ISCHEMIC STROKE IN THE YOUNG-ADULT - CLINICAL-FEATURES, RISK-FACTORS AND OUTCOME

Background. Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, risk factors and outcome of ischaemic stroke in young adults aged 15-45 years. Methods. A retrospective rev iew was done of the medical records of 177 patients seen in a tertiary referral centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala between January 1988 an d Anarch 1994. Results. There were 135 males and 42 females with a mea n (SD) age of 34.7 (8) years at onset of stroke. An aetiological categ orization of stroke was obtained in 111 (63%) patients and it was unce rtain or unknown in the rest. Athero-thrombotic stroke and cardio-embo lic stroke occurred in 24% and 17%, respectively. Hypertension, smokin g, hypertipidaemia and athero-thrombotic stroke were significantly mor e prevalent in the 31-45 year age group competed to the 15-30 year age group. There was only one patient with postpartum intracranial sinove nous thrombosis. At a mean follow up of 7 months (range 1-62 months), 75% of the patients were independent or only mildly disabled. The case -fatality rate was 1%. Conclusion. Ischaemic stroke in the young adult is more frequent in males. The aetiopathogenesis can be determined in the majority and the athero-thrombotic process predominates. The mort ality is negligible and the functional outcome is good in most patient s.