Neurological deterioration in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke

A study was conducted for 121 patients (55 female, 66 male; age 68.7 +/- 10.4 years) with first-ever ischemic stroke to investigate the frequency and risk factors of early neurological deterioration (ND). The initial evaluation was carried out within 24 hours of stroke onset. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and Barthel index were used to evaluate patients for a period of 2 months. Thirty-eight patients (31.4%) showed early ND and 83 patients (68.6%) were stable or improved. Among the 38 patients with ND, 25 (65.8%) patients occurred within 48 hours after initial evaluation. In most patients, ND began on the first day and ceased on the third day after stroke onset. Neurological function started to improve after ND reaching the nadir. The mortality rate was 13.2% (5/38) for patients with ND and 1.2% (1/83) for patients without deterioration. At the end of the study, the functional ability and motility of patients were lower in the progressive group than in the non-progressive/stable group. Results of this study seem to indicate that an elevated C-reactive protein level and total anterior circulation infarction are risk factors for ND. The results also suggest that more aggressive and early treatments are needed for stroke patients to prevent disease progression.     

Association between pneumonia in acute stroke stage and 3-year mortality in patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke

The influence of pneumonia in acute stroke stage on the clinical presentation and long-term outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke is still controversial. We investigate the influence of pneumonia in acute stroke stage on the 3-year outcomes of patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke. Nine-hundred and thirty-four patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke were enrolled and had been followed for 3 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether pneumonia occurred during acute stroke stage or not. Clinical presentations, risk factors for stroke, laboratory data, co-morbidities, and outcomes were recorded. The result showed that a total of 100 patients (10.7%) had pneumonia in acute stroke stage. The prevalence of older age, atrial fibrillation was significantly higher in patients with pneumonia in acute stroke stage. Total anterior circulation syndrome and posterior circulation syndrome occurred more frequently among patients with pneumonia in acute stroke stage (P < 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression revealed that pneumonia in acute stroke stage is a significant predictor of 3-year mortality (hazard ratio = 6.39, 95% confidence interval = 4.03–10.11, P < 0.001). In conclusion, pneumonia during the acute stroke stage is associated with increased risk of 3-year mortality. Interventions to prevent pneumonia in acute stroke stage might improve ischemic stroke outcome.     

Association between gastrointestinal bleeding and 3-year mortality in patients with acute,first-ever ischemic stroke

The influence of gastrointestinal bleeding on clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke remains controversial. We investigate the effect of gastrointestinal bleeding on the outcomes of patients with acute, first-ever ischemic stroke. We enrolled 934 patients with acute, first-ever ischemic stroke and followed up them for 3 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of gastrointestinal bleeding during acute stroke stage. Clinical presentation, stroke risk factors, laboratory data, co-morbidities, and outcomes were recorded. Seventy-six (8.1%) patients had gastrointestinal bleeding at admission. The prevalence of old age, atrial fibrillation, and previous transient ischemic attack was higher in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (P < 0.001, P = 0.038, and P = 0.018, respectively). Total anterior circulation syndrome occurred more frequently among patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (P < 0.001). The mean length of acute ward stay, initial impaired consciousness, and stroke in evolution were higher in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). The occurrence of pneumonia and dependent functional outcome were higher in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that gastrointestinal bleeding is a significant risk factor for 3-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 2.76; 95% confidence interval = 1.61–4.72; P < 0.001). In conclusion, gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with increased risk of 3-year mortality in patients with acute, first-ever ischemic stroke. Prophylactic therapies for gastrointestinal bleeding might improve ischemic stroke outcome.     

ACE I/D polymorphism in different etiologies of ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES: Data concerning an association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and ischemic stroke (IS) remain inconsistent. Results of some studies suggest that DD genotype may be a risk factor for small vessel disease (SVD) stroke. Here, we investigated whether this polymorphism is associated with IS of different etiologies in a Polish population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ischemic stroke etiology was established according to the TOAST criteria. We studied 92 stroke patients with large vessel disease and their 184 matched controls; 96 stroke patients with SVD and 192 controls; 180 patients with cardioembolic stroke (CE) and 180 controls. ACE I/D polymorphism was determined using the polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: The distribution of ACE genotypes and alleles was essentially the same in all analyzed IS subtypes and their matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: We failed to find an association between ACE polymorphism and etiological subtypes of IS in a Polish population.     

