Intensive Medical Management Research Articles

Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis Operative Technique and Intraoperative Anesthesia Management: Treatment From Both Sides of the Curtain.

Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) is a form of indirect revascularization for cerebral arterial steno-occlusive disorders. EDAS has gained growing interest as a technique applicable to pediatric and adult populations for several types of ischemic cerebral steno-occlusive conditions. To present a team-oriented, multidisciplinary update of the EDAS technique for application in challenging adult cases of cerebrovascular stenosis/occlusion, successfully implemented in more than 200 cases. We describe and demonstrate step-by-step a multidisciplinary-modified EDAS technique, adapted to maintain uninterrupted intensive medical management of patients' stroke risk factors and anesthesia protocols to maintain strict hemodynamic control. A total of 216 EDAS surgeries were performed in 164 adult patients, including 65 surgeries for patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease and 151 operations in 99 patients with moyamoya disease. Five patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease had recurrent strokes (3%), and there was one perioperative death. The mean clinical follow-up was 32.9 mo with a standard deviation of 31.1. There was one deviation from the surgical protocol. There were deviations from the anesthesia protocol in 3 patients (0.01%), which were promptly corrected and did not have any clinical impact on the patients' condition. The EDAS protocol described here implements a team-oriented, multidisciplinary adaptation of the EDAS technique. This adaptation resides mainly in 3 points: (1) uninterrupted administration of intensive medical management, (2) strict hemodynamic control during anesthesia, and (3) meticulous standardized surgical technique.

Abstract 12378: Encephaloduroarteryiosinangiosis (EDAS) is a Cost-Effective Treatment for Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) is being evaluated as a new treatment for symptomatic-intracranial-atherosclerotic-disease (sICAD) in high-risk patients. We present a cost-effectiveness analysis of EDAS compared with intensive-medical-management (IMM) for sICAD. Hypothesis: EDAS surgery is a cost-effective treatment for sICAD Methods: Clinical data was obtained from the EDAS-Revascularization-for- Symptomatic-Intracranial-Atherosclerotic-Steno-occlusive-Performance-Criterion-trial (ERSIAS-PC) (n=52) and propensity scored matched cohorts from SAMMPRIS and COSS. Outcomes were projected at 3.5 years. Conservatively, treatment-effect was set as annual-risk-reduction (ARR) of 3.4%/year, 55% of the observed effect in stroke-death reduction in ERSIAS-PC. Total costs of procedure and IMM were calculated using disabling stroke, non-disabling stroke, or death rates per group, adjusted to 2021US$. The quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) of each intervention was estimated using the frequency of disabling and non-disabling stroke, death, and baseline-health. Incremental cost-effectiveness-ratio (ICER) was formulated for 3.5-years. Results: Rates of stroke/death in ERSIAS PC were 9.6% (EDAS+IMM) and 21.2% (IMM). Estimated rates of stroke/death at 3.5 years were 27.9% (EDAS+IMM) and 38.9%(IMM). Calculated net-costs at 3.5-years were US$40,883 (EDAS+IMM) and US$20,968 (IMM) QALYs were 0.77 (EDAS+IMM) and 0.69 (IMM) (range 0-0.89 corresponding to death-baseline health). The cost per QALY gained after EDAS+IMM was US$68,916, and US$63,916 for IMM. The corresponding ICER for EDAS+IMM versus IMM was $65,736, below the threshold of US$189,153 (3xGPD-per-capita) for cost effectiveness. Conclusions: ARR of stroke/death of at least 3.4% after EDAS is a cost-effective strategy for the treatment of high-risk sICAD patients. This ARR is conservative compared to the observed 5.9% ARR in the ERSIAS-PC trial. Further investigation of EDAS in a pivotal/phase III trial is supported as a cost-effective strategy

Patients Receiving Extracranial to Intracranial Bypass for Atherosclerotic Vessel Occlusion Today Differ Significantly From the COSS Population.

