影响急性脑梗死静脉溶栓治疗预后的因素

目的 探讨影响急性脑梗死静脉溶栓治疗预后的因素。方法 82例急性脑梗死患者接受尿激酶(UK)静脉溶栓治疗。以90d时的改良Rankin量表(mRS)评分作为疗效指标，并分为二组：预后良好(mRS 0-1分)和预后不良(mRS 2-6分)，对影响溶栓疗效及预后的因素进行多元Logistic回归分析。结果 90d时预后良好者30例，占36．6％。单因素分析显示年龄、发病至溶栓的间隔时间、房颤、溶前欧洲卒中量表(ESS)评分、溶前血糖、CT早期缺血改变、UK剂量为影响预后的7个危险因素，多因素Logistic回归表明仅溶前ESS、时间、UK剂量、血糖为预后的独立预测因子。结论 溶前ESS评分、发病至溶栓的间隔时间、UK剂量、溶前血糖为影响预后的独立危险因素。     

Intravenous alteplase for Chinese patients with stroke and borderline eligibility

Lack of efficacy and safety data among Chinese patients with stroke have contributed to the slow development of stroke thrombolysis as standard-of-care for these patients. We examined a retrospective cohort of 57 patients who received intravenous alteplase for acute ischemic stroke to identify predictors of outcome, including age, stroke severity, onset-to-treatment time, and early ischemic changes on brain CT scan. Overall, the mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 15.7 and the mean onset-to-treatment time was 142 minutes. Twenty-nine (51%) patients had a favorable outcome with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ?2 at three months. Ten (17.5%) patients were deceased at three months. Four (7%) patients developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). For patients aged >80 years (n = 18), five (28%) achieved favorable outcome, six (33%) were deceased at three months and three (17%) had sICH. Prognosis was worst for patients with NIHSS score >25 (n = 5); one (20%) was dependent (mRS 4) and the other four (80%) were deceased. Multivariate analysis found that the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was associated with favorable outcome (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–3.0), and mortality (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.9). Our findings showed advanced age and severe stroke were associated with less favorable outcome in Chinese patients receiving intravenous alteplase, ASPECTS can be used reliably to identify patients at risk of poor outcomes. Further studies are warranted.     

Outcomes with IV tenecteplase and IV alteplase for acute ischemic stroke with or without thrombectomy in real-world settings in the United States

Background and PurposeAlthough many stroke centers in United States are using intravenous (IV) tenecteplase (TNK) for acute ischemic stroke patients, there is paucity of comparative data between IV TNK and IV alteplase from real-world settings.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the data from 122 healthcare facilities in Cerner Real World Data and included patients admitted between February 2016 to April 2022 to determine the effect of IV TNK (compared with IV alteplase) on occurrence of two outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients stratified by use of thrombectomy: non-routine discharge or death, and intracranial hemorrhage after adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsAmong 30,643 acute ischemic stroke patients analyzed, 29,480 (96.2%) and 1,163 (3.8%) patients received IV alteplase and IV TNK, respectively. The proportion of patients who received thrombectomy was significantly higher among patients who received IV TNK compared with those who received IV alteplase (16.7% versus 11.0%, p<0.001). Occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage was more common among patients treated with IV TNK in acute ischemic stroke patients who did not receive thrombectomy (7.9% versus 5.1%, p<0.001) but not in those who received thrombectomy (20.1% versus 16.8%, p = 0.234). In the logistic regression analysis, patients treated with IV TNK who did not receive thrombectomy were at higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage (OR, 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.72, p = 0.02) after adjusting for age (age strata), gender, race/ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, malignancy, nicotine dependence, previous ischemic stroke, previous transient ischemic attack, previous intracerebral hemorrhage, previous subarachnoid hemorrhage, previous acute myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis of aorta, previous AKI, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and hospital type, aphasia, hemiplegia, neglect, somnolence, stupor and coma, dysphagia, and homonymous hemianopsia. There was no difference in the rate of non-routine discharge or death between patients treated with IV TNK and those treated with IV alteplase in the multivariate analyses.ConclusionsIn an analysis of real-world data, IV TNK was associated with higher rates of intracranial hemorrhage compared with IV alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke who did not undergo thrombectomy.     

