Poor Functional Outcome Research Articles

Skeletal muscle quantity and quality evaluation in heart failure: comparing thoracic versus abdominopelvic CT approaches

Given the critical role of skeletal muscle in healthy aging, low muscle mass (myopenia) and quality (myosteatosis) can be used as predictors of poor functional and cardiometabolic outcomes. Myopenia is also a part of sarcopenia and malnutrition diagnostic criteria. However, there is limited evidence for using chest computed tomography (CT) to evaluate muscle health. We aimed to compare chest CT landmarks to the widely used L3 vertebra for single-slice skeletal muscle evaluation in patients with heart failure (HF). Patients admitted for acute decompensated HF between January 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Body composition measurements were made on CT of the chest and abdomen/pelvis with or without contrast one month before discharge. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and intermuscular adipose tissue percentage (IMAT%) were calculated at several thoracic levels (above the aortic arch, T8, and T12) and correlated to the widely used L3 level. A total of 200 patients were included, 89 (44.5%) female. The strongest correlation of thoracic SMI (for muscle quantity) and IMAT% (for muscle quality) with L3 was at the T12 level (r = 0.834, p < 0.001 and r = 0.757, p < 0.001, respectively). Cutoffs to identify low muscle mass for T12 SMI (derived from the lowest sex-stratified L3 SMI tertile) were 31.1 cm²/m² in men and 26.3 cm²/m² in women. SMI and IMAT% at T12 had excellent correlations with the widely used L3 level for muscle quantity and quality evaluation in patients with HF.

Prognostic Value of Prolonged QT Interval in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract Background Early predictors of mortality and poor functional outcome are crucial for planning the level of care and optimizing resource utilization. Nonetheless, rapid and noninvasive methods for assessing the prognosis of patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke in the emergency department (ED) are currently lacking. Aim of the Work The aim of this work is to assess and evaluate the QT- prolongation in patients with acute stroke without known cardiac disease and to correlate between prolonged QT interval and different neurological outcomes. Patients and Methods This was a case control study. Data from patients with acute ischemic stroke (stroke patients) who were admitted to the neurological intensive care unit were collected for the period from June 2021 to December 2021 at the First Affiliated Ahmad Maher teaching hospital, and patients in other departments were enrolled as controls. Results This study had several limitations. First, the study was performed in a single center, which may reduce its generalizability. In addition, we were unable to determine non-fatal long-term outcomes, such as major adverse cerebro-cardiovascular events (MACCE). Second, the mechanism underlying QTc interval prolongation remains tentative because ECG was performed at single time points, not overtime. Furthermore, major cardiac and non-cardiac comorbidities were defined as the previous history and/or ECG results at admission, thus possibly underestimating subclinical conditions. In addition, the contribution of each cardiac and non-cardiac condition to QTc interval prolongation is not equally the same. We also could not absolutely exclude patients with coronary artery disease who shared similar risk factors because we did not conduct echocardiography or coronary angiography, and this may have affected the QTc interval changes in ECG. Conclusion Prolonged QTc interval was associated with the increased risk of long-term mortality, in parallel with the increasing trend of the prevalence of cardiovascular risk profiles and stroke severity, across sex differences, such as different distributions of age, comorbidities, morality, and QTc intervals in AIS patients. Acute ischemic stroke patients may have a longer QT interval and a higher incidence of electrocardiogram abnormalities. In clinical practice, careful attention should be paid to acute ischemic stroke patients to prevent malignant arrhythmia.

Outcomes in elderly patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy in association with premorbid Rankin Scale scores.

