Episode Of Stroke Research Articles

Moya Moya Disease: A Case Report

Abstract: A chronic, occlusive cerebrovascular illness known as Moya Moya, sometimes known as “hazy puff of smoke,” involves bilateral stenosis or occlusion of the proximal sections of the anterior cerebral arteries and Middle Cerebral Arteries (MCAs) as well as the terminal portion of the Internal Carotid Arteries (ICAs). The internal carotid artery becomes progressively occluded and stenotic in Moya Moya, an idiopathic illness. A 34 year old woman with a known case of Moya Moya disease has been admitted to the hospital with the same complaints of weakness in the right and lower limbs. CT Angiography showed a significant narrowing of bilateral internal carotid favoring multivessel intracranial vascular disease and right hemiparesis. She had undergone STA MCA surgery previously in June 2021. Now as she admits with the similar complaints she was posted again for STA MCA surgery in May 2022 where she showed a positive outcome post surgery. Moya Moya disease management is still not well-defined and is based on unique methods. In this patient Moya Moya disease is recurring which may make the patient prone to strokes incase of severe narrowing of arteries which may be life threatening. In order to stop more stroke episodes from occurring and to enhance outcomes, adult patients with Moya Moya disease require careful, long-term neurologic and radiologic follow-up. Keywords: Moya Moya, Internal Carotid Arteries, STA MCA Surgery, Stroke.

Predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment at three-month following first episode of stroke among patients attended at tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, central Tanzania: A protocol of a prospective longitudinal observational study metadata.

Neurocognitive deficits after stroke are a common manifestation and pose a significant impact on the quality of life for patients and families; however, little attention is given to the burden and associated impact of cognitive impairment following stroke. The study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) among adult stroke patients admitted to tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, Tanzania. A prospective longitudinal study is conducted at tertiary hospitals in the Dodoma region, central Tanzania. Participants with the first stroke confirmed by CT/MRI brain aged ≥ 18 years who meet the inclusion criteria are enrolled and followed up. Baseline socio-demographic and clinical factors are identified during admission, while other clinical variables are determined during the three-month follow-up period. Descriptive statistics are used to summarize data; continuous data will be reported as Mean (SD) or Median (IQR), and categorical data will be summarized using proportions and frequencies. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis will be used to determine predictors of PSCI.

Neutrophil Heterogeneity and its Roles in the Inflammatory Network after Ischemic Stroke.

As the first peripheral immune cells to enter the brain after ischemic stroke, neutrophils are important participants in stroke-related neuroinflammation. Neutrophils are quickly mobilized from the periphery in response to a stroke episode and cross the blood-brain barrier to reach the ischemic brain parenchyma. This process involves the mobilization and activation of neutrophils from peripheral immune organs (including the bone marrow and spleen), their chemotaxis in the peripheral blood, and their infiltration into the brain parenchyma (including disruption of the blood-brain barrier, inflammatory effects on brain tissue, and interactions with other immune cell types). In the past, it was believed that neutrophils aggravated brain injuries through the massive release of proteases, reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory factors, and extracellular structures known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). With the failure of early clinical trials targeting neutrophils and uncovering their underlying heterogeneity, our view of their role in ischemic stroke has become more complex and multifaceted. As neutrophils can be divided into N1 and N2 phenotypes in tumors, neutrophils have also been found to have similar phenotypes after ischemic stroke, and play different roles in the development and prognosis of ischemic stroke. N1 neutrophils are dominant during the acute phase of stroke (within three days) and are responsible for the damage to neural structures via the aforementioned mechanisms. However, the proportion of N2 neutrophils gradually increases in later phases, and this has a beneficial effect through the release of anti-inflammatory factors and other neuroprotective mediators. Moreover, the N1 and N2 phenotypes are highly plastic and can be transformed into each other under certain conditions. The pronounced differences in their function and their high degree of plasticity make these neutrophil subpopulations promising targets for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

"Pill-in-Pocket" anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.

