Predictive Factors of Early Mortality in Patients Presenting with Stroke Symptoms and Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A 30-Day Survival Study in Cameroon

Background Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. In Cameroon, the impact of stroke is particularly concerning due to often delayed diagnosis. This study aimed to identify predictive factors of early mortality in patients diagnosed with stroke. Methods We conducted a prospective study that included 74 patients presenting with stroke symptoms and admitted as emergencies to the intensive care unit. Each patient was followed for a period of 30 days. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records, while vital parameters were recorded daily at 24-hour intervals. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier curves to estimate survival probabilities, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to identify predictive factors of early mortality. All statistical analyses were performed using R software. Results The study included 74 patients with a mean age of 60 years, predominantly male (56.8%). Most were aged between 50 and 70 years (48.6%) and worked mainly in the informal sector (78.4%). More than half were admitted after 24 hours of stroke onset, with 26.1% after 72 hours. Hypertension (21.4%) was the most frequent cardiovascular risk factor. Neurological distress was the leading reason for admission (67.9%), and nearly half of the patients (48.6%) had moderately elevated blood glucose levels. The overall mortality rate was 62.1% (46/74). The probability of survival at 30 days was significantly lower among male patients, those older than 70 years, those admitted more than 72 hours after stroke onset, those with hemorrhagic stroke, and those with elevated blood glucose levels. The predictive factors of mortality were: advanced age, particularly in patients over 70 years (HR = 12.54; p = 0.01), admission delay greater than 72 hours (HR = 5.14; p = 0.009), increased respiratory rate (HR = 9.5; p = 0.005), reduced oxygen saturation (HR = 3.1; p = 0.04), impaired Glasgow Coma Scale score (HR = 3.9; p = 0.03), and moderately elevated blood glucose (HR = 3.16; p = 0.02). Conclusion The mortality rate among patients presenting with stroke symptoms and admitted to the intensive care unit remained high, and their 30-day survival was reduced. However, studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are still required to confirm these findings.