Moderate Neurological Deficit Research Articles

The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Disability after Post-Acute Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study.

Background: The long-term effect of the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is not fully known. Severe cases of COVID-19 have resulted in disability that can be assessed in a biopsychosocial manner with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health with the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaire. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects on disability of COVID-19 three years after post-acute rehabilitation using WHODAS 2.0. Methods: This single-center cohort study included patients with severe COVID-19 who underwent immediate post-discharge post-acute rehabilitation intervention. Three years later, patients were assessed via telephone using the WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire. Results: Of the 69 patients identified in the hospital database, 27 responded. A total of 16 patients refused to respond due to emotional distress. The mean age was 63.4 ± 8.6 years, 81.5% were independent in the community, 55.3% had been previously admitted to the ICU, and the median rehabilitation hospitalization duration was 18 (11.5,24) days. Comorbidities included type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (55.5%), grade 2 high blood pressure (62.9%), pressure ulcers (37%), peripheral neurologic deficits (62.9%), and central neurological deficits (14.8%). ICU admission was significantly correlated with advanced rehabilitation needs (measured by the level of the rehabilitation (p < 0.01) and longer hospitalizations (measured by total days in the hospital (p < 0.001). The overall disability score was 35.09%, significantly influenced by DM and central neurological deficits. Conclusions: Central neurological deficits and DM are associated with higher disability scores. Tailored rehabilitation programs, ongoing medical assessment, integrated care models, and patient education are essential for improving long-term outcomes after COVID-19 disease.

Peroxynitrite reduces Treg cell expansion and function by mediating IL-2R nitration and aggravates multiple sclerosis pathogenesis

T-helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg) are critical regulators in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) but the factors affecting Treg/Th17 balance remains largely unknown. Redox balance is crucial to maintaining immune homeostasis and reducing the severity of MS but the underlying mechanisms are unclear yet. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that peroxynitrite, a representative molecule of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), could inhibit peripheral Treg cells, disrupt Treg/Th17 balance and aggravate MS pathology by inducing nitration of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) and down-regulating RAS/JNK-AP-1 signalling pathway. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model and serum samples of MS patients were used in the study. We found that the increases of 3-nitrotyrosine and IL-2R nitration in Treg cells were coincided with disease severity in the active EAE mice. Mechanistically, peroxynitrite-induced IL-2R nitration down-regulated RAS/JNK signalling pathway, subsequently impairing peripheral Treg expansion and function, increasing Teff infiltration into the central nerve system (CNS), aggravating demyelination and neurological deficits in the EAE mice. Those changes were abolished by peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst (PDC) treatment. Furthermore, transplantation of the PDC-treated-autologous Treg cells from donor EAE mice significantly decreased Th17 cells in both axillary lymph nodes and lumbar spinal cord, and ameliorated the neuropathology of the recipient EAE mice. Those results suggest that peroxynitrite could disrupt peripheral Treg/Th17 balance, and aggravate neuroinflammation and neurological deficit in active EAE/MS pathogenesis. The underlying mechanisms are related to induce the nitration of IL-2R and inhibit the RAS/JNK-AP-1 signalling pathway in Treg cells. The study highlights that targeting peroxynitrite-mediated peripheral IL-2R nitration in Treg cells could be a novel therapeutic strategy to restore Treg/Th17 balance and ameliorate MS/EAE pathogenesis. The study provides valuable insights into potential role of peripheral redox balance in maintaining CNS immune homeostasis.

Trendelenburg position for acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke with large artery atherosclerosis aetiology (HOPES 3): rationale and design

RationaleThe effect of the head position as a non-pharmacological therapy on acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) remains inconclusive. Our recent Head dOwn-Position for acutE moderate ischaemic Stroke with large artery atherosclerosis...

