Median Admission National Institutes Of Health Stroke Scale Research Articles

Impact of prior oral anticoagulation on admission stroke severity in patients with atrial fibrillation.

In patients with atrial fibrillation, oral anticoagulation therapy is indicated for both primary and secondary prevention of stroke/systemic embolism. Though direct oral anticoagulants with greater safety and efficacy than warfarin were introduced into clinical practice at the beginning of the last decade, even now not all patients with AF have adequate preventative anticoagulant treatment. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of prior use of oral anticoagulants on admission stroke severity in those with AF. Other aims were, inter alia, to assess the trend in atrial fibrillation prevalence in the years of the HISTORY trials 2012-2021 carried out in the Czech Republic and use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) in ischemic stroke (IS) patients. We analyzed consecutive ischemic stroke patients who had been enrolled in the HISTORY (Heart and Ischemic STrOke Relationship studY) study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT01541163) in the year 2012 and carried out a yearly comparison (detailed in the text). In total, there were 1059 patients (55.9% males, mean age 71.7±12.8). There was no significant difference over the time period in rate of known (18.3 vs. 16.5%, P=0.442) or newly detected AF (17.0 vs. 16.0%, P=0.665), but sigificantly more patients with known AF were treated with oral anticoagulants before IS in the year 2021 (32.1 vs. 70.7%, P<0.0001), and direct oral anticoagulants (3.6 vs. 35.4%, P<0.0001). The number of patients with atrial fibrillation had not changed significantly over the years (26.2 vs. 31.3%). Patients on OAC had a lower median admission score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) than those not using an oral anticoagulant (6 vs. 16, P=0.0004) in 2021. There was no significant upward trend in atrial fibrillation in stroke patients admitted between 2012 and 2021, but patients with known AF were significantly more frequently treated with oral anticoagulants and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in 2021. Patients on OAC had lower admission NIHSS scores than those not using any anticoagulent in the year 2021. The difference in the median admission NIHSS between the patients on OAC and those without OAC treatment was not significant in the year 2012 (6 vs. 12, P=0.066). This might be related to the fact that substantially fewer patients in 2012 were on DOACs, which are considered more effective than warfarin.

Relevance of NIHSS subitems for best revascularization therapy in minor stroke patients with large vessel occlusion: an observational multicentric study.

The best management of acute ischemic stroke patients with a minor stroke and large vessel occlusion is still uncertain. Specific clinical and radiological data may help to select patients who benefit from Endovascular Therapy (EVT). We aimed to evaluate the relevance of NIHSS subitems for predicting potential benefit of EVT after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT)("bridging treatment") versus IVT alone. We extracted demographic, clinical, risk factor, radiological, revascularization and outcome data from consecutive patients with M1 or proximal M2 middle cerebral artery occlusion and admission NIHSS scores of 0-5 points treated with IVT+/-EVT between May 2005 and March 2021 from nine prospectively-constructed stroke registries from seven French and two Swiss comprehensive stroke centers. Adjusted interaction analyses were performed between admission NIHSS subitems and revascularization modality for two primary outcomes at 3 months: non-excellent functional outcome (mRS 2-6) and difference in NIHSS score between 3 months and admission RESULTS: Of the 533 patients included (median age 68.2 years, 46% women, median admission NIHSS score 3), 136 (25.5%) patients initially received bridging therapy and 397 (74.5%) IVT alone. Adjusted interaction analysis revealed that only facial palsy on admission was more frequently associated with excellent outcome in patients treated by IVT alone versus bridging therapy (OR=0.47, 95%CI=0.24-0.91, p=0.013). Regarding NIHSS-difference at 3 months, no single NIHSS subitems interacted with the type of revascularization. This retrospective multicenter analysis found that NIHSS subitems at admission had little value in predicting patients who might benefit from bridging therapy as opposed to IVT alone. Further research is needed to identify better markers for selecting EVT responders with minor strokes.

