Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Research Articles

Magnetic resonance imaging features and stroke etiology of ischemic stroke in essential thrombocythemia

BackgroundVarious essential thrombocythemia (ET)-related stroke mechanisms have been proposed, including microcirculatory disturbance due to coagulopathy, vasculitis, and embolism due to thrombus formation in large vessels. However, the stroke mechanism in ET remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance image (MRI) features of ischemic stroke in ET and determine the potential stroke mechanism. MethodsWe retrospectively collected data from 21 acute ischemic stroke patients with ET who were admitted to two stroke centers between 2010 and 2023. ET was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria. We evaluated MRI features including the diffusion-weighted image (DWI) lesion pattern, and the presence of hemorrhagic transformation and intracranial artery steno-occlusive lesion, as well as other etiological workup results. ResultsOf 21 patients, 20 exhibited multiple ischemic lesions on DWI, mainly within a single vascular territory. Cortical infarcts were observed in 19 patients. Hemorrhagic transformation occurred in 15 patients. Additionally, 15 patients had intracranial steno-occlusive arteries, which regressed to normal in 11 patients during follow-up. Out of all patients, only 2 had potential causes of stroke other than ET (1 with atrial fibrillation and 1 with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis). The remaining 19 patients had ET as the only identified potential cause. ConclusionsMRI features, including DWI lesion pattern in ischemic stroke patients with ET, suggested embolic etiology despite the absence of major embolic sources. Intra-arterial thrombus appears to be part of the stroke mechanism related to ET and may contribute to ischemic stroke in ET.

Analysis of predictors of hemorrhagic transformation after reperfusion therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a single-center experience

BackgroundHemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a serious complication of thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke, limiting its indications and affecting treatment plans and clinical prognosis. Identifying risk factors for HT could help improve the risk–benefit ratio of thrombolytic therapy. We aimed to analyze the predictors of HT after reperfusion therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study included 115 patients who received rTPA. All patients underwent history taking, clinical examination, neurological examination including Glasgow Coma Scale and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (NIHSS), radiological investigation, and cardiac investigation. Patients were followed up strictly every 2 h for 1st 24 h then for two weeks clinically using the NIHSS and radiologically using CT or MRI to detect HT.ResultsPatients with HT represented 21.7% of all patients receiving rTPA, while symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) represented 6.9%. Patients with HT had significantly higher blood pressure, respiratory rate, atrial fibrillation rate, NIHSS score, INR, prothrombin time, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lower platelet count, LDL level, higher Fazekas score, lower ASPECT score, and prolonged onset-to-needle time.ConclusionPredicting HT in acute ischemic stroke patients is crucial for optimizing management and potentially improving outcomes. In our study, six predictors were associated with HT: higher respiratory rate, higher atrial fibrillation rate, higher NLR, lower LDL level, higher Fazekas score, lower ASPECT score, and onset-to-needle time greater than 180 min.

Association of plasma VEGF with futile recanalization and intracranial angiogenesis in ischemic stroke post-endovascular treatment

