Poor Functional Outcome In Patients Research Articles

A2DS2 Score Combined With Clinical and Neuroimaging Factors Better Predicts Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Hyperacute Cerebral Infarction.

ObjectiveTo investigate the predictors of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and poor functional outcome in patients with hyperacute cerebral infarction (HCI) by combining clinical factors, laboratory tests and neuroimaging features.MethodsWe included 205 patients with HCI from November 2018 to December 2019. The diagnostic criterion for SAP was occurrence within 7 days of the onset of stroke. Poor outcome was defined as a functional outcome based on a 3-months MRS score >3. The relationship of demographic, laboratory and neuroimaging variables with SAP and poor outcome was investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsFifty seven (27.8%) patients were diagnosed with SAP and 40 (19.5%) developed poor outcomes. A2DS2 score (OR = 1.284; 95% CI: 1.048–1.574; P = 0.016), previous stroke (OR = 2.630; 95% CI: 1.122–6.163; P = 0.026), consciousness (OR = 2.945; 95% CI: 1.514–5.729; P < 0.001), brain atrophy (OR = 1.427; 95% CI: 1.040–1.959; P = 0.028), and core infarct volume (OR = 1.715; 95% CI: 1.163–2.528; P = 0.006) were independently associated with the occurrence of SAP. Therefore, we combined these variables into a new SAP prediction model with the C-statistic of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78–0.90). Fasting plasma glucose (OR = 1.404; 95% CI: 1.202–1.640; P < 0.001), NIHSS score (OR = 1.088; 95% CI: 1.010–1.172; P = 0.026), previous stroke (OR = 4.333; 95% CI: 1.645–11.418; P = 0.003), SAP (OR = 3.420; 95% CI: 1.332–8.787; P = 0.011), basal ganglia-dilated perivascular spaces (BG-dPVS) (OR = 2.124; 95% CI: 1.313–3.436; P = 0.002), and core infarct volume (OR = 1.680; 95% CI: 1.166–2.420; P = 0.005) were independently associated with poor outcome. The C-statistic of the outcome model was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81–0.94). Furthermore, the SAP model significantly improved discrimination and net benefit more than the A2DS2 scale, with a C-statistic of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69–0.83).ConclusionsAfter the addition of neuroimaging features, the models exhibit good differentiation and calibration for the prediction of the occurrence of SAP and the development of poor outcomes in HCI patients. The SAP model could better predict the SAP, representing a helpful and valid tool to obtain a net benefit compared with the A2DS2 scale.

Abstract TP227: High Disability Rates In Young Patients With PFO Attributable Cryptogenic Ischemic Strokes

Introduction: Approximately 30% of ischemic strokes are cryptogenic and 40-50% of these patients have a patent foramen ovale (PFO) detected during work up. While the risk of ischemic stroke attributed to PFO is 0.5-1% per year, the proportion of disabling ischemic strokes in the setting of PFO is unknown. In this study, we aim to determine differences in rates and predictors of poor outcome in patients with stroke and PFO compared to those without PFO. Methods: This retrospective, observational cohort study included consecutive patients aged 18-60 admitted to our comprehensive stroke center with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke over a two-year period. modified Rankin Score (mRS) was collected at 90-days according to institutional protocol. Poor functional outcome was defined as mRS of 2-6. We compared baseline characteristics of ischemic stroke patients with PFO to those without PFO, and then determined associations with poor outcome using multivariable logistic regression that adjusted for age and stroke severity. We performed similar analyses in the subgroup of patients with cryptogenic stroke. Results: Out of 321 patients with ischemic stroke (mean age 49; 42% women), 146 had cryptogenic stroke - embolic stroke of undetermined source subtype (CS-ESUS). Baseline characteristics, demographics, and stroke severity did not differ between those with PFO when compared to those without PFO both across the entire cohort and in the subgroup of CS-ESUS. Among patients with cs-ESUS with PFO, 48% (10/21) had poor functional outcome, and the rates did not significantly differ based on ROPE score (p = 0.362). In our binary logistic regression model adjusting for age and NIHSS score, the rate of poor functional outcome in patients with CS-ESUS did not significantly differ based on presence vs. absence of PFO (OR 1.10 95% CI 0.39-3.09, p = 0.859). Conclusions: Our study suggests that a significant portion (almost 1 in 2) of cryptogenic strokes in patients with a PFO were disabling at 90 days and disability rates did not significantly differ as a function of PFO attributability of their ischemic stroke. Further studies are needed to identify patients with high-risk PFOs that may especially predispose to disabling strokes and to determine optimal primary stroke prevention strategies.

