National Institutes Of Health Stroke Scale Score 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.

Evaluation of Hemoglobin and Eosinophil Count in Patients Receiving Thrombolytic Treatment.

Background and aim Stroke ranks among the primary contributors to disability and mortality on a global scale. Recent advances in ischemic stroke pathophysiology emphasize the significant role of the immune system in both stroke-related damage and neuroprotection. This article investigates the relationship between hemoglobin level and white blood cell count. Materials and methods From January 1, 2019, to April 1, 2022, all patients aged 18 years and over who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke in the emergency department of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital and treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) within 4.5 hours of stroke onset were included in this cross-sectional retrospective study. Gender, age, onset of symptoms, complaints, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, stroke-affected area, as well as leukocyte, neutrophil, platelet, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and hemoglobin levels were recorded and compared between mortality and survivor groups. Results A total of 61 people, including 33 menand 28 women, were included in the study. Four patients died during follow-ups. The mean duration of symptoms upon admission was 86.23 ± 56.37 minutes. The mean NIHSS score of patients was found to be 9.16 ± 3.88 (minimum: 4, maximum: 18). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between age and symptom duration (p < 0.002, r: 0.391). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between eosinophil count and NIHSS score (p < 0.012, r: -0.321) and between eosinophil count and symptom duration (p < 0.042, r: -0.261). There was a negative correlation between hemoglobin levels and mortality (p < 0.013, r: -0.318). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between the eosinophil-to-neutrophilratio (ENR) and NIHSSscore (p < 0.017, r: -0.305) as well as between ENR and symptom duration (p < 0.034, r: -0.271). Hemoglobin is a significant predictor of mortality in the logistic regression model (p < 0.05, CI: 0.253-0.942). For each one-unit increase in hemoglobin, the odds of mortality decrease by a factor of 0.488. Conclusion Certain blood cell types (neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes) play an active role in determining stroke prognosis. A detailed explanation of the role of leukocytetypes lays the foundation for "immunomodulation," which could be a promising novel treatment modality for future stroke patients.

Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Malignant Stroke with Additional Vascular Territory

IntroductionDecompressive craniectomy substantially reduces mortality and disability rates following a malignant stroke. This procedure remains a life-saving option, especially in contexts with little access to mechanical thrombectomy despite downward trends in the performance of decompressive craniectomy due to discussions on the acceptance of living with severe disabilities. However, the outcomes of the surgery in cases involving concomitant occlusion of anterior or posterior cerebral arteries have not been extensively studied. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, spanning January 2010 to December 2022 and including patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy, we compared outcomes between patients with and without additional vascular territory involvement. Independent variables included age, sex, comorbidities, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, time elapsed between stroke and surgery, laterality of the stroke, midline shift, and postoperative infarction volume. Outcomes included mortality and Modified Rankin Score at the 3-month follow-up. ResultsOf the 86 patients analyzed, 61 (70.9%) and 25 (29.1%) demonstrated no territory and additional territory involvement, respectively. Patients with involvement of additional territories exhibited lower admission GCS scores, higher NIHSS scores, and larger postoperative infarction volumes. However, these variables were not associated with poor outcomes. Univariate analyses revealed no differences in mortality or severe disability. Even after adjustment, the differences remained insignificant for mortality and severe disability. Age emerged as the sole variable linked to increased mortality. ConclusionOur data suggest that, for patients with malignant stroke undergoing decompressive craniectomy, the outcomes for patients with and without involvement of additional vascular territory are similar.

Effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on psychological and cognitive functions in patients with post-stroke migraine

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the impact of a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises on the psychological and cognitive functions of post-stroke migraine patients. Methods This study recruited 100 patients suffering from post-stroke migraine pain who were admitted to the hospital, categorizing them into a control group (n = 50) and an intervention group (n = 50). The control group received conventional drug treatment, while the intervention group received the exercise-based intervention that combined aerobic exercise with resistance exercise. Results Before treatment, both groups displayed similar Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and MoCA scores. However, after the intervention, the intervention group exhibited lower scores on these measures compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no discernible disparity in Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) scores between the two cohorts of patients before treatment (p > 0.05), whereas the intervention group demonstrated significantly lower MIDAS and HIT-6 scores following the intervention (p < 0.05). Although there were no discernible distinctions in National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) and Stroke Specialized Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) measurements between the two patient groups before treatment (p > 0.05), the intervention group exhibited a significant decrease in NIHSS scores and a notable increase in SS-QOL scores after the intervention (p > 0.05). Moreover, the satisfaction rate and overall satisfaction rate were significantly higher in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of aerobic and resistance exercises demonstrated positive effects on the psychological well-being and overall quality of life for post-stroke migraine patients.

Thrombectomy patients with minor stroke: factors of early neurological deterioration

BackgroundA sizeable proportion of stroke patients with large vessel occlusion present with minor neurological deficits. Whether mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is beneficial in these patients is controversial. We aimed to investigate...

Improved Precision and Safety of Supra-Tentorial Intracranial Hematoma Puncture Using C-Arm CT Four-Dimensional Navigation.

BACKGROUND Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage has a high fatality rate within the initial month after onset. This study determined the safety and therapeutic efficacy of minimally invasive puncture for supra-tentorial intracranial hematoma under C-arm computed tomography (CT) 4-dimensional navigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 64 patients with supra-tentorial cerebral hemorrhage from June 2020 to May 2023; 31 patients were assigned to the study group (C-arm CT navigation puncture) and 33 patients were in the control group (conventional CT-guided puncture). The analysis focused on assessment of puncture error, postoperative complication rate, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores 30 and 90 days after surgery. RESULTS C-arm CT navigation puncture had improved precision, with significantly reduced transverse (3.17±1.75 mm) and longitudinal (1.83±1.21 mm) deviations, compared with the control group (7.88±1.74 mm and 5.50±1.84 mm, respectively; P<0.05). The overall postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (12.90% vs 36.36%, P<0.05). The mean GOS score was higher in the study group than in the control group 30 and 90 days postoperatively (3.42±0.96 and 3.97±0.95 vs 2.94±0.79 and 3.46±0.90, respectively; P<0.05), while the mean NIHSS score was lower in the study group than in the control group 30 and 90 days postoperatively (10.58±6.52 and 5.97±4.55 vs 14.42±8.13 and 9.55±8.31, respectively; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Supra-tentorial intracranial hematoma puncture under C-arm CT 4-dimensional navigation is accurate, safe, and beneficial.

Functional Outcome and Hemorrhage Rates After Bridging Therapy With Tenecteplase or Alteplase in Patients With Large Ischemic Core.

IV tenecteplase is an alternative to alteplase before mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic stroke. Little data are available on its use in patients with large ischemic core. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of both thrombolytics in this population. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with anterior circulation LVO strokes and diffusion-weighed imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS) ≤5 treated with tenecteplase or alteplase before MT from the TETRIS (tenecteplase) and ETIS (alteplase) French multicenter registries. Primary outcome was reduced disability at 3 months (ordinal analysis of the modified Rankin scale [mRS]). Safety outcomes were 3-month mortality, parenchymal hematoma (PH), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). We used propensity score overlap weighting to reduce baseline differences between treatment groups. We analyzed 647 patients (tenecteplase: n = 194; alteplase: n = 453; inclusion period 2015-2022). Median (interquartile range) age was 71 (57-81) years, with NIH Stroke Scale score 19 (16-22), DWI-ASPECTS 4 (3-5), and last seen well-to-IV thrombolysis and puncture times 165 minutes (130-226) and 260 minutes (203-349), respectively. After MT, the successful reperfusion rate was 83.1%. After propensity score overlap weighting, all baseline variables were well balanced between both treatment groups. Compared with patients treated with alteplase, patients treated with tenecteplase had better 3-month mRS (common odds ratio [OR] for reduced disability: 1.37, 1.01-1.87, p = 0.046) and lower 3-month mortality (OR 0.52, 0.33-0.81, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between thrombolytics for PH (OR 0.84, 0.55-1.30, p = 0.44) and sICH incidence (OR 0.70, 0.42-1.18, p = 0.18). Our data are encouraging regarding the efficacy and reassuring regarding the safety of tenecteplase compared with that of alteplase in bridging therapy for patients with LVO strokes and a large ischemic core in routine clinical care. These results support its consideration as an alternative to alteplase in bridging therapy for patients with large ischemic cores. NCT03776877 (ETIS registry) and NCT05534360 (TETRIS registry). This study provides Class III evidence that patients with anterior circulation LVO stroke and DWI-ASPECTS ≤5 treated with tenecteplase vs alteplase before MT experienced better functional outcomes and lower mortality at 3 months.

