Higher Rate Of Favorable Outcome Research Articles

Comparative analysis of single plane and biplane angiography systems for mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe choice of angiography system could influence the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its impact is not yet well understood. This...

Comparison of Functional Outcome of Proximal Humerus Management with K-Wire versus PHILOS Plate

Background: Background: Proximal humerus fractures account for approximately 4% of all fractures and 26% of humeral fractures. While conservative treatment is often recommended, surgical management remains debated, particularly with the use of percutaneous pinning and PHILOS plating.Objective: To compare the functional outcomes of proximal humerus fractures managed with percutaneous pinning versus PHILOS plating using Constant and Murley’s score.Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at Services Hospital, Lahore, over 18 months. A total of 128 patients were randomized into two groups: Group A (Percutaneous Pinning, n=64) and Group B (PHILOS Plating, n=64). Demographic data were recorded, and functional outcomes were assessed using Constant and Murley’s score at the 24th week. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25, with independent t-tests and chi-square tests applied, considering p<0.05 significant.Results: The mean Constant and Murley score were 84.58 ± 8.561 in Group A and 86.48 ± 7.622 in Group B (p=0.186). Favorable outcomes were seen in 34.4% (n=44) in Group A and 42.2% (n=54) in Group B (p=0.037).Conclusion: PHILOS plating proved a higher rate of favorable outcomes compared to percutaneous pinning, suggesting its preferable use for proximal humerus fracture management.

Optimal Timing of Microsurgical Treatment for Ruptured Arteriovenous Malformations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The timing of microsurgical treatment (MST) for ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) is a contentious issue in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MST timing on outcomes in patients with ruptured bAVMs, considering MST with and without preoperative endovascular treatment (EVT). Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, yielding 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The timing was defined as the duration from the rupture of bAVM to the MST. The patients were divided into 4 different groups based on MST timing: <48 hours, <1 week, <2 weeks, and <1 month. The primary outcome was favorable outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 or a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 to 5 in the last clinical follow-up. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural mortality and complete excision. MST time >48 hours were associated with a significantly higher favorable outcome rate (odds ratio: 9.71, 95% Cl: 3.09-30.57, P < .01) and a lower mortality rate (OR: 0.15, 95% Cl: 0.02-0.88, P = .04) compared with MST timing ≤48 hours. After exclusion of patients who underwent MST with preoperative EVT, MST time >48 hours had a significantly higher rate of favorable outcome (OR: 9.39, 95% CI: 2.53-34.89, P < .01). This meta-analysis suggests that delayed surgical intervention beyond 48 hours may be associated with improved favorable outcomes in patients who underwent MST with and without preoperative EVT for ruptured bAVMs.

Treatment trends and clinical outcomes of endovascular embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the pediatric population

BackgroundOwing to the relative rarity of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in the pediatric population, evidence regarding treatment modalities and clinical outcomes remains limited.ObjectiveTo characterize the use and clinical outcomes of...

Abstract 152: Endovascular Therapy versus Medical Management for Acute Ischemic Stroke With Large Infarct: A Time-Benefit Relationship Analysis

Objective: Recent randomized trials demonstrated the benefit of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with large infarct. We aimed to characterize the effect of time to treatment on the benefit of endovascular therapy compared to medical management among patients with acute large ischemic stroke. Methods: Analysis the Endovascular Therapy in Acute Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusive Patients with a Large Infarct Core trial (ANGEL-ASPECT), which was a multicenter, randomized trial at 46 comprehensive stroke centers in China from August 2020 to October 2022. Onset to arterial puncture time (OPT) associated with outcomes of endovascular therapy were analyzed as a category and continuous variable. The primary outcome was favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-3) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included degree of disability (modified Rankin scale range), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, any intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality. Results: Among 455 eligible patients, the median age was 68 years, and median Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score was 3 (interquartile range 3-4). Compared with medical management alone, endovascular therapy plus medical management was associated with higher rates of favorable outcome with OPT within 6 hours (44.4% vs 29.9%, adjusted odds ratio[aOR] 2.78 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-6.32]), 6-12 hours (45.7% vs 29.6%, aOR 2.39 [95% CI 1.21-4.71]), but not in OPT beyond 12 hours (51.6% vs 41.4%, aOR 2.05 [95% CI, 0.88-4.77]). The benefit in favorable outcome became nonsignificant after OPT of 13 hours and 22 minutes. In three OPT intervals, the odds of better disability outcome with endovascular therapy plus medical management than medical management alone were observed; the rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality were similar, though the rates of any intracranial hemorrhage increased. Conclusion: In patients with large cerebral infarction, endovascular therapy plus medical management was efficacious in improving functional outcomes with acceptable safety in a broad time window of 0 to 24 hours, but greater benefit was observed with earlier treatment. A pooled analysis with larger sample size is needed.

