Published in:
01-08-2018 | Original Article
Suboptimal lipid management before and after ischaemic stroke and TIA—the North Dublin Population Stroke Study
Authors:
Danielle Ní Chróinín, Chantelle Ní Chróinín, Layan Akijian, Elizabeth L. Callaly, Niamh Hannon, Lisa Kelly, Michael Marnane, Áine Merwick, Órla Sheehan, Gillian Horgan, Joseph Duggan, Lorraine Kyne, Eamon Dolan, Seán Murphy, David Williams, Peter J. Kelly
Published in:
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
|
Issue 3/2018
Login to get access
Abstract
Background
Few population-based studies have assessed lipid adherence to international guidelines for primary and secondary prevention in stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) patients.
Aims
This study aims to evaluate adherence to lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) guidelines amongst patients with ischaemic stroke/TIA.
Methods
Using hot and cold pursuit methods from multiple hospital/community sources, all stroke and TIA cases in North Dublin City were prospectively ascertained over a 1-year period. Adherence to National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) III guidelines, before and after index ischaemic stroke/TIA, was assessed.
Results
Amongst 616 patients (428 ischaemic stroke, 188 TIA), total cholesterol was measured following the qualifying event in 76.5% (471/616) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in 60.1% (370/616). At initial stroke/TIA presentation, 54.1% (200/370) met NCEP III LDL goals. Compliance was associated with prior stroke (odds ratio [OR] 2.19, p = 0.02), diabetes (OR 1.91, p = 0.04), hypertension (OR 1.57, p = 0.03), atrial fibrillation (OR 1.78, p = 0.01), pre-event LLT (OR 2.85, p < 0.001) and higher individual LDL goal (p = 0.001). At stroke/TIA onset, 32.7% (195/596) was on LLT. Nonetheless, LDL exceeded individual NCEP goal in 29.2% (56/192); 21.6% (53/245) warranting LLT was not on treatment prior to stroke/TIA onset. After index stroke/TIA, 75.9% (422/556) was on LLT; 15.3% (30/196) meeting NCEP III criteria was not prescribed a statin as recommended. By 2 years, actuarial survival was 72.8% and 11.9% (59/497) experienced stroke recurrence. No association was observed between initial post-event target adherence and 2-year outcomes.
Conclusions
In this population-based study, LLT recommended by international guidelines was under-used, before and after index stroke/TIA. Strategies to improve adherence are needed.