Background: Post stroke complications are frequent and major cause of death in the early phases of acute stroke. Objective of the present study was to explore the predictors of occurrence of complications, among subjects with first ever acute stroke.
Methods: Patients with first ever acute stroke were studied for post-stroke complications (predefined with standard criteria) during hospital stay and their association with risk factors, severity of stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), length of hospital stay and outcome (Modified Rankin Scale) were assessed.
Results: A total of screened 498 patients with first ever acute stroke were recruited. The mean age was 61.02 years (range 23-75 years), the majority being male (n=307; 61.6%). Post-stroke complication during hospital stay was documented in 270 patients (54.2%). In logistic regression analysis, multiple risk factors (OR, 1.571; 95% CI, 1.084-2.278; P-0.017), stroke severity (NIHS Score) (OR, 1.425; 95% CI, 1.027-1.976; P-0.034) and length of hospital stay (OR, 3.565; 95% CI, 2.029-6.264; P <0.0001) were the most robust predictors of occurrence of complications.  The independent predictors of poor outcome in subjects with complications were- chest infection (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.006-4.26; P-0.048), bedsores (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.03-4.94; P-0.042), and seizure (OR, 5.072; 95% CI, 1.08-23.79; P-0.039).
Conclusion: In our study, the most independent predictors of complications were stroke severity and length of hospital stay. This observation might help clinicians in taking appropriate measures towards preventing post-stroke complications and thereby improving stroke outcome.

DETERMINANTS AND OUTCOME OF COMPLICATIONS IN FIRST EVER ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM INDIA