Abstract WMP90: Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment versus Best Medical Treatment for Acute Basilar-Artery Occlusion: Impacts of Etiology in the ATTENTION Randomized Trial

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment versus best medical treatment strategies in acute basilar artery occlusion with different stroke etiologies. Methods: The study was a post-hoc analysis of the Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Basilar-artery Occlusion (ATTENTION), which was a multicenter, randomized trial at 36 centers in China from February 2021 to September 2022. Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion were classified into three groups according to stroke etiology: large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolism (CE), and undetermined/other determined cause (UC/ODC). The primary outcome was favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-3) at 90 days. Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. Results: A total of 340 patients were included. Compared with best medical treatment, endovascular treatment was associated with higher rates of favorable outcome at 90 days in the LAA group (49.1% vs 23.8%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-6.71), CE group (52.2% vs 30.8%; aOR 3.68; 95%CI 1.04-12.97), and UC/ODC group (37.5% vs 17.4%; aOR 5.73, 95%CI 1.99-16.48). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in patients receiving endovascular treatment with LAA, CE and UC/ODC was 8.3%, 2.2%, and 3.2%, respectively, and none of the best medical treatment patients. Endovascular treatment led to lower 90-day mortality than best medical treatment in LAA patients (33.3% vs 57.1%; aOR 0.41; 95% CI 0.19-0.91). Among patients receiving endovascular treatment, a better functional outcomes of CE etiology was found than the UC/ODC etiology (52.2% vs 37.5%; aOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.07-6.70); there was no differences in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality among the three etiology subtypes. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment was associated with better outcomes than the best medical treatment in acute basilar artery occlusion patients regardless of stroke etiologies, but the benefits-risk ratios were different among etiologies. The stroke etiology might be an important factor in predicting the prognosis of thrombectomy in acute basilar artery occlusion.

Abstract WP206: Single Center Experience Using the 3-Max Catheter in Medium and Distal Vessel Occlusion

Introduction: Stroke thrombectomy for medium and distal vessel occlusion is a topic of great interest with several clinical trials underway. We describe a single center experience with the Penumbra 3 max aspiration catheter in stroke thrombectomy. In our study, we compare the use of the 3 max as a de novo first pass catheter to its use as a rescue aspiration catheter following attempted thrombectomy with other devices. Methods: From January 2017 to January 2023, 84 patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy with use of a Penumbra 3 Max aspiration catheter at our comprehensive stroke center. Of these patients, 26 had 3 Max used as a first pass catheter (de novo) and 58 had it used on subsequent passes (rescue). We retrospectively reviewed these patient charts for demographic variables, and clinical and radiographic outcomes. We compared the effectiveness of the 3 Max catheter in achieving recanalization on first pass when used de novo, to the successful recanalization of a vessel when the 3 Max was used as a rescue device (“rescue rate”). Results: There were no significant differences in baseline demographic variables including age, gender, presenting NIHSS, and vascular risk factors between the de novo and rescue groups. There was no significant difference in location of occlusion and IV or IA thrombolytic use between the groups. The rescue rate was higher than the first pass effect [67.2% vs. 38.5%, X 2 (1, N =84) = 6.1, p&lt;.05]. Rates of successful thrombectomy, defined as TICI2c or better, were similar between the de novo and rescue groups (44.4% vs. 40.4%, p=0.722). The de novo group had higher rates of favorable outcome at 90 days (mRS 0-2), but this did not reach statistical significance (44% vs. 28.1%, p=0.158). Hemorrhage and mortality rates between the two groups were low and not statistically significant when compared to each other. Conclusion: Medium and distal vessel occlusion carry high rates of morbidity and deserve consideration of endovascular therapy. The Penumbra 3 Max catheter has a higher rescue recanalization rate than first pass recanalization rate. It appears to be a safe and effective device when used in mechanical thrombectomy.

