History Of Intracranial Hemorrhage Research Articles

Cerebral arterio-venous malformations in the paediatric population: Angiographic characteristics, multimodal treatment strategies and outcome

ObjectivesCerebral arterio-venous malformations (AVM) are considered congenital lesions, emerging as an important cause of haemorrhagic stroke in children. The potential influence of age on clinical presentation and angio-architecture have been analysed extensively in the last years. Yet, comparative studies comprising ascending age groups may be limited in their conclusions, especially when comparing young children and adults. It is the aim of this study to evaluate characteristic clinical and angiographic features of AVM within a paediatric subgroup and their correlation to age at presentation. Patients and methodsBetween 1990–2015, 46 children harbouring AVMs were treated at our institution. Clinical presentation, radiological data, treatment strategies and outcome were evaluated retrospectively. ResultsOf 46 consecutive patients, 18 were male and 28 female patients. Mean age was 11.6±4.3years, ranging from 2 to 17 years. 35 patients (76%) presented with haemorrhage. Seizures were found in 6 patients (13%) and progressive or transient focal neurological deficits in 4 individuals (9%). There was one incidental patient, only. Mean age of children presenting with haemorrhage was significantly lower as compared to those without a history of intracranial bleeding (p=0.1). The size of the AVM was small (n=27, 59%), corresponding a grade I AVM in the majority of patients (N=28, 61%). 41 patients (89%) underwent treatment of their AVM by an interdisciplinary approach achieving complete elimination of the lesion in 34 patients (83%). 34 patients (83%) showed at least a favourable outcome (mRS≤2) at last follow-up. An excellent recovery (mRS 0–1) was noted in 28 patients (68%). ConclusionFrom our data we suggest that patients’ age impacts the clinical presentation. Particularly young children seem to bear a higher risk for haemorrhage from their AVM. Treatment of paediatric AVMs can be achieved safely in experienced hands with a high rate of complete elimination and good clinical outcome.

Safety of Intravenous Thrombolysis in Chronic Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Five-Year Multicenter Study

Although the recently updated U.S. alteplase label removed "history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)" as a contraindication, there are very limited data on the safety of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with chronic ICH. We sought to evaluate IVT safety in AIS patients with a history of ICH. We analyzed consecutive AIS patients treated with IVT at 3 tertiary stroke centers during a 5-year period. We identified AIS treated with IVT with clinical history and neuroimaging confirmation of prior ICH. The safety measure was symptomatic ICH (sICH) defined according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-III criteria combined with the clinical deterioration of 4 points or higher in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or death. Of the 1212 AIS patients treated with IVT, 7 (.6%) (mean age 72 ± 11 years, 57% men, median NIHSS: 5 points, interquartile range: 2-8) had a history of ICH (hematoma volume: 1-21 cm3, elapsed time between previous ICH and AIS: 1.5-12 years, 5 located in basal ganglia and 2 in periventricular white matter). Patients with previous ICH did not differ in terms of demographics and admission stroke severity in comparison with the rest. The 2 groups had similar rates of sICH (0% [0/7] versus 3.6%, P = .61) and in-hospital mortality (0% [0/7] versus 6.0%, P = .50). Our study indicates that IVT might be safe among AIS patients with a history of chronic ICH. Further research with a larger sample size is required to confirm our finding and define the shortest time interval between the hemorrhagic and ischemic events that can be associated with the safe administration of IVT.

Cierre de orejuela en pacientes con hemorragia intracraneal y fibrilación auricular

IntroductionThe use of oral anticoagulants in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is controversial on account of the risk of haemorrhagic stroke recurrence. This study presents our experience regarding the safety and efficacy of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), an alternative to anticoagulation in these patients. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, single-centre, observational study. LAAC was performed in patients with a history of ICH and non-valvular AF. Risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic events was estimated using the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scales. We recorded periprocedural complications, IHC recurrence, cerebral/systemic embolism, mortality and use of antithrombotic drugs following the procedure. ResultsLAAC was performed in 9 patients (7 men, 2 women) using the AMPLATZER Amulet device in 7 cases and the AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug device in 2. Mean age was 72.7±8.2 years. Time between ICH and LAAC was less than one month in 5 patients and more than one month in 4 patients. Median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4 (interquartile range of 2.5). Median HAS-BLED score was 3 (interquartile range of 0). No periprocedural complications were recorded. All patients received single anti-platelet therapy (clopidogrel in 5 patients, aspirin in 4) after the procedure; 5 patients received this treatment for 6 months and 4 received it indefinitely. No ischaemic or haemorrhagic events were recorded during follow-up (mean duration of 15 months). ConclusionsIn our series, LAAC was found to be safe and effective in patients with a history of ICH who required anticoagulation due to AF.

