Is improvement in impaired cognition and depressive symptoms in post‐stroke patients associated with recovery in activities of daily living?

Background and purpose – Depression and cognitive impairment after stroke are associated with physical functional outcomes, but there are limited data on whether depressive symptoms and cognitive status and improvements independently influence functional status and recovery. Methods – In a 6‐month prospective cohort study of 141 post‐acute stroke patients, demographic and clinical data on admission, and neurological, cognitive, depressive symptoms and functional variables on admission and at 6 months after stroke were measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Barthel Index (BI). Results – On multivariate analysis, severe activities of daily living (ADL) dependence at 6 months was significantly less likely associated with higher baseline AMT score denoting better cognitive status (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.97 per score point) and with greater AMT change score denoting greater cognitive improvement (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.41–0.91 per change score point); it was also more likely with higher baseline NIHSS scores denoting severe neurological impairment, (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.13–2.63 per point score), NIHSS change score [denoting lesser neurological improvement (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.13–2.93 per unit change score)], but was not associated with baseline or change scores of GDS. Greater magnitudes of functional recovery [BI change score (standardized beta)] were associated with better baseline depressive symptoms (?0.21) and improvement (?0.31), but not with cognitive status or improvement, in the presence of other significant variables, neurological status (?0.89) and improvement (?0.65), lower baseline physical functional status (?0.85) and younger age (?0.23). Conclusions – These data suggest that improving depressive symptoms in stroke patients may accelerate functional recovery, but the level of physical functioning achieved post‐stroke is determined by neurological and cognitive factors, consistent with the evidence that improvement of depressive symptoms through therapeutic intervention is limited by cognitive impairment.     

An observational study on electrolyte disorders in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and their prognostic value

Data on electrolyte disorders in neurological conditions and in acute stroke are somewhat scanty and not easily compared. In our Stroke Unit we studied patients hospitalized within six hours of the onset of an acute ischemic stroke and recorded their demographic and clinical data. Blood test results were recorded before any pharmacological therapy. A total of 475 individuals (256 M, 219 F; range: 14-96 years) treated over a period of 18 consecutive months, were selected. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (odds ratio [OR]=1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-1.44) and natremia alterations (OR=6.89; 95% CI=1.94-24.40) were associated with higher odds of death. Based on the ordinal logistic regression analysis, the baseline NIHSS score (OR=1.07; 95% CI=1.03-1.10) and baseline hypernatremia (OR=9.69; 95% CI=1.55-60.69) were related to early neurological worsening. Our work suggests an association between serum sodium alterations and mortality, and between high sodium levels and neurological clinical impairment, in the acute phase of an ischemic stroke.     

Prediction of functional outcome of ischemic stroke patients in northwest China

OBJECTIVES: To identify the clinical factors which predicted the outcome of ischemic stroke patients in northwest China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 489 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke admitted to the Neurology Department of Xijing Hospital. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Follow-up assessments were performed by telephone interviews or letters. The clinical outcome was assessed by using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and categorized as good (score 0-2) or poor (score 3-6) outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore predictors of ischemic stroke. RESULTS: The follow-up period was up to 47 months (mean, 28.3 months). Fifty-five patients (11.2%) were lost. Among these 434 patients, 244 (56.2%) patients had good outcome and 190 (43.8%) had poor outcome. The poor outcome was associated with old age (OR: 3.505; CI 95%: 2.100-5.849), lower educational level (OR: 0.686; CI 95%: 0.570-0.825), having stroke history (OR: 2.481; CI 95%: 1.442-4.268), and higher NIHSS total score (OR: 2.619; CI 95%: 1.584-4.330). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that age, the educational level, stroke history, and NIHSS score are useful in the prediction of functional outcome of ischemic stroke in Chinese northwest area.     

