Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats
Published on: April 21, 2017
Arterial ischaemic stroke in children
C Barnes1, F Newall, J Furmedge
1Department of Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Childhood arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) is common in infants under 12 months. Most affected children experience death or lasting neurological deficits, highlighting the need for further research into risk factors and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Childhood arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a significant neurological condition with limited published data.
- Understanding its epidemiology and outcomes is crucial for improving pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of AIS in Australian children.
- To analyze demographic data, arterial distribution, thrombophilic testing, and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of childhood AIS cases at a major children's hospital (1993-2001).
- Utilized International Classification of Disease codes for case identification.
- Collected data on patient demographics, risk factors, treatment, and neurological outcomes.
Main Results:
- An incidence of 1.8 per 100,000 children per year was calculated, with over one-third of cases in infants under 12 months.
- Congenital heart disease was the primary risk factor in 64% of cases.
- Stroke-related mortality was 8.4%, and 78% of survivors had neurological deficits; anticoagulation showed no significant association with normal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- AIS disproportionately affects infants and leads to significant mortality or long-term neurological impairment.
- Further prospective studies are essential to identify risk factors for poor outcomes.
- The Australian and New Zealand Stroke and Thrombophilia Registry offers a platform for future research and clinical trials to enhance childhood AIS management.
Objective:
Arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) in childhood is a serious disorder about which little is published. The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiology and outcome of AIS in Australian children.
Methods:
Cases of childhood AIS occurring at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne 1993-2001, were identified by medical record search using International Classification of Disease Codes. Information was collected on demographics, risk factors, arterial distribution, results of thrombophilic testing, management and outcome.
Results:
During the 8 years of review 95 patients presented with 98 cases of AIS calculating an incidence of 1.8 per 100000 children per year. Children less than 12 months of age represented greater than one third of all cases. Identifiable risk factors were present in 64% of cases with congenital heart disease the major risk factor. Thrombophilic testing was incomplete with initial abnormalities present in 18% of cases tested. The estimated stroke-related mortality was 8.4%. Of the patients who survived and who had follow-up details available, 78% had a neurological deficit. Twenty-six patients (26%) received anticoagulation. There was no statistically significant association between treatment with anticoagulation and normal neurological outcome.
Conclusion:
AIS is over-represented in children under 12 months of age and results in death or residual neurological impairment in the majority of cases. Further prospective studies are needed to identify risk factors for poor outcome. The recently established Australian and New Zealand Stroke and Thrombophilia Registry should provide important information on clinical and laboratory based risk factors and create a basis for international clinical trials to improve the outcome of childhood AIS.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Stroke: Introduction and Types
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
