Independent Functional Outcome Research Articles

Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation Is an Independent Functional Outcome Predictor of Mild Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose- Cerebral autoregulation is impaired in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) indices constitute an independent functional outcome predictor of acute ischemic stroke. Methods- In this study, 86 patients at days 3 to 7 after acute ischemic stroke and 40 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled for assessing their dCA indices under spontaneous hemodynamic fluctuations. The dCA indices of patients with favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≤1 at 3 months, n=65), patients with unfavorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≥2 at 3 months, n=21), and controls were compared. Results- The dCA indices, namely the phase shift at very low frequency band (phase_VLF), in the patients with unfavorable outcomes were significantly worse than those in the patients with favorable outcomes. However, the phase_VLF in the patients with favorable outcomes did not differ from those in the controls. Impaired dCA was associated with elevated mean arterial pressure and large infarction volume but was also present in patients with normal mean arterial pressure or small infarction volume. Phase_VLF was a predictor of outcomes in the receiver operating characteristic analysis (area under the curve: 0.722; P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a phase_VLF value of <61° was independently associated with unfavorable outcomes (odds ratio=4.90; P=0.024). Conclusions- Phase_VLF is an independent functional outcome predictor of acute ischemic stroke.

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Mild Strokes: How Low Should We Go?

Background and Purpose- Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is effective for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥6. However, EVT benefit for mild deficits large vessel occlusions (NIHSS, <6) is uncertain. We evaluated EVT efficacy and safety in mild strokes with large vessel occlusion. Methods- A retrospective cohort of patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and NIHSS <6 presenting within 24 hours from last seen normal were pooled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: EVT or medical management. Ninety-day mRS of 0 to 1 was the primary outcome, mRS of 0 to 2 was the secondary. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was the safety outcome. Clinical outcomes were compared through a multivariable logistic regression after adjusting for age, presentation NIHSS, time last seen normal to presentation, center, IV alteplase, Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomographic score, and thrombus location. We then performed propensity score matching as a sensitivity analysis. Results were also stratified by thrombus location. Results- Two hundred fourteen patients (EVT, 124; medical management, 90) were included from 8 US and Spain centers between January 2012 and March 2017. The groups were similar in age, Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomographic score, IV alteplase rate and time last seen normal to presentation. There was no difference in mRS of 0 to 1 between EVT and medical management (55.7% versus 54.4%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.64-2.64; P=0.47). Similar results were seen for mRS of 0 to 2 (63.3% EVT versus 67.8% medical management; adjusted odds ratio, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.43-1.88; P=0.77). In a propensity matching analysis, there was no treatment effect in 62 matched pairs (53.5% EVT, 48.4% medical management; odds ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.54-2.52; P=0.69). There was no statistically significant difference when stratified by any thrombus location; M1 approached significance ( P=0.07). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage rates were higher with thrombectomy (5.8% EVT versus 0% medical management; P=0.02). Conclusions- Our retrospective multicenter cohort study showed no improvement in excellent and independent functional outcomes in mild strokes (NIHSS, <6) receiving thrombectomy irrespective of thrombus location, with increased symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage rates, consistent with the guidelines recommending the treatment for NIHSS ≥6. There was a signal toward benefit with EVT only in M1 occlusions; however, this needs to be further evaluated in future randomized control trials.

PMD33 - BUDGET IMPACT ANALYSIS OF A DUAL-LAYER STENT RETRIEVER (DLSR) FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE (AIS) IN ENGLAND