Ischemic stroke outcome: racial differences in the trial of danaparoid in acute stroke (TOAST)

OBJECTIVE: To determine racial differences in baseline stroke risk factors and other measures in the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Therapy (TOAST). Differences in these factors could influence response to acute stroke therapy and overall stroke outcome. METHODS: The authors compared baseline demographic, medical, stroke, physical examination, CT, laboratory, and neurologic factors among 292 African-American and 801 white patients who enrolled in the TOAST study. TOAST compared danaparoid (ORG 10172) with placebo among acute ischemic stroke patients who were treated within 24 hours of stroke onset. RESULTS: African-Americans were younger and more frequently had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and prior strokes. In addition, African-Americans had higher mean diastolic blood pressure, more lacunar strokes, and more severe prestroke disability. There were no significant differences between African-Americans and white patients in outcomes at 7 days, overall number of adverse experiences, or occurrence of serious bleeds or hemorrhagic transformations. However, there was a trend toward a higher rate of favorable outcomes in white patients at 7 days. There was no significant difference in very favorable outcome at 3 months between African-American and white patients, but significantly more white patients had favorable outcome at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Although African-Americans possess a number of factors that should predict higher rates of poor stroke outcome after acute therapy, they have the capacity to respond similarly to white patients after acute stroke therapy. Perhaps younger age and presence of lacunar infarction are stronger predictors of good outcomes than was appreciated previously.     

Follow-up Imaging After Thrombolysis: FIAT,A Randomized Trial

Trial DesignCurrent protocols for treatment of acute ischemic stroke with intravenous thrombolytics, such as alteplase (tPA) and tenecteplase (tNK), recommend the completion of a routine non-contrast head CT at 24 hours post treatment to evaluate for hemorrhage prior to the initiation of antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention. This guideline was instituted because it had been part of the protocol in the NINDS multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial that showed the benefit of IV thrombolytics within 3 hours of stroke onset. Recent observational studies indicate that the repeat (stability) head CT rarely alters clinical management, in the absence of neurological worsening or evidence of clinical signs of hemorrhagic conversion, such as seizures, severe headache, or novel acute deficits. A solitary CT carries with it a non-negligible dose of radiation with additive cost to the medical system at large.MethodsWe aimed to identify, with a randomized, blinded outcome assessment trial, if a routine head CT at 24 hours, in the absence of clinical indication, negatively influences clinical outcomes. We enrolled 58 patients, and evaluated differences between groups with t-tests. We also evaluated differences between outcomes (90 day modified Rankin Scale, mRS and change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS) from pretreatment to discharge using multivariable logistic regression, including age, baseline NIHSS, and group as independent variables.ResultsWe found no added benefit of routine CT on either outcome measure.ConclusionIt is likely safe to forgo follow up imaging after thrombolysis in the absence of clinical decompensation.     

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。     

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.     

Post-licensed 1-year experience of systemic thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator for ischemic stroke in a Japanese neuro-unit

OBJECTIVE: In Japan, intravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for ischemic stroke within 3h of onset was officially approved in October 2005. METHODS: We report initial 1-year clinical experience of intravenous alteplase at 0.6mg/kg in a Japanese neuro-unit. RESULTS: Twenty patients received intravenous tPA, corresponding to 12% of all ischemic strokes (n=166) and 38% of ischemic strokes within 3h of onset (n=52). The mean age was 68 years old and 15% had pre-morbid dependency with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 3 or 4. The median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 19 points (range; 5-37). Average time from stroke onset to tPA delivery was 136 min (range; 87-180). Of 18 (90%) patients receiving pretreatment vascular imaging, 16 (80%) patients had a large arterial occlusion. At 3 months, excellent outcome with mRS of 0 or 1 was 25%, and good outcome with mRS of 0-2 was 35%. One patient (5%) developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 36 h. Mortality rate was 15%. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous tPA within 3h was safe and feasible, and possibly effective in clinical practice. The higher stroke severity in our cohort precluded to compare the sufficient effectiveness with clinical trials. In Japan, a post-licensed national surveillance is currently under way.     

Thrombolysis with alteplase for acute ischemic stroke: review of SITS-MOST and other Phase IV studies

Thrombolytic therapy is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients. As part of the European approval process, the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke - Monitoring Study (SITS-MOST) was demanded as a Phase IV study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of alteplase in a 3-h time-window. This article summarizes SITS-MOST and compares it with other Phase IV studies. Between 2002 and 2006, 6483 patients were included in 285 centers; median age was 68 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 12 and the median time-window was 140 min. The rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages, defined as parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 combined with a neurological deterioration of at least 4 points on NIHSS, was 1.7% within 24 h after treatment. Symptomatic hemorrhages as defined by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke criteria occurred in 7.3% of patients. The 3-month mortality was 11.3% and the rate of good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Score 0-2) was 55%. There were no major differences between experienced and inexperienced centers regarding safety or efficacy. The results of SITS-MOST are comparable with the results of the randomized placebo-controlled trials and other Phase IV studies such as standard treatment with Alteplase to Reverse Stroke and Canadian Alteplase for Stroke Effectiveness Study. They confirm that intravenous alteplase is safe and effective in routine clinical practice when used for acute stroke within 3 h of stroke onset, even in centers with little previous experience of thrombolytic therapy but only if the licensing approval criteria are strictly followed. These findings should encourage wider use of thrombolytic therapies for suitable stroke patients treated in stroke centers.     

