Diana Malaeb
Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
Title: Assessment of frequency and risk factors of early post-stroke seizures in Lebanese patients
Biography
Biography: Diana Malaeb
Abstract
Background: Early seizures (ES) have been recognized as serious complications of acute strokes where the data is limited among Lebanese patients. The aim of our study is to determine the incidence and risk factors of ES post-stroke and determine the effect of ES on functional outcome among Lebanese stroke patients.
Methods: The study was conducted between January 2017 and March 2020 on patients with acute ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes at three tertiary hospitals in Lebanon. Data were collected from patients’ medical records at each site through a well-designed data collection sheet. ES were defined as seizures occurring within 7-14 days after acute stroke. Functional outcome was assessed at discharge, according to modified Rankin scale.
Results: Of 152 enrolled patients, 140 had an ischemic stroke (92%) and 12 had a hemorrhagic stroke (8%). ES developed in 18 patients (11.8%) with mean age of 64.50 ± 13.47 years and 11 (61%) were females. Independent risk factors for ES development were female gender, hemorrhagic stroke, and cortical involvement. Moreover, ES development was not associated with higher disability and mortality.
Conclusion: The findings of the study highlight that ES occurred more commonly in patients with hemorrhagic stroke type, cortical involvement, and female gender. In addition, ES did not impair functional outcome in our study, however; further studies are needed to predict patients at risk of ES so that appropriate prevention and treatment strategies can be implemented promptly.