Effect of New Oral Anticoagulants on Prescribing Practices for Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults.

To determine the effect of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) on prescribing practices in older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF). Retrospective observational cohort study. Academic medical center in St. Louis, Missouri. Individuals aged 75 and older with AF admitted to the hospital from October 2010 through September 2015 (N = 6,568, 50% female, 15% non-white). Information on NOACs and warfarin prescribed at discharge was obtained from hospital discharge summaries, and linear regression was used to examine quarterly trends in their use. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess independent predictors of anticoagulant use. NOAC use increased over time (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.87, P < .001), warfarin use did not change (r = -0.16, P = .50), and overall anticoagulant use (NOACs and warfarin) increased (r = 0.68, P = .001). NOAC use increased over time in all age groups (75-79, 80-84, 85-89) except aged 90 and older, but increasing age attenuated the rate of NOAC uptake. There was no consistent relationship between age and warfarin or overall anticoagulant use, except that individuals aged 90 and older had consistently lower use. Overall, fewer than 45% of participants were prescribed an anticoagulant. In multivariable analysis, younger age, white race, female sex, higher hemoglobin, higher creatinine clearance, being on a medical service, hypertension, stroke or transient ischemic attack, no history of intracranial hemorrhage, and a modified HAS-BLED score of less than 3 increased the likelihood of receiving NOACs. Prescription of anticoagulants for AF increased in older adults primarily because of an increase in the use of NOACs. Nonetheless, fewer than 45% of participants were prescribed an anticoagulant. Additional research is needed to optimize prescribing practices for older adults with AF.

Coronary artery disease: Risk stratification and patient selection for more aggressive secondary prevention.

In patients with stable coronary artery disease, clinical outcomes are predominantly characterized by the consequences of atherosclerosis on the myocardium, but also by complications of atherosclerosis, notably recurrent acute coronary syndrome or stroke. Secondary prevention therapy is therefore key in this patient population. Intensification of secondary prevention therapy is possible, at the price of a therapeutic risk or a high cost, therefore justifying careful selection of patients with a high residual risk and low therapeutic risk. Two lines of therapy can be intensified, independently of each other, namely anti-thrombotics and lipid-lowering agents. Intensification of anti-thrombotic therapy is efficacious in terms of ischaemic events and cardiovascular mortality, but incurs an excess haemorrhagic risk. Patients aged over 65 years of age and those with a history of intra-cranial haemorrhage are not eligible for intensification of anti-thrombotic therapy. Conversely, patients with prior or recurrent myocardial infarction may benefit from this strategy, especially if they are current smokers or have diabetes mellitus. Intensification of lipid-lowering therapy can be achieved through an association of high-intensity statins with ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors. This strategy engenders little risk, but the cost of PCSK9 inhibition is high, and should be considered based on the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol achieved with statin treatment at the maximal tolerated dose. In addition to this patient selection based on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, the presence of diabetes or documented progression of atherosclerosis should be considered.

Safety of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with intracranial hemorrhage

The safety of anticoagulation and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ahistory of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. We investigated the risks and benefits of this approach in AF patients with ahistory of ICH. The ICH group included 45AF patients with ahistory of ICH who underwent RFCA. Five of these patients were excluded because ICH occurred spontaneously after cerebral infarction. The control group included 80individuals who presented for AF ablation and did not have ahistory of ICH. Two controls were matched for each study group patient in terms of sex, age (±2years), type of AF, and procedure date. Patients in the ICH group had higher CHADS2 (1.7± 1.3 vs. 1.1± 1.2, p< 0.05), CHA2DS2-VASc (2.6± 1.7 vs. 1.9± 1.6, p< 0.05), and HAS-BLED scores (2.5± 1.0 vs. 1.1± 1.0, p< 0.001). All participants in both groups underwent successful RFCA. The incidence of ICH during follow-up (1 vs. 0, p= 0.333) was similar between the ICH and control groups. AF-free survival between the two groups was not significant (log-rank p= 0.283) within the first 3months, but was significant (log-rank p= 0.011) within 48months of RFCA. History of ICH was the only independent predictor of AF recurrence according to univariate Cox regression analysis. In AF patients with a history of ICH, AF ablation with astandard anticoagulation strategy is safe and does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage.

