PHARMACOLOGICAL AND NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF MORTALITY (WITHIN 6 MONTHS) FOR PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH STROKE

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the major health burdening causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially during the first 6 months of stroke onset. Early detection of the predictors of mortality can improve outcomes.

Objective: Examine pharmacological and non-pharmacological determinants for the six-month mortality in patients hospitalized due to ischemic stroke.

Methods: This is a cohort study which carried out in Basra Teaching Hospital. The prospective cohort study lasted six months. in 2024. 120 adult patients with stroke (ischemic) were included in this study. Information was obtained about drug use, medical history, and demographics. The Mortality of stroke patients was observed for six months post-admission through direct or indirect communication. Statistical analyses included chi-square and t-tests, with a significance threshold set at P < 0.05.

Results: Increased mortality was correlated with advanced age (≥65 years), abdominal obesity, and the coexistence of diabetes and hypertension (P < 0.05). Poor outcomes of participants were also correlated with elevated inflammatory markers (ESR ≥40 mm/hr, CRP positivity, and IL-6 elevation). Interestingly, none of the corticosteroid-treated patients passed away (P = 0.002), indicating a possible protective effect of corticosteroids among stroke patients. There was no statistically significant correlation between NSAID use and survival. Conclusion: Older age, abdominal obesity, chronic (diabetes and hypertension), and elevated inflammatory markers are significant predictors of post-stroke mortality within six months. Corticosteroid use may be associated with improved survival, likely due to its anti-inflammatory effects, warranting further investigation.