3-month Poor Outcome Research Articles

Predicting 3-month poor functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke in young patients using machine learning

BackgroundPrediction of short-term outcomes in young patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may assist in making therapy decisions. Machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in healthcare due to its high accuracy. This study aims to use a ML-based predictive model for poor 3-month functional outcomes in young AIS patients and to compare the predictive performance of ML models with the logistic regression model.MethodsWe enrolled AIS patients aged between 18 and 50 years from the Third Chinese National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III), collected between 2015 and 2018. A modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥ 3 was a poor functional outcome at 3 months. Four ML tree models were developed: The extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosted Machine (lightGBM), Random Forest (RF), and The Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), compared with logistic regression. We assess the model performance based on both discrimination and calibration.ResultsA total of 2268 young patients with a mean age of 44.3 ± 5.5 years were included. Among them, (9%) had poor functional outcomes. The mRS at admission, living alone conditions, and high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at discharge remained independent predictors of poor 3-month outcomes. The best AUC in the test group was XGBoost (AUC = 0.801), followed by GBDT, RF, and lightGBM (AUCs of 0.795, 0, 794, and 0.792, respectively). The XGBoost, RF, and lightGBM models were significantly better than logistic regression (P < 0.05).ConclusionsML outperformed logistic regression, where XGBoost the boost was the best model for predicting poor functional outcomes in young AIS patients. It is important to consider living alone conditions with high severity scores to improve stroke prognosis.

Morphological characteristics of CT blend sign predict hematoma expansion and outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage in elderly patients.

The underlying basis of the blend sign on brain computed tomography (CT) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. Few studies have examined the morphological alterations in the CT blend sign in ICH. Therefore, we assessed changes in the CT blend sign and their association with hematoma expansion (HE) and adverse outcomes in ICH patients. We recorded the clinical and radiographic parameters of patients with ICH and blend sign on brain CT. The patients were categorized into two groups, with changes in the relatively hypoattenuating region of the blend sign (CHB group) and with no changes in the relatively hypoattenuating region of the blend sign (NHB groups). We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the correlations between CHB and HE and poor outcomes. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to confirm the predictive power of CHB. In total, 183 patients were included in the study, of whom 74 (40.4%) demonstrated changes in the hypoattenuating region of the blend sign, whereas 109 (59.6%) did not. Compared with the NHB group, patients in the CHB group exhibited significantly higher levels of HE and adverse outcomes. After adjustment for confounding factors, CHB was independently associated with HE (odds ratio, 19.401 [95% CI, 7.217-52.163]; p < 0.001) and poor 3-month outcomes (odds ratio, 2.638 [95% CI, 1.391-5.003]; p = 0.003) in the multivariate analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CHB for predicting HE were 0.877, 0.768, 0.791, and 0.862, respectively, whereas these values for predicting poor outcomes were 0.789, 0.641, 0.688, and 0.752, respectively. Changes of a hypoattenuating region within the blend sign have good predictive accuracy for HE and short-term adverse outcomes in elderly patients with ICH. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05548530.

Prognostic Value of Fibrosis-4 in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Intravenous Thrombolysis.

Although recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment is efficient in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), a significant percentage of patients who received rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) do not achieve a good prognosis. Therefore, the factors that affect the poor prognosis of patients with IVT are needed. The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index has been used as a liver fibrosis biomarker. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the FIB-4 index and functional outcomes in patients with AIS receiving IVT. This study prospectively included consecutive patients with AIS receiving IVT between April 2015 and May 2022. We collected clinical and laboratory data and calculated the FIB-4 index. Clinical outcome was poor functional outcome (mRS ≥3) at 3 months after IVT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between FIB-4 and outcome. We explored the interactive effect of FIB-4 and dyslipidemia on poor outcomes, and subgroup analysis was performed. Furthermore, an individualized prediction model based on the FIB-4 for functional outcome was established in the dyslipidemia group. A total of 1135 patients were included, and 41.50% had poor 3-month outcomes. After adjusted by other variants that P value <0.05 in univariable analysis, FIB-4 was independently associated with poor outcomes (OR=1.420; 95% CI: 1.113-1.812; P=0.004). There was a significant interaction between FIB-4 and dyslipidemia on poor outcome (P=0.036), and the independent association between FIB-4 and poor outcome was maintained in the dyslipidemia subgroup (OR=1.646; 95% CI: 1.228-2.206; P=0.001). Furthermore, in the dyslipidemia group, the FIB-4-based prediction model had good predictive value (the AUC of the training and validation sets were 0.767 and 0.708, respectively), good calibration (P-values for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test >0.05), and clinical usefulness. FIB-4 is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in IVT patients with dyslipidemia, which can be used as a simple predictor of their prognosis.

