Management and outcome of transient ischemic attacks in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
BACKGROUND
Approximately 240,000 transient ischemic attacks (TIA's) are diagnosed every year in U.S.A. Recent studies have shown that 4-20% will have a stroke within 90 days after a TIA, half in 2 days.


OBJECTIVE
To determine morbidity and assess outcome at 72 hours of patients with TIA's arriving at the Emergency Room (ER) of San Lucas Hospital, Ponce, PR.


METHODS
Medical records of all patients evaluated at ER in 2006 with neurological symptoms for < 24 hours, and outcome for next 72 hrs were reviewed. Anticoagulation given and timeframe between initial symptoms and diagnostic neurologic workup was also recorded.


RESULTS
53/182 records reviewed met inclusion criteria. 45% males, 55% females, median age of 62 years (Range 53-90). All received antithrombotic drugs at ER. Head-CT performed upon arrival in 100%, only 57% of Echocardiograms and Carotid-Doppler done in 24 hrs.


CONCLUSIONS
No patients developed stroke or death related to TIA in 72 hours.
Geil
Kenneth
K
Veterans Healthcare Center, Geriatrics and Extended Care, San Juan, PR.
González-Concepción
Juan José
JJ
Jiménez-Velázquez
Ivonne Z
IZ
Medina
Biomaris
B
Velazco
Xiomara
X
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011647:Puerto Rico; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome