Predisposing factors and outcome of stroke in childhood.

This prospective study was done to determine the predisposing factors and outcome of stroke in Bangladeshi children. It was carried out in Khulna Medical College Hospital from July 2002 to June 2007. Admitted children with acute neurological deficit attributable to a vascular cause were included in the study. Forty two children were finally diagnosed with stroke; 73.8% were male. Apart from paresis/paralysis in 35 (83.3%) cases, headache/vomiting/convulsion was the presenting problem in 28 (66.7%) cases at the onset. Infection in 17 (40.5%) children and trauma in 11 (26.2%) were the important predisposing factors. CT scan revealed ischemia and hemorrhage in 18 (42.8% and 8 (19.1%) cases, respectively. Twenty two (52.4%) of the children recovered fully and 3 (7.2%) expired.