Frequency and factors associated with post-stroke seizures in a large multicenter study in West Africa
Document Type
Article
Department
Internal Medicine (East Africa)
Abstract
Background
Post-stroke seizures (PSS) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality across the globe. There is a paucity of data on PSS in Africa.
Purpose To assess the frequency and factors associated with PSS by stroke types across 15 hospitals in Nigeria and Ghana.
Methods
We analyzed data on all stroke cases recruited into the Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN). We included adults aged ≥18 years with radiologically confirmed ischemic stroke (IS) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). PSS were defined as acute symptomatic seizures occurring at stroke onset and/or during acute hospitalization up until discharge. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% Confidence Interval.
Results
Among 3344 stroke patients, 499 (14.9%) had PSS (95% CI:13.7–16.2%). The mean duration of admission in days for those with PSS vs no PSS was 17.4 ± 28.6 vs 15.9 ± 24.7, p = 0.72. There were 294(14.1%) PSS among 2091 ischemic strokes and 159(17.7%) among 897 with ICH, p = 0.01. The factors associated with PSS occurrence were age < 50 years, aOR of 1.59 (1.08–2.33), National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS), 1.29 (1.16–1.42) for each 5 units rise and white cell count 1.07 (1.01–1.13) for each 10^3 mm3 rise. Factors associated with PSS in ischemic were NIHSS score, aOR of 1.17 (1.04–1.31) and infarct volume of 10–30 cm3 aOR of 2.17(1.37–3.45). Among ICH, associated factors were alcohol use 5.91 (2.11–16.55) and lobar bleeds 2.22 (1.03–4.82).
Conclusion
The burden of PSS among this sample of west Africans is substantial and may contribute to poor outcomes of stroke in this region. Further longitudinal studies are required to understand the impact on morbidity and mortality arising from PSS in Africa. Previous article in issue
Publication ( Name of Journal)
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
Recommended Citation
Sarfo, F. S., Akinyemi, J., Akpalu, A., Wahab, K., Yaria, J., Adebayo, O., ... & Owolabi, M. O. (2021). Frequency and factors associated with post-stroke seizures in a large multicenter study in West Africa. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 117535.
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