scholarly journals Adverse consequences of immediate thrombolysis-related complications: a multi-centre registry-based cohort study of acute stroke

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thang S. Han ◽  
Giosue Gulli ◽  
Christopher H. Fry ◽  
Brendan Affley ◽  
Jonathan Robin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Stroke Unit ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
National Audit ◽  
Severe Stroke ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Hyperacute Stroke ◽  
Level Of Consciousness

AbstractComplications following thrombolysis for stroke are well documented, and mostly concentrated on haemorrhage. However, the consequences of patients who experience any immediate thrombolysis-related complications (TRC) compared to patients without immediate TRC have not been examined. Prospectively collected data from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme were analysed. Thrombolysis was performed in 451 patients (52.1% men; 75.3 years ± 13.2) admitted with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) in four UK centres between 2014 and 2016. Adverse consequences following immediate TRC were assessed using logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex and co-morbidities. Twenty-nine patients (6.4%) acquired immediate TRC. Compared to patients without, individuals with immediate TRC had greater adjusted risks of: moderately-severe or severe stroke (National Institutes of Health for Stroke Scale score ≥ 16) at 24-h (5.7% vs 24.7%, OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.4–11.1); worst level of consciousness (LOC) in the first 7 days (score ≥ 1; 25.0 vs 60.7, OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.1–10.2); urinary tract infection or pneumonia within 7-days of admission (13.5% vs 39.3%, OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–7.7); length of stay (LOS) on hyperacute stroke unit (HASU) ≥ 2 weeks (34.7% vs 66.7%, OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.5–18.4); mortality (13.0% vs 41.4%, OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6–8.4); moderately-severe or severe disability (modified Rankin Scale  score ≥ 4) at discharge (26.8% vs 65.5%, OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.1–10.9); palliative care by discharge date (5.1% vs 24.1%, OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.7–15.7). The median LOS on the HASU was longer (7 days vs 30 days, Kruskal–Wallis test: χ2 = 8.9, p = 0.003) while stroke severity did not improve (NIHSS score at 24-h post-thrombolysis minus NIHSS score at arrival = − 4 vs 0, χ2 = 24.3, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the risk of nosocomial infections, worsening of stroke severity, longer HASU stay, disability and death is increased following immediate TRC. The management of patients following immediate TRC is more complex than previously thought and such complexity needs to be considered when planning an increased thrombolysis service.

scholarly journals Who Is Classified as Untestable on Brief Cognitive Screens in an Acute Stroke Setting?

Diagnostics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Elliott ◽  
Bogna A. Drozdowska ◽  
Martin Taylor-Rowan ◽  
Robert C. Shaw ◽  
Gillian Cuthbertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Cognitive Screening ◽  
Dementia Diagnosis ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Test Completion

Full completion of cognitive screening tests can be problematic in the context of a stroke. Our aim was to examine the completion of various brief cognitive screens and explore reasons for untestability. Data were collected from consecutive stroke admissions (May 2016–August 2018). The cognitive assessment was attempted during the first week of admission. Patients were classified as partially untestable (≥1 test item was incomplete) and fully untestable (where assessment was not attempted, and/or no questions answered). We assessed univariate and multivariate associations of test completion with: age (years), sex, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)), stroke classification, pre-morbid disability (modified Rankin Scale (mRS)), previous stroke and previous dementia diagnosis. Of 703 patients admitted (mean age: 69.4), 119 (17%) were classified as fully untestable and 58 (8%) were partially untestable. The 4A-test had 100% completion and the clock-draw task had the lowest completion (533/703, 76%). Independent associations with fully untestable status had a higher NIHSS score (odds ratio (OR): 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11–1.26), higher pre-morbid mRS (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02–1.60) and pre-stroke dementia (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.53–7.32). Overall, a quarter of patients were classified as untestable on the cognitive assessment, with test incompletion related to stroke and non-stroke factors. Clinicians and researchers would benefit from guidance on how to make the best use of incomplete test data.

scholarly journals Is Endovascular Treatment Still Good for Ischemic Stroke in Real World?

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 3250-3263
Author(s):  
Zixu Zhao ◽  
Jiarui Zhang ◽  
Xin Jiang ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Zixiao Yin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Real World ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Severe Stroke ◽  
Stroke Group ◽  
Mild Stroke

Background and Purpose: Although endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke is classified as I evidence, outcomes after EVT in real-world practice appear to be less superior than those in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Additionally, the effect of EVT is unclear compared with medical treatment (MT) for patients with mild symptoms defined by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <6 or with severe symptoms defined by Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <6. Methods: Literatures were searched in big databases and major meetings from December 6, 2009, to December 6, 2019, including RCTs and observational studies comparing EVT against MT for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Observational studies were precategorized into 3 groups based on imaging data on admission: mild stroke group with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <6, severe stroke group with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <6 or ischemic core ≥50 mL, and normal stroke group for all others. Outcome was measured as modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, mortality at 90 days, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) at 24 hours. Results: Fifteen RCTs (n=3694) and 37 observational studies (n=9090) were included. EVT was associated with higher modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 rate and lower mortality in RCTs and normal stroke group, whereas EVT was associated with higher sICH rate in normal stroke group, and no difference of sICH rate appeared between EVT and MT in RCTs. In severe stroke group, EVT was associated with higher modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 rate and lower mortality, whereas no difference of sICH rate was found. In mild stroke group, there was no difference in modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 rate between EVT and MT, whereas EVT was associated with higher mortality and sICH rate. Conclusions: Evidence from RCTs and observational studies supports the use of EVT as the first-line choice for eligible patients corresponding to the latest guideline. For patients with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <6, EVT showed superiority over MT, also in line with the guidelines. On the contrary to the guideline, our data do not support EVT for patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <6.

scholarly journals Risks of Stroke and Mortality in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Treated With Rivaroxaban and Warfarin

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 549-555
Author(s):  
Mark Alberts ◽  
Yen-Wen Chen ◽  
Jennifer H. Lin ◽  
Emily Kogan ◽  
Kathryn Twyman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Severe Stroke ◽  
Inverse Probability ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Background and Purpose— Oral anticoagulation therapy is standard of care for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke. This study compared rivaroxaban and warfarin for stroke and all-cause mortality risk reduction in a real-world setting. Methods— This retrospective cohort study (2011–2017) included de-identified patients from the Optum Clinformatics Database who started treatment with rivaroxaban or warfarin within 30 days following initial diagnosis of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Before nonvalvular atrial fibrillation diagnosis, patients had 6 months of continuous health plan enrollment and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score ≥2. Stroke severity was determined by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, imputed based on machine learning algorithms. Stroke and all-cause mortality risks were compared by treatment using Cox proportional hazard regression, with inverse probability of treatment weighting to balance cohorts for baseline risk factors. Stratified analysis by treatment duration was also performed. Results— During a mean follow-up of 27 months, 175 (1.33/100 patient-years [PY]) rivaroxaban-treated and 536 (1.66/100 PY) warfarin-treated patients developed stroke. The inverse probability of treatment weighting model showed that rivaroxaban reduced stroke risk by 19% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.81 [95% CI, 0.73–0.91]). Analysis by stroke severity revealed risk reductions by rivaroxaban of 48% for severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 16–42; HR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.33–0.82]) and 19% for minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 1 to <5; HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68–0.96]), but no difference for moderate stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 5 to <16; HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.78–1.10]). A total of 41 (0.31/100 PY) rivaroxaban-treated and 147 (0.44/100 PY) warfarin-treated patients died poststroke, 12 (0.09/100 PY) and 67 (0.20/100 PY) of whom died within 30 days, representing mortality risk reductions by rivaroxaban of 24% (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.61–0.95]) poststroke and 59% (HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.28–0.60]) within 30 days. Conclusions— After the initial diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, patients treated with rivaroxaban versus warfarin had significant risk reduction for stroke, especially severe stroke, and all-cause mortality after a stroke. Findings from this observational study may help inform anticoagulant choice for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Treatment with Clopidogrel Prior to Acute Non-Cardioembolic Ischemic Stroke Attenuates Stroke Severity

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 226-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Tziomalos ◽  
Vasilios Giampatzis ◽  
Stella D. Bouziana ◽  
Marianna Spanou ◽  
Stavroula Kostaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Heart Valve Disease ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Antiplatelet Treatment ◽  
Severe Stroke

Background: Clopidogrel reduces the risk of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, but it is unclear whether it affects the severity and outcome of stroke. We aimed at evaluating the effect of prior treatment with clopidogrel on acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke severity and in-hospital outcome. Methods: We prospectively studied 608 consecutive patients (39.5% males, age 79.1 ± 6.6 years) who were admitted with acute ischemic stroke. The severity of stroke was assessed at admission with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Severe stroke was defined as NIHSS ≥21. The outcome was assessed using the dependency rates that prevailed at the time of discharge (i.e. modified Rankin scale between 2 and 5) and with in-hospital mortality. Results: At admission, 397 patients did not have atrial fibrillation or heart valve disease. Among these 397 patients, 69 were receiving monotherapy with clopidogrel prior to stroke, 69 were receiving monotherapy with aspirin and 236 patients were not on any antiplatelet treatment. The prevalence of severe stroke was lower in patients who were receiving clopidogrel than in patients who were receiving aspirin and patients who were not on antiplatelets (1.4, 13.0 and 11.0%, respectively; p < 0.05). Independent predictors of severe stroke at admission were male gender (relative risk (RR) 0.31, 95% CI 0.12-0.78, p < 0.05) and treatment with clopidogrel prior to stroke compared with no antiplatelet treatment (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.97, p < 0.05). Treatment with aspirin prior to stroke did not predict severe stroke compared with no antiplatelet treatment (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.51-2.98, p = NS). The rate of dependency at discharge did not differ between patients who were receiving clopidogrel, patients who were receiving aspirin and those who were not on antiplatelets (57.9, 47.8 and 59.7%, respectively; p = NS). Independent predictors of dependency at discharge were age (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.19, p < 0.001) and NIHSS at admission (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.46-1.92, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality rate also did not differ between patients who were receiving clopidogrel, patients who were receiving aspirin and those who were not on antiplatelets (4.3, 4.3 and 5.0%, respectively; p = NS). The only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality was NIHSS at admission (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.14-1.30, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Treatment with clopidogrel prior to acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke attenuates the severity of stroke at admission but does not appear to affect the functional outcome at discharge or the in-hospital mortality of these patients.

scholarly journals Initial Stroke Severity in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation According to Antithrombotic Therapy Before Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 2733-2741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yo Han Jung ◽  
Young Dae Kim ◽  
Jinkwon Kim ◽  
Sang Won Han ◽  
Mi Sun Oh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Neurological Deficit ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Antithrombotic Medication

Background and Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the leading cause of ischemic stroke. Preventive antithrombotic use, especially for anticoagulation, reduces the incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with AF. Using data from the nationwide multicenter stroke registry, we investigated the trends of preceding antithrombotic medication use in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with AF and its association with initial stroke severity and in-hospital outcomes. Methods: This study included 6786 patients with AIS with known AF before stroke admission across 39 hospitals between June 2008 and December 2018. We collected the data on antithrombotic medication use (no antithrombotic/antiplatelet/anticoagulant) preceding AIS. Initial stroke severity was measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and in-hospital outcome was determined by modified Rankin Scale score at discharge. Results: During the study period, anticoagulant use continued to increase. However, nearly one-third of patients with AIS with known AF did not receive antithrombotics before stroke. Initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores varied according to preceding antithrombotic therapy ( P <0.001). It was higher in patients who did not receive antithrombotics than in those who received antiplatelets or anticoagulants (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score: 8 versus 7 and 8 versus 6, respectively). Favorable outcome at discharge (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) was more prevalent in patients who received antiplatelets or anticoagulants ( P <0.001). Use of antiplatelets (odds ratio, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.09–1.38]) and anticoagulants (odds ratio, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.15–1.50]) was associated with a mild initial neurological deficit (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5) in patients with AIS with AF. Conclusions: Throughout the study period, the proportion of patients taking anticoagulants increased among patients with AIS with known AF. However, a large portion of AF patients still did not receive antithrombotics before AIS. Furthermore, prehospitalization use of anticoagulants was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of a mild initial neurological deficit and favorable outcome at discharge.

Endovascular Treatment and the Outcomes of Atherosclerotic Intracranial Stenosis in Patients With Hyperacute Stroke

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 680-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woong Yoon ◽  
Seul Kee Kim ◽  
Man Seok Park ◽  
Byeong Chae Kim ◽  
Heoung Keun Kang
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Endovascular Therapy ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Favorable Outcome ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Hyperacute Stroke ◽  
Intracranial Artery Stenosis

