A study of clinical and laboratory features in stroke patients at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Abstract

This is both a retrospective as well as a prospective study conducted from January 1986 to January, 1987 at KNH involving 72 stroke patients. Thirty point four per cent of the patients were found to hypertensive. The majority were found to be from the Central Province- More patients were rural dwellers than urban dwellers. The majority y of the hypertensive patients were either first diagnosed at admission for stroke or had had poor control of their hypertension, Most hypertensive patients were old, (> 45 years). Laboratory investigations showed hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, renal insufficiency, and high ESR to be common amongst stroke patients. Syphilis was not found in any of the patients. The young normotensive patients were examined and some possible aetiological factor identified in all except four. Recommendations are made as to' further work and prevention against stroke.