Association of hyponatremia in acute stroke stage with three-year mortality in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke

Background: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients, and is frequently a marker of a significant underlying disease. The prognostic value of hyponatremia in patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke is not known. We aimed to analyze whether hyponatremia in the acute stroke stage contributed to the risk of mortality or recurrent stroke in these patients. Methods: We studied 925 patients presenting with acute first-ever ischemic stroke between 2002 and 2004. Sodium levels were obtained on arrival at the emergency room within 3 days of acute stroke onset. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium concentration of 134 mmol/l or less. Clinical presentation, stroke risk factors, associated medical disease, and outcome were recorded. All patients were followed for 3 years for survival analysis. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors for 3-year mortality in these patients. We also constructed Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and compared groups with hyponatremia and normonatremia by means of log rank tests for significant differences. Results: Among the patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke, 107 (11.6%) were hyponatremic. Among stroke risk factors, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was significantly higher among hyponatremic patients (p < 0.001). Prevalence of chronic renal insufficiency was also higher in the hyponatremic group (p = 0.002). Clinical presentations, such as the length of acute ward stay, initial impaired consciousness, and clinical course in acute stroke were similar among normo- and hyponatremic patients. Among the complications, pneumonia and urinary tract infection were significantly higher in hyponatremic than in normonatremic patients. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal insufficiency were associated with hyponatremia in these patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the survival rate was significantly lower in hyponatremic patients than in normonatremic patients (log rank test; p value <0.001). After multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis, hyponatremia was a significant predictor of 3-year mortality in these patients after adjustment for related variables (p value = 0.003, hazard ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.82). Conclusion: Hyponatremia in the acute stroke stage is a predictor of 3-year mortality in patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke that is independent of other clinical predictors of adverse outcome.     

Risk factors,etiology, and outcome of first‐ever ischemic stroke in young adults aged 15 to 45 – the Athens young stroke registry

Background and purpose: Data regarding stroke in young adults from Greece is scarce. We aimed to evaluate risk factors, etiology, and outcome in a hospital‐based prospective observational study. Methods: Data from a series of 253 first‐ever ischemic stroke patients aged 15–45 were collected over 10 years. Stroke etiology was classified according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria. Comparisons were done between groups stratified by gender and age. The probability of death or composite vascular events during follow‐up was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. We used Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses to determine the effect of different factors on mortality and occurrence of composite cardiovascular events. Results: Although male patients predominate in our cohort (ratio 1.3:1), females outnumber males significantly at ages under 30. Smoking (59.3%) and dyslipidemia (41.1%) were the most frequent risk factors. Small vessel disease was identified as cause of stroke in 17.4%, whereas cardioembolism caused 13.4% of all strokes. No definite etiology was found in 33.6%, whereas other causes of stroke, including dissection (6.7%), were documented in 26.5%. The probability of 10‐year survival was 86.3% (95%CI: 79.1–93.6). The corresponding probability of composite vascular events was 30.4% (95%CI: 19.6–41.2). Stroke severity and heart failure were the main predictors of mortality. At the end of the follow‐up period, most patients (92.7% of survivors) were independent. Conclusion: There are gender‐ and age‐related differences regarding risk factors and causes of ischemic stroke in young patients. Survival and long‐term outcome is generally favorable.     

急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清C反应蛋白含量的变化

目的探讨急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清C反应蛋白的含量变化及临床意义。方法采用免疫浊度法检测急性脑梗死患者和正常人对照组的血清CRP的浓度。结果急胜缺血性脑卒中组CRP与正常对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论CRP可作为缺血性脑卒中发病和治疗的观察指标。     

Ten-year risk for myocardial infarction in patients with first-ever stroke: a community-based study

Appelros P, Gunnarsson KE, Terént A. Ten‐year risk for myocardial infarction in patients with first‐ever stroke: a community‐based study.
Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 124: 383–389.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Background – Stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) share common risk factors. The risk for stroke patients to have a myocardial infarction (MI) has not been fully explored. Methods – Three hundred and seventy‐seven first‐ever stroke patients were ascertained prospectively. The 10‐year incidence of MI was examined by register searches. The results were compared to the general Swedish population. Predictors for MI were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results – The cumulative incidence of MI over 10 years was 25.0/100 (95% confidence interval (CI), 19.5–31.5), 26.5 for men, (95% CI, 18.9–45.8) and 23.4 for women (95% CI, 16.0–32.9). Compared to the general population, the relative risk for stroke patients having a MI was 1.6 for men (95% CI, 1.12–2.37) and 1.9 for women (95% CI, 1.27–2.90). In multivariate analysis, CHD before the stroke (MI, angina pectoris, coronary artery bypass grafting, or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) and peripheral artery disease were significant predictors for MI. Conclusion – The risk for MI is significantly higher, for both male and female stroke patients, compared to the general population. Stroke patients with previous CHD and peripheral artery disease are at highest risk. Stroke patients should receive adequate secondary prevention, and cardiac complaints must be taken seriously.     

