Lipid Levels and Short-Term Risk of Recurrent Brain Infarcts in Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis

ObjectivesHyperlipidemia is a strong risk factor for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and clinical stroke recurrence. We explored the effect of serum lipid levels on subclinical infarct recurrence in the Mechanisms of earlY Recurrence in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (MYRIAD) study.Materials and MethodsWe included enrolled MYRIAD patients with lipid measurements and brain MRI at baseline and brain MRI at 6-8 weeks. Infarct recurrence was defined as new infarcts in the territory of the symptomatic artery on brain MRI at 6-8 weeks compared to baseline brain MRI. We assessed the association between baseline total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels and recurrent infarct at 6-8 weeks using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong 74 patients (mean age 64.2±12.9 years, 59.5% were white, 60.8% men), 20 (27.0%) had new or recurrent infarcts. Mean HDL-C (37.2 vs. 43.9 mg/dL, P=0.037) was lower and TG (113.5 vs. 91.3 mg/dL, P=0.008) was higher while TC (199.8 vs. 174.3 mg/dL, P=0.061) and LDL-C (124.3 vs. 101.2 mg/dL, P=0.053) were nominally higher among those with recurrent infarcts than those without. LDL-C (adj. OR 1.022, 95% CI 1.004-1.040, P=0.015) and TG (adj. OR 1.009, 95% CI 1.001-1.016, P=0.021) were predictors of recurrent infarct at 6-8 weeks adjusting for other clinical and imaging factors.ConclusionsBaseline cholesterol markers can predict early infarct recurrence in patients with symptomatic ICAD. More intensive and rapid lipid lowering drugs may be required to reduce risk of early recurrence.     

Association between plasma lipid levels and migraine in subjects aged ≥50 years: preliminary data from the Zabùt Aging Project

We evaluated the association between lipid levels and migraine using cross-sectional, population-based data of 1809 subjects aged ≥50 years; 151 subjects with migraine and 1658 nonmigraineurs were included. Diagnosis of migraine was carried out using the criteria of the International Headache Society. The following plasma lipids were collected: total cholesterol (TC), lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Only TC (p<0.003) and LDL-C levels (p<0.004) were significantly higher in migraineurs than nonmigraineurs. After multiple adjustments, only elevated TC (≥220 mg/dl) was significantly associated with migraine (OR [95% CI]=1.6 [1.1–2.3]); this association increased in elderly males with migraine (OR [95% CI]=3.8 [1.4–9.9]). According to our results, TC plasma levels should be closely monitored in elderly males with migraine.

     

Cerebral hemorrhage after intra-arterial thrombolysis for ischemic stroke: the PROACT II trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the frequency, clinical characteristics, and predictors of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after intraarterial (IA) thrombolysis with recombinant pro-urokinase (r-proUK) in acute ischemic stroke. METHOD: The authors conducted an exploratory analysis of symptomatic ICH from a randomized, controlled clinical trial of IA thrombolysis with r-proUK for patients with angiographically documented occlusion of the middle cerebral artery within 6 hours from stroke onset. Patients (n = 180) were randomized in a ratio of 2:1 to either 9 mg IA r-proUK over 120 minutes plus IV fixed-dose heparin or IV fixed-dose heparin alone. As opposed to intention to treat, this analysis was based on "treatment received" and includes 110 patients given r-proUK and 64 who did not receive any thrombolytic agent. The remaining six patients received out-of-protocol urokinase and were excluded from analysis. The authors analyzed centrally adjudicated ICH with associated neurologic deterioration (increase in NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score of > or =4 points) within 36 hours of treatment initiation. RESULTS: Symptomatic ICH occurred in 12 of 110 patients (10.9%) treated with r-proUK and in two of 64 (3.1%) receiving heparin alone. ICH symptoms in r-proUK-treated patients occurred at a mean of 10.2 +/- 7.4 hours after the start of treatment. Mortality after symptomatic ICH was 83% (10/12 patients). Only blood glucose was significantly associated with symptomatic ICH in r-proUK-treated patients based on univariate analyses of 24 variables: patients with baseline glucose >200 mg/dL experienced a 36% risk of symptomatic ICH compared with 9% for those with < or =200 mg/dL (p = 0.022; relative risk, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.04 to 11.7). CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic ICH after IA thrombolysis with r-proUK for acute ischemic stroke occurs early after treatment and has high mortality. The risk of symptomatic ICH may be increased in patients with a blood glucose >200 mg/dL at stroke onset.     

