Impact of race in ischemic stroke affecting young adults (P2.3-013)

Objective: To examine the impact of race on stroke mechanism and healthcare utilization in young adults with ischemic stroke. Background: Ischemic stroke in young adults is different from stroke in older population in mechanism and functional outcome. The effect of race is not well understood in this subset of stroke patients. Design/Methods: Institutional GWTG database and charts for years 2010–2017 were reviewed. Demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were compared among white, black and other races in a univariate analysis. TOAST criteria were used to categorize stroke mechanism. Results: A total of 173 patients were identified, of which 119 were white, 34 black and 20 other races. Black patients had higher rate of hypertension (65% vs 27%, p Black patients had a higher incidence of weakness as a presenting symptom (62% vs 37%, p=0.035), yet the median time from onset to ER arrival tended to be higher compared to whites (10.8 vs 5.5 hours, p=0.1). There was a trend towards higher utilization of EMS, lower rates of independent ambulation, and lower rates of discharge to home in black patients. Stroke mechanism was significantly different by race with higher incidence of large as well as small vessel disease in blacks and higher incidence of cryptogenic strokes in whites (p=0.04). Conclusions: There is a significant impact of race on the mechanism of stroke in young as well as healthcare resources utilization. Disclosure: Dr. Hussein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kashyap has nothing to disclose. Dr. Droegemueller has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with the Joint Commission. Dr. Erickson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Othman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jamal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hanson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brown has nothing to disclose.