Intravenous Thrombolysis before Complete Angiographic Reperfusion: Beyond Angiographic Assessment to Target Microvascular Obstruction?

Recent data have suggested that ineffective tissue reperfusion despite successful angiographic reperfusion was partly responsible for unfavorable outcomes after endovascular therapy (EVT) and might be modulated by intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) use before EVT. To specifically decipher the effect played by IVT before EVT, we compared the clinical and safety outcomes of patients who experienced a complete reperfusion at the end of EVT according to IVT use before EVT. The Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry is an ongoing, prospective, observational study at 21 centers that perform EVT in France. Patients were included if they had an anterior large vessel occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (M1/M2 segments) and complete reperfusion (expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score = 3) with EVT within 6 hours, between January 2015 and December 2021. The cohort was divided into two groups according to IVT use before EVT, and propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the two groups. Primary outcome was the shift in the degree of disability as measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days. Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. Outcomes were estimated with multivariate logistic models adjusted for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and time from symptom onset to puncture. Among 5,429 patients included in the ETIS registry, 1,093 were included in the study, including 651 patients with complete recanalization treated with IVT before EVT. After PSM, 488 patients treated with IVT before EVT were compared to 337 patients without IVT. In the matched cohort analysis, the IVT+EVT group had a favorable shift in the overall mRS score distribution (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-1.91, p = 0.023) and higher rates of favorable outcome (61.1% vs 48.7%, aOR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.02-2.20, p = 0.041) at 90 days compared with the EVT alone group. Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were comparable between both groups (6.0% vs 4.3%, aOR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.53-2.54, p = 0.709). In clinical practice, even after complete angiographic reperfusion by EVT, prior IVT use improves clinical outcomes of patients without increasing bleeding risk. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:762-773.

Abstract 230: Endovascular therapy for large core ischemic strokes: Meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials

Introduction Background: Patients with acute strokes with large infarct size are traditionally excluded from endovascular therapies, as like as clinical care. However, questions remain with respect to the safety and efficacy of EVT in these patients. Methods We conducted a meta‐analysis based on pooled data from SELECT 2 trial [1], ANGEL‐ASPECT trial [2], RESCUE Japan [3], and HERMES study [4]. We explored the efficacy of EVT for large infarcts to achieve a favorable 90‐day modified Rankin Scale. Also, we compared favorable outcomes following EVT in those with a core infarct at baseline of more than 70 ml, delayed thrombectomy of more than 6 hours, older than 75 years, and those who received concomitant IV thrombolysis. We also examined the pooled rate of hemorrhagic transformation following EVT in large core strokes. Results This meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant higher rate of favorable outcome in subjects with extremely large infarct size who undergone EVT compared to those who were managed by medical therapy alone (RR: 1.41, 95% CI: [1.05‐1.98], p: 0.03). In the subgroups of patients with core size &gt; 70ml (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: [1.23‐1.87]), late window presentation (LKN to randomization ≥ 6 hours), (RR: 1.53, 95% CI: [1.27‐1.84]), or those 75 or older than 75 years old (RR: 1.43, 95% CI: [1.12‐1.84]), EVT was associated with higher rates of favorable 90‐day mRS score of 0‐3 compared to medical therapy alone. However, EVT was not associated with better outcomes in those who received IV thrombolysis (RR: 1.37, 95% CI: [0.93‐2.01]. Based on pooled data from SELECT‐2, ANGEL‐ASPECT, and RESCUE Japan trials, the overall rate of early symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation among cases with ASPECT 0‐5 in the thrombectomy group was not significantly higher compared to patients who were managed non‐surgically (OR 1.75, 95% CI: [0.89‐3.47]). Conclusion Endovascular therapy is a reasonable option for the management of large infarcts. EVT results in favorable outcome by a delayed thrombectomy for a large core infarct and in older patients.

