Severity Of Acute Ischemic Stroke Research Articles

Association of Preceding Antithrombotic Treatment With Acute Ischemic Stroke Severity and In-Hospital Outcomes Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Antithrombotic therapies are known to prevent stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) but are often underused in community practice. To examine the prevalence of patients with acute ischemic stroke with known history of AF who were not receiving guideline-recommended antithrombotic treatment before stroke and to determine the association of preceding antithrombotic therapy with stroke severity and in-hospital outcomes. Retrospective observational study of 94 474 patients with acute ischemic stroke and known history of AF admitted from October 2012 through March 2015 to 1622 hospitals participating in the Get With the Guidelines-Stroke program. Antithrombotic therapy before stroke. Stroke severity as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; range of 0-42, with a higher score indicating greater stroke severity and a score ≥16 indicating moderate or severe stroke), and in-hospital mortality. Of 94 474 patients (mean [SD] age, 79.9 [11.0] years; 57.0% women), 7176 (7.6%) were receiving therapeutic warfarin (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥2) and 8290 (8.8%) were receiving non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) preceding the stroke. A total of 79 008 patients (83.6%) were not receiving therapeutic anticoagulation; 12 751 (13.5%) had subtherapeutic warfarin anticoagulation (INR <2) at the time of stroke, 37 674 (39.9%) were receiving antiplatelet therapy only, and 28 583 (30.3%) were not receiving any antithrombotic treatment. Among 91 155 high-risk patients (prestroke CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2), 76 071 (83.5%) were not receiving therapeutic warfarin or NOACs before stroke. The unadjusted rates of moderate or severe stroke were lower among patients receiving therapeutic warfarin (15.8% [95% CI, 14.8%-16.7%]) and NOACs (17.5% [95% CI, 16.6%-18.4%]) than among those receiving no antithrombotic therapy (27.1% [95% CI, 26.6%-27.7%]), antiplatelet therapy only (24.8% [95% CI, 24.3%-25.3%]), or subtherapeutic warfarin (25.8% [95% CI, 25.0%-26.6%]); unadjusted rates of in-hospital mortality also were lower for those receiving therapeutic warfarin (6.4% [95% CI, 5.8%-7.0%]) and NOACs (6.3% [95% CI, 5.7%-6.8%]) compared with those receiving no antithrombotic therapy (9.3% [95% CI, 8.9%-9.6%]), antiplatelet therapy only (8.1% [95% CI, 7.8%-8.3%]), or subtherapeutic warfarin (8.8% [95% CI, 8.3%-9.3%]). After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with no antithrombotic treatment, preceding use of therapeutic warfarin, NOACs, or antiplatelet therapy was associated with lower odds of moderate or severe stroke (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI], 0.56 [0.51-0.60], 0.65 [0.61-0.71], and 0.88 [0.84-0.92], respectively) and in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI], 0.75 [0.67-0.85], 0.79 [0.72-0.88], and 0.83 [0.78-0.88], respectively). Among patients with atrial fibrillation who had experienced an acute ischemic stroke, inadequate therapeutic anticoagulation preceding the stroke was prevalent. Therapeutic anticoagulation was associated with lower odds of moderate or severe stroke and lower odds of in-hospital mortality.

Abstract 226: Strokes Worse in Women at 24 hours but Severity Reduced in Younger Women With Hormone Therapy

