Infections and Ischemic Stroke Outcome

Abstract EN

Background.

Infections increase the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) and may worsen IS prognosis.

Adverse effects of in-hospital infections on stroke outcome were also reported.

We aimed to study the prevalence of pre- and poststroke infections and their impact on IS outcome.

Methods.

We analysed clinical data of 2066 IS patients to assess the effect of pre-stroke and post-stroke infections on IS severity, as well as short-term (up to 30 days) and long-term (90 days) outcome.

The independent impact of infections on poor outcome (death, death/dependency) was investigated by use of logistic regression analysis.

The effect of antibiotic therapy during hospitalization on the outcome was also assessed.

Results.

Pre-stroke infections independently predicted worse short-term outcome.

In-hospital infections were associated with worse short-term and long-term IS prognosis.

Antibacterial treatment during hospitalization did not improve patients' outcome.

Conclusions.

Prevention of infections may improve IS prognosis.

The role of antibiotic therapy after IS requires further investigations.