'Stroke, altered mental state increase death risk for Covid patients'
Published By : Prameya News Bureau | December 20, 2020 IST
Share
New York, Dec 20: Researchers have found that people hospitalised with Covid-19 and neurological problems, including stroke and confusion have a higher risk of dying than other coronavirus affected patients.The findings, published in the journal Neurology, have the potential to identify and focus treatment efforts on individuals most at risk and could decrease Covid-19 deaths."This study is the first to show that the presence of neurological symptoms, particularly stroke and confused or altered thinking, may indicate a more serious course of illness, even when pulmonary problems aren't severe," said study author David Altschul from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the US."Hospitals can use this knowledge to prioritize treatment and, hopefully, save more lives during this pandemic," Altschul added.The study looked at data from 4,711 Covid-19 patients who were admitted to Montefiore during the six-week period between March 1, 2020, and April 16, 2020.Of those patients, 581 (12 per cent) had neurological problems serious enough to warrant brain imaging.These individuals were compared with 1,743 non-neurological Covid-19 patients of similar age and disease severity who were admitted during the same period.Among people who underwent brain imaging, 55 were diagnosed with stroke and 258 people exhibited confusion or altered thinking ability.The findings showed that individuals with stroke were twice as likely to die (49 per cent mortality) compared with their matched controls (24 per cent mortality) -- a statistically significant difference.People with confusion had a 40 per cent mortality rate compared with 33 per cent for their matched controls -- also statistically significant.Also, more than half the stroke patients in the study did not have hypertension or other underlying risk factors for stroke."This highly unusual finding agrees with other studies of people with Covid-19 in suggesting that infection with the novel coronavirus is itself a risk factor for stroke," Altschul noted. (IANS)
News7 Is Now On WhatsApp Join And Get Latest News Updates Delivered To You Via WhatsApp
You Might Also Like
More From Related News
Patient awareness and interaction programme marks World Liver Day at AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Rising cases of pediatric liver issues linked to junk food epidemic
Vital organ, vital importance: Why maintaining liver health matters
World Liver Day 2024: These factors contribute to liver damage
Nestle baby food sugar study causes concern in India, Nestle India's shares fall
World Voice Day observed at SUM Phulnakhara Campus
Cadaveric kidney transplant performed at SCB Hospital
Closure of regn counter sparks tension at Bhubaneswar AIIMS
From pain to comfort: Discover the doctor who cares for your bad back
Boys born to mothers with HIV more vulnerable to death in infancy
World Hemophilia Day: Solidarity for people living with rare genetic disorder
AIIMS Bhubaneswar launches advanced Artificial Urinary Sphincter(AUS) implantation service
Indians up their spending on dieticians by 125 pc in FY24: Report
Zomato introduces 'large order fleet' for gatherings of up to 50 people
Critical patient successfully treated at SUM Phulnakhara campus
Nasal cells shield kids from Covid, Study finds
Scientists decode how exercise can reverse ageing
Remove Bournvita from category of ‘health drinks’: Govt tells e-commerce firms
Menstruation signifies femininity and fertility, not impurity
44% Odisha people never check blood pressure: ICMY study