Background: Gender related differences in stroke incidence hallmark the increased observation of women experiencing strokes later in life. Complications of women longevity has accounted for their increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcomes in women remains problematic. Previous studies have reported that women experience more disabilities and have poorer outcomes at three month follow-ups and may be related back to age at the time of stroke. We retrospectively examined 12 months of neurology consults in the Arkansas Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support (AR SAVES) telemedicine program. Objective: To investigate whether gender influenced recovery at 24 hours following therapy for AIS. Methods: During 12 consecutive months 809 patients received neurology acute stroke consults and 238 (29%) received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Outcome data at 24 hours was available on 216 tPA-consults. Patient demographics, age, and gender, were analyzed along with baseline and 24 hour outcome National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), onset to tPA, smoking, alcoholism, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Co-morbidity information collected included previous transient ischemic attacks (TIA), atrial fib (AF), diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension (HT), hyperglycemia and coronary artery disease (CAD). Results: A total of 108 men and 108 women tPA treated patients showed no significant differences in age for male vs. female (mean±se 67.5±1.3 vs. 70±1.5, p=0.79). However, the men had twice the number of women in the 70-79 age range and women had twice the number of men at &gt;80 years of age ( χ 2 p=0.0096 for all age ranges for both sexes). While baseline NIHSS was not significant in men vs. women (10.8±0.6 and 11.8±0.7, p=0.32, respectively), the women’s 24 hour NIHSS was significantly greater (5.9±0.7 vs. 9.1±0.9, p=0.0047, respectively). The incidence of HRT use in n=11 women &lt; 80 years of age was associated with lower NIHSS’s at 24 hours vs. women without HRT (2.3±0.8 vs. 8.7±1.4, p=0.03, respectively). Males had a higher incidence of smoking ( χ 2 p=0.007). All other co-morbidities occurred equally between sexes. Conclusion: Women in this study had more severe 24 hour AIS outcomes than men but this improved with HRT use in women younger than 80 years. This cannot be fully explained by age differences as there could be other underlying factors. Improving 24 hour NIHSS may correctly predict later outcomes following AIS. Further study of HRT use in AIS outcomes is justified.

Increased Circulating Exosomal miRNA-223 Is Associated with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Recent studies have demonstrated that exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various diseases including vascular disease. However, specific exosomal miRNAs expression in stroke patients has not been reported yet. Here, we explored whether circulating exosomal miRNAs can serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke and discussed the potential for clinical application. Blood samples were collected from acute ischemic stroke patients within the first 72 h (n = 50). Circulating exosomes were exacted by Exoquick exosome isolation kit and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was performed to assess the expression of exosomal protein makers. Exosomal miRNA-223 (miR-223) was detected by RT-PCR assay. The relationship between the expression levels of miR-223 and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, brain infarct volume, and neurological outcomes were analyzed. Circulating exosomes were isolated and the size of vesicles ranged between 30 and 100 nm. The identification of exosomes was further confirmed by the detection of specific exosomal protein markers CD9, CD63, and Tsg101. Exosomal miR-223 in acute ischemic stroke patients was significantly upregulated compared to control group (p < 0.001). Exosomal miR-223 level was positively correlated with NIHSS scores (r = 0.31, p = 0.03). Exosomal miR-223 expression in stroke patients with poor outcomes was higher than those with good outcomes (p < 0.05). Increased exosomal miR-223 was associated with acute ischemic stroke occurrence, stroke severity, and short-term outcomes. Future studies with large sample are needed to assess the clinical application of exosomal miR-223 as a novel biomarker for ischemic stroke diagnosis.

Abstract TP218: Peripheral Neutrophil and Lymphocyte Dynamics Following Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: An improper immune response has been shown to increase mortality following acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and targeting the immune system may offer a critical, novel treatment option in AIS. Recently, several immune-modulating agents, such as neutrophil inhibitory factor (UK-279, 276) showed promise in preclinical AIS models; however, either failed or were detrimental in clinical trials. One potential reason for their failure may be an improper time of administration, due to a lack of characterization of a healthy versus a detrimental peripheral immune profile following AIS. The aim of this study is to characterize the pattern of peripheral neutrophil and lymphocyte expression and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) following AIS. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients with mild AIS or good functional outcome following AIS will display an elevated NLR from 0-48 hours due to increased neutrophil activation, followed by a reduction in NLR from 48-96 hours due to an increase in lymphocyte activation. Methods: We analyzed data from 300 AIS patients for this study. White blood cell differentials were used to record neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages at several time points during hospitalization and to calculate NLR. AIS patients were grouped by severity using their National Institutes of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) at admission and by functional outcome using their Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) at discharge. Results: Regardless of severity or outcome, patients have an elevated neutrophil percentage from 0-48 hours following AIS. From 48-96 hours following AIS, patients with mild AIS or MRS 0-2 have a significant decrease in neutrophil percentage, with a concordant increase in lymphocyte percentage compared to severe AIS patients. Further, NLR at discharge is significantly higher in severe AIS patients or patients with MRS&gt;2 (p=0.014). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study is the first to describe the patterns of peripheral neutrophil and lymphocyte expression in the acute phase of AIS. These findings may shed light on the failure of UK-279,276 in clinical trial. This study also provides support for the use of the NLR as a prognostic marker, especially at ~48 hours following AIS, compared to the traditional assessment at admission.