Abstract BACKGROUND: The importance of underlying atherosclerotic intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) in hyperacute stroke patients who receive endovascular therapy remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To report and compare the outcomes of multimodal endovascular therapy in patients with hyperacute stroke with and without underlying ICAS. METHODS: A total of 172 consecutive patients with acute stroke were treated with multimodal endovascular therapy that was heavily weighted toward stent-based thrombectomy. Patients with ICAS underwent emergent intracranial angioplasty or stenting. Data were compared between patients with and without ICAS. Revascularization was defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade ≥2b. A favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ⩽2 or equal to the premorbid modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months. RESULTS: ICAS was responsible for acute ischemic symptoms in 40 patients (22.9%). Revascularization and favorable outcome occurred more frequently in the ICAS group than in the control group (95% vs 81.8%, P = .04; 65% vs 40.2%, P = .01, respectively). The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was significantly lower in the ICAS group compared with the control group (10 vs 12; P = .002). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the rates of symptomatic hemorrhage and mortality. CONCLUSION: Emergent intracranial angioplasty with or without stenting is safe and feasible and yields a high rate of revascularization and favorable outcome in patients with hyperacute stroke and underlying ICAS. Patients with underlying ICAS have less severe infarctions at presentation and higher successful revascularization after multimodal endovascular therapy in the setting of hyperacute stroke compared with those with other stroke subtypes.

scholarly journals Hemodynamic Status During Endovascular Stroke Treatment: Association of Blood Pressure with Functional Outcome

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Chen ◽  
Dorothea Kronsteiner ◽  
Johannes Pfaff ◽  
Simon Schieber ◽  
Laura Jäger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Endovascular Therapy ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Optimal blood pressure (BP) management during endovascular stroke treatment in patients with large-vessel occlusion is not well established. We aimed to investigate associations of BP during different phases of endovascular therapy with reperfusion and functional outcome. Methods We performed a post hoc analysis of a single-center prospective study that evaluated a new simplified procedural sedation standard during endovascular therapy (Keep Evaluating Protocol Simplification in Managing Periinterventional Light Sedation for Endovascular Stroke Treatment). BP during endovascular therapy in patients was managed according to protocol. Data from four different phases (baseline, pre-recanalization, post recanalization, and post intervention) were obtained, and mean BP values, as well as changes in BP between different phases and reductions in systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) from baseline to pre-recanalization, were used as exposure variables. The main outcome was a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 three months after admission. Secondary outcomes were successful reperfusion and change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score after 24 h. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results Functional outcomes were analyzed in 139 patients with successful reperfusion (defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2b–3). The mean (standard deviation) age was 76 (10.9) years, the mean (standard deviation) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 14.3 (7.5), and 70 (43.5%) patients had a left-sided vessel occlusion. Favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) was less likely with every 10-mm Hg increase in baseline (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, P = 0.04) and pre-recanalization (OR 0.65, P = 0.011) SBP. This was also found for baseline (OR 0.76, P = 0.05) and pre-recanalization MAP (OR 0.66, P = 0.03). The maximum Youden index in a receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed an SBP of 163 mm Hg and MAP of 117 mm Hg as discriminatory thresholds during the pre-recanalization phase to predict functional outcome. Conclusions In our protocol-based setting, intraprocedural pre-recanalization BP reductions during endovascular therapy were not associated with functional outcome. However, higher intraprocedural pre-recanalization SBP and MAP were associated with worse functional outcome. Prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to determine whether BP is a feasible treatment target for the modification of outcomes.

scholarly journals Mobile Interventional Stroke Teams Improve Outcomes in the Early Time Window for Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob R. Morey ◽  
Xiangnan Zhang ◽  
Naoum Fares Marayati ◽  
Stavros Matsoukas ◽  
Emily Fiano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Early Time ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Endovascular Thrombectomy

Background and Purpose: Endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion stroke is a time-sensitive intervention. The use of a Mobile Interventional Stroke Team (MIST) traveling to Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers to perform endovascular thrombectomy has been shown to be significantly faster with improved discharge outcomes, as compared with the drip-and-ship (DS) model. The effect of the MIST model stratified by time of presentation has yet to be studied. We hypothesize that patients who present in the early window (last known well of ≤6 hours) will have better clinical outcomes in the MIST model. Methods: The NYC MIST Trial and a prospectively collected stroke database were assessed for patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy from January 2017 to February 2020. Patients presenting in early and late time windows were analyzed separately. The primary end point was the proportion with a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) at 90 days. Secondary end points included discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale. Results: Among 561 cases, 226 patients fit inclusion criteria and were categorized into MIST and DS cohorts. Exclusion criteria included a baseline modified Rankin Scale score of >2, inpatient status, or fluctuating exams. In the early window, 54% (40/74) had a good 90-day outcome in the MIST model, as compared with 28% (24/86) in the DS model ( P <0.01). In the late window, outcomes were similar (35% versus 41%; P =0.77). The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at discharge was 5.0 and 12.0 in the early window ( P <0.01) and 5.0 and 11.0 in the late window ( P =0.11) in the MIST and DS models, respectively. The early window discharge modified Rankin Scale was significantly better in the MIST model ( P <0.01) and similar in the late window ( P =0.41). Conclusions: The MIST model in the early time window results in better 90-day outcomes compared with the DS model. This may be due to the MIST capturing high-risk fast progressors at an earlier time point. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03048292.

scholarly journals Smoking Paradox in Stroke Survivors?

