BACKGROUND: Worldwide, stroke results in healthcare costs and economic costs, particularly in patients aged <45 years. This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the economic burden of ischemic stroke in younger patients in China based on the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) etiological classification.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of the medical records of 961 patients aged between 18–45 years, diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke, was performed to identify healthcare costs for one year. Stroke severity was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Stroke was categorized according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification as being due to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolism (CE), small artery occlusion (SAO), other determined causes (OC), and undetermined etiology (UND).

RESULTS: Total direct medical costs at one-year follow-up were US$10,954.14, including inpatient cost of US$5,958.44, and outpatient cost of US$3,397.60. Inpatient and total costs at one year were significantly increased in the CE subtype (P<0.001), and were significantly less in the UND subtype (P<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that mRS score, TOAST category, NIHSS score, and the presence of atrial fibrillation were the significant factors influencing cost at one-year follow-up and total cost in younger patients with ischemic stroke. Overall, patient costs in China were less than those in high-income countries.

CONCLUSIONS: In the younger patient population in China, etiological factors influenced the economic burden of ischemic stroke.

Keywords: Cost of Illness, Stroke, young adult, Adolescent, Brain Ischemia, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index