Uninterrupted anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF), regardless of AF burden, is deeply rooted in practice since the early anticoagulation trials. However, uninterrupted anticoagulation is not without risks, and may not be beneficial for allcomers with a history of AF. Indeed, contemporary data that support a critical duration threshold of AF that benefits from anticoagulation, and a temporal association between stroke and multihour AF episodes, compel the study of a more targeted approach to AF anticoagulation. In this review, we discuss data that support further investigation of "pillinthepocket" anticoagulation for AF, and introduce the pivotal Rhythm Evaluation for Anticoagulation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation(REACT-AF) trial that will robustly evaluate this strategy.

Acute stroke in familial Mediterranean fever: An analysis of 23 new cases and systematic review of the literature.

The nature of neurovascular involvement in cases of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) has not been adequately clarified. Clinical features, infarct topography, vascular status, and stroke etiology were prospectively determined in 35 acute neurovascular events that occurred in 23 FMF patients. Clinicoradiological features were compared with an age- and gender-matched control group of 115 acute stroke patients. Characteristics of additional FMF and acute stroke cases (6 episodes in 6 patients) identified from a systematic literature review (PROSPERO registration no: CRD420212264820) were also analyzed. There were 27 acute ischemic stroke episodes in 19 patients, 7 transient ischemic attack episodes in 3 patients, and 1 patient with a single episode of parietal hematoma in our cohort. Twenty (74%) ischemic stroke episodes in 12 patients were cryptogenic. Ten of these 12 cases had a previous FMF diagnosis and were taking colchicine. There was no significant difference in the FMF group in terms of the presence of vascular risk factors and angiography-documented disease in comparison to controls. Cerebral distal artery involvement was significantly prevalent in FMF (78% vs 45%, P= .002). Especially, midbrain central deep perforating territory involvement was higher (30% vs 1%, P< .001). The long-term prognosis (median 8.5 years) under antiplatelet agents and colchicine is favorable. The acute stroke phenotype in FMF cases is herein described for the first time. Several clinicoradiological features such as thrombotic lacunar infarcts located in the central mesencephalon seem so typical that we recommend searching for FMF mutations in geographic regions where FMF is common.

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Plum Blossom Needling with Mild Moxibustion Device for Upper Limb Pain Disorder and Motor Dysfunction in Patients with Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind, Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial.

Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (PS-SHS), a common neurological comorbidity after stroke episodes, poses a grave threat on patients' functional recovery. Preliminary trials have demonstrated that the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, including a dermal acupuncture tapping method known as plum blossom needling (PBN) can improve pain and motor dysfunctions in patients with PS-SHS. However, there are few reports describing simultaneous moxibustion treatment in combination with PBN. Hence, a novel plum blossom needle device with mild moxibustion (PBNMM) was developed to evaluate its potential efficacy and safety in patients with stage 1 PS-SHS. This multicenter, sham-controlled, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will recruit 102 eligible patients with stage 1 PS-SHS from three clinical centers, randomly allocated in a ratio of 1:1:1 to the PBNMM group, PBNMM with no moxa smoke (PBNMM-NMS) group and sham control group. Patients in each group will receive a 30-minute treatment once per day for 4 weeks, with 5 consecutive sessions per week, for a total of 20 sessions. The primary outcome measure will be defined as the decreased scores from baseline in the visual analog scale (VAS) assessment at week 4. Secondary outcome measures will include scores on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) records. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and weeks 4, 5, 6 and 10, and the intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. This study aims to provide robust evidence for the efficacy and safety of the PBNMM for PS-SHS treatment, as well as the specific impact of moxibustion smoke itself in dealing with PS-SHS. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR2200062441. Registered on 7 August 2022.