The Value of Serum Complement C1q in the Diagnosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

To investigate the relationship between the levels of serum complement C1q and the risk and severity of acute ischemic stroke, a total of 154 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 42 healthy volunteers as normal controls were enrolled in the present study. According to the onset time of stroke, patients were divided into three groups. Using an immune transmission turbidity method, the levels of serum complement C1q were detected to investigate the relationship between the level of serum complement C1q and the incidence and severity of acute ischemic stroke. The risk factors of these groups were calculated using a conditional logistic regression model. The assessment of neurological function impairment was carried out according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Then correlation anal- ysis was carried out between the level of serum complement C1q among patients with acute ischemic stroke and the degree of neurological function impairment. The results showed that the level of serum complement C1q was higher in the ischemic stroke group than in the control group. Using a conditional logistic regression model it was discovered that serum complement C1q was the independent pathogenic factor of cerebral infarction. There also was a decreasing trend in the level of serum complement C1q with the extension of the onset time and an increasing trend in the level of serum complement C1q with the increase in the maximum diameter of infarction volume. Serum complement C1q is an independent risk factor for acute outbreak of ischemic stroke, whose level is closely related to the outbreak and infarct size and neurological function impairment.

Sulfonylurea Pretreatment and In-Hospital Use Does Not Impact Acute Ischemic Strokes (AIS) Outcomes Following Intravenous Thrombolysis

Preliminary studies have indicated that sulfonylurea drugs (SUD) may confer protection against cerebral swelling and hemorrhagic transformation in severe acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to determine whether pretreatment and in-hospital use of SUD may be associated with better outcomes in diabetic AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). We analyzed consecutive diabetic AIS patients treated with IVT during a 3-year period. Pretreatment with SUD, admission NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score, NIHSS at 48 hours, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge were documented. Patients who discontinued SUD during hospitalization were excluded. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was defined as imaging evidence of ICH with NIHSS score increase of greater than or equal to 4 points within 72 hours. Early neurological improvement was defined as an NIHSS score decrease of greater than or equal to 4 points or NIHSS score of 0 at 48 hours. Cerebral edema was documented by neuroradiology reports. Favorable functional outcome (FFO) was defined as discharge mRS of 0-1. A total of 148 diabetic AIS patients were evaluated (mean age 64 ± 11 years, 49% men, median admission NIHSS score: 8 points). We identified 42 (28%) cases pretreated with SUD. The prevalence of complications and favorable outcomes did not differ (P > .1) between patients pretreated and nonpretreated with SUD: sICH (2% versus 5%), cerebral edema (5% versus 4%), early neurological improvement (42% versus 43%), in-hospital mortality (12% versus 5%), and FFO (22% versus 32%). Pretreatment and in-hospital use of SUD appears not to be associated with early favorable outcomes and lower likelihood of potential complications in diabetic AIS patients treated with IVT.