Association of Body Water Balance, Nutritional Risk, and Sarcopenia with Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Prospective Study.

In the present study, we examined the inter-relationships between body water balance, nutritional risk, sarcopenia, and outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients who were living independently. We defined abnormal body water balance as overhydration, with an extracellular fluid/total body water ratio > 0.390. A geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) < 98 was considered low GNRI. Sarcopenia was defined according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for sarcopenia criteria. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≥ 3 at discharge. Among 111 eligible patients (40 females, median age: 77 years), 43 had a poor prognosis, 31 exhibited overhydration, 25 had low GNRI, and 44 experienced sarcopenia. Patients with poor outcomes had significantly higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, which were significantly more common with overhydration, low GNRI, and sarcopenia (p < 0.001 for all). Concomitant overhydration, low GNRI, and sarcopenia were associated with poorer outcomes. In multivariate analysis, overhydration [odds ratio (OR) 5.504, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.717-17.648; p = 0.004], age (OR 1.062, 95%CI 1.010-1.117; p = 0.020), and NIHSS score (OR 1.790, 95%CI 1.307-2.451; p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for poor outcome. The results indicated that the combination of overhydration, low GNRI, and sarcopenia predict poor outcomes following AIS. Overhydration was particularly associated with poor outcomes.

A prospective cohort study regarding usability of serum RIPK3 as a biomarker in relation to early hematoma growth and neurological outcomes after acute intracerebral hemorrhage

ObjectiveThe receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) is a pivotal component for triggering necroptosis. We intended to investigate predictive effects of serum RIPK3 levels on early hematoma growth (EHG) and poor neurological outcome after acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 183 ICH patients and 100 controls were enrolled for measuring serum RIPK3 levels. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and hematoma volume were recorded as the severity indicators. EHG and poststroke 6-month unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores of 3–6) were registered as the two prognostic parameters. Multivariate analyses were implemented to discern relevance of serum RIPK3 to ICH severity and prognosis. ResultsSerum RIPK3 levels of patients, which were dramatically higher than those of controls, were independently related to NIHSS scores, hematoma volume, EHG, 6-month mRS scores and unfavorable outcome. Risks of EHG and unfavorable outcome were linearly pertinent to and efficiently discriminated by RIPK3 levels under restricted cubic spline and receiver operating characteristic curve respectively. RIPK3 levels nonsignificantly interacted with age, gender, hypertension, etc. Predictive ability of RIPK3 levels resembled those of NIHSS scores and hematoma volume. The prediction models, in which serum RIPK3, NIHSS scores and hematoma volume were integrated, were visually displayed via nomograms. The models’ predictive capabilities substantially surpassed that of serum RIPK3, NIHSS scores and hematoma volumes alone. The models kept stable under calibration curve. ConclusionA profound increase of serum RIPK3 levels after ICH is tightly relevant to severity, EHG and poor neurological outcomes, assuming that serum RIPK3 may emerge as a valuable prognostic predictor of ICH.