Recurrence of ischaemic stroke using epidemiology and neuroimaging: A retrospective study in Gansu Province

ObjectivesThis retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical and imaging recurrence of ischaemic stroke (IS), and to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence. A combined clinical and imaging diagnostic model is important for stroke prevention and management. Methods and materialsIn accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retrospectively analysed consecutively hospitalised patients with acute IS at the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine. Based on the epidemiological and imaging results, stroke episodes were divided into four categories: clinical first episode (CFE), clinical recurrence (CR), imaging first episode (IFE), and imaging recurrence (IR). Based on the above categories and clinical practice, a joint diagnostic system for IS was established for the first time, including the following five types: IFE, IR, CFE and IFE, CFE and IR, and CR and IR. A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors which contributed to CR and IR. ResultsIn total, 280 patients were assessed. The CR rate was 22.9% (64/280) and the IR rate was 62.9% (176/280). The only predictor of CR was hypertension (P = 0.019, odds ratio [OR] = 3.041, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.200–7.704). The factors of hypertension (P < 0.001, OR = 3.551, 95%CI = 1.781–7.080) and age (P = 0.031, OR = 1.031, 95%CI = 1.003–1.060) were predictors of IR. ConclusionThe IR rates for IS were three times higher than the CR rates. The key to preventing IR and CR in IS was the management of blood pressure. Neuroimaging examinations were important for the early detection of IFE and IR in elderly patients with hypertension. A combined clinical imaging diagnostic model was developed for the first time.

Sensory and motor cortical excitability changes induced by rTMS and sensory stimulation in stroke: A randomized clinical trial.

The ability to produce coordinated movement is dependent on dynamic interactions through transcallosal fibers between the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Although typically unilateral, stroke induces changes in functional and effective connectivity across hemispheres, which are related to sensorimotor impairment and stroke recovery. Previous studies have focused almost exclusively on interhemispheric interactions in the primary motor cortex (M1). To identify the presence of interhemispheric asymmetry (ASY) of somatosensory cortex (S1) excitability and to investigate whether S1 repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with sensory stimulation (SS) changes excitability in S1 and M1, as well as S1 ASY, in individuals with subacute stroke. A randomized clinical trial. Participants with a single episode of stroke, in the subacute phase, between 35 and 75 years old, were allocated, randomly and equally balanced, to four groups: rTMS/sham SS, sham rTMS/SS, rTMS/SS, and sham rTMS/Sham SS. Participants underwent 10 sessions of S1 rTMS of the lesioned hemisphere (10 Hz, 1,500 pulses) followed by SS. SS was applied to the paretic upper limb (UL) (active SS) or non-paretic UL (sham SS). TMS-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the paretic UL and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) of both ULs assessed M1 and S1 cortical excitability, respectively. The S1 ASY index was measured before and after intervention. Evaluator, participants and the statistician were blinded. Thirty-six participants divided equally into groups (nine participants per group). Seven patients were excluded from MEP analysis because of failure to produce consistent MEP. One participant was excluded in the SSEP analysis because no SSEP was detected. All somatosensory stimulation groups had decreased S1 ASY except for the sham rTMS/Sham SS group. When compared with baseline, M1 excitability increased only in the rTMS/SS group. S1 rTMS and SS alone or in combination changed S1 excitability and decreased ASY, but it was only their combination that increased M1 excitability. clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT03329807).

PS-C28-10: HYPERTENSIVE CARDIOMYOPATHY AS MOST FREQUENT ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC FINDING IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR ISCHEMIC STROKE.

