Ethnic and Geographical Differences in Ischaemic Stroke Among Young Adults.
BACKGROUND
Ischaemic stroke in young adults encompasses approximately 5 - 15% of all ischaemic strokes, depending on the selected upper age limit. The key features of the disease, including incidence, risk factors, underlying causes, mortality, outcomes, as well as long-term risks of recurrent events are different from those for elderly patients. There is also evidence indicating that these characteristics may differ ethnically and geographically. It is clinically important to recognize such differences not only for correct diagnosis and treatment, but also for introducing accurate preventive measures. Ethnic differences may stem from several factors, including genetic influence, and necessitate different approaches, such as personalized diagnostic work-up based on patient characteristics.


CONCLUSIONS
In this review, we summarize and discuss the existing data on the geographic and ethnic differential characteristics of young adult ischaemic stroke.
Istanbul Tıp Fakultesi, Nöroloji AD, Capa, Fatih, Istanbul. Turkey.
Nilufer
N
Yesilot
Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki. Finland.
Jukka
J
Putaala
Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul. Turkey.
Sara Zarko
SZ
Bahar
Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki. Finland.
Turgut
T
Tatlısumak
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005006:Ethnicity; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult
Adult; aetiology; epidemiology; ethnic groups; geographic factors; middle aged; mortality; outcome studies; risk
factors; stroke; young adult