Abstract TMP68: Underlying Intracranial Atherosclerosis Disease Is Associated With Worse Outcome In Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Undergoing Endovascular Therapy

Introduction: Acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) can be secondary to thromboembolism or underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Data on the management of LVO due to underlying ICAD are scarce. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients with ICAD would have worse clinical outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) than those without ICAD. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent MT for LVO in a large academic comprehensive stroke center between 01/2018 and 05/2021. Presence of underlying ICAD at the site of LVO was determined by the treating interventionalist. We compared outcomes including in-hospital mortality and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) between those with and without underlying ICAD, adjusting for relevant covariates using logistic regression. Results: Among 195 patients (mean age 67.4+15.1 years, 56.9% female, 81% black, median NIHSS score 15), underlying ICAD was present in 39 (20.0%). Stent-retrievers were used 196 patients with only 3 having rescue stent placement. There were no significant differences in baseline factors amongst the two groups except diabetes was more common (69.2% vs. 49.7%, p=0.028) and intravenous thrombolysis provided less often (17.9% vs. 36.5%, p=0.027) in those with ICAD. TICI 2B or higher was achieved in 82.1% of ICAD compared with 94.3% of non-ICAD patients (p=0.012). Mortality was more common (50.0% vs. 30.8%, p=0.025) and good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days was less common (10.8% vs. 30.0%, p=0.002) in the ICAD group. Adjusting for age, diabetes, intravenous thrombolysis, baseline NIHSS score, and final TICI score, underlying ICAD was an independent predictor of mRS 0-2 at 90 days (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4-14.2, p=0.010). Conclusion: Underlying ICAD is associated with 4.5-fold increase in poor functional outcome in patients with LVO undergoing traditional MT. Further research is needed to understand factors associated with poor outcomes investigate alternative interventional approaches and medical management in this high-risk population.

Abstract 90: Meta-analysis Of Early Treatment Of Hypertension In Acute Ischemic Stroke And Functional Outcome

Introduction: Elevation in blood pressure (BP) in the early period following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is frequent and likely due to a physiologic response to neurologic insult, damage to specific structures, and failure of cerebral autoregulation. It remains unclear whether early treatment of elevated BP after AIS influences clinical outcome in these patients. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate if treatment of sustained elevations in BP in the early period following AIS leads to a reduced risk of poor functional outcome. Method: Systematic review identifying randomized-controlled, double-blinded trials of AIS patients between 1994-2020 comparing those who receive anti-hypertensive medications within 72 hours of symptom-onset to those who do not receive medication. The primary outcome was poor functional outcome (defined by mRS &gt; 2 at 90 days). Results were pooled using inverse variance random effects meta-analyses. Conclusions accounted for the magnitude of effect, precision, and risk of bias in the studies using the modified GRADE process of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Results: Ten randomized-controlled double-blinded studies totaling 15762 AIS patients met inclusion criteria. Baseline patient characteristics were without significant confounders. Mean symptom-onset to treatment time was 3-72 hours. The duration of treatment ranged from 3-90 days. Antihypertensive medications used included calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE-inhibitors, nitrates, and diuretics. Overall, poor functional outcome occurred in 32.4% of patients. There was no statistical difference in poor functional outcome in patients treated with antihypertensive medications within 72 hours of symptom-onset vs no treatment (OR=1.05, CI 95% 0.93-1.18). Conclusion: For the early period following AIS, treatment of sustained elevations in BP does not reduce the risk of mRS &gt; 2 at 90 days. Confidence in the evidence is strong, anchored by selection of large randomized-controlled, double-blinded trials. Limitations include variable BP medications, initial stroke severities, and AIS mechanisms.

