Watila MM, Nyandaiti YW, Balarabe SA, Ibrahim A, Alkali NH, Gezawa ID, Bwala SA
Complications during strokes adversely affects outc ome. This study sought to assess the types and frequency of complication occurring in African stro ke patients. The study population consisted of 524 patients admitted for stroke during the period Janu ary 2005 to May 2011. We recorded clinical state an d all complications during hospital stay and follow–up. D eaths within this period were also recorded. A tota l of 201 (38.4%) of stroke patients had complication dur ing admissions and follow-ups. The most common complications were aspiration pneumonia 65 (12.4%), depression 48 (9.2%), urinary tract infection 33 ( 6.3%), pressure sore 20 (3.8%), contractures 18 (3.4%), se izure 16 (3.1%) and hyperglycaemia 12 (2.3%). Forty- eight (9.2%) patients had more than one complication. Uri nary tract infection was commoner in females (P = 0.015). Sixty–day fatality was higher in those with complications (P = <0.001). Factors associated wit h the development of complications include: Glascow coma scale < 12 on admission (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.50 – 6.54. P = < 0.001), admission mRDS > 4 (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.19 – 3.32. P = 0.009), admis sion NIHSS > 11 (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.46 – 3.31. P = <0.001), admission Barthel ’s ADL index < 30 (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.53 – 3.69. P = <0.001), elevated white blood cell count >8x10 9 /L (OR, 1.9 95% CI, 1.20 – 3.14. P = 0.007). Commo n medical complications in stroke include aspiration pneumoni a, depression and urinary tract infections, and are associated with prolonged hospital stay and decreas ed survival. Prevention and treatment of complicati ons could improve patient survival.
Share this article