Epidemiology of stroke patients in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital: Emphasizing clinical characteristics of Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and adult disability. Unlike the developed world, hemorrhagic stroke has been reported to be more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Risk factors and determinants of stroke are not well identified in Ethiopia.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of all stroke patients who presented from December 2010 to December 2014 was conducted. Demographic characteristics, risk factors and stroke types and their hospital outcome were reviewed, emphasizing on hemorrhagic stroke patients.
Result: During the study period, 301 patients were seen for stroke, of which a total of 139(46.1%) were hemorrhagic stroke patients. From the hemorrhagic stroke patients, 88 (63.3%) of them were male and 51 patients (36.7%) were female. From those hemorrhagic stroke patients, 103 patients (74.1%) of them had hypertension. Majority, 65(63.1%), of hypertensive hemorrhagic stroke patients were not adherent to their antihypertensive medication. From hemorrhagic stroke patients with HTN, 28(27%) of them were diagnosed to have HTN after stroke already occurred. From the study participants, 58(19.2%) of the patients died in the hospital and 35 (60.3%) of them were hemorrhagic stroke.
Conclusion: The proportion of hemorrhagic stroke is higher compared with other developed countries. Untreated hypertension may be the contributing factor. Early detection of hypertension and strict control, early health seeking, and good comprehensive stroke care will potentially decrease the mortality and morbidity of stroke.

Key words: Stroke, Hemorrhagic, Hypertension, non-compliance