Major adipokines and −420C>G resistin gene polymorphishm as predictors of acute ischemic stroke severity and in-hospital outcome

Major adipokines and −420C>G resistin gene polymorphishm as predictors of acute ischemic stroke severity and in-hospital outcome

Acute Ischemic Stroke Severity, Progression, and Outcome Relate to Changes in Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV and Fibroblast Activation Protein Activity.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for acute stroke treatment, given its potential to prolong the biological half-life of neuroprotective substrates. A related protease, fibroblast activation protein (FAP), was recently shown to inactivate the same substrates. Therefore, it should also be investigated as a potential target in stroke. The study aimed to investigate whether stroke severity and outcome correlate with DPPIV and FAP activities and their kinetics shortly after acute ischemic stroke. DPPIV and FAP activities were analyzed in the serum of 50 hyperacute stroke patients at admission, 1day, 3days, and 7days after stroke onset and in 50 age-matched healthy controls. This was done as part of the Middelheim's Interdisciplinary Stroke Study. DPPIV activity tended to increase shortly after stroke compared to the control population. DPPIV and FAP activities steadily decreased in the first week after stroke onset. Higher infarct volumes (≥5ml) and a more severe stroke (NIHSS >7) at admission were correlated with a stronger decrease in the activities of both enzymes. Moreover, these patients more often developed a progressive stroke, were more often institutionalized. Patients with a stronger increase in DPPIV activity at admission and decrease in the activity of both DPPIV and FAP during the first week after stroke onset had a more severe stroke and worse short-term outcomes.

Serum Levels of Substance P and Mortality in Patients with a Severe Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Substance P (SP), a member of tachykinin family, is involved in the inflammation of the central nervous system and in the appearance of cerebral edema. Higher serum levels of SP have been found in 18 patients with cerebral ischemia compared with healthy controls. The aim of our multi-center study was to analyze the possible association between serum levels of SP and mortality in ischemic stroke patients. We included patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) lower than 9. Non-surviving patients at 30 days (n = 31) had higher serum concentrations of SP levels at diagnosis of severe MMCAI than survivors (n = 30) (p < 0.001). We found in multiple regression an association between serum concentrations of SP higher than 362 pg/mL and mortality at 30 days (Odds Ratio = 5.33; 95% confidence interval = 1.541–18.470; p = 0.008) after controlling for age and GCS. Thus, the major novel finding of our study was the association between serum levels of SP and mortality in patients suffering from severe acute ischemic stroke.

Association between serum cystatin C levels and the severity or potential risk factors of acute ischemic stroke

Objective: We sought to investigate whether serum cystatin C levels are correlated with either stroke severity or with potential risk factors of acute ischemic stroke.Methods: 171 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 99 control subjects with minor, unrelated diseases with stroke were included in this retrospective study. Serum cystatin C levels were determined in all subjects. Serum concentrations of several vascular risk factors in stoke patients were determined by biochemical assays. The severity of strokes was scored via the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).Results: Serum cystatin C levels were significantly increased in patients with acute ischemic stroke compared with control subjects (1.26 ± 0.34 mg/L vs. 0.78 ± 0.24 mg/L, p < 0.001).When analyzed in quartiles of serum cystatin C levels, concentrations were low (<0.75 mM) for 5 stroke patients (2.92%), intermediate (0.75–1 mM) for 42 patients (24.56%), high (1–1.25 mM) for 45 patients (26.32%), and very high (>1.25 mM) for 79 patients (46.20%). However, serum cystatin C levels were not correlated with NIHSS scores, serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein a, or apolipoprotein b levels. Further, serum cystatin C concentrations in stroke patients were not correlated with the presence of intracranial arterial stenosis, hypertension, or diabetes.Conclusion: Our study suggests that there is a close relationship between cystatin C and acute ischemic stroke, independently of conventional risk factors. But the levels of cystatin C are not correlated with the stroke severity.

Prophylactic antibiotic treatment in severe acute ischemic stroke: the Antimicrobial chemopRrophylaxis for Ischemic STrokE In MaceDonIa-Thrace Study (ARISTEIDIS).