Association of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 with neurological deterioration of ischemic stroke: The Chongqing Stroke Study

BACKGROUND: Adhesion molecules play important roles in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin were associated with neurological deterioration of ischemic stroke. METHODS: 238 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke examined within 24 h from onset were enrolled into the study. The stroke severity was daily assessed with the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within the first week after admission. Serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin after admission were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association of serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin on admission with the neurological deterioration of ischemic stroke, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: 52 (21.8%) out of 238 stroke patients suffered from neurological deterioration. Serum levels of sICAM-1 on admission of stroke patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Compared with patients without deterioration, patients with neurological deterioration had higher levels of sICAM-1, but not of sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin. On multivariate logistic regression, the serum level of sICAM-1 on admission was associated with neurological deterioration of stroke (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.41-6.05). Other variables associated with neurological deterioration were fasting serum glucose (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.24-2.20), baseline fibrinogen (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13-1.52) and NIHSS score (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.15-1.32). CONCLUSIONS: The serum level of sICAM-1 on admission is associated with neurological deterioration of ischemic stroke.     

Catecholamines, infection, and death in acute ischemic stroke

Experimental studies have recently suggested that acute ischemia may facilitate the appearance of fatal infections as part of a brain-induced immunodepression syndrome. However, the mechanisms and neurological consequences of infections complicating acute ischemic stroke have received much less attention at the bedside. The incidence of infection and death after non-septic stroke was compared in this prospective study with longitudinal changes of cytokines, leukocytes, normetanephrine (NMN) and metanephrine (MN) in 75 consecutive patients. In multivariate analysis, infection, n = 13 (17%), was associated with the upper quartile of MN (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.30-9.51), neurological impairment (NIHSS) on admission (OR 3.99, 95% CI 1.34-11.8), monocyte count (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.13-2.79), and increased interleukin (IL)-10 (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00-2.38). Mortality at 3 months, n = 16 (21%), was associated with increased levels of NMN on admission (OR 2.34 95% CI 1.15-4.76), NIHSS score (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.29-5.11), and higher IL-6 levels (OR 1.29, 95% 1.00-1.67). These findings suggest that acute ischemic stroke is associated with an early activation of the sympathetic adrenomedullar pathway that lowers the threshold of infection and increases the risk of death. Moreover, these findings are independent of the blood borne effects of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and circulating leukocytes.     

Depression and chronic medical illnesses in Asian older adults: the role of subjective health and functional status

OBJECTIVE: Depression in elderly is reportedly associated with a number of specific chronic illnesses. Whether each of these co-morbid associations results uniquely from disease-specific psychobiological responses or is mediated by non-specific factors like subjective health and functional status is unclear. METHOD: Analysis of data of 2,611 community-dwelling Chinese aged 55 and older, including depressive symptoms defined by Geriatric Depression Scale score >or= 5 and self-reports of specific chronic illnesses. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 13.3%, lower in those without chronic illness (7.5%), and higher in those with illnesses (13.2-24.2%). Crude Odds Ratios (OR) were significantly elevated for hypertension, eye disorders, diabetes, arthritis, ischemic heart disease, asthma/COPD, stroke, osteoporosis, heart failure, thyroid problem, and gastric problem. In multivariable analyses, only asthma/COPD [OR:2.85, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.36, 5.98], gastric problem (OR:2.64, 95% CI: 1.11, 6.29), arthritis (OR:1.87, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.42) and heart failure (OR:2.11, 95% CI: 0.98, 4.58) remained independently associated with depressive symptoms, after adjusting for comorbidities, subjective health and functional status, cognitive functioning, smoking, alcohol, psychosocial and demographic variables. CONCLUSION: Most comorbid associations of depressive symptoms with specific chronic illnesses are explained by accompanying poor self-reported health and functional status, but some illnesses probably have a direct psychobiological basis.     

