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Mortality and disability after a first episode of cerebrovascular disease in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Abstract:

Introduction: Cerebrovascular disease (CVD), also known as cerebrovascular accident or stroke, includes a group of diseases characterized by a sudden neurological dysfunction, due to an alteration of blood flow that results in a persistent neurological deficit. It is classified as ischemic and hemorrhagic CVD. It is the second cause of death in the world, and the first cause of permanent disability. Aim: To identify the disability and mortality after a first episode of stroke. Methods: An observational, analytical and cohort study of 152 patients with diagnosis of first episode of stroke treated in two tertiary referral hospitals, with follow-up at 6 months. Data were collected by reviewing clinical records and surveys based on the Modified Rankin scale. Variables such as risk factors, socio-demographic data, mortality, degree of disability and rehabilitation adherence were measured. Results: Most patients diagnosed were male (61.84%); the most prevalent risk factor was hypertension (57.24%). It was observed that 39.47% of the patients died within the study period. We found a higher percentage of patients with moderate disability (29.35%)and rehabilitation adherence (52.17%). In addition, each time the patient attends physical therapy, the Rankin grade decreases by 0.63 (OR: 0.63; P =.34). Conclusions: This study determined that there is a significant percentage of post-stroke disability and that rehabilitation has a beneficial effect on patients. Intervening in risk factors would reduce the incidence of this disease.