Seasonal variations in hospital admissions and case-fatality of ischemic stroke: a nationwide analysis of >4.2 million cases in Germany - Report - MDSpire

Seasonal variations in hospital admissions and case-fatality of ischemic stroke: a nationwide analysis of >4.2 million cases in Germany

  • By

  • Omar Hahad

  • Simon-Noah Hakim-Meibodi

  • Seyed Hamed Rastguye Haghi

  • Sasan Faridi

  • Andreas Daiber

  • Alexandra Schneider

  • Kathrin Wolf

  • Nikolaos Nikolaou

  • Volker H. Schmitt

  • Philipp Lurz

  • Christine Espinola-Klein

  • Yafang Cheng

  • Andrea Pozzer

  • Jos Lelieveld

  • Thomas Münzel

  • Daniel Wollschläger

  • Lukas Hobohm

  • Karsten Keller

  • April 30, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Seasonal Trends in Hospital Admissions and Mortality Rates for Ischemic Stroke

Overview

This study analyzed over 4.2 million ischemic stroke cases in Germany, revealing no significant seasonal variation in hospital admissions. However, in-hospital case-fatality rates were significantly higher in winter compared to summer, indicating a need for targeted seasonal management strategies.

Background

Ischemic stroke is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, necessitating an understanding of factors influencing its incidence and outcomes. Seasonal variations in stroke incidence and mortality have been suggested, with colder months potentially exacerbating risks. This study aims to clarify these seasonal effects on hospital admissions and mortality rates in a large cohort.

Data Highlights

No statistically significant seasonal variation in stroke hospitalization was observed, but in-hospital case-fatality was higher in winter (7.4%) compared to summer (6.6%, p < 0.001).

Key Findings

  • No significant seasonal variation in ischemic stroke hospital admissions across seasons.
  • In-hospital case-fatality was significantly higher in winter (7.4%) than in summer (6.6%).
  • The increased winter case-fatality was independent of age, sex, and comorbidities.
  • Similar trends in case-fatality were observed in both men and women.
  • Further research is needed to explore mechanisms behind increased winter mortality.

Clinical Implications

Propose specific strategies for healthcare providers to address increased winter mortality.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the need for further investigation into seasonal effects on stroke outcomes, particularly in winter, to enhance patient management and care strategies.

References

  1. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2020 -- Changes in the Incidence of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Emergencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: A Study of Health Insurance Data
  2. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2022 -- Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Acute Coronary Syndromes in Germany During the Initial Wave: Insights from the COVID-19 Collateral Damage Research
  3. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2009 -- Update on Clinical Trials and Registries Discussed at the 2009 German Cardiac Society Conference
  4. American Heart Association -- New guideline expands stroke treatment for adults, offers first pediatric stroke guidance
  5. Clinical Research in Cardiology — Shifting Patterns and Ongoing Obstacles in the Management of Chronic Left Ventricular Heart Failure: A 9-Year Review of In-Hospital Outcomes in Germany
  6. Endovascular thrombectomy for large ischemic strokes: An updated living systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
  7. Machine learning-based forecasting of daily acute ischemic stroke admissions using weather data
  8. New guideline expands stroke treatment for adults, offers first pediatric stroke guidance | American Heart Association

Original Source(s)

Seasonal variations in hospital admissions and case-fatality of ischemic stroke: a nationwide analysis of >4.2 million cases in Germany

  • by Omar Hahad, Simon-Noah Hakim-Meibodi, Seyed Hamed Rastguye Haghi, Sasan Faridi, Andreas Daiber, Alexandra Schneider, Kathrin Wolf, Nikolaos Nikolaou, Volker H. Schmitt, Philipp Lurz, Christine Espinola-Klein, Yafang Cheng, Andrea Pozzer, Jos Lelieveld, Thomas Münzel, Daniel Wollschläger, Lukas Hobohm, Karsten Keller

  • April 30, 2026

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