Comparative Analysis of Pre-existing Comorbidities, Symptomology, and Clinical Course of Young and Older Stroke Patients: A Retrospective Study from Aseer Region

Abstract

Background: Although advanced age is a well-known non-modifiable risk factor for stroke, the prevalence of stroke has been increasing in younger adults. However, only a few studies have instigated the differences in comorbidities and symptom presentation between young and older stroke patients. Therefore, the primary objective of this retrospective study is to systematically compare pre-existing comorbidities, symptoms, and clinical outcomes of young (<45 years) and older (≥ 45 years) hospitalized stroke patients.

Methods: This single-centered study utilized data from Aseer Central Hospital (Abha City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) from inception to 2019 to avoid potential confounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariable analysis was performed to detect differences in symptomology and clinical course of young versus older stroke patients.

Results: Young patients were significantly more likely to present with elevated HbA1c [OR=1.927 (95%CI 1.195-3.107); p=0.007] and visual symptoms [OR=16.429 (95%CI 3.92-68.865); p<0.0001] than older patients. However, younger patients were less likely to have pre-existing hypertension [OR=0.0472 (95%CI 0.006-0.342); p=0.003] and T2DM [OR=0.080 (95%CI 0.016-0.392); p=0.002] or present with arm weakness [OR=0.197 (95%CI 0.046-0.844); p=0.028], and slurred speech [OR=0.159 (95%CI 0.035-0.731); p=0.018] than older patients.

Conclusion: Pre-existing comorbidities and stroke symptoms vary considerably between young and older patients.