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends mechanical clot retrieval (MCR) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Recently, a large clinical trial in AIS patients treated with a dual-layer stent retriever (DLSR) reported excellent functional independence outcomes, an important goal of stroke therapy that impacts patient quality of life. While the clinical benefits of MCR have been demonstrated, studies assessing the economic implications of technology selection are limited. Thus, this study estimated the budget impact of adopting a DLSR for patients with AIS from a 12-month National Health Service (NHS) perspective. The analysis compared a cost scenario considering a DLSR to a scenario with single-layer stent retrievers only, assuming a 25% adoption rate of DSLR. Acute (90-day) healthcare costs based on patient functional independence measured using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were included. Index procedure costs were limited to the acquisition cost of MCR technology, as evidence indicates other procedural resources to be similar between MCR devices. Functional outcomes, acute costs per mRS, and MCR technology acquisition costs were obtained from peer-reviewed literature. Case volume, treatment mix, and cost of the DLSR were obtained from market research data. Costs were reported as 2018 GBP. Among 655 patients treated with MCR over 12 months, 246 patients achieved good functional outcomes (mRS 0-2) in the scenario without the DLSR, compared with 294 patients in the scenario with the DLSR. Total 90-day costs in the scenario with the DLSR were £401,738 lower than the scenario with the DLSR (£10,127,235 vs. £10,528,973). In this analysis, adoption of a DLSR for AIS was associated with improvements in patient functional status. Functional independence may be achieved in 20% more patients in a scenario with the DLSR , which may translate to cost-savings for the NHS.

The relationship between brain microbleeds and homeostatic markers in the treatment of ischemic stroke

ABSTRACTObjectives: There is no definitive data regarding the usefulness of Brain microbleeds (BMBs) as an imaging marker with homeostatic markers to predict intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke risk to personalize decisions on anticoagulation in AF. In this study, we prospectively evaluated clinical, radiological homeostatic biomarkers and their association with stroke outcomes in 73 AF-related ischemic stroke patients.Methods: All BMBs were measured manually on Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI). The levels of NT-pro-BNP, hs-CRP, FVII, FVIII and vWF were studied as homeostatic markers. For all patients, we calculated CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, HAS-BLED scores and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Functional independence and good clinical outcome were defined as a mRS score of 0-2.Results: The mean age of the study population was 69.74 ± 9.79 years, and 36 patients were female. The leading vascular risk factor was hypertension (61%). BMBs were determined in 20 patients (27.4%) on SWI, 12 patients had less than five lesions. Presence of BMBs lesions on SWI was significantly associated with age and hypertension (p = .020) and congestive heart failure (p = .011). The median CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients was 4.96 ± 1.54. CHA2DS2-VASc score (p = .042), CHADS2 score (p = .037) and HAS- BLED score (p = .033) were significantly related with the presence of BMBs in the study patients. Among homeostatic markers, the levels of NT-pro-BNP, hs-CRP, and vWF were significantly associated with the presence of microbleeds (p = .013, p = .029, p = .020, respectively).Conclusion: Pathogenesis of AF is involved abnormal changes of hemostasis, endothelial dysfunction, antithrombotic state and inflammation. The homeostatic markers, which play role in these pathways, and the presence of BMBs could use to form a prognostic clinic assessment tool to predict bleeding risk.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on outcome differences among patients with TICI2b versus TICI3 reperfusions: success revisited

ObjectiveA reperfusion quality of thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI)≥2b has been set as the therapeutic angiography target for interventions in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. This study addresses whether the...

Abstract 113: CT Perfusion Mismatch Identifies More Thrombectomy Patients Than Clinical Core Mismatch