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare baseline and subsequent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in predicting futile recanalization (FR) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT), and to explore the association between angiogenesis and VEGF. Methods84 participants were recruited, including 46 AIS in the EVT group, 20 AIS in the conventional treatment group, and 18 healthy controls. Plasma VEGF levels were measured at different time points. FR was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3–6 at 3 months. Multivariable analysis evaluated whether VEGF levels at different time points independently predicted FR, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed their predictive value. Using intracranial lesion side vascular imaging, the Maas scoring system assessed angiogenesis post-onset, with scores of 4 to 5 indicating angiogenesis. ResultsIn the conventional treatment group, VEGF levels significantly decreased by day 7, while in the EVT group, reduction was observed as early as day 3. After adjusting for potential confounders, only VEGF levels on day 3 emerged as an independent predictor of FR. The combined model incorporating VEGF levels on day 3 with other factors effectively predicted FR (area under the curve = 0.916; sensitivity = 84.21 %; specificity = 100 %, P<0.0001). Plasma VEGF levels were notably higher in patients with angiogenesis in specific brain regions compared to those without angiogenesis at days 1, 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). ConclusionVEGF levels on the 3rd day post-EVT demonstrate superior predictive value for FR. Elevated VEGF levels correlate with angiogenesis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Association between fibrinogen and white matter lesions and cerebral atrophy in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundInflammation is a potential mechanism underlying the development of white matter lesions (WMLs) and cerebral atrophy. We aimed to investigate the relationship of fibrinogen levels with WMLs and cerebral atrophy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MethodsA total of 701 AIS patients were enrolled. Participants were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of fibrinogen levels: Q1 < 2.58 g/L, Q2: 2.58-3.12 g/L, Q3: 3.12-3.67 g/L, Q4: ≥ 3.67 g/L. White matter hyperintensity (WMH), periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) and deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH) were defined according to the Fazekas scale. Cerebral atrophy was defined according to global cortical atrophy scores. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the relationship of fibrinogen levels and WMHs, PVH, DWMH and cerebral atrophy. ResultsAmong 701 AIS patients, 498 (71.0 %), 425 (60.6 %), 442 (63.1 %), and 560 (79.9 %) had WMHs, PVH, DWMH and cerebral atrophy, respectively. After adjustment for potential covariates, the highest fibrinogen quartiles were significantly associated with increased risk of WMHs (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95 % confidence intervals [CI] 1.10-3.50), PVH (OR 1.85, 95 % CI 1.08-3.16) and cerebral atrophy (OR 2.53, 95 % CI 1.19-5.40) but not DWMH (OR 1.37 95 % CI 0.81-2.31) compared with the lowest fibrinogen quartile. Moreover, the association between elevated fibrinogen levels and the risk of WMLs and cerebral atrophy remained significant as continuous variables. ConclusionsIncreased baseline fibrinogen levels were independently associated with WMHs, PVH and cerebral atrophy in patients with ischemic stroke. Fibrinogen could be the potential blood biomarker of WMLs and cerebral atrophy.

Machine learning-based prediction of early neurological deterioration after intravenous thrombolysis for stroke: insights from a large multicenter study.

This investigation seeks to ascertain the efficacy of various machine learning models in forecasting early neurological deterioration (END) following thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Employing data from the Shenyang Stroke Emergency Map database, this multicenter study compiled information on 7,570 AIS patients from 29 comprehensive hospitals who received thrombolytic therapy between January 2019 and December 2021. An independent testing cohort was constituted from 2,046 patients at the First People's Hospital of Shenyang. The dataset incorporated 15 pertinent clinical and therapeutic variables. The principal outcome assessed was the occurrence of END post-thrombolysis. Model development was executed using an 80/20 split for training and internal validation, employing classifiers like logistic regression with lasso regularization (lasso regression), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), gradient-boosted decision tree (GBDT), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). The model with the highest area under the curve (AUC) was utilized to delineate feature significance. Baseline characteristics showed variability in END incidence between the training (n = 7,570; END incidence 22%) and external validation cohorts (n = 2,046; END incidence 10%; p < 0.001). Notably, all machine learning models demonstrated superior AUC values compared to the reference model, indicating their enhanced predictive capacity. The lasso regression model achieved the highest AUC at 0.829 (95% CI: 0.799-0.86; p < 0.001), closely followed by the MLP model with an AUC of 0.828 (95% CI: 0.799-0.858; p < 0.001). The SVM, RF, and GBDT models also showed commendable AUCs of 0.753, 0.797, and 0.774, respectively. Decision curve analysis revealed that the SVM and MLP models demonstrated a high net benefit. Feature importance analysis emphasized "Onset To Needle Time" and "Admission NIHSS Score" as significant predictors. Our research establishes the MLP and lasso regression as robust tools for predicting early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke patients following thrombolysis. Their superior predictive accuracy, compared to traditional models, highlights the significant potential of machine learning approaches in refining prognosis and enhancing clinical decisions in stroke care management. This advancement paves the way for more tailored therapeutic strategies, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.

