Profile Of Stroke In Nigerians: A Prospective Clinical Study

Background and purpose Stroke is a leading cause of death and neurological disability in adults, and imposes a heavy emotional and financial burden on the family and society. We carried out this study to describe the epidemiological pattern of stroke at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife and also to describe the risk factors, the computerized tomography (CT) scan findings and the outcome of stroke in our practice setting. Methods We prospectively studied one hundred and thirty five consecutive patients presenting to the neurology unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife over a six year period (2000- 2005). The socio-demographic and clinical data as well as the CT scan findings were collected. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 11.0. Results The 135 patients comprised 76 male and 59 female with a mean age of 62+ 12years. The major risk factors were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Cerebral infarction was the most common subtype of stroke seen. The case fatality rate was 15.6% and among the survivors the outcome was poor as only 3% made full recovery. Conclusion Stroke is still a major problem and the major predisposing factor remains uncontrolled hypertension. The case fatality was very high and there is a risk of moderate to severe neurological disability among the survivors. The utilization of CT scan is sub-optimal even when it is available because of financial constraints. CT scan is recommended for all cases of stroke for definitive diagnosis and timely as well as accurate management. Introduction Les accidents vasculaires cerebraux (AVC) causent une mortalite et un handicap importants dans la population adulte entrainant egalement une forte charge emotionnelle au sein des familles et de la population. Objectifs Nous avons mene une epidemiologique sur la configuration des AVC a l'universite Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife Methodes Nous avons etudie cent trente-cinq patients de maniere consecutive a l'universite Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, sur une periode de six ans (2000-2005). Les donnees socio-demographiques ainsi que celles du CT-scan ont ete recueillies. L'analyse statistique a ete realisee a l'aide du SPSS version 11.0 Resultats Parmi les 135 patients, 76 etaient de sexe masculin et 59 de sexe feminin avec une moyenne d'âge de 62+12 ans.Les facteurs de risque predominant etaient l'hypertension arterielle (HTA) et le diabete. L'infarcissement cerebral etait observe le plus frequemment. Le taux de mortalite etait de 15.6% et parmi les survivants seuls 3% avaient eu une recuperation complete. Conclusions Les AVC restent un probleme majeur de sante en rapport avec un mauvais controle de l'HTA. Le taux de mortalite est tres eleve et la morbidite variable. Le CT-scan est sous utilise compte tenu des contraintes financieres. Son utilisation devrait etre la regle Keywords : Stroke, Clinical profile, computerized tomography scan, Nigerians African Journal of Neurological Sciences Vol. 26 (1) 2007: pp. 5-13