Factors Associated With In-Hospital Mortality in Very Elderly Patients With Ischemic Stroke: A Cohort Study

IntroductionThe highest mortality rates associated with ischemic stroke occur in patients of advanced age. However, studies of factors that establish the increase in hospital mortality are scanty in this population.Material and MethodsEpidemiologic, clinical and laboratory data, etiology and ischemic stroke subtype and complications during hospitalization were analyzed in 195 patients aged 80 years or older. In attempt to associate prognostic factor with the in-hospital mortality during first 28 days from admission, the death and survivor groups were compared.ResultsAmong the 195 patients evaluated, the age was 85.3 ± 4.6 years with a mortality of 26.1%. Following the multivariate model, the factors associated with in-hospital mortality were: age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.00-1.20), the score less than or equal to 8 on Glasgow coma scale (OR = 22.87, 95% CI = 3.55-148.76), diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.30-8.87), total anterior clinical subtype (OR = 5.15, 95% CI = 1.82-14.52) and infectious complications (OR = 8.38, 95% CI = 3.28-21.43).ConclusionsThe following risk factors were associated with a higher in-hospital mortality rate in patients over 79 years of age with ischemic stroke: older age, Glasgow coma score less than or equal to 8, total anterior circulation infarction, infection, and diabetes mellitus.     

高血糖对急性缺血性卒中早期预后影响的初步研究

目的 探讨高血糖对急性缺血性卒中早期预后的影响。方法 采用前瞻性研究设计,连续纳入发病72h内入院的急性缺血性卒中患者143例。急诊入院时检测入院随机静脉血清血糖,高血糖定义为入院随机静脉血清血糖≥7.2mmol/L。入院时评定美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（NIH Stroke Scale,NIHSS）评分,根据病史及辅助检查确定缺血性卒中类型（TOAST分型）。发病30d时进行改良Rankin’s评分（mRS）,作为评估早期预后的指标。结果 （1）本研究入选的143例急性缺血性卒中患者中,85例（59.4%）出现高血糖,单因素分析显示,年龄、糖尿病史、NIHSS评分是急性缺血性卒中合并高血糖的危险因素（P＜0.05）,logistic回归分析显示,糖尿病史、NIHSS评分是急性缺血性卒中合并高血糖的独立危险因素（P＜0.05）。（2）单因素分析显示,年龄、感染、高血糖、NIHSS评分和TOAST分型对mRS评分的影响有统计学差异（P＜0.05）,logistic回归分析显示,高血糖、NIHSS评分是预后不良的独立危险因素（P＜0.05）。结论 高血糖在急性缺血性卒中患者中的发生率较高,其出现与卒中的严重程度密切相关,可以作为反映急性缺血性卒中发病时病情较重的指标之一,高血糖是急性缺血性卒中早期预后不良的独立危险因素。     

Effect of metformin on outcome after acute ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus is a well-known risk factor for ischemic stroke and is associated with unfavorable outcome after stroke. Metformin is recommended as first-line treatment in these patients. Pre-stroke metformin use might have neuroprotective properties resulting in reduced stroke severity. However, results of the effects of pre-stroke metformin use on functional outcome are conflicting and has not been previously described in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus regardless of stroke severity or revascularization treatment. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between metformin use and functional outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute ischemic stroke.MethodsWe used data from patients with known type 2 diabetes mellitus who were admitted with acute ischemic stroke between 2017 and 2021 in the Isala Hospital Zwolle and Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST) Enschede, the Netherlands. The association between pre-stroke metformin use and favorable functional outcome at 3 months (defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) < 3) was expressed as Odds Ratios (ORs) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs). Adjustments were made for age, sex, hyperglycemia on admission and revascularization treatment by means of multiple logistic regression.ResultsNine hundred thirty seven patients were included of whom 592 patients (63%) used metformin. Six hundred seventy eight (74%) patients were hyperglycemic on admission. Median mRS was 3 (IQR 2–6) and 593 patients (63%) had a favorable outcome. Pre-stroke metformin use was associated with favorable outcome (aOR of 1.94 (95%- CI 1.45–2.59)).ConclusionIn this study, we showed that pre-stroke metformin use was associated with favorable outcome after acute ischemic stroke in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.     