Abstract 150: Machine Learning Methodology Predicts Comorbidities are Associated With Increased Total Healthcare Costs Among Patients With Severe Peripheral Artery Disease

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is manifested over a continuum of severity with comorbidities that may significantly increase healthcare costs (HC). Little research has been completed to understand the healthcare resource use (HRU) and HC in this population, specifically among severe PAD patients. We sought to understand the economic burden in this population. Methods: We identified severe PAD patients (rest pain, gangrene or ulceration) from an integrated administrative claims and electronic medical records database (Optum + Humedica 2007-15) with over 7 million patients. The first PAD diagnosis was the index date. Patients were required to be age ≥50 at index date, have clinical activity and continuous enrollment in the 6-month pre-index and 12-month or until death post-index periods. Patients with history of intracranial hemorrhage, stroke and transient ischemic attack were removed. We assessed HRU and all-cause annual total HC in the post-index period or until death, and descriptive analyses, means and SDs. Reverse Engineering and Forward Simulation (REFS TM ) models, an ensemble of Bayesian networks, were machine learned to examine baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and their association with post-index natural log all-cause annual total HC among living patients. We assessed effect estimates across the ensemble using Mean Percentage Change in Costs (MPCC) with SD. Results: The final study sample included 3,189 severe PAD patients. Mean number of all-cause hospitalizations was 1.3 (SD 1.8) and the mean length of stay was 8.0 days (SD 18.2). The mean all-cause annual total HC per patient was $56,973 (SD $91,523). Highly predictive factors associated with increased costs were (MPCC, SD): chronic ulcer of leg or foot (1.9, 0.1), chronic kidney diseases (CKD; 1.9, 0.2), cellulitis and abscess (1.8, 0.2), hypertension (1.6, 0.1), and carditis and cardiomyopathy (1.2, 0.1). Conclusion: In this study, the presence of chronic ulcers in the lower extremities and CKD were two factors most predictive of increased all-cause total HC in a geographically diverse population of severe PAD patients.

Abstract TP67: Safety of Intravenous Alteplase in Chronic Intracranial Hemorrhage: a Five Year Multicenter Study

Introduction: Although, the recently updated tPA label removed a history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) as a contraindication, there is very limited data on the safety of intravenous thrombolysis in chronic ICH. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of intravenous tPA among patient with chronic ICH. Methods: We analyzed consecutive patients who received intravenous tPA for stroke symptoms at three tertiary stroke centers in a five-year period. Patients without imaging confirmation of the old hemorrhage were excluded from the study. Outcome measures in our study were occurrences of symptomatic ICH and were defined according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS)-III criteria combined with clinical deterioration of ≥4 points on NIHSS or death. Results: Out of 1212 post tPA patients evaluated in this study, seven patients (age 72 ± 11, four men, median NIHSS 5, IQR [2-8], volume ICH 1-21 cm3) had a history and neuroimaging findings consistent with an old ICH. Patients with old ICH did not differ in terms of rates of symptomatic ICH (0%, 95%CI (0-32%) by the adjusted Wald method versus 3.6%, p=0.61) and in-hospital mortality (0% versus 6.0%, p=0.5) when compared with the rest of patients. There was no significance difference between two groups in terms of age and admission NIHSS. Out of seven patients, five patients had ICH in basal ganglia and two patients had ICH in pre-ventricular white matter region. Discussion: Our study indicates that administration of intravenous tPA is safe among patients with a history of chronic ICH. More studies are needed to define chronic in such a setting.

