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The predictors of early infection after an acute ischaemic stroke

B B Hamidon1, A A Raymond, M I Norlinah

  • 1Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. hamidon@mail.hukm.ukm.my

Singapore Medical Journal
|November 19, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Early infection after acute stroke is common, particularly in patients with severe disability, large middle cerebral artery infarcts, and low Glasgow Coma Scores. These factors significantly increase mortality risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Stroke Medicine

Background:

  • Infection is a common complication following acute stroke.
  • Infections can negatively impact stroke outcomes.
  • Understanding predictors of early infection is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predictors of early infection in acute ischemic stroke patients.
  • To determine the types of infections observed.
  • To examine the relationship between early infection, initial disability, and inpatient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 163 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital.
  • Data collected on demography, infection type, onset, and frequency.
  • Multivariate analysis used to identify independent predictors of early infection.

Main Results:

  • Early infection occurred in 16% of patients, primarily pneumonia (12.3%) and urinary tract infections (3.7%).
  • Independent predictors included low Barthel index (<5), middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarcts, and low Glasgow Coma Score (GCS <9).
  • Early infection was associated with increased mortality (OR 14.83).

Conclusions:

  • Severe disability, large MCA infarcts, and poor GCS are independent predictors of early infection post-stroke.
  • Early detection and management of infection are critical for improving outcomes in stroke patients.

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