Factors of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17 items) at 2 weeks correlated with poor outcome at 1 year in patients with ischemic stroke

There was fewer paper about the relation between the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17 Items, HDRS-17) factors and stroke outcomes. Our aim was to investigate the influence of total score and factors of HDRS-17 on outcome of ischemic stroke at 1 year. A total of 1,953 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled into a multicentered and prospective cohort study. The HDRS-17 was used to assess symptoms at 2 weeks after ischemic stroke. The Modified Ranking Scale (mRS) scores of 3–6 points and 0–2 points were regarded as poor outcome and benign outcome, respectively. At 1 year, 1,753 (89.8 %) patients had mRS score data. After adjusting for the confounders, patients with a total HDRS-17 score of ≥8 had a worse outcome at 1 year (OR = 1.62, 95 % CI 1.18–2.23). Symptoms of suicide (OR = 1.89, 95 % CI 1.27–2.83), decreased or loss of interest of work (OR = 1.89, 95 % CI 1.38–2.58), retardation (OR = 1.74, 95 % CI 1.27–2.38), psychic anxiety (OR = 1.72, 95 % CI 1.26–2.34), and agitation (OR = 1.61, 95 % CI 1.08–2.40) increased the risks for poor outcome by >60 %, respectively. Depressed mood, somatic anxiety, somatic symptoms-gastrointestinal, and early insomnia also increased the risk for poor outcome by nearly 50 %, respectively. A total HDRS-17 score of ≥8, and suicide, decreased or loss of interest of work, anxiety, agitation, retardation, depressed mood, somatic anxiety, somatic symptoms-gastrointestinal, and early insomnia of the HDRS-17 factors at 2 weeks after ischemic stroke increase the risk for poor outcome at 1 year.     

Lipid profiles and outcome in patients treated by intravenous thrombolysis for cerebral ischemia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride concentrations are associated with worse outcome in a large cohort of ischemic stroke patients treated with IV thrombolysis. METHODS: Observational multicenter post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data in stroke thrombolysis registries. Because of collinearity between total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C, we used 2 different models with TC (model 1) and with LDL-C (model 2). RESULTS: Of the 2,485 consecutive patients, 1,847 (74%) had detailed lipid profiles available. Independent predictors of 3-month mortality were lower serum HDL-C (adjusted odds ratio [(adj)OR] 0.531, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.321-0.877 in model 1; (adj)OR 0.570, 95% CI 0.348-0.933 in model 2), lower serum triglyceride levels ((adj)OR 0.549, 95% CI 0.341-0.883 in model 1; (adj)OR 0.560, 95% CI 0.353-0.888 in model 2), symptomatic ICH, and increasing NIH Stroke Scale score, age, C-reactive protein, and serum creatinine. TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides were not independently associated with symptomatic ICH. Increased HDL-C was associated with an excellent outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-1) in model 1 ((adj)OR 1.390, 95% CI 1.040-1.860). CONCLUSION: Lower HDL-C and triglycerides were independently associated with mortality. These findings were not due to an association of lipid concentrations with symptomatic ICH and may reflect differences in baseline comorbidities, nutritional state, or a protective effect of triglycerides and HDL-C on mortality following acute ischemic stroke.     

Prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis and adherence to guideline recommendations among inpatients with acute stroke: results from a multicenter observational longitudinal study in China

INTRODUCTION: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication in acute stroke. Evidence-based guidelines recommend the use of prophylactic heparins in patients with risk of DVT. We aimed to evaluate the clinical practices for DVT prophylaxis in acute stroke inpatients enrolled in a multicenter observational longitudinal study on deep venous thrombosis (Incidence of Deep Venous Thrombosis after Acute Stroke in China, INVENT-China). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients' characteristics and DVT prophylaxis was extracted from the database of INVENT-China. Appropriate adherence to the guidelines was analysed. RESULTS: Six hundred and fifty-six patients with acute stroke were eligible for analysis in this study. Pharmacologic prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) was applied to 18 patients with ischemic stroke (3.4%) and one patient with cerebral hemorrhage. Independent factors associated with use of prophylactic anticoagulant treatment were stroke subtype (OR=0.07, 95% CI=0.01-0.78, p=0.03), baseline NIHSS score (OR=0.25, 95% CI=0.07-0.95, p=0.04), baseline motor leg function (NIHSS score) (score=1, OR=0.16, 95% CI=0.03-0.79, p=0.025; score=2, OR=0.20, 95% CI=0.05-0.84, p=0.028; score=3, OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.06-0.91, p=0.037; score=4, reference), diabetes mellitus (OR=3.86, 95% CI=1.39-10.72, p=0.009), malignancy (OR=9.55, 95% CI=1.98-46.2, p=0.005), varicose veins (OR=12.48, 95% CI=1.64-94.9, p=0.015) and central venous catheterization (OR=6.96, 95% CI=1.36-35.79, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Thromboprophylaxis is inadequate in acute stroke inpatients in China. Guidelines for prevention DVT in acute stroke should be established and efforts should be made to improve venous thromboembolism prophylaxis practice.     

