Southern Buenos Aires stroke project

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Abstract
Background – Ethnic differences and vascular risk factors are the major determinants of stroke subtypes. Nevertheless, specific data from undeveloped countries is difficult to obtain. Natives from South America may have a higher frequency of penetrating small vessel disease and hemorrhagic stroke. However, there are few studies in South America supporting these findings. Objective– We analyze demographic, ethnic, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and stroke subtypes in all patients with acute stroke admitted to our hospital. Methods– We studied all consecutive acute stroke patients admitted to the Ramos Mejöa Hospital in Buenos Aires from 1997 to 1999. Our hospital serves a determined population of Southern Buenos Aires. Data were collected prospectively on patients' admission in a form especially designed for this study including vascular risk factors, clinical features, epidemiological characteristics, and neuroradiological findings. Stroke subtypes were determined according to the TOAST classification. Results– Among 361 acute stroke patients, 31% had hemorrhagic stroke. It was more frequent among Natives (34%) than Caucasians (27%) (PConclusions– Penetrating artery disease (42%) and intracranial hemorrhage (31%) were the most common stroke subtypes, being more frequent than reported in the literature. Natives had significantly higher frequency of hemorrhagic stroke than Caucasians.