Utility of Whole Exome Sequencing in Diagnosis of Pediatric Platelet Disorders: A Subanalysis of the Pediseq Study

Background: Inherited Platelet Disorders (IPD) are individually rare disorders that have many different molecular causes. Diagnosis of IPD is often complicated by the need for complex testing that is not readily available at many centers and the lack of available testing to define the molecular cause of some disorders. While some platelet disorders are sufficiently defined by functional characterization, recent data suggests that some platelet disorders may predispose to significant other complications including cancer predisposition, myelofibrosis or hearing loss. Therefore, it may be important to establish a molecular diagnosis to better counsel families about necessary follow up and possible risks. The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of whole exome sequencing in a cohort of 22 pediatric patients with clinical presentation suggesting an underlying genetic cause (or positive family history of platelet disorder with no prior genetic diagnosis).Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from patients identified as likely to have an inherited platelet disorder after informed consent. Samples were also obtained from parents and siblings for co-segregation and variant calling. Genomic DNA was extracted manually using the Gentra Puregene Blood Kit. Exome capture was performed using the Agilent SureSelect v4 and 100 base paired end sequencing was done on an IlluminaHiSeq 2000 with 100X average coverage. Sequencing reads were generated in FASTQ format and mapped to human genome GRCh37 (hg19) and Novoalign v2.08 was used for optimal alignment. Disease-related variants were extracted from HGMD to identify variants that might be missed. Variant filtering and pathogenicity classification was performed using a customized pipeline and manual curation. We identified 53 genes of interest and on average across all exomes with an indication for a platelet disorder, bases were sequenced at a minimum depth of 15X to be considered covered within an exon. 80.4% of exons were 100% covered with this technology completely, while 10.4% of exons were partially covered (>40 to <100% bases) and 9.2% of exons were not covered (<40% of bases covered at a minimum of 15X depth).Results: 22 patients were enrolled over a 12-month period. Overall, 82% of patients had variants identified in platelet related genes on whole exome sequencing with 64% of patients returning at least one variant of uncertain significance (14) and 23% (5) patients returning definite positive results. One patient referred for further work up carried the initial diagnosis of ITP, but had macrothrombocytopenia since early childhood and bleeding out of proportion to the platelet count. Flow cytometry and functional studies performed on referral suggested possible Bernard Soulier Syndrome and sequencing confirmed homozygous pathogenic mutation in GP9. One patient with congenital thrombocytopenia and history of intracranial hemorrhage with a similarly affected sibling had confirmed pathogenic MYH9 mutation, allowing clinicians to offer prenatal diagnosis during a third pregnancy. One patient with a significant bleeding phenotype was a compound heterozygote for two novel RASGRP2 variants, but the functional significance of those variants is uncertain and further studies are underway to determine whether these variants are causative. 18% of patients (4) had negative sequencing results (no reportable variants in platelet related genes identified). Conclusions: Whole exome sequencing can be a powerful diagnostic tool in identifying the molecular cause of disease in a cohort of patients with suspected inherited platelet disorders. The majority of patients, however, will receive results of uncertain significance and centers that undertake this testing will require an infrastructure to allow for further functional evaluation, which will help in reclassification of these variants, and ensure that results are correctly interpreted. Clinicians who undertake ES to diagnose IPD need to understand limitations of the test as well as the full significance of results that may be returned. DisclosuresLambert:Novartis: Consultancy.

Anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation after intracranial hemorrhage

The effect of oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with a history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OAT in patients with AF with an ICH history. We retrospectively compared the composite end point, including thromboembolic and major bleeding events, between patients with AF with a history of ICH who were (OAT group, n = 254) and those who were not (no-OAT group, n = 174) taking OAT. During a mean follow-up of 39.5 ± 31.9 months, 5.5 and 3.1 major bleeding events/100 patient-years were observed in the OAT and no-OAT groups, respectively (P = .024). Recurrent ICH was observed only in patient with OAT. Thromboembolic events occurred in 2.4 and 8.3 events/100 patient-years in OAT and no-OAT groups, respectively (P < .001). There was no significant differences in composite end points between OAT and no-OAT groups (11.5 events/100 patient-years vs 7.9 events/100 patient-years; P = .154). Patients with OAT who achieved a time-in-therapeutic range of ≥60% of the international normalized ratio of 2.0-3.0 demonstrated a better cumulative survival free of the composite end point (P < .001) than did patients without OAT. Early (<2 weeks) OAT after an index ICH did not improve composite end points because of the increased incidence of major bleeding events. However, OAT at 2 weeks after an index ICH was associated with decreased clinical events including thromboembolic events and composite end point. In patients with AF who require anticoagulation and have a history of ICH, maintaining optimal OAT with time-in-therapeutic range ≥ 60% and the initiation of OAT at least 2 weeks after an index ICH were associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Clinical pre-test of a computerised antithrombotic risk assessment tool for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients: giving consideration to NOACs.

