Health
Childhood strokes differ from adult ones
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 18, 2008
Strokes are more frequent in children than previously realized, but they appear different enough that caution should be taken before applying knowledge about the condition in adults to this age group, according to a scientific statement published online in July in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Assn.
"Stroke in children is uncommon but not as rare as we used to think," said E. Steve Roach, MD, lead author and professor of pediatric neurology at Ohio State University's College of Medicine in Columbus.
The paper recommended against using tPA, the standard treatment for adults, on young children. Rather, the underlying condition such as sickle cell or congenital heart disease should be addressed.
The stroke rate for those younger than 18 is 10.7 per 100,000, although risk is increased among children of mothers with a history of infertility, premature rupture of membranes and preeclampsia.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/08/18/hlbf0818.htm.