Prior direct oral anticoagulant dosage and outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A sub-analysis of PASTA registry study

Background and purposePrescribing under-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is alerted to increase cardiovascular events or death. However, the association between dose selection of DOACs and the clinical course remains unclear. This study aimed to propose a novel criterion for selecting the DOAC dose and investigate clinical characteristics of ischemic stroke (IS) under this criterion. MethodsWe assessed the pooled prospective multicenter registry data of stroke patients taking anticoagulant agents, including IS patients with NVAF and prior DOAC usage. The recommended dose according to the reduction criteria of each DOAC and the selected dose were identified for each patient, and patients were categorized into four groups: no alternative low-dose, selecting low-dose appropriately with all DOACs applicable for reduction criteria; selected low-dose, selecting low-dose appropriately or inappropriately despite at least one DOAC inapplicable for reduction criteria; selected standard-dose, appropriate standard-dose use; and absolute over-dose, inappropriate standard-dose regardless of criteria. We investigated the effects of dose selection of DOACs on short-term poor functional outcomes. Results322 patients were included in the analysis. The prevalence of no alternative low-dose, selected low-dose, selected standard-dose, and absolute over-dose was 74 (23%), 144 (45%), 89 (27%), and 15 (5%), respectively. Multivariable analysis found that the selected low-dose group showed significantly poorer functional outcomes than the selected standard-dose group only in patients without renal dysfunction (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.17–6.00; P = 0.0186). ConclusionsSelecting a low dose DOAC might be associated with poor functional outcomes in patients without renal dysfunction.

Serum amyloid A predicts poor functional outcome in patients with ischemic stroke receiving endovascular thrombectomy: a case control study

BackgroundPost-stroke inflammation contributes to poor outcomes, but its impact on patients with stroke receiving endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remains unknown.MethodsWe enrolled adult patients with stroke who received EVT, with blood sampling...

Peripheral Blood Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Functional Outcomes in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke.

BackgroundPeripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has recently emerged as a prognostic biomarker in many disease states. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of NLR to predict poor functional outcomes in patients with hemorrhagic stroke and to compare it with the intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) score.Materials and methodsPatients who presented to the emergency department with clinical features suggestive of stroke were evaluated with computed tomography (CT) brain to identify ICH. The ICH scores and NLR were estimated at the time of admission. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score equal to or greater than 3 at 90 days was used to define poor functional outcomes (major disability or death). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted with NLR and the ICH score to analyze and compare their discriminative ability to predict poor functional outcomes.ResultsA total of 158 patients were recruited for the study. One hundred and seven patients were found to have poor functional outcomes as per their mRS score at 90 days. The mean NLR and the ICH scores at presentation were significantly higher for the poor outcome group (6.57 and 2.83) compared to the good outcome group (2.75 and 1.49). The ROC analysis revealed that both NLR and the ICH scores were good predictors of functional outcomes at 90 days with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.814 and 0.819, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of NLR were 84 and 66.3% and those of the ICH score were 66.7 and 78.3% to predict poor functional outcomes.ConclusionIn patients with hemorrhagic stroke, NLR at admission is a good predictor of functional outcomes at 90 days. When compared to the ICH score, NLR is more sensitive but less specific in predicting poor functional outcomes.How to cite this articleBabu S, Pulicken M, Thazhathuveedu AK. Peripheral Blood Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Functional Outcomes in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(1):18–22.

Platelet Distribution Width: A Significant Predictor of Poor Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy

ObjectivesElevated platelet distribution width (PDW) is a recognized marker of platelet activity. Herein, we investigated the association between admission PDW values and clinical outcome at 3 months in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively collected consecutive patients diagnosed with AIS following MT from two stroke centers. PDW was measured on admission. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the clinical outcome using the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months. Multiple regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to determine the associations between admission PDW values, clinical parameters, and functional outcome. ResultsA total of 162 subjects were enrolled. Patients in the poor outcome group had a significantly higher percentage of PDW >16.0 fL compared with the good outcome group (57.3% vs. 26.9%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for a range of confounding factors, multiple regression analysis showed that PDW >16.0 fL was an independent predictor of poor outcome at 3 months (odds ratio 4.572, 95% confidence interval 1.896–11.026, P = 0.001). ROC curve analysis revealed that PDW >16.0 fL predicted poor outcome with 57.3% sensitivity and 73.1% specificity (the area under the ROC curve 0.637, 95% confidence interval 0.558–0.711, P = 0.004). ConclusionsElevated PDW is an independent predictor of poor functional outcome in patients with anterior circulation AIS undergoing MT at 3 months.

