Study of Acute Ischaemic Stroke in Elderly

Abstract

BACKGROUNDStroke affects 16.9 million people annually and the greatest burden of stroke is in low-and middle-income countries where 69% of all strokes occur. Stroke risk factors, mortality and outcomes differ in developing countries as compared to the developed world. Stroke incidence increases with increasing age and has an impact on daily living in many areas with increasing life expectancy. Old people constitute the majority of stroke victims. MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of 101 elderly patients of acute ischaemic stroke fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria who were admitted to M.S. Ramaiah Hospital between January 2014 and June 2016 were included in the study. Outcome was assessed by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, day 5 and at discharge, duration of hospital stay and inpatient mortality. RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 67.70±8.77 years. 67.3% of the patients were males. Hypertension (72.3%), diabetes mellitus (51.5%) and dyslipidaemia (48.5%) were the most common co-morbid conditions. Mean NIHSS score at the time of admission was 12±5.1, on day 5 was 8.47±4.75 and at the time of discharge was 3.27±3.33. Mean duration of hospital stay was 9.01±6.45 days and mortality was seen in 4 patients (4%). Most common site for infarct was in the middle cerebral artery territory (71.71%). CONCLUSIONWith continuing rapid increase in life expectancy and improvement in medical care, the proportion of elderly with stroke will rise. Therefore, stroke in the elderly is rapidly becoming a major public health concern.