The relationship between the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment and changes in the coagulation component of hemostasis

To evaluate the relationship between the severity of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and coagulation parameters assessed using the dynamic thrombophotometry. Thirty-five patients with hemispheric ischemic stroke (IS) with moderate neurological deficit at admission were included. All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical and instrumental assessment according to the current guidelines. On days 10-14, the cognitive status of patients was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Coagulation parameters were assessed using the dynamic thrombophotometry at admission, on 6-8th days and 13-15th days from the onset of the disease. A database of laboratory studies of 30 apparently healthy volunteers was used as a comparison group. Data analysis revealed that a number of spatial and temporal parameters were within the reference values, and there were no significant changes over time. Nevertheless, though the optical density of the fibrin clot (D) was within the reference values, it showed a steady increase from the admission by the end of the 1st week of the disease (p=0.007) and by 13-15th days (p=0.009). Correlation and multivariate linear regression, including baseline stroke symptom severity, showed significant associations (p<0.01 in all tests) between the higher optical density of the fibrin clot (D) on days 6-8 and 13-15 and lower MoCA score, confirming the negative effect of altered hemostatic parameters on cognitive function in IS patients. The increase of optical density of the fibrin clot (D) by 6-8th and 13-15th days is a potential prognostic biomarker for the early development of PSCI.

Case report: Acute audiovestibular presentation following hemi-pontine infarction

Posterior circulation stroke is an uncommon cause of sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Anterior inferior cerebellar artery occlusion results in ipsilateral peripheral audiovestibular dysfunction. Few reports describe posterior circulation stroke presenting with contralateral SSNHL and acute vestibular and focal neurological signs. We present a case of contralateral SSNHL and isolated acute central vestibular dysfunction in the absence of other central focal neurological deficits. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been described to date. The patient was identified to have asymmetrical SSNHL, subtle skew deviation with left head tilt, and significant refixation saccades on video head impulse test despite bilaterally normal vestibulo-ocular reflex gains. Left pontine infarct was suspected and confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was treated with an appropriate antiplatelet regimen. We highlight the importance of a thorough clinical diagnostic work-up as posterior circulation strokes with isolated audiovestibular deficits can be easily missed if other significant neurological deficits are absent.

Effect of Hemolysis Regarding the Characterization and Prognostic Relevance of Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Extracorporeal Circulation (eCPR).

Hemolysis, a common adverse event associated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), may affect neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels and potentially confound its prognostic value in predicting neurological outcomes in resuscitated patients without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) that require extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR). Therefore, a better understanding of the relationship between hemolysis and NSE levels could help to improve the accuracy of NSE as a prognostic marker in this patient population. We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients who received a VA-ECMO for eCPR between 2004 and 2021 and were treated in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital Jena. The outcome was measured clinically by using the Cerebral Performance Category Scale (CPC) four weeks after eCPR. The serum concentration of NSE (baseline until 96 h) was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the ability of individual NSE measurements to discriminate, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated. Serum-free hemoglobin (fHb, baseline until 96 h) served as a marker for identifying a confounding effect of parallel hemolysis. 190 patients were included in our study. A total of 86.8% died within 4 weeks after ICU admission or remained unconscious (CPC 3-5), and 13.2% survived with a residual mild to moderate neurological deficit (CPC 1-2). Starting 24h after CPR, NSE was significantly lower and continued to decrease in patients with CPC 1-2 compared to the group with an unfavorable outcome of CPC 3-5. In addition, when evaluating on the basis of receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), relevant and stable area under the curve (AUC) values for NSE could be calculated (48 h: 0.85 // 72 h: 0.84 // 96 h: 0.80; p < 0.01), and on the basis of a binary logistic regression model, relevant odds ratios for the NSE values were found even after adjusting for fHb regarding the prediction of an unfavorable outcome of CPC 3-5. The respective adjusted AUCs of the combined predictive probabilities were significant (48 h: 0.79 // 72 h: 0.76 // 96 h: 0.72; p ≤ 0.05). Our study confirms NSE as a reliable prognostic marker for poor neurological outcomes in resuscitated patients receiving VA-ECMO therapy. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that potential hemolysis during VA-ECMO does not significantly impact NSE's prognostic value. These findings are crucial for clinical decision making and prognostic assessment in this patient population.

Relations between antinuclear, antineutrophil cytoplasmic, anticardiolipin antibodies and degree of neurological deficit, cerebrovascular stenosis in cerebral infarction patients.