Lifestyles correlate with stroke recurrence in Chinese inpatients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke

Journal of Neurology - The previous studies have shown that recurrent stroke (RS) adversely affects the life of survivors of ischemic stroke (IS). However, lifestyle associated with RS has received...     

中青年缺血性卒中脑动脉狭窄分布及危险因素分析

目的探讨中青年缺血性卒中患者脑动脉狭窄分布规律及相关危险因素。方法对50例青年缺血性卒中患者及68例中年患者行DSA检查,收集患者的临床资料,并进行比较。结果与青年组比较,中年组前循环血管狭窄率显著降低,后循环及联合病变率显著升高(P0.05~0.01)。青年组颅内血管狭窄率显著高于颅外及颅内-外联合病变率(均P0.01),中年组颅内-外联合病变显著高于颅内及颅外病变(均P0.05)。与青年组比较,中年组颅内血管狭窄率显著降低,颅外及颅内-外联合病变率显著升高(P0.05~0.01)。与青年组比较,中年组颅外动脉轻度狭窄的比率显著降低,中度狭窄及重度狭窄的比率显著增高(均P0.01)。与青年组比较,中年组颅内动脉轻度狭窄的比率显著降低,重度狭窄的比率显著增高(均P0.05)。与中年组比较,青年组高同型半胱氨酸血症比率显著增高(P0.01),糖尿病、冠心病、高血压比率显著降低(P0.05~0.01)。结论青年缺血性脑血管病的脑动脉狭窄以前循环病变为主,单纯大脑中动脉狭窄及高同型半胱氨酸血症发生率较高,伴发的动脉粥样硬化性疾病相对偏少。中年缺血性卒中患者后循环病变增多,串联及联合病变更多见,动脉狭窄程度更重,伴发的动脉粥样硬化性相关疾病更多。     

青年缺血性卒中45例病因及危险因素分析

目的 探讨青年脑卒中患者的病因及危险因素.方法 回顾性分析45例青年缺血性卒中患者的临床资料,并与33例中老年缺血性卒中资料进行比较分析.结果 青年卒中组病因及危险因素依次为高血压、高血脂、动脉粥样硬化、吸烟、饮酒、高纤维蛋白原血症、高同型半胱氨酸血症,糖尿病,偏头痛,动脉夹层,卵圆孔未闭,大动脉炎.两组比较,青年组高脂血症、偏头痛、动脉夹层具有显著性统计学意义.结论 青年卒中病因及危险因素与中老年组不完全相同,积极治疗高血脂症、偏头痛及动脉夹层,对青年缺血性卒中的预防意义更大.     

无症状性脑梗死对首发急性缺血性卒中患者认知功能的影响

目的 观察无症状性脑梗死(silent cerebral infarction,SCI)对首发急性缺血性卒中患者认知功能的影响.方法 连续纳入起病14 d内的首发急性缺血性卒中患者,依据MRI将患者分为急性缺血性卒中伴随SCI和不伴随SCI两组.认知功能评定采用北京版蒙特利尔认知评估(Montreal cognitive assessment,MoCA)量表和简明智力状态检查(mini-mental state examination,MMsE)量表,分别在卒中后2周及3个月进行.结果 急性缺血性卒中早期和3个月,SCI组与非SCI组非痴呆性血管性认知功能损害比例分别为(54.7%、76.4%;54.1%、66.7%),血管性痴呆比例分别为(28.3%、11.8%;13.5%、7.4%),MoCA评分中位数分别为(19、22;22、25),P值均>0.05;SCI病灶数量是卒中后3个月痴呆的危险因素(OR=1.22,95% CI 1.02～1.45):卒中后3个月SCI组总体认知功能及视空间执行功能、注意力和抽象思维能力无显著改善,P值均>0.05.结论 SCI病灶数量是首发急性缺血性卒中后3个月痴呆的危险因素,SCI影响患者认知功能的改善.     