Major depressive disorder, when under treatment, may not affect functional outcomes in patients with tibial plateau fractures

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine if treated psychological depression is associated with poorer functional outcomes in patients who sustain tibial plateau fractures. MethodsPatients with a tibia plateau fracture were prospectively followed. Functional status was assessed using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) at baseline (pre-injury), 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post injury. Clinical outcomes were recorded at each follow up visit and radiographic outcomes were obtained from follow up radiographs. Records were reviewed to identify patients who were being treated for major depressive disorder (MDD). SMFA scores and clinical outcomes were compared between the depression and no depression cohorts. Results420 patients were treated for a tibial plateau fracture and the mean age was 50.83 ± 15.60 years. Forty-two (10%) patients with 42 fractures were being treated for MDD at the time of their fracture. Patients with MDD were older (p = 0.05) and were more likely female (p < 0.01). At baseline, the clinical depression cohort had worse Total SMFA scores compared to the non-depressed cohort (5.90 ± 14.41 vs. 2.69 ± 8.35, p < 0.01). There were no differences in total SMFA score or any SMFA subscores at 3, 6, and 12 months. The incidence of wound complications, reoperations, and radiographic outcomes also did not differ between the cohorts. ConclusionDespite patients with MDD reporting higher SMFA (poorer) scores at baseline, MDD was not associated with worse injuries, diminished clinical or poorer functional outcomes following tibial plateau fractures.

Intraventricular hemorrhage clot clearance rate as an outcome predictor in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective study

BackgroundThe development of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is linked with higher mortality and poor neurological recovery. Previous studies have investigated the effect of the amount and distribution of the initial IVH on the prognosis of aSAH. However, no studies have assessed the relationship between the changes in IVH over time and the prognosis of aSAH. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the clearance rate of IVH, which can be represented by the IVH clot clearance rate (CCR), on the outcomes of aSAH.MethodsThe IVH CCR was calculated based on the difference between the initial and follow-up modified Graeb scores (mGS), which were assessed by initial and 7-day follow-up brain computed tomography, respectively. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the relationships between IVH CCR and other risk factors and the prognosis of patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify cut-off values of IVH CCR for predicting poor functional outcome.ResultsIn total, 196 consecutive patients were diagnosed with aSAH between January 2014 and March 2018. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 67 patients were finally included in the study. The univariate analysis revealed that a lower IVH CCR (p<0.001), higher initial mGS (p<0.001), older age (p<0.001), higher initial Hunt and Hess grade (p<0.001), presence of delayed infarction (p=0.03), and presence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (p=0.004) were significantly related to poor functional outcome. The multivariable analysis revealed that IVH CCR (odds ratio [OR] 0.941; p=0.029), initial mGS (OR 1.632; p=0.043), age (OR 1.561; p=0.007), initial Hunt and Hess grade (OR 227.296; p=0.030), and delayed infarction (OR 5310.632; p=0.023) were independent predictors of poor functional outcome. Optimal cut-off values of IVH CCR and mGS for poor outcome were 36.27%, and 13.5, respectively (all p< 0.001).ConclusionsThe IVH CCR might have an important predictive value on poor functional outcome in patients with aSAH and IVH, along with initial mGS, age, initial Hunt and Hess grade, and delayed infarction.