Despite the findings reported in the COSS (Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study), patients with atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease continue to be referred for superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery. Here, we determined how today’s patients differ from the population reported in COSS. We retrospectively analyzed all patients that were referred to our Department for superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery of atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease following the publication of COSS. Between 2012 and 2019, 179 patients were referred for 186 bypass surgeries. Ninety-one (51%) patients suffered atherosclerotic, unilateral internal carotid occlusion and 88 (49%) atherosclerotic multivessel disease. All patients had received intensive medical management. A single transitory ischemic attack or ischemic stroke within the last 120 days according to the inclusion criteria of COSS occurred in only 36 out of 179 (20%) patients, whereas 27 out of 179 (15%) suffered >1 transitory ischemic attack within 120 days, 109 out of 179 (61%) had recurrent minor ischemic stroke, and 7 out of 179 (4%) were hemodynamically unstable and required blood pressure maintenance. The distribution of symptoms did not differ between atherosclerotic unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion and atherosclerotic multivessel disease (P=0.376) but hemodynamic impairment was significantly greater in atherosclerotic multivessel disease (P<0.001 for atherosclerotic multivessel disease versus atherosclerotic unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion). The overall perioperative stroke rate was 4.3%. Patients referred for flow augmentation surgery today appear to suffer more severe symptoms and vessel occlusion patterns than patients reported in COSS. A new, carefully designed randomized controlled trial appears warranted, considering the still poor prognosis of severe atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease.

Perianal magnetic resonance imaging findings and their potential impact on outcome in children with perianal fistulizing Crohn disease

Children with perianal fistulizing Crohn disease require intensive medical management but also have a higher risk for subsequent surgical interventions. We performed a retrospective study to identify patient factors and perianal anatomical features by pelvic MR that are associated with surgical interventions in these children. We included children with Crohn disease and perianal fistula who underwent pelvic MR with available, archived images and collected demographic, clinical and laboratory data. Radiologists reviewed pelvic MR exams and identified Park classification and additional anatomical features of perianal fistulas, including fistula branching, horseshoe ramifications, abscess, inflammatory mass, supralevator extension, anal sphincter damage, proctitis and posterior anal space involvement. We performed univariate and subsequent multivariate analysis to determine features associated with subsequent surgical intervention. Ninety-nine children with Crohn disease underwent pelvic MR. In this cohort, 69 children had no surgical interventions prior to baseline MRI, with subsequent median clinical follow-up of 5.5years. Univariate analysis demonstrated that branching (P=0.009), supralevator extension (P=0.015) and anal sphincter damage (P=0.031) were significantly associated with subsequent surgical intervention. Age at baseline MRI was also associated with intervention (hazard ratio [HR] every 5years: 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-3.83; P=0.012). A multivariable model identified only fistula branching (HR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.28-4.15; P=0.005) and age (HR: 5.18; CI: 1.57-17.14; P=0.007) as independent predictors of subsequent surgery. No demographic, clinical or laboratory parameter predicted subsequent surgical intervention. Age and anatomical MR features indicating fistula complexity (branching, supralevator extension) and sphincter damage confer a higher risk of subsequent surgical intervention in children with perianal Crohn disease.

Revision orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease

ObjectiveTo compare the indications, surgical techniques and outcomes for revision orbital decompression surgery for thyroid eye disease in open, endoscopic, and combined open and endoscopic approaches. MethodsA retrospective review of all revision orbital decompression procedures for thyroid eye disease from a single large academic institution over a 17-year period (01/01/2004–01/01/2021) was performed. Patient demographics, as well as indications and types of surgery were reviewed. Outcome measures included changes in proptosis, intraocular pressure, visual acuity and diplopia. ResultsThirty procedures were performed on 21 patients. There was a median of 9.4 months between primary orbital decompression and revision decompression surgery. There were 6 bilateral procedures, and 2 of these patients underwent additional revision surgeries due to decreased visual acuity with concern for persistent orbital apex compression or sight-threatening ocular surface exposure in the setting of proptosis. Twenty-five procedures were performed as open surgeries with 5 endoscopic/combined cases. Combined Ophthalmology/Otolaryngology surgery via combined open/endoscopic approaches was favoured for persistent orbital apex disease. Visual acuity remained preserved in all patients. The overall median reduction in proptosis was 2 mm and intraocular pressure change was 1 mmHg regardless of surgical approach. The overall rate of new onset diplopia after surgery was 15%. These patients had open approaches. All endoscopic/combined approach patients had pre-existing diplopia. There were no statistically significant differences between the open and endoscopic/combined groups in regard to change in visual acuity, reduction in proptosis or intraocular pressure. ConclusionRevision orbital decompression is an uncommon procedure indicated for those patients with progressive symptoms despite previous surgery and intensive medical management. Both endoscopic and non-endoscopic techniques offer favourable outcomes with respect to visual acuity, decrease in intraocular pressure, and improvement in proptosis and overall lead to a low incidence of new onset diplopia. Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes (HEAL-D), a culturally tailored self-management education and support program for type 2 diabetes in black-British adults: a randomized controlled feasibility trial

IntroductionBlack-British communities are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (T2D). Structured education programs are a core component of T2D healthcare but they are less successful in people from minority ethnic...