Relationship of Malnutrition During Hospitalization With Functional Recovery and Postdischarge Destination in Elderly Stroke Patients

AimMalnutrition during hospitalization affects the functional recovery and postdischarge destinations of elderly stroke patients. However, insufficient studies exist about nutritional status during hospitalization in the acute stroke phase in this population. This study determined factors of nutritional status changes during hospitalization in elderly patients in the acute phase of stroke, and investigated the relationship between nutritional status changes and improved activities of daily living and postdischarge destination.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included 205 acute-phase stroke patients admitted to Shinshu University Hospital from 2010-2016. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine relationships between nutritional status changes, patient characteristics, and improved activities of daily living. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the postdischarge destination and nutritional status changes.ResultsPrevalence of malnutrition was 42% at admission and 76% at discharge. Factors affecting nutritional status changes at admission included Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (β = ?0.35, P < .001) and Barthel Index/feeding (β = 0.22, P = .002), and factors during hospitalization included age (β = ?0.21, P < .001), ischemic stroke (β = 0.16, P = .008), and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score (β = ?0.29, P < .001). Significant associations of changes in geriatric nutritional risk index occurred with improved activities of daily living during hospitalization (β = 0.26, P < .001) and discharge to home (odds ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.19, P = .008).ConclusionMany elderly patients in the acute phase of stroke with malnutrition exhibited worsening conditions during hospitalization, which was negatively associated with their activities of daily living abilities and postdischarge destinations. Nutritional status changes and associated factors must be evaluated during hospitalization in this patient population.     

脑出血急性期患者住院期间压力性损伤发生的危险因素分析

目的 分析脑出血急性期患者住院期间压力性损伤的危险因素。 方法 本研究数据来自中国国家卒中登记（China National Stroke Registry,CNSR）研究中发病14 d内 就诊的脑出血急性期患者。收集患者的基线数据。根据患者在住院期间是否出现过压力性损伤分为 两组,采用多因素回归模型分析与压力性损伤相关的危险因素。 结果 研究共纳入3255例脑出血急性期患者,其中31例（0.95％）住院期间患有压力性损伤。多因素 分析显示,入院时mRS（3～5分）（OR 4.41,95%CI 1.60～12.17）和入院时血红蛋白（每降低10个单位） （OR 1.36,95%CI 1.17～1.66）是脑出血急性期患者压力性损伤的独立危险因素。 结论 入院时mRS（3～5分）和入院时血红蛋白（每降低10个单位）是脑出血急性期患者住院期间 压力性损伤的危险因素。     

Risk of Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Based on Continuous Glucose Monitoring

BackgroundIn patients with acute ischemic stroke, current guidelines recommend maintaining blood glucose levels in a range of 140-180 mg/dL and closely monitoring to prevent hypoglycemia (<60 mg/dL). We aimed to assess glucose variability by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and to demonstrate the risk of acute ischemic stroke patients with glucose levels outside of the glucose management recommendations.MethodsPatients with ischemic stroke admitted within 7 days after onset were prospectively enrolled, and their blood glucose levels were monitored every 15 minutes for 72-hour period using the FreeStyle Libre Pro. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze potential predictors for hyperglycemic (>180 mg/dL) and hypoglycemic (<60 mg/dL) events.ResultsA total of 39 acute ischemic stroke patients (mean age 75.9 ± 11.5 years) were enrolled, and CGM was started from 58.6 ± 41.9 hours after stroke onset. CGM showed hypoglycemic events in 19 patients and hyperglycemic events in 21 patients, and the frequencies of hypo- and hyperglycemic events during CGM were 10.1 ± 15.7% and 11.9 ± 22.5%, respectively. Hypoglycemic events were mainly observed in the night-time in patients with normoglycemia at admission. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated significant associations between the blood glucose level at admission and hypo- and hyperglycemic events on CGM.ConclusionsThis study of CGM found that many stroke patients have blood glucose levels outside the recommended guideline range in the acute phase. Blood glucose level on admission may be used as a predictor for hypo- and hyperglycemic events after admission.     