To investigate the correlation of antinuclear antibody (ANA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) with the degree of the neurological defect and cerebrovascular stenosis in patients with cerebral infarction. Clinical data of 99 patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) admitted to the Department of Neurology of Baoding First Central Hospital from June 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and their ANA, ACA, ANCA, neurological deficit (NIHSS) scores as well as cerebrovascular stenosis were detected and assessed. Moreover, the correlation between the positive expression rates of ANA, ANCA, ACA and the degree of the neurological deficit, as well as the location and degree of cerebrovascular stenosis, were analyzed. All patients had ANA, ACA, ANCA antibodies with positive rates of 68.69%, 70.71%, 69.70%, and mild, moderate, and severe cerebrovascular stenosis with incidence rates of 28.28%, 32.32%, and 39.39% respectively; Moreover, their incidence of mild, moderate, and severe neurological deficits were 15.15%, 44.44%, and 40.40%, respectively. Statistically significant differences could be observed in the degree of cerebrovascular stenosis and neurological deficit between the ANA, ACA and ANCA antibody positive group and the negative group (p<0.05). ANA, ACA, ANCA antibody positive was moderately positively correlated with cerebrovascular stenosis rate and NIHSS score (0.40<r<0.60, p<0.05). The positive rates of ANA, ACA and ANCA antibodies were higher in patients with ACI, which was closely correlated with the degree of cerebrovascular stenosis and neurological deficit.

Risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicated by ischemic stroke: A single-center retrospective study.

This study aimed to explore risk factors, clinical features, and prognosis of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) complicated by ischemic stroke (IS). We conducted a retrospective analysis of all HCM patient data and a 1-year follow-up study. Totally, 506 patients with HCM, including 71 with IS, were enrolled. Older age (≥63 years) was associated with an increased risk of IS in HCM patients (OR = 1.045, 95% CI: 1.018-1.072, p = 0.001). Among 37 patients complicated by IS, 22 (59.5%, 22/37) manifested as cardioembolism (CE) subtype, and 13 (35.1%, 3/37) small artery occlusion (SAO) subtype, according to TOAST classification. In the acute phase, the IS patients presented with NIHSS 4 (interquartile range: 1, 10). Multi-infarction was more common than single infarction (72.7 vs. 27.3%), while cortical + subcortical infarction (CE group: 50%) or subcortical infarction (SAO group: 53.8%) constituted most IS cases. Additionally, the blood supply areas of anterior circulation (CE group: 45.5%; SAO group: 92.3%) or anterior + posterior circulation (CE group: 50%) were mainly involved. The 1-year survival rate of HCM patients with concomitant IS was 81.8%, and IS was associated with 1-year all-cause death in HCM patients (HR = 5.689, 95% CI: 1.784-18.144, p = 0.003). Older age is a risk factor for IS occurrence in HCM patients. Patients with HCM complicated by IS had mild or moderate neurologic deficits at disease onset. CE and SAO subtypes predominate in patients with concomitant IS, especially the former. Multiple cortical and subcortical infarctions are their neuroimaging characteristics, mainly involving the anterior circulation or anterior + posterior circulation. Is is a risk factor for all-cause death in HCM patients within 1 year.

Clinical features, risk factors and survival in cardiac myxoma-related ischemic stroke: A multicenter case-control study

