Prognosis of stroke in the south of Greece: 1 year mortality, functional outcome and its determinants: the Arcadia Stroke Registry
- aDepartment of Clinical Therapeutics, University of Athens School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vasilissis Sofias and Lourou Street, 11528, Athens, Greece, bJulius Center for Patient Oriented Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands, cDepartment of Medicine, General Arcadia Hospital Evaggelistria, Tripoli, Greece, dDepartment of Neurology, University of Athens School of Medicine, Aiginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
- : Dr Kostas N Vemmosvemmosk{at}ath.forthnet.gr
- Received 20 April 1999
- Revised 11 July 2000
- Accepted 11 July 2000
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For Greece, data on incidence of stroke, type of stroke, and prognosis of stroke is limited. Recently, results on incidence of stroke were published. Here 1 year mortality, functional outcome after a first ever stroke, and determinants of the prognosis are described.
METHODS A population based registry was established in the Arcadia area, located in eastern central Peloponessos in southern Greece. Between 1 November 1993 and 31 October 1995, 555 patients with a first ever stroke were identified using information from death certificates, hospital records, public health centres and general practitioners. Extensive information on cardiovascular risk factors and stroke characteristics was obtained. After 1 year a modified Rankin score was determined in all surviving patients.
RESULTS After 1 year of follow up, 204 (36.8%) patients died. The probability of survival 1 year after stroke was higher for cerebral infarction than for intracerebral haemorrhage; 67.8% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 64–72) and 46.4% (35–57), respectively. Of the survivors, 68.9% had either no symptoms or symptoms that would not interfere with their capacity to look after themselves (Rankin score 0 to 2). Increasing age and low Glasgow coma scale score were the most powerful predictors of death within 1 year (p<0.01), whereas increasing age, atrial fibrillation, and low Glasgow coma scale score were the most important predictors of functional outcome 1 year after a stroke (p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS One year mortality from stroke in Greece is similar to that of other industrialised countries. The most important factors that affect the prognosis of a patient with a first ever stroke are increasing age, stroke severity, and atrial fibrillation.