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Bedside Screening Tool for Dysphagia (BSTD) in Acute Stroke Patients

Background and purposean estimated 40-80% of acute ischemic stroke patients have dysphagia and about 14% develop stroke-associated pneumonia. However, it may be difficult to detect swallowing problems at admission. Moreover, there might not be an on-duty specialist skilled in the diagnosis of this condition. This study aimed at developing a user-friendly bedside examination to identify the risk of dysphagia in stroke patients at hospital admission.Methodsa diagnostic accuracy study was carried out to assess the concurrent validity of a simple Bedside Screening Tool for Dysphagia (BSTD) in acute stroke. All the consecutive stroke patients admitted between January and April 2018 were enrolled. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV) and the Cohen K concordance index scores, reported by nurses and speech-pathologists, were assessed.Resultsa total of 67/120 patients (55.8%) were male; overall average age was 67.4 (range 45-91) and 80.8% of the whole population had a history of ischemic stroke. The nursing staff identified 33.3% of dysphagia cases at admission and the speech pathologists 30%. The Cohen K was 0.92 (optimal concordance when K was > 0.8), sensitivity was 100%, specificity 95.2%, PPV 90% and NPV 100%.Conclusionsour BSTD had a 100% negative predictive value, indicating that this screening test is very useful in ruling out/confirming dysphagia in acute stroke patients     

Association between out-of-bed mobilization and complications of immobility in acute phase of severe stroke: A retrospective observational study

BackgroundMedical complications often occur, particularly in the acute phase of severe stroke, and lead to poor outcomes. However, it is unclear whether out-of-bed mobilization (OM) reduces such complications or not in the acute phase of severe stroke. Thus, we investigated the association between OM and complications of immobility in the acute phase of severe stroke.MethodsWe enrolled 407 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage and patients with modified Rankin Scale 5 at discharge in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: OM (303 patients) and bed rest (BR; 104 patients) at discharge based on their medical records. Complications of immobility (such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, pressure sore, and falls) during hospitalization in each group were recorded.ResultsThe total complication rate of immobility, incidence of pneumonia, and the incidence of pressure sores were significantly lower in the OM group than in the BR group [60.7% vs. 88.5%, 45.5% vs. 62.5%, and 3.6% vs. 12.5%; odds ratio, 0.20, 0.50, and 0.26; and 95% confidence intervals, 0.11–0.39, 0.32–0.79, and 0.11–0.61, respectively]. Urinary tract infection and falls did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsIn the acute phase of severe stroke, OM was significantly associated with a lower risk of total complication rate of immobility, incidence of pneumonia, and incidence of pressure sore without increasing falls.     

Predictive factors for the development of epilepsy after ischemic stroke

ObjectivesIschemic stroke is one of the most common causes of epilepsy in adults. The incidence of post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) is approximately 7%. Risk factors are higher stroke severity, cortical localization, higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) upon admission and acute symptomatic seizures. We analyzed the predictive factors of PSE development in our population.Materials and methodsRetrospective observational cohort of adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with ischemic stroke assessed between January 2012 and June 2020. Patients with personal history of epilepsy and potentially epileptogenic structural injury other than acute or chronic stroke were excluded. Demographic, clinical and imaging variables were evaluated in a multivariate analysis for independent risk factors associated with PSE.ResultsMedical records of 1586 stroke patients were reviewed, 691 met the inclusion criteria and had at least one year of follow-up. Of them, 428 (61.9%) were males. During follow-up, 6.2% had diagnosis of PSE (42/691) with a higher frequency of: previous ischemic stroke, higher NIHSS upon admission, treatment with rt-PA, higher Fazekas scale grade, cortical involvement, hemorrhagic transformation, acute symptomatic seizures, longer hospitalization and higher modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge compared to the group without PSE. In a multivariate analysis, acute symptomatic seizures (OR=3.22, p: 0.033), cortical involvement (OR=0.274, p < 0.05), Fazekas scale score (OR=0.519, p < 0.05) and mRS at discharge (OR=1.33, p: 0.043) were independent risk factors.ConclusionsThe variables related to higher risk of PSE were similar to those reported in the literature, highlighting the importance of neuroimaging findings, acute symptomatic seizures during hospitalization and neurological deficit at discharge. The data obtained will serve as the basis for construction of predictive models, allowing to individualize PSE probability in our population.     