Association Between Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients After Endovascular Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Stroke, particularly due to large vessel occlusion (LVO), is a major cause of mortality and disability globally. Endovascular therapy (ET) significantly improves outcomes for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, but complications such as stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) increase mortality and healthcare costs. This study investigates the association between blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and the increased risk of SAP and explores the relationship between BBB disruption and medium-term functional outcomes. The retrospective cohort study was performed on AIS patients enrolled between January 2019 to February 2023 who underwent ET. Patients were divided into two groups: BBB disruption and without BBB disruption. Multiple logistic regression model was conducted to measure the association between BBB disruption and SAP. Mediation analysis was used to estimate the potential mediation effects on the associations of BBB disruption with SAP. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression model was used to further outline the connection between the highest CT value of hyperattenuated lesions areas and the risk of SAP. The study included 254 patients who underwent endovascular therapy, with 155 patients in the BBB disruption group (exposure) and 99 patients in the without BBB disruption group (control). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly increased risk of SAP in patients with BBB disruption (OR = 2.337, 95% CI: 1.118-4.990, p = 0.025). Furthermore, mediation analysis suggested that this association may be partly due to malignant cerebral oedema and haemorrhagic transformation. The study found an inverse L-shaped dose-response relationship between the maximum CT values of BBB disruption areas and the incidence of SAP. SAP partially mediated the association between BBB disruption and 3-month poor functional outcome. BBB disruption are a potential risk factor for SAP. BBB disruption may affect short- and medium-term prognosis of patients after ET in part through SAP.

Effects of white matter hyperintensity burden on functional outcome after mild versus moderate-to-severe ischemic stroke

It is uncertain whether the prognostic power of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) on post-stroke outcomes is modulated as a function of initial neurological severity, a critical determinant of outcome after stroke. This multi-center MRI study tested if higher WMH quintiles were associated with 3-month poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥ 3) for mild versus moderate-to-severe ischemic stroke. Mild and moderate-to-severe stroke were defined as admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores of 1–4 and ≥ 5, respectively. Mean age of the enrolled patients (n = 8918) was 67.2 ± 12.6 years and 60.1% male. The association between WMH quintiles and poor functional outcome was modified by stroke severity (p-for-interaction = 0.008). In mild stroke (n = 4994), WMH quintiles associated with the 3-month outcome in a dose-dependent manner for the 2nd to 5th quintile versus the 1st quintile, with adjusted-odds-ratios (aOR [95% confidence interval]) being 1.29 [0.96–1.73], 1.37 [1.02–1.82], 1.60 [1.19–2.13], and 1.89 [1.41–2.53], respectively. In moderate-to-severe stroke (n = 3924), however, there seemed to be a threshold effect: only the highest versus the lowest WMH quintile was significantly associated with poor functional outcome (aOR 1.69 [1.29–2.21]). WMH burden aggravates 3-month functional outcome after mild stroke, but has a lesser modulatory effect for moderate-to-severe stroke, likely due to saturation effects.

Low hemoglobin causes hematoma expansion and poor intracerebral hemorrhage outcomes.