缺血性卒中后异常脑电发放临床及脑电图特征

目的探讨缺血性卒中后异常脑电发放的临床及脑电图特征。方法回顾分析162例缺血性卒中患者临床和24 h动态脑电图特征。结果 162例缺血性卒中患者中87例(53.70%)24 h动态脑电图异常,其中24例(27.59%)梗死灶部位与脑电图异常放电部位相一致(一致组)、63例(72.41%)不一致(不一致组)。两组患者缺血性卒中临床分型[英国牛津郡社区脑卒中项目(OCSP)分型]和病因分型(TOAST分型)差异均无统计学意义(P=0.792,0.111),梗死灶部位差异有统计学意义(P=0.000)。一致组患者24 h动态脑电图可见背景节律慢化,以及尖波和尖-慢复合波,且与梗死灶部位相一致;不一致组患者各导联背景节律均发生变化,梗死灶位于单侧大脑半球者可见对侧大脑半球异常放电,梗死灶范围局限但脑电图可见异常放电范围广泛,梗死灶仅位于皮质下脑深部结构但可于头皮电极记录到异常放电。两组患者癫发生率差异无统计学意义(P=0.908),而癫发作类型差异有统计学意义(P=0.000)。结论梗死灶部位影响异常脑电活动的发放和扩布,其与记录到异常放电的导联部位不一致对缺血性卒中后癫发作类型和预后有提示作用。     

Sleep-disordered breathing among patients with first-ever stroke

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in the form of obstructive sleep apnea is a possible risk factor for stroke. We carried out a cross-sectional survey out in a rehabilitation center among patients with first-ever stroke to further determine the incidence and types of SDB and its relationship to known risk factors for stroke. Full polysomnography was performed in 147 consecutive patients (95 men, 52 women, age 61+/-10 years) admitted to our neurological Rehabilitation Department 46+/-20 days after first-ever stroke. Subjective sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), vascular risk factors, anthropometric data, and polysomnographic findings were compared between stroke patients with varying degrees of SDB. With a cutoff point for the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) of 5, 10, 15, or 20 the respective prevalence of SDB was 61%, 44%, 32%, and 22%. The type of SDB was generally obstructive, with dominant central apneas in only 6% of patients. Patients with an RDI of 20 or higher had less REM sleep, thicker necks, and a more central type of obesity. Even in patients with an RDI of 20 or higher subjective sleepiness, although higher than in those without SDB, was not a predominant symptom. Snoring and anthropometric data suggest that obstructive SDB may have existed prior to stroke. The prevalence of hypertension and coronary heart disease were higher among stroke patients with an RDI of 20 or higher than in those without SDB. We conclude that the prevalence of SDB among patients with stroke is high. Examination of stroke should include screening for SDB.     

The influence of anemia on clinical presentation and outcome of patients with first-ever atherosclerosis-related ischemic stroke

There is considerable debate regarding whether anemia qualifies as a prognostic factor for stroke. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to assess the influence of anemia on vascular risk factors and clinical presentations in patients with first-ever atherosclerosis-related ischemic stroke and, second, to evaluate whether anemia may be of prognostic importance. A total of 774 consecutive patients with first-ever atherosclerosis-related ischemic stroke were prospectively investigated. Vascular risk factors, clinical presentations and outcomes were recorded and compared between those patients with and without anemia. Stroke recurrence and mortality were recorded at the 3-year follow-up. Of the study population, 168 (21.7%) were anemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with anemia were more likely to be older than 70 years (p < 0.001) and have chronic renal insufficiency (p < 0.001). After a mean follow-up period of 958 days, 21 (12.5%) and 24 (4.0%) of the patients in the anemic and control groups, respectively, died. Within 3 years of initial onset, the mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with anemia (p = 0.021). The Kaplan–Meier analysis for patients with and without anemia showed different survival curves (Log–rank test p < 0.001). Within 3 years of the onset of first-ever atherosclerosis-related ischemic stroke, patients who had anemia at the time of the initial admission had an associated higher mortality rate. The stroke risk factors of being older than 70 years and having chronic renal insufficiency were more frequently observed in those patients with anemia.     

Ischemic stroke in patients under age 45.

Contrary to a common view, ischemic stroke under the age of 45 is not rare. In the Lausanne Stroke Registry, more than 10% of the patients were within this age limit. Overall, in Occidental countries the causes of stroke in the young adult do not really differ from those in the older individual; it is only the relative frequency of stroke that is not the same. Cardiac embolism, arterial dissection, and migraine represent the most common etiologic factors, while atherosclerosis is much more unusual. The etiologic aspects and their therapeutic implications justify an active investigative attitude in young adults with recent ischemic stroke. After the acute phase of stroke, prognosis is reasonable.