Ischemic stroke subtypes: risk factors, functional outcome and recurrence

The etiology of ischemic stroke affects its prognosis, outcome and management. Our aims were to determine risk factors, clinical and imaging variables and prognostic differences in acute ischemic stroke subtypes. In this study, we prospectively investigated 264 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke between 1996 and 2000. All of the patients were categorized to one of four major ischemic stroke subtype based on TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria. The mean age was greater in patients with stroke of undetermined etiology (SUE). Prevalence of hypertension was higher in patients with lacunar infarct (LAC) than other subtypes. Smoking was less frequent in patients with cardioembolism (CARD). The mean infarct size was largest in patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) while there were no differences in location or conversion of the infarct into hemorrhage. The proportion of the patients with milder neurological deficits at entry was higher in patients with LAC subtype. The rate of independent patients were different between subtypes: 62% in LAC, 43% in CARD, 38% in SUE, 35% in LAA at discharge (p=0.01), and 91% in LAC, 69% in CARD, 59% in SUE, 60% in LAA at 6 months (p<0.001). Recurrence rates were not different between groups. We conclude that risk factors, clinical imaging variables are different among ischemic stroke subtypes and that neurological status on admission and during follow-up strongly favors LAC. Received: 20 June 2001 / Accepted in revised form: 30 October 2001     

High blood pressure in acute ischemic stroke and underlying disorders

BACKGROUND: The Acute Candesartan Cilexetil Therapy in Stroke Survivors (ACCESS) study indicated that early treatment with an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker in acute stroke patients who had relatively high blood pressure improved cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the chronic stage. To better interpret the findings of this study, we determined whether stroke patients with high acute blood pressure had specific underlying conditions. METHODS: We divided 712 consecutive patients who were hospitalized within 48 h after the onset of brain infarction into two groups: 77 patients with high acute blood pressure that met the criteria of the ACCESS study and the 635 remaining patients. Underlying risk factors and comorbidities, stroke characteristics, as well as mortality, vascular events, and disability at 3 weeks were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients with high acute blood pressure more frequently had diabetes mellitus (p < 0.01), intracranial arterial stenosis (p < 0.02), higher levels of hemoglobin A1c (p < 0.005), higher creatinine levels (p < 0.005), and tended to more frequently have ischemic heart disease (p < 0.09) and infarcts <1.5 cm in diameter (p < 0.09) than the other patients. On multivariate analysis, high levels of hemoglobin A1c, high creatinine levels, and intracranial arterial stenosis were independently predictive of high acute blood pressure. At 3 weeks after the stroke onset, patients with high acute blood pressure were more dependent in their daily living activities (p < 0.02) and more frequently developed vascular events or death (p < 0.005) than the other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and advanced renal damage appeared to correlate with acute hypertension after stroke. Since intracranial arterial stenosis also seemed to contribute to high acute blood pressure, one should be careful not to induce cerebral hypoperfusion by the early use of antihypertensives.     

