Survival Following Stroke

Abstract

In this 3-yr follow-up study of 100 adult patients with nonhemorrhagic strokes ("cerebral thrombosis"), mortality was found to be almost linearly related to age. Despite an identical age distribution, the normotensive group (systolic BP below 140 mm Hg) had a mortality of 30%, while those with higher BP had approximately a 50% mortality rate during the same period. Complicating diseases strikingly increased mortality. In 70 patients seen by two neurologists, and in 30 patients seen by them and by a study team, the role of anticoagulants was evaluated. The study was controlled and evaluation was doubleblind. No benefit from anticoagulant therapy was noted in either group. The contraindications to and difficulties with this therapy were formidable. It was concluded that use of anticoagulant therapy is not indicated in the majority of patients with cerebral thrombosis.