A prospective, randomized, controlled, interventional clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the medical monopoint reperfusion system for aspiration thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients (SUMMIT MAX): Trial rationale and design.

Treatment of large vessel occlusion (LVO) using mechanical thrombectomy with or without intravenous thrombolysis has demonstrated better outcomes compared to medical treatment alone. Large-bore aspiration catheters have been recently introduced. Their effectiveness and safety have not been demonstrated in a randomized trial. The SUMMIT MAX study is designed to address this question. SUMMIT MAX is a randomized controlled trial where the effectiveness and safety of the large-bore Monopoint Reperfusion system (Route 92 Medical, San Mateo, CA), will be compared to the currently largest available FDA-cleared aspiration thrombectomy device the AXS Vecta Aspiration system (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, CA). The study is a multi-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, interventional, open label clinical trial. The hypothesis is that the effectiveness measured by the recanalization rate (modified thrombolysis in cerebrovascular infarction - mTICI) and safety measured by symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate (sICH) of the medical monopoint reperfusion system is non-inferior to the AXS Vecta Aspiration system. Up to 250 subjects are enrolled with at least 50% of subjects enrolled by US sites. The primary effectiveness endpoint is successful arterial revascularization defined as an mTICI score ≥ 2b after use of the assigned device adjudicated by an independent core lab. The primary safety endpoint is defined as sICH within 24 h (-8/+24) post-procedure. Secondary endpoints include successful arterial revascularization defined as a mTICI score ≥ 2b after use of the assigned device with or without adjunctive therapy; device-related serious adverse events; all asymptomatic hemorrhages; time from groin puncture to final angiogram; and rate of first pass effect defined as mTICI 2b after first pass with the assigned device stratified by age (≤85, ≥ 86). SUMMIT MAX is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness and safety of a new large bore class of aspiration devices to the currently largest FDA-cleared aspiration device available.

Evaluating Thrombolysis Rates and Emergency Department Time Targets in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Need for Personalized Medicine.

In the era of personalized medicine, standard protocols regarding the management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) focus on time targets alone without tailoring the protocol to the specific patient and hospital characteristics to increase IV thrombolysis rates and improve outcomes for these patients by considering organizational differences and patient-related factors that influence adherence to target times at the emergency department level. With this in mind, we evaluate the effect of achieving ED time targets from standard protocol and patient-related risk factors on the intravenous (IV) thrombolysis rate in patients with AIS in the therapeutic window. For our research, we enrolled people who arrived at the ED with signs of recent AIS with an onset of less than 4.5 h. Initially, 355 patients were included in the study, but through careful screening, only 258 were considered eligible to participate. Of the final group of 258 patients, only 46 received intravenous thrombolysis treatment. In our study, when we are analyzing ED times in patients admitted with stroke symptoms in the therapeutic window, we found statistically significantly decreased ED times for patients that performed IV thrombolysis compared to patients not performing as follows: a median of 100 min in onset-to-ED door time (p < 0.001), a door-to-physician time (ED doctor) of 4 min (p = 0.009), door-to-blood-samples of 5 min (p = 0.026), a door-to-CT time of 15.5 min (p = 0.009), and door-to-CT results of 37 min (p < 0.001). In addition, patients who received intravenous thrombolysis were found to be significantly older (p < 0.001), with lower height and weight (p < 0.001 for both) and lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (9 ± 4.94 vs. 13.85 ± 2.41, p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the onset-to-ED time (p < 0.001) and the door-to-physician time (p = 0.014) for emergency medicine physicians are significant predictors of the likelihood of administering thrombolysis. By analyzing the impact of comorbidities, we observed that dyslipidemia, chronic arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are significant predictive factors for performing IV thrombolysis (the presence of dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus are predictive factors for performing IV thrombolysis, while the presence of arterial hypertension is not). The ED time targets that significantly influenced IV thrombolysis in our study were the onset-to-ED door time and the time it takes for the ED doctor to assess the AIS patient (door-to-physician time). The IV thrombolysis rate for these patients was 17.83%, lower than expected despite achieving most ED time targets, with the presence of chronic arterial hypertension as a significant predictive patient-related factor for not performing it. Even though our reported hospital's thrombolysis rate is favorable compared to international reports, there is always room for improvement. Based on our study results, it is necessary that new protocols to customized standard protocols and ED time targets for increasing IV thrombolysis rate in patients with AIS in the therapeutic window, focusing more on patient-related factors and type of hospitals, granting personalized medicine its right. Based on our study results, it is necessary that new protocols customize standard protocols and ED time targets for increasing IV thrombolysis rate in patients with AIS in the therapeutic window, focusing more on patient-related factors and type of hospitals, granting personalized medicine its right.

