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Prognosis in Midlife Ischemic Stroke Examined
J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis; ePub 2017 Dec 25; Lisabeth, et al
While 90-day outcomes were more favorable than in the elderly, midlife stroke survivors faced some disability and did not experience better quality of life (QOL) despite better outcomes, a recent study found. Ischemic strokes (ISs) were identified from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project (2000-2012); data were from medical records and patient interviews. 90-day outcomes (functional, neurologic, cognitive, QOL), prevalence of comorbidities, quality of care, and 1-year recurrence were estimated for those aged 45-64 years (midlife) and compared with those aged ≥65 years, using sex and race-ethnicity adjusted regression models. Researchers found:
- Of 4,858 ISs, 33% occurred in midlife.
- On average, the midlife group reported some difficulty with function, favorable neurologic and cognitive outcomes, and moderate QOL scores at 90 days.
- All outcomes except QOL were better in the midlife group.
- Prevalent comorbidities in midlife were hypertension (74%), diabetes (51%), hyperlipidemia (34%), heart disease (26%), prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (23%), smoking (37%), excess alcohol (10%), and atrial fibrillation (4%).
- Median body mass index (BMI) was 30.
- Diabetes, smoking, and alcohol were more prevalent and BMI higher in the midlife group.
Lisabeth LD, Baek J, Morganstern LB, Zahuranec DB, Case E, Skolarus LE. Prognosis of midlife stroke. [Published online ahead of print December 25, 2017]. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.11.029.