Stroke Mortality in Intensive Care Unit from Tertiary Care Neurological Center

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is the second most common cause of death and major cause of disability worldwide. About a quarter of stroke patients are dead within a month, about a third by 6 months, and a half by 1 year. Although the most substantial advance in stroke has been the routine management of patients in stroke care units, intensive care unit has remained the choice for stroke patients’ care in developing countries. This study explores the mortality of stroke patients in intensive care unit setting in tertiary care neurological centre in a developing country.

Methods: We collected data of stroke patients admitted in our ICU from August 2009 to Aug 2010 and analyzed.

Results: Total 44 (10.25%) patients were admitted for acute stroke. Age ranged from 17-93 years. Low GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale), uncontrolled hypertension and aspiration pneumonia were common indications for admission in ICU. Total 23 (52.3%) patients had hemorrhagic stroke and 21(47.7%) patients had ischemic stroke. 13 (29.54%) patients of stroke died within 7 days, 9 (69.23%) patients of hemorrhagic stroke died within 6 days, and 4 patients (30.76%) of ischemic stroke died within 7 days. 6 (13.63%) patients left hospital against medical advice. All of these patients had ischemic stroke.

Conclusions: Stroke mortality in intensive care unit remains high despite of care in tertiary neurological center in resource poor settings. Stroke care unit, which would also help dissemination of knowledge of stroke management, is an option for improved outcome in developing countries

Keywords: intensive care unit; mortality; stroke; stroke care unit.