Association between the stress hyperglycemia ratio and mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke

The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is established as a reliable marker for assessing the severity of stress-induced hyperglycemia. While its effectiveness in managing patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) remains to be fully understood. We aim to explore the relationship between SHR and clinical prognosis in AIS patients and to assess how diabetes status influences this relationship. In this study, we analyzed data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database, selecting patients with AIS who required ICU admission. These patients were categorized into tertiles based on their SHR levels. We applied Cox hazard regression models and used restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves to investigate relationships between outcomes and SHR. The study enrolled a total of 2029 patients. Cox regression demonstrated that a strong correlation was found between increasing SHR levels and higher all-cause mortality. Patients in the higher two tertiles of SHR experienced significantly elevated 30-day and 90-day mortality rates compared to those in the lowest tertile. This pattern remained consistent regardless of diabetes status. Further, RCS analysis confirmed a progressively increasing risk of all-cause mortality with higher SHR levels. The findings indicate that SHR is association with increased 30-day and 90-day mortality among AIS patients, underscoring its potential value in risk stratification. Although the presence of diabetes may weaken this association, significant correlations persist in diabetic patients.

APIS: a paired CT-MRI dataset for ischemic stroke segmentation - methods and challenges

Stroke, the second leading cause of mortality globally, predominantly results from ischemic conditions. Immediate attention and diagnosis, related to the characterization of brain lesions, play a crucial role in patient prognosis. Standard stroke protocols include an initial evaluation from a non-contrast CT to discriminate between hemorrhage and ischemia. However, non-contrast CTs lack sensitivity in detecting subtle ischemic changes in this phase. Alternatively, diffusion-weighted MRI studies provide enhanced capabilities, yet are constrained by limited availability and higher costs. Hence, we idealize new approaches that integrate ADC stroke lesion findings into CT, to enhance the analysis and accelerate stroke patient management. This study details a public challenge where scientists applied top computational strategies to delineate stroke lesions on CT scans, utilizing paired ADC information. Also, it constitutes the first effort to build a paired dataset with NCCT and ADC studies of acute ischemic stroke patients. Submitted algorithms were validated with respect to the references of two expert radiologists. The best achieved Dice score was 0.2 over a test study with 36 patient studies. Despite all the teams employing specialized deep learning tools, results reveal limitations of computational approaches to support the segmentation of small lesions with heterogeneous density.

Multi-modality multi-task model for mRS prediction using diffusion-weighted resonance imaging

This study focuses on predicting the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke patients with focal neurologic symptoms using a combination of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and clinical information. The primary outcome is a poor functional outcome defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3–6 after 3 months of stroke. Employing nnUnet for DWI lesion segmentation, the study utilizes both multi-task and multi-modality methodologies, integrating DWI and clinical data for prognosis prediction. Integrating the two modalities was shown to improve performance by 0.04 compared to using DWI only. The model achieves notable performance metrics, with a dice score of 0.7375 for lesion segmentation and an area under the curve of 0.8080 for mRS prediction. These results surpass existing scoring systems, showing a 0.16 improvement over the Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events score. The study further employs grad-class activation maps to identify critical brain regions influencing mRS scores. Analysis of the feature map reveals the efficacy of the multi-tasking nnUnet in predicting poor outcomes, providing insights into the interplay between DWI and clinical data. In conclusion, the integrated approach demonstrates significant advancements in prognosis prediction for cerebral infarction patients, offering a superior alternative to current scoring systems.