Stroke Mimics: An Important Source of Bias in Acute Ischemic Stroke Research

Study Objective: Stroke mimics may be difficult distinguish from acute ischemic strokes and are often treated with alteplase though not by intent. We report the characteristics, frequency, and outcomes of stroke mimics treated at our institution. Using our data, we then explore how the inclusion of stroke mimics in stroke outcomes research may be an important source of bias. Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients treated with alteplase in our emergency department from August 2013 to December 2017 for suspected acute ischemic stroke. We collected the following variables: gender, age, risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation), admission glucose, admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, admission mean arterial pressure, onset-to-treatment time, adverse events, discharge diagnosis, length of stay, discharge NIHSS, discharge destination, and 3 month modified Rankin score. Results: One hundred and eighteen patients were treated with alteplase for suspected acute ischemic stroke of which 33 (27.9%) were stroke mimics. Compared to ischemic strokes, stroke mimics were younger (median age 53 versus 69; P < .0003); were less likely to have vascular risk factors (hypertension [51.5% versus 78.8%; P < .005] diabetes (9.1% versus 32.9%; P < .007), and atrial fibrillation (3.0% versus 23.5%; P < .006). The most common stroke mimic was transient ischemic attack (33.3%). Stroke mimics were significantly more likely to be discharged home (75.8% versus 41.2%; P < .002). Outcomes unadjusted for stroke mimics led to artificial inflation of a favorable discharge destination. Conclusions: Inclusion of stroke mimics led to an artificial inflation of a favorable discharge destination for our entire cohort. Our study highlights the potential for bias in reporting favorable outcomes if appropriate adjustment accounting for stroke mimics does not occur.     

Using Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics to Characterize the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Patients with COVID-19

BackgroundCOVID-19 has been associated with an increased incidence of ischemic stroke. The use echocardiography to characterize the risk of ischemic stroke in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has not been explored.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 368 patients hospitalized between 3/1/2020 and 5/31/2020 who had laboratory-confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 and underwent transthoracic echocardiography during hospitalization. Patients were categorized according to the presence of ischemic stroke on cerebrovascular imaging following echocardiography. Ischemic stroke was identified in 49 patients (13.3%). We characterized the risk of ischemic stroke using a novel composite risk score of clinical and echocardiographic variables: age <55, systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg, anticoagulation prior to admission, left atrial dilation and left ventricular thrombus.ResultsPatients with ischemic stroke had no difference in biomarkers of inflammation and hypercoagulability compared to those without ischemic stroke. Patients with ischemic stroke had significantly more left atrial dilation and left ventricular thrombus (48.3% vs 27.9%, p = 0.04; 4.2% vs 0.7%, p = 0.03). The unadjusted odds ratio of the composite novel COVID-19 Ischemic Stroke Risk Score for the likelihood of ischemic stroke was 4.1 (95% confidence interval 1.4-16.1). The AUC for the risk score was 0.70.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 Ischemic Stroke Risk Score utilizes clinical and echocardiographic parameters to robustly estimate the risk of ischemic stroke in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and supports the use of echocardiography to characterize the risk of ischemic stroke in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.     

Importance of microRNAs by mRNA-microRNA integration analysis in acute ischemic stroke patients

ObjectsThe roles of mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) are well known in many diseases, including ischemic stroke; thus, integration analysis using mRNA and miRNA is important to elucidate pathogenesis. However, their contribution, especially that of miRNA-targeted mRNA, to the severity of acute ischemic stroke remains unclear. Therefore, we examined mRNA and miRNA integration analysis targeted for acute ischemic stroke to clarify the pathway related to acute stroke severity.Material and methodsWe performed Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) using RNA extracted from the whole blood of four healthy controls, six minor acute ischemic stroke patients (MS; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] < 8), and six severe acute ischemic stroke patients (SS; NIHSS ≥ 8) on admission. mRNA and miRNA were measured using RNA sequencing and RNA expression variation; canonical pathway analysis (CPA) and upstream regulator analyses were performed.ResultsAcute ischemic stroke patients demonstrated different RNA expressions to healthy controls. Compared to MS patients, in the SS patients, 1222 mRNA, 96 miRNA, and 935 miRNA-targeted mRNA expressions were identified among differentially expressed RNA expressions (p<0.05, |log2 fold change| >1.1). CPA by IPA using mRNAs or miRNA-targeted mRNAs showed that macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP)-recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) signaling was mostly activated in SS patients compared to in MS patients. In addition, upstream regulator analysis in IPA showed that most mRNAs located upstream are miRNAs.ConclusionsIn severe acute stroke, integration of mRNA and microRNA analysis showed activated MSP-RON signaling in macrophages, and multiple miRNAs comprehensively controlled the overall pathophysiology of stroke.     