Intensive Medical Management to Prevent Large and Small Artery Atherothrombotic Stroke

This Viewpoint examines the potential of using newer strategies to prevent ischemic stroke due to large and small artery atherothrombosis, including agents to lower LDL cholesterol, as well as increase eicosapentaenoic acid levels, insulin sensitivity and synthesis, and folic acid levels.

Non-Adherence to Antihypertensive Guidelines in Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis

ImportanceHypertension and carotid stenosis are both risk factors for stroke, but the presence of carotid stenosis might dampen enthusiasm for tight control of hypertension because of concerns for hypoperfusion. ObjectiveTo determine the extent to which there are opportunities to potentially improve pharmacotherapy for hypertension in patients known to have asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. DesignWe examined anti-hypertensive medication prescription and adherence to evidence-based hypertension treatment guidelines in a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of patients enrolled in a clinical trial. SettingThe Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial (CREST-2) is a multicenter prospective randomized open blinded end-point clinical trial of intensive medical management with or without revascularization by endarterectomy or stenting for asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. Participants1479 participants (38.6% female; mean age 69.8 years) from 132 clinical centers enrolled in the CREST-2 trial as of April 6, 2020 who were taking ≥1 antihypertensive drug at baseline. ExposuresPharmacotherapy for hypertension. Main outcomeAdherence to evidence-based guidelines for treating hypertension. ResultsOf 1458 participants with complete data, 26% were on one, 31% on 2, and 43% on ≥3 antihypertensive medications at trial entry. Thirty-two percent of participants were prescribed thiazide; 74%, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB); 38%, calcium channel blocker (CCB); 56%, a beta blocker; 11%, loop diuretic; and 27%, other. Of those prescribed a single antihypertensive medication, the proportion prescribed thiazide was 5%; ACEI or ARB, 55%, and CCB, 11%. The prevalence of guideline-adherent regimens was 34% (95% CI, 31-36%). Conclusions and relevanceIn a diverse cohort with severe carotid disease and hypertension, non-adherence to hypertension guidelines was common. All preferred classes of antihypertensive drug were under-prescribed. Using staged iterative guideline-based care for hypertension, CREST-2 will characterize drug tolerance and stroke rates under these conditions. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT02089217.

Optimal Medical Management of Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis

Asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) due to atherosclerosis is a risk factor for ipsilateral ischemic cerebrovascular events and cognitive impairment. The prognosis of ACS has improved over the past 4 decades due largely to improvements in medical management. Most patients with ACS can be managed without revascularization, but some patients with vulnerable plaque should be considered for revascularization. Regardless of the decision to refer for revascularization, all patients with ACS should receive intensive medical management. This includes lifestyle modification (Mediterranean diet, exercise, and smoking cessation) and pharmacological therapy (antiplatelets, lipid-lowering agents, blood pressure reduction, and glycemic control). Patients with ACS often have atherosclerosis in other critical locations, and thus optimal medical therapy is likely to reduce events outside the carotid arteries. The nature of optimal medical therapy is described.

Rationale, Design, and Implementation of Intensive Risk Factor Treatment in the CREST2 Trial

A subanalysis of patients entered in the CREST2 trial (carotid revascularization and medical management for asymptomatic carotid stenosis) from 2014 to March 23, 2020 was performed. Interim risk factor data were gathered for 1618 patients at baseline and follow-up through 24 months analyzing intensive medical management alone compared with intensive medical management plus carotid endarterectomy or transfemoral carotid artery stenting for preventing stroke or death. The mean baseline low-density lipoprotein level was 80 mg/dL, which had significantly improved to 67 mg/dL after intensive medical treatment. The mean baseline systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg had significantly improved to 130 mm Hg. A rigorous approach to intensive stroke risk factor management in CREST2 resulted in significant improvements in risk factor control.

Prevalence, prognosis, and treatment of atherosclerotic intracranial stenosis in Caucasians.

