In 2001, A prospective controlled study led by O. M. Rønning, B. Guldvog, and K. Stavem delved into the effects of acute stroke units on patients with primary intracranial hemorrhage. The study aimed to assess the impact of organized inpatient care, specifically acute stroke units, on the 30-day and 1-year mortality rates in comparison to patients receiving conventional care on general medical wards.

The study included 121 patients, with 56 assigned to acute stroke units and 65 to general medical wards. The primary focus was on mortality rates at 30 days and 1 year after the occurrence of primary intracranial hemorrhage.

The findings revealed a noteworthy difference in mortality rates between the two groups. In the acute stroke unit, the 30-day mortality rate was 39%, significantly lower than the 63% observed in patients on general medical wards. Similarly, at the 1-year mark, the mortality rates were 52% in the acute stroke unit group compared to 69% in the general medical ward group. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant disparities in survival curves at both 30 days and 1 year (p=0.007 and 0.013, respectively). Notably, the disparities in survival between 30 and 365 days were not statistically significant. Despite the disparities in mortality rates, there was no significant difference in the risks of being discharged home or to long-term care between the two groups.

The study’s findings indicate that admission to an acute stroke unit substantially reduced mortality rates at both the 30-day and 1-year marks following primary intracranial hemorrhage. The observed effect was particularly pronounced during the initial 30 days, suggesting that acute stroke units may play a crucial role in enhancing early survival outcomes for patients with this condition. These results emphasize the potential benefits of specialized care in acute stroke units for individuals experiencing primary intracranial hemorrhage, underlining the importance of further research and considerations for healthcare policy and practice.

Reference: Ronning, O., Guldvog, B., & Stavem, K. (2001). The benefit of an acute stroke unit in patients with intracranial haemorrhage: a controlled trial. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 70(5), 631.