Real-time feedback on mobile application use for emergency management affects the door-to-needle time and functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke

ObjectivesTime from onset to reperfusion affects mortality and favorable outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). To evaluate effects of a real-time feedback mobile application on critical time intervals and functional outcomes in stroke emergency management. MethodsWe recruited patients with clinically suspected acute stroke from December 1st, 2020 until July 30st, 2022. All Patients had a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) and were included only if they had AIS. We divided the patients into two groups based on the date of availability on mobile application: pre-APP group and post-APP group. Onset to Door time (ODT), Door to Imaging Time (DIT), Door to Needle Time (DNT), Door to Puncture Time (DPT), Door to Recanalization Time (DRT), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were compared between two groups. ResultsWe retrospectively enrolled 312 AIS patients who were assigned into the pre-APP group (n = 159) and post-APP group (n = 153). The median ODT time and median admission NIHSS score were not significantly different between the two groups at baseline assessment. The median (IQR) DIT [44 (30-60) min vs 28 (20-36) min, P < 0.01] and DNT [44 (36.25-52) min vs 39 (29-45) min, P = 0.02] both decreased significantly in two groups. However, median DPT and DRT time showed no significant differences. The proportion of mRS score of 0 to 2 at day 90 was significantly higher in the post-App group than in the pre-App group, at 82.4% and 71.7%, respectively (dominance ratio OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.07 to 3.16, P = 0.03). ConclusionThe present findings indicate that the real-time feedback of stroke emergency management used by a mobile application have potential for shortening the DIT and DNT time and improve the prognosis of stroke patients.

Relevance of Cognition and Emotion for Patient-Reported Quality of Life After Stroke in Working Age: An Observational Cohort Study

BackgroundPatient-reported quality of life (QoL) may help to capture sequela of stroke more comprehensively. We aimed to investigate QoL in working age persons with ischemic stroke regarding impaired domains and identify factors associated with better QoL.MethodsWe invited persons with stroke aged 18–55 years to participate in this prospective observational study. We assessed QoL and self-rated health using the EuroQol 5 Dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) during hospital stay (baseline) and at 3-months follow-up (FU). Additionally, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), cognition (Montreal Cognitive assessment, MOCA), emotion (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and return to work were evaluated. We used hierarchical regression to identify predictors of QoL (self-rated health and QoL Index score) at FU.ResultsWe included 138 persons with stroke (mean age = 43.6 ± 10 years; 41% female; median admission NIHSS = 2), of whom 99 participated at FU. QoL Index and self-rated health were correlated with NIHSS, mRS, anxiety, and depression at both timepoints. Although 80% had favorable functional outcome at FU (mRS < 2), high proportions of these persons reported problems in the “Pain and/or Discomfort” (25.3%) and “Anxiety/Depression” (22.8%) dimensions. Only discharge NIHSS and baseline MOCA independently predicted self-rated health at FU. Female sex, higher discharge NIHSS, and higher baseline depression scores predicted worse QoL Index scores at FU.ConclusionsThree months post-stroke, working age persons with stroke frequently reported problems in dimensions not assessed by the routinely used mRS. Despite correlations between clinical scales and QoL, patient-reported outcomes and screening for cognition and emotion ensure a more comprehensive assessment of post-stroke consequences relevant for QoL.

Abstract WP27: Sars-cov-2 And Stroke Characteristics: A Report From A Regional Medical Center Serving Three Counties In South Carolina

Introduction: Recent studies have shown patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develop significant coagulopathy with thromboembolic complications including ischemic stroke. However, data are sparse regarding the clinical characteristics, stroke mechanism, and patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with ischemic stroke who were hospitalized between March 2020 and June 2021, within at a Regional Medical Center serving three large counties in South Carolina. We further investigated clinical and demographic characteristics, stroke severity as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and stroke subtype as measured by the TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria among patients with COVID-19 who also suffered from an acute ischemic stroke. Results: During the study period, out of 1087 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, 18 patients (1.6%) had an imaging-proven ischemic stroke. Of these 18 patients, 10 (56%) were men, 16 were African-Americans (89%), 2 (11.1%) patients were &lt;55 years of age. All patients had at least one known vascular risk factor. Cryptogenic stroke was more common in patients with COVID-19 (83%). The median time (days) from COVID-19 symptom onset to stroke symptom onset was 11 (IQR 10-28), while the median time from being tested positive for COVID-19 to stroke diagnosis was 10 (IQR 2-24). Our study sample had a median admission NIHSS score of 5 (IQR 3-11) and a median peak D-dimer level of 2101 (IQR 1349 - 3213). Interestingly, 38% of these patients were already on therapeutic anticoagulation before the diagnosis of stroke. Patients with COVID-19 and stroke had an inpatient mortality rate of 11%. None of these patients met the criteria for IV-tPA treatment or thrombectomy. Conclusion: We observed a modest rate of ischemic stroke in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Most strokes were cryptogenic, possibly secondary to coagulopathy associated with COVID-19 infection. Further studies are needed to guide management for stroke prevention in patients with COVID-19.