Background: Following DAWN and DEFUSE 3, optimal imaging selection of large vessel ischemic stroke patients for thrombectomy &gt;6h is important. We hypothesized that perfusion mismatch used in EXTEND-IA and DEFUSE 3 would identify more patients eligible for thrombectomy than clinical-core mismatch used in DAWN. Methods: Prospectively collected data were analyzed for acute ischemic stroke patients aged&gt;18 with pre-treatment whole brain CT perfusion from 2012-2017 at a comprehensive stroke center. CTP was omitted &gt;6h in patients with extensive CT hypodensity. We compared the proportion of patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ICA, M1 and tandem occlusions) who fulfilled criteria for DAWN (clinical-core mismatch: age&lt;80 &amp; NIHSS≥20 with &lt;51mL core, age&lt;80 &amp; NIHSS10-19 with &lt;31mL core, age&gt;80 &amp; NIHSS&gt;10 with&lt;21mL core), DEFUSE3 (mismatch ratio&gt;1.8, mismatch&gt;15mL, core&lt;70mL, age&lt;91, NIHSS&gt;5) and EXTEND-IA (mismatch ratio&gt;1.2, mismatch&gt;10mL, core&lt;70mL, no age or NIHSS limits). Pre-morbid function, alteplase eligibility and tandem occlusion trial exclusions were not applied to emulate clinical practice. Independent functional outcome was defined as 90 day mRS 0-2. Results: Of 982 ischemic stroke patients evaluated with pre-treatment CTP, 291 had large vessel occlusion. Within 6h of stroke onset, 175/231 (76%) patients met EXTEND-IA criteria compared to 153/231 (60%) DEFUSE3 and 96/231 (42%) DAWN, p&lt;0.0001 for all comparisons. Beyond 6h after onset, 39/58 (67%) met EXTEND-IA mismatch criteria compared to 33/58 (57%) DEFUSE 3 criteria and 26/58 (45%) DAWN criteria, p&lt;0.0001 for all comparisons. Overall 4 patients with clinical-core mismatch did not meet perfusion mismatch criteria. Patients eligible for DEFUSE3 but not DAWN achieved independence in 48% vs 40% in those eligible for both studies, OR 2.1 95%CI 0.9-5.0, p=0.09 in logistic regression adjusted for age and NIHSS. Similar findings applied to patients eligible for EXTEND-IA but not DAWN. Conclusions: Perfusion mismatch selection would lead to substantially more patients receiving thrombectomy than clinical-core mismatch. These patients were generally older with milder NIHSS, but had similar probability of independent outcomes.

Low- versus Standard-Dose Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator for Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Updated Meta-Analysis

We performed a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety between low- and standard-dose intravenous (IV) tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. We searched PubMed and EMBASE for relevant studies from inception to June1, 2017. Cohort or randomized controlled studies for AIS within 4.5 hours of symptom onset with comparison between low-dose and standard-dose tPA were included. The primary efficacy end point was favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin scale scores [mRS] of 0-1) at 90 days. The primary safety end point was the incidence rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). The secondary end points were independent functional outcome (mRS scores of 0-2) and mortality. A total of 11 studies were pooled in this meta-analysis. The low-dose strategy appeared to be as effective as standard-dose tPA (43.4% versus 45.4%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-1.10; P = .38) in primary efficacy outcome. The secondary efficacy outcome produced similar results (57.3% versus 57.0%; OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.86-1.05; P= .33). There was no evidence of statistical difference for sICH (4.2% versus 4.9%; OR = 1.02 [0.66-1.55]; P = .94) and mortality (9.0% versus 10.6%; OR = 0.99 [0.74-1.31]; P = .92) at 90 days between low- and standard-dose therapy. In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, there was no significant difference between patients of Asian and non-Asian descent for any of the end points. This study showed that AIS patients receiving low-dose IV-tPA had comparably efficacy and safety to those receiving standard-dose IV-tPA. However, the effect is especially pronounced within the Asian population, which limits the generalizability of these results.

New Standards of Care in Ischemic Stroke.

Ischemic arterial strokes of the ophthalmic artery and its branches and posterior cerebral artery are common causes of visual disability. Etiologies of stroke affecting the retina, optic nerve, optic radiation, and visual cortex overlap with other types of ischemic strokes. Stenosis of the internal carotid is the most common cause of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). One-fourth of patients with CRAO have cerebral strokes. We report recent developments in the acute treatment and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke of relevance to clinicians who encounter patients with acute vision loss. A search of Pubmed and practice guidelines over the past 5 years was performed, with a focus on significant changes in treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke. Recent randomized controlled trials provide Level I evidence for the use of endovascular therapy with current stent retriever devices for patients with large vessel anterior circulation occlusions within 6 hours of presentation. Number needed to treat to achieve one additional patient with an independent functional outcome was in the range of 3-7, and benefit was additive to that of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator alone. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of cryptogenic stroke with incidence expected to rise with the aging population. Since 2014, prolonged 30-day cardiac monitoring has been recommended as a part of transient ischemic attack and stroke workup in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Even longer term monitoring of 6 months to 1 year with external and implantable loop recorders improves rates of diagnosing AF. First available in 2010, the novel anticoagulants-dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban-have been compared with warfarin in the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF. Apixaban demonstrated superiority in safety and efficacy, with the novel anticoagulants as a group having favorable risk-benefit profile at higher dosages compared with standard warfarin therapy. Endovascular therapy is now standard of care for eligible patients with anterior large vessel occlusions. Prolonged cardiac monitoring is recommended for patients with cryptogenic stroke. The novel anticoagulants are an alternative to warfarin in patients with AF.