侧支循环状态与再灌注治疗预后的关系及CTA侧支循环评分的预测价值

目的 探讨急性缺血性卒中患者基线侧支循环状态与再灌注治疗预后的关系,并比较阿尔伯特早期卒中计划评分(ASPECTS)、多期CTA评分(mCTAs)和软脑膜侧支评分(rLMCs)的预测价值.方法收集87例接受再灌注治疗的急性缺血性卒中患者的临床资料.采用ASPECTS、mCTAs和rLMCs评分评定基线侧支循环情况.根据...     

Prediction of infarct topography using the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification of stroke subtypes.

Background: The Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project clinical classification of ischemic stroke syndromes has been shown to be predictive of important clinical outcomes. In this study, we examined the correlation between this classification system and infarct topography on computed tomography (CT) of the brain. Method: A cohort of consecutive cases of acute ischemic stroke admitted to an acute stroke service during the 3-year period ending December 31, 1996 were identified from a prospective stroke registry. Brain scans were reviewed by a single neuroradiologist without knowledge of the clinical features. Results: There were 418 patients with acute ischemic stroke who met the study admission criteria. Forty patients were excluded, 20 (5%) did not have a CT scan during the admission, and 20 scans were not available for review. In 239 of 378 patients (63%), the brain scan revealed the lesion responsible for the clinical syndrome. In patients with positive scans, the positive predictive values of the clinical subtypes were: 86% (95% confidence interval, 78-94) for the total anterior territory stroke syndrome, 96% (92-100) for the partial anterior territory stroke syndrome, 99% (97-100) for the lacunar stroke syndrome, and 100% for the posterior circulation stroke syndrome. Conclusion: The Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification of ischemic stroke syndromes usefully predicts infarct topography on CT scan.     

Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign: can it be used to select intra-arterial versus intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke?

BACKGROUND: Stroke patients with a hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) may respond less favorably to intravenous (IV) thrombolysis. OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of patients with and without early CT findings treated with IV versus intra-arterial (IA) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). METHODS: Initial and 24-hour CT scans of the head were evaluated in 83 consecutive stroke patients (66 on IV rtPA, 17 on IA rtPA). Time permitting, a CT angiogram was performed immediately after the initial CT scan to ascertain major cerebral artery occlusion. Demographics and etiological stroke subtype, times to thrombolysis and CT scan, baseline (prethrombolysis) and 24-hour National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score, discharge NIHSS score and 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) were recorded. The initial CT of these patients was examined for early signs of stroke. The 24-hour scan was reviewed for the presence of infarct, hemorrhage and persistence of HCMAS. RESULTS: A favorable outcome, indicated by a significant improvement in the discharge NIHSS score, was noted with IA rtPA, irrespective of the presence (p = 0.001) or absence (p = 0.01) of HCMAS. A less favorable outcome in discharge NIHSS score was noted with IV rtPA in patients with HCMAS (p = not significant) than those without the sign (p < 0.001). A similar proportion of patients with HCMAS exhibited a neurological improvement at 24 h as those without the sign in the IA rtPA group (p = 0.9). However, a smaller proportion of patients with HCMAS exhibited a neurological improvement at 24 h than those without the sign in the IV rtPA group (p = 0.005). The results were similar using 90-day mRS 相似文献   

Expanding Eligibility in Stroke Prevention Trials to Patients with Early Disability

