Evaluation of stroke prognostication using age and NIH Stroke Scale index (SPAN-100 index) in delayed intravenous thrombolysis patients (beyond 4.5 hours)

Objectivesthe efficacy of delayed intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), beyond the 4.5 h window, is evolving. Advanced age and high admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score are proposed to adversely affect the outcome of delayed thrombolysis and limit the inclusion criteria. The summation of patient age and admission NIHSS score was introduced as the SPAN-100 index as a tool of prediction of the clinical outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to assess the SPAN-100 index in AIS thrombolysed patients after 4.5 h.Materials and MethodsThe SPAN-100 index was applied to AIS patients receiving delayed IV thrombolysis (IVT) after 4.5 h. Patients demographics, risk factors, clinical, laboratory and radiological data, mismatch evidence, treatment onset and modality, NIHSS score at baseline and at discharge, and 3 months follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were reviewed. SPAN-100 score ≥ 100 is classified as SPAN-100 positive while score < 100 is SPAN-100 negative. Clinical outcomes, death and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) incidences were compared between SPAN-100 positive and negative groups.ResultsSPAN-100-positive delayed IVT-patients (11/136) had a 6-fold increased risk for unfavorable outcome compared to SPAN-negative patients (OR 6.34; 95% CI 1.59–25.24 p=0.004), however there was no relation between the SPAN-100 positivity and mortality or ICH.ConclusionSPAN-100-positive patients are more likely to achieve non-favorable outcome with delayed IVT in comparison to the SPAN-100-negative patients. SPAN-100 index may influence the eligibility criteria of delayed thrombolysis.     

代谢综合征对急性脑梗死早期预后的影响

目的 探讨急性脑梗死早期预后的影响因素，分析代谢综合征（metabolic syndrome，MS）是否为急性脑梗死早期预后的独立影响因素。方法 采用前瞻性研究设计，纳入连续性急性脑梗死163例，发病1个月时进行改良Rankin量表（mRS）评分作为结局变量，0=mRS 0～2，1=mRS 3～5；急诊入院时进行美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分、格拉斯哥昏迷量表（GCS）评分；依据病史及辅助检查确定TOAST分型。以性别、年龄、吸烟、饮酒、NIHSS评分、GCS评分、TOAST分型、合并症[感染、心肌梗死（MI）、心衰（HF）]、是否合并MS为自变量作单因素分析。多因素分析采用两分类logistic回归，自变量为多分类时采用变量哑化技术。结果 单因素分析结果发现，性别（P <0.05）、吸烟史（P＜0.05）、NIHSS评分（P <0.01）、GCS评分（P <0.01）、TOAST分型（P <0.01）、感染（P <0.01）、HF（P <0.05）、MS（P <0.01）对早期预后（mRS评分）的影响有统计学差异。多因素分析结果发现，MS（OR 3.869，95%CI 1.542～9.711，P <0.01）、NIHSS评分（OR 19.699，95%CI 2.107～184.134，P <0.01）、TOAST分型（OR 0.188，95%CI 0.067～0.525，P <0.01）、感染（OR 2.950，95%CI 1.202～7.238，P＜0.05）对mRS有统计学差异。结论 MS、NIHSS评分、TOAST分型、感染是预后差的独立危险因素。这对急性脑梗死的预后评价、对MS高危人群实施干预提供了可靠的依据。     

The Prognostic Value of the THRIVE Score,the iScore Score and the ASTRAL Score in Chinese Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has a higher morbidity and mortality rate. Many prediction tools have been developed to predict the risk of poor outcomes in patients after AIS, such as the THRIVE score, the iScore score, and the ASTRAL score. However, the predictive value of above 3 prediction tools in Chinese patients with AIS need to be further verified. So, this study aimed to determine the ability of the THRIVE score, the iScore score, and the ASTRAL score in predicting clinical poor outcomes in Chinese patients with AIS at 1 year.

