Functional prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke undergoing reperfusion therapy in the intensive care unit and neurology ward

Carlos D. García-Antonio, Department of Neurology, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City, Mexico
Angélica E. Ruiz-Franco, Department of Neurology, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City, Mexico

Background: Patients with acute stroke who receive reperfusion therapy should continue close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status in a stroke unit or intensive care unit (ICU). However, high patient demand and limited space sometimes lead to their admission to a general hospital ward. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the functional prognosis in stroke patients undergoing reperfusion therapy in the ICU and neurology service. Method: This was a retrospective observational comparative cohort study that included patients over 18 years of age with acute cerebral infarction who underwent reperfusion therapy at the Juárez Hospital in Mexico City. Results: Thirty-three (41%) patients were admitted to the neurology ward for monitoring, and 48 (59%) were admitted to the ICU. Patients were classified according to the modified Rankin Scale as follows: good prognosis (mRS 0-2), poor prognosis (mRS 3-5), and death (mRS 6). Only 24% had a good prognosis (20 patients), 44% (35 patients) had a poor functional prognosis, and 36% (26 patients) experienced treatment failure. Conclusion: There are no significant differences in functional prognosis in patients with cerebral infarction undergoing reperfusion therapy in the ICU and the neurology ward.

Keywords: Ischemic stroke. Thrombolytic therapy. Thrombectomy. Intensive care units. Treatment outcome.