Stroke prevention

Lead Researcher:

Dr. Louise Allport

Significance:

From a worldwide perspective, stroke is the second most common cause of death and one of the leading cause of long-term disability among adults.

In Australia, there are 53,000 stroke victims annually, half of whom are over 75yrs old; with an annual cost burden of > $1.3billion. Following stroke, 1/3 are dead and another 1/3 are still completely dependent at 12 months.

Major Research Achievements

Evaluated the contribution of hyperglycaemia as a cofactor in determining infarct size. This has important implications as tight glycaemic control in the peri-infarct period might limit infarct size.

Current and Future Research

Comprehensive multidisciplinary stroke service established 2007
Highly relevant in view of St George having highest number of stroke admissions in greater Sydney (~500 annually).
Aims of service: improve access to multidisciplinary stroke care for all patients; reduce mortality & morbidity by increasing access to dedicated stroke unit; build clinical stroke services and infrastructure to facilitate the expansion of magnetic resonance imaging based research expertise within Department of Neurology. One aspect of this service has been the introduction of a novel acute thrombolysis (clot-busting) therapy, which this group has shown to dramatically change the face of stroke management by reducing mortality by 1/3 (at 3 months). St George is now the leading centre for this treatment option in Sydney.
Benefits to Community: stroke units significantly death & disability; multidisciplinary medical clinics & imaging expertise