Although lower hemoglobin levels associate with worse intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcomes, causal drivers for this relationship remain unclear. We investigated the hypothesis that lower hemoglobin relates to increased hematoma expansion (HE) risk and poor outcomes using human observational data and assessed causal relationships using a translational murine model of anemia and ICH. ICH patients with baseline hemoglobin measurements and serial CT neuroimaging enrolled between 2010-2016 to a multicenter, prospective observational cohort study were studied. Patients with systemic evidence of coagulopathy were excluded. Separate regression models assessed relationships of baseline hemoglobin with HE (≥33% and/or ≥6mL growth) and poor long-term neurological outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 4-6) after adjusting for relevant covariates. Using a murine collagenase ICH model with serial neuroimaging in anemic vs. non-anemic C57/BL6 mice, intergroup differences in ICH lesion volume, ICH volume changes, and early mortality were assessed. Among 1190 ICH patients analyzed, lower baseline hemoglobin levels associated with increased odds of HE (adjusted OR per -1g/dL hemoglobin decrement: 1.10 [1.02-1.19]) and poor 3-month clinical outcomes (adjusted OR per -1g/dL hemoglobin decrement: 1.11 [1.03-1.21]). Similar relationships were seen with poor 6 and 12-month outcomes. In our animal model, anemic mice had significantly greater ICH lesion expansion, final lesion volumes, and greater mortality, as compared to non-anemic mice. These results, in a human cohort and a mouse model, provide novel evidence suggesting that anemia has causal roles in HE and poor ICH outcomes. Additional studies are required to clarify whether correcting anemia can improve these outcomes.

Prognostic Implication of Ventricular Volumetry in Early Brain Computed Tomography after Cardiac Arrest.

Brain swelling after cardiac arrest may affect brain ventricular volume. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of ventricular volume on early thin-slice brain computed tomography (CT) after cardiac arrest. We measured the gray-to-white matter ratio (GWR) and the characteristics and volumes of the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles. The primary outcome was a poor 6-month neurological outcome. Of the 166 patients, 115 had a poor outcome. The fourth ventricle was significantly smaller in the poor outcome group (0.58 cm3 [95% CI, 0.43-0.80]) than in the good outcome group (0.74 cm3 [95% CI, 0.68-0.99], p < 0.001). Ventricular characteristics and other ventricular volumes did not differ between outcome groups. The area under the curve for the fourth ventricular volume was 0.68, comparable to 0.69 for GWR. Lower GWR (<1.09) and lower fourth ventricular volume (<0.41 cm3) predicted poor outcomes with 100% specificity and sensitivities of 8.7% (95% CI, 4.2-15.4) and 20.9% (95% CI, 13.9-29.4), respectively. Combining these measures improved the sensitivity to 25.2% (95% CI, 17.6-34.2). After adjusting for covariates, the fourth ventricular volume was independently associated with neurologic outcome. A marked decrease in fourth ventricular volume, with concomitant hypoattenuation on CT scans, more accurately predicted outcomes.

Neutrophil-to-albumin Ratio as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Neutrophil-To-Albumin Ratio (NAR) is a novel inflammatory biomarker. However, the potential prognostic value of NAR in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether NAR levels correlated with the 3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) in patients with AIS. AIS patients were included in this retrospective study. NAR was calculated as the ratio of absolute neutrophil count to serum albumin level. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the effect of NAR on 3-month mRS of AIS. The predictive values of NAR, albumin level, and neutrophil count were compared utilizing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Moreover, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to evaluate the consistency of NAR's effect on AIS prognosis. Of the 780 patients included, 403 (51.67%) had a poor clinical outcome (mRS 3-6) at 3 months. NAR was independently correlated to 3-month poor functional outcome after adjusting for confounders (Odds ratios (OR), 9.34; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.09 to 80.13; p =0.0417). Subgroup analysis showed a relative effect consistent with the overall population results, and no statistical interactions were found in the subgroups (all p for interaction > 0.05). The ROC curve showed that the prognosis-related cutoff value for NAR was 0.123, with corresponding specificity and sensitivity of 53.55% and 63.94%, respectively. When comparing the predictive power, NAR (0.590; 95%CI 0.549-0.630) exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC) of ROC compared to neutrophils (0.584; 95%CI 0.543-0.624) and albumin (0.540; 95%CI 0.500-0.581). There is a positive relationship between NAR levels and 3-month poor functional outcomes in AIS patients, supporting the potential of NAR as a readily available and economic serum biomarker for the early identification of AIS prognosis. Further studies are required to validate the prognostic value and clinical utility of the NAR.