Infections represent a leading cause of mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke, but it is unclear whether prophylactic antibiotic treatment improves the outcome. We aimed to evaluate the effects of this treatment on infection incidence and short-term mortality. This was a pragmatic, prospective multicenter real-world analysis of previously independent consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who were >18years, and who had at admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) >11. Patients with infection at admission or during the preceding month, with axillary temperature at admission >37°C, with chronic inflammatory diseases or under treatment with corticosteroids were excluded from the study. Among 110 patients (44.5% males, 80.2±6.8years), 31 (28.2%) received prophylactic antibiotic treatment, mostly cefuroxime (n=21). Prophylactic antibiotic treatment was administered to 51.4% of patients who developed infection, and to 16.4% of patients who did not (p<0.001). Independent predictors of infection were NIHSS at admission [relative risk (RR) 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.26, p<0.001] and prophylactic antibiotic treatment (RR 5.84, 95% CI 2.03-16.79, p<0.001). The proportion of patients who received prophylactic antibiotic treatment did not differ between patients who died during hospitalization and those discharged, or between patients who died during hospitalization or during follow-up and those who were alive 3months after discharge. Prophylactic administration of antibiotics in patients with severe acute ischemic stroke is associated with an increased risk of infection during hospitalization, and does not affect short-term mortality risk.

Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia Does Not Influence Lesion Size and Clinical Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) is common, but its role in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the frequency, characteristics, and role of VAH in a large typical cohort of patients with AIS. Up to 815 AIS patients (52.8% men, mean age 70 ± 14 years) were included in the study. All patients received a stroke work-up including brain imaging and duplex ultrasound. VAH was defined by a vessel diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 mm or a difference to the contralateral side of greater than 1:1.7. Vascular risk factors and stroke features were recorded. The subgroup of patients with posterior circulation AIS and magnetic resonance imaging was analyzed additionally, including the parameter of stroke extent. Up to 111 patients (13.6%) had VAH, with a mean diameter of 2.4 ± .4 mm. Patients with VAH were significantly younger (P = .037) and more often male (P = .033). There was no difference considering the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale scores on admission or history of stroke. The distribution of patients without VAH was significantly different among the groups with anterior, posterior, and both circulations ischemia (P = .009). In the group with posterior circulation stroke, 36 patients (20.9%) had VAH. There were no differences in age, sex, history of stroke, risk factors, vascular territory, stroke size, or etiology. VAH patients had less often embolic stroke patterns (P = .009). VAH is more common in patients with posterior circulation stroke and in younger patients. Apart from that, we found no clear evidence that VAH would be a predisposing factor for stroke or that it increased the risk for larger ischemic lesions in the posterior circulation.

Significance of BNP for Neurological Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke (I2.009)

Significance of BNP for Neurological Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke (I2.009)

Relationship Between Admission Serum Bilirubin and Severity of Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital (P5.239)

Relationship Between Admission Serum Bilirubin and Severity of Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital (P5.239)

Significance of BNP for Neurological Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke (P5.234)

Significance of BNP for Neurological Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke (P5.234)

Mean platelet volume and mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio as a risk stratification tool in the assessment of severity of acute ischemic stroke

The mean platelet volume (MPV) is a laboratory marker associated with platelet function and activity. Increased MPV in thromboembolic disease is reflected as an important risk factor. The aim of this study was to compare the MPV and mean platelet volume/platelet count (MPV/PC) ratio between ischemic cerebrovascular stroke and control subjects and furthermore, to find out their diagnostic value in an acute setting to help risk stratification in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuwait city Medical Hospitals, the state of Kuwait from April 2015 to October 2015. It comprised 50 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke, and 20 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were taken to measure MPV and MPV/PC ratio. The Severity of ischemic stroke was assessed by the Modified Rankin scale. Result: The ischemic stroke patients had significantly higher MPV and MPV/PC ratio compared to the control group (p=0.001 and p=0.017) respectively. The MPV value was higher and more significant (p=0.011) in patients group with high Rankin scale (⩾3) in comparison with those with lower scores. Receiver operator characteristic analysis revealed that an MPV cutoff value of >8.1 femtoliters provided 68.0% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity. An MPV/PC cutoff value of >0.031 fl10−4μL−1 showed 70% sensitivity and 75% specificity. The area under the ROC curve for MPV and MPV/PC ratio was 0.789 and 0.701 respectively, which indicates the high discriminative value of MPV and MPV/PC ratio for predicting severe ischemic stroke based on Rankin score ⩾3 from a mild stroke. Conclusion: MPV and MPV/PC ratio could be considered meaningful laboratory markers for the risk of acute ischemic stroke.

