Evaluation of risk factors, functionalities, and quality of life in patients with pediatric acute arterial ischemic stroke.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the etiology and prognosis of patients followed up for pediatric acute arterial ischemic stroke.

Methods: The clinical characteristics and etiology of patients aged 1 month-18 years who had acute arterial ischemic stroke between January 2010 and December 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. At last follow-up, the patients` functionality (Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure), quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire), and motor outcomes (Gross Motor Function Classification System) were recorded prospectively/crosssectionally.

Results: Forty children (25 boys) with a median current age of 112.5 months (range: 3.6-294) were included in the study. The most frequent etiology was prothrombotic disorders, and the most important factor associated with long-term mortality was valvular heart disease. Of the 27 (67.5%) surviving patients, 29.6% had positive motor outcomes and 29.6% were independent according to the Barthel Index. In terms of quality of life, SF-36 scores were highest in the pain scale and lowest in emotional role difficulty.

Conclusions: Determining the etiology and evaluating prognosis are important to plan effective treatment and rehabilitation for pediatric acute arterial ischemic stroke.