Collateral assessment on magnetic resonance imaging/angiography up to 30 hours after stroke onset.

We aimed to validate hyperintense vessel sign (HVS) on FLAIR imaging or posterior cerebral artery (PCA) laterality on MR angiography beyond 4.5 hours after stroke onset. Data from acute ischemic stroke patients with internal carotid or middle cerebral artery occlusion who underwent CT perfusion imaging at baseline, follow-up MR perfusion imaging and angiography within 30 hours after stroke, without effective recanalization on follow-up imaging, were analysed retrospectively. Patients were separately classified as high or low HVS (>5 or ≤5 slices of HVS), and PCA laterality positive or negative group. We compared core and penumbra volumes at follow-up imaging and neurological outcomes between high or low HVS group, and between PCA laterality positive or negative group. Of 49 patients analyzed, four patients with artifacts were excluded and 45 were classified into high (n = 23) or low (n = 22) HVS group. High group had a smaller core volume (median 32 ml versus 109 ml, p = 0.004), larger penumbra volume at follow-up (68 ml versus 0 ml, p = 0.001), and better outcomes (modified Rankin Scale at three months, 3 versus 5, p = 0.03). For PCA laterality analysis, 1 patient with previously occluded PCA was excluded and 48 patients were classified as positive (n = 22) or negative (n = 26). Positive group had larger core volume (116 ml versus 37 ml), and no significant differences in penumbral volumes or outcomes. Prominent HVS in later time was associated with small core volume, persistent penumbra volume and favorable outcomes.

UTILITY OF HALP SCORE IN PREDICTING MORTALITY IN ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) poses significant mortality and morbidity risks. The HALP score, integrating hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets, has been proposed as a potential marker for predicting outcomes in AIS patients. This study evaluates the predictive utility of the HALP score for mortality and recurrence in these patients. Objective: To assess the predictive value of the HALP score at admission for mortality and recurrent stroke within one and six months post-admission. Methods: In this prospective hospital-based cohort study, 1206 patients presenting with AIS were included. Patients were stratified into tertiles based on their HALP score at admission. The study accounted for age, gender, medical history, and NIHSS scores at baseline. Results: The cohort's mean age was 60.55 years, with 33.8% female. Patients with lower HALP scores showed worse outcomes, with 1.5% lost to follow-up and 1.3% experiencing poor outcomes at one month. At six months, 9.2% were lost to follow-up, and 8.8% had poor outcomes. Higher HALP scores correlated with reduced risk of adverse outcomes, with adjusted hazard ratios of 0.8 (95% CI: 0.05–0.19) at one month and 0.21 (95% CI: 0.13–0.34) at six months. Sensitivity and specificity were 16.1% and 25.4%, respectively, at one month and 24.6% and 36.4% at six months. Conclusion: The HALP score at admission significantly predicts mortality and recurrent stroke within the first six months post-AIS, supporting its integration into initial assessment protocols.

Association of intracranial large artery disease with long-term prognosis after ischaemic stroke.