The importance of time: Time delays in acute stroke

BackgroundEndovascular treatment (EVT) of severe acute ischemic stroke (AIS) determined by large vessel occlusion (LVO) is effective and safe. Debate still goes on especially about time importance and utilization of advanced penumbra imaging at the expense of loosing valuable minutes. MethodsWe did a meta-analysis focused on time of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that started to use methodically the new-tech stent retrievers. The chosen time interval was onset-groin time (from last seen well to sheath insertion in the cathlab). Primary outcome was good functional outcome (mRS of 0–2) at 90 days, and secondary outcomes were mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intra-cerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Furthermore, we did a sub-analysis of the EVT patients to find a correlation between faster times and outcomes. We did the same sub-analysis including also single-arm registries that used modern stent retrievers. ResultsTotally data from 1287 patients (5 RCTs) were analyzed, whose 634 EVT patients were divided into two groups based on time (faster/slower than 240min). Furthermore 1501 EVT-treated patients (9 studies) were divided into two pre-specified groups (fast/slow) and analyzed. In both meta-analysis and sub-analysis, the fast group had better functional outcome at 90 days [logOR=−2.07, 95% CI (−3.00, −1.14)] and less deaths [logOR=−0.56, 95% CI (−3.66, −2.55)], demonstrating that onset-groin time has a strong impact even on mortality. On the other hand, sICH resulted to be more frequent in the slow group [logOR=0.18, 95% CI (−1.36, −1.71)] emphasizing how delays could even worsen AIS. ConclusionsThis meta-analysis supports the “Time is brain” strategy in treatment of acute ischemic stroke. In general, fast endovascular treatment (groin puncture within <4h) significantly improves patients’ outcomes. Healthcare systems should develop maximal effort to shorten pre-hospital and in-hospital delays in acute stroke patients. The earlier the patient is presenting, the more important is the fast track, offering chance for full neurologic recovery.

Abstract WP286: Race and Gender Differences Among Patients With First or Recurrent Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Little information is known about the race and gender differences in stroke severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) among those presenting with and without a recurrent stroke (RS). Methods: The study is limited to white and black patients who were admitted with an AIS in the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program from 2012-2014. There were 157 967 admissions from 453 hospitals identified. After excluding those with missing NIHSS (33 017), the analysis focused on 124 950 patients. Results: The median age of blacks and females was greater than for whites and males, 74 vs 63 and 75 vs 68, respectively. RS accounted for 21.8% of AIS in white males, 21.2% in white females, 28.3% in black males, and 30.0% in black females. The median NIHSS was higher among females with initial stroke or RS stroke (4.0 vs 3.0 and 5.0 vs 4.0, respectively, p&lt;0.0001) and higher among blacks with initial stroke or RS (4.0 vs 3.0 and 5.0 vs 4.0, respectively, p&lt;0.0001). Overall in-hospital death was greater among whites and females compared to blacks and males (4.1% vs 2.9%, p&lt;0.0001; 4.2% vs 3.5%, p&lt;0.0001, respectively), and this pattern was consistent for initial AIS and RS. Use of tPA was greater among whites and males compared to blacks and females (11.6% vs 10.3%, p&lt;0.0001; 11.5 vs 11.1%, p=0.02, respectively). This pattern was consistent for initial AIS and RS by race and for initial AIS by gender, but not for tPA for RS by gender. Females and blacks were less likely to have a mild stroke (NIHSS score 0-4) than males and whites for both initial and RS (p&lt;0.0001). After adjusting for age, state, hospital, and year, the odds of having an NIHSS ≥5 was 16% lower among males, 36% greater among blacks, and 38% greater for those with a RS (data not shown). Conclusion: Race and gender differences on age, stroke severity, receipt of tPA, and in-hospital death among initial AIS patients persist for RS. Blacks, females, and those with a RS have more severe AIS.