Relation of lipid and lipoprotein(a) to ischaemic stroke.

The relationship of lipids and Lp(a) to ischemic stroke hasn't been established yet. Our aim was to determine lipid profile and vascular risk factors in stroke patients and compare them with control subjects. Seventy-nine consecutive patients with ischemic stroke were analyzed by total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglyceride, Lp(a) and doppler ultrasonography and vascular risk factors were recorded. Thirty control subjects of same ages were compared with the patient group. Lp(a) and lipids were correlated with stroke subtype and carotid atherosclerosis. There was no statistical significance between patients and control subjects related to total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C and Lp(a) (P>0.05). Atherotrombotic and lacunar strokes didn't show any difference correlated with lipids and Lp(a). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were important risk factors with (OR=4.50, 95% CI=1.25-16.22) and (OR=4.43, 95% CI=1.79-10.93) respectively. These results were statistically significant (P<0.05). Total cholesterol (308.67+/-85.82) and Lp(a) (32.10+/-17.30) values showed statistical significance (P<0.05) in patients with marked stenosis when compared with patients of normal doppler ultrasonography. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were found as independent risk factors for ischemic stroke. Lipids and Lp(a) were not independent for atherotrombotic and lacunar stroke. Lp(a) concentration and carotid atherosclerosis in ultrasonography were associated significantly.     

胆红素和脂质对脑卒中发病影响的差异性探讨

目的探讨血清胆红素和脂质及其综合指数与脑出血(CH)、短暂性脑缺血发作(TIA)及脑梗死(CI)的关系。方法对128例CH、108例TIA及104例CI急性期患者血清胆红素、胆固醇等指标进行检测,并进行对比分析。结果CI组年龄显著高于CH组(P<0.05)。TIA、CI组患者血清总胆红素(TBIL)、间接胆红素(IBIL)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)显著低于CH组(P<0.05或P<0.01),血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、非高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(n-HDL-C)水平及LDL-C/HDL-C、TC/HDL-CTG/HDL-C比值显著高于CH组(P<0.05或P<0.01);CI组患者血清直接胆红素(DBIL)/IBIL比值显著高于CH组(P<0.01),血清IBIL、HDL-C水平显著低于TIA组(P<0.05),血清LDL-C、n-HDL-C水平及LDL-C/HDL-C、TC/HDL-C比值显著高于TIA组(P<0.05或P<0.01),各组间其它指标间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论血清胆红素和脂质及其综合指数不同程度的变化与脑卒中关系密切。     

Abnormalities on ECG and telemetry predict stroke outcome at 3 months

BACKGROUND: ECG is a useful tool in monitoring vital functions in patients with acute stroke; however, fairly little evidence is available concerning the prevalence and the prognostic impact of ECG findings in patients with acute cerebral infarction and acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: This analysis was based on data from 692 patients with acute cerebral infarction, 155 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and 223 patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA), who were admitted to hospital within 6 h of symptom onset. A 12 lead ECG was obtained on admission, and the patient was on telemetry for the first 12-24 h of hospitalisation. RESULTS: ECG abnormalities were observed in 60% of patients with cerebral infarction, 50% of patients with ICH, and 44% of patients with TIA. In multivariate analyses 3-month mortality in patients with ischaemic stroke was predicted by atrial fibrillation OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.3-3.1), atrio-ventricular block OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-3.9), ST-elevation OR (2.8, 95% CI 1.3-6.3), ST-depression OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.5-4.3), and inverted T-waves OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.6-4.6). This was independent of stroke severity, pre-stroke disability and age. In patients with ICH, sinus tachycardia OR 4.8 (95% CI 1.7-14.0), ST-depression OR 5.2 (95% CI 1.1-24.9), and inverted T-wave 5.2 (95% CI 1.2-22.5) predicted poor outcome. None of the changes reached significance in patients with TIA. In patients with severe cerebral infarction or ICH, heart rate did not decrease within the first 12 h after admission, which was the case in patients with mild to moderate stroke. Rapid heart rate predicted 3-month mortality in multivariate testing OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.02-2.7). CONCLUSIONS: ECG abnormalities are frequent in acute stroke and may predict 3-month mortality.     