Intracranial large artery disease (ICLAD) is a common cause of ischaemic stroke and is associated with the risk of recurrent vascular events in the short term. We compared the incidence of various long-term vascular outcomes between ischaemic stroke patients with and without ICLAD. This was a longitudinal observational study of acute ischaemic stroke patients who were followed up serially for recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction or vascular death up to a median of 86 months. Transcranial colour-coded Doppler was used in the diagnosis of ICLAD. Among the 581 ischaemic stroke patients studied (median age 63 ± 11 years, male 71%), 354 (60.9%) had ICLAD. In regression analyses adjusting for covariates, patients with ICLAD were more likely to have long-term composite vascular outcomes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-2.03, P = 0.041), myocardial infarction (HR 2.89, 95% CI 1.71-4.91, P < 0.001) and vascular death (HR 3.52, 95% CI 1.67-7.52, P = 0.001) but not recurrent stroke (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.72-1.70, P = 0.652), at a median of 86 months as compared to patients without ICLAD. Our findings of poor prognostic impact of ICLAD on long-term recurrent vascular events after ischaemic stroke provide evidence for the need of specific, emphasised screening and secondary prevention, especially for coronary artery disease in this high-risk group.

Constructing machine learning models based on non-contrast CT radiomics to predict hemorrhagic transformation after stoke: a two-center study.

Machine learning (ML) models were constructed according to non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) images as well as clinical and laboratory information to assess risk stratification for the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. A retrospective cohort was constructed with 180 AIS patients who were diagnosed at two centers between January 2019 and October 2023 and were followed for HT outcomes. Patients were analyzed for clinical risk factors for developing HT, infarct texture features were extracted from NCCT images, and the radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated. Then, five ML models were established and evaluated, and the optimal ML algorithm was used to construct the clinical, radiomics, and clinical-radiomics models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the performance of the three models in predicting HT. Based on the outcomes of the AIS patients, 104 developed HT, and the remaining 76 had no HT. The HT group consisted of 27 hemorrhagic infarction (HI) and 77 parenchymal-hemorrhage (PH). Patients with HT had a greater neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, infarct volume, and Rad-score and lower Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) (all p < 0.01) than patients without HT. The best ML algorithm for building the model was logistic regression. In the training and validation cohorts, the AUC values for the clinical, radiomics, and clinical-radiomics models for predicting HT were 0.829 and 0.876, 0.813 and 0.898, and 0.876 and 0.957, respectively. In subgroup analyses with different treatment modalities, different infarct sizes, and different stroke time windows, the assessment accuracy of the clinical-radiomics model was not statistically meaningful (all p > 0.05), with an overall accuracy of 79.5%. Moreover, this model performed reliably in predicting the PH and HI subcategories, with accuracies of 82.9 and 92.9%, respectively. ML models based on clinical and NCCT radiomics characteristics can be used for early risk evaluation of HT development in AIS patients and show great potential for clinical precision in treatment and prognostic assessment.

The Role of Platelet Distribution Width in the Association Between Blood Glucose and Neurological Impairment Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Fasting blood glucose (FBG) is a recognized risk factor for Ischemic Stroke, but little research has examined the interaction among FBG, Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) and the severity of neuronal damage. Thus, the present study constructs a moderated mediation model aimed to elucidate the relationships among FBG, PDW, and NIHSS scores in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We conducted a cross-sectional study on 431 AIS patients. Upon hospital admission, we assessed the patients' NIHSS scores and collected blood samples to measure FBG and PDW levels. The relationship between FBG and NIHSS scores moderated by PDW was analyzed by linear curve fitting analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, and moderated mediation analysis respectively. In the tertile grouping based on FBG, both PDW and NIHSS scores of AIS patients demonstrated an increase corresponding with rising levels of FBG (p<0.001 for both). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that, the β coefficients (95% CI) for the relationship between FBG and NIHSS scores were 1.49 (1.27-1.71, p<0.01) post-adjustment for potential confounders. The β coefficients (95% CI) for the relationship between FBG and PDW were 0.02 (0.01-0.04, p<0.01) post-adjustment. Likewise, for the relationship between PDW and NIHSS scores, the β coefficients (95% CI) were 4.33 (3.07-5.59, p<0.01) after adjustment. These positive association remained consistent in sensitivity analysis and hierarchical analysis. Smoothed plots suggested that there are linear relationships between FBG and PDW and NIHSS scores respectively. Further mediation analysis indicated that increased PDW significantly (p<0.01) mediated 5.91% of FBG-associated increased NIHSS scores. This study suggested that FBG levels were associated with NIHSS scores, and the FBG-associated neurological impairment may be partially mediated by PDW. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring FBG and PDW levels in AIS patients, potentially guiding risk intervention strategies.