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) reduces disability in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, its efficacy in patients aged >80 years remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of premorbid modified Rankin Scale (pmRS) scores and age on patients with AIS undergoing EVT and the effect of EVT on functional outcome and mortality. We conducted a retrospective cohort study and screened the Heidelberg Recanalization Registry (HeiReKa) database for patients with AIS between 1999 and 2021. Outcomes were stratified by age (<80, 80-89, and ≥90 years) and pmRS score (0-2 vs. 3-5). Adjusted odds ratios for outcomes and mortality at 3 months after treatment were examined. Finally, 2,591 patients were included [including those aged ≥90 years (n = 158)]. Poor functional outcomes were associated with advanced age, vascular risk factors, stroke severity, and vessel status. Conversely, lower prestroke disability and younger age were associated with better outcomes and reduced mortality. A pmRS of 3-5 was associated with an increased risk of mortality and worse functional outcomes regardless of age. Notably, patients aged ≥90 years with a pmRS of 0-2 had significantly better outcomes than those aged <80 years with a pmRS of 3-5. Both age and pmRS are important in assessing the benefits of EVT. However, prestroke functional status might be more crucial than biological age in determining outcomes following EVT.

Acute kidney injury in subarachnoid hemorrhage: Exploring its clinical significance and prognostic implications

ObjectivesSubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from spontaneous aneurysm rupture is a debilitating condition with high morbidity and mortality. Patients with SAH remain understudied, particularly concerning the evaluation of incidence and consequences of subsequent acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we aim to explore the risk factors and outcomes of AKI in SAH patients. Materials and MethodsInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes were used to query the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for patients with a diagnosis of SAH between 2010-2019. Subgroup analysis was stratified by AKI diagnosis during the same hospitalization. AKI and non-AKI groups were assessed for baseline clinical characteristics, interventions, complications, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics, multivariate regressions, and propensity score-matching were performed using IBM SPSS 28. ResultsOf 76,553 patients diagnosed with nontraumatic SAH between 2010-2019, 10,634 (13.89 %) had a comorbid diagnosis of AKI. SAH patients with AKI were older (p < 0.01) and more often obese (p < 0.01) compared to the non-AKI group. A multivariate regression found the diagnosis of AKI to be independently correlated with poor functional outcome (p < 0.001), above average length of stay (p < 0.001), and in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001) when controlling for age, SAH severity, and other comorbidities. ConclusionsThis study showed significant association between AKI and adverse outcomes in SAH patients, and a correlation between AKI and heightened complication rates, poor functional outcome, extended hospital stays, and elevated mortality rates. Early detection of AKI in SAH patients is vital to improve their chances of recovery.

Early Versus Late Initiation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants After Ischemic Stroke in People With Atrial Fibrillation and Hemorrhagic Transformation: Prespecified Subanalysis of the Randomized Controlled ELAN Trial.

Whether hemorrhagic transformation (HT) modifies the treatment effect of early compared with late initiation of direct oral anticoagulation in people with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation is unknown. This is a post hoc analysis of the ELAN trial (Early Versus Late Initiation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Post-Ischaemic Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation). The primary outcome was a composite of recurrent ischemic stroke, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, major extracranial bleeding, systemic embolism, or vascular death within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were the individual components, 30- and 90-day functional outcome. We estimated outcomes based on HT, subclassified as hemorrhagic infarction (HI) or parenchymal hemorrhage (PH) on prerandomization imaging (core laboratory rating) using adjusted risk differences between treatment arms. Overall, 247 of 1970 participants (12.5%) had HT (114 HI 1, 77 HI 2, 34 PH 1, 22 PH 2). For the primary outcome, the estimated adjusted risk difference (early versus late) was -2.2% (95% CI, -7.8% to 3.5%) in people with HT (HI: -4.7% [95% CI, -10.8% to 1.4%]; PH: 6.1% [95% CI, -8.5% to 20.6%]) and -0.9% (95% CI, -2.6% to 0.8%) in people without HT. Numbers of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were identical in people with and without HT. With early treatment, the estimated adjusted risk difference for poor 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 3-6) was 11.5% (95% CI, -0.8% to 23.8%) in participants with HT (HI: 7.4% [95% CI, -6.4% to 21.2%]; PH: 25.1% [95% CI, 0.2% to 50.0%]) and -2.6% (95% CI, -7.1% to 1.8%) in people without HT. We found no evidence of major treatment effect heterogeneity or safety concerns with early compared with late direct oral anticoagulation initiation in people with and without HT. However, early direct oral anticoagulation initiation may worsen functional outcomes in people with PH. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03148457.

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.

Local neuronal sleep after stroke: The role of cortical bistability in brain reorganization

BackgroundAcute cerebral ischemia triggers a number of cellular mechanisms not only leading to excitotoxic cell death but also to enhanced neuroplasticity, facilitating neuronal reorganization and functional recovery. ObjectiveTransferring these cellular mechanisms to neurophysiological correlates adaptable to patients is crucial to promote recovery post-stroke. The combination of TMS and EEG constitutes a promising readout of neuronal network activity in stroke patients. MethodsWe used the combination of TMS and EEG to investigate the development of local signal processing and global network alterations in 40 stroke patients with motor deficits alongside neural reorganization from the acute to the chronic phase. ResultsWe show that the TMS-EEG response reflects information about reorganization and signal alterations associated with persistent motor deficits throughout the entire post-stroke period. In the early post-stroke phase and in a subgroup of patients with severe motor deficits, TMS applied to the lesioned motor cortex evoked a sleep-like slow wave response associated with a cortical off-period, a manifestation of cortical bistability, as well as a rapid disruption of the TMS-induced formation of causal network effects. Mechanistically, these phenomena were linked to lesions affecting ascending activating brainstem fibers. Of note, slow waves invariably vanished in the chronic phase, but were highly indicative of a poor functional outcome. ConclusionIn summary, we found evidence that transient effects of sleep-like slow waves and cortical bistability within ipsilesional M1 resulting in excessive inhibition may interfere with functional reorganization, leading to a less favorable functional outcome post-stroke, pointing to a new therapeutic target to improve recovery of function.

Multimodal imaging evaluation of early neurological deterioration following acute ischemic stroke.

Early neurologic deterioration occurs in up to one-third of patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS), often leading to poor functional outcomes. At present, few studies have applied amide proton transfer (APT) imaging to the evaluation of early neurological deterioration (END). This study analyzed the value of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) combined with multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with acute IS with END. This retrospective study included patients with acute IS who were admitted to the neurology inpatient department in a tertiary hospital from October 2021 to June 2023. Patients with acute IS underwent CTP within 24 hours of stroke onset and MRI [arterial spin labeling (ASL), susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), and APT] within 7 days. END was defined as an elevation of ≥2 points on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 7 days of stroke onset. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to compare clinical and imaging biomarkers in patients with acute IS with and without END. The performance of potential biomarkers in distinguishing between the two groups was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Among the 70 patients with acute IS, 20 (29%) had END. After conducting univariable analysis, variables were selected for entry into a binary logistic regression analysis based on our univariable analysis results, previous research findings, clinical experience, and methodological standards. The results indicated that relative cerebral blood volume (CBV) on CTP, relative cerebral blood flow (CBF) on ASL, and relative signal intensity on amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging were independent risk factors for END. The areas under the ROC curves for these risk factors were 0.710 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.559-0.861, P=0.006], 0.839 (95% CI: 0.744-0.933, P<0.001), and 0.804 (95% CI: 0.676-0.932, P<0.001), respectively. The combined area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of the four indices (0.941, 100%, and 78%, respectively) were higher than those of the four indices alone. CTP combined with multi-modal MRI better evaluated hemodynamics, tissue metabolism, and other relevant patient information, providing an objective basis for the clinical assessment of patients with acute IS with END and facilitating the development of accurate and personalized treatment plans.

Radiological and Functional Consequences of Open Reduction Internal Fixation with Locking Plate Versus Dynamic Condylar Screw in Type C1 Complete Articular Fracture of Distal Femur

Background: One of the body's main joints for bearing weight is the knee. Its issues are likewise difficult to resolve. Damage to this joint can cause abnormalities in the alignment, stability, and motion of the knee, which impairs function. Objective: To compare the functional and radiological outcome in AO type C1 distal femur fractures fixed with locking plate versus dynamic condylar screw. Methods: The study comprised 94 patients aged 18 to 60 years who had an isolated distal femur fracture and an Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type C1 closed fracture. Patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease, ischemic heart disease, pathological fractures, head injuries with a Glasgow coma scale of less than 14, and malignancy were excluded from the sample. The patients were assigned by lottery to groups A and B. In groups A and B, they were treated with dynamic condylar screws (DCS) and locking plate fixation, respectively.. Results: Among 94 patients, 30 (63.8%) were men and 17 (36.2%) were women in Group A; similarly, 33 (70.2%) were men and 14 (29.8%) were women in Group B. Patients in group A had an average age of 38.8±6.19 years, whereas those in group B had an average age of 39.5±7.36 years. 02 patients (4.2%) in Group-A and 05 patients (10.6%) in Group-B experienced infection. The union rate was 45 (95.7%) in group A (locking plate fixation technique) and 40 (85.10%) in group B (dynamic condylar screw technique). 35 (74.46%) in group A, 08 (17.1%) in good, 03 (6.38%) in average, and 01 (2.1%) in poor; in group B, 25 (53.2%) in excellent, 09 (19.2%) in decent, and 10 (21.3%) had average and 03(6.3%) had poor functional outcome. Conclusion: In terms of clinical and radiological evaluation, the type C1 distal shaft femur fixation with locking plate performs better than the dynamic condylar screw, which has a lower infection rate and better union and functional success

Clinical Outcomes After Definitive Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 109 Patients

The purpose of this study was to provide updated data on oncologic outcomes following definitive surgical treatment of soft tissue sarcoma of the hand in a cohort of 109 patients, as well as to characterize risk factors for poor oncologic and functional outcomes. We analyzed data from 109 consecutive patients who had definitive surgical treatment for soft tissue sarcoma of the hand performed between 1996 and 2019 by a single surgeon at a sarcoma center. Primary outcomes included functional outcome (assessed by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). We compiled descriptive data and used a multivariable linear model to identify factors associated with functional outcomes. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate 5- and 10-year DFS and OS. Patients had a median age of 36 years at presentation. Median follow-up was 6.1 years among patients alive at the end of follow-up. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 29; functional outcome was worse among patients with high-grade tumors or complications. Among the 107 patients who became disease-free, there were four local recurrences (one with metastasis), six distant recurrences, and one death without recurrence. All local recurrences were deep tumors (two myxofibrosarcoma and two myxoinflammatory fibrosarcoma). Estimated 5- and 10-year DFS rates were 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83% to 96%) and 88% (95% CI: 80% to 95%). There were seven deaths, and the estimated 5- and 10-year OS rates were 95% (95% CI: 90% to 100%) and 92% (95% CI: 84% to 100%). Larger tumor size and higher stage at diagnosis were associated with shorter DFS and OS in univariable analyses; low event rates precluded multivariable analysis of survival. Aggressive disease-specific surgical and multidisciplinary treatment can yield long DFS and OS, and good functional outcomes. However, complications and high-grade tumors are associated with worse functional scores. Prognostic II.

Pre-treatment radiological factors associated with poor functional outcome in an Asian cohort of large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the current standard of care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, up to two-thirds of EVT patients have poor functional outcomes despite successful reperfusion. Many radiological markers have been studied as predictive biomarkers for patient outcomes in AIS. This study seeks to determine which clinico-radiological factors are associated with outcomes of interest to aid selection of patients for EVT for LVO AIS. A retrospective study of patients who underwent EVT from 2016 to 2020 was performed. Data on various radiological variables, such as anatomical parameters, clot characteristics, collateral status, and infarct size, were collected alongside traditional demographic and clinical variables. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed for the primary outcomes of functional independence at 3 months post-stroke (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) and secondary outcomes of in-hospital mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. The study cohort comprised 325 consecutive patients with anterior circulation LVO AIS (54.5% male) with a median age of 68 years (interquartile range 57-76). The median NIHSS was 19. Age, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Alberta mCTA score, ASPECTS, clot length, thrombus HU and mTICI score and the angle between ICA and CCA were associated with functional outcomes at 3 months on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, age, Alberta mCTA collaterals and NIHSS were significantly associated with functional outcomes, while ASPECTS approached significance. Among the many proposed radiological markers for patients in the hyperacute setting undergoing EVT, the existing well-validated clinico-radiological measures remain strongly associated with functional status.