Reduced frequency of high cholesterol levels among patients with intracerebral haemorrhage.

To determine whether a relationship exists between high cholesterol levels and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) a case-control study was undertaken on 331 consecutive cases of first-episode primary ICH, verified by computed tomography, and 331 age- and sex-matched community controls. Using conditional logistic regression the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of ICH among individuals reporting a high cholesterol level was 0.45 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.28-0.73]. A similar finding was observed when the analysis was limited to those using cholesterol-lowering drugs (OR 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08-0.80). These data provide support for an inverse relationship between high cholesterol levels and ICH. When considered together with previous findings, in which low cholesterol levels have been associated with an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke, these data provide evidence that this inverse relationship may extend into a higher range of cholesterol values.     

Thrombolysis in hemodynamically stable patients with acute pulmonary embolism: A meta-analysis

Introduction

The role of thrombolysis in hemodynamically stable patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials to assess the effect of thrombolysis in these patients.

Materials and Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for randomized studies comparing thrombolysis and heparin for the initial treatment of hemodynamically stable PE patients. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. NNH to cause a major bleeding (MB) or an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and NNT to avoid one death were also calculated.

Results

Eleven studies (1833 patients) were included seven with rt-PA, three with tenecteplase and one with urokinase. Patients randomized to thrombolysis had a significant increased risk for MB (5.9% vs 1.9%; OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.68-4.76, I² 18.7%) and an increased risk for ICH (1.74% versus 0.6%; OR 2.36, 95% CI 0.98-5.71, I² 0%) and for fatal bleeding (1.3% versus 0.54%; OR 1.84, 95% CI 0.73-4.61, I² 0%). A not-significant reduction for all-cause death (1.74% vs 2.51%; OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.37-1.26, I² 0%) and a significant reduction for recurrent PE (1.1% vs 2.5%; OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.92, I² 0%) in favor of thrombolysis compared with heparin was found. NNH to cause a MB or an ICH were 27 and 91 patients, respectively. NNT to avoid one death was 125 patients.

Conclusions

Due to increased risk for MB and ICH with no evidence of reduction in mortality, thrombolysis should not be used for most normotensive PE patients.     

LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and risk of all-cause mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Background: The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio has been recognized as a strong risk predictor of cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the prognosis of acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. Thus, we prospectively investigated whether a low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could predict all-cause mortality and whether LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is superior to traditional lipid profiles in predicting mortality among Chinese patients with acute ICH.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of 356 patients with acute ICH was conducted, and the mean follow-up time point was 80.4 days. Participants were divided into four categories based on LDL-C/HDL-C ratio quartiles. Three-month outcomes were evaluated by in-person or telephone interviews with patients or their family members. The end point was three-month mortality from all causes.

Results: Forty-seven deaths from all causes were documented. The multivariate analysis found that LDL-C/HDL-C ratio [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, p = 0.008] and LDL-C (HR = 0.27, p = 0.044) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. The Kaplan–Meier curves show that patients in the lowest quartiles had the highest cumulative incidence rates (log-rank p = 0.027). After adjusting for covariates, a low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was associated with a 3.55-fold increase in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 3.55 [95% confidence interval, 1.04–12.14]; P-trend = 0.011) when the highest and lowest quartiles were compared. The C-statistic of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was significantly larger than other traditional lipid profiles (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions: A low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality at three months in patients with ICH. Moreover, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio appeared to be a best lipid predictor of all-cause mortality than traditional lipid profiles.     

