Pediatric Hyperacute Arterial Ischemic Stroke Pathways at Canadian Tertiary Care Hospitals

ABSTRACT: Background: Childhood acute arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is diagnosed at a median of 23 hours post-symptom onset, delaying treatment. Pediatric stroke pathways can expedite diagnosis. Our goal was to understand the similarities and differences between Canadian pediatric stroke protocols with the aim of optimizing AIS management. Methods: We contacted neurologists at all 16 Canadian pediatric hospitals regarding AIS management. Established protocols were analyzed for similarities and differences in eight domains. Results: Response rate was 100%. Seven (44%) centers have an established AIS protocol and two (13%) have a protocol under development. Seven centers do not have a protocol; two redirect patients to adult neurology, five rely on a case-by-case approach for management. Analysis of the seven protocols revealed differences in: 1) IV-tPA dosage: age-dependent 0.75–0.9 mg/kg (N = 1) versus age-independent 0.9 mg/kg (N = 6), with maximum doses of 75 mg (N = 1) or 90 mg (N = 6); 2) IV-tPA lower age cut-off: 2 years (N = 5) versus 3 or 10 years (each N = 1); 3) IV-tPA exclusion criteria: PedNIHSS score <4 (N = 3), <5 (N = 1), <6 (N = 3); 4) first choice of pre-treatment neuroimaging: computed tomography (CT) (N = 3), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (N = 2) or either (N = 2); 5) intra-arterial tPA use (N = 3) and; 6) mechanical thrombectomy timeframe: <6 hour (N = 3), <24 hour (N = 2), unspecified (N = 2). Conclusions: Although 44% of Canadian pediatric hospitals have established AIS management pathways, several differences remain among centers. Some criteria (dosage, imaging) reflect adult AIS literature. Canadian expert consensus regarding IV-tPA and endovascular treatment should be established to standardize and implement AIS protocols across Canada.

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Pediatric Stroke Presenting as a Seizure

Case Reports in Emergency Medicine ◽

10.1155/2014/838537 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-3 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katie L. Ahmadzadeh ◽

Vartika Bhardwaj ◽

Steven A. Johnson ◽

Kathleen E. Kane

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Diagnostic Procedures ◽

Initial Symptom ◽

Pediatric Stroke ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Pediatric Case ◽

Rehabilitation Hospital ◽

The Past ◽

Complicated Course ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Background.Childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is rare and may be difficult to diagnose. Management of acute stroke in any age group is time sensitive, so awareness of the manifestations and appropriate diagnostic procedures for pediatric AIS is vital to establishing care. We present a pediatric case of arterial ischemic stroke that presented to the emergency department (ED) after two seizures.Case Report.A five-year-old female with an existing seizure disorder presented to a pediatric ED after having two seizures. Postictal upon arrival, she underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of her head. Family reported that she had complained of a severe headache and vomited; her seizures were described as different from those she had experienced in the past. Loss of grey white matter differentiation on the CT warranted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which demonstrated a right-sided stroke. After a complicated course in the hospital, the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation hospital.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?It is important that emergency physicians recognize that a seizure may be the initial symptom of a pediatric stroke regardless of an established seizure history. Pediatric seizures are relatively common; however consideration of the diagnosis of pediatric stroke may prevent unnecessary delays in treatment.

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Pediatric Stroke: Clinical Findings and Radiological Approach

Stroke Research and Treatment ◽

10.4061/2011/172168 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Giuseppe Lanni ◽

Alessia Catalucci ◽

Laura Conti ◽

Alessandra Di Sibio ◽

Amalia Paonessa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽

Clinical Findings ◽

Pediatric Stroke ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Venous Circulation ◽

Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis ◽

First Choice ◽

Sinovenous Thrombosis

This paper focuses on radiological approach in pediatric stroke including both ischemic stroke (Arterial Ischemic Stroke and Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis) and hemorrhagic stroke. Etiopathology and main clinical findings are examined as well. Magnetic Resonance Imaging could be considered as the first-choice diagnostic exam, offering a complete diagnostic set of information both in the discrimination between ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke and in the identification of underlying causes. In addition, Magnetic Resonance vascular techniques supply further information about cerebral arterial and venous circulation. Computed Tomography, for its limits and radiation exposure, should be used only when Magnetic Resonance is not available and on unstable patients.

