Risk factors and clinical features of recurrent stroke in the Tyva Republic

Aim. To determine risk factors and clinical features of the recurrent stroke. Methods. A prospective 3-year cohort study was conducted including 120 patients with stroke admitted to the neurological department of the Republican Hospital №1 of Kyzyl at 2010-2012, 60 of whom had recurrent stroke (group 1), and 60 had primary stroke (group 2). Results. Recurrent stroke was by 16.66% more common in men. The mean age of males having recurrent stroke was younger compared to females (р <0.05). Patients with family history of arterial hypertension in closest relatives were significantly more prevalent among those with recurrent stroke (70 versus 35%, p <0.05). The rate of excessive alcohol consumption was also significantly higher in patients with recurrent stroke (18.33 versus 6.67%, p <0.05). Mortality associated with the recurrent stroke was higher in males of all age groups, difference was statistically significant in male patients over 70 years of age (p <0.05). Combined first 28-day mortality was 26.67% (32 cases), and was higher in patients with primary stroke (p >0.05). Only 21.67% of patients took antihypertensives regularly prior to the primary stroke, among patients with recurrent stroke this share reached 70%. Antiplatelet drugs were taken by 5% of patients prior to the primary stroke, in patients who suffered the stroke the share was higher and reached 53.33%. Conclusion. Family history of arterial hypertension was the most important risk factor for recurrent stroke. Male patients had higher risks of recurrent stroke and fatal outcome, which may be associated with lower drug compliance (including antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants, antihypertensives) and higher exposure to other risk factors (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption).

recurrent stroke, risk factors, prevalence, treatment