Gender differences in blood lipids and the risk of ischemic stroke among the hypertensive adults in rural China

Background: Though large epidemiological studies have not established associations between blood lipids and ischemic stroke, increasing evidences have suggested that lipid-modifying agents may reduce cerebrovascular events. Aims: To determine whether blood lipids are risk factors for ischemic stroke among hypertensive rural adults in China. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2004-2006, which underwent cluster multistage sampling to a hypertensive resident group in the countryside of China. Materials and Methods: A total of 6,412 individuals (2,805 men, 3,607 women) with age >/= 35 years were included. At baseline, lifestyle and other factors were obtained and blood lipids were assessed at a central study laboratory. Ischemic stroke was defined according to the criteria established by the National Survey of Stroke and all cases were further classified into lacunar infarction and other ischemic strokes. Statistical Analysis: Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used. Results: In the univariable logistic regression model, LDL cholesterol (LDLc) in men and total cholesterol (TC), LDLc and TC-to-HDL cholesterol (TC: HDLc ratio) in women were risk factors for other ischemic strokes, with OR 1.42 (95% CI, 1.16-1.75), 1.31 (95% CI, 1.11-1.55), 1.47 (95% CI, 1.16-1.88) and 1.67 (95% CI, 1.28-2.14), respectively. After adjusting for independent variables, an increase in non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDLc) was associated with a significant increased risk of other ischemic strokes in women, with adjusted OR 1.45 (95% CI, 1.08-1.93). Conclusions: LDLc was the common risk factor for ischemic stroke in men and women, whereas Non-HDLc, TC and TC: HDLc ratio levels were related to ischemic stroke as risk factors only in women.     

What is the optimal pharmacological prophylaxis for the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients with acute ischemic stroke?

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with a high in-hospital mortality. The benefit from pharmacological prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain probably due to doubts about the optimal agent and dose. We evaluated the benefit/risk ratio of different anticoagulant regimens in the prevention of VTE in patients with AIS. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to January 2005. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing early administration of either low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) with control were included. Endpoints were objectively diagnosed deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and extracranial hemorrhage (ECH). Low-dose UFH was arbitrarily defined as < or =15,000 IU/day, low-dose LMWH as < or =6000 IU/day or weight-adjusted dose of < or =86 IU/kg/day. RESULTS: Sixteen trials involving 23,043 patients with AIS met the inclusion criteria. The number of events was small and different doses of anticoagulant treatment were used. Compared to control, high-dose UFH was associated with a reduction in pulmonary embolism (OR=0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.29-0.83), but also with an increased risk of ICH (OR=3.86, 95% CI=2.41-6.19) and ECH (OR=4.74, 95% CI=2.88-7.78). Low-dose UFH decreased the thrombosis risk (OR=0.17, 95% CI=0.11-0.26), but had no influence on pulmonary embolism (OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.53-1.31); the risk of ICH or ECH was not statistically significant increased (OR=1.67, 95% CI=0.97-2.87 for ICH; and OR=1.58, 95% CI=0.89-2.81 for ECH, respectively). High-dose LMWH decreased both DVT (OR=0.07, 95% CI=0.02-0.29) and pulmonary embolism (0.44, 95% CI=0.18-1.11), but this benefit was offset by an increased risk for ICH (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.02-3.96) and ECH (OR=1.78, 95% CI=0.99-3.17). Low-dose LMWH reduced the incidence of both DVT (OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.19-0.59) and pulmonary embolism (OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.15-0.87), without an increased risk of ICH (OR=1.39, 95% CI=0.53-3.67) or ECH (OR=1.44, 95% CI=0.13-16). For low-dose LMWH, the numbers needed to treat were 7 and 38 for DVT and pulmonary embolism, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect comparison of low and high doses of UFH and LMWH suggests that low-dose LMWH have the best benefit/risk ratio in patients with acute ischemic stroke by decreasing the risk of both DVT and pulmonary embolism, without a clear increase in ICH or ECH.     

