Ledger Séadna
London Health Sciences Centre, Ontario.
CANNT J. 2006 Jan-Mar;16(1):30-3, 36-9; quiz 34-5, 40-1.
There have been huge advancements in the prophylaxis and treatment of stroke. The majority of patients who have a stroke are asymptomatic prior to the event. This makes it extremely important to identify high-risk patients and administer prophylaxis where appropriate. However, risk factors, prophylaxis and treatment strategies are less clear in dialysis patients due to the lack of studies. Patients with chronic kidney disease have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke and dying from it. More studies need to be done in this area. For now, modifiable risk factors such as blood pressure and nutrition, should be promoted and prophylaxis and treatment administered with extra vigilance due to these patients' increased bleeding risk.