Clinical analysis of dual enhanced antiplatelet therapy after cerebrovascular intervention for reducing the risk of cerebral infarction recurrence

To investigate the clinical assessment of dual-enhanced antiplatelet therapy after cerebrovascular intervention to reduce the risk of cerebral infarction recurrence, and to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of cerebral infarction recurrence risk. 202 patients with cerebral infarction who underwent cerebrovascular intervention in Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital from January 2018 to October 2022 were selected as study subjects. The patients were divided into a treatment group (n=104) based on randomized controlled single-blind method with 61 males and 43 females with a mean age of (62.33±2.57) years old and a control group (n=98) with 56 males and 42 females with a mean age of (62.49±2.36) years old. The control group was given aspirin mono-antiplatelet therapy, and the treatment group was given clopidogrel doublet augmented antiplatelet therapy on the basis of the control group, and both groups continued the treatment for 2 months. Platelet counts, coagulation indexes and inflammatory factors were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the America National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was used to assess the neurological functions of the two groups before and after treatment, and the recurrence of cerebral infarction in the two groups was counted within 6 months after treatment. In addition, the patients in the treatment group were divided into the cerebral infarction recurrence group and the cerebral infarction non-recurrence group according to whether they had cerebral infarction recurrence within 6 months after treatment, and the clinical data of the patients in the treatment group were collected to analyze the influencing factors of the dual-enhancement antiplatelet therapy for the recurrence of cerebral infarction in patients with cerebral infarction after cerebral vascular intervention by multifactorial logistic regression. The results showed that after treatment, patients in the treatment group had an international normalized ratio (INR) of (1.76±0.38), a platelet activation rate of (39.52±4.79)%, a platelet aggregation rate of (48.54±5.21)%, a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) of (28.37±4.47)ng/L, an interleukin 6 (IL-6) of (24.77±3.52)ng/L, a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) of (7.39±1.53)mg/L and an NIHSS score of (6.11±1.39) were lower than those of the control group (2.32±0.41), (44.81±6.37)%, (51.39±5.58)%, (39.66±4.51) ng/L, (29.25±4.04) ng/L, (9.03±1.78) mg/L and (9.93±1.46) points (all P<0.05). At 6-month follow-up of all patients, cerebral infarction recurred in 16 (15.38%) patients in the treatment group and in 33 (33.67%) patients in the control group (χ2=9.185, P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier results showed a statistically significant difference in the rate of recurrence without cerebral infarction in the treatment group compared with the control group(LogRank χ2=4.595,P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking history, cervical vascular plaque, post-treatment NIHSS score, post-treatment stenosis score, post-treatment INR, post-treatment hs-CRP and CYP2C19 gene polymorphism were independent influences on the recurrence of cerebral infarction in cerebral infarction patients with cerebral vascular interventions followed by doublet augmentation of antiplatelet therapy (all P<0.05). In conclusion, dual-enhanced antiplatelet therapy may be an effective measure to reduce the risk of cerebral infarction recurrence after cerebrovascular intervention in patients with cerebral infarction, but it is still influenced by more factors.

Is thrombolysis beneficial in elderly patients with minor ischemic stroke?

IntroductionA pooled analysis of data from randomized controlled trials showed that thrombolysis is an effective treatment in patients older than 80 years of age with acute ischemic stroke. However, the outcomes in daily clinical practice may differ from those observed in randomized controlled trials. Thus, the present study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of patients older than 80 years of age with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIA) admitted to Haukeland University Hospital in Norway, examining thrombolysis vs. non-thrombolysis treatment in patients.MethodsAll patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA who were older than 80 years of age and admitted to Haukeland University Hospital within the 4.5-h window after stroke onset between 2006 and 2020 were prospectively included in this observational study. Patients who received thrombolysis were compared to patients who did not receive thrombolysis. The endpoint was a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score on day 7 or discharge if earlier. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were recorded repeatedly during their hospital stays.ResultsIn total, 808 patients were included. Thrombolysis was given to 393 (49%) patients. In patients with an NIHSS score of &amp;lt;3 (minor ischemic stroke) at admission, thrombolysis was associated with worse short-term outcomes (β = 0.13, p = 0.03), whereas thrombolysis was associated with better short-term outcomes in patients with an NIHSS score of ≥3 (major ischemic stroke) at admission (β = 0.12, p = 0.003). Thrombolysis appeared to be associated with neurological worsening in patients with an NIHSS score of &amp;lt;3 at admission. Excluding patients who underwent a thrombectomy did not change the results.ConclusionIn elderly patients with major ischemic stroke, thrombolysis was associated with better short-term outcomes. However, in patients with minor ischemic stroke, thrombolysis was associated with worse short-term outcomes. Several reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.

Outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion and initial mild deficits

BackgroundThe management of patients with initially mild acute ischemic stroke (AIS), defined by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores 0–5, remains ambiguous despite advances in stroke treatment. The early identification of patients likely to deteriorate is critical in preventing lasting disability.AimsWe investigated the frequency and early predictors of poor functional outcomes in AIS patients with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) and initial mild deficits.MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study of consecutive AIS patients admitted to a single comprehensive stroke center between 2018 and 2021. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of AIS, an arrival NIHSS score of 0–5, imaging-confirmed LVO, and arrival within 24 h of the last-known-well time. The primary outcome was the change in the discharge-modified Rankin Score (ΔmRS) from baseline, categorized as 0–1 (stable outcome) or &amp;gt;1 (poor outcome). Early neurological deterioration was defined as a mean NIHSS score increase of &amp;gt;1 in the first 24-h period. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed. The mean daily NIHSS scores were compared between groups using an analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsOf 4,410 stroke admissions, 120 patients met the study inclusion criteria, with 71 (59.2%) patients having a ΔmRS of 0–1 and 49 (40.8%) patients having a ΔmRS of &amp;gt; 1. The mean arrival NIHSS score was similar between groups. However, the mean first-24-h NIHSS score was significantly higher in the poor outcome group vs. the stable outcome group (2.13 vs. 0.95, p &amp;lt; 0.001). A demographic-adjusted multivariable logistic regression revealed that a higher mean first-24-h NIHSS score was the sole early predictor of poor outcome (odds ratio [OR] of 1.65 and a 95% confidence interval [CI] of [1.18, 2.48]). The only association with early neurological deterioration was vertebral artery occlusion, with an OR of 0.35 and a 95% CI of [0.14, 0.81]. The trending mean daily NIHSS scores revealed that patients with poor outcomes deteriorate within 24 h, a significant difference from the stable group (p &amp;lt; 0.001).ConclusionPoor outcomes occurred in a significant proportion of LVO patients with initial mild deficits. The only association was early neurological deterioration. To prevent poor outcomes, rapid identification of any clinical deterioration should prompt consideration of thrombectomy.

First-Line Aspiration Thrombectomy of M2 Occlusions with a Novel Reperfusion Catheter (REDTM 62): Real-World Experience from Two Tertiary Comprehensive Stroke Centers.

The direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) is an effective and safe endovascular treatment for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs). We evaluated technical features and initial results of a novel reperfusion catheter (REDTM 62) used for frontline aspiration thrombectomy of M2 occlusions in acute ischemic stroke patients. Appropriate aspiration catheters are crucial for a successful ADAPT maneuver; however, the selection of catheters suitable for smaller-sized vessels is scarce compared to the ones for large vessel occlusions. All patients treated with ADAPT using REDTM 62 as the frontline treatment approach for acute M2 occlusions between December 2022 and February 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Demographic data, procedural timings and safety, recanalization rates, and outcome data were recorded. Twenty patients with a median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 8 were identified. Successful revascularization (DMVO-thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [TICI]≥2b) with REDTM 62 aspiration thrombectomy was obtained in 65.0% (13/20) of cases. The first pass effect was 45.0% (9/20). In 2 cases, the REDTM 62 did not reach the clot due to marked distal vessel tortuosity. Stent retrievers were additionally used in 9 cases and led to an overall DMVO-TICI 2c/3 of 90.0% (18/20). Mean procedural time was 48 minutes. No complications directly related to ADAPT occurred. In-hospital mortality rate was 20.0% (4/20). The median discharge NIHSS score was 2.5. A good functional outcome at discharge (modified Rankin scale 0-2) was achieved in 55.0% (11/20) of cases. Our initial experiences with the novel REDTM 62 reperfusion catheter for treatment of M2 occlusions is in line with published data. ADAPT using this catheter may be considered as a safe and effective first-line treatment option. Further studies are warranted to validate the initial results.