BackgroundCardiac myxoma (CM) is an important etiology of stroke in young adults, but studies on CM-related ischemic stroke (CM-IS) are limited and conflicting. Hence, we investigated clinical characterizations, risk factors of CM-IS, and short-term survival after surgical resection. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of data from all CM patients at three referral management centers and conducted follow-up examination. ResultsAmong 414 CM patients, 402 were recruited for further analysis, including 54 patients with CM-IS and 348 patients with CM without stroke (Non-stroke). In the acute phase, patients presented with NIHSS 3 (interquartile range: 0–10) and clinical presentation comprising neurological, cardiac and constitutional symptoms. Multivariate analysis showed that the factors associated with an increased risk of CM-IS were tumor width < 30 mm [OR = 2.652, 95% CI: 1.061–6.627, P = 0.037], tumors with high-mobility (OR = 2.700, 95% CI: 1.357–5.371, P = 0.005), thrombus on the tumor surface (OR = 1.856, 95% CI: 1.003–3.434, P = 0.049), and lower B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (OR = 0.995, 95% CI: 0.989–0.999, P = 0.047). The overall three-year survival rate was 95.7% (95% CI: 94.9–96.5) in CM-IS patients who underwent surgery. ConclusionsCM-IS patients had mild or moderate neurologic deficits with various presentations at disease onset. Narrower tumor width, tumors with high-mobility, thrombus on the tumor surface, and lower BNP levels are potential predictors of CM-IS development. Surgical removal of CM is safe and efficacious in patients with CM-IS.

SURG-39. SURGICAL RESULTS AND LONG-TERM OUTCOME IN SUPRATENTORIAL INTRAVENTRICULAR TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND Intraventricular tumors (IVTs) are rare lesions of various entities, which pose a surgical challenge. We aimed to elaborate on surgical approaches and outcomes, postoperative morbidity, and elucidate whether preoperative hydrocephalus necessitates shunting despite surgical resection. METHODS We retrospectively searched the institutional database for patients with supratentorial intraventricular tumours that were treated in the Department of Neurosurgery of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany between 2014 and 2022. RESULTS We identified 59 patients with supratentorial intraventricular tumors comprising over 15 different tumor entities, most often subependymoma (8/59 patients, 14%). Median age at diagnosis was 41.4 years (range 0-86 years) with 31 male patients (53%) and 28 female patients (48%). Microsurgical tumor resection was completed in 46/59 patients (78%) with incomplete tumor resection (≥ 1ml postoperative tumor volume) in 13/46 patients (28%) and complete tumor resection (&amp;lt; 1ml postoperative tumor volume) in 33/46 patients (72%). In cases where neurosurgical tumor resection was not feasible, stereotactic biopsy was provided in 13/59 patients (22%), often combined with stereotactic internal shunt implantation (5/59 patients, 8%). Mean follow-up was 24 months; median overall survival was not reached. Postoperative persistent hydrocephalus necessitating ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was rare (5/59 patients, 8%). Ventriculocisternostomy was performed in one patient. New postoperative focal neurological deficits – mostly transient – were encountered in 16/59 patients (27%) at discharge with mild to moderate permanent focal neurological deficits at 3 months in 3/59 patients (5%). CONCLUSION Complete resection of IVT can often be achieved and forms the basis for favourable outcome. Permanent neurological deficits are rare, and hydrocephalus can almost always be alleviated which prevents the need for long-term shunting. If microsurgical resection is not feasible, stereotactic biopsy along with internal shunting represents an effective approach to establish diagnosis and ameliorate symptoms.

Hyperglykämische Notfälle im Rettungsdienst

In prehospital acute care, an undefined disturbance of consciousness frequently occurs as an alarm diagnosis for rescue vehicles. This group of patients usually includes those affected by hyperglycemic emergencies; since in general practice such patients are often already identified in the subacute stage and can be admitted for inpatient treatment if necessary (e.g. by ambulance), an acute life-threatening hyperglycemic emergency rarely occurs. In acute care, however, in addition to ensuring vital functions—especially airway management in the case of impaired consciousness Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤ 8—the diagnostic differentiation from other acute clinical pictures, such as a central neurological deficit, is difficult, since most ambulances and physician-staffed emergency response vehicles do not have the diagnostic equipment for arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis or imaging. Especially the differentiation between ketoacidotic and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic emergency is difficult due to the lack of ABG; for causal therapy the patient is also referred to the clinical setting because insulin in its different dosage forms is also not part of the common drug equipment of rescue vehicles. This means that prehospital acute care is generally limited to rapid diagnosis, stabilization of vital functions (especially airway management, volume substitution), and transport to the nearest suitable hospital (with intensive care capacity if necessary). Nevertheless, development of the competence “clinical reasoning” is paramount because a successful clinical therapy course is already set preclinically.

