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Epidemiology of perinatal stroke
1Neuroepidemiology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. lynchj@ninds.nih.gov
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|December 26, 2001
Summary
Perinatal stroke, affecting 1 in 4000 infants, is often missed due to varied symptoms. This review covers the epidemiology of these infant strokes, focusing on diagnosis and risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Perinatal stroke incidence is likely underestimated due to diagnostic challenges.
- It affects approximately 1 in 4000 term births, often involving the middle cerebral artery.
- Common causes include thromboembolism originating from various sources and identified risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the epidemiology of perinatal and neonatal ischemic stroke.
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosis and the importance of retrospective evaluation.
- To identify key risk factors associated with perinatal stroke.
Main Methods:
- Review of population-based studies and existing literature on perinatal stroke.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and presentation variations.
- Identification of causative factors and risk assessment.
Main Results:
- Perinatal stroke is a significant concern, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 4000 term births.
- Middle cerebral artery involvement is most common, often resulting from thromboembolism.
- Cardiac disorders, coagulation issues, and infections are identified risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of perinatal stroke is crucial for timely intervention.
- Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors aids in early detection and management.
- Retrospective diagnosis is common, emphasizing the need for vigilance in evaluating neurological deficits in infants.