Deep vein thrombosis following ischemic stroke among Asians.
BACKGROUND
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is perceived as uncommon among Asian stroke patients. However, there is a paucity of published data, and thus, we studied the frequency, characteristics and prognosis of DVT following ischemic stroke in Asian patients with lower limb paresis.


METHODS
Doppler ultrasound scans of the lower limbs were performed at days 7-10 and 25-30 after stroke onset. The functional status of patients was assessed at 6 months using the modified Rankin scale.


RESULTS
DVT was detected in 30% of patients at days 7-10 and in 45% of patients at days 25-30. Most thromboses were distal. There were significant associations of age and degree of weakness with the presence of DVT at days 25-30, but not at days 7-10. DVT in the first month after stroke was associated with poorer outcome at 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
DVT following ischemic stroke among Asians is common and associated with poor functional outcome.
De Silva
Deidre Anne
DA
National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital Campus, Singapore, Singapore. gnrdsd@sgh.com.sg
Pey
Huey Bee
HB
Wong
Meng Cheong
MC
Chang
Hui Meng
HM
Chen
Christopher P L H
CP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010291:Paresis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013997:Time Factors; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*