Acute Atrial Fibrillation During Onset of Stroke Indicates Higher Probability of Post-Stroke Death Outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a higher risk of ischemic stroke. However, it is still unknown whether acute atrial fibrillation (AAF) in the emergency department can affect the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. In this study, the risk and prognosis of AIS patients with AFF were assessed with a total of 706 identified patients, who were grouped based on their AF history. Logistic regression showed that age ≥ 73 (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.18–3.37; p = 0.010), baseline NIHSS score (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.15–1.22; p < 0.001), and AAF onset (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.09–3.19; p = 0.022), were independent risk factors of severity of early neurological deficits in AIS. Baseline NIH Stroke Scale/Score (NIHSS) (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.13; p < 0.001) and AAF onset (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.98; p = 0.044) were independent predictors of the mortality. AAF in the emergency department was not only an independent risk factor for the severity of early AIS neurological deficits, but also an indicator of high probability of post-stroke death in 30 days.