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Pattern and ethnic variations in stroke in Saudi Arabia
S al-Rajeh1, E Larbi, O Bademosi
1Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 1, 1991
Summary
This study analyzed 427 stroke patients in Saudi Arabia, finding ischemic stroke more common overall, but hemorrhagic stroke prevalent in young adults and certain ethnic groups. Hypertension and diabetes were key causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke incidence and characteristics vary significantly across different populations and age groups.
- Understanding the etiologies and risk factors for stroke in diverse ethnic groups is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
- Young stroke patients present unique challenges due to different underlying causes compared to older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, etiologies, and ethnic variations of stroke in a Saudi Arabian tertiary hospital.
- To compare stroke patterns between young and older patients, and across different ethnic groups.
- To identify the main causes of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in the Saudi population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 427 stroke patient records over an 8-year period.
- Categorization of patients based on age (young: 18-45 years), ethnicity (Saudi vs. non-Saudi), and stroke type (ischemic, hemorrhagic, unspecified).
- Statistical analysis to determine frequencies, ratios, and odds ratios for various factors.
Main Results:
- Ischemic stroke (55%) was more common than hemorrhagic stroke (25%) overall. Hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac disorders were primary etiologic factors.
- In young stroke patients (115 individuals), hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes occurred with similar frequency. Aneurysms and AVMs caused hemorrhagic stroke, while arteriosclerosis and cardiac embolism caused ischemic stroke.
- Significant ethnic variations were observed: Saudis had more ischemic strokes, while non-Saudis had more hemorrhagic strokes. Individuals from the Far East were more likely to have hemorrhagic stroke (OR=8.7).
Conclusions:
- Stroke patterns in Saudi Arabia show a male preponderance and are influenced by common risk factors like hypertension and diabetes.
- Young stroke patients exhibit distinct etiological profiles, with vascular malformations and embolism being significant causes.
- Ethnic background plays a role in stroke type and etiology, highlighting the need for culturally tailored approaches to stroke management and prevention.