Investigating the “Weekend Effect” on Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke

Objectives: With growing evidence of its efficacy for patients with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic stroke, the use of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has increased. The “weekend effect,” whereby patients presenting during weekends/off hours have worse clinical outcomes than those presenting during normal working hours, is a critical area of study in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our objective was to evaluate whether a “weekend effect” exists in patients undergoing EVT. MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of the 2016–2018 Nationwide Inpatient Sample data included patients ≥18 years with documented diagnosis of ischemic stroke (ICD-10 codes I63, I64, and H34.1), procedural code for EVT, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score; the exposure variable was weekend vs. weekday treatment. The primary outcome was in-hospital death; secondary outcomes were favorable discharge, extended hospital stay (LOS), and cost. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine predictors for outcomes. ResultsWe identified 6052 AIS patients who received EVT (mean age 68.7±14.8 years; 50.8% female; 70.8% White; median (IQR) admission NIHSS 16 (10-21). The primary outcome of in-hospital death occurred in 560 (11.1%); the secondary outcome of favorable discharge occurred in 1039 (20.6%). The mean LOS was 7.8±8.6 days. There were no significant differences in the outcomes or cost based on admission timing. In the mixed-effects models, we found no effect of weekend vs. weekday admission on in-hospital death, favorable discharge, or extended LOS. ConclusionThese results demonstrate that the “weekend effect” does not impact outcomes or cost for patients who undergo EVT for LVO.

Comparison of effectiveness and outcomes among different thrombectomy techniques in acute basilar artery occlusion: a dual-center experience.

Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare large-vessel occlusion associated with high morbidity and mortality. Modern thrombectomy with stent retrievers and large-bore aspiration catheters is highly effective in achieving recanalization, but a direct comparison of different techniques for acute BAO has not been performed. Therefore, the authors sought to compare the technical effectiveness and clinical outcomes of stent retriever-assisted aspiration (SRA), aspiration alone (AA), and a stent retriever with or without manual aspiration (SR) for treatment of patients presenting with acute BAO and to evaluate predictors of clinical outcome in their cohort. A retrospective analysis of databases of large-vessel occlusion treated with endovascular intervention at two US endovascular neurosurgery centers was conducted. Patients ≥ 18 years of age with acute BAO treated between January 2013 and December 2020 with stent retrievers or large-bore aspiration catheters were included in the study. Demographic information, procedural details, angiographic results, and clinical outcomes were extracted for analysis. Eighty-three patients (median age 67 years [IQR 58-76 years]) were included in the study; 33 patients (39.8%) were female. The median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 16 (IQR 10-21). Intravenous alteplase was administered to 26 patients (31.3%). The median time from symptom onset to groin or wrist puncture was 256 minutes (IQR 157.5-363.0 minutes). Overall, successful recanalization was achieved in 74 patients (89.2%). The SRA technique had a significantly higher rate of modified first-pass effect (mFPE; 55% vs 31.8%, p = 0.032) but not true first-pass effect (FPE; 45% vs 34.9%, p = 0.346) than non-SRA techniques. Good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-2) was not significantly different among the three techniques. Poor outcome (mRS score 3-6) was associated with a higher median admission NIHSS score (12.5 vs 19, p = 0.007), a higher rate of adjunctive therapy usage (9% vs 0%, p < 0.001), and a higher rate of intraprocedural complications (10.7% vs 14.5%, p = 0.006). The admission NIHSS score significantly predicted good outcome (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.099; p = 0.032). Incomplete recanalization after thrombectomy significantly predicted mortality (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.18-2.39; p = 0.005). The evaluated techniques resulted in high recanalization rates. The SRA technique was associated with a higher rate of mFPE than AA and SR, but the clinical outcomes were similar. A lower admission NIHSS score predicted a better prognosis for patients, whereas incomplete recanalization after thrombectomy predicted mortality.