High blood glucose variability may predict poor outcomes in patients with spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage undergoing surgical operation: a retrospective study

BackgroundElevated blood glucose (BG) variability has been reported as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in a variety of diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between BG variability and clinical outcomes in patients with spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage (SCH) undergoing surgical operation.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study of the consecutive patients admitted to the department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2014 and June 2022 with the diagnosis of SCH underwent surgical intervention. BG analysis was continuously and routinely performed. BG variability was represented by the standard deviation (SD) of the serial measurements within the first 7 days. The general characteristics, imageological information, blood glucose level, and surgical information were reviewed and compared through medical records.ResultsA total of 115 patients (65 male and 50 female) were enrolled. Out of all 115 patients, the overall clinical outcomes according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were poor (mRS 3–6) in 31 patients (26.96%) and good (mRS 0–2) in 84 patients (73.04%). Twelve of the 115 patients died during hospitalization, and the mortality rate was 10.43%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that SD of BG (odds ratio (OR), 4.717; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.054–21.115; P = 0.043), GCS (OR, 0.563; 95% CI, 0.330–0.958; P = 0.034), and hematoma volume (OR, 1.395; 95% CI, 1.118–1.748; P = 0.003) were significant predictors. The area under the ROC curve of SD of BG was 0.911 (95% CI, 0.850–0.973; P < 0.001) with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 83.3%, respectively, and the cut-off value was 1.736.ConclusionsHigh BG Variability is independently correlated with the 6-month poor outcomes in patients with SCH undergoing surgical operation.

Admission Viscoelastic Hemostatic Assay Parameters Predict Poor Long-Term Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcomes.

Viscoelastic hemostatic assays (VHAs) provide more comprehensive assessments of coagulation compared with conventional coagulation assays. Although VHAs have enabled guided hemorrhage control therapies, improving clinical outcomes in life-threatening hemorrhage, the role of VHAs in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. If VHAs can identify coagulation abnormalities relevant for ICH outcomes, this would support the need to investigate the role of VHAs in ICH treatment paradigms. Thus, we investigated whether VHA assessments of coagulation relate to long-term ICH outcomes. Patients with spontaneous ICH enrolled into a single-center cohort study receiving admission Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) VHA testing between 2013 and 2020 were assessed. Patients with previous anticoagulant use or coagulopathy on conventional coagulation assays were excluded. Primary ROTEM exposure variables were coagulation kinetics and clot strength assessments. Poor long-term outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale ≥ 4 at 6months. Logistic regression analyses assessed associations of ROTEM parameters with clinical outcomes after adjusting for ICH severity and hemoglobin concentration. Of 44 patients analyzed, the mean age was 64years, 57% were female, and the median ICH volume was 23mL. Poor 6-month outcome was seen in 64% of patients. In our multivariable regression models, slower, prolonged coagulation kinetics (adjusted odds ratio for every second increase in clot formation time 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.09, p = 0.04) and weaker clot strength (adjusted odds ratio for every millimeter increase of maximum clot firmness 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.99, p = 0.03) were separately associated with poor long-term outcomes. Slower, prolonged coagulation kinetics and weaker clot strength on admission VHA ROTEM testing, not attributable to anticoagulant use, were associated with poor long-term outcomes after ICH. Further work is needed to clarify the generalizability and the underlying mechanisms of these VHA findings to assess whether VHA-guided treatments should be incorporated into ICH care.

