Complication of acute stroke: A study in ten Asian countries

Background and Objective: There is a paucity of studies looking into the frequency of complications after stroke among Asians. We sought to determine the frequency and rate of complications among Asians after acute stroke. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute stroke among 10 participating Asian countries were included in the study. The frequency and timing of pre-determined complications, and their relation to area of admission were noted. Results: Of the 1,153 patients included in the study, 423 (41.9%) developed complications within the first 2 weeks of stroke. Recurrent stroke, chest infections and urinary tract infections were most commonly encountered, and were most frequent within the first week of stroke onset. A lower rate of complications was noted among patients admitted at an organized stroke unit. Conclusion: There is a similar rate of frequency and timing of complications after acute stroke among Asians as compared with other populations.