Growth-differentiation factor-15 and functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke

Blood biomarkers may improve the performance in predicting early stroke outcome beyond well-established clinical factors. We investigated the value of growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) to predict functional outcome after 90 days in a prospectively collected patient cohort with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke. Two hundred eighty-one patients with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke were prospectively investigated. Serial blood samples for GDF-15 analysis were obtained after the admission of the patient, after 6 and 24 h. Primary outcome was the dichotomized modified ranking scale (MRS) 90 days after the initial clinical event. Within the final study population (264 patients, mean age 70.3 ± 12.7 years, 55.3% male), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIH-SS) [odds ratio (OR) 1.269, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.141-1.412, p < 0.001] and initial GDF-15 levels (OR 1.029, 95% CI 1.007-1.053, p = 0.011) were independently associated with a MRS ≥ 2 after day 90 after multiple regression analysis. Growth-differentiation factor-15 levels increase with higher NIH-SS-tertiles (p = 0.005). Receiver-operator characteristic curves demonstrated a discriminatory accuracy to predict unfavourable stroke outcome of 0.629 (95% CI 0.558-0.699), 0.753 (95% CI 0.693-812) and 0.774 (95% CI 0.717-0.832) for GDF-15, NIH-SS and the combination of these variables. The additional use of GDF-15 to NIH-SS ameliorates the model with a net reclassification index of 0.044 (p = 0.541) and integrated discrimination improvement of 0.034 (p = 0.443). Growth-differentiation factor-15 as an acute stroke biomarker independently predicts unfavourable functional 90 day stroke outcome. Discriminatory value in addition to NIH-SS is only modestly distinct.     

Increased emotional distress in type-D cardiac patients without a partner

OBJECTIVE: The distressed (type D) personality is an emerging risk factor in coronary artery disease that has been associated with adverse prognosis, impaired health status, and emotional distress. Little is known about factors that may influence the impact of type-D personality on health outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the combined effect of type-D and not having a partner on symptoms of anxiety and depression. METHODS: Patients (n=554) hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction or implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation completed the 14-item type-D Scale (DS14) during hospitalization and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory at 2 months follow-up. RESULTS: Stratifying by personality and partner status showed that type-D patients without a partner had a higher risk of both anxiety [odds ratio (OR)=8.27; 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.50-27.32] and depressive symptoms (OR=6.74; 95% CI=2.19-20.76) followed by type-D patients with a partner (OR=3.73; 95% CI=2.16-6.45 and OR=3.81; 95% CI=2.08-6.99, respectively) and non-type-D patients without a partner (OR=2.04; 95% CI=1.05-3.96 and OR=3.03; 95% CI=1.46-6.31, respectively) compared to non-type-D patients with a partner, adjusting for demographic and clinical baseline characteristics, indicating a dose-response relationship. CONCLUSION: Lack of a partner further exacerbated the risk of symptoms of anxiety and depression in the already distressed type-D patients. In clinical practice, it is important to identify type-D patients without a partner and carefully monitor them, as they may be less likely to alter health-related behaviors due to their increased levels of distress.     

