[The stroke unit a the Clinical Hospital in Madrid]

The outcome in 195 patients admitted in a non-intensive stroke unit was compared to that in 198 patients admitted in general wards during a 12 months period. At admission, both groups were similar in prognostic indicators (age, sex, previous history, level of consciousness and motor impairment). Short-term mortality rates was reduced among patients admitted in stroke unit (p < 0.001). This difference was independent of patient's age, previous history and neurological impairment on admission. The length of stay in the hospital was also reduced (p < 0.001). Among survivors, functional outcome at discharge was better in those admitted in the stroke unit, with a greater proportion of patients independent for activities of daily living. We conclude that stroke unit in an efficient strategy that improves the clinical outcome of patients with acute stroke.