Thrombolysis as a factor associated with favorable outcomes in patients with unclear‐onset stroke

Background and purpose: Clinical and radiological features of patients with unclear‐onset stroke do not differ significantly from those with known‐onset stroke. There is a lack of evidence for the safety and efficacy of thrombolysis in patients with unclear‐onset stroke. We sought to provide supportive data on the safety and efficiency of thrombolysis in patients with unclear‐onset stroke. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with unclear‐onset stroke (<3 h of first found abnormal time) from our stroke registry. We performed following protocols for thrombolysis in patients with unclear‐onset stroke; initial conventional CT‐based intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), repeat MRI during IVT, and then decision to maintain IVT or to perform combined intra‐arterial thrombolysis. In addition, we compared clinical outcomes and safety between thrombolyzed and non‐thrombolyzed patients. Results: A total of 78 patients with unclear‐onset stroke were included. Twenty‐nine patients underwent thrombolysis. Thrombolysis (OR, 6.842; 95% CI, 1.950–24.004; P = 0.003) and baseline NIHSS (OR, 0.769; 95% CI, 0.645–0.917; P = 0.003) were associated with favorable outcomes at 3 months in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The frequency of hemorrhagic transformation and symptomatic ICH was not significantly different between the thrombolyzed and non‐thrombolyzed patients (34.4% vs. 40.7% and 10.3% vs. 8.2%, respectively). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that thrombolysis in unclear‐onset stroke could be independently associated with favorable outcomes at 3 months and that thrombolysis based on repeat imaging appears to be safely applied to patients with unclear‐onset stroke.     

Endovascular thrombectomy with or without intravenous thrombolysis in acute basilar artery occlusion ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis

IntroductionIt is poorly understood if endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) better facilitates clinical outcomes in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) ischemic stroke.MethodsA systematic literature review and meta-analysis was completed to investigate the outcomes of EVT with IVT versus direct EVT alone in acute BAO. Data was collected from the literature and pooled with the authors’ institutional experience. The primary outcome measure was 90-day modified Rankin sale (mRS) of 0-2. Secondary measures were successful post-thrombectomy recanalization defined as mTICI ≥2b, 90-day mortality, and rate of symptomatic ICH.ResultsOur institutional experience combined with three multicenter studies resulted in a total of 1,127 patients included in the meta-analysis. 756 patients underwent EVT alone, while 371 were treated with EVT+IVT. Patients receiving EVT+IVT had a higher odds of achieving a 90-day mRS of ≤ 2 compared to EVT alone (OR: 1.50, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.95, P =0.002, I² =0%). EVT+IVT also had a lower odds of 90-day mortality (OR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.89, P=0.01, I²=24%). There was no difference in sICH between the two groups (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.56 to 1.79, P=0.99, I²=0%). There was also no difference in post-thrombectomy recanalization rates defined as mTICI ≥2b (OR: 1.11, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.75, P = 0.65, I²=37%).ConclusionsOn meta-analysis, EVT with bridging IVT results in superior 90-day functional outcomes and lower 90-day mortality without increase in symptomatic ICH. These findings likely deserve further validation in a randomized controlled setting.     

Delirium in acute stroke: a preliminary study of the role of anticholinergic medications

The pathogenesis of delirium in acute stroke is incompletely understood. The use of medications with anticholinergic (ACH) activity is associated with an increased frequency of delirium. We hypothesized that the intake of medications with ACH activity is associated with delirium in acute stroke patients. Delirium was assessed using the DSM-IV-TR criteria and the Delirium Rating Scale, in a sample of consecutive patients with an acute (< or =4 days) cerebral infarct or intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). We performed a gender and age matched case-control study. Twenty-two delirious stroke patients (cases) and 52 non-delirious patients (controls) were compared concerning the intake of ACH medications (i) before stroke, (ii) during hospitalization but before the assessment. The variables associated with delirium on bivariate analysis were entered in a stepwise logistic regression analysis. The final regression model (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.65) retained non-neuroleptics ACH medication during hospitalization (OR = 24.4; 95% CI = 2.18-250), medical complications (OR = 20.8; 95% CI = 3.46-125), ACH medication taken before stroke (OR = 17.5; 95% CI = 1.00-333.3) and ICH (OR = 16.9; 95% CI = 2.73-100) as independent predictors of delirium. This preliminary result indicates that drugs with subtle ACH activity play a role in the pathogeneses of delirium in acute stroke. Medication with ACH activity should be avoided in acute stroke patients.     

Computed tomography findings for intracerebral hemorrhage have little incremental impact on post-stroke mortality prediction model performance

Background: Stroke outcome studies often combine cases of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke (IS). These studies of mixed stroke typically ignore computed tomography (CT) findings for ICH cases, though the impact of omitting these traditional predictors of ICH mortality is unknown. We investigated the incremental impact of ICH CT findings on mortality prediction model performance. Methods: Cases of ICH and IS (2000-2003) were identified from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project. Base models predicting 30-day mortality included demographics, stroke type, and clinical findings (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) +/- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)). The impact of adding CT data (volume, intraventricular hemorrhage, infratentorial location) was assessed with the area under the curve (AUC), unweighted sum of squared residuals (?), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). The model assessment was performed first for the mixed case of IS and ICH, and then repeated for ICH cases alone to determine whether any lack of improvement in model performance with CT data for mixed stroke type was due to IS cases naturally forming a larger proportion of the total sample than ICH. Results: A total of 1,256 cases were included (86% IS, 14% ICH). Thirty-day mortality was 16% overall (11% for IS; 43% for ICH). When both clinical scales (NIHSS and GCS) were included, none of the model performance measures showed improvement with the addition of CT findings whether considering IS and ICH together (ΔAUC: 0.002, 95% CI -0.01, 0.02; Δ?: -3.0, 95% CI -9.1, 2.6; IDI: 0.017, 95% CI -0.004, 0.05) or considering ICH cases alone (ΔAUC: 0.02, 95% CI -0.02, 0.08; Δ?: -2.0, 95% CI -9.7, 3.4; IDI 0.065, 95% CI -0.03, 0.21). If NIHSS was the only clinical scale included, there was still no improvement in AUC or ? when CT findings were added for the sample with IS/ICH combined (ΔAUC: 0.005, 95% CI -0.01, 0.02; Δ?: -5.0, 95% CI -11.6, 1.0) or for ICH cases alone (ΔAUC: 0.05, 95% CI -0.002, 0.11; Δ?: -4.2, 95% CI -11.5, 2.3). However, IDI was improved when NIHSS was the only clinical scale for IS/ICH combined (IDI: 0.029, 95% CI 0.002, 0.065) and ICH alone (IDI: 0.12, 95% CI 0.005, 0.26). Conclusions: Excluding ICH CT findings had only minimal impact on mortality prediction model performance whether examining ICH and IS together or ICH alone. These findings have important implications for the design of clinical studies involving ICH patients.     

Impact of white matter hypodensities on outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage

ObjectivesWhite matter hypodensities (WMH), a surrogate of small vessel disease, associate with cognitive decline and stroke risk. The impact of WMH on functional outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has differed between studies. We aimed to examine factors associated with the severity of WMH in ICH, and whether there is an independent association between the extent of WMH and outcome.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective study of consented patients with non-traumatic primary ICH, admitted to the Helsinki University Hospital between May 2014 and December 2018. To evaluate the extent of the WMH, modified van Swieten score of the side contralateral to the ICH was obtained. Patients were grouped into 3 categories of the scores. We performed univariate and multivariable analyses to find out factors associated with the severity of WMH, and whether WMH associate with functional outcome and mortality up to 12 months, adjusted for the known major outcome predictors.ResultsIn our cohort of 417 ICH patients, WMH severity associated with older age, female sex, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) points, and signs of previous ischemic stroke on CT. We found an independent association between WMH severity and poor functional outcome at 3 months (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.27-2.33), and 1 year (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.57-2.95), and mortality at 1 year (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.29-2.85).ConclusionsIn our ICH patients, vascular comorbidities and older age associated with the presence of WMH, which, in turn, strongly associated with poor functional outcome.     

Intracerebral haemorrhage in a population-based stroke registry (LuSSt): incidence, aetiology, functional outcome and mortality