Prognostic value of combining 24-hour ASPECTS and hemoglobin to red cell distribution width ratio to the THRIVE score in predicting in-hospital mortality among ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant global health issue, directly impacting mortality and disability. The Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score is appreciated for its simplicity and ease of use to predict stroke clinical outcomes; however, it lacks laboratory and neuroimaging data, which limits its ability to predict outcomes precisely. Our study evaluates the impact of integrating the 24-hour Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width (HB/RDW) ratio into the THRIVE score using the multivariable fractional polynomial (MFP) method (combined THRIVE-MFP model) compared to the THRIVE-c model. We aim to assess their added value in predicting in-hospital mortality (IHM) prognosis. A retrospective study from January 2015 to July 2022 examined consecutive AIS patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis. Data on THRIVE scores, 24-hour ASPECTS, and HB/RDW levels were collected upon admission. The model was constructed using logistic regression and the MFP method. The prognostic value was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC). Ischemic cerebral lesions within the middle cerebral artery territory were evaluated with non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) after completing 24 hours of intravenous thrombolysis (24-hour ASPECTS). Among a cohort of 345 patients diagnosed with AIS who received intravenous thrombolysis, 65 individuals (18.8%) experienced IHM. The combined THRIVE-MFP model was significantly superior to the THRIVE-c model in predicting IHM (AuROC 0.980 vs. 0.876, p<0.001), 3-month mortality (AuROC 0.947 vs. 0.892, p<0.001), and 3-month poor functional outcome (AuROC 0.910 vs. 0.853, p<0.001). The combined THRIVE-MFP model showed excellent predictive performance, enhancing physicians' ability to stratify patient selection for intensive neurological monitoring and guiding treatment decisions. Incorporating 24-hour ASPECTS on NCCT and HB/RDW proved valuable in mortality prediction, particularly for hospitals with limited access to advanced neuroimaging resources.

Beyond Control: Temperature Burden in Patients with Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-An Observational Study.

Temperature abnormalities are common after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here, we aimed to describe the evolution of temperature burden despite temperature control and to assess its impact on outcome parameters. This retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data included 375 consecutive patients with SAH admitted to the neurological intensive care unit between 2010 and 2022. Daily fever (defined as the area over the curve above 37.9°C multiplied by hours with fever) and spontaneous hypothermia burden (< 36.0°C) were calculated over the study period of 16days. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate risk factors for increased temperature burdens and the impact of temperature burden on outcome parameters after correction for predefined variables. Patients had a median age of 58years (interquartile range 49-68) and presented with a median Hunt & Hess score of 3 (interquartile range 2-5) on admission. Fever (temperature > 37.9°C) was diagnosed in 283 of 375 (76%) patients during 14% of the monitored time. The average daily fever burden peaked between days 5 and 10 after admission. Higher Hunt & Hess score (p = 0.014), older age (p = 0.033), and pneumonia (p = 0.022) were independent factors associated with delayed fever burden between days 5 and 10. Increased fever burden was independently associated with poor 3-month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3-6, p = 0.027), poor 12-month functional outcome (p = 0.020), and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.045), but not with the development of delayed cerebral ischemia (p = 0.660) or intensive care unit length of stay (p = 0.573). Spontaneous hypothermia was evident in the first three days in patients with a higher Hunt & Hess score (p < 0.001) and intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.047). Spontaneous hypothermia burden was not associated with poor 3-month outcome (p = 0.271). Early hypothermia was followed by fever after SAH. Increased fever time burden was associated with poor functional outcome after SAH and could be considered for neuroprognostication.

Location of the contrast extravasation is important in predicting outcome of anterior circulation stroke patients

Objectives: Contrast extravasations (CE) are frequently seen on postprocedural computed tomography after endovascular therapy (EVT). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between patients’ outcomes and CE after EVT. Methods: Stroke patients who had received EVT between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. The CEs were mapped using MRIcroGL software. The rate of in-hospital mortality and modified Rankin Scale at 90 days were taken as outcome measures. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed. Three models were created with and without pure CE to predict the patients’ outcomes. Results: There were 126 patients included in the study. According to the univariable analysis, CE (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.18–2.68, P = 0.26) and CE-ASPECTS (OR = 1.21, 95% CI=0.60-2.44, P = 0.57) were not related with in-hospital mortality after EVT. The lesion mapping showed that the most common CE locations among the patients with a poor prognosis was the M6 area. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that CE in the M6 area (OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 1.27–144.92, P = 0.006) increased the risk of a 3-month poor outcome. The study showed that adding CE to the well-known risk factors for poor prognosis improves the predictive power of the models (ΔAUC of 0.07, P = 0.02). Conclusion: CE has a prognostic value after EVT in anterior stroke patients. The prognostic value is the highest when present in the M6 area.

