Risk factors of outcomes in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke in China

Background Stroke results in poor outcomes among elderly patients. However, the factors associated with outcome over different follow-up periods in this population are unknown. Aims To evaluate the outcomes and risk factors of outcomes in elderly patients after stroke. Materials and methods Outcomes, including mortality, dependency (defined as a mRS >2), and recurrence rates, and associated risk factors were assessed at 3 and 12 months after stroke in patients aged ≥80 years. Results There were 419 acute ischemic stroke patients aged ≥80 years at 3 months, and 309 patients at 12 months; outcomes and relevant risk factors were assessed in these patients. Hypertension was more prevalent in women than in men. At 3 months, the mortality, dependency, and recurrence rates were 13.8, 54.2, and 18.1 %, respectively; the corresponding rates at 12 months were 26.9, 58.0, and 32.6 %, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting by confounding factors, TOAST classification and stroke severity were associated with mortality and recurrence, while stroke severity was associated with dependency at 3 months. The mortality and dependency rates at 12 months were significantly associated with moderate and severe stroke, but severe stroke was an independent factor associated with recurrence. Conclusion Stroke subtype and severity were associated with stroke outcomes among elderly patients in northern China. These findings suggest that it is crucial to highlight the affected factors of stroke outcome among elderly patients for reduce the burden of stroke in China.