BackgroundIntracranial atherosclerotic stenosis is a highly prevalent cause of stroke worldwide with important ethnic disparities. Widely considered to be a common cause of stroke in Asian and Afro-Caribbean populations, relatively less is known about the burden and significance of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in Caucasians.AimsWe aim to highlight recent insights and advances into the prevalence, prognosis, and treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in Caucasian patients.Summary of reviewWe identified 48 articles studying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in Caucasian patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Most studies were on hospital-based cohorts of consecutive patients and half were graded as “fair” quality. There was significant variation between studies in the definition of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and in the imaging modalities used to detect intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Overall, 12.1% of Caucasian patients were found to have any intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, 6.4% symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and 11.1% asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, with higher rates at older ages. In studies reporting prognosis, there were 61 and 10 same-territory ischemic strokes in 1000 person-years in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, respectively. Percutaneous stenting and angioplasty have not proven superior to intensive medical management in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.ConclusionsIntracranial atherosclerotic stenosis has previously been neglected as a cause of stroke in Caucasians but is highly prevalent at older ages and frequently discovered with the growing use of noninvasive angiography. Intensive medical therapy is the treatment of choice, but there is a need to develop novel treatments or therapeutic approaches to lower the risk of stroke in higher risk patients.

Infarct Recurrence in Intracranial Atherosclerosis: Results from the MyRIAD Study

BackgroundIntracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a common cause of ischemic stroke with a high risk of clinical stroke recurrence. Multiple mechanisms may underlie cerebral ischemia in this condition. The study's objective is to discern the mechanisms of recurrent ischemia in ICAD through imaging biomarkers of impaired antegrade flow, poor distal perfusion, abnormal vasoreactivity, and artery-to-artery embolism. MethodsThis prospective multicenter observational study enrolled patients with recent (≤21 days) ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by ICAD with 50-99% stenosis treated medically. We obtained baseline quantitative MRA (QMRA), perfusion MRI (PWI), transcranial Doppler vasoreactivity (VMR), and emboli detection studies (EDS). The primary outcome was ischemic stroke in the territory of the stenotic artery within 1 year of follow-up; secondary outcomes were TIA at 1 year and new infarcts in the territory on MRI at 6-8 weeks. ResultsAmongst 102 of 105 participants with clinical follow-up (mean 253±131 days), the primary outcome occurred in 8.8% (12.7/100 patient-years), while 5.9% (8.5/100 patient-years) had a TIA. A new infarct in the territory of the symptomatic artery was noted in 24.7% at 6-8 weeks. A low flow state on QMRA was noted in 25.5%, poor distal perfusion on PWI in 43.5%, impaired vasoreactivity on VMR in 67.5%, and microemboli on EDS in 39.0%. No significant association was identified between these imaging biomarkers and primary or secondary outcomes. ConclusionsDespite intensive medical management in ICAD, there is a high risk of clinical cerebrovascular events at 1 year and an even higher risk of new imaging-evident infarcts in the subacute period after index stroke. Hemodynamic and plaque instability biomarkers did not identify a higher risk group. Further work is needed to identify mechanisms of ischemic stroke and infarct recurrence and their consequence on long-term physical and cognitive outcomes. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02121028.

Mitigating the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on controlling vascular risk factors among participants in a carotid stenosis trial

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to managing vascular risk factors with in-person follow-up of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis enrolled in the CREST2 trial. CREST2 is comparing intensive medical management alone versus intensive medical management plus revascularization with endarterectomy or stenting. We performed a study to evaluate the feasibility of a home-based program for testing blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in CREST2. MethodsThis study involved 45 patients at 10 sites in the CREST2 trial. The initial patients were identified by the Medical Management Core (MMC) as high-risk patients defined by stage 2 hypertension, LDL > 90 mg/dl, or both. If a patient at the site declined participation, another was substituted. All patients who agreed to participate were sent a BP monitoring device and a commercially available at-home lipid test kit that uses a self-performed finger-stick blood sample that was resulted to the patient. Training on the use of the equipment and obtaining the risk factor results was done by the study coordinator by telephone. ResultsTen of the 130 currently active CREST2 sites participated, 8 in the LDL portion and 5 in the BP portion (3 sites did both). Twenty-six BP devices and 23 lipid tests were sent to patients. Of the 26 patients who obtained BP readings with the devices, 9 were out of the study target and adjustments in BP medications were made in 3. Of the 23 patients sent LDL tests, 13 were able to perform the test showing 7 were out of target, leading to adjustments in lipid medications in 4. ConclusionThis study established the feasibility of at-home monitoring of BP and LDL in a clinical trial and identified implementation challenges prior to widespread use in the trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02089217)

Trends and controversies in carotid artery stenosis treatment.