The frequency and impact of admission hyperglycemia on short term outcome of acute stroke patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa\xa0Specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdmission hyperglycemia (HG) has been associated with worse outcomes among acute stroke patients. A better understanding and awareness of the potentially adverse influence of hyperglycemia on the clinical outcome of acute stroke patients would help to provide guidance for acute stroke management and prevention of its adverse outcomes. We aimed to assess the frequency of admission hyperglycemia and its impact on short term (30-days) morbidity and mortality outcomes of stroke in adult Ethiopian patients in an urban setting.MethodsA prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among acute stroke patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), within 72 h of symptom onset, from July to December 2016. Socio-demographic data, neuroimaging findings and capillary blood glucose values were obtained on admission. Hyperglycemia was defined as > 140 mg/dl. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used to assess the baseline stroke severity and the 30-days post-stroke outcome, respectively.ResultsA total of 103 first-ever acute stroke patients were included (mean age = 55.5 + 15.3 years, 64.1% male and 65% under the age of 65 years) and 51 (49.5%) were hyperglycemic at time of admission. The median admission NIHSS score was worse in the hyperglycemic patients 14 (IQR 10–19) compared to normoglycemic patients 11 (IQR 8–15). Among stroke survivors, patients with hyperglycemia were 3.83 times (95% CI, 1.99–6.19) more likely to be functionally impaired (mRS = 3–5) at 30-days compared to normoglycemic patients (P = 0.041).Older age (≥ 65 years) (P = 0.017) and stroke severity (NIHSS > 14) (P = 0.006) at admission were both significantly associated with poor functional recovery at 30-day. Among patients who died at 30-day, two-third (66.7%) were hyperglycemic but they failed to show any significant association.ConclusionsHyperglycemia is prevalent among Ethiopian stroke patients at the time of presentation and it is associated with significantly poor functional recovery at 30th-day of follow up. This finding provides a rationale for achieving normal blood glucose in the course of acute stroke management which could have a favorable impact on the neurological outcome and quality of life for patients.

Abstract TP45: Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients Over 80 Years in a Real Clinical Practice: Give All a Chance?

Introduction: Randomized trials showed a certain benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) also in selected patients over 80 years, however data about non-selected population from a real clinical practice are missing. Thus, we aimed to report outcomes of patients over 80 years and compared them to younger ones. Methods: Retrospective analysis involved all patients treated with MT (stent-retrievers) in both centers in 2010-2017. Neurological deficit was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and final outcome after 3 months using the modified Rankin scale (mRS); good clinical outcome was scored 0-2. The achieved recanalization was rated with Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale. Presence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) was assessed according to the SITS- MOST criteria. Results: Of 703 enrolled patients, 138 (19.6%) were over 80 years (52 males, mean age 84 ± 3.4 years) with a median admission NIHSS of 18 points. Recanalization (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in 107 (77.5%) patients, SICH in 8 (5.8%) and good clinical outcome in 47 (34.1%) patients. 59 (42.8 %) patients died within 3 months. No difference was found in rate of achieved recanalization (p-0.38) and SICH (p-0.67) between patients over 80 years and patients aged 65-80 years, but the rate of mRS 0-2 was lower (p-0.004) and mortality higher (p-0.001) in older patients. Conclusion: MT seems to be beneficial also in patients over 80 years however, it is associated with higher mortality related to age. Acknowledgment: Supported by the grant of MH CR n. 17-30101A, IGA LF UP_018_2018 and KZ- IGA-KZ-2017-1-2.

Impact of Treatment Time on the Long-Term Outcome of Stroke Patients Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy

ObjectiveTo assess the long-term functional outcome of stroke in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) performed during work hours (on-hours) versus after-hours, weekends, and official holidays (off-hours). MethodsData on all patients receiving MT at a comprehensive stroke center was collected between December 2014-December 2016. Our primary outcomes were the discharge and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We developed propensity scores for off-hours treatment and used inverse probability of treatment weights to address confounding. We estimated logistic regression to assess the relationship between off-hours treatment and favorable patient outcomes. Independent variables include receiving thrombectomy during the off-hours, admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), door to groin time in minutes, age, and race. ResultsDuring the study period, 80 (41%) patients underwent thrombectomy during on-hours and 116 (59%) during off-hours. Mean age was 69.1 years for the on-hours group and 64.1 years for the off-hours group (P = .02). There were no statistically significant differences in median admission NIHSS, rate of alteplase administration, mean time from last known well to thrombectomy, rate of revascularization, and rate of hemorrhagic transformation between the 2 groups. Logistic regression analysis showed the probability of a favorable outcome at discharge (mRS ≤ 2) is 12.6 % lower for off-hours patients (P = .038, [95%CI −.25 to −.01]). For patients with a 90-day mRS (n = 117), the probability of a favorable outcome was 18.7% lower for those treated during the off-hours (P = .029, [95%CI −.36 to −.02]). ConclusionsThere is a higher probability of a good functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients who receive MT when performed during regular work hours.

Does the Magnitude of the Electrocardiogram QT Interval Dispersion Predict Stroke Outcome?

BackgroundQT dispersion, maximal interlead difference in QT interval on 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), measures cardiac repolarization abnormalities. Data are conflicting whether QT dispersion predicts adverse outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Our objective is to determine if QT dispersion predicts: (1) short-term clinical outcome in AIS, and (2) stroke location (insular versus noninsular cortex). MethodsAdmission ECGs from 412 consecutive patients with acute stroke symptoms from 2 university-based stroke centers were reviewed. QT dispersion was measured. A neuroradiologist reviewed brain imaging for insular cortex involvement. Favorable clinical outcomes at discharge were modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1, discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score less than 2, and discharge to home. Multiple logistic regressions were performed for each outcome measure and to determine the association between insular infarct and QT dispersion. ResultsOf 145 subjects in the final analysis, median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR] 56-75), male patients were 38%, black patients were 68%, median QT dispersion was 78 milliseconds (IQR 59-98), and median admission NIHSS score was 4 (IQR 2-6). QT dispersion did not predict short-term clinical outcome for mRS score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] .99-1.01, P = .85), NIHSS at discharge (OR = .994, 95% CI .98-1.01, P = .30), or discharge disposition (OR = 1.001, 95% CI .99-1.01, P = .81). Insular cortex involvement did not correlate with QT dispersion magnitude (OR = 1.009, 95% CI .99-1.02, P = .45). ConclusionsWe could not demonstrate that QT dispersion is useful in predicting short-term clinical outcome at discharge in AIS. Further, the magnitude of QT dispersion did not predict insular cortical stroke location.

Hemicraniectomy for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Syndrome: A Review of Functional Outcomes in Two High-Volume Stroke Centers

Despite recent landmark randomized controlled trials showing significant benefits for hemicraniectomy (HCT) compared with medical therapy (MT) in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI), HCT rates have not substantially increased in the United States. We sought to evaluate early outcomes in patients with MMCAI who were treated with HCT (cases) in comparison to patients treated with MT due to the perception of procedural futility by families (controls). We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with acute MMCAI treated in 2 tertiary care centers during a 7-year period. Pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months were documented. Functional independence (FI) and survival without severe disability (SWSD) were defined as mRS of 0-2 and 0-4, respectively. A total of 66 patients (37 cases and 29 controls) fulfilled the study inclusion criteria (mean age 59 ± 15 years, 52% men, median admission NIHSS score: 19 points [interquartile range {IQR}: 16-22]). Cases were younger (51 ± 11 versus 68 ± 13 years; P < .001) and tended to have lower median admission NIHSS than controls (18 [IQR:16-20] versus 20 [IQR:18-23]; P = .072). The rates of FI and SWSD at 3 months were higher in cases than controls (16% versus 0% [P = .031] and 62% versus 0% [P < .001]), while 3-month mortality was lower (24% versus 77%; P < .001). Multivariable Cox regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders identified HCT as the most important predictor of lower risk of 3-month mortality (hazard ratio: .02, 95% confidence interval: .01-0.10; P < .001). HCT is a critical and effective therapy for patients with MMCAI but cannot provide a guarantee of functional recovery.

Relation between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass and incident ischemic stroke severity.

