A retrospective analysis of Stroke patients admitted into an Intensive Care Unit of a Middle-income country
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/Keywords:
Keywords: Glasgow Coma Scale, Intensive care unit, Mechanical ventilation, Mortality, Nigeria, StrokeAbstract
Background: Stroke remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in lower middle-income countries where access to neuro-critical care is limited. This study examined the outcomes of stroke patients managed in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in Nigeria.
Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate various indications for admission of stroke patients into the ICU, the characteristics of such patients and the outcome of care in the ICU.
Methods: A hospital-based retrospective descriptive cohort study was conducted among stroke patients admitted to the ICU of Babcock University Teaching Hospital from January 2020 to December 2025. Data on demographics, comorbidities, GCS, neuroimaging, ICU stay, ventilation use, and outcomes were retrieved from records. Descriptive statistics summarized findings, while Fischer’s Exact tested associations at a 5% significance level.
Results: Most (58.3%) patients were aged above 60 years and males constituted (69.4%). Hypertension was the leading comorbidity (70.5%). The main indication for admission into the ICU was Severe stroke (GCS 3–8) which occurred in 86.1% of cases. Ischemic stroke accounted for 41.7%, haemorrhagic for 33.3%, and 25% had no imaging evaluation. The mean ICU stay was 9.06 ± 8.81 days, and 75% required mechanical ventilation. ICU mortality was 72.2%, which was significantly associated with mechanical ventilation (Fischer ‘s exact = 9.046, p = 0.003).
Conclusion: This study highlights the high burden and poor outcomes of stroke patients requiring intensive care. Mortality was associated with mechanical ventilation.
Keywords: Glasgow Coma Scale, Intensive care unit, Mechanical ventilation, Mortality, Nigeria, Stroke
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