Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Acute Stroke in Young Adults from a Tertiary Stroke Center in Abu Dhabi—A Retrospective Study

TL;DR

This study examines stroke characteristics in young adults in Abu Dhabi, finding that most cases are ischemic and linked to lifestyle factors.

Contribution

The study provides a detailed epidemiological profile of acute stroke in young adults in the UAE, highlighting gender and lifestyle trends.

Findings

Most patients (92.2%) had ischemic stroke, with right-side weakness being the most common presentation.

Over half of the patients were obese or overweight, suggesting lifestyle factors contribute to stroke risk.

Gender distribution varied significantly between age groups, with males dominating the cases.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Within the last decade, there has been a 19% increase in stroke-related mortality among individuals aged 45–64. Understanding stroke characteristics is crucial, particularly in the younger age groups. This study describes the key demographics and clinical and anthropometric characteristics based on age categories in young adults admitted to the stroke unit in Abu Dhabi. Methods: This retrospective observational study had data between October 2024 and March 2025. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS, with a more detailed analysis conducted across two age-based groups. Results: A total of 51 patients were included, with the median age of 40 (IQR: 37–48) and 44 (86.3%) being males. The median hospital length of stay was 4 days (2–9 days). Most of the patients, 47 (92.2%), had ischemic stroke, with 24 (45.1%) presenting with right-side weakness, and bilateral weakness in 4 (7.8%). The median NIHSS score on admission was 4 (IQR 2–9). Prior to admission, 18 (35.3%) of the patients were known hypertensive, and 12 (23.5%) were diabetic. In terms of anthropometric measurements, the median waist-to-height ratio was 0.58 (0.5–0.69) and BMI was 25.7 (24.2–29.4), with 31 (60.8%) of the patients categorized as either obese or overweight. The statistical significance difference across the age groups was found in the gender distribution only (p = 0.034). Conclusions: In the UAE, more young men are experiencing Stroke due to lifestyle-related factors, many of which can be prevented. This growing trend calls for early screening, better prevention efforts, and tailored rehabilitation programs.

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