CYP2C19 polymorphisms and clopidogrel efficacy in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke: a retrospective observational study

The relationship between cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) polymorphisms and clopidogrel efficacy in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been widely studied. However, the relationship between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and the response to clopidogrel in patients treated for ischemic stroke (IS) remains controversial. What's more, few data address the relevance of CYP2C19 polymorphisms in patients taking clopidogrel for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. This study investigates whether carrying CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) alleles affects the risk of recurrent stroke in IS patients. One hundred twenty-two IS patients were CYP2C19 genotype screened and enrolled in the study from January 2016 to December 2017. Those with stroke recurrence, stroke sequelae, or bleeding diseases were excluded. The remaining 89 patients were divided into the following 2 groups: non-carriers of CYP2C19 LOF alleles (n=38) and carriers (n=51) of CYP2C19 LOF alleles. The variables that could influence the rate of recurrent stroke were assessed in a multivariate analysis to determine the independent risk factors. The CYP2C19*2 and *3 alleles frequencies among the 122 patients were 31.97% and 4.10%, respectively. Carriers of LOF alleles had a more significant history of hypertension compared with non-carriers [n=43/51 (86.7%) versus n=23/38 (60.5%), P=0.01]. In addition, the inclusion rate of aspirin in discharge medication was significantly higher for carriers than for non-carriers [n=19/51 (37.3%) versus n=5/38 (13.2%), P=0.01]. CYP2C19 LOF alleles were significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke [odds ratio (OR): 7.586; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.346-42.770, P=0.022]. CYP2C19 LOF alleles may increase the risk of recurrent IS. The polymorphisms of CYP2C19 may be predictors of a poor functional outcome in patients with recurrent stroke. Instead of clopidogrel, aspirin can be prescribed as a secondary preventative measure against stroke in carriers of CYP2C19 LOF alleles.

Prognostic value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio for outcomes of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The current study aimed to conduct a systematic literature search and pool data from individual studies to assess the relationship between platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and functional outcomes and mortality in stroke patients. The databases of PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies up to 21st August 2021. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the association between PLR and poor functional outcomes and mortality. Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review and nine in the meta-analysis. On analysis of eight studies, we noted no statistically significant relationship between PLR and poor functional outcomes in patients with stroke (OR: 1.00 95% CI: 1.00, 1.00 I2=80% p=0.30). Data on mortality was reported by just two studies. Pooled analysis indicated no statistical relationship between PLR and mortality in patients with stroke (OR: 1.49 95% CI: 0.56, 3.98 I2=76% p=0.43). Descriptive analysis of the remaining studies demonstrated conflicting results for the relationship between PLR and early neurological deterioration (END) and functional outcomes. Our results indicate that PLR may not be a useful prognostic marker to predict functional outcomes after AIS. Evidence on the predictive power of PLR for mortality and END after stroke is scarce and contrasting. There is a need for further studies assessing the role of PLR in predicting outcomes of stroke patients while taking into account important confounders like baseline stroke severity and treatment modality.

Predictive Value of Insulin Resistance as Determined by Homeostasis Model Assessment in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Studies on association between homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and adverse outcomes have yielded conflicting results in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This meta-analysis aimed to assess the predictive value of HOMA-IR in AIS patients. Two authors comprehensively searched PubMed and Embase databases until February 28, 2021. All observational studies investigating the association between HOMA-IR and adverse outcomes in AIS patients were included. Outcome measures were poor functional outcome (Modified Rankin Scale≥3), all-cause mortality, stroke recurrence, and neurologic worsening. Seven studies (eight articles) involving 8330 AIS patients were identified. For the highest versus lowest HOMA-IR, the pooled risk ratio (RR) of poor functional outcome was 2.55 (95% CI 1.76-3.70) after adjustment of conventional confounding factors. In addition, elevated HOMA-IR was associated with higher risk of neurologic worsening (RR 1.93; 95% CI 1.15-3.26). However, there were conflicting findings on the association of HOMA-IR with stroke recurrence and all-cause mortality. This meta-analysis confirms that HOMA-IR is significantly associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome in patients with AIS. However, interpretation of the results of mortality, stroke recurrence, and neurologic worsening should be done with caution due to small number of studies available.

