Stroke in Latin America: Systematic review of incidence, prevalence, and case-fatality in 1997–2021

Background: Stroke is a major global cause of death and disability. Most strokes occur in populations of low-middle-income country (LMIC); therefore, the subsequent disease burden is greater than in populations of high-income countries. Few epidemiological data exist for stroke in Latin America, composed primarily of LMIC. Aims: To determine epidemiological measures of incidence, prevalence, and 1-month case-fatality for stroke in Latin America/Caribbean (LAC) during 1997–2021. Summary of review: A structured search was conducted to identify relevant references from MEDLINE, WOS, and LILACS databases for prospective observational and cross-sectional studies in LAC populations from January 1997 to December 2021. A total of 9242 records were screened and 12 selected for analysis, seven incidence studies and five prevalence studies. Case-fatality was reported in six articles. Sub-group analysis by age, sex, and income countries was performed. A narrative synthesis of the findings was performed. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect model to obtain pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Studies quality was assessed according to the risk of bias criteria described in the Joanna Briggs Institute’s guide. The overall crude annual incidence rate of first-ever stroke in LAC was 119.0 (95% CI = 95.9–142.1)/100,000 people (with high heterogeneity between studies ( I2 = 98.1%)). The overall crude prevalence was 3060 (95% CI: 95.9–142.1)/100,000 people (with high heterogeneity between studies ( I2 = 98.8%)). The overall case-fatality at 1 month after the first stroke was 21.1% (95% CI = 18.6–23.7) ( I2 = 49.40%). Conclusion: This review contributes to our understanding regarding the burden caused by stroke in LAC. More studies with comparable designs are needed to generate reliable data and should include both standardized criteria, such as the World Health Organization clinical criteria and updated standard methods of case assurance, data collection, and reporting.