Volume 17, Issue 3
DOI: 10.53555/03276716.2008.01
Risk Factor Profile And Etiologic Classification (Toast Classification) Of Ischemic Stroke From A Tertiary Care Center From Western Uttar Pradesh India
Abstract
Introduction: Stroke is an etiologically heterogeneous disease, making it crucial to determine the specific reason for each patient. This is essential because the approach to treatment and long-term prevention strategies can vary significantly. The TOAST classification has proven helpful for the initial classification of strokes and for guiding management plans. However, research on this topic is limited in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. Aims And Objective: The objective is to classify the etiology of ischemic stroke patients in Northern India according to the TOAST criteria and to analyze the risk factor profile of these patients.Material And Methods: This research was an observational, prospective cohort study carried out at Santosh Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, India. The study included patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke, as defined by World Health Organization criteria, or those who experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Upon admission, data regarding demographics, including age and gender, as well as vascular risk factors, were gathered. The etiological assessment comprised standard blood tests, brain imaging through computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and evaluations using carotid and vertebral Doppler ultrasound, along with echocardiographic examinations. Results: In our research, we examined a cohort of 200 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke, comprising 52% (104) males and 48% (96) females. The highest incidence was observed in the age group of 61-70 years, with 18% of cases occurring in both male and female patients within this range. According to the TOAST classification, 40 patients (20%) were identified as having athero-thrombotic strokes, 80 patients (40%) as cardio-embolic, 42 patients (21%) as lacunar, and 38 patients (19%) as having strokes of undetermined origin. The predominant risk factor was hypertension, affecting 60% of the patients, followed by smoking at 52%, diabetes and obesity both at 28%, and a history of stroke at 12%. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights into the etiological classification and risk factor profile of stroke patients in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. The classification of etiologies is crucial for making immediate treatment decisions, while understanding the risk factor profile is essential for developing long-term strategies, such as secondary prevention of stroke. Our findings indicate that hypertension and smoking are the two predominant risk factors among stroke patients, with cardio-embolic stroke being the most prevalent type according to the TOAST criteria
Keywords
STROKE, SMOKING, HYPERTENSION ,TOAST.