Epidemiology of Acute Stroke in Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Stroke, caused by either cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, represents a major public health concern and the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological aspects of stroke patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 5-month period in the intensive care unit of Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, recruiting 280 patients. Clinical diagnosis, admission delays, reasons for admission, and patient outcomes were assessed for each patient upon admission. Statistical analysis were performed using R software.

Results: The mean age of patients was 60.11 ± 13.38 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.31. The average admission delay was 40 ± 8.2 hours after the stroke. The main reasons for admission were neurological distress (79.7%), hemodynamic distress (16.2%), and respiratory distress (10.8%). The prevalence of stroke was 26.42%, predominantly hemorrhagic strokes (63.51%). The
mortality rate was 62.1%.

Conclusion: The prolonged admission delays and high mortality rates underscore the urgent need to improve stroke prevention, early diagnosis, and intensive care management in Cameroon.