Background: The incidence of ischemic stroke has been increasing in the young population over the past 20 years. Poststroke epilepsy (PSE) is a common complication after stroke. However, few population-based studies with sufficient follow-up have investigated on factors associated with PSE in young stroke survivors. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the long-term incidence and risk factors for PSE young adults. Methods: This cohort study was conducted using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2002 to 2018. All patients aged between 19 and 44 years and diagnosed with ischemic stroke from 2002 to 2015 were retrospectively enrolled with a follow-up of at least three years. Multivariable Cox regression models were performed to identify predictors of PSE, including patients’ demographics, baseline conditions, stroke severity, etiologies, comorbidities, and unhealthy behaviors. Results: Among 6512 ischemic stroke patients, 402 cases (6.2%)
Using population-based cohorts in North America, UK and Taiwan, Dr. Meghna Jani and colleagues describe opioid prescribing rates in patients with non-cancer pain who are using opioids for the first time.