Background and Purpose: Early disability after stroke is common, though many patients improve. Stroke secondary prevention trials often prohibit the recruitment of nonambulatory patients, limiting their access to potential treatment options and impeding trial enrollment. We aimed to determine outcomes after early dependence around the time of transition from acute care to recovery. Methods: Data were obtained from a composite of patients enrolled in acute stroke clinical trials within the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA-Acute). Early disability was defined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 4 or 5 between days 3-10 after onset, representing the time of discharge or transition to a rehabilitation-focused care setting. We developed multivariable models to identify factors associated with recovery to independent ambulatory function and recurrent stroke during the 90 days after stroke. Results: 4965 patients were included, with 2905 (59%) having early disability. Patients with early dependence were older, more likely to be women, had higher baseline NIHSS scores, and had more atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus, compared with those who were initially ambulatory. Recovery to ambulatory function occurred in 58% with early mRS = 4, compared to only 16% with early mRS = 5. Of those with early mRS = 4, return to independent ambulatory status by 90 days was associated in multivariable analysis with age, diabetes, prior stroke, NIH motor and gaze subscores, and thrombolysis. Recurrent ischemic stroke through day 90 was reported in 126 of 2905 (4.3%) subjects with early dependence compared to 63 of 2060 (3.1%), which was not different after adjustment for age, sex, and risk factors (odds ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.73). Conclusions: Favorable outcomes are common among ischemic stroke patients previously enrolled in acute clinical trials despite early dependence (mRS = 4) after initial acute hospital care. Further, their risk of recurrent stroke is high in the short term. These patients likely benefit from aggressive poststroke care and should be actively recruited into secondary prevention trials.     

How well does ASPECTS predict the outcome of acute stroke treated with IV tPA?

The authors measured the association of early ischemic change on CT scan, measured using the Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT score (ASPECTS), and functional outcome in 825 patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with IV thrombolysis within 3 hours of onset. ASPECTS predicted outcome in a graded fashion (linearly for ASPECTS 6 through 10; pattern ill-defined for ASPECTS 0 through 5) but discriminated individual outcomes weakly. Except perhaps when early ischemic change is extensive, clinicians should not estimate prognosis using ASPECTS alone.     

The association of vertebrobasilar calcification with etiological subtypes,stroke recurrence and outcome in acute brainstem ischemic stroke

Arterial calcification (AC), a frequent finding on imaging studies, has been reported as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. However few studies have explored the association of AC with etiological subtypes and prognostic implications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of AC with demograhics, risk factors and etiological subtypes and to determine whether it predicts stroke recurrence and functional outcome in patients with acute brainstem ischemic stroke. We analyzed our database consisting of patients who were diagnosed as acute brainstem ischemic stroke admitted within 24 hours of onset. Etiological classification of stroke was made based on The Trial of ORG in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) Classification. AC in vertebral and basilar arteries were assessed from baseline brain CT. AC degree was categorized according to calcification along the circumference in the densest calcified segment of each vessel (0 point if no calcification in any of the CT slices, 1 point if calcification <50% of circumference and 2 points if calcification ≥50% of circumference). Three AC categories were defined according to the total AC score as follows: no AC (0 point), mild AC (1–2 points), severe AC (≥3 points). Recurrent stroke within the first 3 months of follow up and modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 3-month were reviewed. 42% of 188 patients had AC in at least of the vertebrobasilar arteries. Severe AC was related to age and the presence of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. The prevalence of AC was significantly higher in large artery atherosclerosis subtype. The presence of AC was marginally associated with recurrent stroke but did not find to be related with functional outcome. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted to explore this topic.     

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.     

Effect of pretreatment with statins on the severity of acute ischemic cerebrovascular events

OBJECTIVE: Treatment with statins reduces the risk of ischemic stroke among patients at increased risk for vascular disease. Recent experimental data suggest neuroprotective properties of statins in acute cerebral ischemia. We investigated whether a premedication with statins is associated with a better outcome in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events. METHODS: Within a cross-sectional study, nested in a cohort we identified 1691 patients with a recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Clinical severity of the vascular event was evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 1 week. By means of multivariate logistic regression modeling, we determined the influence of prior statin use on stroke severity with adjustment for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Severe stroke, defined as a modified Rankin Scale of 5 or 6 (n=231; 14%), was less frequent in patients receiving statin treatment before the event (6% vs. 14%, OR=0.37; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.74; p=0.004). This association remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors. We found a significant interaction between the presence of diabetes and the effect of pretreatment with statins on stroke outcome. Of the patients with diabetes, none of those on statin treatment but 16% of those without a statin had a bad outcome. After exclusion of the group of diabetic patients with prior statin medication, the protective effect was reduced and not statistically significant anymore. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with statins seems to be associated with reduced clinical severity in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events, particularly in patients with diabetes.     

