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Case fatality of patients with stroke over a 12-month period post stroke

W Mudzi1, A Stewart, E Musenge

  • 1Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. witness.mudzi@wits.ac.za

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|September 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

High stroke mortality was observed in South Africa, with 38% of patients dying within 12 months post-discharge. Poor functional ability and short hospital stays contributed to poor stroke outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally and in South Africa.
  • Limited data exists on stroke outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • This study addresses the critical knowledge gap regarding stroke case fatality in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the 12-month case fatality rate of ischaemic stroke patients after hospital discharge.
  • To identify factors associated with mortality in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study of 200 first-time ischaemic stroke patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
  • 12-month follow-up with assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge.
  • Functional ability assessed using the Barthel Index (BI) and Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI).

Main Results:

  • The 12-month cumulative mortality rate was 38%, with 25.5% of deaths occurring within 3 months.
  • Patients who died had significantly lower Barthel Index scores at discharge.
  • Average hospital stay was 6 days.

Conclusions:

  • Stroke carries a high mortality risk in this South African population.
  • Poor functional status and potentially short hospitalizations may increase vulnerability to complications.
  • Further research into post-discharge care and support is warranted.
Abstract

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