Association of dialysis with in-hospital disability progression and mortality in community-onset stroke.

AIM

End-stage renal disease is associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, but the effect on post-stroke clinical outcomes has not been thoroughly investigated.

METHODS

Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, which includes administrative claims and discharge abstract data, we examined the association between risk factors including dialysis therapy and in-hospital disability progression or mortality in patients with community-onset stroke. We extracted data of patients aged ≥ 20 years old who were admitted to the hospital within 3 days after onset of stroke between July 2010 and March 2013. The disability level was divided into modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6 (death). Disability progression was defined as an increase in disability level. Odds ratios for in-hospital disability progression and mortality were calculated using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of 435 403 patients, 7562 (1.7%) received dialysis therapy. The median length of stay was 21 and 20 days for patients with and without dialysis, respectively. During the hospital stay, disability progressed in 100 402 (23.1%) patients and 45 919 (10.5%) died. Patients on dialysis had a higher prevalence of disability progression (26.8%) and mortality (13.1%) compared to those without dialysis (23.0% and 10.5%, respectively). Dialysis was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital disability progression (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-1.66) and mortality (odds ratio 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-1.84). These risks were comparable among subtypes of stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Dialysis was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital disability progression and mortality among patients with community-onset stroke, regardless of stroke subtype.