Belonging to the non-Western European White group was an independent predictor of a lower likelihood of receiving revascularization treatments for suspected stroke (p=0.006).
Cohort (n=9,167)
No
Does race/ethnicity affect access to acute stroke care and revascularization treatments in patients with suspected acute stroke?
Non-Western European White patients with suspected acute stroke have a significantly lower likelihood of receiving revascularization treatments compared to Western European Whites, highlighting racial and ethnic disparities in acute stroke care.
p-value: p=0.006
BACKGROUND: Data regarding unequal diagnostic and therapeutic access in patients with acute stroke based on ethnicity and race are inconclusive in Europeans. The objectives of our study were to evaluate the effect of race/ethnicity on access to acute stroke care and treatments and outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled adult patients admitted to the emergency department of a comprehensive stroke center for suspected stroke. Based on race/ethnicity, patients were divided into two main groups: Western European Whites (WEW) and non-Western European Whites (nWEW). We also divided the nWEW group into four subgroups based on the Office of Management and Budget classification of human races and ethnicities (White-Others, Hispanic, Asian, Black). Univariate comparisons and logistic regression analyses were also performed. RESULTS: 9167 patients were enrolled in the study: 582 in the nWEW and 8585 in the WEW group. Patients with ischemic stroke in the nWEW group were significantly younger than those in the other group (p < 0.001). Once adjusted for possible confounders, belonging to the nWEW group was found to be an independent predictor of a lower likelihood of receiving revascularization treatments (p = 0.006), regardless similar onset-to-door times. There were no differences in stroke outcomes and prevalence of stroke mimic diagnosis between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare represent a challenging issue, even in universal healthcare systems, that should be addressed promptly through education campaigns of healthcare personnel and implementation measures, such as integrating readily available interpreter staff for medical emergencies.
Frisullo et al. (Tue,) conducted a cohort in suspected acute stroke (n=9,167). Non-Western European White (nWEW) race/ethnicity vs. Western European White (WEW) race/ethnicity was evaluated on likelihood of receiving revascularization treatments (p=0.006). Belonging to the non-Western European White group was an independent predictor of a lower likelihood of receiving revascularization treatments for suspected stroke (p=0.006).