Prediction of Outcome in Embolic Strokes of Undetermined Source

Background and AimPredicting outcome after stroke is a major goal and research field. The Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) is a recently introduced clinical construct, and the prediction of outcome in this population has to be further explored. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic validity and accuracy of the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne (ASTRAL) score in patients with ESUS.MethodsConsecutive patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke who met the ESUS diagnostic criteria were identified and the ASTRAL scores estimated. The study endpoint was the 3-month unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale>2). Predictive performance was investigated through logistic regression analysis and discrimination and calibration tests.ResultsAmong 202 patients with ESUS, 67 (33.2%) had unfavourable 3-month outcome. The ASTRAL score was an independent predictor of poor outcome [_adjOR = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30-1.60, P < .001], showed good discriminatory power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve .913, 95% CI .871-.956) and was well calibrated (Hosmer-Lemeshow test P = .496).ConclusionsThe ASTRAL score was an independent predictor of 3-month functional outcome and showed high predictive accuracy in patients with ESUS.     

Sleep-disordered breathing among acute ischemic stroke patients in Brazil

ObjectivesSleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is very common in acute stroke patients and has been related to poor outcome. However, there is a lack of data about the association between SDB and stroke in developing countries. The study aims to characterize the frequency and severity of SDB in Brazilian patients during the acute phase of ischemic stroke; to identify clinical and laboratorial data related to SDB in those patients; and to assess the relationship between sleep apnea and functional outcome after six months of stroke.MethodsClinical data and laboratorial tests were collected at hospital admission. The polysomnography was performed on the first night after stroke symptoms onset. Functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsWe prospectively evaluated 69 patients with their first-ever acute ischemic stroke. The mean apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was 37.7 ± 30.2. Fifty-three patients (76.8%) exhibited an AHI ≥ 10 with predominantly obstructive respiratory events (90.6%), and thirty-three (47.8%) had severe sleep apnea. Age (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03–1.15; p = 0.004) and hematocrit (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03–1.34; p = 0.01) were independent predictors of sleep apnea. Age (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03–1.24; p = 0.01), body mass index (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.54–2.18; p = 0.01), and hematocrit (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.01–1.40; p = 0.04) were independent predictors of severe sleep apnea. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.1–1.5; p = 0.001) and severe sleep apnea (OR: 9.7; 95% CI: 1.3–73.8; p = 0.03) were independently associated to mRS >2 at six months, after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionPatients with acute ischemic stroke in Brazil have a high frequency of SDB. Severe sleep apnea is associated with a poor long-term functional outcome following stroke in that population.     

The effect of intravenous ginkgolide on clinical improvement of patients with acute ischemic stroke

ABSTRACT

Aims: To compare the efficacy of ginkgolide in the treatment of Chinese patients with ischemic stroke between pre-marketing and post-marketing studies.

Methods: This is a re-analysis of a pre-marketing (phase II/III, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-controlled; February 2005 to September 2005) and post-marketing (phase IV, multicenter, open, single-arm registration; April 2013 to June 2014) studies. The intervention groups received intravenous ginkgolide (10 mL daily, 14 days). Primary outcome was an improvement of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores after 14 days.

Results: In pre- and post-marketing studies, NIHSS and mRS scores all improved, compared to that of baseline (P < 0.001) in acute phase. Those factors significantly associated with △NIHSS after 14 days of therapy with ginkgolide were grouping (pre-marketing vs. post-marketing; OR 2.169, 95%CI = 1.462–3.216, P < 0.001), male (OR = 1.532, 95%CI = 1.152–2.037, P = 0.003), enrollment within 30 days after onset (OR = 1.915, 95%CI = 1.452–2.526, P < 0.001) and NIHSS score more than 8 points at baseline (OR = 15.140, 95%CI = 11.436–20.045, P < 0.001) after adjustment. Ginkgolide had a greater effect on patients in a relatively acute phase (time of onset to enrollment ≤30 days) and moderate-severe stroke (baseline NIHSS>8 points). Incidences of adverse reactions in the pre-marketing and post-marketing studies were 0.46% and 5.28%, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Intravenous ginkgolide may improve the outcome of acute ischemic stroke. Differences in effect between pre-marketing and post-marketing studies may be associated with gender, time of onset to enrollment and severity of stroke.     

