1.Complication of acute stroke: A study in ten Asian countries
Jose C Navarro ; Ester Bitanga ; Nijasri Suwanwela ; Hui Meng Chang ; Shan Jin Ryu ; Yi Ning Huang ; Lawrence Wong ; Deepak Arjundas ; Bhim Sen Singhal ; Sang Bok Lee ; Byung Woo Yoon ; N Venketasubramanian ; Hou Chang Chiu ; Niphon Poungvarin ; Kay Sin Tan ; Sardar Mohd Alam ; Duc Hinh Le
Neurology Asia 2008;13(1):33-39
Background and Objective: There is a paucity of studies looking into the frequency of complications
after stroke among Asians. We sought to determine the frequency and rate of complications among
Asians after acute stroke. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute stroke among 10 participating Asian
countries were included in the study. The frequency and timing of pre-determined complications, and
their relation to area of admission were noted. Results: Of the 1,153 patients included in the study, 423
(41.9%) developed complications within the first 2 weeks of stroke. Recurrent stroke, chest infections
and urinary tract infections were most commonly encountered, and were most frequent within the
first week of stroke onset. A lower rate of complications was noted among patients admitted at an
organized stroke unit.
Conclusion: There is a similar rate of frequency and timing of complications after acute stroke among
Asians as compared with other populations.