Despite the completion of several multi-center trials, the management of carotid stenosis remains in flux. Key questions include the role of intensive medical management in the treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis. In addition, identification of patients with symptomatic stenosis who will most benefit from carotid revascularization remains a priority. The role of newer imaging techniques such as carotid plaque analysis with magnetic resonance imaging is also challenging current treatment paradigms. These topics are explored in this topical update.

A prospective study of intensive in-patient treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Multimodal in-patient treatment incorporating intensive cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) and medication management is a promising alternative for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients who do not respond to standard out-patient treatment. We prospectively examined the short-term outcome and predictors of outcome of intensive in-patient treatment in a largely pharmacotherapy-resistant OCD sample. Fifty eight consecutive patients, admitted for treatment of OCD were evaluated at admission, at discharge and 2 months post-discharge for psychiatric diagnosis, personality disorders, obsessive beliefs, insight into obsessions and severity of obsessive-compulsive, depressive and anxiety symptoms. All patients received comprehensive treatment consisting of a combination of pharmacotherapy and intensive CBT. The mean Y-BOCS score was 29.38(±5.72) at admission, which reduced to 16.62(±7.91) at discharge and 16.75(±8.85) at follow-up. Thirty five participants (60.3%) met the prespecified criteria for response and 19 (32.8%) for remission. There was a significant reduction in Y-BOCS scores at discharge [43.67 (23.81)%] and post-discharge follow-up [2.18 (29.32)%] as compared to baseline (p<0.01). Baseline Browns Assessment of Beleifs Scale score (insight) was the only variable that statistically differentiated responders and non-responders. In-patient treatment is an effective treatment for medication resistant, severe and chronic OCD. Poor insight is a potential predictor of non-response to in-patient treatment.

The role of percutaneous coronary intervention in managing patients with stable ischemic heart disease.

A major outcome of cardiology research over the last 2 decades is the finding that intensive medical management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease is as effective as revascularization procedures in preventing cardiac events and death. This finding has generated management guidelines that often are overlooked because of misplaced enthusiasm for revascularization procedures.

Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity is associated with recurrent stroke in patients with severe intracranial arterial stenosis: A C02 BOLD fMRI study

Background and PurposeSevere intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (SIAS) remains at risk of recurrent ischemic events despite intensive medical management. Exhausted cerebrovascular reserve seems to be associated with higher risk of recurrent stroke. Materials and MethodsWe used whole brain MRI to estimate basal perfusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to hypercapnic challenge (CO2 inhalation) using BOLD contrast, in 20 patients with symptomatic SIAS (>70%) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) or the distal internal carotid artery. We studied relationships between individual clinical, biological, radiological baseline characteristics, recurrent ischemic events, basal perfusion parameters (mean transit time, delay, time to peak, cerebral blood flow and volume), and CVR measured in MCA territories (CVRMCA), and reported using laterality indices (LI). ResultsTen patients had an impaired CVR with (|LI| CVRMCA≥0.08). During a mean follow-up of 3.3 years, all recurrent ipsilateral ischemic events occurred within the first year. They were more frequent in impaired CVRMCA group (n=7/10 patients) than in normal CVRMCA group (n=1/10), with different survival curves (log rank, P=0.007). ConclusionImpaired CVR is associated with an increased rate of recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic SIAS. CVR mapping should be used as a well tolerated method to select higher-risk patients in further therapeutic trials such as endovascular procedures.

Prevalence, predictors, and prognosis of symptomatic intracranial stenosis in patients with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke: a population-based cohort study.