Diagnostic Value of Multimodal Intraoperative Neuromonitoring by Combining Somatosensory-With Motor-Evoked Potential in Posterior Decompression Surgery for Thoracic Spinal Stenosis.

BackgroundIntraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has become an increasingly essential technique in spinal surgery. However, data on the diagnostic value of IONM in predicting impending postoperative neurological deficits (PONDs) for patients who underwent posterior decompression surgery for thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) are limited. Furthermore, patients who are at the highest risk of waveform changes during the surgery remain unknown. Our purpose was to (1) assess the diagnostic accuracy of IONM by combining somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) with motor-evoked potential (MEP) in predicting PONDs for patients who underwent the surgery and (2) identify the independent risk factors correlated with IONM changes in our study population.MethodsA total of 326 consecutive patients who underwent the surgery were identified and analyzed. We collected the following data: (1) demographic and clinical data; (2) IONM data; and (3) outcome data such as details of PONDs, and recovery status (complete, partial, or no recovery) at the 12-month follow-up visit.ResultsIn total, 27 patients developed PONDs. However, 15, 6, and 6 patients achieved complete recovery, partial recovery, and no recovery, respectively, at the 12-month follow-up. SSEP or MEP change monitoring yielded better diagnostic efficacy in predicting PONDs as indicated by the increased sensitivity (96.30%) and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) value (0.91). Only one neurological deficit occurred without waveform changes. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the independent risk factors associated with waveform changes were as follows: preoperative moderate or severe neurological deficits (p = 0.002), operating in the upper- or middle-thoracic spinal level (p = 0.003), estimated blood loss (EBL) ≥ 400 ml (p < 0.001), duration of symptoms ≥ 3 months (p < 0.001), and impairment of gait (p = 0.001).ConclusionSomatosensory-evoked potential or MEP change is a highly sensitive and moderately specific indicator for predicting PONDs in posterior decompression surgery for TSS. The independent risks for IONM change were as follows: operated in upper- or middle-thoracic spinal level, presented with gait impairment, had massive blood loss, moderate or severe neurological deficits preoperatively, and had a longer duration of symptoms.Clinical Trial Registration[http://www.chictr.org.cn]; identifier [ChiCTR 200003 2155].

Analysis of the expression levels of chemerin, ox-LDL, MMP-9, and PAPP-A in ICVD patients and their relationship with the severity of neurological impairment.

ObjectiveThe study aimed to analyze the relationship between expression levels of chemerin, oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) in ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) patients and the relationship between the mentioned indicators and the degree of neurological impairment.MethodsFrom January 2020 to February 2021, a total of 328 cases of ICVD patients were admitted to our hospital, and 240 cases of healthy people (control group) were prospectively recruited into this study. The 328 patients were divided into 2 ischemic subtypes, with 233 cases as acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and 95 cases as transient ischemic attack (TIA). Laboratory tests were compared among the groups. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between chemerin, ox‐LDL, MMP‐9, PAPP‐A levels and neurological deficit. Unconditional logisitic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for neurological deficits.ResultsThe high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), chemerin, ox‐LDL, MMP‐9, and PPAP‐A levels in the ACI group were significantly higher than those in the TIA group and control group (p < 0.05, respectively), while the levels of the mentioned indicators in the TIA group were significantly higher than those in control group (p < 0.05, respectively). The levels of the given indicators decreased successively in the severe, moderate, and mild neurological deficits population and control group, with statistical difference. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that chemerin, ox‐LDL, MMP‐9, and PPAP‐A levels were positively correlated with the degree of neurological deficit in ICVD patients. Unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that chemerin, ox‐LDL, MMP‐9, and PPAP‐A were the independent risk factors for neurological deficit in patients with ICVD.ConclusionLDL‐C, FPG, chemerin, ox‐LDL, MMP‐9, and PPAP‐A were highly expressed in ACI and neurological deficit patients. Chemerin, ox‐LDL, MMP‐9, and PPAP‐A may be the independent risk factors for neurological deficit in patients with ICVD.

