AUTHOR=Xia Qianqian , Yang Zhao , Xie Yao , Zhu Ying , Yang Zixin , Hei Mingyan , Ding Yingxue , Kong Weijing , Kang Limin , Yang Shengnan , Mei Yabo , Feng Zhichun , Zhang Li , Lei Yanzhe , Wang Ping , Dong Jingyu , Yang Li , Ju Jun , Chang Hesheng , Zhan Shina , Yu Jinqian , Zhang Peng , Wang Ran , Guo Hui , Liu Xinli , Tan Huaqing , Liu Yakun , Zhang Zhenzong , Zhen Lixia , Yan Jinting , Liu Zhan , Yang Chunxia , Wang Qingqing , Wang Jinfeng , Sun Lifang , Zeng Huihui , Li Jing , Qu Wenwen , Wang Xuemei , Liu Guiying , Yang Xi , Liu Xinxin , Zhang Xuefeng , Xu Xiaojing , Gu Yanan , Long Hui , Zhang Li , Liu Lili , Tang Zezhong , Hou Xinlin TITLE=The Incidence and Characteristics of Perinatal Stroke in Beijing: A Multicenter Study JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health VOLUME=10 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.783153 DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.783153 ISSN=2296-2565 ABSTRACT=Objective

To assess the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of perinatal stroke in Beijing.

Methods

This multicenter prospective study included all the live births from 17 representative maternal delivery hospitals in Beijing from March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020. Neonates with a stroke were assigned to the study group. Clinical data, including general information, clinical manifestations, and risk factors, were collected. Up until 18 months after birth, neonates were routinely assessed according to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and/or the Bayley scale. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-squared, t-tests, and logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 26.0.

Outcomes

In total, 27 cases were identified and the incidence of perinatal stroke in Beijing was 1/2,660 live births, including 1/5,985 for ischemic stroke and 1/4,788 for hemorrhagic stroke. Seventeen cases (62.96%) of acute symptomatic stroke and convulsions within 72 h (10 cases, 37.04%) were the most common presentations. Ten patients showed no neurological symptoms and were found to have had a stroke through routine cranial ultrasonography after being hospitalized for non-neurological diseases. The risk factors include primiparity, placental or uterine abruption/acute chorioamnionitis, intrauterine distress, asphyxia, and severe infection. In the study group, 11.1% (3/27) of patients had adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The patients in the study group had lower scores for the ASQ than those in the control group in the communication, gross, and fine motor dimensions.

Conclusion

The incidence of perinatal stroke in Beijing was consistent with that in other countries. Routine neuroimaging of infants with risk factors may enable identification of asymptomatic strokes in more patients. Patients who have suffered from a stroke may have neurological sequelae; therefore, early detection, treatment, and regular follow-ups are beneficial for improving their recovery outcomes.