Long-term outcome of cerebral infarction in young adults.
OBJECTIVE
We analysed the long-term outcome of 232 young adults aged 15-49 years with first-ever cerebral infarction in 1988-1997 in western Norway.


METHODS
Mortality, recurrence, epilepsy, functional state as evaluated by modified Rankin scale (mRS), and employment were analysed at follow-up (mean time 5.7 years).


RESULTS
Twenty-three (9.9%) patients had died. Recurrence occurred in 9.9%, and post-stroke seizures developed in 10.5%. Recurrence was associated with diabetes mellitus (P = 0.005). Favourable functional outcome (mRS = 2) was found in 77.9%. The functional outcome was better in posterior than anterior circulation infarctions (P = 0.011). Unfavourable functional outcome (mRS > 2) was associated with diabetes mellitus (P = 0.001) and severity of neurological deficits on admission for the index stroke (P < 0.001). Only 58.3% were employed at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
This population-based study shows that, although the majority had favourable functional outcome, cerebral infarction had major long-term impact on young adults as evaluated by mortality, recurrence and employment status.
Naess
H
H
Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. halvor.naess@haukeland.no
Nyland
H I
HI
Thomassen
L
L
Aarseth
J
J
Myhr
K-M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012008:Recurrence; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors