Poor Functional Outcome Research Articles

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.

X-ray endovascular surgery for in-hospital acute ischemic stroke

The OBJECTIVE was to determine the efficacy of endovascular surgery for in-hospital acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and to identify predictors of unfavorable AIS outcome.METHODS AND MATERIALS. We performed 42 endovascular thrombectomies for in-hospital AIS in patients treated in the hospital for another pathology. Neurological defiCIT was determined by NIHSS scale, thrombectomy efficacy was evaluated by the degree of cerebral revascularization by mTICI scale, functional outcome was determined by Rankin scale (mRS). Multivariate analysis with evaluation of clinical and laboratory, neuroimaging data, and analysis of surgical technique was performed to identify factors contributing to adverse stroke outcome.RESULTS. The mean age of patients was 73.8±11.8 years old. Neurological defiCIT before surgery was 12.8±6.7 points by to NIHSS. Thrombolytic therapy was used in one third of cases, thrombectomy in 92.9 %, and carotid artery stent ing in 2 cases. Successful revascularization (mTICI2b-3) was achieved in 83.3 % of cases. The significant reduction in neurological defiCIT after surgery was achieved to NIHSS 6.0±5.9 points, mRS 2.7±2.1. The mortality rate amounted to 16.7 % of cases. Poor functional outcome (mRS3-5) was significantly associated with: female gender, older age, presence of cardiovascular pathology, recurrent stroke, postoperative tachycardia, low renal tubular filtration rate, hypocoagulation, low cardiac ejection fraction, low aortic valve opening amplitude, high pulmonary hypertension, large left atrial volume, initial severe neurological defiCIT, poor collaterals in the area of cerebral ischemia, proximal internal carotid artery occlusion, hemorrhagic saturation, increased operation time, low degree of revascularization (mTICI0-2a).CONCLUSION. Endovascular surgery has demonstrated its safety and high efficacy in the treatment of in-hospital AIS in surgical hospitalized patients. Endovascular thrombectomies allow to significantly reduce neurological defiCIT and decrease mortality in the severe category of patients with cardioembolic AIS. clinical, laboratory, hemodynamic and neuroimaging factors influencing on poor functional outcome of in-hospital AIS have been determined.

Hypoperfusion index ratio and pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis are independent predictors of good functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion treated with acute reperfusion therapies.

We aimed to investigate the performance of several neuroimaging markers provided by perfusion imaging of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in order to predict clinical outcomes following reperfusion treatments. We prospectively evaluated consecutive AIS patients with LVO who were treated with reperfusion therapies, during a six-year period. In order to compare patients with good (mRS scores 0-2) and poor (mRS scores 3-6) functional outcomes, data regarding clinical characteristics, the Alberta Stroke Programme Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) based on unenhanced computed tomography (CT), CT angiography collateral status and perfusion parameters including ischemic core, hypoperfusion volume, mismatch volume between core and penumbra, Tmax > 10s volume, CBV index and the Hypoperfusion Index Ratio (HIR) were assessed. A total of 84 acute stroke patients with LVO who met all the inclusion criteria were enrolled. In multivariable logistic regression models increasing age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.88-0.96, p = 0.001), lower admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)-score (OR: 0.88; 95%CI: 0.80-0.95, p = 0.004), pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis (OR: 3.83; 95%CI: 1.29-12.49, p = 0.019) and HIR (OR:0.36; 95%CI: 0.10-0.95, p = 0.042) were independent predictors of good functional outcome at 3months. The initial univariable associations between HIR and higher likelihood for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and parenchymal hematoma type 2 (PH2) were attenuated in multivariable analyses failing to reach statistical significance. Our pilot observational study of unselected AIS patients with LVO treated with reperfusion therapies demonstrated that pre-treatment low HIR in perfusion imaging and IVT were associated with better functional outcomes.

Incidence and predictors of intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase.

Despite its increasing use, there are limited data on the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. Our aim was to investigate the incidence and predictors of ICH after tenecteplase administration. We reviewed data from the prospective ongoing multicenter TETRIS (Tenecteplase Treatment in Ischemic Stroke) registry. Patients with available day-1 imaging were included in this study. Clinical, imaging and biological variables were collected. Follow-up imaging performed 24 h after IVT was locally reviewed by senior neuroradiologists and neurologists. The incidence of parenchymal hematoma (PH) and any ICH were investigated. Potential predictors of PH and any ICH were assessed in multivariable logistic regressions. Subgroup analyses focusing on patients intended for endovascular treatment were performed. PH and any ICH occurred in 126/1321 (incidence rate: 9.5%, 95% CI 8.1-11.2) and 521/1321 (39.4%, 95% CI 36.8-42.1) patients, respectively. Symptomatic ICH was observed in 77/1321 (5.8%; 95% CI 4.7-7.2). PH occurrence was significantly associated with poorer functional outcomes (p < 0.0001) and death (p < 0.0001) after 3 months. Older age (aOR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05), male gender (aOR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.28-3.36), a history of hypertension (aOR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.19-3.62), a higher baseline NIHSS (aOR = 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.10) and higher admission blood glucose level (aOR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.05-1.19) were independently associated with PH occurrence. Similar associations were observed in the subgroup of patients intended for endovascular treatment. We quantified the incidence of ICH after IVT with tenecteplase in a real-life prospective registry and determined independent predictors of ICH. These findings allow to identify patients at high risk of ICH.

Safety and Efficacy of Intensive Blood Pressure-Lowering After Successful Endovascular Therapy in AIS: A Meta-Analysis.

Higher blood pressure has been proven to be associated with poorer functional outcomes after successful reperfusion by EVT. However, the effect of intensive blood pressure-lowering regimens in these patients remains controversial and ambiguous in clinical practice. We propose further analysis aimed at determining the effect of an intensive blood pressure-lowering regimen after EVT in AIS. The protocol registered in PROSPERO CRD42023360989. We performed a systematic search that was comprehensively executed in online databases for studies published up to June 2022. Eligibility criteria were established based on the PICOS model. The Cochrane risk of bias algorithm was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The effect models were applied to calculate the pooled ORs and CIs via Review Manager 5.4 software. A total of 1582 citations were identified, 3 randomized clinical trials and 2 retrospective cohort studies were included. Data from 3211 patients were analyzed. We revealed that intensive blood pressure-lowering interventions could significantly reduce symptomatic intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared with standard blood pressure lowering. Nevertheless, favorable functional outcome, poor outcome, all-cause mortality within 3 months and intraparenchymal hemorrhage in 24 hours showed no significant differences. Subgroup analysis revealed the variability of systolic blood pressure within 24 hours after EVT was not associated with odds of poor outcome and intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Based on the current evidence, intensive blood pressure-lowering regimen was superior to standard blood pressure-lowering regimen for a reduced risk of symptomatic intraparenchymal hemorrhage in AIS patients treated with EVT, but there was no statistically significant difference found between the 2 regimens for the other outcomes.

The use of virtual reality for activities of daily living rehabilitation after brain injury: A scoping review.

Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) experience high rates of poor functional outcomes such as inability to complete activities of daily living (ADL). Occupational therapy needs to be customised to the individual's function, goals, and environment to facilitate improvement in ADLs after ABI. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel treatment approach that aims to improve skills within an individualised environment. This study aimed to review the current literature for the use of VR platforms that incorporate ADLs to improve functional outcomesafter ABI. This review followed the six-stage framework by Arksey & O'Malley (2005). Electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. One thousand and six hundred eighty articles were screened, including 413 full text articles and 13 articles were included for review. Among the 13 articles, six were RCTs and the rest were pre-post intervention studies. Studies largely used non-immersive VR platforms, which incorporated ADLs such as grocery shopping, aiming to improve functional outcomes. Consumer and community were not involved in executing this study. This review suggests mixed results if VR is effective at treating upper limb, cognition, and ADL function after ABI. Using their clinical reasoning, occupational therapists can determine the suitability of VR for ADL rehabilitation for specific patient populations and settings. Plain Language Summary Individuals who sustain an acquired brain injury can have difficulty performing their daily activities such as, making a meal or getting dressed, because of limited function (e.g., physical and cognitive problems). To help improve their ability to complete daily activities, occupational therapy needs to be customised to the individual's function, goals, and environment. Virtual reality is a new rehabilitation approach that allows individuals to improve their function in an individualised environment. In this study, we reviewed the current studies that have used virtual reality platforms that incorporate daily activities to improve functionafter acquired brain injury. We searched databases and screened the titles and abstracts of 1,680 studies. Then, 413 full-text studies were screened, and 13 studies were included. Studies mostly used non-immersive platforms to practise daily activities such as, grocery shopping, aiming to improve function after acquired brain injury. This review suggests mixed results if virtual reality can effectively treat function after acquired brain injury.

Intensive Ambulance-Delivered Blood-Pressure Reduction in Hyperacute Stroke

BackgroundTreatment of acute stroke, before a distinction can be made between ischemic and hemorrhagic types, is challenging. Whether very early blood-pressure control in the ambulance improves outcomes among patients with undifferentiated acute stroke is uncertain.MethodsWe randomly assigned patients with suspected acute stroke that caused a motor deficit and with elevated systolic blood pressure (≥150 mm Hg), who were assessed in the ambulance within 2 hours after the onset of symptoms, to receive immediate treatment to lower the systolic blood pressure (target range, 130 to 140 mm Hg) (intervention group) or usual blood-pressure management (usual-care group). The primary efficacy outcome was functional status as assessed by the score on the modified Rankin scale (range, 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) at 90 days after randomization. The primary safety outcome was any serious adverse event.ResultsA total of 2404 patients (mean age, 70 years) in China underwent randomization and provided consent for the trial: 1205 in the intervention group and 1199 in the usual-care group. The median time between symptom onset and randomization was 61 minutes (interquartile range, 41 to 93), and the mean blood pressure at randomization was 178/98 mm Hg. Stroke was subsequently confirmed by imaging in 2240 patients, of whom 1041 (46.5%) had a hemorrhagic stroke. At the time of patients’ arrival at the hospital, the mean systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was 159 mm Hg, as compared with 170 mm Hg in the usual-care group. Overall, there was no difference in functional outcome between the two groups (common odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87 to 1.15), and the incidence of serious adverse events was similar in the two groups. Prehospital reduction of blood pressure was associated with a decrease in the odds of a poor functional outcome among patients with hemorrhagic stroke (common odds ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.92) but an increase among patients with cerebral ischemia (common odds ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.60).ConclusionsIn this trial, prehospital blood-pressure reduction did not improve functional outcomes in a cohort of patients with undifferentiated acute stroke, of whom 46.5% subsequently received a diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and others; INTERACT4 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03790800; Chinese Trial Registry number, ChiCTR1900020534.)

Associations of diabetes status and glucose measures with outcomes after endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke: an analysis of the nationwide TREAT-AIS registry.

Hyperglycemia affects the outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study compares the predictive ability of diabetes status and glucose measures on EVT outcomes using nationwide registry data. The study included 1,097 AIS patients who underwent EVT from the Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke. The variables analyzed included diabetes status, admission glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), admission glucose-to-HbA1c ratio (GAR), and outcomes such as 90-day poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 2) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH). Multivariable analyses investigated the independent effects of diabetes status and glucose measures on outcomes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to compare their predictive abilities. The multivariable analysis showed that individuals with known diabetes had a higher likelihood of poor functional outcomes (odds ratios [ORs] 2.10 to 2.58) and SICH (ORs 3.28 to 4.30) compared to those without diabetes. Higher quartiles of admission glucose and GAR were associated with poor functional outcomes and SICH. Higher quartiles of HbA1c were significantly associated with poor functional outcomes. However, patients in the second HbA1c quartile (5.6-5.8%) showed a non-significant tendency toward good functional outcomes compared to those in the lowest quartile (<5.6%). The ROC analysis indicated that diabetes status and admission glucose had higher predictive abilities for poor functional outcomes, while admission glucose and GAR were better predictors for SICH. In AIS patients undergoing EVT, diabetes status, admission glucose, and GAR were associated with 90-day poor functional outcomes and SICH. Admission glucose was likely the most suitable glucose measure for predicting outcomes after EVT.

Predictors of Early versus Delayed Neurological Deterioration after Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: We aimed to determine predictors of early (END) and delayed neurological deterioration (DND) and their association with the functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who participated in the international Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED). Methods: END and DND (without END) were defined as scores of a ≥2-point increase on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or a ≥1-point decrease on the Glasgow coma scale or death, from baseline to 24 h and 24–72 h, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine independent predictors of END and DND and their association with 90-day outcomes (dichotomous scores on the modified Rankin scale [mRS] of 2–6 vs. 0–1 and 3–6 vs. 0–2 and death). Results: Of 4,496 patients, 871 (19.4%) and 302 (8.4%) patients experienced END and DND, respectively. Higher baseline NIHSS score, older age, large-artery occlusion due to significant atheroma, cardioembolic stroke subtype, hemorrhagic infarction and parenchymatous hematoma within 24 h were all independent predictors for both END (all p ≤ 0.01) and DND (all p ≤ 0.024). Moreover, higher baseline systolic blood pressure (BP) (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.12), higher diastolic BP variability within 24 h (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.09), patients from Asia (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.52) were the only independent predictors for END. However, Asian ethnicity was negatively associated with DND (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.86). Hemorrhagic infarction and parenchymatous hematoma within 24 h were the key predictors of END across all stroke subtypes. END and DND were all associated with a poor functional outcome at 90 days (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: We identified overlapping and unique demographic and clinical predictors of END and DND after thrombolysis for AIS. Both END and DND predict unfavorable outcomes at 90 days.

Nutrition markers and discharge outcome in deep and lobar intracerebral hemorrhage.

Malnutrition is common in stroke patients and has been associated with poor functional outcomes and increased mortality after stroke. Previous research on nutrition status and post-intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcomes, however, is limited and conflicting. Monocenter study of patients with spontaneous deep or lobar ICH from a longitudinal cohort enrolling consecutive patients between 1994 and 2022. Nutrition status was assessed using admission body mass index (BMI), albumin, total bilirubin, cholesterol, c-reactive protein, hemoglobin a1c, high-density lipoprotein, hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein, mean corpuscular volume, alanine transaminase, and triglycerides. Main outcome was favorable discharge outcome (mRS 0-2). Multivariable logistic regression was conducted with adjustment for baseline differences. Among 2170 patients, 1152 had deep and 1018 had lobar ICH. Overweight BMI was associated with higher odds of favorable discharge outcome in all (aOR = 3.01, 95% CI 1.59-5.69, p = 0.001) and lobar (aOR = 3.26, 95% CI 1.32-8.08, p = 0.011) ICH after adjustment for baseline differences. This association did not reach statistical significance in deep (aOR = 2.77, 95% CI 0.99-7.72, p = 0.052) ICH. No lab values were associated with functional outcome in all, deep, or lobar ICH after adjustment. Overweight BMI was associated with favorable discharge status after ICH. These findings could inform future studies to determine whether overweight BMI has a protective effect in ICH patients.

Blood pressure variability in acute stroke: Risk factors and association with functional outcomes at 1 month.

Blood pressure variability, in acute stroke, may be an important modifiable determinant of functional outcome after stroke. In a large international cohort of participants with acute stroke, it was sought to determine the association of blood pressure variability (in the early period of admission) and functional outcomes, and to explore risk factors for increased blood pressure variability. INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of risk factors for first acute stroke. Blood pressure was recorded at the time of admission, the morning after admission and the time of interview in cases (median time from admission 36.7 h). Multivariable ordinal regression analysis was employed to determine the association of blood pressure variability (standard deviation [SD] and coefficient of variance) with modified Rankin score at 1-month follow-up, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for blood pressure variability. Amongst 13,206 participants, the mean age was 62.19 ± 13.58 years. When measured by SD, both systolic blood pressure variability (odds ratio 1.13; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.24 for SD ≥20 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure variability (odds ratio 1.15; 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.26 for SD ≥10 mmHg) were associated with a significant increase in the odds of poor functional outcome. The highest coefficient of variance category was not associated with a significant increase in risk of higher modified Rankin score at 1 month. Increasing age, female sex, high body mass index, history of hypertension, alcohol use, and high urinary potassium and low urinary sodium excretion were associated with increased blood pressure variability. Increased blood pressure variability in acute stroke, measured by SD, is associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome at 1 month. Potentially modifiable risk factors for increased blood pressure variability include low urinary sodium excretion.

Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Functional Outcomes After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This review aimed to quantify the impact of socioeconomic status on functional outcomes from stroke and identify the socioeconomic status indicators that exhibit the highest magnitude of association. We performed a systematic literature search across Medline and Embase from inception to May 2022, to identify observational studies (n≥100, and in English). Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool data. We included 19 studies (157 715 patients, 47.7% women) reporting functional outcomes measured with modified Rankin Scale or Barthel index, with 10 assessed as low risk of bias. Measures of socioeconomic status reported were education (11 studies), income (8), occupation (4), health insurance status (3), and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation (3). Pooled data suggested that low socioeconomic status was significantly associated with poor functional outcomes, including incomplete education or below high school level versus high school attainment and above (odds ratio [OR], 1.66 [95% CI, 1.40-1.95]), lowest income versus highest income (OR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.02-1.83]), a manual job/being unemployed versus a nonmanual job/working (OR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.29-2.02]), and living in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic neighborhood versus the least disadvantaged (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.25-1.92]). Low health insurance status was also associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes (OR, 1.32 [95% CI, 0.95-1.84]), although this was association was not statistically significant. Despite great strides in stroke treatment in the past decades, social disadvantage remains a risk factor for poor functional outcome after an acute stroke. Further research is needed to better understand causal mechanisms and disparities.

Long-Term Clinical Implications of High-Risk Cardiac Computed Tomography Findings in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) acquired during the initial acute stroke imaging protocol (acute cardiac CT) is increasingly used to screen for cardioembolism, but information on the long-term clinical implications of its findings is lacking. We performed a prospective, single-center cohort study in which consecutive patients with ischemic stroke underwent ECG-gated acute cardiac CT and were followed up for 2 years. The primary outcome was functional outcome assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. Secondary outcomes were death and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (composite of recurrent ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death). We compared patients with and without a high-risk structural source of embolism on acute cardiac CT. Of 452 included patients, 55 (12.2%) had a high-risk source of embolism, predominantly cardiac thrombi (38 patients) and signs of endocarditis (8 patients). Follow-up at 2 years was complete for 430 (95.1%) patients. Patients with a high-risk source of embolism had a worse functional outcome (median modified Rankin Scale, 6 [IQR, 2-6] versus 2 [IQR, 1-5]; adjusted common odds ratio, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.62-5.25]), increased mortality rate (52.7% versus 23.7%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.28 [95% CI, 1.94-5.52]), and major adverse cardiovascular events (38.9% versus 17.5%; adjusted HR, 3.20 [95% CI, 1.80-5.69]). A high-risk source of embolism was not associated with recurrent ischemic stroke (11.1% versus 9.6%; adjusted HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.49-3.44]). Structural high-risk sources of embolism on acute cardiac CT in patients with ischemic stroke were associated with poor long-term functional outcome and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events but not with recurrent stroke.

Improved systemic inflammation is associated with functional prognosis in post-stroke patients.

Systemic inflammation is associated with poor functional outcomes. However, the effects of improved inflammation on functional indicators remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between improvements in systemic inflammation and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients after stroke. This retrospective cohort study included patients post stroke with systemic inflammation upon admission. Systemic inflammation was defined as a modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) score of 1-2. Improvement in systemic inflammation was defined as a reduction in mGPS score or blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels during hospitalization. The primary outcomes were the motor items of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) at discharge. We applied multiple linear regression analysis to examine whether reduced systemic inflammation was associated with outcomes after adjusting for confounding factors. Of the 1490 patients recruited, 158 (median age, 79 years; 88 men) had systemic inflammation on admission and were included in the study. Among these patients, 131 (82.9%) and 147 (93.0%) exhibited reduced mGPS and CRP levels, respectively. The median change in CRP was 2.1 [1.1, 3.8] mg/dL. Multivariate analysis revealed that improvements in mGPS (β = 0.125, p = 0.012) and CRP levels (β = 0.108, p = 0.108) were independently and positively associated with FIM-motor at discharge. Improvement in systemic inflammation was positively associated with functional outcomes in patients post stroke. Early detection and therapeutic intervention for systemic inflammation may further improve outcomes in these patients.

Association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and poor functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19 infection.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with active COVID-19 infection often have more severe symptoms and worse recovery. COVID-19 infection can cause gut microbiota dysbiosis, which is also a risk factor for poor outcomes in AIS patients. However, the association between gut microbiota and functional outcomes among AIS patients with COVID-19 infection has not been fully clarified yet. In this study, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the gut microbial community among AIS patients with acute COVID-19 infection, AIS patients with post-acute COVID-19 infection, and AIS patients without COVID-19 infection. We found that AIS patients with acute COVID-19 experienced poorer recovery and significant gut dysbiosis, characterized by higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae and lower levels of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Furthermore, a shorter time window (less than 28 days) between COVID-19 infection and stroke was identified as a risk factor for poor functional outcomes in AIS patients with COVID-19, and the enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae was indicated as a mediator in the relationship between infection time window and poor stroke outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of early intervention after COVID-19 infection, especially by regulating the gut microbiota, which plays a role in the prognosis of AIS patients with COVID-19 infection.IMPORTANCEThe gut microbiota plays an important role in the association between respiratory system and cerebrovascular system through the gut-lung axis and gut-brain axis. However, the specific connection between gut bacteria and the functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with COVID-19 is not fully understood yet. In our study, we observed a significant decrease in bacterial diversity and shifts in the abundance of key bacterial families in AIS patients with acute COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, we identified that the time window was a critical influence factor for stroke outcomes, and the enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae acted as a mediator in the relationship between the infection time window and poor stroke outcomes. Our research provides a new perspective on the complex interplay among AIS, COVID-19 infection, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Moreover, recognizing Enterobacteriaceae as a potential mediator of poor stroke prognosis offers a novel avenue for future exploration and therapeutic interventions.

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction predicts clinical prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolysis.

Although intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) thrombolysis is the most effective early treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), outcomes vary greatly among patients. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is prone to distant organ ischemia and may be a predictor for poor prognosis in AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Our aim was to investigate the predictivity of LVSD diagnosis (as measured by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)) on 90-day clinical outcomes in AIS patients undergoing thrombolysis. The current prospective cohort study continuously enrolled 273 AIS patients from the National Stroke Prevention and Treatment Engineering Management Special Database who underwent IVT and completed echocardiography within 24 h of admission between 2021 and 2023. LVSD was examined by evaluation of the echocardiographic LVEF values using Simpson's biplane method of discs in line with international guidelines, and defined as a LVEF value < 50%. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression model was performed to analyze the association between LVEF and functional outcome at 3 months. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to examine the shape of the dose-response association between reduced LVEF and poor functional outcomes. Subgroup analysis was also employed to further verify the reliability and practicability of the results. Baseline data analysis showed LVSD patients had more comorbidities including on multivariate analyses, LVSD (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.23 to 6.24, P=0.014), pre-existing diabetes mellitus (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.90, P=0.023) and NIHSS on arrival (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.49, P<0.001) were independent predictors of poor functional outcomes (mRS ≥ 3) at 3 months. Multivariable-adjusted spline regression indicated a linear dose-response association between LVEF after IVT and poor functional outcomes (p for linearity < 0.001), with the optimal cutoff values of LVEF being 0.48. Our finding indicated that AIS patients with LVSD after IVT had poorer outcomes, suggesting the need to monitor and optimize LVEF in stroke management.

THE EFFECT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS GRADE ON PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURES AFTER TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is beneficial for many patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA), a subset of patients experience minimal benefit. It is therefore pertinent to understand the predictors of poor functional outcome to facilitate shared decision making. One such predictor is preoperative radiographic OA severity. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether preoperative radiographic OA severity could predict postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction rates after THA.This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol published in PROSPERO (ID:Â CRD42023445918). A literature search was performed using Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases. Demographics, radiographic OA severity, PROMs, satisfaction, and complications after THA were collected. A meta-analysis was performed, where appropriate, using a random-effects model.Of 631 identified articles, 12 were included in the final analysis (8,034 participants; mean age 65.2, 38.1% male, mean BMI 29.1 kg/m2). There were three key findings. Firstly, those with mild OA are less likely to achieve a meaningful clinical improvement in PROMs (odds ratio (OR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38, 0.65; p &lt; 0.00001). Secondly, two studies indicates that postoperative patient satisfaction was lower in participants with mild OA. Thirdly, participants with mild arthritis experience less improvement in SF-36 physical functioning (mean difference (MD) -8.31, 95% CI -10.97, -5.64; p &lt; 0.00001) and role physical (MD -5.59, 95% CI -8.40, -2.77; p &lt; 0.0001), but showed higher improvement in general health (MD 1.68, 95% CI 0.31, 3.06; p = 0.02).Patients with mild OA, as determined radiographically, are less likely to achieve meaningful clinical improvements in PROMs and have lower postoperative satisfaction after THA. This information will improve collaborative decision-making in the preoperative period.

Correlations of 2 Novel Inflammation Indexes With the Risk for Early Neurological Deterioration in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients After Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy.

Elevation of the systemic immune inflammation (SII) index and system inflammation response index (SIRI) is known to be associated with higher risk of stroke and all-cause death. However, no study has reported their correlation with early neurological deterioration (END) following recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) in acute ischemic stroke patients. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation of SII and SIRI with the risk of END after IV-rtPA. Included in this study were 466 consecutive patients treated with IV-rtPA. SII and SIRI were calculated according to blood cell counts before IV-rtPA. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on trisectional quantiles according to SII and SIRI values. The risk of END was assessed by multivariate regression. The overall discriminative ability of SII and SIRI in predicting END was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Of the 466 included patients, 62 (13.3%) were identified as having END. Compared with the first tertile of SII, multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that patients were more likely to have END (odds ratio 2.54; 95% CI: 1.23-5.23) and poor outcome at 90 days (odds ratio 2.02; 95% CI: 1.06-3.86) in third tertile after adjustment for potential confounders. In addition, a cutoff value of 591.63 for SII was detected in predicting post-thrombolysis END with a sensitivity of 58.1% and a specificity of 64.6% (area under the curve 0.61; 95% CI: 0.54-0.69). Higher SII but not SIRI may prove to be a predictor for high risk of END and a poor functional outcome at 90 days after IV-rtPA.

Comparative Study of Paraneoplastic and Nonparaneoplastic Autoimmune Encephalitis With GABABR Antibodies.

While patients with paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis (AE) with gamma-aminobutyric-acid B receptor antibodies (GABABR-AE) have poor functional outcomes and high mortality, the prognosis of nonparaneoplastic cases has not been well studied. Patients with GABABR-AE from the French and the Dutch Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes Reference Centers databases were retrospectively included and their data collected; the neurologic outcomes of paraneoplastic and nonparaneoplastic cases were compared. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotyping and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping were performed in patients with available samples. A total of 111 patients (44/111 [40%] women) were enrolled, including 84 of 111 (76%) paraneoplastic and 18 of 111 (16%) nonparaneoplastic cases (cancer status was undetermined for 9 patients). Patients presented with seizures (88/111 [79%]), cognitive impairment (54/111 [49%]), and/or behavioral disorders (34/111 [31%]), and 54 of 111 (50%) were admitted in intensive care unit (ICU). Nonparaneoplastic patients were significantly younger (median age 54 years [range 19-88] vs 67 years [range 50-85] for paraneoplastic cases, p < 0.001) and showed a different demographic distribution. Nonparaneoplastic patients more often had CSF pleocytosis (17/17 [100%] vs 58/78 [74%], p = 0.02), were almost never associated with KTCD16-abs (1/16 [6%] vs 61/70 [87%], p < 0.001), and were more frequently treated with second-line immunotherapy (11/18 [61%] vs 18/82 [22%], p = 0.003). However, no difference of IgG subclass or HLA association was observed, although sample size was small (10 and 26 patients, respectively). After treatment, neurologic outcome was favorable (mRS ≤2) for 13 of 16 (81%) nonparaneoplastic and 37 of 84 (48%) paraneoplastic cases (p = 0.03), while 3 of 18 (17%) and 42 of 83 (51%) patients had died at last follow-up (p = 0.008), respectively. Neurologic outcome no longer differed after adjustment for confounding factors but seemed to be negatively associated with increased age and ICU admission. A better survival was associated with nonparaneoplastic cases, a younger age, and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Nonparaneoplastic GABABR-AE involved younger patients without associated KCTD16-abs and carried better neurologic and vital prognoses than paraneoplastic GABABR-AE, which might be due to a more intensive treatment strategy. A better understanding of immunologic mechanisms underlying both forms is needed.

Endovascular Therapy in Large Core Ischemic Strokes: Real-World Indian Experience.

Large core acute ischemic strokes have predominantly been excluded from endovascular therapy (EVT) studies due to perceived higher risks of hemorrhage and poorer functional outcomes. However, recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate that EVT for large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes improves functional outcomes compared to medical management alone, despite higher hemorrhagic transformation rates, with no corresponding increase in symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) rates. The real-world outcomes of this intervention in Indian patients remain underexplored. To evaluate the real-world outcomes of EVT for large core acute ischemic strokes with LVO in an Indian population. We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study using a 7 years prospective database of EVT in anterior circulation stroke patients. Patients with Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) of 3-5 were included. Clinical and radiologic data were analyzed, with the primary endpoint being 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. Safety outcomes included rates of sICH and mortality. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel. The study included 25 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Mean age of patients was 52.9 ± 14.3 years, and there were 13 (52%) males. Median ASPECTS was 5 (interquartile range 4-5). Successful recanalization, classified by modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score, was 92%. Good functional recovery, that is, 90-day mRS 0-3, was achieved in nine (36%) patients. Safety outcomes: sICH was seen in four (16%) and mortality was reported in nine (36%) patients. Our results reaffirm findings from RCTs, provide updated real-world evidence, and suggest that EVT is a viable option to be considered in selected patients with large core ischemic infarcts.