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.

The Relationship between Vitamin D Serum Levels, Disease Severity, and Bleeding Volume in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Stroke is the main cause of death and disability worldwide. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype that contributes to 10 to 20% of all stroke events. Meanwhile, several studies in Indonesia show that the rates of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are still high, at 60.6% and 33.3% respectively in young adults. Several studies have shown vitamin D deficiency during hospital admission is a potential biomarker for poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke or ICH. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between serum vitamin D levels, disease severity, and bleeding volume of ICH patients. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D levels, categorized as deficiency (&lt;20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL), and normal (&gt;30 ng/mL), with the severity of ICH as assessed by the NIHSS score and bleeding volume on head CT scans. Results: From a total of 31 patients, the Spearman correlation test of the relationship between vitamin D levels and NIHSS scores obtained a weak correlation (r=0.127; p=0.494). The Kruskal Wallis test showed that there was no significant difference in the mean value of NIHSS scores in the vitamin D level categories (p=0.310). The Spearman correlation test of the relationship between vitamin D levels and bleeding volume obtained a weak correlation with an (r=0.044; p=0.823). The Kruskal Wallis test showed there was no significant difference in the mean value of bleeding volume in the vitamin D level category (p=0.439). Conclusion: There is no relationship between serum vitamin D levels, disease severity, and bleeding volume in ICH patients. Further research is needed to analyze the relationship between vitamin D serum levels and the severity of ICH with a retrospective cohort study design and discuss the effect of vitamin D on long-term functional outcomes.

Relationship between sex and age characteristics, comorbid status, and dynamics of recovery in the acute period of stroke in patients living in the Arkhangelsk region

BACKGROUND: The global burden of stroke continues to rise and is the third leading cause of disability worldwide. The factors that influence the dynamics of recovery and functional outcomes in the acute period of stroke remain not fully understood. AIM: To examine the relationship between sex–age characteristics, comorbid status, and dynamics of the functional state in the acute period of stroke in patients living in the Arkhangelsk region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The sex–age structure of patients, functional status according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at hospital admission and discharge, and its dynamics during the hospitalization period were assessed. The relationship between FS and sex–age characteristics, stroke type, and concomitant diseases was analyzed. The dynamics of recovery were assessed using the rate of decline in NIHSS and mRs scores. RESULTS: The treatment results of 1,617 patients with stroke (male, n=968; female, n=649) mean age, 63.8±11.4 years) discharged from the neurological department in 2017–2020 were analyzed. Initially, more women experienced disability (p 0.001); however, their dynamics of recovery in the acute period of stroke were better than those of men. With increasing age, the rate of decline in the scores of the rating scales decreased. The best dynamics of recovery were observed in patients with atherothrombotic and lacunar types of stroke, and patients with cardioembolic stroke recovered the slowest. A high comorbidity burden was associated with poor functional outcomes. Independent associations were identified between the presence of atrial fibrillation, cerebral atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure, and a higher mRs score upon admission. At the time of discharge, atrial fibrillation, chronic heart failure, arterial hypertension, and coronary heart disease were independently associated with high mRs scores, and the presence of cerebral atherosclerosis was associated with lower mRs scores. CONCLUSION: Women recovered better, despite greater disability upon admission. Age and comorbidity burden served as reasons limiting the rate of recovery. Atrial fibrillation, chronic heart failure, coronary heart disease and arterial hypertension were the main comorbidities associated with worse functional outcomes at discharge. The results can be used to predict early functional outcomes in patients with stroke.

