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Body temperature and mortality in acute cerebral infarction
1Prasat Neurological Institute, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Summary
Elevated body temperature within 72 hours of hospital admission is a significant predictor of mortality in acute cerebral infarction patients. Higher temperatures increase the risk of death following stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Animal models show hyperthermia exacerbates brain damage after cerebral ischemia.
- Human studies on body temperature and stroke outcome yield conflicting results.
- The predictive value of early post-stroke body temperature for mortality remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if body temperature during the first 72 hours post-admission predicts mortality in acute cerebral infarction patients.
- To determine body temperature as an independent predictor of mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 332 patients admitted with cerebral infarction.
- Analysis of highest body temperature within 72 hours of admission.
- Multivariate logistic regression including confounders like age, hypertension, and infections.
Main Results:
- Fever (>37.5°C) occurred in 26.5% of patients within 72 hours.
- Highest recorded temperature was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality.
- Each 1°C increase in body temperature raised the odds of mortality by 3.95 (OR: 3.95; 95% CI: 1.84–8.45).
Conclusions:
- Highest body temperature within 72 hours post-admission is a significant predictor of mortality in acute cerebral infarct patients.
- Early hyperthermia is a critical factor influencing outcomes in stroke patients.