Epidemiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Epidemiology, including details on twin studies, statistics, environmental and genetic factors.

Stroke epidemiology, prevention, and management strategies at a regional level: Latin America and the Caribbean.

Lavados PM, Hennis AJ, Fernandes JG, Medina MT, Legetic B, Hoppe A, Sacks C, Jadue L, Salinas R

Servicio de Neurología, Departamento de Medicina, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. pablolavados@yahoo.com

Stroke is a major health problem in Latin American and Caribbean countries. In this paper, we review the epidemiology, aetiology, and management of stroke in the region based on a systematic search of articles published in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Stroke mortality is higher than in developed countries but rates are declining. Population-based studies show variations in incidence of strokes: lower rates of ischaemic stroke and similar rates of intracranial haemorrhages, compared with other regions. A significant proportion of strokes in these populations can be attributed to a few preventable risk factors. Some countries have published national clinical guidelines, although much needs to be done in the organisation of care and rehabilitation. Even though the burden of stroke is high, there is a paucity of information for implementing evidence-based management. The Global Stroke Initiative, the WHO STEPS Stroke surveillance, and WHO-PREMISE projects provide opportunities for surveillance at institutional and community levels.

Published 16 March 2007 in Lancet Neurol, 6(4): 362-72.
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