Development of a new non invasive prognostic stroke scale (NIPSS) including triage elements for sleep apnea and peripheral artery disease

BackgroundAlthough sleep apnea and peripheral artery disease are prognostic factors for stroke, their added benefit in the acute stage to further prognosticate strokes has not been evaluated.ObjectivesWe tested the accuracy in the acute stroke stage of a novel score called the Non-Invasive Prognostic Stroke Scale (NIPSS).Patients and methodsProspective cohort with imaging-confirmed ischemic stroke. Clinical data, sleep apnea risk score (STOPBANG) and blood pressure measures were collected at baseline. Primary outcome was the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with poor outcome defined as mRS 3-6. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated for NIPSS and compared to six other stroke prognostic scores in our cohort: SPAN-100 index, S-SMART, SOAR, ASTRAL, THRIVE, and Dutch Stroke scores.ResultsWe enrolled 386 participants. After 90 days, there were 56% with poor outcome, more frequently older, female predominant and with higher admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Four variables remained significantly associated with primary endpoint in the multivariable model: age (OR 1.87), NIHSS (OR 7.08), STOPBANG category (OR 1.61), and ankle-braquial index (OR 2.11). NIPSS AUC was 0.86 (0.82–0.89); 0.83 (0.79-0.87) with bootstrapping. When compared to the other scores, NIPSS, ASTRAL, S-SMART and DUTCH scores had good abilities in predicting poor outcome, with AUC of 0.86, 0.86, 0.83 and 0.82, respectively. THRIVE, SOAR and SPAN-100 scores were fairly predictive.Discussion and conclusionsNon-invasive and easily acquired emergency room data can predict clinical outcome after stroke. NIPSS performed equal to or better than other prognostic stroke scales.     

Lack of improvement following endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background: Recent randomized trials have consistently demonstrated a clinical benefit of endovascular therapy (ET) over best medical therapy (including intravenous (IV) thrombolysis in eligible patients) or IV thrombolysis only in selected patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to proximal occlusion in the carotid territory. Previous study demonstrates that lack of improvement (LOI) at 24 hours is an independent predictor of poor outcome and death at 3 months in patients with AIS treated with IV alteplase. However, LOI at 24 hours following ET has not been studied systematically. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of LOI at 24 hours in patients with AIS after ET as well as the relationship between LOI and unfavorable outcome at 3 months. Methods: A total of 98 consecutive patients with AIS treated with ET in two separate stroke centers from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on demographics, preexisting vascular risk factors, occlusion site, pre- and post-treatment modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) classification, collaterals and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission as well as 24 hours after the endovascular procedurals were collected. LOI was defined as a reduction of 3 points or less on the NIHSS at 24 hours compared with baseline. A 3-month functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Unfavorable outcome was prespecified as a score of more than 2 on the mRS. The onset-to-reperfusion time (ORT) was defined as time to mTICI 2b or 3 or end of procedure. Long ORT was defined as time to reperfusion beyond 6 hours. Poor reperfusion was defined as mTICI ≦2a. The pretreatment collateral circulation extent was graded as poor (grades 0–1) or good (grades 2–4). Results: Among the 98 patients with AIS who were treated with ET, LOI was present in 48 (49%) subjects. Multivariate analysis indicated that poor collaterals (odds ratio [OR] 3.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–8.19; p = 0.012) and long ORT (OR 3.97, 95% CI: 1.66–9.54; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of LOI. LOI (OR 7.18, 95% CI: 2.39–21.61; p < 0.001) was independently associated with unfavorable outcome at 3 months. Conclusion: Among patients with AIS treated with ET, as an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome, LOI at 24 hours is associated with poor collaterals and long ORT.     

Risk Factors for Pressure Sores in Hospitalized Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

BackgroundAcute ischemic stroke patients are a group at high risk for pressure sores. It is important to identify risk factors for pressure sores in acute ischemic stroke patients in order to facilitate early adoption of appropriate preventive and treatment measures.MethodsData were derived from the China National Stroke Registry. Acute ischemic stroke patients aged >18 years who presented at the hospital within 14 days after the onset of symptoms were eligible for this study. Comprehensive baseline data were collected. The definition of pressure sores was based on assessment at discharge of whether the patient had pressure sores at any time during hospitalization.Results12,415 patients with a mean age of 67 years and a mean length of hospitalization of 14 days were included in the study. Among these patients, 97 (0.8%) had pressure sores during hospitalization. In the multivariate analysis of risk factors for pressure sores, age (each increment of 5 years), being unmarried, NIHSS at admission (each increment of 3 points), mRS at admission (3-5 points), diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin at admission (each incremental reduction of 10 units), and history of peripheral vascular disease all were significantly correlated with the occurrence of pressure sores among acute ischemic stroke patients during hospitalization.ConclusionsOld age, severe neurological disability, being unmarried, low hemoglobin, and history of diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease were risk factors for pressure sores in acute ischemic stroke patients.