J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2000 Jul;18(4):386-389.

Seasonal Variations of Monthly Admissions and Mortality in Stroke

• Jung SJ
• Chung B
• Kim HT
• Kim J
• Kim MH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 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.
RESULTS
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.

Keyword

Seasons; Variation; Stroke; Occurrence; Mortality

MeSH Terms

Cardiovascular Diseases
Cause of Death
Heart Failure
Humans
Mortality*
Myocardial Infarction
Pneumonia
Seasons*
Sepsis
Stroke*
Urinary Tract Infections