J Korean Med Sci.  2014 Jul;29(7):985-991. 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.7.985.

Comparison of Epidemiology, Emergency Care, and Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke between Young Adults and Elderly in Korean Population: A Multicenter Observational Study

• Park WB
• Cho JS
• Shin SD
• Kong SY
• Kim JJ
• Lim YS
• Yang HJ
• Lee G

• KMID: 1789959
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2014.29.7.985

Abstract

Stroke in young adults has been known to show a lower incidence and a better prognosis. Only a few studies have examined the epidemiology and outcomes of ischemic stroke in young adults and compared them with the elderly in Korean population. All consecutive patients with ischemic stroke visiting 29 participating emergency departments were enrolled from November 2007 to October 2009. Patients with less than 15 yr of age and unknown information on age and confirmed diagnosis were excluded. We categorized the patients into young adults (15 to 45 yr) and elderly (46 yr and older) groups. Of 39,156 enrolled all stroke patients, 25,818 with ischemic stroke were included and analyzed (young adult; n=1,431, 5.5%). Young adult patients showed lower prevalence of most chronic diseases but significantly higher prevalence in exercise, current smoking, and alcohol consumption. Hospital mortality was significantly lower in young adults than elderly (1.1% vs. 3.1%, P<0.001). Higher number of patients in elderly group (68.1%) showed worsening change of modified Rankin Scale than young adults (65.2%). Young adults ischemic stroke showed favorable hospital outcomes than the elderly in Korean population.

Keyword

Stroke; Age Distribution; Epidemiology; Outcome Assessment

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Chronic Disease
Demography
Disability Evaluation
*Emergency Medical Services
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
*Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Prevalence
Prognosis
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
Stroke/*diagnosis/epidemiology/mortality
Young Adult

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Patient enrollment for analysis. Young adults (15-45 yr old), Elderly (46 yr and older).

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