Geriatric nutrition risk index predicts prolonged post-stroke dysphagia in acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundPost-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a common complication after stroke. Malnutrition inhibits stroke recovery and is associated with stroke mortality. However, no studies have investigated the effects of nutritional state at admission on prolonged PSD.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed ischemic stroke patients in our institute from January 2018 to December 2020. Swallowing function was assessed using the Food Oral Intake Scale; prolonged PSD was defined as levels 1–3 at 14 days after admission. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) was used to assess nutritional risks, which were classified as follows: >98, no nutritional risk; 92–98, mild nutritional risk; 82–92, moderate nutritional risk; and <82, severe nutritional risk. The association between GNRI and prolonged PSD was assessed.ResultsOf 580 patients (median age, 81 years; male, 53%), prolonged PSD was detected in 117 patients. Patients with severe dysphagia had older age, higher pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale score, lower GNRI, and higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower GNRI was independently associated with prolonged PSD (continuous value; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.05). In addition, when "severe" and "moderate" nutritional risk was analyzed as a single class, moderate or severe nutritional risk (GNRI < 92) was independently associated with prolonged PSD (adjusted OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.29–4.87), compared with no nutritional risk patients (GNRI > 98).ConclusionsIn acute ischemic stroke, lower GNRI at admission was independently associated with prolonged PSD, suggesting that GNRI at admission might identify patients at risk of prolonged PSD.     

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Cerebral Microbleeds in Egyptian Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundFew studies addressed the prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (CMB) and associated risk factor profile in Egyptian ischemic cerebral stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsThe prevalence of CMB was estimated in 150 cases of AF ischemic stroke patients and compared to the prevalence in 150 age- and sex-matched controls of ischemic stroke patients without AF. CMB-associated risk factors were identified by comparing AF ischemic stroke patients with and without CMB. All participants were subjected to complete general, neurological examination, and magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsThe prevalence of CMBs in ischemic stroke with and without AF was 40.7% and 49.3%, respectively. Age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, past history of stroke, antiplatelet, anticoagulant, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, CHA₂DS₂VASc, and white matter lesions (WML) were significant risk factors associated with CMB on univariate analysis. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.13), hypertension (OR 3.2, CI 1.19-8.81), anticoagulant (OR 3.3, CI 1.17-9.40), and WML (OR 9.6, CI 3.49-26.3) were the only independent risk factors associated with the presence of CMBs.ConclusionsAF in ischemic stroke patients was not associated with higher prevalence of CMBs. Old age, hypertension, anticoagulant treatment, and WML were the independent risk factors associated with CMB in AF ischemic stroke patients. Our results suggest that elderly hypertensive AF ischemic stroke patients maintained on anticoagulant therapy should be screened for the incidence of CMBs and monitored regularly for the development of intracerebral hemorrhage.     

Swallowing progression during the acute phase of cortical and subcortical ischemic stroke and its association with the extension of brain damage and cognitive impairment

Objective: To assess swallowing progression and its association with the extension of brain damage and cognitive impairment during the acute phase of ischemic stroke.

Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study with 50 patients, who were admitted to a Stroke Unit with cerebral ischemia, with a maximum stroke time of 24 h. The following clinical tools were used: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Frontal Battery Assessment, and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score for neuroimaging. The Gugging Swallowing Screen and the Functional Oral Intake Scale were used to assess swallowing. The patients were assessed at three different time-points: at hospital admission, after 72 h of hospitalization, and at hospital discharge.

Results: The mean age of patients was 65.5 years. The frequency of dysphagic patients was 50.0%, 18.0%, and 12.0% at admission, after 72 h of hospitalization, and at discharge, respectively. Scores on the Frontal Battery Assessment and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score were associated with dysphagia progression.

Conclusion: Dysphagia is a common complication in the acute phase of stroke, and is associated with the extension of brain damage and cognitive impairment.     

