title: A formal overview of stroke unit trials.
abstract: We carried out a formal overview of the ten trials which compared the outcome of patients managed within a stroke unit with those managed in general wards. Care in a stroke unit was associated with an odds reduction for early mortality (median follow up 3 months) of 28% (95% confidence interval 8-44%; 2 p < 0.01), which was largely sustained (odds reduction 21% CI 1-37%; 2p < 0.05) at final review (median follow up 1 year). The odds reduction for a poor outcome (death or institutionalisation) at final review was 34% (95% CI 19-47%; 2p < 0.001). The mean length of stay in stroke units ranged from 61% to 133% (pooled result 96%) of that in general wards. Stroke patients managed within specialist units are more likely to be alive and living at home a year after the stroke than those managed in general wards. Stroke unit care does not apparently increase the time spent in hospital.
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015996:Survival Rate