Risk factors for postoperative acute ischemic stroke in advanced-aged patients with previous stroke undergoing noncardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Background The current study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for postoperative acute ischemic stroke (PAIS) in advanced-aged patients (≥ 75 years) with previous ischemic stroke undergoing noncardiac surgery. Methods In this single-center retrospective cohort study, all advanced-aged patients underwent noncardiac surgery from 1 January, 2019, to 30 April, 2022. Data were extracted from hospital electronic medical records. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of PAIS. Multivariable linear or logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of outcomes due to PAIS. Results Twenty-four patients (6.0%) of the 400 patients developed PAIS. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA), length of surgery and preoperative Modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≥ 3 were significant predictors of PAIS. CEA was associated with increased risk of PAIS (OR 4.14; 95%CI, 1.43–11.99). Each additional minute in length of surgery had slightly increased the risk of PAIS (OR, 1.01; 95%CI, 1.00-1.01). Compared with reference (mRS < 3), mRS ≥ 3 increased odds of PAIS (OR, 4.09;95%CI, 1.12–14.93). Surgery type and length of surgery were found to be significant predictors of in-hospital expense ( P < 0.001) and hospital stays ( P < 0.05). Conclusions CEA, length of surgery and preoperative mRS ≥ 3 may increase the development of PAIS in advanced-aged patients (≥ 75 years) with previous stroke undergoing noncardiac surgery. PAIS increased in-hospital mortality and prolonged hospital stay.