Acute stroke unit care and early neurological deterioration in ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact that monitored acute stroke unit care may have on the risk of early neurological deterioration (END), and 90-day mortality and mortality-disability. METHODS: Non-randomized prospective study with consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) admitted to a conventional care stroke unit (CCSU), from May 2003 to April 2005, or to a monitored acute stroke unit (ASU) from May 2005 to April 2006. END was defined as an increase in the NIHSS score >or= 4 points in the first 72 hours after admission. RESULTS: END was detected in 19.6% of patients (11.2% of patients admitted to the ASU and 23.8% to the CCSU; p<0.0001). Patients admitted to the ASU received more treatment with intravenous rtPa (13.5% versus 4.2%; p<0.0001), had a shorter length of stay (9.1 [11.0] d versus 13.1 [10.4] d; p<0.0001), lower 90-day mortality (10.2% versus 17.3%; p=0.02), and lower mortality-disability at 90-days (28.4% versus 40.2%; p=0.004) than those admitted to the CCSU. Multivariable analysis showed that ASU admission was a protector for END (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.23-0.62). On admission, higher NIHSS (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03-1.10), higher glycaemia (OR: 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001-1.006), and higher systolic pressure (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.002-1.017) were independent predictors of END. CONCLUSIONS: END prevention by ASU care might be a key factor contributing to better outcome and decrease of length of stay in patients admitted to monitored stroke units.     

The Impacts of Peptic Ulcer on Functional Outcomes of Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: Studies have shown that peptic ulcer increased the risk of ischemic stroke and stroke recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of peptic ulcer on functional outcomes of ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were grouped as with and without history of peptic ulcer. Functional outcomes were evaluated with modified Rankin scale at 90 days after the index stroke. Favorable functional outcomes were defined as with a modified Rankin scale score of 0-2. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors for favorable functional outcomes at 90 days. Results: Among the 2577 enrolled patients with ischemic stroke, 129 (5.0%) had a history of peptic ulcer. The proportion of favorable outcome was higher in patients without peptic ulcer than those with (59.3% versus 42.6%, P < .001). Multivariate logistic analysis detected that history of peptic ulcer (odds ratio [OR] = 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-8.10, P?=?.043), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score (OR?=?2.11, 95% CI, 1.79-2.48, P < .001), and large-artery atherosclerosis stroke subtype (OR?=?4.08, 95% CI, 1.11-15.03, P?=?.035) decreased the likelihood of favorable outcomes. Conclusions: Ischemic stroke patients with peptic ulcer may have an increased risk of less favorable neurological outcome at 90 days after the index stroke.     

Characteristics of in-hospital onset ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of in-hospital onset stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 15,815 patients with acute brain infarction registered in the Japan Multicenter Stroke Investigators' Collaboration (J-MUSIC) registry. RESULTS: The in-hospital onset group included 694 (4.4%) patients and the out-of-hospital group included 15,121 (95.6%) patients. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was more common in the in-hospital onset group (34.6%) than in the out-of-hospital group (20.4%, p < 0.001). The admission NIHSS score (median, in-hospital 13 vs. out-of-hospital 5, p < 0.0001) and the mortality rate at discharge were higher in the in-hospital group than in the out-of-hospital group (in-hospital 19.2% vs. out-of-hospital 6.8%, p < 0.0001). On multivariate logistic regression analyses, female gender (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1-1.3), older age (OR 1.0, 95% CI 1.02-1.03), AF (OR 4.4, 95% CI 4.0-4.8), history of stroke (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.4) and in-hospital stroke onset (OR 3.3, 95 %CI 2.7-3.9) were independent factors associated with severe stroke (NIHSS score > or =11), and older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04), the presence of AF (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.0-1.5), in-hospital stroke onset (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02) and NIHSS score at initial evaluation (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.14-1.17) were independent factors associated with death at discharge. Conclusion: In-hospital stroke onset was not uncommon. The neurological deficits in patients with in-hospital onset stroke were severer and the outcome was worse than in those with out-of-hospital stroke. Therefore, a strategy to reduce in-hospital stroke onset should be implemented.     

