Transient ischemic attack: Fatal stroke incidence: Six-month follow-up

Ataque isquémico transitorio: Incidencia de accidente cerebrovascular fatal: Seguimiento a seis meses

TIA (transient ischemic attack) is considered a predictor of stroke. The six-month follow-up showed a risk close to 10%. They are two spectra of ischemic cerebrovascular disease with a high impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective: to evaluate the incidence of stroke in patients with AIT hospitalized in two institutions with follow-up at 180 days. Methodology: cohort study, the AIT was defined by history and clinical examination, excluding the infarction by neuroimaging. The risk of stroke with the ABCD2 scale was evaluated, documenting it by neuroimaging. Results: 85 cases were admitted (April 2012 / April 2013). Average age 68.1 years (SD 13.5), 62.4% women. The most frequent risk factors were HBP (69.4%), dyslipidemia (56.4%), smoking (31.1%) and history of stroke (18.8%). 24.6% presented ACV (n: 19), with two deaths (2.4%). ABCD2 ≥ 5 was a predictor of stroke, HR 4.7 [95% CI 1.1-20.7]. Among patients with a previous history of stroke, half of them repeated the event (8/16), HR 2.2 [95% CI 0.81-6.1]. Conclusion: there is a high incidence of stroke after TIA. Studies with larger sample are required. Abbreviations: TIA, transient ischemic attack; ACV, stroke; Hypertension, arterial hypertension.

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