Hyperthermia in Patients Presented with Ischemic Stroke: Frequency and Clinical Presentation

Background: Hyperthermia is a common complication in acute ischemic stroke and is associated with worsened outcomes due to increased metabolic demand, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of hyperthermia in acute ischemic stroke patients and explore its association with stroke severity and clinical presentation.Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital from September 2023 to March 2024, including 150 adults diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke within 24 hours. Hyperthermia was defined as a body temperature >37.5°C, measured every 4 hours for 48 hours. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and categorized into mild, moderate, or severe. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests.Results: Hyperthermia occurred in 14.7% (n=22) of patients. It was more frequent in severe strokes (50.0% vs. 18.2% in mild, p=0.001). Clinically, 40.9% had tachycardia, 36.4% had tachypnea, and 22.7% exhibited neurological deficits.Conclusion: Hyperthermia is significantly associated with severe stroke presentations, underscoring the need for vigilant temperature management to improve outcomes.