosis (ATH) and survival is poorest for cardioembolic (CE) stroke. Lacunar (LAC) stroke patients experience better functional outcomes. This population-based study highlights subtype-specific risks.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Limited population-based data exists on functional outcomes, survival rates, and recurrence patterns for different ischemic stroke subtypes.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for effective patient management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare functional outcomes, survival rates, and recurrent stroke events across major ischemic stroke subtypes in a population-based cohort.
- To identify predictors of survival and recurrence based on stroke etiology.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 442 first-time ischemic stroke patients from Rochester, Minnesota (1985-1989) was identified and categorized into four subtypes: atherosclerosis (ATH), cardioembolic (CE), lacunar (LAC), and infarct of uncertain cause (IUC).
- Functional outcome was assessed using the Rankin disability score.
- Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were employed to estimate survival and recurrence rates and identify independent predictors.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in functional disability were observed across subtypes at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year post-stroke, with LAC associated with milder deficits.
- Thirty-day recurrent stroke rates varied significantly: ATH (18.5%), CE (5.3%), LAC (1.4%), and IUC (3.3%). ATH was an independent predictor of early recurrence.
- Five-year mortality rates were highest for CE (80.4%) and lowest for LAC (35.1%) and ATH (32.2%). Stroke subtype independently predicted long-term survival, with CE having the poorest prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Ischemic stroke due to atherosclerosis (ATH) exhibits higher early recurrence rates than other subtypes, potentially influenced by iatrogenic factors.
- Patients with lacunar (LAC) strokes demonstrate superior post-stroke functional status compared to other subtypes.
- Cardioembolic (CE) stroke is associated with the poorest long-term survival outcomes.
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