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1248-1256
Author(s):  
Hao-Kuang Wang ◽  
Chih-Yuan Huang ◽  
Yuan-Ting Sun ◽  
Jie-Yuan Li ◽  
Chih-Hung Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Age Difference ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Stroke Incidence ◽  
Stroke Registry

Background and Purpose— The observation that smokers with stroke could have better outcome than nonsmokers led to the term “smoking paradox.” The controversy of such a complex claim has not been fully settled, even though different case mix was noted. Analyses were conducted on 2 independent data sets to evaluate and determine whether such a paradox truly exists. Methods— Taiwan Stroke Registry with 88 925 stroke cases, and MJ cohort with 541 047 adults participating in a medical screening program with 1630 stroke deaths developed during 15 years of follow-up (1994–2008). Primary outcome for stroke registry was functional independence at 3 months by modified Rankin Scale score ≤2, for individuals classified by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission. For MJ cohort, mortality risk by smoking status or by stroke history was assessed by hazard ratio. Results— A >11-year age difference in stroke incidence was found between smokers and nonsmokers, with a median age of 60.2 years for current smokers and 71.6 years for nonsmokers. For smokers, favorable outcome in mortality and in functional assessment in 3 months with modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 stratified by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was present but disappeared when age and sex were matched. Smokers without stroke history had a ≈2-fold increase in stroke deaths (2.05 for ischemic stroke and 1.53 for hemorrhagic stroke) but smokers with stroke history, 7.83-fold increase, overshadowing smoking risk. Quitting smoking at earlier age reversed or improved outcome. Conclusions— “The more you smoke, the earlier you stroke, and the longer sufferings you have to cope.” Smokers had 2-fold mortality from stroke but endured stroke disability 11 years longer. Quitting early reduced or reversed the harms.

Safety and feasibility of intraarterial eptifibatide as a revascularization tool in acute ischemic stroke

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 1008-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zeeshan Memon ◽  
Sabareesh K. Natarajan ◽  
Jitendra Sharma ◽  
Marlon S. Mathews ◽  
Kenneth V. Snyder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Tissue Plasminogen ◽  
Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Object Experience with the use of platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb–IIIa inhibitor eptifibatide in patients with ischemic stroke is limited. The authors report the off-label use of intraarterial eptifibatide during endovascular ischemic stroke revascularization procedures for reocclusion after documented recanalization or formed fresh thrombi in distal vessels that were inaccessible to endovascular devices. Methods Patients who received intraarterial eptifibatide were identified from a prospectively collected database of patients in whom endovascular revascularization for acute ischemic stroke was attempted between 2005 and 2008. Data were analyzed retrospectively. The intraarterial eptifibatide dose was a single-bolus dose of 180 μg/kg body weight. Primary outcome measures were angiographic recanalization (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Grade 2 or 3), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate, overall mortality rate, and favorable 3-month modified Rankin Scale score (≤ 2). Results The study included 35 patients (mean age 62 years, range 18–85 years). The median presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 13. Two patients received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator before endovascular therapy. The median time from symptom onset to therapy initiation was 230 minutes (range 90–1370 minutes). Twelve patients (34%) received intraarterial tissue plasminogen activator without mechanical measures. Mechanical revascularization measures used were Merci retriever in 19 (54%), Penumbra device in 1 (3%), balloon angioplasty in 15 (43%), and stent placement in 22 (63%) patients. The mean dose of intraarterial eptifibatide was 11.6 mg (range 5–16.6 mg). Partial-to-complete recanalization (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Grade 2 or 3) was achieved in 27 patients (77%). Postprocedure intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 13 patients (37%), causing symptoms in 5 (14%). In the 5 symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage cases, all patients but one presented more than 8 hours after symptom onset and all received intraarterial recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The median discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 7 (range 0–17). At 3 months postprocedure, 21 patients (60%) had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2, and 8 patients (23%) had died. Conclusions Adjunctive intraarterial eptifibatide is a feasible option for salvage of reocclusion and thrombolysis of distal inaccessible thrombi during endovascular stroke revascularization. Its safety and efficacy need to be studied further in larger, multicenter, controlled studies.

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