Risk factors for early and late recurrent ischemic strokes

Background Nationally, information regarding risk factors for early and late recurrence of ischemic stroke is limited. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for early and late recurrent ischemic stroke. Patients and methods We prospectively compared data from 58 patients with early (within 1 year after the index stroke) recurrent ischemic stroke with 64 patients with late (1 year or more after the index stroke) recurrent ischemic stroke. Patients in the study were admitted to the Department of Neurology and Psychological Medicine, Sohag University Hospital, in the period between April 2017 and August 2017. The etiology of recurrent stroke was determined according to the TOAST classification. The presence of vascular risk factors was registered and compared in both groups. Results Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher among those with late recurrence compared to those with early recurrence ( p = 0.026). Patients with early recurrent ischemic stroke were more likely to be aphasic ( p = 0.047). Regarding the TOAST classification, small vessel disease and undetermined etiology were significantly higher among patients with late recurrence, while cardioembolism and large artery atherosclerosis were significantly higher among those with early recurrence ( p = 0.008). Conclusion Patients with large artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism are at increased risk of early recurrence and warrant special efforts for secondary prevention.