Manifestations of ischemic stroke vary widely, and serum biomarkers may be useful for stratification of risk of severe stroke. This study evaluated the association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) mass and initial severity. We employed a retrospective analysis on our hospital-based registry and recruited 488 first-onset ischemic stroke patients admitted within 24h after onset and with Lp-PLA2 mass measured. Stroke severities evaluated by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were compared between Lp-PLA2 categories dichotomized by median. Multivariate logistic regression was used to detect the independent risk factors of severe stroke (NIHSS ≥ 7) and receiver operator curve (ROC) was constructed to detect the value of addition of Lp-PLA2 to the model of other risk factors for predicting severe stroke. Of the overall patients, the median admission NIHSS scores was 3 and 28.1% had severe manifestation. Admission NIHSS scores were different between patients of Lp-PLA2 above and under the median (median NIHSS 4 vs. 3, P < 0.001). Lp-PLA2 levels was correlated with admission NIHSS (r = 0.268, P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed Lp-PLA2 category (OR 2.37, 95%CI 1.44-3.90, P < 0.001) and levels per 100ng/ml (OR 1.69, 95%CI 1.35-2.11, P < 0.001) were both independently associated with severe stroke. Addition of Lp-PLA2 category and levels to other independent risk factors both increased the area under curves (from 0.676 to 0.718 with category and 0.734 with levels). Lp-PLA2 was independently related to admission severity in ischemic stroke patients, implying a potential predictive value of Lp-PLA2 for severe stroke in prevention.

Using population-based routinely collected data from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme to investigate factors associated with discharge to care home after rehabilitation

Objectives: We investigated factors associated with Care Home (CH) discharge following stroke using routinely collected data in unselected patients and assessed the relevance of previous research findings to such patients seen in routine clinical practice. Design: Retrospective analysis of data from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme using univariate analysis and logistic regression. Setting: A large acute and rehabilitation UK stroke unit with access to early supported discharge. Subjects: All patients with stroke treated from 1 January 2014 to 1 January 2017. Main measures: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: Of 2584 patients (median age 78 years, interquartile range (IQR) 69–86; 50.6% male; 86.7% infarcts; median admission NIHSS 4, IQR 2–9), 401 (15.5%) died in hospital and 203 patients (7.9%) were permanently discharged to CH for the first time. Most had pre-discharge mRS scores of 4/5. Factors (odds ratios; 95% confidence intervals) associated with CH discharge included age (1.07; 1.05–1.10), incontinence (11.5; 7.13–19.25), dysphagia (2.13; 1.39–3.29), severe weakness (1.93; 1.28–2.92), pneumonia (1.68; 1.13–2.50), urinary tract infection (UTI) (1.70; 1.04–2.75) and depression (1.65; 1.00–2.72). In a subgroup of all patients with a pre-discharge mRS of 4/5, age (1.04; 1.02–1.06), incontinence (4.87; 2.39–11.02), UTI (2.0; 1.09–3.71) and pneumonia (1.59; 1.02–2.50) were the only factors associated with CH discharge. Conclusion: Potentially modifiable variables like incontinence, UTI and pneumonia were associated with CH discharge, particularly in the severely disabled.

Continuous aspiration prior to intracranial vascular embolectomy (CAPTIVE): a technique which improves outcomes

BackgroundModern stent retriever-based embolectomy for patients with emergent large vessel occlusion improves outcomes. Techniques aimed at achieving higher rates of complete recanalization would benefit patients.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical impact of...

Sulfonylurea Pretreatment and In-Hospital Use Does Not Impact Acute Ischemic Strokes (AIS) Outcomes Following Intravenous Thrombolysis

Preliminary studies have indicated that sulfonylurea drugs (SUD) may confer protection against cerebral swelling and hemorrhagic transformation in severe acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to determine whether pretreatment and in-hospital use of SUD may be associated with better outcomes in diabetic AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). We analyzed consecutive diabetic AIS patients treated with IVT during a 3-year period. Pretreatment with SUD, admission NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score, NIHSS at 48 hours, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge were documented. Patients who discontinued SUD during hospitalization were excluded. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was defined as imaging evidence of ICH with NIHSS score increase of greater than or equal to 4 points within 72 hours. Early neurological improvement was defined as an NIHSS score decrease of greater than or equal to 4 points or NIHSS score of 0 at 48 hours. Cerebral edema was documented by neuroradiology reports. Favorable functional outcome (FFO) was defined as discharge mRS of 0-1. A total of 148 diabetic AIS patients were evaluated (mean age 64 ± 11 years, 49% men, median admission NIHSS score: 8 points). We identified 42 (28%) cases pretreated with SUD. The prevalence of complications and favorable outcomes did not differ (P > .1) between patients pretreated and nonpretreated with SUD: sICH (2% versus 5%), cerebral edema (5% versus 4%), early neurological improvement (42% versus 43%), in-hospital mortality (12% versus 5%), and FFO (22% versus 32%). Pretreatment and in-hospital use of SUD appears not to be associated with early favorable outcomes and lower likelihood of potential complications in diabetic AIS patients treated with IVT.

