Comparison Between First-Ever Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults in 1988-1997 and 2008-2017

Aim: To compare incidence of first-ever acute cerebral infarction, etiology and traditional risk factors in young adults 15-49 years in 1988-1997 and 2008-2017 in Hordaland County, Norway. Methods: Case-finding of young adults with acute cerebral infarction in 1988-1997 was done retrospectively by computer research from hospital registries in Hordaland County. Young adults with acute cerebral infarction living in the Bergen region in 2008-2017 were prospectively included in a database at Haukeland University Hospital. Traditional risk factors, etiology and modified Rankin scale score on discharge were registered. Results: Crude average incidence of acute cerebral infarction was 11.4 per 100.000 per year in 1988-1997 and 13.2 per 100.000 -per year in 2008-2017 (P=0.04). The prevalence of prior myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and dyslipidemia were lower in the 2008-2017 cohort (all P<0.05). Atherosclerosis was less common in the 2008-2017 cohort (P<0.001). Conclusion: The observed incidence of acute cerebral infarction in young adults increased from 1988-1997 to 2008-2017 in Hordaland County. Atherosclerosis was less common in the 2008-2017 cohort.