Predictive value of acute atrial fibrillation for short-term mortality after ischemic stroke

Abstract

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. However, the prognostic impact of acute atrial fibrillation (AAF) at the onset of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains unclear. Methods This retrospective study categorized 417 patients with AIS into the AAF (n = 72), other AF (n = 142), and non-AF (n = 203) groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of associations with 30-day all-cause mortality and severe early neurological deficit (7-day NIHSS ≥16). Results The AAF group demonstrated significantly worse outcomes than the other AF and non-AF groups. In the multivariable analysis, AAF was identified as an independent risk predictor for severe 7-day neurological deficit [odds ratio (OR): 10.09; 95% CI: 3.87−27.36; P < 0.001] and all-cause mortality within 30 days (OR: 4.11; 95% CI: 2.28−7.43; P < 0.001). Conclusions AAF at the onset of AIS is an independent risk predictor for early neurological deterioration and short-term mortality, establishing it as a crucial prognostic indicator that warrants vigilant management.