Prediction of Hematoma Expansion in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Thromboelastography With Platelet Mapping: A Prospective Observational Study

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEG-PM) for predicting hematoma expansion (HE) and poor functional outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).Methods: Patients with primary ICH who underwent baseline computed tomography (CT) and TEG-PM within 6 h after symptom onset were enrolled in the observational cohort study. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess the association of admission platelet function with HE and functional outcome. In addition, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis investigated the accuracy of platelet function in predicting HE. A mediation analysis was undertaken to determine causal associations among platelet function, HE, and outcome.Results: Of 142 patients, 37 (26.1%) suffered HE. Multivariate logistic regression identified arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) inhibition as significant independent predictors of HE. The area under the ROC curves was 0.727 for AA inhibition and 0.721 for ADP inhibition. Optimal threshold for AA inhibition was 41.75% (75.7% sensitivity; 67.6% specificity) and ADP inhibition was 65.8% (73.0% sensitivity; 66.7% specificity). AA and ADP inhibition were also associated with worse 3-month outcomes after adjusting for age, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, intraventricular hemorrhage, baseline hematoma volume, and hemoglobin. The mediation analysis showed that the effect of higher platelet inhibition with poor outcomes was mediated through HE.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the reduced platelet response to ADP and AA independently predict HE and poor outcome in patients with ICH. Platelet function may represent a modifiable target of ICH treatment.

Serum bilirubin levels are associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack

BackgroundThe prognostic value of serum bilirubin in stroke is controversial, since bilirubin has both neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties. We aimed to investigate the association between serum bilirubin, including total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) and poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).MethodsAll patients with AIS or TIA were recruited from the Third China National Stroke Registry. The poor functional outcomes included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 2–6 and 3–6 at 3 months and 1 year. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of TBIL, DBIL, and IBIL with poor functional outcomes.ResultsAmong 11,121 enrolled patients, the median (interquartile range) of TBIL, DBIL, and IBIL was 13.30 (9.90–17.70), 3.80 (2.70–5.30), and 9.30 (6.70–12.80) µmol/L. After adjustment for conventional confounding factors, patients in the highest TBIL quartile had the highest proportion of mRS score 2–6 at 3 months (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.59) and 1 year (OR, 1.31; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.52), and mRS score 3–6 at 3 months (OR, 1.33; 95 % CI, 1.11–1.59) and 1 year (OR, 1.28; 95 % CI, 1.07–1.53), when compared to patients in the lowest TBIL quartile. Similar results were observed for DBIL and IBIL. We also found J-shaped associations between serum bilirubin levels and each outcome.ConclusionsElevated levels of serum bilirubin were significantly associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with AIS or TIA at 3 months and 1 year.

Prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width in predicting 3-month functional outcome of patients undergoing thrombolysis treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

This study was performed to determine whether red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with 3-month poor functional outcome in patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke.RDW was measured in patients with thrombolytic therapy in emergency department. Functional outcome was assessed after 3 months and poor functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale 3 to 6.A total of 240 patients were enrolled, and 82 (34.2%) had a poor functional outcome. The median RDW was significantly elevated in patients with a poor functional outcome compare with those with a good outcome. RDW was independently associated with a 3-month poor functional outcome (odds ratio 3.369, 95% confidence interval 2.214–5.125). The optimal RDW cutoff for predicting 3-month poor functional outcome was 12.8%, and the area under the curve for RDW was 0.818 (95% confidence interval 0.761–0.876). The area under the curve for RDW was higher in male patients than in female patients. The RDW correlated positively with the modified Rankin scale score after 3 months and the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score.Initial higher RDW level is related to a 3-month poor functional outcome in patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke.

Analysis of Metabolite and Lipid Association Networks Reveals Molecular Mechanisms Associated with 3-Month Mortality and Poor Functional Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke after Thrombolytic Treatment with Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator.

Here, we present an integrated multivariate, univariate, network reconstruction and differential analysis of metabolite–metabolite and metabolite–lipid association networks built from an array of 18 serum metabolites and 110 lipids identified and quantified through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a cohort of 248 patients, of which 22 died and 82 developed a poor functional outcome within 3 months from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. We explored differences in metabolite and lipid connectivity of patients who did not develop a poor outcome and who survived the ischemic stroke from the related opposite conditions. We report statistically significant differences in the connectivity patterns of both low- and high-molecular-weight metabolites, implying underlying variations in the metabolic pathway involving leucine, glycine, glutamine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, citric, lactic, and acetic acids, ketone bodies, and different lipids, thus characterizing patients’ outcomes. Our results evidence the promising and powerful role of the metabolite–metabolite and metabolite–lipid association networks in investigating molecular mechanisms underlying AIS patient’s outcome.