Neuropsychological diagnosis in the acute period of ischemic stroke

The aim of the study — to establish the severity of cognitive, psychoemotional, motivational and behavioral disorders in patients after acute period of ischemic stroke.Materials and methods. The study included 60 patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Depending on severity of neurological deficit according to the national stroke scale (NIHSS), patients were divided into two groups: group 1 — 30 patients with an NIHSS score of 0 to 8, associated with mild neurological deficit, group 2 — 30 patients with an NIHSS score of 9 to 15, associated with moderate neurological deficits. The study was conducted on the 7th day of treatment and included: assessment of the cognitive status according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale; assessment of the level of distress, depression, anxiety and somatization using the Four Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire; assessment of mental and physical asthenia according to the MFI-20 scale, level of self-control using the Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale and assessment of the personality and the familial unconscious in Szondi’s test. Results. The study established the prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment in patients with moderate neurological deficits. Patients with mild neurological deficits are characterized by a moderate level of somatization, mental and physical asthenia, a low level of self-control in relation to health, low adherence to treatment and poor motivation to recover.Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the need inclusion of assessment of psychoemotional factors and personal resources of the patient in relation to illness and recovery in early diagnosis of patients with stroke. Along with neurological deficits, it is necessary to assess the cognitive, emotional and motivational levels of the “internal picture of the disease”. This can help determine the patient’s basic compensatory and adaptive capabilities and develop individual rehabilitation strategies.

RISK FACTORS FOR ISCHAEMIC STROKE: CORRELATON OF GENDER AND AGE WITH STROKE SEVERITY AND PATIENT OUTCOME

The risk of stroke exists regardless of gender, age, co-morbidities and lifestyle. Yet, research points out to significant differences concerning the severity of stroke and its functional outcome, correlated to gender, age as well as co-morbidities. The aim of our study is to analyse the stroke-related risk factors, as well as to createa correlation with gender and age respecting stroke severity and patient outcome. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 157 patients hospitalized at the Department for Urgent Neurology, at the University Clinic for Neurology in Skopje, N. Macedonia, during the period of October 2019- October2020.&nbsp; All of the included patients were diagnosed with ischemic stroke, confirmed by a computed tomography (CT scan) of the brain. Patient’s risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, etc.) were analyzed in relation to gender (men and women) and age (over and under the age of 50). A comparison of stroke severity, assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was made, whereas the functional outcome was measured by the Modified Rankin Scale Score (mRS). All parameters were evaluated both on admission and upon discharging. Women over 50 years of age were more likely to develop severe stroke - 43.3% (29), whereas no symptoms of severe stroke were observed in the male group of patients under 50 years of age. Moderate stroke symptoms were noticed in the majority of female and male patients under and over the age of 50 – 29.85%(20), 46.05%(35), 50%(4), in 66.7%(4) of the examined subjects, respectively. The calculated difference of neurological deficit severity between female patients under the age of 50, female patients over 50 , male patients under50, and male patients over the age of 50, was statistically insignificant (p =0.32). Similarly, upon discharge, the preponderance of the patients from the four groups resulted with moderate neurological deficit – 47.4%(18) female patients over 50 , 46.3%(19) male patients over 50, and 66.7%(4) female patients under 50 years of age. Key words: Ischemic stroke, risk factors, gender, age

РЕПЕРФУЗИОННАЯ ТЕРАПИЯ ИШЕМИЧЕСКОГО ИНСУЛЬТА В РЕГИОНАЛЬНОМ СОСУДИСТОМ ЦЕНТРЕ ГОРОДА ХАНТЫ-МАНСИЙСКА

The case histories of 52 patients with ischemic stroke treated at the regional vascular center of the Khanty-Mansiysk Regional Clinical Hospital for the period from 2019–2021 were analyzed using the method of systemic thrombolytic therapy to analyze the eff ectiveness and further optimize the provision of specialized medical care to stroke patients. In the regional vascular center of the Khanty-Mansiysk Regional Clinical Hospital, systemic thrombolytic therapy is part of routine clinical practice. The number of systemic thrombolysis performed in 2020 and 2021 decreased, which is due to the peculiarities of medical care during the Covid-19 pandemic, but exceeds the target for the Russian Federation. The eff ectiveness of systemic thrombolytic therapy has been demonstrated in patients with moderate neurological defi cits, the number of complications and deaths does not exceed the targets of specialized vascular centers of the Russian Federation. Indicator of complete and partial restoration of blood fl ow (reperfusion) it was 86%.