The decision-making around antithrombotics in atrial fibrillation requires comprehensive risk versus benefit assessment. In view of the availability of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) including dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban, a decision support tool designed to assist the selection of antithrombotics has been modified to consider both warfarin and NOACs. This study aims to pre-test this modified decision support tool. The decision support tool was modified to consider either warfarin or NOACs as first-line therapy and applied to data pertaining to a cohort of 393 patients in New South Wales. Overall, 380 (96.7%) patients were eligible for oral anticoagulants. In the scenario of warfarin being recommended as first-line therapy, the Computerised Antithrombotic Risk Assessment Tool version 2.0 (caratv2.0) recommended warfarin for 360 (91.6%) patients, any NOAC for 5 (1.3%) patients, either rivaroxaban or apixaban for 6 (1.5%) patients and apixaban for 9 (2.2%) patients. In the scenario of NOACs as first-line therapy, caratv2.0 recommended any NOAC for 279 (70.9%) patients, either rivaroxaban or apixaban for 80 (20.4%) patients, apixaban for 9 (2.3%) patients and warfarin for 12 (3.1%) patients. Key reasons for caratv2.0 to recommend a change from warfarin (patients' current therapy) to NOACs included known warfarin allergy/adverse reaction, a history of intracranial bleeding, and previous gastrointestinal bleeding. Key predictors for caratv2.0 to consider that patients are more suitable for NOACs over warfarin were a diagnosis of other gastrointestinal diseases, more co-morbidities and high risk of falls. According to this decision support tool, both warfarin and NOACs are viable treatment options in majority of the patients, but there is a scope for better rationalization of therapy.

Should Patients with AF and History of Intracranial Hemorrhage Be Anticoagulated

Oral anticoagulants reduce the risk for ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, if these patients suffer an intracranial

Use of Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Have a History of Intracranial Hemorrhage.

The risk of further intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and the benefit of stroke risk reduction with the use of oral anticoagulants for patients who have atrial fibrillation with a history of ICH remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the risks and benefits in patients who have atrial fibrillation with a previous ICH treated with warfarin or antiplatelet drugs in comparison with no antithrombotic therapies. This study used the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Among 307 640 patients who have atrial fibrillation with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≧2, 12 917 patients with a history of ICH were identified and were assigned to 1 of 3 groups, that is, no treatment, antiplatelet therapy, and warfarin. Among patients with previous ICH, the rate of ICH and ischemic stroke in untreated patients was 4.2 and 5.8 per 100 person-years, respectively. The annual ICH and ischemic stroke rates in warfarin users were 5.9% and 3.4%, respectively. Among users of antiplatelet agents, the rates were 5.3% per year and 5.2% per year, respectively. The number needed to treat for preventing 1 ischemic stroke was lower than the number needed to harm for producing 1 ICH with warfarin use for patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≧6 (37 versus 56). The number needed to treat was higher than the number needed to harm for patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score <6 (63 versus 53). Warfarin use may be beneficial for patients who have atrial fibrillation with a previous ICH having a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≧6. Whether the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants could lower the threshold for treatment deserves further study.

Abstract TMP8: The New Alteplase Package Insert: What is the Potential Impact?