Posterior circulation CT angiography collaterals predict outcome of endovascular acute ischemic stroke therapy for basilar artery occlusion

IntroductionThe natural history of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is poor. Endovascular reperfusion therapy (EVT) improves recanalization rates in patients with emergent large vessel intracranial...

Is vascular imaging valuable prior to administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator?

Our goals were to explore whether performing computerized tomography angiography (CTA) prior to administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) delays treatment and impacts outcome in patients with proximal middle cerebral artery occlusions (pMCAO). Patients with pMCAO with a National Institutes of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) score >10 were identified from a prospective Stroke Registry. Patients underwent multi-parametric imaging studies whenever possible. Patients who underwent CTA were compared to those who only had non-contrast CT scan. Disability was measured with the modified Rankin Scale. Logistic regression was used to determine outcome modifiers. We included 73 patients (median age 73years, 52% men) with moderate-severe stroke (median admission NIHSS 14). Of those, 44 underwent CTA and 29 did not. There were no differences between the groups in risk factor profile or baseline characteristics including stroke severity and door to needle, door to imaging or imaging to treatment times. At 90days post-stroke there were no statistically significant differences in outcomes between the groups. On multivariate analysis, performing CTA had no impact on the chance of obtaining favorable outcome. In conclusion, CTA does not have a major impact on outcome in patients with pMCAO treated with tPA. Therefore, performing CTA should be considered on an individual basis prior to administration of tPA.

Abstract T P329: Preadmission Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective: To determine if patients admitted with ischemic stroke who were taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) at baseline have reduced motor impairment compared to patients not taking an SSRI. Introduction: SSRI use may help patients with motor recovery following ischemic stroke. It is not known whether use of this class of medications prior to stroke leads to decreased stroke severity or motor impairment on admission and improved discharge outcome. Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients admitted to our institution between 2009 and 2012 with first-ever acute ischemic stroke who were taking an SSRI prior to admission (cases). We collected data on patient demographics, clinical stroke severity as measured by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, and disposition at discharge. Controls with acute ischemic stroke who were not taking SSRIs prior to admission were matched 2:1 by age and gender to cases. Results: Eighty cases (mean age 65 +/- 14 years) were identified, of whom 56.2% were female and 63.7% were Caucasian. Median admission NIHSS was 5 (IQR 2-10), and median length of stay (LOS) was 4 days (IQR 3-7). Compared to controls, cases were more likely to have a pre-stroke diagnosis of depression (43.8% vs 7.5%, p=&lt;0.001) or anxiety (13.8% vs 2.5%, p=0.001). Identification of a cardioembolic etiology was more common in cases (41.2% vs 26.6%, p=0.019). Median total NIHSS scores and NIHSS motor component scores on admission (total 5 vs 4, p=0.69; motor 2 vs 1, p=1.0) or at discharge (total 3.5 vs 2, p=0.67; motor 1 vs 0, p=0.76) were not different between cases and controls. Median LOS was similar for controls (5 days, p=0.65). Discharge to home or acute rehab was similar between groups (p=0.85). Conclusions: SSRI use prior to ischemic stroke does not confer a protective effect in reducing initial stroke severity, reducing degree of motor impairment, or improving discharge disposition. Further studies are needed to determine whether there are long-term benefits or other effects.

CT PERFUSION IN ACUTE ISCHAEMIC STROKE: DO WE COVER THE LESION AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

IntroductionIdentifying and quantifying infarct core and penumbra in acute ischaemic stroke patients may improve patient selection for thrombolysis. Although CT Perfusion (CTP) imaging has several potential advantages over multimodal MRI,...