To prevent the spread of COVID-19 social distancing guidelines were implemented and many institutions postponed elective procedures. Delayed hospital admission has been reported due to fear of infection.

This retrospective cohort study compared stroke patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center during the COVID-19 pandemic 4/1/20-6/30/20 “COVID-19 peak” to patients admitted 4/1/19-6/30/19 “2019”. Characteristics and outcomes were compared using chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

There were 651 stroke admissions: 341 (52%) in 2019, 310 (48%) during the COVID-19 peak; overall a 9% decrease. The median number of admissions per day was 4 in 2019 and 3 during the COVID-19 peak, p=0.21. The proportion of patients by stroke type was not significantly different in 2019 compared to the COVID-19 peak: Ischemic stroke (75% vs. 76%, p=0.69); hemorrhagic stroke (16% vs. 18%, p=0.39); transient ischemic attacks (11% vs. 7%, p=0.10). The median age was 70 years in both 2019 and during the COVID-19 peak, p=0.64; other demographic characteristics were comparable. The time from onset to arrival was 273 minutes in 2019 vs. 263 minutes during COVID-19 peak, p=0.46; 24% were transfers in 2019 vs. 23% during the COVID-19 peak (p=0.72). The median length of stay (4 days, p=0.52) and the median discharge mRS (3, p=0.31) was identical in 2019 compared to the COVID-19 peak. Of the 113 patients tested for COVID-19, 4% were positive.

Although many centers have reported a significant decrease in stroke patient admissions, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect patient volume or the time from onset to arrival at our institution. As the pandemic continues, it is important for hospitals to be informed that COVID-19 may not impact stroke volume, so providers are prepared to manage both stroke and COVID-19 patients efficiently.