Objective: In Spain occurs about 120,000 strokes per year. Initial study usually requires echocardiography to rule out cardioembolic source. We describe most common echocardiographic features in neurological patients and traditional risk factors in them. Methods: From August 2020 to August 2021, 502 consecutive Neurology echocardiograms were analysed, collecting data in SPSS for subsequent descriptive and analytical statistical analysis. Results: 45% were women. Most frequent study reason was ischemic stroke (66%), followed by transient ischemic attack (TIA) (11%), haemorrhagic stroke (2%) and miscellaneous (fever, cardiac enzyme release, dyspnoea, coma) (15%). Highest frequent risk factor was hypertension (HBP) (70%), followed by obesity (51%), dyslipidaemia (46%), diabetes (32%), and kidney failure (15%). Atrial fibrillation (AF) had been documented in 13%, while De novo AF was discovered in an additional 14.5%. Systemic inflammation disorders were present in 19% and hypercoagulability in 9%. 10% had suffered a previous stroke (90% ischemic), and 2.6% TIA. About treatment 27% had antiaggregation drugs on stroke moment and 12% were anticoagulated (5.6% VKA and 6.6% DOAC). In echo images, absence of structural heart disease was the most frequent finding (49%), followed by LA dilatation (48%) and ventricular hypertrophy &gt; 13 mm (34%), both characteristic of hypertensive heart. 5% showed valve disease (more frequent mitral regurgitation) and 5% Cor pulmonale. Cardiomyopathy was found in 3% (Dilated 2.6%). Patent foramen ovale, and aneurysm of the interatrial septum were rare (1% each). Ostium secundum type ASD only one case (0.2%). In the follow-up 5% had a new event (stroke or TIA) in next 12 months and additional 4.4% evidence of AF was found, this variable being related to left atrial dilatation in statistical analysis. Conclusions: In our sample of patients with ischemic stroke the abnormal finding most recurrent was hypertensive heart disease (HBP, LA dilatation, and LVH). LA dilation was related to the development of AF during follow-up, this relationship being statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001) by chi-square test. The percentage of de novo AF discovered in the same stroke episode (14.5%) is noteworthy. The ineffectiveness of antiaggregation (27% took it) and that anticoagulation does not completely eliminate risk either. Presence of structural anomalies such ASD, PFO or thrombus was rare (less than 1%).

Comparison of Strokes in Adult Hospitalized Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Patients without Sickle Cell Disease: A Nationwide Analysis

Background: Strokes are a common and serious complication of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). It is the most common cause of stroke in the pediatric population. The risk of recurrent strokes continues into adulthood in SCD population. In this abstract, we quantify the burden of strokes in the SCD population and compare it against the background of strokes in the non-SCD population. Methods: Adult cases with SCD were identified by the International Classification of Disease 10th Revision Diagnosis codes from the National Inpatient Sample Database for 2016-2019. The cases were distributed into age groups based on decades (18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80; and 81 and above). Cases were identified for the presence of a history of a prior stroke [PMHS] with residual deficits, PMHS without deficits, a new episode of a hemorrhagic stroke, and a new episode of ischemic stroke. Binary logistic regression was performed for multivariate analysis to assess the effect of risk factors that are associated with stroke (age, gender, tobacco use, alcohol, hyperlipidemia [HLD], atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, hypertension [HTN], peripheral vascular disease [PVD], obesity, diabetes mellitus [for both type 1 and 2], drug use, previous history of venous thromboembolism, and SCD). Please note that "non-SCD” represents only the cases excluding SCD patients. For regression analysis of the "general population", both SCD and non-SCD patients are included. The results are statistically weighted. Results: 431,245 (0.36%) cases with SCD were identified from a total of 120,396,555 cases. The percentages are reported in ascending order of age by decade (18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80; and 81 and above). The percentages of SCD cases with PMHS without deficits were 8.9, 9.1, 14.5, 8, 13.9, 14.3, and 21.2, respectively, while those for non-SCD cases were 0.3, 0.9, 3.1, 5.2, 7.1, 9.6, and 12.6 respectively. The percentages of SCD cases with PMHS with residual deficit were 1.6, 2.2, 2.8, 3.5, 5.1, 6.4, and 7.2, respectively, while those for non-SCD cases were 0.1, 0.3, 1.3, 2.4, 3.3, 3.7 and 3.7 respectively. The percentages of SCD cases with a new episode of an ischemic stroke were 2, 1.5, 1.9, 2.2, 3.8, 6.1, and 9.6, respectively, while those for non-SCD cases were 0.2, 0.5, 1.5, 2.3, 3.2, 4.3, and 4.7 respectively. The percentages of SCD cases with a new episode of hemorrhagic stroke were 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.7, respectively, while those for non-SCD cases were 0.1, 0.2, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, and 1.1 respectively. The comparisons can be seen side by side in Table 1. Upon multivariate analysis of the general population to assess the effect of risk factors on PMHS, the remarkable odds ratios (OR) were: SCD with OR 5.24 (Confidence Interval 5.19-5.29, P<0.001) and HTN 2.19 (2.183-2.192, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis for a new episode of stroke in the general population showed that PMHS had an OR of 2.62 (2.61 - 2.63, P<0.001), HTN 1.745 (1.740-1.751, P<0.001), SCD 1.705 (1.67-1.74, P<0.001) and PVD 1.67 (1.65-1.70, P<0.001). On multivariate analysis for a new episode of stroke in SCD cases, notable results were PMHS with an OR of 7.47 (7.16-7.80, P<0.001), HTN 1.39 (1.32-1.46, P<0.001), HLD 1.58 (1.45-1.71, P<0.001), and tobacco use 1.25 (1.19-1.32, P<0.001). The OR for other risk factors can be reviewed in Table 2. Conclusion: The number of strokes in SCD increases with age. The difference between SCD and non-SCD groups is most pronounced in the younger population. This gap narrows in the fifth decade when the incidence of strokes rises in the general population. PMHS is strongly correlated with new episodes of stroke. Aggressive management of SCD in the younger population, along with optimal risk factor modification (control of diabetes, HTN, HLD, smoking avoidance/cessation) is desirable to decrease the risk of stroke. Further research in this direction is warranted. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Sternal Cleft With Coarctation of Aorta and Vascular Anomalies - Learning Point in Young Stroke