Correlation of electrolytes with falling risk, cognitive function, and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patient

Stroke outcome is determined on multiple factors. However, there are limited studies discussing the impact of electrolyte imbalance on stroke outcome. In this study, we analyzed sodium, calcium, and potassium level in acute ischemic stroke, and compare their risk of falling, cognitive function, and functional outcome. This was a cross-sectional study in Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Indonesia between January and June 2023. Patient with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study. Cognitive function was assessed with mini mental state examination (MMSE) and the Indonesian version of montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA-Ina). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and Morse Fall Score (MFS) were used to assessed stroke severity, disability, and risk of falling, respectively. Pearson correlation was then performed to evaluate the correlation of electrolytes level with MMSE, MoCA-Ina, NIHSS, MRS, and MFS. Furthermore, we also analyzed the odds ratio of increasing risk of falling, cognitive function deterioration, and worse functional outcome. A p-value of &amp;lt;0.05 is considered statistically significant. On univariate analysis, natrium is correlated with MMSE (r=0.174; p=0.042), NIHSS (r=-0.412; p=0.011), MRS (r=-0.174; p=0.042), and MFS (r=-0.304; p=0.042). Potassium is correlated with MMSE (r=0.344; p=0.044), MoCA-INA (r=0.341; p=0.048), NIHSS (r=-0.572; p=0.019), (MRS r=-0.376; p=0.017), and MFS (r=-0.612; p=0.031). Calcium is correlated with NIHSS r=-0.348 (p=0.018), MRS r=-0.256 (p=0.036). On odds ratio analysis, low natrium level increased the risk of deteriorating cognitive function, and low level of potassium increased the risk of falling. Electrolyte imbalances correlates with risk of falling and deteriorating cognitive function.

A Role for Systemic Inflammation in Stroke-Associated Infection and the Long-Term Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Mediation Analysis.

The dynamic systemic inflammation level and stroke-associated infection (SAI) are related to the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to explore whether the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and their dynamic changes possess predictability for SAI and long-term prognosis. A total of 1804 AIS patients without intravenous thrombolysis in two hospitals were included. We explored the relationship between SIRI, SII, and their dynamic changes and outcomes by constructing clusters. The mediating effects of SAI between prognosis and systemic inflammation were further evaluated. Each SD increase in the concentration of SIRI exhibited a significant correlation with the risk of poor functional outcome, mortality, and functional dependency. Through K-means clustering analysis, patients with dramatically elevated or decreased systemic inflammation levels of SIRI (OR: 2.293, 95% CI: 1.279-4.109) and SII (OR: 3.165, 95% CI: 1.627-6.156) within 7 days had a higher risk of functional outcome. Through mediation analysis, SAI mediated the association between systemic inflammation and poor prognosis (SIRI: 33.73%, SII: 16.01%). Dramatically changing dynamics of SIRI and SII were significantly associated with a higher risk of poor prognosis in AIS patients. SAI mediated the association between systemic inflammation and prognosis at 1 year.

Application Value of the Apolipoprotein in the Prediction of Acute Ischemic Death and in the Assessment of Functional Outcomes.

