Stroke Risk Factors, Subtype, and Outcomes in a Multi-Ethnic Stroke Population

Aim We aim to describe differences in stroke risk factors, subtypes and outcomes in a multi-ethnic Irish Stroke population. Gaining an insight into prevalent risk factors and subtypes in ethnic groups may help target prevention efforts. Methods We retrospectively identified patients originally not of Irish ethnicity (ONIE) admitted to the acute stroke unit between 2016 and 2018 through surname recognition (N=44). Country of origin was confirmed on chart review. The presumed native Irish (PNI) patients admitted over the same time frame were used as a comparison group (N=437). Data was collected on stroke subtype, comorbidities, outcomes and socioeconomic factors. Results Patients ONIE made up 9.1% of all stroke unit admissions. Male gender was more common accounting for 33 of 44 (75%) patients ONIE and 251 of 437 (57.4%) PNI (p = 0.02). Overall ONIE were younger than PNI patients (mean age 57.5 [SD 13.0] vs 69.6yr [SD 13.2], p <0.001). Patients ONIE also recorded higher rates of intracranial haemorrhage(ICH) (N = 15 [34.1%] vs N=51 [11.7%], p <0.01). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that stroke patients ONIE have a different stroke subtype and demographic profile compared to Irish patients. Patients ONIE are more likely to be young, male with higher rates of ICH.