Impact of age on clinical characteristics and 1-year outcomes of non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events: A multicenter prospective cohort study

Background: The exploration of age-related clinical features and adverse outcomes of non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular disease (NICE) has been largely unaddressed in current research. This study aimed to analyze the differences in clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes of NICE across various age groups, utilizing data from the Xi'an Stroke Registry Study in China.

Methods: The age distribution of NICE was categorized into four groups: age ≤ 54 years, age 55-64 years, age 65-74 years, and age ≥ 75 years. Multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the 1-year risk of outcome events in each age group of patients with NICE. A subgroup analysis was conducted to explore interaction factors influencing age-dependent outcomes in patients with NICE.

Results: This study included 1,121 patients with NICE aged between 23 and 96 years, with an average age of 63.7 ± 12.2 years. Patients aged ≥ 75 years had a higher proportion of women, lower education levels, and a greater likelihood of having urban employee medical insurance. Those aged < 55 years had a higher prevalence of smoking, while individuals aged > 65 years showed a higher prevalence of comorbidities. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in body mass index among patients aged ≥ 75 years. Laboratory tests indicated well-controlled blood lipids, liver function, and inflammation across all age groups, but renal function was notably reduced in patients with NICE aged ≥ 75 years. Adjusting for potential confounding factors revealed a significant increase in the one-year risk of all-cause mortality and poor prognosis among patients aged ≥ 75 years compared to those aged < 55 years, with no significant gender difference observed. Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with NICE who consumed alcohol were more prone to experience all-cause mortality with advancing age.

Conclusions: Age significantly influences the clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes of NICE patients. Clinicians should consider age-specific characteristics when diagnosing, treating, and developing prevention strategies. Tailored prevention and treatment strategies for different age groups can enhance prognosis and reduce adverse outcomes in NICE patients.