Abstract TMP6: A Multi-center Study of Safety and Efficacy of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Emergent Large Vessel Occlusions Not Meeting Top Tier Evidence Criteria

Background: Recent recommendations for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with emergent large-vessel occlusions (ELVO) appropriately award top tier evidence (TTE) to the same selective criteria that were employed in recent clinical trials. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MT in AIS patients with ELVO who fail TTE criteria in a prospective multi-center study. Methods: Data on consecutive AIS patients with ELVO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were collected from 6 high-volume endovascular centers. Standard safety and efficacy outcomes were compared between patients meeting and failing TTE criteria. Results: TTE criteria for MT were fulfilled in 349 (60%) cases (mean age 63±18 years; 47% men; median admission NIHSS-score 17 points, interquartile range 14-21), whereas 234 (40%) patients did not meet TTE criteria (mean age 62±19 years; 53% men; median admission NIHSS-score 16 points, interquartile range 9-21). (Table 1) The two most common reasons for failing TTE criteria were location of intracranial occlusion (n=144) and treatment window (n=108). In multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders cases failing TTE criteria had similar safety (three-month mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage) and efficacy (three-month functional independence) outcomes with patients meeting TTE. Location of occlusion and proposed time-window according to TTE was also not related to any safety or efficacy outcome. (Table 2) Conclusions: Approximately 40% of AIS patients with ELVO offered MT do not fulfill TTE criteria for MT. Our multi-center experience indicates that MT may be offered to these patients with similar safety and efficacy to ELVO cases meeting TTE. Evidence-based medicine requires that health care providers understand published data and how those data might apply to a given patient’s treatment options. In a changing treatment environment this is a dynamic process.

Abstract WP67: Ultra-early Institution of Statin Treatment is Associated With Improved Outcomes Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Receiving Thrombolytic Treatment

Background: There is preliminary evidence that early statin use may improve the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients following endovascular treatment. Methods: We analyzed data from subjects treated with intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) alone or in combination with endovascular treatment the Interventional Management of Stroke III trial. We compared the rates of functional independence (defined by modified Rankin scale of 0-2) and minimal impairment of activities of daily living (Barthel index at 90 days 95-100)at 3 and 12 months among subjects with ultra-early institution of statin treatment (on Day 0) with those in whom statin treatment was not initiated and in those in whom statins were initiated between Day 1-discharge (delayed institution)after adjusting for age and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score strata, history of hyperlipidemia; and statin use at baseline Results: Of the 656 subjects who were recruited in the trial, ultra-early institution of statin treatment and delayed institution occurred in 51 and 387 subjects, respectively. At 3 months post randomization, the adjusted rates of independent functional outcome (odds ratio [OR] 2.3; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.2-4.5; P = 0.015) and minimal impairment of activities of daily living (OR 2.2; 95 % CI 1.1-4.3; P = 0.022) were higher among subjects with ultra-early institution of statin treatment compared with those without any statin treatment. The adjusted rates of functional independence (OR 2.7; 95 % CI 1.4-5.2; P = 0.004) continued to higher among subjects with ultra-early institution of statin treatment at 12 months post randomization. The adjusted rates of functional independence and minimal impairment of activities of daily living were higher among subjects with ultra-early institution of statin treatment compared with those without any statin treatment in subjects randomized to endovascular treatment. Conclusions: Ultra-early institution of statin treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with IV rt-PA with or without endovascular treatment was associated with improved outcome at both 3 and 12 months

Abstract 210: Is Endovascular Treatment Beneficial in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With M2 Segment Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion?