Effect of inpatient rehabilitation facility care on ninety day modified Rankin score in ischemic stroke patients

ObjectiveTo determine Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) treatment effect on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.Materials and methodsThis prospective cross-sectional study included 738 AIS patients admitted 1/1/2018-12/31/2020 to a Comprehensive Stroke Center with a Stroke Rehabilitation program. We compared outcomes for patients who went directly home versus went to IRF at hospital discharge: (1) acute care length of stay (LOS), (2) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, (3) mRS score at hospital discharge and 90 days, (4) the proportion of mRS scores ≤ 2 from hospital discharge to 90 days.ResultsAmong 738 patients, 499 went home, and 239 went to IRF. IRF patients were more likely to have increased acute LOS (10.7 vs 3.9 days; t-test, P<0.0001), increased mean NIHSS score (7.8 vs 4.8; t-test, P<0.0001) and higher median mRS score (3 vs 1, t-test, P<0.0001) compared to patients who went home. At 90 days, ischemic stroke patients who received IRF care were more likely to progress to a mRS ≤ 2 (18.7% increase) compared to patients discharged home from acute care (16.3% decrease). Home patients experienced a one-point decrease in mRS at 90 days compared to those who received IRF treatment (median mRS of 3 vs. 2, t-test, P<0.05).ConclusionsIn ischemic stroke patients, IRF treatment increased the likelihood of achieving mRS ≤ 2 at 90 days indicating the ability to live independently, and decreased the likelihood of mRS decrease, compared with patients discharged directly home after acute stroke care.     

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.     

Factors affecting the outcome of delayed intravenous thrombolysis (> 4.5 hours)

IntroductionEvidence of the intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) efficacy beyond the 4.5 hours window is emerging. We aim to study the factors affecting the outcome of delayed thrombolysis in patients of clear onset acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsData of patients with AIS who received intravenous thrombolytic after 4.5 hours were reviewed including: demographics, risk factors, clinical, laboratory, investigational and radiological data, evidence of mismatch, treatment type and onset, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at baseline, 24 hours, 7 days after thrombolysis and before discharge, and 3 months follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsWe report 136 patients treated by intravenous tPA between 4.53 and 19.75 hours with average duration of 5.7 h. The ASPECT score of our patients was ≥ 7. Sixty-four cases showed intracranial arterial occlusion. Perfusion mismatch was detected in 117 (84.6%) patients, while clinical imaging mismatch was detected in 19 (15.4%). Early neurological improvement after 24 hours occurred in 114 (83.8%) patients. At 90 days, 91 patients (67%) achieved good outcome (mRS 0–2), while 45 (33%) had bad outcome (mRS 3–6). Age, endovascular treatment, NIHSS, AF, and HT were significantly higher in the bad outcome group. Age (P = 0.001, OR: 1.099, 95% CI: 1.042–1.160) and baseline NIHSS were predictive of the poor outcome (P = 0.002, OR: 1.151, 95% CI: 1.055–1.256). The best cutoff value of age was 72.5 with AUC of 0.76, sensitivity 73.3% and specificity 60.4%. While for NIHSS at admission, the cutoff value of 7 showed the best results with AUC of 0.73, sensitivity 71.1% and specificity 63.7%. Combination of age and admission NIHSS raised the sensitivity and specificity to 84.4% and 63.7%, respectively.ConclusionIncreased age and admission NIHSS may adversely affect the outcome of delayed thrombolysis and narrow the eligibility criteria. Age and baseline NIHSS based stratification of the patients may provide further evidence as regards the efficacy of the delayed thrombolysis.     

The sNIHSS-4 predicts outcome in right and left anterior circulation strokes

Background and purpose

Stroke severity measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a strong predictor of functional outcome.A short version, the sNIHSS-5, scoring only strength in right and left leg, gaze, visual fields and language, was developed for use in the prehospital setting. Because scoring both legs in anterior circulation strokes is not contributive, we assessed the value of a 4-item score (the sNIHSS-4), omitting the item ‘strength in the unaffected leg’, in predicting stroke outcome.

Methods

The study population consisted of anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients who participated in the LUB-INT-9 trial. We included all patients in whom the following data were available: NIHSS within 6 h after stroke onset and daily between days 2 and 5, and the 12-week modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Poor outcome was defined as a mRS score > 3.

Results

There was an excellent correlation between the NIHSS and sNIHSS-4 at all time points for both left and right-sided strokes. Scores at day 2 were a good predictor of poor outcome. Cutoff scores for NIHSS and sNIHSS-4 at day 2 were 15 and 5 in left hemispheric strokes, and 12 and 4 in right hemispheric strokes.

Conclusion

The sNIHSS-4 is as good as the NIHSS at predicting stroke outcome in both right and left anterior circulation strokes.     