SummaryBackgroundSymptomatic intracranial stenosis was perceived to convey a high risk of recurrent stroke, but two previous trials (SAMMPRIS and VISSIT) did not show superiority of intracranial stenosis stenting over intensive medical management alone. These findings were partly due to a lower than expected risk of recurrent stroke without stenting, possibly reflecting the young age of recruits (median age <60 years), and raise questions about generalisability to routine clinical practice. We therefore studied the age-specific prevalence, predictors, and prognosis of symptomatic intracranial stenosis in a population-based cohort of patients with transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke on intensive medical management.MethodsThe Oxford Vascular Study (OXVASC) is a prospective incidence cohort study of all vascular events in a population of 92 728 people residing in Oxfordshire, UK. All patients, irrespective of age, with transient ischaemic attack and minor ischaemic stroke occurring between March 1, 2011, and March 1, 2018 (follow-up to Sept 28, 2018), were ascertained with multiple methods, including assessment in a dedicated daily emergency clinic and daily review of all hospital admissions. Imaging was by MR angiography of the intracranial and cervicocranial arteries, by CT angiography if MR angiography was contraindicated, and by transcranial Doppler and carotid ultrasound if CT angiography was contraindicated. All patients received intensive medical treatment without stenting, and those with intracranial vascular imaging were analysed in our study, which assessed the age-specific prevalence of 50–99% intracranial stenosis and the associated stroke risk of 50–99% and 70–99% stenosis (adjusted for age and vascular risk factors) during follow-up to Sept 28, 2018.FindingsOf 1368 eligible patients with intracranial vascular imaging, 241 (17·6%) had 385 50–99% symptomatic or asymptomatic intracranial stenosis. The prevalence of symptomatic 50–99% intracranial stenosis increased from 29 (4·9%) of 596 at younger than 70 years to 10 (19·6%) of 51 at 90 years or older (ptrend<0·0001). Of 94 patients with 50–99% symptomatic intracranial stenosis, 14 (14·9%) had recurrent strokes (12 ischaemic and two haemorrhagic) during a median follow-up of 2·8 years (IQR 1·5–4·6). Although symptomatic intracranial stenosis conveyed an increased risk of ischaemic stroke compared with no intracranial stenosis (adjusted hazard ratio 1·43, 95% CI 1·04–1·96), the risk of same-territory ischaemic stroke in patients with 70–99% symptomatic intracranial stenosis tended to be less than those reported in the non-stenting groups of the previous trials (1-year risk 5·6% [95% CI 0·0–13·0] vs 9·4% [3·1–20·7] in VISSIT; 2-year risk 5·6% [0·0–13·0] vs 14·1% [10·1–19·4] in SAMMPRIS).InterpretationThe prevalence of 50–99% symptomatic intracranial stenosis increases steeply with age in predominantly Caucasian patients with transient ischaemic attack and minor ischaemic stroke. However, the risk of recurrent stroke on intensive medical treatment of symptomatic intracranial stenosis is consistent with the two previous randomised controlled trials in younger cohorts, supporting the generalisability of the trial results to routine practice.FundingWellcome Trust, Wolfson Foundation, British Heart Foundation, National Institute for Health Research, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Association of British Neurologists.

Intensive medical management of intracranial arterial stenosis.

Intensive medical management of intracranial arterial stenosis.

Improved Glycemic Control Outcomes Regardless of Mental Health Disorders in a Pharmacist-Endocrinologist Diabetes Intense Medical Management (DIMM) "Tune Up" Clinic.

Background: Previous studies show patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and a mental health (MH) disorder exhibit poorer glycemic control compared with those without. Objective: Compare mean change in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) after 6 months in the Diabetes Intense Medical Management (DIMM) "Tune Up" Clinic in patients with and without MH disorders. Methods: Retrospective cohort study in T2D patients, with A1C at baseline and 6 months, divided into subgroups of those with ≥1 MH diagnoses and without MH. Primary outcome was mean change in A1C from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes were mean change in other metabolic parameters and proportion achieving A1C and related goals. Results: Of 155 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 66 (42.6%) had at least 1 MH disorder (MH group) and 89 (57.4%) did not (non-MH group). Mean A1C, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and triglycerides (TG) change (improvement) did not differ significantly between MH and non-MH groups at 6 months (eg, A1C reduction: -2.1% [SD = 2.0] vs -2.3% [SD = 2.1]; P = 0.61, respectively). Percentage at A1C goal did not differ significantly between groups, though a higher percentage of the non-MH group achieved FBG and TG goals than the MH group. Conclusion and Relevance: In 6 months, both groups in the DIMM clinic achieved a statistically significant mean A1C reduction (over 2%) with no statistical or clinical difference in the magnitude of change between groups. Patients with T2D benefitted from the DIMM model and personalized visits with a pharmacist regardless of having a MH disorder.