Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Determining the Functional Status of the Corticospinal Tract Within One Week of Stroke
Published on: February 22, 2020
First-ever stroke and outcome in patients admitted to Perugia Stroke Unit: predictors for death, dependency, and
Monica Acciarresi1, Valeria Caso, Michele Venti
1Stroke Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Insights
This study identified key predictors of poor outcomes after a first-ever stroke. Age, atrial fibrillation, impaired consciousness, and stroke severity significantly impact mortality and dependency, while diabetes mellitus predicts recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- First-ever stroke poses significant mortality and morbidity risks.
- Understanding predictors of poor outcomes is crucial for effective stroke management and prevention.
- Identifying early indicators can guide timely interventions and improve patient prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define predictors of mortality, dependency, and stroke recurrence within 3 months post-first-ever stroke.
- To analyze the influence of demographic characteristics, risk factors, and clinical findings on stroke outcomes.
- To identify specific factors associated with better or worse patient prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 435 consecutive patients admitted to a Stroke Unit following their first-ever stroke.
- Utilized multiple regression models to analyze predictors of mortality, dependency (modified Rankin Scale > or = 3), and stroke recurrence.
- Collected data on age, sex, risk factors, transient ischemic attacks, stroke type (ischemic/hemorrhagic), cause, clinical findings, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Three-month mortality rate was 20.5%.
- Among survivors, 24.6% were dependent, and 5.0% experienced recurrent stroke.
- Age, atrial fibrillation, impaired consciousness, and stroke severity predicted mortality. Stroke due to undetermined cause or small vessel disease, and syndromes like partial anterior circulation or lacunar syndrome were linked to better outcomes.
- Age and stroke severity were the strongest predictors of dependency. Diabetes mellitus was the sole predictor of stroke recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Age, atrial fibrillation, impaired consciousness, and stroke severity are critical determinants of early mortality and dependency after a first stroke.
- Specific stroke etiologies and syndromes are associated with improved outcomes.
- Diabetes mellitus emerges as a significant risk factor for recurrent stroke, necessitating targeted management strategies.
Abstract:
Predictors of poor outcome after first-ever stroke within 3 months in consecutive patients admitted to our Stroke Unit were defined. Factors included age, sex, risk factors, occurrence of transient ischemic attacks, extension of cerebral infarction, presumed cause of stroke, clinical findings, and demographic characteristics. Multiple regression models were used to analyze predictors of mortality, dependency and stroke recurrence. A total of 435 patients with first-ever stroke were included. Of these, 358 patients had ischemic stroke and 77 hemorrhagic stroke. Three-month mortality rate was 20.5%. After the same period, 24.6% of survivors were dependent (mRS > or = 3) and 5.0% of patients had recurrent stroke. Age, the presence of atrial fibrillation, impaired consciousness on admission, and stroke severity were related to mortality. The presence of stroke due to an undetermined cause or small vessel disease was associated with lower mortality. Partial anterior circulation syndrome or lacunar syndrome were both related to better outcome. The best predictors for dependency after 3 months were age and stroke severity. The only variable identified as the best predictor for recurrence was the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management