Stroke treatment and outcome in ICU

Twenty-seven patients were studied: 16(59.3%) had intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 5(18.5%) had subarachnoid hemorrage (SAH), and 6(22.2%) had an ischemic stroke (IS). The necessity of tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation was the leading cause of admission in ICU. Mean length of mechanical ventilation was 5 ± 2 days. Mean length of stay in ICU was 7 ± 2 days. Mortality rate was 59.25%. Relationship between mortality, functional outcome and nature of stroke, is shown in Table 1. SAPS II on admission was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in non survivors. The relationship between expected and observed mortality, in patients with ICH and IS, is shown in Figure 1. We have noted a similar course of observed and expected mortality, although observed mortality was slightly higher than the expected one. We conclude that although high incidence of poor outcome in severe stroke patients admitted to ICU, a good functional outcome is possible in survivors. Moreover the SAPS II may allow a prognostic evaluation of patients on admission.