Abstract 075: Treatment Trends and Clinical Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy for Pediatric Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Introduction Due to the relative rarity of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) in the pediatric population, evidence regarding treatment modalities and clinical outcomes remains limited. This study aims to characterize the utilization and clinical outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) and microsurgical clipping (MSC) for pediatric UIAs over a two‐decade interval using a large national registry. Methods Pediatric (&lt; 18 years of age) UIA hospitalizations were identified in the National Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2019. Temporal utilization and clinical outcomes were compared for treatment with EVT and MSC. Results Among 734 UIAs identified during the study period, 64.9% (n = 476) were treated with EVT. Utilization of EVT significantly increased during the study period from 54.3% (2002‐2004) to 78.6% (2017‐2019) (p = 0.002 by Cochrane‐Armitage test). Treatment with EVT did not differ as a function of increasing age, but was mostly highly utilized in the youngest age grouping [70.4% (0‐2 years), 64.0% (3‐12 years), 64.3% (13‐17 years); p = 0.578]. In comparison with those treated with MSC, pediatric patients treated with EVT demonstrated higher rates of favorable outcomes (discharge to home without services) (96.0% vs. 91.1%, p = 0.006), shorter durations of hospital stay (4.6 vs. 10.0 days, p &lt; 0.001), and lower rates of ischemic or hemorrhagic procedural‐related complications (1% vs. 4%, p = 0.010). Conclusion A retrospective evaluation of nearly twenty years of population‐level data from the United States demonstrates increasing utilization of EVT for the treatment of pediatric UIAs with high rates of favorable outcomes and shorter hospital stays in comparison to those treated with microsurgery. However, limitations of available registry data (such as absence of radiographic parameters and aneurysm morphological characteristics) temper any definitive claims regarding treatment efficacy.

Successful Thrombectomy Improves Functional Outcome in Tandem Occlusions with a Large Ischemic Core

Emergent stenting in tandem occlusions and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of acute ischemic stroke related to large vessel occlusion (LVO-AIS) with a large core are tested independently. We aim to assess the impact of reperfusion with MT in patients with LVO-AIS with a large core and a tandem occlusion and to compare the safety of reperfusion between large core with tandem and nontandem occlusions in current practice. We analyzed data of all consecutive patients included in the prospective Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Registry in France between January 2015 and March 2023 who presented with a pretreatment ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score) of 0-5 and angiographically proven tandem occlusion. The primary end point was a favorable outcome defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 90 days. Among 262 included patients with a tandem occlusion and ASPECTS 0-5, 203 patients (77.5%) had a successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b-3). Reperfused patients had a favorable shift in the overall mRS score distribution (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.57 [1.22-2.03]; P < 0.001), higher rates of mRS score 0-3 (aOR, 7.03 [2.60-19.01]; P < 0.001) and mRS score 0-2 at 90 days (aOR, 3.85 [1.39-10.68]; P= 0.009) compared with nonreperfused. There was a trend between the occurrence of successful reperfusion and a decreased rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aOR, 0.5 [0.22-1.13]; P= 0.096). Similar safety outcomes were observed after large core reperfusion in tandem and nontandem occlusions. Successful reperfusion was associated with a higher rate of favorable outcome in large core LVO-AIS with a tandem occlusion, with a safety profile similar to nontandem occlusion.

Outcomes following therapeutic intervention of post-traumatic vasospasm: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundVasospasm occurrence following traumatic brain injury may impact neurologic and functional recovery of patients, yet treatment of post-traumatic vasospasm (PTV) has not been well documented. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the current evidence regarding favorable outcome as measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores following treatment of PTV. MethodsA systematic review of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid EMBASE was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Included manuscripts were methodically scrutinized for quality; occurrence of PTV; rate of favorable outcome following each treatment modality; and follow-up duration. Treatments evaluated were calcium channel blockers (CCBs), endovascular intervention, and dopamine-induced hypertension. Outcomes were compared via the random-effects analysis. ResultsFourteen studies with 1885 PTV patients were quantitatively analyzed: 982 patients who received tailored therapeutic intervention and 903 patients who did not receive tailored therapy. For patients undergoing treatment, the rate of favorable outcome was 57.3 % (500/872 patients; 95 % CI 54.1 – 60.6 %) following administration of CCBs, 94.1 % (16/17 patients; 95 % CI 82.9 – 100.0 %) following endovascular intervention, and 54.8 % (51/93 patients; 95 % CI 44.7 – 65.0 %) following dopamine-induced hypertension. Of note, the endovascular group had the highest rate of favorable outcome but was also the smallest sample size (n = 17). Patients who received tailored therapeutic intervention for PTV had a higher rate of favorable outcome than patients who did not receive tailored therapy: 57.7 % (567/982 patients; 95 % CI 54.1 – 60.8 %) versus 52.0 % (470/903 patients; 95 % CI 48.8 – 55.3 %), respectively. ConclusionsThe available data suggests that tailored therapeutic intervention of PTV results in a favorable outcome. While endovascular intervention of PTV had the highest rate of favorable outcome, both CCB administration and dopamine-induced hypertension had similar lower rates of favorable outcome.

