Stroke registry in Malmö, Sweden

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• A prospective stroke registry was established in Malmö, Sweden, in 1989.
• The registry aimed to monitor stroke incidence, recurrence, and fatality rates in a population of 232,000.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively follow up stroke incidence, recurrence, and fatality rates.
• To assess the epidemiology of stroke in Malmö.
• To validate the utility of a stroke registry for research.

Main Methods:

• Patients with presumed stroke were interviewed within one week of hospital admission.
• Medical records were examined, and continuous validation against hospital diagnoses ensured high case ascertainment (>90%).
• Stroke diagnostic categories included subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and unspecified stroke.

Main Results:

• Overall stroke incidence was 300 per 100,000 residents, with first-ever stroke at 225 per 100,000.
• Cerebral infarction was the most common diagnosis (50%), followed by unspecified stroke (38%).
• Major risk factors identified were prior stroke, hypertension, smoking, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus. The 30-day case-fatality rate was 15%, with higher rates for intracerebral hemorrhage (37%) than cerebral infarction (10%).

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the value of a stroke registry for epidemiological research.
• Stroke registries are essential tools for understanding stroke patterns and outcomes.
• Findings provide valuable data on stroke incidence, risk factors, and case-fatality in the studied population.