Releasing Dynamic of Serum ST2 and Calprotectin in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

This study investigated the releasing dynamics of serum ST2 and calprotectin in patients with acute IS. The study included acute IS patients (N = 20) with an NIH Stroke Scale score ≥8. Sampling was performed at seven time points: after admission (T0) and at the following 24 h consecutive intervals (T1-T6). Primary outcome at 90 days was evaluated using the modified Rankin scale: 0-2 for good and 3-6 for poor functional outcome. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality after 90 days. Fifteen patients had a poor outcome, and eight died. Results showed a statistically significant difference in ST2 concentrations between good and poor outcomes at T0 (p = 0.04), T1 (p = 0.006), T2 (p = 0.01), T3 (p = 0.021), T4 (p = 0.007), T5 (p = 0.032), and for calprotectin T6 (p = 0.034). Prognostic accuracy was highest for ST2 at T1 for a cut-off > 18.9 µg/L (sensitivity 80% and specificity 100.0%) and for calprotectin at T5 for a cut-off > 4.5 mg/L (sensitivity 64.3% and specificity 100.0%). Serum ST2 and calprotectin-releasing dynamics showed a valuable prognostic accuracy for IS outcomes.

Predictors of functional outcomes following spinal meningioma surgery. A single-center retrospective experience of 59 cases

BackgroundTo better predict the postoperative functional outcomes of patients operated on for a spinal meningioma, we assessed: 1) the prevalence of good and poor postoperative functional outcomes following surgery; 2) the impact of age and frailty on postoperative functional outcomes. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we screened adult patients operated on for a spinal meningioma from 2005 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were: 1) patients ≥18 years; 2) histopathological diagnosis of meningioma; 3) location to the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine (foramen magnum meningioma excluded); 4) surgery as first-line treatment; and 5) available postoperative follow-up ≥1 year. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified McCormick scale preoperatively and at one-year of postoperative follow-up. ResultsIn this single institution experience of 59 cases, we found that: 1) surgical resection positively impacts patients’ functional outcomes, 91.2% either showing an improved or maintained good postoperative neurological status defined by a modified McCormick scale score ≤ II; 2) a good modified McCormick scale status was achieved in 84.2% of patients at one postoperative year; 3) 87.5% of patients who were not improved postoperatively maintained an overall good neurological status defined by a modified McCormick scale score ≤ II; and 4) frail or aged patients were not at a higher risk of poor postoperative functional outcomes. ConclusionSurgical resection positively impacts outcomes of patients operated for a spinal meningioma. Sex, presence of a meningioma-related myelopathy, extent of resection, and occurrence of surgery-related postoperative complications, but not age or frailty, predict postoperative functional outcomes.

Negative disease-related stigma 3-months after hemorrhagic stroke is related to functional outcome and female sex

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine factors associated with negative disease-related stigma after hemorrhagic stroke. Materials and methodsPatients with non-traumatic hemorrhage (ICH or SAH) admitted between January 2015 and February 2021 were assessed by telephone 3-months after discharge using the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) Negative Disease-Related Stigma Short Form inventory. We evaluated the relationship between disease-related stigma (T-score >50) and pre-stroke demographics, admission data, and poor functional outcome (3-month mRS score 3–5 and Barthel Index <100). ResultsWe included 89 patients (56 ICH and 33 SAH). The median age was 63 (IQR 50–69), 43 % were female, and 67 % graduated college. Admission median GCS score was 15 (IQR 13–15) and APACHE II score was 12 (IQR 9–17). 31 % had disease-related stigma. On univariate analysis, disease-related stigma was associated with female sex, non-completion of college, GCS score, APACHE II score, and 3-month mRS score (all p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, disease-related stigma was associated with female sex (OR = 3.72, 95 % CI = 1.23–11.25, p = 0.02) and 3-month Barthel Index <100 (OR = 3.46, 95 % CI = 1.13–10.64, p = 0.03) on one model, and female sex (OR = 3.75, 95 % CI = 1.21–11.58, p = 0.02) and 3-month mRS score 3–5 (OR = 4.23, 95 % CI = 1.21–14.75, p = 0.02) on a second model. ConclusionFunctional outcome and female sex are associated with disease-related stigma 3-months after hemorrhagic stroke. Because stigma may negatively affect recovery, there is a need to understand the relationship between these factors to mitigate stroke-related stigma.

