Stroke Incidence and Survival in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany: the Ludwigshafen Stroke Study (LuSSt).

Background and Purpose—Considerable locoregional differences in stroke incidence exist even within countries. Based on data from a statewide stroke care quality monitoring project, we hypothesized a high stroke incidence mainly among younger age groups in the industrial city of Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany. To test this hypothesis and to provide data on stroke incidence and case-fatality rates, a population-based stroke register was initiated. Methods—The Ludwigshafen Stroke Study is a prospective ongoing population-based stroke register among the 167 906 inhabitants of Ludwigshafen am Rhein. Starting on January 1, 2006, standard definitions and multiple overlapping methods of case ascertainment were used to identify all patients with incident stroke or transient ischemic attack. Results—In 2006 and 2007, 1231 cases with stroke or transient ischemic attack including 725 patients with first-ever stroke were identified. The crude annual incidence rate per 1000 for first-ever stroke was 2.16 (95% CI 2.10 t...