ASPECTS-Region-Dependent Functional Outcomes after Endovascular Therapy in Patients with Cardioembolic Stroke

ObjectivesCardioembolic stroke has a poor prognosis. We evaluated the region-dependent efficacy of endovascular therapy (EVT) based on diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS).MethodsThis post-hoc analysis of the RELAXED study, which investigated the optimal timing of rivaroxaban to prevent nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), included NVAF patients admitted with AIS or transient ischemic attack in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), with internal carotid artery (ICA), M1, or M2-MCA occlusion. Relationships between DWI-ASPECTS region and functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]), mortality, recurrence, and hemorrhagic stroke were compared between patients with and without EVT, and adjusted odds ratios for age, pre-stroke mRS, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), ICA occlusion, infarct size, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) use, and onset-to-hospitalization time were estimated.ResultsEVT patients had significantly lower hemoglobin levels, higher median NIHSS scores, more lentiform nucleus infarcts, ICA or M1-MCA occlusions, treatment with rt-PA, and fewer M3, M5, or M6 infarcts and M2-MCA occlusions than no-EVT patients. EVT patients had shorter onset-to-hospitalization times and more frequent favorable functional outcomes (p=0.007). Mortality, recurrent ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic infarction were similar in both groups. EVT was associated with significantly better functional outcomes among patients with insular ribbon (p=0.043) and M3 (p=0.0008) infarcts. M3 patients had significantly fewer rt-PA and EVT, and longer onset-to-hospitalization times.ConclusionsAn occlusion in the insular ribbon or M3 region was associated with favorable functional outcomes in patients treated with EVT after cardioembolic stroke.     

Anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence,predictors, and outcome

ObjectiveAnterior circulation Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) stroke comes with significant morbidity and mortality. With the advent of endovascular interventions, its management has revolutionized. For health authorities to build systems and allocate resources, its burden, predictors, and outcome must be determined.MethodsIn a single tertiary care center, we retrospectively collected data from 1495 ischemic stroke patients to determine anterior circulation LVO prevalence, predictors, and outcome. Patients must have radiologically proven ischemic stroke within 24 hours before arrival at the emergency department. Anterior circulation LVO related stroke was defined as evidence of new anterior circulation infarct detected on neuroimaging, and vascular imaging confirming anterior circulation Large Vessel Occlusion. Data on demographics, vascular risk factors, treatment with reperfusion therapy, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at admission, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, length of stay (LOS) in days, and in-hospital comorbidities and death were collected. Regression analysis was done to determine the predictors and outcomes of anterior circulation LVO ischemic strokes.ResultsWe found anterior circulation LVO in 27.8% (95 % CI 25.5–30.0) of all ischemic stroke patients. Atrial fibrillation and admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were the strongest predictors of LVO [OR 2.33, P = 0.0011 and OR 1.17, P < 0.0001] respectively. Occurrence of LVO was associated with worse disability score (mRS ≥ 3) [47.22 vs. 19.81% (P = 0.0073)], longer hospitalization in days [Median 9.0 vs. 3.0, IQR (14.0 vs. 5.0) P = 0.0432)], and was more likely to results in patient admission to intensive care unit [Mean 17.59 vs. 3.70 % (P = 0.0002)].ConclusionStroke with large vessel occlusion in Saudi Arabia is not uncommon. Its burden and outcome deserve national attention, as effective treatment is now readily available.     

Combination of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and homocysteine predicts the short-term outcomes of Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Background: Ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Early and accurate prediction of outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is important and influences risk-optimized therapeutic strategies. We investigated the changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and homocysteine (HCY) levels, two of the risk factors, during the acute period of AIS and evaluated the relationship between these levels and short-term prognosis.

Methods: We prospectively studied 189 patients with AIS who were admitted within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Serum Hs-CRP, HCY levels, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were measured at the time of admission. Short-term functional outcome was measured by the modified Rankin scale (mRS), 90 days after admission.

Results: The median serum Hs-CRP and HCY levels were significantly higher in AIS patients as compared to normal controls (P < 0·0001, respectively). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and HCY were independent prognostic markers of functional outcome and death (adjusted for age and the NIHSS) in patients with AIS. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the prognostic accuracy of the combined model (HCY and Hs-CRP) was higher compared to all measured biomarkers individually and the NIHSS score.

Conclusion: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and HCY are independent predictors of short-term outcome and mortality after AIS. The combined model may provide additional general prognostic information.     

