Acute Ischaemic Stroke in Northern Nigeria: An Analysis of Clinical Profile, Risk Factors, and Early Outcomes
Keywords:
: Acute Ischemic Stroke, Northern Nigeria, Hypertension, Risk Factors, Mortality, OutcomesAbstract
Background: Stroke poses a significant and growing public health burden in Nigeria, with regional variations in risk factors and outcomes. Data from Northern Nigeria, which bears a high disease load, is crucial for informing local preventive and acute care strategies. Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, identify the predominant risk factors, and evaluate the early outcomes of patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional observational study was conducted, in two tertiary hospitals in Kano (Northwest) and Gombe (Northeast) states, Nigeria. Consecutive adult patients with confirmed first-ever AIS were recruited. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, modifiable risk factors, and 30-day outcomes (mortality and functional status using the modified Rankin Scale, mRS) were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 180 AIS patients were included. The mean age was 58.3 years, with a male preponderance (62.2%). Systemic hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor (76.1%), followed by diabetes mellitus (26.1%), and sedentary lifestyle (21.7%). Only a small proportion of patients (22.2%) presented to the hospital within the 4-hour therapeutic window for thrombolysis. The 30-day mortality rate was 21.7%. Moderate-Severe stroke at admission (NIHSS >16) and hyperglycemia were significant predictors of poor outcomes, including death and severe disability (mRS 3). Conclusion: AIS in Northern Nigeria predominantly affects middle aged, male population, with hypertension as the overwhelming modifiable risk factor. Pre-hospital delays are substantial, and short-term mortality remains high. These findings underscore the urgent need for aggressive primary prevention campaigns targeting hypertension control and public awareness to improve early presentation and outcomes.
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