Stroke in Young Adults in Asia

Abstract

Abstract – Background: Stroke in young adults is a worldwide problem with long-term physical and socioeconomic implications. The largest burden of disease is expected to impact Asia. Stroke in young adults is defined broadly as strokes occurring between the ages of 18 and 49 and includes ischaemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). The objective of this review was to focus on the important aspects of epidemiology, risk factors, genetic contributions, as well as evaluation, management, and outcome of stroke in young adults within the Asian context. Summary: This publication is an overview of recent literature from many countries in Asia. Population and hospital-level data offer insight into common and unique aetiologies of pre-mature IS and ICH in young adults. In young adults, prognosis and outcomes were worse in ICH compared to IS. Stroke prevention should be emphasized, while rapid access to acute stroke reperfusion and interventional therapies can benefit younger patients. More research should be performed in young adults with stroke in order to reduce the short- and long-term mortality in both stroke subtypes, improve primary as well as secondary prevention, and define further the role of next-generation sequencing for cryptogenic stroke. Key Messages: Stroke in young adults in Asia reveals the interplay between complex genetic factors, traditional risk factors, and unique aetiologies. Socioeconomic status and healthcare access are other important factors affecting the care of these patients.