Outcomes following thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion beyond 24 hours or with unknown time of onset

BackgroundEndovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is recommended in medically eligible patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO) within 24 hours of symptom onset. While there is evidence that EVT ≥24h after last known well (LKW) is associated with favorable outcomes in patients who meet DAWN/DEFUSE-3 criteria, it is unknown if more liberal criteria can be applied.MethodsA single center, prospective observational cohort of consecutive adult stroke patients was queried for symptomatic occlusions of the internal carotid (ICA) or proximal middle cerebral (M1) arteries (October 2019-January 2022), with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥6, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2, and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scale score 3-10. These inclusion criteria were extrapolated from recently published data indicating a benefit with EVT with more liberal patient selection. Patients who underwent EVT ≥24h after LKW were compared against those treated medically. The primary outcome was a good functional outcome (90-day mRS 0-2), which was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf the 27 included patients, the median age was 65y (IQR 49-76) with a median NIHSS of 15 (IQR 8-26), and 17 (63.0%) underwent EVT (median LKW-to-puncture 35.5h (IQR 26.9-65.8h). The primary outcome was no different with EVT in unadjusted regression (OR 1.17, 95%CI 0.17-8.09), and there remained no association across all multivariable models tested. Age, pre-stroke disability, and M1 occlusions were non-significantly associated with the primary outcome (p>0.05). There was a non-significant trend indicating a favorable shift in 90-day mRS with EVT (proportional OR 2.04, 95%CI 0.44-9.48).ConclusionsUsing more liberal inclusion criteria for EVT in the ultra-extended window, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of good functional outcome with EVT. Larger studies are called upon to evaluate outcomes when more liberal criteria are used to assess thrombectomy eligibility.     

Preceding Antithrombotic Treatment is Associated With Acute Ischemic Stroke Severity and Functional Outcome at 90 Days Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundAntithrombotic therapies are known to prevent ischemic stroke (IS) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but are often underused in clinical practice. The aim of present study was to investigate the prevalence of patients with acute IS with known history of AF who were not receiving antithrombotic treatment before stroke and to evaluate the association of preceding antithrombotic treatment with stroke severity and outcomes at 90 days after admission.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective, multi-center, observational study of 748 patients with acute IS and known history of AF admitted to 6 participating hospitals between March 2016 and October 2017. The primary outcome was stroke severity at admission as assessed using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. The secondary outcome was functional outcome at 90 days after admission as measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score.ResultsA total of 748 patients, 54 (7.2%) were receiving therapeutic warfarin (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥ 2) and 100 (13.4%) had subtherapeutic warfarin anticoagulation (INR < 2), 340 (45.5%) were receiving antiplatelet treatment, and 254 (34.0%) were not receiving any antithrombotic treatment prior to stroke. Compared with no antithrombotic treatment, therapeutic warfarin (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52-0.82; P = .022), and antiplatelet therapy only (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.76-0.96; P = .041) were associated with lower odds ratio of moderate or severe stroke (NIHSS ≥ 16). Patients receiving preceding therapeutic warfarin (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.22-3.57; P = .025), antiplatelet therapy only (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-2.59; P = .043), and subtherapeutic warfarin with INR 1.5 to 1.99 (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10-2.66; P = .042) had higher odds ratio of better functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at 90 days.ConclusionsAmong patients with AF who had experienced an acute IS, inadequate therapeutic warfarin preceding the stroke was very prevalent in China. Therapeutic warfarin was associated with less severe stroke and better functional outcome at 90 days.     

A Predictive Model for Functional Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy

IntroductionEndovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a well-established treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Variability in outcomes among thrombectomy patients results in a need for patient centered approaches to recovery. Identifying key factors that are associated with outcomes can help prognosticate and direct resources for continued improvement post-treatment. Thus, we developed a comprehensive predictive model of short-term outcomes post-thrombectomy.MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review of adult patients who underwent EVT at our institution over the last four years. Primary outcome was dichotomized 90-day mRS (mRS 0–2 v mRS 3–6). Bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by logistic regression modelling via a backward-elimination approach to identify the best fit predictive model.Results326 thrombectomies were performed; 230 cases were included in the model. In the final predictive model, adjusting for age, gender, race, diabetes, and presenting NIHSS, pre-admission mRS = 0–2 (OR 18.1; 95% 3.44–95.48; p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of a good outcome at 90-days. Other independent predictors of good outcomes included being a non-smoker (OR 5.4; 95% CI 1.53–19.00; p = 0.01) and having a post-thrombectomy NIHSS<10 (OR 9.7; 95% CI 3.90–24.27; p < 0.001). A decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) was predictive of a poor outcome at 90-days (OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01–0.72; p = 0.03). This model had a Sensitivity of 79%, a Specificity of 89% and an AUC=0.89.ConclusionOur model identified low pre-admission mRS score, low post-thrombectomy NIHSS, non-smoker status and not requiring a DHC as predictors of good functional outcomes at 90-days. Future works include developing a prognostic scoring system.     