Sternal cleft is a rare congenital anomaly that is known to be associated with other congenital abnormalities in particular coarctation of aorta and vascular anomalies. We present a case of a young teacher who presented with recurrent episodes of ischemic stroke. During the workup to look for the cause of stroke, it was discovered that this patient had complete midline sternal cleft with underlying coarctation of aorta and left subclavian artery aneurysm. We wish to highlight the relation between the presence of sternal cleft and coarctation of aorta as well as vascular anomalies as one of the rare cause of young stroke.

Abstract 10764: A Comparison of Atrial Fibrillation Detection Strategies After Ischemic Stroke- A Retrospective Study

Introduction: In 20-30% cases, the cause of stroke remained unexplained which has led to coining of the term, Cryptogenic Stroke (CS). Similarly, about 48% cases of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) had no identifiable cause after standard diagnostic workup. Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a prime suspect in CS but guidelines do not recommend initiation of anticoagulation unless AF has formally been detected. Methods: In a IRB approved retrospective study we included patients with at least one episode of ischemic stroke or TIA without identifiable cause and was monitored with either 48-hour Holter Monitor (HM), 30-day Event Monitor (EM) or Implantable loop recorder (ILR) to diagnose any undiscovered AF. All patients had at least 1 year, and up to 3 years, of follow-up after device placement. SAS Version 9.4 was used for statistical analyses. Results: Out of a total of 531 patients, 150 patients were monitored by ILR, 286 by EM and 95 by HM. Primary Outcome- detection of AF. The diagnosis of AF within 1 month of the stroke was 5.59% (16/286), 6.32% (6/95) and 9.33% (14/150) in the EM, HM and ILR cohorts, respectively (p=0.33). At 6, 12 and 24 months, ILRs detected AF in 15.33% (23/150), 16% (24/150) and 20% (30/150) of patients respectively (p=.0017, .0008 and .0001, respectively). Hence the Chi-Squared analysis showed no statistically significant difference among 3 devices for the detection of AF within 1 month of the index stroke but a significant difference in AF detection was observed at 6, 12 and 24 months. Similarly, the multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated no significant difference in capturing AF between HM, EM and ILR within 1 month (p=0.29) but showed a significant difference in AF detection when ILR was compared to HM and EM at 6,12 and 24 months (p=0.0027, 0.0012 and &lt;0.0001 respectively). Secondary Outcome- Kaplan Meier estimator analysis and Cox proportional Hazard model showed device type had no significant impact on secondary outcomes of the study: 1) Subsequent ischemic stroke or TIA 2) Initiation of anticoagulation 3) Mortality 4) Incidence of major bleeding. Conclusion: In conclusion, despite the superiority of AF detection by ILR, it is not superior to HM or EM in lowering the risk of subsequent stroke or TIA, or in reducing mortality.

