STROKE CARE IN CROATIA DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC THROUGH RES-Q aREGISTRY DATA

ABSTRACT

Background and aims: The Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) is a tool for monitoring the quality of stroke care in hospitals throughout Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a global decline in the volume of stroke hospitalizations and revascularization procedures. The aim was to compare results captured from RES-Q registry in Croatia in March 2019 and March 2020 and March 2021, before, during the first wave, and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia Patients and methods: Data on demographics, stroke care pathway, specific acute treatment, and prevention issues, in all acute stroke admissions in Croatia during March 2019 and March 2020, and March 2021 through the RES-Q registry were analyzed. Results: The study included 1 comprehensive stroke center and 7 primary stroke centers in Croatia, which captured data in all three periods. We have noted a reduction of stroke patients' admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic for 26.6% during the first wave and for 16.7% during the third wave. (Figure Presented) Conclusion: Our results showed a reduction of stroke patients' admissions in both periods;reduced numbers of female patients and patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and transfers among hospitals with prolonged door-to-needle time and door-to-groin time during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. The usage of revascularization therapies has shown a slight increase in the evaluated period.