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale is comparable to the ICH score in predicting outcomes in spontaneous acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Validating the National Institutes of Health NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) as a tool to assess deficit severity and prognosis in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage would harmonize the assessment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, enable clinical use of a readily implementable and non-imaging dependent prognostic tool, and improve monitoring of ICH care quality in administrative datasets. Among randomized trial ICH patients, the relation between NIHSS scores early after Emergency Department arrival and 3-month outcomes of dependency or death (modified Rankin Scale, mRS 3-6) and case fatality was examined. NIHSS predictive performance was compared to a current standard prognostic scale, the intracerebral hemorrhage score (ICH score). Among the 384 patients, the mean age was 65 (±13), with 66% being male. The median NIHSS score was 16 (interquartile range (IQR) 9-25), the mean initial hematoma volume was 29 mL (±38), and the ICH score median was 1 (IQR 0-2). At 3 months, the mRS had a median of 4 (IQR 2-6), with dependency or death occurring in 70% and case fatality in 26%. The NIHSS and ICH scores were strongly correlated (r = 0.73), and each was strongly correlated with the 90-day mRS (NIHSS, r = 0.61; ICH score, r = 0.62). The NIHSS performed comparably to the ICH score in predicting both dependency or death (c = 0.80 vs. 0.80, p = 0.83) and case fatality (c = 0.78 vs. 0.80, p = 0.29). At threshold values, the NIHSS predicted dependency or death with 74.1% accuracy (NIHSS 17.5) and case fatality with 75.0% accuracy (NIHSS 18.5). The NIHSS forecasts 3-month functional and case fatality outcomes with accuracy comparable to the ICH Score. Widely documented in routine clinical care and administrative data, the NIHSS can serve as a valuable measure for clinical prognostication, therapy development, and case-mix risk adjustment in ICH patients.Clinical trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT00059332.

Study of Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Levels in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) mediates intracellular uptake of glutathione which is a known antioxidant. GGT levels are found to be elevated in conditions of oxidative stress. Ischemic stroke results in anoxic injury, which liberates free radicals, causing glutathione to rise, which may be accompanied by a rise in serum GGT levels. This study aimed to compare serum GGT levels in acute ischemic stroke patients with normal controls and to ascertain the relation of serum GGT levels with National Institute of HealthStroke Scale (NIHSS) scores. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in South India from August 2023 to February 2024. The study included 57 patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke within 24 hours of onset and 57 age- and sex-matched controls. The serum GGT levels of the cases were compared with age- and sex-matched controls using an independent t-test. Mean serum GGT levels were compared among groups with varying NIHSS scores and different locations of infarction using the ANOVA test. Serum GGT levels were also compared based on age, gender, and various comorbidities. Results The mean serum GGT levels were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in acute ischemic stroke patients, 43.96 ± 28.02 (mean ± SD), when compared to controls, 26.14 ± 5.93 (mean ± SD). The difference in serum GGT levels with NIHSS scores of 5-15 (moderate strokes) with 34.17 ± 18.39 (mean ± SD), 16-20 (moderate-severe strokes) with 46.64 ± 21.95 (mean ± SD), and >21 (severe stroke) with84.62 ± 39.35 (mean ± SD) was significant (p < 0.00001).Serum GGT levels were not significant while comparing age, gender, location of infarction, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Conclusion Serum GGT levels were significantly elevated in acute ischemic stroke patients within 24 hours of presentation. Serum GGT levels were significantly elevated with increasing severity of stroke as calculated by NIHSS scores at the time of presentation. Serum GGT levels are a potential marker of ischemic stroke and its severity.