In recent years, research on the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene has gradually proven that many diseases, including atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and neurological diseases, are closely related to ApoE gene diversity. However, the relationship between the APOE gene and the prediction and prognosis evaluation of ischemic stroke has not been determined or unified so far. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application value of APOE allele-4 combined with high-resolution vascular wall imaging in predicting the occurrence and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. A total of 511 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), who were admitted from January 2022 to December 2023, were included in the study, including 317 patients with intracranial artery stenosis. Blood lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoprotein E (including allelic typing), and lipoproteins (a) were measured in all cases, and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the vascular walls was performed. At 6 months, the functional outcomes of the AIS patients were followed up, assessed by using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) (a score of 2 - 6 was rated as poor prognosis), and the high-definition vascular wall imaging results were followed up as well. High-definition vascular wall imaging ensures the accurate location of vascular stenosis and the accurate diagnosis of acute stroke. There were no significant differences in the total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or lipoprotein (a) in patients with and without intracranial artery stenosis, but the plasma apolipoprotein E (APOE) levels were significantly reduced in patients with intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS). At the 6-month follow-up, 230 patients with the APOE-ε4 gene were enrolled, out of which 104 had a poor prognosis (mRS score ≥ 2), accounting for 45.22%. Among 281 patients without the APOE-ε4 gene, 45 had a poor prognosis (mRS score ≥ 2), accounting for 16.01%. Patients with the APOE-ε4 gene had a worse functional prognosis after 6 months. It is suggested that low plasma APOE levels may be a high risk factor for ICAS in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and carrying the APOE-ε4 gene may be a high risk factor for a poor functional prognosis in AIS patients. The APOE-ε4 genotype, combined with high-resolution vascular wall imaging, has certain clinical application value in predicting the occurrence of acute ischemic death and evaluating the functional outcome.

Risk factors of acute stroke associated pneumonia and predictive value of serum amyloid A combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the risk factors for stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and assess the predictive value of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on SAP. Methods: The study included acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients from January 2021 to June 2022 in our hospital. The patients’ history of chronic diseases, the clinical characteristics, and the laboratory testing data were recorded. SPSS 22 was used for statistical analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent predictors. Results: We studied 356 patients with AIS, of which 19.4% (n = 69) developed SAP. In the SAP group, the patients with higher the proportion of hypertension, coronary heart disease and higher the NIHSS score were older, the blood glucose, neutrophil count, NLR and SAA of the SAP group were significantly higher than the Non-SAP group. Multiple logistic regression analysis for SAP showed that age , NIHSS,SAA and NLR were independent risk factors for SAP. For SAA alone, the area under the curve (AUC) in the ROC curve was 0.765, For NLR alone, the AUC was 0.840. When SAA combined with NLR, the AUC increased to 0.853. we created a 4-item prediction model, the AUC increased to 0.881. Conclusion: Age, NIHSS, SAA and NLR were independent risk factors for SAP. When SAA combined with NLR, its predictive value for SAP was higher than its alone, the value of prediction for SAP appeared to be much stronger when SAA and NLR incorporated in a prediction model including age, and NIHSS.

Value of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prediction of functional recovery and 3-month mortality following endovascular treatment for acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke

ObjectivesThe red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been linked to poor prognosis in patients with ischaemic stroke. However, no study has yet evaluated the prognostic role of RDW and NLR, or their combined effect on reperfusion in patients with endovascularly-treated acute ischaemic stroke. This study therefore aimed to analyse the impact of RDW and NLR on poor functional outcomes and failed reperfusion following endovascular treatment in patients with acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke. MethodsA total of 275 patients with acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke treated endovascularly between 2015 and 2018 were enrolled in this study. The relationships between RDW, NLR, and poor outcomes were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The Youden Index was applied to determine the cut-off value. ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis identified RDW (p = 0.015) and NLR (p = 0.015) as independent predictors of mortality at the 3rd month. ROC curve analysis of RDW revealed a cutoff value of 14.25 (p = 0.009) for poor clinical outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] 3–6). Similarly, a cutoff value of 14.25 was found for mortality prediction (p = 0.003). The cutoff value for poor clinical outcome (mRS 3–6) in the NLR was determined as 5.93 (p = 0.003), whereas the cutoff value for mortality was set at 5.17 (p = 0.028). RDW also predicted failed reperfusion, with a cutoff value of 17.75 (p = 0.048). ConclusionsHigh RDW and NLR upon admission were identified as independent indicators of mortality in endovascularly treated acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients. Furthermore, the RDW could potentially predict failed reperfusion.