Abstract WP18: Futility and Predicted Therapeutic Gain of Endovascular Treatment According to the Baseline Stroke Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: To describe the distribution of futile recanalization, defined by 3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) 3 to 6 despite of successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b-3), and therapeutic gain of endovascular treatment (EVT) across the whole range of initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in patients with acute ischemic stroke attributable to major cerebral artery occlusion. Methods: Using a prospective multicenter stroke registry database, acute ischemic stroke patients, who were confirmed anterior circulation large artery occlusion and were treated with EVT within 12h of onset between November 2009 and July 2014, were identified. Futile recanalization rates were described across the whole range of NIHSS score, categorized as ≤ 5, 6∼10, 11∼20 and &gt;20. To estimate therapeutic gain, defined as a difference in the proportions of mRS 3-6 between those recanalized completely with EVT and those not treated, a proportion of mRS 3-6 in those not treated was obtained through age-specific direct standardization using a population who were hospitalized within 12 h due to acute ischemic stroke, had major anterior circulation large artery occlusion and were not treated with recanalization therapy. Results: Among 21,591 patients with acute ischemic stroke, 4.5% (n=972) received EVT within 12 h of onset. Of those 972 patients, 54.8% (n=533) were successfully recanalized. Of those 533, 440 with anterior circulation larger artery occlusion were enrolled for study (male 58%, age 67.3±12.3 years, onset to EVT starting time 4.19±1.96 hours). Seventy percent of patients were treated with intravenous alteplase prior to EVT. Futile recanalization was observed in 51.4% (n=226). Futile recanalization increased with the increase of stroke severity; 20.9% in NIHSS≤ 5; 34.6% in 6∼10; 58.9% in 11∼20; 63.8% in &gt;20 (p for trends &lt;0.001). Therapeutic gain of EVT significantly differed by initial stroke severity (p for interaction&lt;0.001); -1.9% in NIHSS≤ 5; 14.3% in 6∼10; 27.7% in 11∼20; 34.3% in &gt;20. Conclusions: This study emphasized the impact of initial stroke severity on futile recanalization and therapeutic gain in patients receiving EVT for acute ischemic stroke caused by anterior circulation large artery occlusion.

Abstract TP29: Endovascular Thrombectomy and Medical Therapy Versus Medical Therapy Alone in Acute Stroke (EASI): a Randomized Care Trial

Background: Until recently, clinical benefits of endovascular stroke treatment remained unproven. Care trials can be used to simultaneously offer yet-to-be validated interventions and verify treatment outcomes. Our aim was to implement care trial methodology for patients with severe acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The study was offered to all patients considered for endovascular management of acute ischemic stroke in one Canadian hospital. Inclusion criteria were broad: onset of symptoms ≤ 5h or at any time in the presence of clinical-imaging mismatch; suspected anterior or posterior circulation large vessel occlusion; patients eligible or ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis. Exclusion criteria were few: established infarction or hemorrhagic transformation of the target symptomatic territory; poor 3-month prognosis from comorbidities. The primary outcome was mRS ≤ 2 at three months. Patients were randomly allocated to standard care (control) or standard care plus endovascular treatment (intervention group). Analyses were by intention-to-treat. (Identifier NCT02157532) Findings: Seventy-seven patients were recruited in 19 months (March 2013 - October 2014) at a single center. Randomized allocation was interrupted when other trials showed the benefits of endovascular therapy. At three months, 20 of 40 patients (50·0 %; 95% C.I.: 35%-65%) in the intervention group had reached the primary outcome, compared to 14 of 37 patients (37·8%; 95% C.I.: 24%-54%) in the control group arm (P=0·36). Eleven patients in the intervention arm died within 3 months compared to 9 patients in the standard care arm. Interpretation: EASI met all the characteristics of a care trial: inclusion of all eligible patients, no extra risk, no extra test, no extra cost, simple case report forms filled by care personnel, normal follow-up, involvement of all regular practitioners, and flexible care. The trial was prematurely interrupted, but this approach offers a promising means to manage clinical dilemmas and guide uncertain practices in the care of patients. Funding: There was no funding source for this study.