Risk factors related to early neurological deterioration in lacunar stroke and its influence on functional outcome

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for early neurological deterioration (END) in acute lacunar stroke patients and its influence on functional outcome. METHODS: Consecutive acute lacunar stroke patients defined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between January 2018 and June 2020 were included in the study. END was defined as any persisting increase in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ⩾ 2 points post admission, and favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0-2 at discharge. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors related to END, as well as the influence of END on functional outcome. RESULTS: < 0.001) predicted unfavorable outcome at discharge. CONCLUSION: END in lacunar stroke patients is common and is associated with unfavorable outcome. Admission high SBP is a potentially modifiable risk factor for prevention of END, but this needs further investigation.