血清炎性细胞因子水平与高龄颅内大血管急性闭塞型脑梗死患者支架联合抽吸取栓术后mRS,NIHSS评分的关系及联合检测的意义

目的 探讨血清炎性细胞因子水平与高龄颅内大血管急性闭塞型脑梗死患者支架联合抽吸取栓术后改良的Rankin量表(Modified rankin scale,mRS)、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National institute of health stroke scale,NIHSS)评分的关系及联合检测的意义。方法 选取2019年1月-2022年2月80例高龄颅内大血管急性闭塞型脑梗死患者,根据术后3个月mRS评分分为病情转归良好组(52例,mRS评分0～3分)、不良组(28例,mRS评分4～6分),比较2组基线资料、术前和术后3个月mRS,NIHSS评分、围手术期血清炎性细胞因子[白介素-6(Interleukin-6,IL-6)、白介素-17(IL-17)、白介素-23(IL-23)]水平,应用Pearson分析围手术期血清炎性细胞因子水平与mRS,NIHSS评分的关系,应用受试者工作特征(Receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线分析围手术期血清炎性细胞因子水平预测患者病情转归的价值。结果 病情转归不良组术后3个月mRS评分、NIHSS评分高于病情转归良好组(P<0.05); 病情转归不良组术后第7、14 d血清IL-6,IL-17,IL-23水平高于病情转归良好组(P<0.05); 术后第7、14 d血清IL-6,IL-17,IL-23水平与mRS,NIHSS评分呈正相关(r均≥0.659,P<0.05); 术后第14 d血清IL-6,IL-17,IL-23水平的ROC曲线下面积(Area under the curve,AUC)(0.828、0.808、0.841)高于术后第7 d(0.814、0.712、0.766),术后第7、14 d血清IL-6,IL-17联合IL-23水平的AUC分别为0.909、0.947。结论 血清IL-6,IL-17,IL-23水平与高龄颅内大血管急性闭塞型脑梗死患者支架联合抽吸取栓术后神经功能缺损程度、病情转归有关,联合检测能为临床预测病情转归提供参考,从而对临床治疗决策作出指导,提高对患者的救治水平。     

Derivation of a Prediction Rule for Unfavorable Outcome after Ischemic Stroke in the Chinese Population

Background

Efficient assessment of patients after ischemic stroke has important reference value for doctors to choose appropriate treatment for patients. Our study aimed to develop a new prognostic model for predicting outcomes 3 months after ischemic stroke among Chinese Population.

Prior use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors does not affect outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract

Background and objectives: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) exert protective effects in patients with stroke but their effects remain unknown in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods: We recruited consecutive patients with acute ICH and analysed pre-admission demographic variables and drug therapy as well as clinical and radiological parameters. Functional and neurological outcomes were determined with the modified Rankin score (mRS) and the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score administered 90 days after ICH.

Results: Three hundred and ninety-nine patients were included over 6 years with a mortality rate of 47.3%. Before ICH, 130 patients (32.6%) used ACEI. ACEI-treated patients more often had vascular co-morbidities and were more frequently treated with anti-platelets. Admission NIHSS scores were significantly higher in ACEI-treated patients but 90 days NIHSS scores were not. Improvement from baseline NIHSS scores was significantly larger in ACEI-treated patients. Pre-ICH use of ACEI was not associated with lower mortality or better functional outcome on univariate analysis. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, controlling for possible confounding variables, ACEI use was not associated with increased chances for good outcome and failed to show an influence on mortality.

Discussion: In conclusion, our study does not support a possible neuroprotective effect for ACEI use prior to the occurrence of ICH.