Mortality of Stroke at Farabi Hospital (Kermanshah, 1998-2000)

Background and Objectives: Stroke is the second cause of death in Japan and the third one in the U.S.A. Most of the studies done in industrial countries have revealed a decrement in a mortality rate of stroke which can be attributed to the control of risk factors of stroke and the increase in medical health care in such cases. Meanwhile researchers have shown mortality rate of stroke even within the boarders of a single country differes according to the age, ethnic background and sex of the victims as well as geography of their residence. Due to the lack of reliable information about mortality rate of stroke in Iran, the present study was aimed to evaluate the morality rate of stroke victims at Farabi Hospital between 1998 and 2000.

Materials & Methods: This retrospective-descriptive study was based on the available records of stroke victims admitted at Farabi Hospital between February 1998 and March 2000. Variables including victims age, sex, type of lesion in computed tomography scan(CTS), level of consciousness, blood sugar at the time of admission as well as their cholestrole level, history of smoking and cardiac disease were closely measured and analyzed.

Results: Data analysis showed that from 1679 stroke victims admitted at the hospital in this period, 348 cases died. Mortality rate was 21% with a highest rate in a age group of 65-74. Analysis of  CTS indicated 35.5% of victims had hemorragic lesions. 326 victims suffered from hypertension and 13% had hyperglacimia. With respect to the level of consciousness at the time of admission, 104 cases were in light coma, 89 were confused, 69 were in deep coma, and 86 were conscious. 24.7% of victims had a history of smoking.

Discussion: Data analysis revealed that the mortality rate at Farabi Hospital was not more than other recorded centers. It also became clear that hemorragic stroke is an indicator of poor diagnosis and level of consciousness at the time of admission is a good criteria for prognosis although it is not accurate and reliable one in cases with cerebrovascular  lesion who need special care, treatment and follow up. With respect to the prevalence of hypertension in modern societies, the control of risk factors is the key to the problem. But since incidence of stroke varies from one place to another similar studies in other cities can undoubtedly broadens our understanding in this regard.