RISK FACTORS FOR MORTALITY AFTER STENTING OF SYMPTOMATIC ATHEROSCLEROTIC STENOSES IN INTRAAND EXTRACRANIAL ARTERIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction. Stenosis of intra- and extracranial arteries due to atherosclerosis is one of the most frequent causes of ischemic stroke and mortality worldwide. Stenting of these vessels might be an effective treatment option in symptomatic cases. Research method. A retrospective study was conducted, including 93 patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic stenoses of intra- and extracranial arteries who underwent stenting. The follow-up period was six years. Stroke, infarction, and death were accepted as primary outcomes. Statistical analysis was carried out using parametric and nonparametric analysis and regression analysis based on the Cox model. Results. A statistically significant effect of age on mortality rate was revealed. The analysis showed that an increase in blood pressure during the surgery increased the risk of mortality; however, its degree did not have a statistically significant influence on the risk of postoperative stroke. Also, the effect of cholesterol level on mortality was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Analysis of the risk factors revealed a significant impact of the hypertensive crisis on the mortality of patients, increasing it substantially. Correction and control of blood pressure pre-operatively can reduce the risks of stroke and mortality after stenting over a long period of time.