What determines good recovery in patients with the most severe strokes? The Copenhagen Stroke Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Even patients with the most severe strokes sometimes experience a remarkably good recovery. We evaluated possible predictors of a good outcome to search for new therapeutic strategies. METHODS: We included the 223 patients (19%) with the most severe strokes (Scandinavian Stroke Scale score <15 points) from the 1197 unselected patients in the Copenhagen Stroke Study. Of these, 139 (62%) died in the hospital and were excluded. The 26 survivors (31%) with a good functional outcome (Barthel Index >/=50 points) were compared with the 58 survivors (69%) with a poor functional outcome (Barthel Index <50 points). The predictive value of the following factors was examined in a multivariate logistic regression model: age; sex; a spouse; work; home care before stroke; initial stroke severity; blood pressure, blood glucose, and body temperature on admission; stroke subtype; neurological impairment 1 week after onset; diabetes; hypertension; atrial fibrillation; ischemic heart disease; previous stroke; and other disabling disease. RESULTS: Decreasing age (odds ratio [OR], 0.50 per 10-year decrease; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.99; P=0.04), a spouse (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 8. 8; P=0.03), decreasing body temperature on admission (OR, 1.8 per 1 degrees C decrease; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1; P=0.01), and neurological recovery after 1 week (OR, 3.2 per 10-point increase in Scandinavian Stroke Scale score; 95% CI, 1.1 to 7.8; P=0.01) were all independent predictors of good functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with the most severe strokes who achieve a good functional outcome are generally characterized by younger age, the presence of a spouse at home, and early neurological recovery. Body temperature was a strong predictor of good functional outcome and the only potentially modifiable factor. We suggest that a randomized controlled trial be undertaken to evaluate whether active reduction of body temperature can improve the generally poor prognosis of patients with the most severe strokes.     

Low-molecular-weight heparins and heparinoids in acute ischemic stroke : a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Low-molecular-weight heparins and heparinoids (LMWHs) are superior to unfractionated heparin in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism and acute coronary syndromes. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the safety and efficacy of LMWH in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Randomized, controlled, and nonconfounded trials of LMWH in acute ischemic stroke were identified from the Cochrane Library (version 2, 1999), previous systematic reviews, and a review of publication quality relating to acute stroke trials. The authors each independently extracted data by treatment group and assessed trial quality using Cochrane Collaboration criteria. RESULTS: Eleven completed RCTs involving 3048 patients were identified; data were available from 10 of these. Four trials explicitly excluded patients with presumed cardioembolic stroke. Treatment with LMWH was associated with significant reductions in prospectively identified deep vein thrombosis (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.96) and symptomatic pulmonary embolism (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.69) and with increased major extracranial hemorrhage (OR 2.17, 95% 1.10 to 4.28). Nonsignificant increases in end-of-treatment (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.69) and end-of-trial (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.32) case fatality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 1.77, 95% CI 0. 95 to 3.31) were observed. End-of-trial death and disability was nonsignificantly reduced (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.06). CONCLUSIONS: ++LMWHs reduce venous thromboembolic events in patients with acute ischemic stroke and increase the risk of extracranial bleeding. A nonsignificant reduction in combined death and disability and nonsignificant increases in case fatality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were also observed. On the basis of the current evidence, LMWH should not be used in the routine management of patients with ischemic stroke.     

Atherosclerotic burden and early mortality in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND: The influence that previous clinical expressions of systemic atherosclerosis may have on evolution and early mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke is not known. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence that atherosclerotic burden (ATB), assessed by a simple clinical scale, has on the 30-day mortality in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. DESIGN: Retrospective review of case series from a prospective stroke record. An ATB score ranging from 0 to 2 was created using the history of ischemic heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. The impact of this score on the 30-day mortality was analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital. Patients A total of 1527 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. Main Outcome Measure Thirty-day mortality. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate was 13.8%. Multivariate regression analysis showed an association between the ATB score and the 30-day mortality (P<.001). Comparing patients having no previous ATB with those with an ATB score of 1 or 2, the odds ratio (OR) for 30-day mortality increased from 1.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.75) for patients with an ATB score of 1 to 5.90 (95% CI, 2.48-14.04) for those with an ATB score of 2. Age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.08), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.18-1.25), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.10-2.35), hyperlipidemia as protector (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.25-0.60), and glycemia at admission (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.12) were also predictors of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Previous symptomatic atherosclerotic disease evaluated by a simple clinical score is an independent predictor of early mortality in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke.     