Background: Alteplase (tPA) contraindications for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were originally derived from the 1995 NINDS trial. Recently, a history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and recent stroke (within 3 months) were removed as contraindications from the drug package insert, which could increase the number of patients eligible for IV thrombolysis. We sought to define the potential impact on outcomes and health care costs in this newly eligible population. Methods: Consecutive patients (March 2014 - April 2015) who presented with AIS to our Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics and tPA exclusions were recorded. The annual number of discharges with primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke in the U.S. was estimated from the National Inpatient Sample (2006 - 2011). A previously reported value of $25,000/patient was utilized to calculate lifetime cost savings in patients receiving tPA. Results: During the study period, 776 AIS were admitted to our CSC (median age 64; 55,74, 51% men, 62% white). Seventy-six percent of our patients (n=590) had ≥1 tPA exclusions according to the NINDS trial. Among these patients, 11 excluded had history of ICH, 15 with recent strokes, and 1 both. Following the new package insert, the proportion of patients with ≥1 tPA exclusion fell to 73% (n=563). Given the 432,000 ischemic stroke discharges annually, a 3% increase in patients eligible for tPA could translate to treatment of 12,960 more patients annually and a lifetime cost savings of $324,000,000. Furthermore, we estimate that 1,685 of these newly eligible patients will experience a favorable functional outcome based on the results of the NINDS trial (13% shift analysis for mRS 0-1). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the new tPA package insert has the potential to increase national tPA treatment rates, decrease U.S. health care costs, and improve functional outcomes in eligible AIS patients. National guidelines need to be updated to reflect these changes.

経口抗凝固療法に関連する二大合併症（頭蓋内出血，血栓症／血栓弁）の治療，及び併発時の管理

Warfarinによる経口抗凝固薬療法には，効果不足に起因する血栓性合併症と，効果過剰に起因する出血性合併症という双方のリスクが伴う．後者の中で特に重大な合併症である頭蓋内出血の死亡率は50％を超える．予後改善には早急かつ完全なWarfarin拮抗が必須である．新鮮凍結血漿が第一選択だが，Vitamin K依存性凝固因子の含有量が製剤間で異なり必要量が一概に予測できない，拮抗に時間を要する，容量負荷が大きいという側面を有する．緊急時には血液凝固第IX因子複合体が有用だが，適応外使用である．Warfarin拮抗の際には同時に血栓塞栓症の予防も念頭に置かなければならず，特に機械弁挿入患者では完全な止血を確認後，早期からヘパリンを併用し，発症1～2週間でWarfarin再開を考慮する．また機械弁不全をみた場合，血栓溶解療法を行うか否かには血栓弁とパンヌスの鑑別が重要である．さらに頭蓋内出血既往例が血栓弁を生じた場合，血栓溶解療法は禁忌に準じると考えるべきである．

Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation Is Safe and Effective After Intracranial or Intraocular Hemorrhage

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) affects 1%-2% of the general population and 13% of individuals older than 80 years of age. Anticoagulation has been the mainstay therapy to reduce stroke risk. Patients with previous intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or intraocular hemorrhage (IOH) are at increased risk of recurrence if anticoagulation is continued or initiated. Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure may obviate the need for long-term anticoagulation in these patients. MethodsWe report our consecutive series of patients with nonvalvular AF with previous ICH or IOH who underwent LAA closure with the AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug (ACP; St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN), AMPLATZER Amulet, or WATCHMAN (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) device. Demographics, clinical status, procedural outcomes, and complications were collected at baseline, during the procedure, at 3 months, at 1 year, and annually thereafter. ResultsTwenty-six patients with previous ICH (n = 24) or IOH (n = 2) underwent LAA closure (9 with the ACP, 3 with the Amulet, and 7 with the WATCHMAN). The mean age was 76 ± 7 years, and 61.5% were men with a mean CHADS2 (Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack) score of 3.2 ± 1.4 and CHA2DS2-VASc (Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age [≥ 75 years], Diabetes, Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack, Vascular Disease, Age [65-74 years], Sex [Female] score) of 4.9 ± 1.7. No procedure-related complications occurred. Mean follow-up was 11.9 ± 13.3 months. One patient died at 13 months (this death was not related to the procedure), and 1 patient had a transient ischemic attack at 20.6 months after the procedure. No ischemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, or bleeding problems occurred during follow-up. ConclusionsIn our consecutive series, LAA closure was found to be safe and effective in patients with AF and a history of ICH or IOH.