Background: The benefit of endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients with occlusion of distal middle cerebral artery (M2 segment) is unclear. Methods: We analyzed data from subjects with occlusion of M2 segment of middle cerebral artery confirmed with computed tomographic (CT) angiogram who were randomized to either intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) alone or in combination with endovascular treatment. We compared the rates of neurological deterioration within 24 hours; symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) within 30 hours; good quality of life (defined by EQ-5D index score of ≥0.6) and functional independence (defined by modified Rankin scale of 0-2) at 3 months among subjects who underwent endovascular treatment with subjects who received IV rt-PA alone. Results: Of these 51 subjects (mean age ±SD; 68.3±11.8 years) with M2 segment occlusion, 34 and 17 subjects received IV rt-PA followed by endovascular treatment and IV rt-PA alone, respectively. There was a non-significantly lower rate of neurological deterioration (14.7% versus 25.0%) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (5.9% versus 17.6%) among subjects who received IV rt-PA followed by endovascular treatment. At 3 months, the rates of independent functional outcome (52.9% versus 41.2%, odds ratio [OR] 1.6; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.5-5.2; P = 0.46) and good quality of life (50.0% vs 35.3% OR 1.9; 95% CI 0.5-7.2; p=0.37) were non-significantly higher among subjects with M2 segment occlusion who received IV rt-PA followed by endovascular treatment. The rate of death within 3 months was significantly lower among those who received IV rt-PA followed by endovascular treatment (5.9% vs 35.3%; OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.9; p=0.048). Conclusions: A randomized clinical trial should be considered based on the significant reduction in mortality and non-significant increase in functional independence and good quality of life following endovascular treatment in among acute ischemic stroke patients with M2 segment occlusion.

Functional Outcomes of Patients with Acute Spinal Cord Injury

The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between age, length of stay, the American Spinal Injury Association classification (ASIA) with total functional gain during inpatient rehabilitation for patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) with functional independence and rehabilitation outcomes of traumatic spinal cord patients. The data were obtained for 49 patients with traumatic spinal cord lesions admitted to the neuro physical therapy unit from 2006 to 2008. The mean age was 33 ± 10.63 years. Study design: Retrospective observational study. The patient’s characteristics and outcomes were analysed and compared according to the severity of traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) and its appearance according to vertebral level correlations of SCI with co-morbidities was analysed. The Functional Independent measure scores of patient at admission (FIMa) on were compared to Functional Independent Measure scores recorded at discharge (FIMd) to get the total gain for each patient. Patients were grouped according to age, level of neurological injury, length of stay to compare with the total gain. The Length of stay was also compared with the American Spinal Injury Association classification (ASIA) at discharge. The author had been observed that there is negative correlation of LOSa with FIMd and Gain (r=-0.507, p=0.00 and r=-0.402, p=0.004), respectively. FIMa is positively correlated with FIMd but negatively correlated to Gain. FIMd is positively related with Gain. The Mean LOSa and LOSr are 44.80 days and 174.37 days, respectively. The Mean FIMa and FIMd are 53.22% and 75.73%, respectively. It revealed that, a significant improvement in FIM at the time of discharge in SCI patients. The differences were found in the extent of functional improvement between subgroups of patients with different levels and extents of lesions. Regarding the outcome of Functional Independent measure better observed in incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries and complete thoracic spinal cord level injuries. Interestingly, independence in bowel management, independent mobility and locomotion were only attained by patients with incomplete lesions. This study provides insight into the functional outcomes of a group of inpatients with traumatic spinal cord injury. More research is needed to determine the specialized rehabilitation program for these patients.

Advances in stroke treatment are within reach.

