Causes of mortality in patients after first-ever stroke: A retrospective population-based study

BACKGROUND Stroke is the third most common cause of death in developed countries and it is the most common cause of disability in the adult population of Iran. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of age, sex, and other predisposing risk factors on mortality after stroke. METHODS We studied 1572 patients with first-ever stroke during a 7-year period from January 2008 to December 2014. Patients' medical records including demographic information, past medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing were reviewed. We analyzed the correlation of qualitative and quantitative variables with sex and mortality. RESULTS Of all patients, 252 (16%) died during the hospital stay and of the remaining 1320 patients, 453 (34.3%) died during the follow-up period. There was no significant correlation between mortality and sex (p = .508). Descriptively, the number of women was higher in all age groups except in the age group 55-64 years. No significant correlation was observed between sex and age group (p = .748). We also observed a significant association between age group and mortality (p < .001). Hypertension is the most prevalent disease in both men and women. Higher levels of creatinine, urea, fasting blood sugar, neutrophils, cholesterol, and LDL significantly increase and higher levels of lymphocytes, platelets, RBCs, hemoglobin, and triglyceride significantly decrease the mortality. CONCLUSION There are no sex differences in mortality after first-ever stroke. Elderly patients need more support and attention due to greater stroke mortality. Complete blood count, lipid profile and blood levels of urea, creatinine, and fasting blood sugar may be useful in predicting mortality after first-ever stroke.