Predictors of Early Neurological Improvement and Its Relationship to Thrombolysis Treatment and Long-Term Outcome in the WAKE-UP Study

Introduction: The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship of clinical and imaging baseline factors and treatment on the occurrence of early neurological improvement (ENI) in the WAKE-UP trial of MRI-guided intravenous thrombolysis in unknown onset stroke and to examine the association of ENI with long-term favorable outcome in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Methods: We analyzed data from all patients with at least moderate stroke severity, reflected by an initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥4 randomized in the WAKE-UP trial. ENI was defined as a decrease in NIHSS of ≥8 or a decline to zero or 1 at 24 h after initial presentation to the hospital. Favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1 at 90 days. We performed group comparison and multivariable analysis of baseline factors associated with ENI and performed mediation analysis to evaluate the effect of ENI on the relationship between intravenous thrombolysis and favorable outcome. Results: ENI occurred in 93 out of 384 patients (24.2%) and was more likely to occur in patients who received treatment with alteplase (62.4% vs. 46.0%, p = 0.009), had smaller acute diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume (5.51 mL vs. 10.9 mL, p ≤ 0.001), and less often large-vessel occlusion on initial MRI (7/93 [12.1%] versus 40/291 [29.9%], p = 0.014). In multivariable analysis, treatment with alteplase (OR 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.954–1.100), lower baseline stroke volume (OR 0.965, 95% CI: 0.932–0.994), and shorter time from symptom recognition to treatment (OR 0.994, 95% CI: 0.989–0.999) were independently associated with ENI. Patients with ENI had higher rates of favorable outcome at 90-day follow-up (80.6% vs. 31.3%, p ≤ 0.001). The occurrence of ENI significantly mediated the association of treatment with a good outcome, with ENI at 24 h explaining 39.4% (12.9–96%) of the treatment effect. Conclusion: Intravenous alteplase increases the odds of ENI in patients with at least moderate stroke severity, especially when given early. In patients with large-vessel occlusion, ENI is rarely observed without thrombectomy. ENI represents a good surrogate early marker of treatment effect as more than a third of good outcome at 90 days is explained by ENI at 24 h.

Abstract Number ‐ 2: Intravenous Thrombolysis for Pediatric Ischemic Stroke: Twenty Years of Population‐Level Data in the United States

Introduction Although intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) represents standard‐of‐care treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in eligible adult patients, definitive evidence‐based guidelines and randomized clinical trial data evaluating its safety and efficacy in the pediatric population remain absent from the literature. We aim to evaluate the utilization and outcomes of IVT for the treatment of pediatric AIS using a large national registry. Methods Weighted hospitalizations for pediatric (&lt;18 years of age) AIS patients were identified in the National Inpatient Sample during the period of 2001 to 2019. Complex samples statistical methods were performed to assess unadjusted and adjusted outcomes in patients treated with IVT or other medical management. Results Among 13,901 pediatric AIS patients, 270 (1.9%) were treated with IVT monotherapy (median age 12.8 years). IVT‐treated patients developed any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) at a rate of 5.6% (n = 15), and 71.9% (n = 194) experienced favorable functional outcomes at discharge (to home or to acute rehabilitation). Following propensity‐score adjustment for age, acute stroke severity, infarct location, and etiological/comorbid conditions, IVT was not associated with an increased risk of any ICH [5.6% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.931; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48, 2.14, p = 0.971], nor with favorable functional outcome (71.9% vs. 74.5%, p = 0.489; aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.60, 1.29, p = 0.511) in comparison with other medical therapy. Conclusions Twenty years of population‐level data in the United States demonstrate that pediatric AIS patients treated with IVT experienced high rates of favorable outcomes without an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation.

