To analyze in a population of patients with acute stroke the prevalence, severity and subtype of the events among those with chronic renal failure (CRF) and/or acute renal failure (ARF) upon admission.  

Renal failure (RF) is related to higher cardiovascular risk. Controversies exist regarding the specific influence of RF on the morbidity and mortality of acute stroke.

Medical records of admitted patients who presented strokes between August 2015 and May 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), CRF, creatinine and clearance (CrCl) upon admission (MDRD formula), severity (NIHSS), time of stay (TS), Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge and aetiology were studied.

The Sample was divided in 2 groups: one group with RF (CrCl< 60 ml/min, history of CRF, dialysis or renal transplant) and the other with normal renal function.

Categorical variables were analyzed through X2 and continuous variables were analyzed through parametric and non-parametric methods, according to distribution. 

From 243 patients evaluated during this period (mean age 68 y.o.; female 41%), 22 presented haemorrhagic stroke (9%).

70 patients had RF (28.8%): 64 with a CrCl <60 ml/min, 6 CRF or renal transplant. This group showed higher prevalence of hypertension (85,7% vs 73,4%; p=.04), history of isquemic stroke (28,5% vs 14%; p<.01) and higher NIHSS upon admission (11 vs 6,8; p=.01), and no statistical differences regarding age, NIHSS /mRS at discharge, TS, aetiology and mortality.

RF is an underestimated CVRF, having an unclear impact on acute stroke. In our case series, the prevalence was similar to that reported in the literature. RF was related to more serious events upon admission, without any significant differences when analyzing severity, TS and functionality at discharge, possibly due to sample size. RF is an important factor to bare in mind in the adequate management and prevention of stroke.