Registry of first‐ever stroke in Tartu, Estonia, 1991 through 1993: outcome of stroke

Objectives To provide information about the functional ability of the survivors of first‐ever stroke in Estonia. Patients and methods – A population based epidemiological study 1991 through 1993 in Tartu. Herewith the data for 1991 and 1993 are presented. A total of 519 persons were registered; 82% of them were admitted (mean length 14 days), 66% were discharged home. Results – During 6 months 41% of the patients died, the remaining 305 patients were interviewed about their living conditions, and functional ability using the Barthel ADL Index. Although 58% of patients responded to the questionnaire, no significant differences in several factors between the respondents and non‐respondents were found. Thirty‐eight percent of the patients were totally independent in ADL. Conclusion – The case‐fatality rate at 6 months was high in Estonia and the proportion of totally independent patients 6 months after stroke is slightly lower compared to other studies. The short length of hospital treatment was possibly compensated by sufficient support by relatives after discharge.