The role of therapeutic drug monitoring in the management of inflammatory bowel disease

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is performed when a drug has a narrow therapeutic range (e.g., thiopurines) or there is no linear drug response relationship (biologic agents). TDM is the measurement of drug and/or antibody concentration and individualizing the dose to maintain the drug concentration in the target range. Maintaining serum drug concentration in a therapeutic range is associated with a higher rate of favorable outcomes. Reactive drug monitoring is performed when the disease is active, and proactive drug monitoring is performed when the disease is in remission. Thiopurines still form an important therapeutic armamentarium in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but have a narrow therapeutic range. Preemptive thiopurine methyl transferase and nucleoside diphosphate-linked moiety X-type motif (NUDT) genotype measurement can reduce the toxicity with appropriate dose initiation and thiopurine metabolite measurement can optimize the dose and reduce the toxicity. Antitumor necrosis factor agents brought about a paradigm shift in the management of moderate-to-severe IBD at the turn of the past century. Despite their efficacy, up to half the patients discontinue the biologic agents at the end of 1 year due to primary nonresponse or secondary loss of response. TDM can optimize the drug level and improve clinical response, reduce antibody formation, reduce cost, and can improve corticosteroid- free clinical remission. Despite postulated benefits and guidelines, the evidence for objective benefits from meta-analysis is mixed. This article reviews the current concepts regarding TDM.

Alveolar cleft reconstruction with vomerine bone: two surgical procedures in one step: a case series

Aim: Iliac crest (IC) is the most common source of bone for alveolar cleft repair, as it allows for harvesting a large amount of cancellous bone with a high rate of favorable outcomes. Its drawback is the donor-site morbidity. We propose a new technique for alveolar cleft grafting using vomerine bone (VB), which, through bone grafting, reconstructs the alveolus with the VB and simultaneously corrects the nasal septum deviation. Method: We performed 18 alveolar reconstructions with VB in patients with a small bony defect and septal deviation, which would benefit from septoplasty. A matched control group with IC bone grafting was selected. Panoramic X-rays were used for vertical assessment of ossification with the Bergland scale and CT scans for the evaluation of the thickness of the grafted area in the VB and IC groups and compared with an independent samples T-test. A paired T-test compared angular measurements of the septal deviation pre- and post- vomerine grafting. Results: All grafts healed uneventfully, with no complications at the donor site and respiratory function was improved. There was no statistically significant difference in ossification height between VB and IC, the alveolar thickness at the occlusal and middle third was higher with IC. Septal deviation was reduced significantly. Conclusion: Alveolar graft from VB seems to be a viable alternative to IC in patients who present with a mild bony alveolar defect in addition to septal deviation, allowing combined procedures while reducing the morbidity of the donor site.

Safety and Efficacy of Tirofiban in Severe Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Tirofiban has recently shown encouraging efficacy and safety among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). However, the benefits of tirofiban varied among studies depending on the patient's condition, which was often not well analyzed. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of patients who may obtain the largest benefits from tirofiban. The efficacy endpoint was a favorable outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0~2 at 90 days. The safety endpoints were intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and mortality at 90 days. Adjusted logistic regression analysis and subgroup analyses were utilized to investigate the factors associated with tirofiban and the outcome. All of 285 patients fit the inclusion criteria. Tirofiban was associated with a higher rate of favorable outcome (aOR 2.033, 95% CI, 1.002~4.123, p = 0.043) but not with an increased risk of ICH, sICH or mortality (p &gt; 0.05). Moreover, subgroup analyses revealed that tirofiban was associated with favorable outcomes in patients with NIHSS &gt; 14 (aOR 2.778, 95% CI 1.056~7.356, p = 0.038) but not in patients with NIHSS ≤ 14 (aOR 1.719, 95% CI 0.646~4.578, p = 0.278). No significant heterogeneity was found in the effect of tirofiban across the subgroups of age, sex, ASPECTS, time from onset to puncture, use of t-PA or stroke etiology (p for interaction &gt; 0.05). The administration of tirofiban was associated with favorable outcomes in severe ischemic stroke patients, and further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Early intervention with acupuncture improves the outcome of patients with Bell's palsy: A propensity score-matching analysis.