Five recent trials have shown that mechanical removal of clot from cerebral arteries after a stroke can achieve a functional independent outcome in up to 60% of patients. This was an absolute benefit of between 13.5% and 31% for patients who had clot removal initiated within 6 hours of symptoms over those who had best medical treatment. Coupled with this, there is a strong drive to develop stroke units internationally and in South Africa. As a starting point, more primary stroke care centres that can administer intravenous thrombolysis are needed. Comprehensive stroke centres that can offer mechanical thrombectomy are available, but more will be required as referral of patients increases. Collaboration of all roleplayers will ensure that we can deliver training and care at the best level for stroke patients.

Functional Independence in Late-Life: Maintaining Physical Functioning in Older Adulthood Predicts Daily Life Function after Age 80.

We examined physical functioning (PF) trajectories (maintaining, slowly declining, and rapidly declining) spanning 15 years in older women aged 65-80 and protective factors that predicted better current levels and less decline in functional independence outcomes after age 80. Women's Health Initiative extension participants who met criteria (enrolled in either the clinical trial or observational study cohort, >80 years at the data release cutoff, PF survey data from initial enrollment to age 80, and functional independence survey data after age 80) were included in these analyses (mean [SD] age = 84.0 [1.4] years; N = 10,478). PF was measured with the SF-36 (mean = 4.9 occasions). Functional independence was measured by self-reported level of dependence in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs and IADLs) (mean = 3.4 and 3.3 occasions). Maintaining consistent PF in older adulthood extends functional independence in ADL and IADL in late-life. Protective factors shared by ADL and IADL include maintaining PF over time, self-reported excellent or very good health, no history of hip fracture after age 55, and no history of cardiovascular disease. Better IADL function is uniquely predicted by a body mass index less than 25 and no depression. Less ADL and IADL decline is predicted by better self-reported health, and less IADL decline is uniquely predicted by having no history of hip fracture after age 55. Maintaining or improving PF and preventing injury and disease in older adulthood (ages 65-80) has far-reaching implications for improving late-life (after age 80) functional independence.

Abstract WMP6: Earlier Treatment is Associated with Higher Reperfusion Rates and Better Outcomes in the SWIFT PRIME Trial

Background: Previous randomized trials of endovascular therapy for stroke have shown better rates of functional independent outcome (mRS 0-2 at 90 days) with earlier initiation of endovascular therapy. In these trials no information was available to assess the volume of salvageable brain tissue prior to intervention or tissue reperfusion post- intervention. We sought to determine the associations between times to treatment, mismatch volume, reperfusion rates and functional independent outcome (FIO) in patients with the Target mismatch (TMM) profile in SWIFT PRIME. Methods: Patients with TMM on CT or MR perfusion, as determined by an automated software package (RAPID), were included in the analysis. We compared the rate of FIO and factors associated with FIO in patients randomized early (&lt;3h) vs. late (&gt;3h) from stroke symptom onset (SSO). Age, NIHSS, core volume, mismatch volume and successful reperfusion at 27 h (&gt;90% reduction in perfusion lesion volume on CT or MR Perfusion) were included in univariate and a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 131/195 patients had TMM. FIO was 62.3% (33/53) in the early vs. 43.6% (34/78) in the late group, p=0.0498. In the Solitaire arm, FIO was 72.4% (21/29) in early group vs. 55.0% (22/40) in the late group. In the tPA arm FIO was 50.0% (12/24) in the early group vs. 31.6% (12/38) in the late group. There was no significant difference in age, baseline NIHSS, core volume, or mismatch volume among the overall early vs late groups but successful reperfusion at 27h occurred in 76% of the early vs. 55% of the late group (p&lt;0.05). The rate of successful reperfusion at 27h was 92% (early) vs. 81% (late) for Solitaire; p=0.28 and 61% (early) vs. 27% (late) for tPA; p=0.032). The 27 hour CTA or MRA TICI 2b-3 rates were 92% (early) vs. 84% (late) for Solitaire group and 71% (early) vs. 38% (late) for tPA group. Conclusions: Earlier lytic and stent-retriever thrombectomy interventions are associated with higher rate of FIO in patients with Target mismatch profiles in SWIFT Prime trial. This improved outcome is likely due to higher reperfusion rates that are achieved with earlier intervention, suggesting greater responsiveness of less organized and less compacted thrombi to fibrinolysis and potentially stent retrieval.

