Survey on recurrence and outcome of stroke patients, based on the regional stroke critical path registry in the Noto district of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan (2008–2020)

Abstract

Background and Purpose: This study examined stroke recurrence and outcomes in an aging, rural area using a regional stroke critical path. Methods: We analyzed 7,905 cases (4,195 men, 3,710 women; mean age, 76.1 years) from 2008 to 2020 in the Noto district of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan (population 179,000；43.1% aged 65+ in 2020).

Results: Stroke subtypes were ischemic (72%), intracerebral hemorrhage (20%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (6.3%), with an annual incidence of 323 per 100,000. A total of 720 re-registrations (616 individuals, up to five per person) were noted, with an increased proportion of ischemic strokes. Re-registration intervals were under one year in 38% and under two years in 58%. Home discharge rates and favorable outcomes (mRS 0–3) declined with recurrences up to the third but improved at the fourth. Conclusion: The study revealed frequent stroke recurrence, especially ischemic, within a short period, among elderly patients in this region.