Predictors of Progression in Lacunar Stroke

Abstract

P47 Objective: To identify predictors of deterioration in patients with lacunar syndromes. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 46 consecutive patients (12 women, 34 men; age 64.5 ± 13.7 yrs. [ mean ± SD ] ) with acute lacunar stroke by daily clinical neurological examination including NIHSS and follow-up using the Barthel Index after 3 months. In addition, we determined parameters of inflammation ( C-reactive protein, leukocytes, body temperature), coagulation (d-dimers, fibrinogen, PTT, vWF ), glutamate, as well as blood glucose and blood pressure. Progressive neurological deficit was defined as worsening of the NIHSS by 1 point in one singular item. Results: Eleven patients (23.9 % ) showed a clinical progression of stroke symptoms, 35 patients remained stable or improved. The NIHSS on admission was similar in both groups (4.2 ±2.7 vs. 3.8 ±2.2), but significantly higher in progressive patients on day 2 (5.4 ±3.5 vs. 2.6 ±2.0; p=0.02) and at discharge (3.7 ±3.3 vs. 1.6 ±1.7; p=0.046). Nine of the 11 progressive patients showed deterioration in the first 24 hours after admission. Barthel Index after 90 days was significantly lower in the progressive patients (87 ±18 vs. 95 ±19; p=0.005). Clinical progression was significantly associated with elevated body temperature (p=0.031 ), fibrinogen ( p=0.048 ) and a higher leucocyte count ( p=0.017 ) on admission. Mean blood glucose and blood pressure were also higher in progressive patients, but this difference did not reach the level of significance. There was no significant correlation for the other coagulation parameters, glutamate level on admission, risk factors, age and gender. Conclusions: In lacunar stroke there is a high rate (= 23.9 % ) of neurological worsening, and the long-term prognosis of progressive patients is worse compared to non-progressive patients. Progression usually occurs within 24 hours and may be related to an acute-phase response.