Trends in the incidence of ischaemic stroke in young adults between 1985 and 2011: the Dijon Stroke Registry

{Background Recent data have suggested that stroke incidence in young people may be rising. In this population-based study, we aimed to determine whether the incidence of stroke in people aged < 55 years old had changed over the last three decades. Methods All cases of first-ever stroke (ischaemic stroke, spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage, and undetermined stroke) occurring in Dijon, France, from 1985 to 2011 were prospectively collected from a population-based registry. Incidence rates were calculated and temporal trends were analysed by age groups and stroke subtypes using a Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR). Risk factors and premorbid treatments were analysed. Results Over the 27-year study period, 4506 patients were recorded (53% women, mean age 74.6 +/- 14.4, 10.1% aged < 55 years). An increase in overall stroke incidence was noted, as was a rise in ischaemic stroke in individuals aged < 55 years (IRR 1.308; 95% CI 0.982 to 1.741