Abstract
Objectives: To determine factors affecting the outcome of stroke and the complications that develop during the course of their stay in tertiary care hospital.
Methodology: It was a cross sectional study done in medicine ward, Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH), Abbottabad, Pakistan from March 2015 to December 2016. Sample of 222 patients were selected by non-probability convenient sampling techniques. Data was collected and analyzed through SPSS version 16.
Results: Out of 222 stroke patients 130(58.6%) were male, 92(41.4%) were females. Mean age was 60.5±3.4 years. Diabetes mellitus was documented in 66(29.7%) while 168(75.7%) were hypertensive. Mean GCS of patients was 10.1±3.4. Average hospital stay was 5.1±3.1days. Out of 144 improved/discharged patients, 57 were of hemorrhagic, 87 were of ischemic stroke while among expired, 51 were of hemorrhagic and 27 were ischemic stroke. 64.9% patients improved/discharged while 35.1% expired. Out of total improved/discharged patients, 39 ware diabetics while 105 were not, while among expired, 27 were diabetics and 105 were not. 20.3% patients developed bed sores while 37.8% developed aspiration pneumonia. Among 45 patients who developed bed sores, 30(66.6%) were diabetics while 177 patients those who don’t develop bed sores, 36 were diabetics (20.3%).
Conclusion: Stroke was more prevalent among old people, male, residents of urban areas and those having history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking. Complications were aspiration pneumonia followed by bed sores, more in diabetics and those having prolong hospital stay. Worse outcome was noted among hemorrhagic stroke patients and those who presented with low GCS score.

Key words: Stroke, diabetes mellitus, aspiration pneumonia, bed sores.