Predictors of 30 days outcome of patients with acute stroke in Sokoto.

Background: Though the epidemiologic profile of patients with acute stroke has been described in the sub Sahara African region, little is known about predictors of mortality in patients with acute stroke. This studyaimed to determine the predictors of 30-day mortality of acute stroke so that early therapeutic measures could be instituted to improve functional outcome.Methods: Case records of patients admitted from January 2007 to December 2009 with clinical diagnosis of stroke were retrieved. Relevant clinical data were extracted using structured questionnaire.Results: A total of 370 case files with clinical diagnosis of stroke were traced but only 260 had complete information. The mean age of patients was 55.7±14.3 years; Hypertension was the most commonmodifiable risk factor for stroke followed by diabetes mellitus. The 24-hour and 30-day case fatalities were 11.9% and 38.4%, respectively. Predictors of 30-day mortality were admission blood glucose, level of consciousness and age at stroke.Conclusion: The 30-day case fatality of acute stroke was high and predictors of outcome included old age reduced level of consciousness and elevated blood glucose at presentation