Treatment Delays and Chance of Reperfusion Therapy in Patients with Acute Stroke: A Danish Nationwide Study

Introduction: We aimed to determine the treatment delay for ischemic stroke patients in Denmark. Methods: A nationwide register-based study on acute ischemic stroke patients admitted through emergency medical services. Treatment delay comprised patient, prehospital, and in-hospital delay. Analyses were stratified according to length of prehospital delay (<3 vs. ≥3 h). Results: A total of 5,356 ischemic stroke episodes were included. The median onset-to-door time was 187 min, and 2,405 (43%) arrived at the stroke unit within 3 h. Overall, the median patient delay was 115 min. For early arrival (n = 2,280), patient delay was 27 min compared to 437 min for late arrivals (n = 2,448). Median prehospital delay varied by 9 min between early- and late-arriving patients. Approximately 48% of the early-arriving patients compared to 9% of the late-arriving patients received i.v. thrombolysis. For thrombectomy, the numbers were 10% and 3%, respectively. This corresponded to an unadjusted relative risk (RR) of 0.18 (95% CI: 0.16–0.21) and adjusted (age, sex, cohabitation status, and stroke severity) RR of 0.20 (95% CI: 0.18–0.23) for i.v. thrombolysis when comparing patients arriving later than 3 h with patients arriving earlier. For thrombectomy, the unadjusted and adjusted RRs were 0.30 (95% CI: 0.23–0.39) and 0.40 (95% CI: 0.31–0.52), respectively. Conclusions: Patient delay remains the most important barrier for use of reperfusion therapy among acute ischemic stroke patients calling 1-1-2, whereas system delay seems independent of patient delay.

Updates on Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare, noninherited neurovascular disorder characterized by abnormal vasculature in the brain, skin, and eye. Patients with SWS characteristically have facial capillary malformation, also known as port-wine birthmark, a leptomeningeal vascular malformation seen on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging images, abnormal blood vessels in the eye, and glaucoma. Patients with SWS have impaired perfusion to the brain and are at high risk of venous stroke and stroke-like episodes, seizures, and both motor and cognitive difficulties. While the activating R183Q GNAQ somatic mutation is the most common somatic mutation underlying SWS, recent research also implicates that GNA11 and GNB2 somatic mutations are related to SWS. Recent retrospective studies suggest the use of low-dose aspirin and vitamin D in treatment for SWS and prospective drug trials have supported the usefulness of cannabidiol and Sirolimus. Presymptomatic treatment with low-dose aspirin and antiepileptic drugs shows promising results in delaying seizure onset in some patients. This review focuses on the latest progress in the field of research for Sturge-Weber syndrome and highlights directions for future research.

Characteristics and management of patients with stroke and major hemorrhagic episodes with atrial fibrillation under vitamin K antagonist therapy. EVENTHO study

Introduction and objectiveIn Spain, vitamin K antagonists (VKA) remain the standard treatment for the prevention of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), despite the high risks of suffering adverse effects. The objective of this study was to characterize the profile of VKA-treated patients suffering from stroke/systemic embolism (SE) or major hemorrhagic episodes, their evolution and the actions taken after those episodes. Materials and methodsEVENTHO was an observational multicenter study conducted in 22 Anticoagulation Spanish Units. The study included patients ≥18 years with AF who suffered major hemorrhagic episodes (67.8%) or stroke/SE (32.1%) during 2016 whileon VKA treatment [acenocoumarol (98.2%) or warfarin (1.8%)]. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) was calculated according to the Rosendaal method based on the international normalized ratio (INR) values of the previous 6 months. ResultsThe study included 585 patients (median age [range] 82.3 [43.6–96.2] years; 51.1% men; mean [95% confidence interval, CI] CHA2DS2-VASc: 4.3 [4.2–4.4] and HAS-BLED: 2.2 [2.1–2.3]). Poor anticoagulation and VKA maintenance were higher in patients with major hemorrhagic episode (p<0.0001). The most common situations after hospital discharge were: functional dependence, neurological sequelae and death. ConclusionsIn the sample studied, half of the AF patients who suffered stroke/SE or major hemorrhagic episode had inadequate TTR and, despite this, after hospital discharge, they restarted treatment with VKA. These results highlight the need to evaluate safer and effective therapeutic alternatives in AF patients with poor TTR control after suffering a stroke/SE or major hemorrhagic episode.