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP): Neuroinflammation Biomarker in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

IntroductionBlockage of the cerebral arteries due to thrombosis and embolism resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain, reduced oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in neuronal damage and causes astrocyte cells to secrete glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between GFAP levels serum and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsThis was observational with a cross-sectional design on acute ischemic stroke patients confirmed by CT scans and divided into large vessel occlusion and small-vessel occlusion. Clinical outcome was measured using the National Institutional Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) tool. Statistical analysis uses Spearman’s rank correlation test and Mann Whitney’s test, significant if p < 0.05.ResultsAfter collecting 33 research subjects, we found 16 people with large vessel occlusion and 17 people with small vessel occlusion. Serum GFAP levels were 0.2–1.9 ng/mL, 9.1% with a mild neurological deficit, 45.45% were moderate neurological deficits, and 45.45% were severe neurological deficits. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.522; p = 0.002) between serum GFAP levels and the degree of neurological deficit in ischemic stroke patients. There was a statistically significant difference between serum GFAP levels in ischemic stroke patients with CT scan results of large artery occlusion compared to small artery occlusion (0.7 vs 0.4ng/mL; p = 0.001).ConclusionThere was a positive correlation between GFAP level serum and NIHSS score on acute ischemic stroke. The higher the value of GFAP serum level, the higher the value for NIHSS and correlated with stroke severity and the extent of brain damage in ischemic stroke patients.

Нейронспецифическая енолаза как маркер поражения мозговой ткани у пациентов с ишемическим инсультом

Актуальность. Перспективным направлением в современной ангионеврологии является исследование маркеров повреждения мозговой ткани в сыворотке крови пациентов в остром периоде ишемического инсульта и их сопоставление с инициальным уровнем неврологического дефицита и исходом инсульта. В качестве маркера повреждения мозговой ткани активно изучаются функции нейронспецифической енолазы (НСЕ). Цель — исследовать уровень НСЕ в остром периоде ишемического инсульта. Материалы и методы. В клиническое исследование включен 151 пациент (средний возраст 61,5 ± 8,2 года), которые распределены на 2 группы: в 1-ю группу вошли 85 пациентов с острым ишемическим инсультом; во 2-ю группу — 66 пациентов с хронической ишемией мозга. Всем пациентам определяли уровень НСЕ в плазме крови. Анализировали корреляции НСЕ с выраженностью неврологического дефицита по NIHSS, функциональной активностью по шкале Бартел, уровнем инвалидизации по шкале Ренкина, выраженностью когнитивных расстройств по MMSE. Определяли взаимосвязи между уровнем НСЕ и выживанием пациентов с ишемическим инсультом. Результаты. У пациентов 1-й группы уровень НСЕ превышал показатель пациентов 2-й группы в 3,8 раза (p &lt; 0,001). Установили достоверные различия уровня НСЕ в зависимости от локализации очага ишемии — в бассейне левой средней мозговой артерии и вертебробазилярном бассейне (p = 0,04). У пациентов с тяжелым неврологическим дефицитом уровень НСЕ превышал показатель пациентов со средним и легким неврологическим дефицитом в 1,3 (p = 0,251) и в 2,3 (p = 0,007) раза соответственно. Установили корреляционную связь между уровнем НСЕ и степенью выраженности неврологического дефицита (r = 0,67, p = 0,027), что свидетельствует о прямой зависимости степени ишемического повреждения и неврологических расстройств. У пациентов с тяжелыми когнитивными расстройствами уровень НСЕ превышал показатель пациентов с умеренными и легкими когнитивными расстройствами в 1,2 (p = 0,444) и в 1,9 (p = 0,037) раза соответственно. При оценке взаимосвязи уровня НСЕ с исходом инсульта выявлена тенденция к более высоким показателям НСЕ у умерших (p = 0,083). Определили пороговое значение уровня НСЕ в крови пациентов с ишемическим инсультом — 40 нг/мл. Выводы. Определение НСЕ в плазме крови подтверждает степень повреждения нейронов и является информативным показателем наличия неврологического дефицита у больных с острым ишемическим инсультом. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о потенциальной роли определения содержания НСЕ в улучшении стратификации риска летального исхода у пациентов с ишемическим инсультом.

Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematomas through Embolization: A Pilot Study with a Non-Adhesive Liquid Embolic Agent of Minimal Viscosity (Squid).

Objective: Endovascular embolization using non-adhesive agents (e.g., ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer with suspended micronized tantalum dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide; Squid, Balt Extrusion) is an established treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas, and hypervascular neoplasms. Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a relatively new concept for treating chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the use of Squid in the endovascular treatment of CSDH. Methods: Embolization was offered to patients with CSDH with minimal or moderate neurological deficits and patients who had previously undergone open surgery to evacuate their CSDH without a significant effect. Distal catheterization of the MMA was followed by embolization of the hematoma capsule with Squid 12 or Squid 18. Safety endpoints were ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and any other adverse event of the endovascular procedure. Efficacy endpoints were the feasibility of the intended procedure and a ≥ 50% reduction of the maximum depth of the CSDH confirmed by follow-up computed tomography (CT) after >3 months. Results: Between November 2019 and July 2021, 10 patients (3 female and 7 male, age range 42–89 years) were enrolled. Five patients had bilateral hematomas, and five patients had previously been operated on with no significant effect and recurrent hematoma formation. The attempted embolization was technically possible in all patients. No technical or clinical complication was encountered. During a post-procedural follow-up (median 90 days), 10 patients improved clinically. A complete resolution of the CSDH was observed in 10 patients. The clinical condition of all enrolled patients during the so-far last contact was rated mRS 0 or 1. Conclusion: A distal catheterization of the MMA for the endovascular embolization of CSDH with Squid allowed for the devascularization of the MMA and the dependent vessels of the hematoma capsule. This procedure resulted in a partial or complete resolution of the CSDH. Procedural complications were not encountered.

The clinical effects of cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring (NIRS) versus no monitoring: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BackgroundMultiple clinical conditions are associated with cerebral hypoxia/ischaemia and thereby an increased risk of hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring (NIRS) is a tool to monitor brain oxygenation and perfusion, and the clinical uptake of NIRS has expanded over recent years. Specifically, NIRS is used in the neonatal, paediatric, and adult perioperative and intensive care settings. However, the available literature suggests that clinical benefits and harms of cerebral NIRS monitoring are uncertain. As rates of clinically significant hypoxic-ischaemic brain injuries are typically low, it is difficult for randomised clinical trials to capture a sufficiently large number of events to evaluate the clinical effect of cerebral NIRS monitoring, when focusing on specific clinical settings. The aim of this systematic review will be to evaluate the benefits and harms of clinical care with access to cerebral NIRS monitoring versus clinical care without cerebral NIRS monitoring in children and adults across all clinical settings.MethodsWe will conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. We will only include randomised clinical trials. The primary outcomes are all-cause mortality, moderate or severe persistent cognitive or neurological deficit, and proportion of participants with one or more serious adverse events. We will search CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Science Citation Index Expanded from their inception and onwards. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and extract data. The risk of bias will be appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2.0. If feasible, we will conduct both random-effects meta-analysis and fixed-effect meta-analysis of outcome data. Additional analysis will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g. risk of bias, clinical setting).DiscussionAs we include trials across multiple clinical settings, there is an increased probability of reaching a sufficient information size. However, heterogeneity between the included trials may impair our ability to interpret results to specific clinical settings. In this situation, we may have to depend on subgroup analyses with inherent increased risks of type I and II errors.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020202986. This systematic review protocol has been submitted for registration in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) on the 12th of October 2020 and published on the 12th of November 2020 (registration ID CRD42020202986).