Regional differences in incidence rates, outcome predictors and survival of stroke.

The aim of our study was to compare subtype-specific incidence rates, case-fatality rates and outcome predictors in different geographical areas, and decide what drives the variations. Analyzing standardized, prospective stroke registers in the Akita Prefecture, Japan, and in Hungary with catchment areas of more than 1.2 and 1.5 million during the same 18 months, we assumed population and ethnic variations in subtype-specific incidence rates, indicating higher risk of ischemic stroke in Hungary and higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke in Japan. The determinants of 28-day case-fatality rates, at least in part, also varied in different populations. However, survival from stroke was mainly influenced by stroke management.