Data on incidence of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) vary widely. Population-based data on predictors of ICH survival and functional outcome are rare. The Ludwigshafen Stroke Study is a prospective, population-based stroke registry which started in January 2006. All residents of the city of Ludwigshafen, Germany, who suffer from acute stroke or transient ischaemic attack are registered. Patients with first-ever primary intracerebral haemorrhage (FE-pICH) between 2006 and 2010 were included in the present analysis. Between January 1st, 2006 and December 31st, 2010, 152 patients suffered a FE-pICH. Crude and age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 for FE-pICH were 18.7 (95 % CI 15.9–21.9) and 11.9 (95 % CI 10.2–14.0), respectively, and remained stable over time. Case-fatality rates for FE-pICH were 27.0, 34.9 and 44.1 % at days 28, 90 and 365, respectively. In 21 patients, an (21.3 %) early do-not resuscitate-order was documented. Excluding these patients from multivariate analyses, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR 1.22, 95 % CI 1.08–1.36), hypercholesterolemia (OR 0.16, 95 % CI 0.05–0.55) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) prior to stroke (OR 1.56, 95 % CI 1.06–2.3) were independently associated with risk of 1-year mortality, whereas NIHSS (OR 1.41, 95 % CI 1.20–1.66) and leukocyte count on admission (OR 1.48, 95 % CI 1.16–1.89) were independently associated with good or moderate functional outcome (mRS ≤ 3) after 1 year. Incidence of FE-ICH is in the lower range of those reported from other registries and remained stable over the observation period. Higher treatment rates for hypertension might partly account for this. Stroke severity as indicated by NIHSS was independently associated with mortality and functional outcome after 1 year. We found no association between aetiology and outcome in ICH patients.     

CardioChekPA便携式全血分析仪检测血脂性能及其在社区脑卒中高危人群血脂筛查中的应用

目的评价CardioChekPA便携式全血检测仪（便携式全血检测仪）检测血脂的可靠性,探讨其用于社区脑卒中高危人群血脂筛查的可行性及准确性。方法根据美国国家临床实验室标准化委员会制定的患者样本比对实验及偏差评价指南EP9-A文件标准,分别以ADVIA2400全自动生化分析仪和便携式全血检测仪为参考仪器（目标检测系统）和试验系统,检测受试者血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平,计算两种检测系统相关系数和直线回归方程,并对其预期偏差进行评估;在比对基础上应用便携式全血检测仪检测1263例社区年龄〉40岁的高危人群血脂水平。结果便携式全血检测仪检测血脂与ADVIA2400全自动生化分析仪具有良好的相关性（r〉0．975,P〈O．05）,不同医学决定水平可允许误差均位于预期偏差的95％CI内,提示两种仪器检测总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平相近,数据可接受。社区筛查共检测1263例受试者,异常检出率为总胆周醇347例（27．47％）、甘油三酯348例（27．55％）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇62例（4．91％）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇441例（34．92％）。结论CardioChekPA便携式全血检测仪测定胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇和低密度脂蛋白胆同醇的结果与实验室常规ADVIA2400全自动生化分析仪测定结果相近,结果准确可信,可用于社区流行病学调查。     

Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke in patients not fully adhering to the European licence in Poland

Background and purposeThe European licence for alteplase excludes from thrombolysis large groups of acute stroke patients. The Polish licence was revised in 2010, but until then many patients could receive the treatment only off-label. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intravenous alteplase in Polish patients not fully adhering to the original European drug licence compared to patients treated strictly on-label.Material and methodsWe analysed all patient data contributed to the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke registry from Polish centres between October 2003 and July 2009.ResultsOff-label thrombolysis was administered in 224/946 (23.7%) patients. The most frequent deviations were: use of intravenous antihypertensives (8.2%), age > 80 years (5.4%), time-to-treatment > 3 hours (4.5%), oral anticoagulation (4.2%), previous stroke with concomitant diabetes (2.1%), and previous stroke ≤ 3 months (1.5%). We found no differences in the ratio of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) according to SITS, ECASS and NINDS definitions. Adjusted odds for 3-month mortality were similar (OR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.51-2.41), excluding patients with previous stroke ≤ 3 months (OR 3.48, 95% CI: 0.96-12.7). Adjusted odds for death or dependency were slightly increased (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 0.92-2.13), especially in patients aged > 80 years (OR 2.80, 95% CI: 1.11-7.05), and with previous stroke ≤ 3 months (OR 4.07, 95% CI: 0.97-17.1).ConclusionsPolish stroke patients receiving off-label thrombolysis tended to achieve a less favourable outcome, but they were not at increased risk of sICH or death. Considering the current Polish license for alteplase, it may be reasonable to additionally stratify the risk in patients aged > 80 years or with previous stroke ≤ 3 months.