Mediation effects of mean Hounsfield unit on relationship between hemoglobin and expansion of intracerebral hemorrhage

Low hemoglobin levels are known to be associated with hematoma expansion (HE) and poor functional outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, it is not yet known whether low hemoglobin itself causes HE directly or is merely a confounder. Thus, we investigated the mediation effect of the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) of hematoma on the relationship between low hemoglobin and expansion of ICH. Overall, 232 consecutive patients with ICH who underwent non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) within 12 h since onset were included. The mean HU and hematoma volume on NCCT were investigated using semi-automated planimetry. HE was defined as an increase in hematoma volume > 33% or 6 mL. The respective associations among the hemoglobin level, mean HU, and HE were analyzed using multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, and known HE predictors. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the potential causal association among the three. HE occurred in 34.5% of patients; hemoglobin levels were inversely associated with HE occurrence (adjusted odds ratio, 0.90; p = 0.03). The mean HU of the hematoma was lower in patients with HE than in patients without HE (58.5 ± 3.3 vs. 56.8 ± 3.0; p < 0.01). Hemoglobin levels on admission were linearly related to the mean HU (adjusted β, 0.33; p < 0.01) after adjusting for known HE predictors (time from onset to CT, antithrombotic use, hematoma volume). Causal mediation analysis showed a significant mediation effect of the mean HU on the association between hemoglobin levels and HE (p = 0.04). The proportion of indirect effect through the mean HU among the total effect was 19% (p = 0.05). The mediation effect became nonsignificant in the when the multivariable model was adjusted with additional covariates (baseline systolic blood pressure and hematoma location). The mean HU of the hematoma mediated the association between hemoglobin levels and HE occurrence. Therefore, the mean HU of the hematoma may be a potential marker of impaired hemostasis in patients with ICH.

Prevalence of Malnutrition Diagnosed with GLIM Criteria and Association with Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Acute Stroke

BackgroundMalnutrition is associated with a poor functional outcome in patients with stroke. However, the prevalence of malnutrition diagnosed with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria or its association with activity of daily living (ADL) in patients with acute stroke have not been reported. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of the malnutrition diagnosed with the GLIM criteria and its association with ADL or discharge destination in patients with acute stroke. Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, we diagnosed malnutrition with the GLIM criteria and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) criteria and assessed ADL by functional independence measure motor domain (FIM-M) score in patients with acute stroke. Multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between FIM-M score or home discharge and malnutrition defined with GLIM or ESPEN criteria. ResultsA total of 115 acute stroke patients (39 females; median age: 72 years) were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of malnutrition according to GLIM-criteria and ESPEN-criteria was 28.7% and 16.5%, respectively. Multivariate analyses for FIM-M score after adjusting for potential confounders showed that GLIM criteria and ESPEN criteria were independently associated with FIM-M score (β = -0.238, p < 0.001; β = -0118, p = 0.040, respectively). A multivariate analysis for discharge destination found that only malnutrition from the GLIM criteria was significantly associated with home discharge (OR = 0.08, 95% confidential interval = 0.01-0.69, p = 0.02). ConclusionsMalnutrition with the GLIM criteria is negatively associated with ADL and is also associated with discharge destination in patients with acute stroke.

Association of Homocysteine Level with Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis.

Studies on the prognostic value of homocysteine level have yielded controversial results in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic utility of homocysteine among patients with AIS in terms of recurrent stroke, poor functional outcome or all-cause mortality. Two independent authors searched the articles published in PubMed and Embase databases prior to March 31, 2020. Original studies that investigated the value of homocysteine level in predicting recurrent stroke, poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥ 3) or all-cause mortality in AIS patients were eligible. Eleven articles (10 studies) that enrolled 19,435 patients with AIS were included. Meta-analysis indicated that the patients with the highest homocysteine level had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-1.55). However, elevated homocysteine level was not significantly associated with recurrent stroke (RR 1.28; 95% CI 0.99-1.65) or poor functional outcome (RR 1.71; 95% CI 0.77-3.83). Elevated homocysteine level is independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality but not recurrent stroke or poor functional outcome in patients with AIS. However, additional well-designed studies are required to confirm the findings of this meta-analysis.