ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026OT202 ADMISSION NIHSS AND METABOLIC FACTORS AS DETERMINANTS OF EARLY IN-HOSPITAL COURSE AFTER ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE IN A RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTING

Abstract Background and aims Early clinical instability during hospitalization after acute ischemic stroke remains a frequent and clinically relevant problem, particularly in settings where continuous neurological monitoring is limited. While baseline stroke severity is widely recognized as a key determinant of outcome, less attention has been paid to the combined influence of admission neurological deficit and routinely measured metabolic parameters on short-term in-hospital evolution. Simple predictors available at presentation may assist in identifying patients at higher risk for early deterioration. Methods This ongoing study aims to evaluate whether admission NIHSS score together with metabolic factors (blood glucose, arterial blood pressure, lipid profile) are independently associated with early in-hospital neurological worsening and medical complications after acute ischemic stroke. Results We are conducting a prospective single-center cohort study including consecutive adult patients admitted with CT- or MRI-confirmed acute ischemic stroke. Neurological status is assessed at admission using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Admission laboratory and clinical parameters are recorded systematically. Early neurological deterioration is defined as a ≥4-point increase in NIHSS during hospitalization. Medical complications, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality are documented. Multivariable logistic regression models are planned to explore independent associations between baseline variables and early outcomes. The target sample size is 120 patients. Conclusions The primary outcome is early neurological deterioration during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes include in-hospital complications and mortality. Conflict of interest