Insights into Stroke in Young Adults at a Tertiary Care Level Hospital in Nariño, Colombia: A Four-year Retrospective Analysis
Andres Ricaurte-Fajardo1, Thanya Mariselle Lagos2, Gabriel Alfonso Bravo Castro2, Yojan Andrés Ceballos-Grijalba3, Mónica Yolanda Pantoja Aguirre2, Jorge Sebastián Mora Reinel2, Sebastian Rosero Noguera2, Angela Catalina Vallejo Cajigas2
1Department of Radiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 2Department of Neurology, 3Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Departamental de Nariño
Objective:

This study aimed to comprehensively describe the clinical  characteristics of young stroke patients, elucidating epidemiological features, risk factors, and prognosis associated with this population.

 

Background:

Ischemic stroke, comprising 87% of acute strokes, is increasingly prevalent among young adults. Despite rising incidence, there is limited research on Hispanic populations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies characterizing young stroke patients and their risk factors.

Design/Methods:

Data from 39 patients (age 18-40) were analyzed from the Stroke Care Quality Registry: Res-Q database. Tests, including imaging and cardiovascular evaluations, were conducted. Risk factors and stroke types (ischemic, hemorrhagic) were assessed. Multivariate analysis determined correlations between stroke types and mortality.

 

Results:

Among 39 patients (mean age 31.6), 46.1% had ischemic strokes, primarily in females (55.6% vs. 44.4%). Hemorrhagic strokes (38.5%) were more common in males (53.3% vs. 46.7%). Overall mortality stood at 35.9%, higher for hemorrhagic strokes (64.3%) than ischemic (21.4%). Obesity (43.6%) was a prevalent risk factor for ischemic strokes, followed by HIV infection and neoplasia, each at 10.6%. For hemorrhagic strokes, previous anticoagulation and central nervous system aneurysm were the most common risk factors. Multivariate analysis indicated hemorrhagic strokes caused 20% of deaths (P < 0.05, correlation coefficient 0.447), while ischemic strokes accounted for 16.7% of deaths (P < 0.05, correlation coefficient 0.409).

Conclusions:

Our study underscores the prevalence of ischemic strokes, notably among females, linked to obesity. This highlights the urgency for weight management interventions in young adults. Additionally, while less common, hemorrhagic strokes have higher mortality rates, emphasizing the need for rapid medical response.

These findings stress the importance of targeted awareness campaigns, emphasizing risk factor mitigation, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Tailored healthcare strategies, focusing on early detection and prompt medical intervention, are crucial. These insights serve as a foundation for future research and policies in latin america, aiming to enhance stroke prevention.

10.1212/WNL.0000000000204892