Data and care integration for post-acute intensive care program of stroke patients: effectiveness assessment using a disease-matched comparator cohort

PurposeTo assess the effectiveness of an integrated care program for post-acute care of stroke patients, the return home program (RHP program), deployed in Barcelona (North-East Spain) between 2016 and 2017 in a context of health and social care information systems integration.Design/methodology/approachThe RHP program was built around an electronic record that integrated health and social care information (with an agreement for coordinated access by all stakeholders) and an operational re-design of the care pathways, which started upon hospital admission instead of discharge. The health outcomes and resource use of the RHP program participants were compared with a population-based matched control group built from central healthcare records of routine care data.FindingsThe study included 92 stroke patients attended within the RHP program and the patients' matched controls. Patients in the intervention group received domiciliary care service, home rehabilitation, and telecare significantly earlier than the matched controls. Within the first two years after the stroke episode, recipients of the RHP program were less frequently institutionalized in a long-term care facility (5 vs 15%). The use of primary care services, non-emergency transport, and telecare services were more frequent in the RHP group.Originality/valueThe authors' analysis shows that an integrated care program can effectively promote and accelerate delivery of key domiciliary care services, reducing institutionalization of stroke patients in the mid-term. The integration of health and social care information allows not only a better coordination among professionals (thus avoiding redundant assessments) but also to monitor health and resource use outcomes of care delivery.

Updated Trends, Disparities, and Clinical Impact of Neuroimaging Utilization in Ischemic Stroke in the Medicare Population: 2012 to 2019.

The purpose of this study was to update trends, investigate sociodemographic disparities, and evaluate the impact on mortality of stroke neuroimaging across the United States from 2012 to2019. Retrospective cohort study using CMS Medicare 5% Research Identifiable Files, representing consecutive ischemic stroke emergency department or hospitalized patients aged ≥65 years. A total of 85,547 stroke episodes with demographic and clinical information were analyzed using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests and logistic regression. Outcome measures were neuroimaging (CT angiography [CTA], CT perfusion [CTP], MRI, MR angiography [MRA]) utilization, acute treatment (endovascular thrombectomy [EVT] and intravenous thrombolysis [IVT]), and mortality while in the hospital and at 30 days and 1 year post discharge. Significantly increasing utilization trends for CTA (250%), CTP (428%) and MRI (18%), and a decreasing trend for MRA (-33%) were observed from 2012 to 2019 (P < .0001). Controlling for covariates in the logistic regression models, CTA and CTP were significantly associated with higher EVT and IVT utilization. Although CTA, MRI, and MRA were associated with lower mortality, CTP was associated with higher mortality post discharge. Less neuroimaging was performed in rural patients; older patients (≥80 years) had lower utilization of CTA, MRI, and MRA; female patients had lower rates of CTA; and Black patients had lower utilization of CTA and CTP. CTA and CTP utilization increased in the Medicare ischemic stroke population from 2012 to 2019 and both were associated with greater EVT and IVT use. However, disparities exist in neuroimaging utilization across all demographic groups, and further understanding of the root causes of these disparities will be crucial to achieving equity in stroke care.

