Presenter of 2 Presentations
A STUDY OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF COVID-19 RELATED STROKES
A STUDY OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF COVID-19 RELATED STROKES
Abstract
Background and Aims
Acute stroke is a frequent complication of COVID-19 infection. Its relationship with COVID-19 is still unclear. Here, we describe the characteristics of 37 COVID- 19 related strokes.
Methods
This is an observational study of COVID-19 positive patients with stroke, who presented to HN Reliance Foundation Hospital between 1st January 2020– 28th February 2022. Their clinical profile, laboratory data, radiological findings, treatment, complications and outcomes were studied.
Results
Of 37 COVID-19 related stroke patients, 18 (48.6%) were males, mean age was 60 ± 15.14 years. Thirty-two (86.48%) had ischemic, 5 (13.5%) had hemorrhagic strokes. Majority of patients had hypertension (70.2%), 45.9% had diabetes, while 56.7% had more than one risk factors. Mean NIHSS score was 10.52 ± 6.24. Ten (27%) had large artery atherosclerosis, 8 (21.6%) had cardioembolism, while 7 (18.9%) had small vessel disease. Four (10.8%) received Intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase. A similar number underwent mechanical thrombectomy. COVID- 19 symptoms were seen in 15 (40.5%). The mean duration from covid symptoms to stroke onset was 1.5 days. High IL-6 and D-dimer levels were seen in 64.86% each. Average duration of hospital stay was 11 days; 5 succumbed and 19 had modified Rankin score of 3–5 on discharge. Complications observed were COVID pneumonia (18.9%), AKI (16.2%), sepsis and acute MI (10.8% each).
Conclusions
Neurovascular complications of COVID-19 are increasingly being recognized in developing countries, like India. Early stroke recognition and strict adherence to Protected Stroke Code may facilitate better stroke management with minimum risk of COVID-19 transmission.