Acute stroke in Egyptian women: Etiology, Risk factors and Clinical picture

Abstract

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in women. The burden of stroke in women was often underestimated whereas it is a major public health problem for women. Gender differences do exist in risk factor profile, stroke presentation, severity, radiological characteristics, choice and response to therapy. These gender differences in risk profile should influence risk stratification and treatment. Also In this work, there is data that support the development of woman-specific stroke risk profiles, which might more accurately reflect a woman’s future risk of stroke than some of the currently available stroke risk profiles. In addition, current evidence for prevention was summarized focused on the risk factors that are either unique to or more common in women than men. The aim of this work is to identify the characteristics of acute stroke in a sample of Egyptian women with specific emphasis on etiology, risk factors, clinical picture, type, site and size of stroke. This was conducted through a cross sectional study done on 103 female patients with acute stroke admitted to stroke unit stroke unit & neurology department at Ain Shams University hospitals within first 48 hours of stroke onset over one year. Patients were subjected to: 1. General history and examination. 2. Neurological history and examination including NIHSS score (national institute of health stroke scale) for assessment of clinical severity. 3. Laboratory investigations including full laboratory investigations including complete blood count, lipid profile, liver & kidney functions, serum albumin, coagulation profile. 4. Neuroimaging in the form of MRI brain and MRA of cerebral arteries were done within 48 hours of onset. 6. ECG & transthoracic echocardiography & Carotid duplex.