ObjectiveAlthough acupuncture is widely used as a complementary therapy in the treatment of Bell's palsy (BP) when to initiate acupuncture is still controversial. This study aims to determine the efficacy of the early intervention by acupuncture on BP.MethodsWe retrospectively gathered clinical data from the Third Affiliated Hospital of SUN-YAT SEN University between 2016 and 2021. We selected newly diagnosed patients with BP who were diagnosed by registered neurologists or acupuncturists formally. The qualified patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not initial acupuncture treatment was given within 7 days from the onset of palsy. Cohorts were balanced using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Cox proportional hazards modeling and Kaplan–Meier analysis were applied to determine the differences between the two groups. The outcome included time to complete recovery of facial function, the rate of complete recovery, and the occurrence of sequelae in 24 weeks.ResultsA total of 345 patients were eligible for this study and were divided into the manual acupuncture/electroacupuncture (MA/EA) group (n = 76) and the EA group (n = 125). In the propensity score-matched cohort, the time to complete recovery was significantly shorter in the MA/EA group compared with the patients in the EA group (hazard ratio 1.505, 95% CI 1.028–2.404, p <0.05). The MA/EA group had a higher rate of favorable outcomes at 12 weeks than the EA group (93.4 vs. 80.3%, p = 0.032), and the occurrence of sequelae at 24 weeks showed a greater reducing trend in the MA/EA group than the EA group (6.6 vs. 16.4%, p = 0.088).ConclusionAcupuncture intervention at the acute stage of BP could shorten the time to recovery and improve the outcome.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR 2200058060.

Endovascular Treatment Versus Best Medical Management in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Strokes: Results From the ATTENTION Multicenter Registry.

The authors compare the effectiveness and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) versus best medical management (BMM) in strokes attributable to acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). The present analysis was based on the ongoing, prospective, multicenter ATTENTION (Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion) trial registry in China. Our analytic sample comprised 2134 patients recruited at 48 sites between 2017 and 2021 and included 462 patients who received BMM and 1672 patients who received EVT. We performed an inversed probability of treatment weighting analysis. Qualifying patients had to present within 24 hours of estimated BAO. The primary clinical outcome was favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-3) at 90 days. We also performed a sensitivity analysis with the propensity score matching-based and the instrumental variable-based analysis. In our primary analysis using the inversed probability of treatment weighting-based analysis, there was a significantly higher rate of favorable outcome at 90 days among EVT patients compared with BMM-treated patients (adjusted relative risk, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.19-1.65]; absolute risk difference, 11.8% [95% CI, 6.9-16.7]). The mortality was significantly lower (adjusted relative risk, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.69-0.88]; absolute risk difference, -10.3% [95% CI, -15.8 to -4.9]) in patients undergoing EVT. Results were generally consistent across the secondary end points. Similar associations were seen in the propensity score matching-based and instrumental variable-based analysis. In this real-world study, EVT was associated with significantly better functional outcomes and survival at 90 days. Well-designed randomized studies comparing EVT with BMM in the acute BAO are needed. URL: www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2000041117.

Clinical Significance and Influencing Factors of Microvascular Tissue Reperfusion After Macrovascular Recanalization.

The relevance of impaired microvascular tissue reperfusion despite successful macrovascular angiographic reperfusion (no-reflow) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of tissue optimal reperfusion (TOR) and its influencing factors. From December 1, 2020 to December 1, 2021, AIS patients with successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score [mTICI] ≥ 2b) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were retrospectively reviewed. Computed tomography perfusion was performed before and after MT. Successful reperfusion was assessed by TOR, defined as > 90% reduction of the Tmax > 6s lesion volumes between baseline and early follow-up perfusion profiles. The impact of TOR on functional outcomes after successful recanalization and influencing factors for TOR were both investigated. Sixty-three patients were included, including 44 cases in the TOR group and 19 cases in the non-TOR group. The TOR group had a higher rate of favorable outcome (aOR 4.366, 95%CI 1.159-16.445, p = 0.030) and NIHSS improvement (aOR 5.089, 95%CI 1.340-19.322, p = 0.017) than the non-TOR group. Multivariable logistic regression showed baseline glucose (OR 0.648, 95%CI 0.492-0.854, p = 0.002) and mTICI 2c/3 (OR 10.984, 95%CI 2.220-54.343, p = 0.003) predicted TOR in model 1; in model 2, postoperative glucose (OR 0.468, 95%CI 0.278-0.787, p = 0.004) and mTICI 2c/3 (OR 9.436, 95%CI 1.889-47.144, p = 0.006) were predictive. TOR was strongly associated with good functional outcomes after successful recanalization of MT. Higher mTICI grade and lower perioperative glucose level may predict microvascular tissue reperfusion.