Seasonal Variations of Monthly Admissions and Mortality in Stroke

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 18(4); 2000 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2000;18(4): 386-389.

뇌졸중으로 인한 입원환자수와 사망률의 계절적 변화

정상준, ·정 부 ·김희태 ·김주한 ·김명호

한양대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실

Seasonal Variations of Monthly Admissions and Mortality in Stroke

Sang Joon Jung, M.D., Boo Chung, M.D., Hee Tae Kim, M.D., Juhan Kim, M.D., Myung Ho Kim, M.D.

Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d : Seasonal variations in the occurrence and mortality from stroke patients has been widely acknowl-edged and studied extensively but without conclusive results. Several studies suggest a circannual rhythm for stroke, with a peak onset and mortality in the winter. We aimed to identify the seasonal variations of monthly admissions and mortality in stroke patients. Methods : From 1989 to 1998, 2526 first stroke populations were enrolled in this study, which included ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. Fatal events were defined as those in which the patient died within 28 days after the beginning of symptoms. We analyzed the seasonal variations of monthly admissions and mor-tality in stroke patients. R e s u l t s : We concluded that the monthly admissions and mortality rate of stroke patients showed seasonal variations. Monthly admissions for stroke was highest in December and lowest in August. Also, the mortality rate was highest in November (4.1%) and lowest in July (2.4%). Major causes of death were herniation, sepsis due to pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sore, and cardiovascular diseases including congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction. Conclusions : There were greater monthly admissions and mortality of strokes during the winter season in our hospital. J Korean Neurol Assoc 18(4):386~389, 2000 Key Words : Seasons, Variation, Stroke, Occurrence, Mortality