Complications in the first week after stroke: a 10-year comparison

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Post-stroke complications are linked to poorer patient outcomes.
• Modern stroke unit treatments may mitigate complication frequency.
• This study compares complication rates in stroke patients from 2003 and 2013.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in the incidence and types of complications within the first week post-stroke.
• To compare complication frequencies between patients treated in 2003 and 2013.
• To assess the impact of evolving stroke care on patient complications.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study involving 489 patients (2003) and 185 patients (2013).
• Patients were followed for one week to record 12 predefined complications.
• Data were adjusted for stroke severity using the Scandinavian Stroke Scale.

Main Results:

• An adjusted odds ratio of 0.64 indicated a reduced risk of complications in 2013 vs. 2003 (P=0.035).
• The reduction was most significant in moderate stroke patients (74% in 2003 vs. 45% in 2013, P<0.001).
• Progressing stroke and myocardial infarction rates significantly decreased in 2013; other complications remained stable.

Conclusions:

• The overall risk of post-stroke complications decreased between 2003 and 2013.
• Moderate stroke patients experienced the most significant reduction in complications.
• Improved stroke care likely contributed to reduced instances of progressing stroke and myocardial infarction.