Longer procedural times are independently associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke undergoing thrombectomy

BackgroundTime to reperfusion is an essential factor in determination of outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).ObjectiveTo establish the effect of the procedural time on the clinical outcomes of patients with...

Abstract WMP16: Eloquence-Weighted Imaging Improves Clinical Outcomes Prediction in Endovascular Stroke Therapy

Background: Larger infarct size at presentation as determined by ASPECTS is associated with reduced likelihood of good outcome in acute ischemic stroke. However, infarct volume alone explains only a modest fraction (∼30%) of the variation in stroke outcome. Incorporating the relative eloquence of each ASPECTS region may improve the predictive power. Methods: In the combined database of the SWIFT and STAR trials, we identified patients treated with the Solitaire stent retriever. Using the 24hr CT scan, a multivariate linear regression was used to determine the relative contribution of each ASPECTS region, separately in each hemisphere, to freedom from disability (mRS 0-2) at 90 days. The coefficients from the regression were used to create an Eloquence-weighted ASPECTS score (EL-ASPECTS), which was compared against the original in predicting outcome based on the presentation CT scan. Results: Among 254 patients treated with ET, average age was 68, 64% were female, and NIHSS was mean 16 (SD +/- 5). Mean ASPECTS at presentation was 8.2 and 6.4 at 24 hrs. The most commonly involved ASPECTS regions were the lentiform nuclei (70%), insula (55%), and caudate (52%). In multivariate analysis, for the right hemisphere on 24hr CT, preservation of M1 (OR 1.6) and M4 (OR 1.2) regions were most strongly predictive of good outcome. For the left hemisphere on 24 hr CT, preservation of M3 (OR 2.6), and M5 (OR 2.5) and involvement of M2 (OR -1.9) were most predictive. Eloquence weights were assigned to all 20 R/L ASPECTS regions to create EL-ASPECTS. EL-ASPECTS, compared with original ASPECTS, demonstrated improved discrimination for independent functional outcome for right hemisphere (C-statistic 0.78 vs. 0.69), left hemisphere (0.78 vs. 0.72), and all stroke patients (0.76 vs. 0.70). On presentation CTs, multivariate analyses including age and presentation NIHSS demonstrated EL-ASPECTS but not original ASPECTS was predictive of good clinical outcome (OR 1.65, p&lt;.01). Higher C-statistic values were seen with EL-ASPECTS in analysis of presentation CT scans. Conclusions: Incorporation of regional weighting into ASPECTS improves the ability to predict who will achieve independent functional outcomes with endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract TP16: Intraarterial Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Analysis of Outcomes of Dissection vs. Non-Dissection Mechanism in 445 patients

Introduction: The safety and efficacy of intraarterial treatment (IAT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to cervical artery dissection (CAD, carotid and vertebral) has not been studied in a controlled trial. Hypothesis: There will be no differences in safety and efficacy of IAT for AIS due to CAD compared to non-CAD mechanism. Methods: We studied consecutive admissions with AIS who received IAT between 1/2010 - 4/2015 and compared outcomes for AIS patients who presented with CAD mechanism vs. other causes. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), procedural complications, and functional independence (Modified Rankin Score ≤ 2 at 90-days or discharge, or discharge home). Outcomes were univariately analyzed with Chi-square tests. Co-primary outcomes of functional independence and sICH were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 3,671 patients with AIS, 445 patients received IAT and comprise our study population: 24 with CAD (5%: 18 carotid, 6 vertebral) and 421 with another cause. Patients with CAD were younger (median age: 52 vs. 70, p &lt; 0.001) with less severe stroke (median NIHSS: 13 vs. 18, p=0.03) than those with another cause of AIS. Unadjusted outcomes were similar by AIS cause (Table 1). After adjustment for NIHSS and age, the odds of achieving functional independence (OR: 0.58 [0.19-1.78], p=0.34) and sICH (OR: 0.57 [0.07-4.66], p=0.60) were not significantly different in patients with CAD vs. other mechanism. Conclusions: Intraarterial treatment appears to be as safe and effective when used in patients with ischemic stroke due to CAD as in AIS patients with other causes. Following the major advances in IAT for AIS in the general population, IAT should be considered in patients with AIS due to a CAD.