Insights into Candida Colonization in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

The skin mycobiota plays a significant role in infection risk, pathogen transmission, and personalized medicine approaches in intensive care settings. This prospective multicenter study aimed to enhance our understanding of intensive care units' (ICUs') Candida colonization dynamics, identify modifiable risk factors, and assess their impact on survival risk. Specimens were taken from 675, 203, and 110 patients at the admission (D1), 5th (D5), and 8th (D8) days of ICU stay, respectively. The patient's demographic and clinical data were collected. Candida isolates were identified by conventional culture-based microbiology combined with molecular approaches. Overall, colonization was 184/675 (27.3%), 87/203 (42.8%), and 58/110 (52.7%) on D1, D5, and D8, respectively. Candida colonization dynamics were significantly associated with ICU type (odds ratio (OR) = 2.03, 95% CI 1.22-3.39, p = 0.007), respiratory infection (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.17-2.58, p = 0.006), hemodialysis (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.17-4.10, p = 0.014), COVID-19 (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.14-0.99, p = 0.048), and with a poor 3-month outcome (p = 0.008). Skin Candida spp. colonization can be an early warning tool to generate valuable insights into the epidemiology, risk factors, and survival rates of critically ill patients, and should be considered for epidemiological surveillance.

Nonlinear association of fibrinogen levels with functional prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveFibrinogen, essential in primary hemostasis, platelet aggregation, and leukocyte-endothelial interactions, is also associated with a heightened risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, its influence on AIS patient outcomes is unclear. This study examines the correlation between fibrinogen levels and the risk of unfavorable outcomes three months post-AIS.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study conducted in Korea. The sample consisted of 1851 AIS patients who received treatment at a Korean hospital between January 2010 and December 2016. Statistical models were established to understand the relationship between fibrinogen levels(mg/dL) and unfavorable outcomes(mRs ≥ 3), including logistic regression models, Generalized Additive Models (GAM), and smooth curve fitting (penalized splines). The log-likelihood ratio test has been utilized to evaluate the best fit. To ensure the robustness of the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted by reanalyzing the relationship after excluding participants with TG > 200 mg/dl and BMI > 25 kg/m2. Subgroup analyses were also performed to assess whether influencing factors modify the association between fibrinogen levels and unfavorable outcomes.ResultsAfter adjusting for multiple covariates including age, BMI, sex, LDL-c, TG, HGB, HDL-c, BUN, FPG, ALB, PLT, AF, hypertension, smoking, DM, mRs score at admission, the binary logistic regression model demonstrated revealed a significant positive association between fibrinogen levels and the risk of unfavorable outcomes in AIS patients (OR = 1.215, 95% CI: 1.032–1.429, p = 0.019). Sensitivity analyses supported these findings, with similar ORs observed in subsets of patients with TG < 200 mg/dL (OR = 1.221, 95% CI: 1.036–1.440) and BMI < 25 kg/m2 (OR = 1.259, 95% CI: 1.051–1.509). Additionally, the relationship between fibrinogen levels and outcomes was nonlinear, with a critical threshold of 2.74 g/L. Below the inflection point, the OR for unfavorable outcomes was 0.666 ((95% CI: 0.360, 1.233, p = 0.196), whereas above it, the OR increased to 1.374 (95% CI: 1.138, 1.659).ConclusionsThis study has provided evidence of a positive and nonlinear correlation between fibrinogen levels and 3-month poor functional outcomes in patients with AIS. When fibrinogen levels exceeded 2.74 g/L, a significant and positive association was observed with the risk of poor outcomes. This study provides a further reference for optimizing rehabilitation exercises and facilitating clinical counseling in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Neuroimaging Marker-CT Perfusion of Early Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Minor Stroke and Large Vessel Occlusion after Intravenous Thrombolysis.