Abstract 184: Clinical Outcomes According to Previous Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients Receiving Intravenous Thrombolysis

Objective: This study aimed to describe clinical outcomes in patients treated with intravenous (IV) tPA according to evidence of previous Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and investigate the associations between previous ICH and clinical outcomes. Methods: Using a prospective multicenter stroke registry database, we identified acute ischemic stroke patients who were hospitalized to the 14 participating centers between January 2011 and July 2013 and were treated with IV tPA within 4.5 h of onset. Presence of previous ICH was screened using the formal radiologic reports or the clinical history of ICH from the registry database. If suspected, previous ICH was confirmed through direct review of brain MRI. As clinical outcomes, modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-1 at discharge, mortality during hospitalization and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sHT) were collected. sHT was defined according to the definition of SITS-MOST trial. Results: Among 1495 patients who were treated with IV tPA, 70 (4.7%) had evidence of previous ICH. sHT developed in 69 (4.6%) of all subjects; 7.1% (n=5) of 70 patients with previous ICH and 4.5% (n=64) of 1425 without previous ICH (p=0.25 on Fisher’s exact test). Hospital Mortality and mRS 0-1 at discharge was observed in 5.6% and 26.6% of all subjects and in 8.6% and 22.9% of those with previous ICH and 5.4% and 26.7% in those without it (p=0.28 on Fisher’s exact test and p=0.47 on Pearson’s chi-squared test, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, initial glucose and tPA dose showed that previous ICH was not associated with sHT, mortality during hospitalization and having discharge mRS 0-1 (p’s &gt;0.4). Review of MRI on 5 patients who had previous ICH and developed sHT after IV tPA demonstrated that, in 4 cases, location of sHT was different from where previous ICH had developed, but in 1 case sHT occurred exactly where previous ICH had developed. Conclusions: This study shows that previous ICH may not increase the risk of sHT and death and aggravate functional outcome at discharge. However, it should be noted that the retrospective nature and small sample size of this study limit the generalization of its results.

Low Likelihood of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients With Cirrhosis and Altered Mental Status

Given the myriad causes of altered mental status (AMS), patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy often present a diagnostic dilemma. In light of the perceived bleeding tendency of patients with cirrhosis, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is often feared, so these patients frequently undergo non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the head. However, little is known about the diagnostic yield of CT for patients with cirrhosis presenting with AMS. We analyzed all unique admissions of patients with cirrhosis who underwent head CT from 2003 through 2013 (N= 462) at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. By using blinded reviewers, we coded the indications and results of the CT scans separately and evaluated patient characteristics associated with acute findings. A higher proportion of patients who presented with falls or trauma, focal neurologic signs, or history of ICH were found to have ICH (13 of 146, 8.9%) than of patients who presented with AMS, headache, or fever (1 of 316, 0.3%; P < .0001). The odds ratio of ICH in patients with low-risk indications was 0.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.14). The number needed to scan (NNS) for each positive result from CT varied by indication: focal neurologic deficits (NNS= 9), fall/trauma (NNS= 20), and AMS (NNS= 293). There was no association between presence of new, acute ICH and platelet count, international normalized ratio, level of creatinine, or Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. Despite abnormal hemostatic indices, patients with cirrhosis presenting with AMS in the absence of focal neurologic deficits or trauma have a low likelihood of ICH.

C0600: New Oral Anticoagulants in Patients Affected by Atrial Fibrillation with History of Intracranial Hemorrhage

C0600: New Oral Anticoagulants in Patients Affected by Atrial Fibrillation with History of Intracranial Hemorrhage

Higher mortality rates among the elderly with mild traumatic brain injury: a nationwide cohort study

BackgroundIt is known that the risk of death in elderly patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury is increased. However, the relationship between mild traumatic brain injury and death has never been established. We investigated the mortality rates of older patients with mild traumatic brain injury in Taiwan to evaluate if there is a higher risk of death compared with the general population.MethodsWe utilized a sampled National Health Insurance claims database containing one million beneficiaries. We followed all adult beneficiaries older than 65 years from January 1, 2005 till December 31, 2009 to see if they died. We further identified patients with mild traumatic brain injury and compared their risk of death with the general population.ResultsWe identified 5997 patients with mild traumatic brain injury and 84,117 patients without mild traumatic brain injury. After controlling for age, gender, urbanization level, socioeconomic status, diabetes, hypertension, history of alcohol intoxication, history of ischemic stroke, history of intracranial hemorrhage, malignancies, dementia and Charlson Comorbidity Index score, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.16—1.34).ConclusionsMild traumatic brain injury is an independent significant risk factor for death in the elderly.