Predictors of outcome after acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine which variables should be the predictors for clinical outcome at discharge and sixth month after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: Two hundred and sixty-six consecutive patients, each with an acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, were evaluated within 24 h of symptom onset. We divided our patients into two groups; 1 - Independent (Rankin scale RS < or = 2) and, 2 - Dependent (RS>3) and death. Baseline characteristics, clinical variables, risk factors, infarct subtypes and radiologic parameters were analyzed.

Results: Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS) on admission <6.5 [odds ratio (OR) 22] and posterior circulation infarction (OR 4.2) were associated with a poor outcome at discharge from hospital whereas only a CNS score <6.5 (OR 14) was associated with a poor outcome at 6 months.

Conclusions: Severity of neurologic deficit is the most important indicator for clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke both at short-term and at sixth month, whereas posterior circulation infarction also predicts a poor outcome at discharge.