All-cause in-hospital mortality and comorbidity in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with stroke.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare diabetic and non-diabetic patients with stroke with regard to their all-cause in-hospital mortality and possible differences regarding their comorbidities.

Methods: All patients of the Munich Stroke Registry (2003-2004, n=537) were assessed. Hospital mortality in diabetic (n=160, 29.8%) and non-diabetic (n=377, 70.2%) patients was compared. Pre-existing comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), albuminuria and impaired renal function (IRF) were noted.

Results: Regarding all-cause in-hospital mortality, no significant differences were found between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Overall 71 patients (13.2%) died of whom 27 (16.9%) where diabetic and 44 (11.7%) non-diabetic patients (n.s.). Hypertension, CAD, PAD, albuminuria and IRF were more frequent in diabetic patients (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Despite multiple comorbidities and risk factors no significant difference in all-cause in-hospital mortality was seen in diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetic patients. Improved treatment strategies and early intervention may compensate for their poorer prognosis.