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Electroencephalography Network Indices as Biomarkers of Upper Limb Impairment in Chronic Stroke
06:37

Electroencephalography Network Indices as Biomarkers of Upper Limb Impairment in Chronic Stroke

Published on: July 14, 2023

Abnormalities on ECG and telemetry predict stroke outcome at 3 months

Hanne Christensen1, Anders Fogh Christensen, Gudrun Boysen

  • 1Dept. of Neurology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. hc04@bbh.hosp.dk

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|June 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are common in acute stroke patients, affecting 60% with cerebral infarction and 50% with intracerebral hemorrhage. These findings, including atrial fibrillation and ST-depression, can predict 3-month mortality risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Electrocardiograms (ECG) are vital for monitoring patients with acute stroke.
  • Limited evidence exists on the prevalence and prognostic impact of ECG findings in acute cerebral infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in patients with acute cerebral infarction, ICH, and transient ischemic attack (TIA).
  • To determine the prognostic impact of ECG findings on 3-month mortality in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 692 patients with acute cerebral infarction, 155 with ICH, and 223 with TIA, admitted within 6 hours of symptom onset.
  • A 12-lead ECG was performed on admission, with telemetry monitoring for the first 12-24 hours.

Main Results:

  • ECG abnormalities were frequent: 60% in cerebral infarction, 50% in ICH, and 44% in TIA.
  • In ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, AV block, ST-elevation, ST-depression, and inverted T-waves predicted 3-month mortality.
  • In ICH, sinus tachycardia, ST-depression, and inverted T-waves predicted poor outcomes. Rapid heart rate also predicted mortality.

Conclusions:

  • ECG abnormalities are common in acute stroke patients.
  • Specific ECG findings are significant predictors of 3-month mortality in both ischemic stroke and ICH.
Abstract

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