Antithrombotic and antihypertensive management 3 months after ischemic stroke : a prospective study in an inner city population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We sought to examine the frequency, predictors, and effects of nontreatment with antithrombotic and antihypertensive therapies 3 months after ischemic stroke. METHODS: The population-based South London Community Stroke Register prospectively collected data on first-in-a-lifetime strokes between 1995 and 1997. Among patients registered with ischemic stroke, treatment status with antithrombotic and antihypertensive therapies was examined 3 months after the event. RESULTS: In a cohort of 457 patients with ischemic stroke, 393 (86.0%) were considered appropriate for antiplatelet medication, 32 (7.0%) for anticoagulant medication, and 254 (55.9%) for antihypertensive medication. The rates of nontreatment observed 3 months after the event were 24.4% for antiplatelet, 59.4% for anticoagulant, and 29.5% for antihypertensive medication. Independent risk factors for nontreatment with antithrombotic therapies (antiplatelets and anticoagulants) were the subtype of stroke (nonlacunar infarct: OR=1. 60, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.54), stroke severity measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (GCS 相似文献   

Risk factors for early death in acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage: A prospective hospital-based study in Asia. Asian Acute Stroke Advisory Panel.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In Asia, there has been no international study to investigate the risk factors for early death in patients with ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with acute stroke who were admitted to 36 participating hospitals in China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. With the use of a simple identical data sheet, we recorded the demographics and cardiovascular risk factors of each patient. Early death was defined as death on discharge from the acute hospital. RESULTS: We enrolled 2403 patients with ischemic stroke and 783 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Among patients with ischemic stroke, previous use of antiplatelet drugs (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0. 30 to 0.95) and relatively young age group 56 to 75 years (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.00) were protective factors; atrial fibrillation (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.40 to 3.57), ischemic heart disease (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.37 to 3.05), diabetes (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.22), and ex-smoker status (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.18 to 4.05) were risk factors for early death. Among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, hypertension (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.82) and young age group 56 to 75 years old (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.87) were associated with lower death rate, whereas diabetes (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.98) was a risk factor for early death. CONCLUSIONS: In Asian patients with stroke, previous use of antiplatelet drugs nearly halved the risk of early death in patients with ischemic stroke, whereas atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and ex-smoker status were risk factors for early death. Among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, diabetes was associated with early death, whereas young age group and hypertension were associated with lower death rates, though no clear explanation for the hypertension association could be discerned from the data available.     

Prognostic significance of angiographically confirmed large vessel intracranial occlusion in patients presenting with acute brain ischemia

Introduction  Independent predictors of outcome for ischemic stroke include age and initial stroke severity. Intracranial large-vessel occlusion would be expected to predict poor outcome. Because large-vessel occlusion and stroke severity are likely correlated, it is unclear if largevessel occlusion independently predicts outcome or is simply a marker for stroke severity. Methods  A consecutive series of patients with suspected stroke or transient ischemic attack were imaged acutely with computed tomography angiography (CTA). CTAs were reviewed for intracranial large-vessel occlusion as the cause of the stroke. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, discharge modified Rankin score, and patient demographics were abstracted from hospital records. Poor neurological outcome was defined as modified Rankin score exceeding 2. Results  Seventy-two consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke were imaged with CTA. The median (range) time from stroke symptom onset to CT imaging was 183 minutes (25 minutes to 4 days). Median NIHSS score was 6 (1–32) and intracranial large-vessel occlusion was found in 28 (38.9%) patients. Fifty-six percent of patients had a good neurological outcome. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, two variables predicted poor neurological outcome: baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.21,95% CI[1.07–1.37]) and presence of intracranial large-vessel occlusion (OR 4.48, 95% CI[1.19–16.9]). The predictive value of large-vessel occlusion, on outcome was similar to an 8-point increase in NIHSS score. Conclusion  In patients presenting with acute brain ischemia, intracranial large-vessel occlusion independently predicts poor neurological outcome at hospital discharge, as does the presence of a high NIHSS score. Performing routine intracranial vascular imaging on acute stroke patients may allow for more accurate determination of prognosis and may also guide therapy.