PATTERN OF PRESENTATION OF STROKE PATIENTS SEEN AT THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN

Abstract

Stroke is a significant economic, social and medical problem all over the world. The prevalence of stroke is increasing worldwide and it is a leading cause of death in most industrialized countries. It contributes to disability and reduced quality of life. The aim of the study was to describe the pattern of presentation of stroke patient seen at the accident and emergency department of University College Hospital, Ibadan. The study was a retrospective case review that reviewed records of 416 patients who had presented at the accident and emergency department of the university college hospital Ibadan over a five year period (January 2007- December 2011 ). Total population sampling techniques was used in the retrieving of case records. Data such as age, residence, sex, tribe, occupation, religion, pattern of strike, clinical presentation, risk factors and the outcome of stroke with other relevant data were collected with the use of profoma. Data was analysed using spss version 17 software. Frequency distribution were done. Bivariate analysis was conducted using chi-square to test association between categoritical variables. All analysis were performed at 0.05 level of significance. The common age group with stroke was between 50-79 years (77%) followed by age group 20- 49 (12%). The result also revealed that the prevalence was higher in males (54%) than females (46%). Stroke constituted about 32.9% of the total hospital admissi :ms. The most common type of stroke were ischaemic (54%) and haemorrhagic (46%). Hypertension was the most important risk factor for ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Other risk factors were hyperlipidemia, diabetis mellitus, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation and smoking which were statistically significant (x=28.9 l ,p<0.001). Death was the eventual outcome in 50.7% of patients, disability occurs in 43.8% while those who recovered fully were 5.5%. Stroke constitutes a significant cause of mortality and the need for prompt institution of intensive treatment is emphasized. A changing pattern with an increasing frequency of hemorrhagic stroke in our population suspected. There is a need for screening progammes to detect early and treat patients with stroke.