Early Neurological Deterioration (END) is one of the complications in Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and relates to prognosis. However, the reason why it occurs is still unclear. Our study is to investigate if CT perfusion (CTP) can predict END in patients with Minor Stroke and Large Vessel Occlusion after Intravenous Thrombolysis (IVT). Patients who underwent IVT with Large Vessel Occlusion were enrolled continuously from January 2021 to August 2023. After evaluating the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, they were divided into the END group (n=21) and the Non-END group (n=20). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors of END. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also used to assess the discriminative ability of CTP in predicting END. A total of 41 patients (mean age, 62.34 ± 10.82 years, 27 male) were finally included in the analysis; 21 patients had END, and 9 patients underwent Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that rCBV (OR=0.081, 95%CI=0.009- 0.721, p = 0.024) and admission-NIHSS (OR=1.990, 95%CI=1.049-3.772, p = 0.035) were significantly associated with END. The area under the curve (AUC) of rCBV and NIHSS to discriminate END were 0.708 and 0.758. We found patients with END had a higher modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in 3 months. The rCBV and NIHSS were associated with post-thrombolysis END and may become reliable markers to predicate END. END might predict a poor 3-month functional outcome.

Association of the COL4A2 Gene Polymorphisms with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage Risk and Outcome in Chinese Han Population.

The relationship of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in COL4A2 gene with risk and outcome of primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the Chinese Han population remains unclear, which was investigated in this study. Primary ICH patients and non-stroke controls of Chinese Han ethnicity were enrolled. The genotypes of 8 tag-SNPs were determined using a custom-by-design 48-Plex SNPscan Kit. Poor 3-month outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score 4-6. Logistic regression was employed toexamine association between COL4A2 variants and risk and poor outcome of primary ICH. 323 patients with primary ICH and 376 stroke-free controls were included. Compared to controls, the rs1049931 G and rs1049906 C alleles were associated with increased ICH risk (p = 0.027 and 0.033), and these two allele counts increased this risk after adjustments respectively (additive model: adjusted OR [aOR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.94, corrected p = 0.043; aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.86, corrected p = 0.043). The rs1049931 AG/GG and rs1049906 CT/CC genotypes showed increased susceptibility to non-lobar hemorrhage (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.06-2.50, p = 0.025; aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.07-2.47, p = 0.022). Haplotype analysis revealed an association between rs1049906-rs1049931 haplotype CG and ICH risk (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.05-1.78, p = 0.021). Regarding clinical outcome, the rs3803230 C allele (dominant model: aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.04-3.63, p = 0.037) and haplotype AC of rs7990214-rs3803230 (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.13-3.46, p = 0.015) contributed to 3-month poor outcome. The COL4A2 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of primary ICH, mainly non-lobar hemorrhage, and with long-term poor outcome after ICH in Chinese Han population.

Association of Serum Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor with 3-Month Poor Outcome and Malignant Cerebral Edema in Patients with Large Hemispheric Infarction.

We aimed to investigate the associations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) with 3-month poor outcome, death, and malignant cerebral edema (MCE) in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI). Patients with LHI within 24h of onset were enrolled consecutively. Serum MIF, TLR2/4, and MMP9 concentrations on admission were measured. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥ 3 at 3months. MCE was defined as a decreased level of consciousness, anisocoria and midline shift > 5mm or basal cistern effacement, or indications for decompressive craniectomy during hospitalization. The cutoff values for MIF/MMP9 were obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve. Of the 130 patients with LHI enrolled, 90 patients (69.2%) had 3-month poor outcome, and MCE occurred in 55 patients (42.3%). Patients with serum MIF concentrations ≤ 7.82ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.827, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.144-6.990, p = 0.024] also distinguished death (adjusted OR 4.329, 95% CI 1.841-10.178, p = 0.001). Similarly, MMP9 concentrations ≤ 46.56ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome (adjusted OR 2.814, 95% CI 1.236-6.406, p = 0.014) also distinguished 3-month death (adjusted OR 3.845, 95% CI 1.534-9.637, p = 0.004). Lower serum MIF and MMP9 concentrations at an early stage were independently associated with 3-month poor outcomes and death in patients with LHI. These findings need further confirmation in larger sample studies.

Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Score versus Glasgow Coma Scale in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Altered Mental Status.

Full outline of unresponsiveness (FOUR) score has advantages over Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); as it can be used in intubated patients and provides greater neurological details. It has been studied mainly in the trauma and neuroscience setting. Our primary objective was to compare the FOUR versus GCS score as predictors of mortality at 30 days and poor functional outcome at 3 months among nontrauma patients in the emergency department (ED). This prospective observational study was conducted on adult patients presenting with altered mental status (duration <7 days) in the ED (March 2019-November 2020). Data collection included demographic and clinical features, the GCS and FOUR scores, the feasibility of acquiring and interpreting FOUR on a Likert scale, duration of hospital stay, 30-day mortality, and functional outcome at 3 months on the modified Rankin Scale. Trained emergency medicine residents managing the patient collected the data. The area under receiver's operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was used to compare the accuracy of the GCS and FOUR scores in predicting outcomes. The FOUR score equivalent of GCS cutoffs for categorizing neurological impairment (mild, moderate, and severe) was also investigated. Two hundred and ninety-one patients were included, with a mean age of 50.3 years and 67.4% males. Most patients (40.2%) had altered mental status for 1-3 days and hepatic encephalopathy was the most common ED diagnosis. The mortality at 30 days was 66.7% (194 of 291), and 88% (256 of 291) of patients had poor functional outcomes at 3 months. The AUROCs for predicting 30-day mortality were similar for both the scores (GCS: 0.70, FOUR: 0.71, and the P value for difference: 0.9). Similarly, the AUROCs for predicting 3-month poor functional outcome were 0.683 and 0.669 using GCS and FOUR, respectively, with a nonsignificant difference (P = 0.82). The FOUR score strata of 14-16, 11-13, and 0-10 were found to be equivalent to the GCS scores of 13-15 (mild), 9-12 (moderate), and 3-8 (severe). The feasibility of acquiring and interpreting GCS and FOUR scores on the Likert scale was found to be "easy." The FOUR score is similar to GCS in predicting mortality at 30 days and poor neurological outcomes at 3 months among nontrauma patients of ED. Moreover, it was found that the FOUR score is "easy" to assess and interpret by the emergency residents.

Association between early lactate-related variables and 6-month neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients

IntroductionThe role of lactate measurement in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors remains controversial. We assessed the association between early lactate-related variables, OHCA characteristics, and long-term neurological outcome. MethodsIn OHCA patients who received targeted temperature management, lactate levels were measured at 0, 12, and 24 h after the return of spontaneous circulation. We calculated lactate clearance and time-weighted cumulative lactate (TWCL), which represent the area under the time-lactate curve. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of lactate-related variables for predicting 6-month poor outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 3–5) were evaluated. Interactions between lactate variables and characteristics of OHCA were evaluated by a multivariable logistic model with interaction terms and subgroup analysis. ResultsA total of 347 OHCA patients were included. After adjustment, higher lactate levels at the three time points were associated with a poor outcome (AOR 1.10 [95% CI, 1.03–1.18], AOR 1.15 [95% CI, 1.02–1.29], and AOR 1.36 [95% CI, 1.15–1.60], respectively), while TWCL was the only lactate kinetics variable associated with a poor outcome (AOR 1.29 [95% CI, 1.12–1.49]). We identified several interactions between lactate-related variables and OHCA characteristics. In particular, the AUC of TWCL was excellent in cases of noncardiac etiology (AUC 0.92 [95% CI, 0.86–0.96] but only moderate in cardiac etiology (AUC 0.69 [95% CI, 0.62–0.75]). ConclusionsEarly lactate levels, especially at 24 h, and TWCL were independent predictors of neurologic outcome in these patients, whereas lactate clearance was not. The prognostic ability of lactate-related variables varied depending on the OHCA characteristics.