Neuroimaging in acute ischemic stroke: Trends, disparities, and clinical impact

IntroductionClinical studies over the past decade expanded the eligibility criteria for endovascular therapy, with advanced imaging selection and new devices leading to higher rates of good outcomes. Herein, we explore the current trends in neuroimaging, associated factors, and impact on treatment and clinical outcomes. Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective study of consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients, admitted to a comprehensive stroke center from 2016 to 2020. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, race, arrival method, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and last known well to arrival time; imaging and treatment utilization; and discharge outcome by modified Rankin Scale and disposition were extracted from medical records. Trend and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, and trends were stratified by patient characteristics. ResultsOf 4,125 acute ischemic stroke episodes, 15.1% received intravenous thrombolysis only, and 7.5% received endovascular thrombectomy from 2016 to 2020. Neuroimaging utilization trends significantly increased for computed tomography angiography (CTA) (48.7% to 75.2%, p < 0.001) and computed tomography perfusion (CTP) (0.26% to 32.9%, p < 0.001), and decreased for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) (43.2% to 24.7%, p < 0.001). These trends held after adjusting for patient characteristics. Endovascular thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis were significantly more common in patients with CTA and CTP (p < 0.0001), and these treatments were associated with good clinical outcomes after controlling for patient characteristics. ConclusionWe found significantly increased trends in CTA and CTP imaging, which were associated with endovascular thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis utilization, in acute ischemic stroke patients from 2016 to 2020.

Clopidogrel Resistance Among Ischemic Stroke Patients and Its Risk Factors in Indonesia.

Clopidogrel is a common antiplatelet used as secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, known to have better efficacy than aspirin, with a equivalent safety profile. However, clopidogrel resistance is not uncommon but has not been widely studied in Asia. This study will further assess clopidogrel resistance and its risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Rumah Sakit Universitas, Indonesia, and Rumah Sakit Cipto Mangunkusumo, Indonesia in 2020-2021. All patients had had at least one episode of ischemic stroke. Clopidogrel resistance was assessed using a VerifyNow assay. 57 subjects were enrolled in this study. We found 15.8% of subjects were clopidogrel resistant. Gender was significantly associated with clopidogrel resistance, with males having 80% lower clopidogrel resistance (OR 0.2 (95% CI 0.022 - 0.638); P=0.006). Meanwhile, smoking was not associated with clopidogrel responsiveness (P=0.051). We found no association between haemoglobin, blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, liver enzymes, serum urea concentration or creatinine levels and clopidogrel resistance. Clopidogrel remains an effective treatment to prevent recurrent ischemic stroke in Indonesia. Further studies are needed to assess gene polymorphism and clopidogrel resistance, which may explain the findings of this study.

Stroke in Maputo central hospital, Mozambique: a cross-sectional study 2014–18

Objective: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The prevalence of hypertension (the major risk factor for stroke) in Mozambique increased from 33.1% in 2005 to 38.9% in 2014/2015, although awareness and control remained at very low levels (15% and 3%, respectively). The aim of this study is to characterize the demographic and clinical pattern of stroke in Maputo Central Hospital (MCH), Mozambique. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out in MCH, collecting secondary data from hospitalized patients with stroke. Using systematic probabilistic sampling, clinical records were used to analyze data for the period 2014-18. Results: Of the 402 clinical records, 53.5% were female. The mean age was 60.68 years (13.98 SD). Around 96% was an acute stroke event, and 91% was first-ever episode. Thirty one percent did not receive a CT scan for confirmation. Of the 247 CT scanned patients, 50.2% were ischemic. The area of middle cerebral artery was affected in 83.4% patients. The most common co-morbidity was hypertension (87.1%). Near 96% of hemorrhagic stroke were associated with hypertension (Ischemic = 78.7%, p &lt; 0.001). The overall case-fatality was 22.9%. Confirmed hemorrhagic stroke patients were 6.47 years younger than ischemic (56.40 vs 62.87 years; p &lt; 0.001). Younger ages and female were associated with clinical improvement (aOR = 0.964; p = 0.002 and aOR = 1.890; p = 0.044, respectively). Hemorrhagic stroke were 56.8 percent points more likely associated with death (aOR = 0.432; p = 0.010). The likelihood of clinical improvement was 20.5 percent points better over the years (aOR = 1.205; p = 0.086) Conclusions: Stroke associated with hypertension is common in MCH, mostly likely due to an increase in hypertension prevalence and extremely low awareness and control. Favorable clinical outcome improved over the years. Efforts for CT scan to all stroke episodes should be emphasized by MCH managers.