Limitations
This is a single centre retrospective study which presents inherent
limitations. We have used propensity matching which although a robust
technique, has its limitations and it was notable that there were some
differences between the two groups in baseline demographics. We have
defined stroke on the basis of a combined clinical suspicion and
evidence of changes on CT. It is possible that patients with an
ischaemic infarct may be missed due to early imaging – however, if
clinical suspicion remains it is our policy to reimage the patients
after a few days therefore reducing the likelihood of significantly
underestimating the incidence. In this series we relied on CT for
diagnosing stroke, however it is known that sensitivity and specificity
of MRI is greater. Due to small numbers we have not been able to use
this study to characterise risk factors for the development of stroke or
examine differences between early and late stroke. A significant
proportion of patients were transferred to stroke rehabilitation centres
and it has not been possible to obtain information of the duration of
stay at these centres, to more completely report on inpatient duration.