Abstract WP19: Rate and Speed of Reperfusion Explains Variations in Treatment Effect Sizes Across Recent Trials of Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Five recent trials demonstrated benefit of endovascular treatment (ET) for large-vessel ischemic stroke. But, while all were positive, the trials differed in their estimates of benefit magnitude. We tested whether trial differences in rate and speed of successful accounted for their variations in effect size estimates. Methods: We analyzed all 5 recent positive endovascular stroke trials, MR CLEAN, ESCAPE, EXTEND-IA, REVASCAT, and SWIFT-PRIME. An expanded analysis also included the 2 prior neutral trials, IMS-3 and MR RESCUE. Linear regression and correlation coefficients probed variable relations. Results: Among the 5 positive trials, rates of substantial reperfusion ranged from 59%-88% and OTR from 241-355 minutes. Independent functional outcome rates ranged in the endovascular arms from 32.6% to 71.4%, and in the control arms from 19.1% to 40.0%. Absolute differences in functional independence between treatment arms ranged from 13.5% - 31.4%. In the 2 neutral trials, reperfusion rates were lower, OTR longer, and outcome differences much less. Linear regression demonstrated very strong relation of both trial reperfusion rate and trial reperfusion speed to trial magnitude of treatment benefit (Figure). Across all 7 trials, the correlation between reperfusion rate and treatment effect size was r= 0.98, and between reperfusion speed and treatment effect size was r=0.85. Among just the 5 positive trials, reperfusion rate correlation with treatment effect size was r=0.87, and between reperfusion speed and treatment effect size was r=0.89. Conclusion: Achievement of successful reperfusion and speed of reperfusion are potent determinants of the degree of benefit with endovascular reperfusion therapy, and account for more than three-quarters of the variation in degree of treatment benefit in the 5 recent positive thrombectomy trials. To maximize patient benefit from endovascular intervention, open arteries fully and fast.

Stent-based thrombectomy versus intravenous tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischaemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To date only a few studies have compared the effectiveness and functional outcomes of stent retrievers versus intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stoke. Our aim was to identify and collate all the available data and to assess for statistical differences in patient outcomes between the two treatments. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies with a randomised controlled design which utilised stentrievers and intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke. Five randomised controlled studies published in 2015 were identified. Second-generation thrombectomy devices constituted at least 80% of thrombectomy devices in the included studies, namely MR CLEAN, ESCAPE, EXTEND-IA, SWIFT PRIME and REVASCAT. No significant heterogeneity was seen in the included studies and the five trials were therefore included in the meta-analysis.A total of 46.10% of patients treated with stentrievers achieved an independent functional outcome (mRS < 2) at 90 days compared with 26.46% of those treated with intravenous thrombolysis with an odds ratio of 2.40 (p < 0.001). The weighted recanalisation mean in the thrombectomy arms was 76.02%.A lower mortality rate was observed with stentrievers compared to intravenous thrombolysis (15.33% vs 18.74%; OR 0.81, p = 0.15). Stentrievers were also associated with a lower risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (7.86% vs 8.64%; OR 1.02, p = 0.93). The differences in the secondary/safety outcomes were not statistically significant. Stentrievers can achieve a high rate of recanalisation and functional independence in acute ischaemic stroke and have a relatively good safety profile. Our meta-analysis demonstrates a clear benefit of an intra-arterial mechanical approach vs standard treatment.