THE SAFETY AND OUTCOME OF ACUTE ISCHAEMIC STROKE PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 TREATED WITH INTRAVENOUS RECOMBINANT TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Strokes associated with SARS-CoV-2 may be linked to increased mortality rates. The utilization of intravenous thrombolysis is anticipated to enhance the clinical results in such patients. Moreover, emerging evidence underscores the importance of evaluating the safety and effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis in individuals suffering from Acute Ischaemic Stroke along with COVID-19. Objective: To assess the safety and effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis in Acute Ischaemic Stroke patients with COVID-19. Methods: A systematic literature search (Pubmed, Elsevier, and Cochrane database) with keywords (((intravenous thrombolysis) AND (acute ischemic stroke)) AND (covid-19)) AND (outcome))). We selected research studies for evaluation based on specific inclusion and eligibility criteria. Two independent reviewers then proceeded to extract and analyze various data points, including the name of the first author, the year of publication, the study's design, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at admission and post-treatment, hospitalization-related mortality, and the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation. Results: Three studies (n=153 patients) were included, mostly men with advanced age with the most common comorbidity being hypertension. Median of NIHSS Score of subjects on admission is 11, 12, and 13, with interquartile range from 3 to 20 (minor to severe stroke). The mRS at discharge and 1 month after admission is: 0–2 pts in 57 patients, ≥2 in 43 patient. Hemorrhagic transformation involved 3.23% of patients from total samples, death within hospitalization and 1-month mortality were in 23 patients (15%). In numerous studies, there was inadequate data available to determine the precise reason for mortality. Conclusion: Following IV-rTPA therapy, our COVID-19 infection subjects' mRS scores ranged from mild to moderate disability. Fifteen percents of all subjects died, and 3.23% of subjects experienced hemorrhagic transformation. However, majority of our subjects have high median NIHSS scores at admission, advanced age, complicated with baseline risk factors as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Relationship Between the Gut Microbiota and Neurological Deficits in Patients With Cerebral Ischemic Stroke

Objective The aim of the paper was to investigate the composition and structure of intestinal flora in patients with cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS), and to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota (GM) and different levels of stroke severity. Methods In this study, 47 CIS patients (16 mild, 21 moderate, and 10 severe) and 15 healthy controls were included. General information, clinical data, and behavioral scores of the enrolled subjects were collected. Deoxyribonucleic acid in fecal intestinal flora was extracted and detected using high-throughput Illumina 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing technology. Finally, the correlation between the community composition of intestinal microbiota and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in CIS patients was analyzed. Results Compared with healthy controls, there was no statistically significant difference in Alpha diversity among CIS patients, but the principal coordinate analysis showed significant differences in the composition of the GM among stroke patients with different degrees of severity and controls. In CIS patients, Streptococcus was significantly enriched, and Eshibacter—Shigella, Bacteroides, and Agathobacter were significantly down-regulated (P < .05). In addition, the relative abundance of Blautia was negatively correlated with the NIHSS score. Conclusions Our results show that different degrees of CIS severity exert distinct effects on the intestinal microbiome. This study reveals the intestinal microecological changes after brain injury from the perspective of brain–gut axis. Intestinal microorganisms not only reveal the possible pathological process and indicate the severity of neurologic impairment, but also make targeted therapy possible for CIS patients.

Dynamic change of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and its predictive value of prognosis in acute ischemic stroke.

