Predictors of poor outcome after first-ever stroke within 3 months in consecutive patients admitted to our Stroke Unit were defined. Factors included age, sex, risk factors, occurrence of transient ischemic attacks, extension of cerebral infarction, presumed cause of stroke, clinical findings, and demographic characteristics. Multiple regression models were used to analyze predictors of mortality, dependency and stroke recurrence. A total of 435 patients with first-ever stroke were included. Of these, 358 patients had ischemic stroke and 77 hemorrhagic stroke. Three-month mortality rate was 20.5%. After the same period, 24.6% of survivors were dependent (mRS > or = 3) and 5.0% of patients had recurrent stroke. Age, the presence of atrial fibrillation, impaired consciousness on admission, and stroke severity were related to mortality. The presence of stroke due to an undetermined cause or small vessel disease was associated with lower mortality. Partial anterior circulation syndrome or lacunar syndrome were both related to better outcome. The best predictors for dependency after 3 months were age and stroke severity. The only variable identified as the best predictor for recurrence was the presence of diabetes mellitus.