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

BackgroundTemperature 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.MethodsThis 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 16 days. 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.ResultsPatients had a median age of 58 years (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).ConclusionsEarly 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.

Standardised and automated assessment of head computed tomography reliably predicts poor functional outcome after cardiac arrest: a prospective multicentre study

PurposeApplication of standardised and automated assessments of head computed tomography (CT) for neuroprognostication after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.MethodsProspective, international, multicentre, observational study within the Targeted Hypothermia versus Targeted Normothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (TTM2) trial. Routine CTs from adult unconscious patients obtained > 48 h ≤ 7 days post-arrest were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by seven international raters blinded to clinical information using a pre-published protocol. Grey–white-matter ratio (GWR) was calculated from four (GWR-4) and eight (GWR-8) regions of interest manually placed at the basal ganglia level. Additionally, GWR was obtained using an automated atlas-based approach. Prognostic accuracies for prediction of poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 4–6) for the qualitative assessment and for the pre-defined GWR cutoff < 1.10 were calculated.Results140 unconscious patients were included; median age was 68 years (interquartile range [IQR] 59–76), 76% were male, and 75% had poor outcome. Standardised qualitative assessment and all GWR models predicted poor outcome with 100% specificity (95% confidence interval [CI] 90–100). Sensitivity in median was 37% for the standardised qualitative assessment, 39% for GWR-8, 30% for GWR-4 and 41% for automated GWR. GWR-8 was superior to GWR-4 regarding prognostic accuracies, intra- and interrater agreement. Overall prognostic accuracy for automated GWR (area under the curve [AUC] 0.84, 95% CI 0.77–0.91) did not significantly differ from manually obtained GWR.ConclusionStandardised qualitative and quantitative assessments of CT are reliable and feasible methods to predict poor functional outcome after cardiac arrest. Automated GWR has the potential to make CT quantification for neuroprognostication accessible to all centres treating cardiac arrest patients.

Predictors of poor functional outcomes in adults with type I Chiari Malformation: Clinical and surgical factors assessed with the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale over long-term follow-up

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify clinical and surgical features associated with poor long-term postoperative outcomes in patients diagnosed with Type I Chiari Malformation (CMI) treated with posterior fossa decompression with duroplasty (PFDD), with or without tonsillar coagulation. MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study included 107 adult patients with CMI surgically treated between 2010 and 2021. The surgical technique involved a midline suboccipital craniectomy, C1 laminectomy, durotomy, arachnoid dissection, duroplasty, and tonsillar coagulation until 2014, after which tonsillar coagulation was discontinued. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS) at a median follow-up of 35 months. Clinical, surgical, and neuroimaging data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves to identify predictors of poor functional outcomes. ResultsOf the 107 patients (mean age 43.9 years, SD 13), 81 (75.5 %) showed functional improvement, 25 (23.4 %) remained unchanged, and 1 (0.9 %) experienced worsened outcomes. Cephalalgia, bilateral motor weakness, and bilateral paresthesia were the most frequent initial symptoms. Tonsillar coagulation was performed in 31 cases (28.9 %) but was clinically associated with higher rates of unfavorable outcomes. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated that long-term follow-up CCOS was significantly higher than postoperative CCOS (Z = −7.678, p < 0.000). Multivariate Cox analysis identified preoperative bilateral motor weakness (HR 6.1, 95 % CI 1.9–18.9; p = 0.002), hydrocephalus (HR 3.01, 95 % CI 1.3–6.9; p = 0.008), and unilateral motor weakness (HR 2.99, 95 % CI 1.1–8.2; p = 0.033) as significant predictors of poor outcomes on a long-term follow-up. ConclusionThis study highlights the high rate of functional improvement in CMI patients following PFDD. Preoperative motor weakness and hydrocephalus were significant predictors of poor long-term outcomes. Tonsillar coagulation did not demonstrate a clear clinical benefit and may be associated with worse outcomes. Our findings suggest that careful preoperative assessment and selection of surgical techniques are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.