Tool predicts death probability from stroke
February 11th, 2011 - 8:10 pm ICT by IANSToronto, Feb 11 (IANS) Researchers have developed a new tool that will help doctors predict death probability in patients after an ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked. The tool is the first to use risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and kidney disease to estimate the probability of death, the journal Circulation reports.
“Doctors today have to rely on anecdotal experience to assess a patient’s prognosis,” says Gustavo Saposnik, neurologist at St. Michael’s Hospital, according to a hospital release.
“However, as doctors we tend to overestimate the likelihood of a good outcome in stroke patients. Now, with our new tool, we can accurately determine what type of outcome our patients may have, which will help guide clinical decisions.”
A study examined 12,262 patients who visited an Ontario hospital from 2003 to 2008 and suffered an ischemic stroke.
Using the new tool, researchers determined the death rate 30 days and one year after an ischemic stroke and compared the findings with data from the Ontario Stroke Audit to validate the results.
They found the tool was accurate and that risk factors including heart disease, heart failure, cancer, dementia and a history of atrial fibrillation - an irregular heartbeat - were associated with a higher probability of death.
The findings are being presented at the International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles.
- New online tool predicts probability of death in patients after stroke - Feb 11, 2011
- Measuring oxidative stress may help predict atrial fibrillation risk - Apr 05, 2011
- Irregular heart beat plus stroke may increase dementia risk - Mar 08, 2011
- Video games may boost stroke recovery - Apr 08, 2011
- Are erratic heartbeats tied to unexplained strokes? - Feb 03, 2012
- Arthritis invites higher risk of heart attacks - Mar 09, 2012
- New device uses submarine technology to detect stroke quickly - Mar 30, 2011
- Healthy lifestyles could halve cases of atrial fibrillation - Mar 29, 2011
- Now, a device to shield cardiac patients from stroke - Mar 28, 2012
- Top 10 major advances in heart disease in 2010 - Dec 22, 2010
- Blood thinner ups stroke risk in some kidney disease patients on dialysis - Aug 28, 2009
- Cardiac procedure cuts risk of Alzheimer's disease and stroke - May 14, 2010
- Moderate-to-heavy alcohol intake may increase risk of abnormal heart rhythm - Feb 15, 2011
- Math model to monitor heartbeat health - Feb 19, 2012
- Blood protein levels may predict risk of heart disease - Apr 09, 2011
Tags: anecdotal experience, atrial fibrillation, clinical decisions, death rate, dementia, disease diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, international stroke conference, irregular heartbeat, ischemic stroke, journal circulation reports, kidney disease, neurologist, ontario hospital, probability, prognosis, risk factors, s hospital, stroke patients