The present research aimed to explore the dynamic change of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and its relationship with functional outcome following an acute ischemic stroke (AIS), whether receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or not. We retrospectively analyzed data that were prospectively acquired from patients with AIS treated with IVT or not. For patients receiving IVT, the NLR was based on a blood test performed prior to IVT (d0) and at different time points after disease onset (d1, d3, d7). In addition, in the non-IVT group, the NLR was obtained at different time points after disease onset (d1, d3, d7). Follow-ups were performed 3 months after onset via telephone. In addition, a good outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤1; a poor outcome means 2≤mRS≤6. A total of 204 AIS patients were included in this study. The NLR presented a dynamic change as it increased to its peak at day 1 and gradually declined to its baseline at day 7, no matter whether patients were receiving IVT or not. Patients with poor outcomes have a higher NLR at various time points. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), NLR d1, NLR d3, and NLR d7 were independently associated with functional outcomes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of NLR in predicting outcomes was as follows: NLR d3 demonstrated robust predictive power within the IVT therapy cohort, whereas NLR d7 was predictive in the non-IVT cohort. However, the most potent predictor emerged as the combination of NIHSS and NLR. NLR has the potential to predicate diagnosis for AIS, especially when combined with the NIHSS score.

Successful Recanalization by Mechanical Thrombectomy in a Child with Arterial Thrombotic Stroke Involving Posterior Circulation: A Case Report with Review of the Literature

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for arterial ischemic stroke, although established in adults, is not endorsed routinely for children. The procedure is even rare in children with stroke involving posterior circulation. Here we describe, a child with ischemic stroke due to thrombotic occlusion in the posterior circulation, which was successfully treated with MT. Clinical Description: A 12-year-old boy presented with sudden-onset vertigo, imbalance, slurring of speech, inability to stand, associated with headache and vomiting for 8 hours, without any associated fever, trauma, or seizures. On initial examination, his National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 8. Other systems were within normal limits and there was no cutaneous rash. Management and Outcome: Investigations revealed a normal complete hemogram, lipid profile, serum homocysteine, fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels along with a normal hemoglobin electrophoresis profile. The electrocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography were normal and even antinuclear antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated multiple acute infarcts in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, pons, and right anterior thalamus. Noncontrast MR angiography (MRA) of the head and digital subtraction angiography showed distal basilar artery cutoff and right vertebral artery dominance. As the NIHSS score worsened to 10, a MT with solitaire was done (after 12 hours of onset of symptoms), and reperfusion was achieved in two passes. The child showed remarkable improvement in NIHSS score to 2 by 5 days. At discharge, the child had residual mild ataxia. Despite investigations, the cause of thrombosis remained unknown. Conclusion: Our case highlights that in case of significant large arterial occlusion with rapid worsening of symptoms, MT may be considered, even if it involves posterior circulation, and the child presents beyond the usual window of 4–6 hours.

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Combined with Music Therapy on Brain Function and Mental Health of Patients with Aneurismal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Study.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is widely used in clinical practice, is aimed at improving nerve function impairment after brain injury. Meanwhile, the effects of music therapy on brain function are unclear. This retrospective study was conducted to explore the application effect of HBOT combined with music therapy on patients suffering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). For this retrospective study, 130 patients with aSAH after HBOT were selected from our hospital from June 2021 to June 2022. The patients were divided into the observation (n = 70) and control (n = 60) groups based on whether they received music therapy. Comparisons were made on general demographic data, blood flow rate in median cerebral artery (MCA), cerebral vasospasm (CVS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), activities of daily living (ADL) score, Self-Rating Depressive Scale (SDS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) of patients. Baseline data between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). After management, patients in the observation group presented significantly lower SAS and SDS scores (P < 0.05), lower blood flow rate in MCA, CVS and NIHSS scores (P < 0.05), and higher ADL scores than the control group (P < 0.05). The combination of HBOT and music therapy can considerably improve cerebral neurological deficits, slow down cerebral arterial blood flow, promote the recovery of postoperative cerebral function in aSAH patients, and improve anxiety and depression and the patients' ADL.