Microalbuminuria in patients with acute ischemic stroke

ABSTRACT

Objective: Microalbuminuria could be detected in patients with acute stroke. However, the association between microalbuminuria and the severity of ischemic stroke has not been systematically investigated. This study aimed to systematically explore the prevalence of microalbuminuria in ischemic stroke patients, and the association of microalbuminuria with the severity of ischemic stroke, as well as the prognostic value of microalbuminuria in cerebral infarction patients.

Methods: 160 ischemic stroke patients and 54 controls were enrolled and clinical characteristics were recorded. Severity of stroke was assessed by NIHSS score at admission, and outcome was measured using mRS score. The concentration of urinary microalbumin was collected for each participant. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between microalbuminuria and the severity of ischemic stroke, and logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the prognostic value of microalbuminuria in ischemic stroke patients.

Results: The incidence of microalbuminuria in ischemic stroke patients was 36.88%. The concentration of urinary microalbumin increased with the increasing of cerebral infarction size, and was independently correlated with NIHSS score at admission and mRS score at 3 months after onset. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, microalbuminuria was one of the independent risk factors for poor prognosis of cerebral infarction patients.

Conclusions: MAU?was?found?in?approximately?one-third of patients with acute ischemic stroke. It was correlated with the severity of cerebral infarction at admission and clinical outcomes at 3 months after onset and could be used as a potential indicator of poor prognosis in ischemic stroke patients.     

Combination oral antiplatelet therapy may increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large artery disease

Introduction

The association between the frequency or severity of bleeding complications and combination antiplatelet therapy for acute stroke treatment is not understood in detail. This retrospective study investigated whether combination oral antiplatelet therapy for cases with acute ischemic stroke due to large artery disease increased the incidence of hemorrhagic complications.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 1335 consecutive patients who were admitted to our department within 7 days of the onset of an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack between April 2005 and November 2009. We enrolled 167 patients with > 50% stenosis or occlusion in culprit major vessels and who were administered oral antiplatelet agents within 48 hours of admission. Hemorrhagic complications were classified according to the bleeding severity index. We studied the association between the incidence and severity of hemorrhagic complications during hospitalization and the clinical characteristics, including antiplatelet therapy.

Results

Fifty-nine and 108 patients were treated with only 1 antiplatelet agent and combination antiplatelet agents, respectively. Fourteen patients developed bleeds (3 major and 11 minor), and all of the major bleeds occurred in those given combination agents. The proportion of patients receiving combination agents was significantly higher in those with significant bleeds. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that being older and receiving combination agents were independent predictors for significant bleeds during hospitalization.

Conclusions

Despite the retrospective nature of this study, our findings suggest that the incidence of hemorrhagic complications increases in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with combination antiplatelet agents.     

Microalbuminuria

Introduction

Stroke is potentially preventable through risk factor reduction. Over the past decade, the role of microalbuminuria (MA) as a risk factor for chronic diseases has become apparent. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of MA in acute stroke patients.

Materials and methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to our stroke unit were included in this study. Clinical history and vascular risk factors were recorded. Severity of stroke and outcome were assessed by NIHSS and modified Rankin scale (mRS) upon admission and discharge. Urinary albumin excretion was measured in 24-h urine samples. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate predictors of poor outcome.

Results

MA was found in 43% of 138 patients and was associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose at baseline, and HbA1c; higher rates of diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation; higher systolic blood pressure; greater age; and higher premorbid mRS, NIHSS upon admission/discharge, and mRS upon discharge. In a multivariate analysis, MA (OR 5.07, 95%CI 2.18–11.77; p??=?0.004), premorbid mRS (OR 2.030, 95%CI 1.369–3.011; p??=?0.0001), and NIHSS upon admission (OR 1.116, 95%CI 1.044–1.193; p??=?0.001) were independent predictors of poor outcome upon discharge.

Conclusion

MA was frequently found in acute ischemic stroke patients. It was associated with severe neurological deficit upon admission and severe functional impairment upon discharge. MA in the acute phase was shown to be an independent predictor of poor outcome. The association between MA and CRP levels points to potential linkage of MA to the inflammatory response in acute stroke.