Predictors of vascular events after ischemic stroke: the China ischemic stroke registry study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To measure the risk of vascular event occurrence among postischemic stroke patients in mainland China.

METHODS: In this multicenter prospective stroke registry study, we enrolled 1,951 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Demographic data, prestroke risk factors, severity of neurological deficits and disability graded on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale scores of each patient were measured and recorded. Patients were followed up regularly for 12 months after recruitment. Clinical endpoints were defined as occurrence of vascular events or death.

RESULTS: We detected 103 cases with nonfatal vascular events and 27 cases that died of vascular events. Cumulative incidences of total vascular events, cerebrovascular events, and coronary artery diseases were 7.2, 5.0, and 1.8%, respectively, at 12 months after the initial ischemic stroke. Concomitant atherosclerotic-thrombotic diseases (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.14-2.43) and baseline NIHSS (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11) were found to be the best predictors for further occurrence of a vascular event. Antiplatelet therapy (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35-0.77) is associated with a lower risk of further vascular events.

CONCLUSION: Our study provided valuable data on prognosis of acute ischemic stroke in Chinese patients.