Risk factors for acute stroke among South Asians compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

Background: Studies of racial/ethnic variations in stroke rarely consider the South Asian population, one of the fastest growing sub-groups in the United States. This study compared risk factors for stroke among South Asians with those for whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics.

Methods: Data on 3290 stroke patients were analyzed to examine risk differences among the four racial/ethnic groups.

Lipid profiles and ischemic stroke risk: variations by sex within racial/ethnic groups.

Evidence implicates lipid abnormalities as important but modifiable risk factors for stroke. This study assesses whether hypercholesterolemia can be used to predict the risk for etiologic subtypes of ischemic stroke between sexes within racial/ethnic groups. Data elements related to stroke risk, diagnosis, and outcomes were abstracted from the medical records of 3,290 acute stroke admissions between 2006 and 2010 at a regional stroke center.

Compliance with joint commission measures in state-designated stroke centers.

Background: Comparison of state-designated primary and comprehensive stroke centers (PSCs and CSCs) with regard to adherence to nationally accepted performance standards are scarce. The objective of this study was to examine if a significant association exists between level of designation and fulfillment of Joint Commission (JC) stroke core measures.

Methods: A retrospective comparative data analysis of the New Jersey acute stroke registry for the calendar years 2010 and 2011 was performed.

Disparities in acute stroke severity, outcomes, and care relative to health insurance status.

Background: To examine the differences in risk factors and length of hospital stay (LOS) between the insured and uninsured stroke patients, identifying the root causes of increasing hospital stay.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of stroke registry data of acute stroke patients (N = 19,255) was analyzed to compare risk factors, severity, outcome, and LOS by insurance status. Chart review of patients from a comprehensive stroke center (N = 3290) was studied in greater detail for causes of extended length of stay.