Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Study Comparing Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients With and Without Complications

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Post-stroke complications, both neurological and systemic, negatively affect patient outcomes, prolong hospitalization, and increase healthcare costs. Identifying high-risk patients is essential for early intervention. Aim: To compare clinical, radiological, laboratory characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes between patients with AIS who developed complications and those who did not. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 150 patients with confirmed first AIS admitted between October 2023 and October 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 73) with in-hospital complications and Group 2 (n = 77) without complications. Demographic data, comorbidities, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, brain computer tomography (CT) findings, laboratory parameters, blood pressure, complications, and outcomes were analysed. Continuous variables are presented as median (interquartile range) and categorical variables as number (%). A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group 1 patients were older (73.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 66.5-79.0) vs. 69.0 (IQR 62.0-73.0) years; P < 0.001) and had higher NIHSS scores at admission (10.0 (IQR 5.0-16.0) vs. 5.0 (IQR 4.0-7.0); P < 0.001) and follow-up (6.0 (IQR 4.0-11.0) vs. 3.0 (IQR 2.0-5.0); P < 0.001). Large infarctions were more frequent in Group 1 (57.5% vs. 27.3%; P < 0.001), and glucose levels were higher (14.0 (IQR 10.1-16.3) vs. 6.8 (IQR 5.95-9.65) mmol/L; p = 0.027). Length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality were greater in Group 1 (14.0 (IQR 10.0-17.0) vs. 7.0 (IQR 6.0-10.0) days; P < 0.001; 17.8% vs. 3.9%, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with AIS who develop complications have distinct clinical and laboratory profiles, more severe neurological deficits, and worse in-hospital outcomes. Early risk identification may improve management and patient care.