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P.070 Thrombolysis without large vessel occlusion in a child with acute arterial ischemic stroke

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2019.170 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (s1) ◽

pp. S33

Author(s):

IE Hanes ◽

SL Orr ◽

J Davila ◽

A Kirton ◽

E Sell

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Case Reports ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Pediatric Stroke ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Iv Tpa

Background: Stroke is a rare neurological disease in children, with an annual incidence of 2 - 13/100,000 children per year. Pediatric stroke is associated with significant morbidity and mortality lasting many decades. Diagnosis of pediatric stroke is challenging and often delayed, limiting options for acute intervention, and the pharmacological and mechanical recanalization strategies that have revolutionized adult stroke remain undefined in children. Clinicians are left to draw conclusions from other retrospective cohort studies or case reports and extrapolate adult guidelines to the pediatric population. The TIPS trial eligibility criteria are often used in clinical practice, despite not being validated for this purpose. We present here the case of a healthy 14 year old male who was treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) for a presumed arterial ischemic stroke without large vessel occlusion on neuroimaging. Methods: Retrospective chart review Results: Not applicable Conclusions: Following the administration of IV tPA, the patient made a full recovery. While we do not recommend the routine use of IV tPA for treatment of presumed large vessel or small vessel in children, we suggest that the decision to proceed with IV tPA be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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P.117 Pediatric acute ischemic stroke protocols

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2021.393 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 48 (s3) ◽

pp. S52-S52

Author(s):

M Gladkikh ◽

H McMillan ◽

A Andrade ◽

C Boelman ◽

I Bhatal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Pediatric Stroke ◽

Consensus Approach ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Pediatric Hospitals ◽

Age Dependent ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

Iv Tpa

Background: Approximately 1,000 children present with AIS annually in North America. Most suffer from long-term disability. Childhood AIS is diagnosed after a median of 23 hours post-symptom onset, limiting thrombolytic treatment options that may improve outcomes. Pediatric stroke protocols decrease time to diagnosis. AIS treatment is not uniform across Canada, nor are pediatric stroke protocols standardized. Methods: We contacted neurologists at all 16 Canadian pediatric hospitals regarding their AIS management. Results: Response rate was 100%. Seven centers have an AIS protocol and two have a protocol under development. Seven centers do not have a protocol – two redirect patients to adult neurology, and five use a case-by-case approach for management. Analysis of the seven AIS protocols reveals differences: 1) IV-tPA dosage: age-dependent 0.75-0.9 mg/kg (n=1) versus age-independent 0.9 mg/kg (n=6), with maximum doses 75 mg (n=1) or 90 mg (n=6); 2) IV-tPA lower age cut-off: 2 years (n=4) versus 3, 4 or 10 years (n=1); 3) IV-tPA exclusion criteria: PedNIHSS score <4 (n=3), <5 (n=1), or <6 (n=3); 4) Pre-treatment neuroimaging: CT (n=3) versus MRI (n=4); 5) Intra-arterial tPA use (n=3). Conclusions: The seven Canadian pediatric AIS protocols show prominent differences. We plan a teleconference discussing a Canadian pediatric AIS consensus approach.

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Abstract WMP113: Headache At Stroke Onset Is Present In Half Of All Older Children With Arterial Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.wmp113 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Lori L Billinghurst ◽

Adam Kirton ◽

Steven Pavlakis ◽

Jo Ellen Lee ◽

Luigi Titomanlio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Right Hemisphere ◽

Female Gender ◽

Stroke Onset ◽

Pediatric Stroke ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Young Infants ◽

Individual Site

Introduction: Headache at stroke onset occurs in up to a quarter of adults and is associated with younger age, female gender, right hemisphere and cerebellar infarcts. Little is known about headache at stroke onset in children. Methods: Children (29 days-18 years) with clinical and radiographic confirmation of arterial ischemic stroke were prospectively enrolled in the International Pediatric Stroke Study from 2003-2014. Details regarding demographics, stroke presentation and infarct location were obtained from the multi-center, pediatric stroke registry. Headache at stroke presentation was classified and annotated in the registry by the individual site investigators as present, absent or unclear. Results: We analyzed 2103 children. Half of all subjects ≥ 6 yo reported headache at stroke onset (N=509/1047, 49%; Figure). Headache was less prevalent in children < 6 yo (N=112/1056, 11%; p<0.001), though headache presentation was more commonly classified as unclear (10% vs 32%; p<0.001). In children ≥ 6 yo, headache was significantly associated with papilledema (p = 0.03) and vertigo (p = 0.01), but not with hemiparesis (p = 0.11), visual field deficit (p = 0.90), aphasia (p = 0.35), dysarthria (p = 0.44), or ataxia (p = 0.50). Headache was more common in posterior than anterior circulation infarcts (p<0.001). There was a significant association between headache and right or bilateral hemisphere infarcts (p = 0.04) but not with gender (p = 0.76). Conclusion: Headache is more prevalent in children than adults at stroke ictus and shares similar associations, including infarcts involving the posterior circulation and right hemisphere. Headache may be under-reported in young infants and children due to pre-verbal stages of development. These findings have implications for early identification and treatment of pediatric stroke and warrant further investigation in prospective studies to distinguish stroke from more common benign mimics, including migraine.

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Abstract 11: Comparison Of Various Methods Of Assessment Of Intracranial Collaterals On The Pretreatment Ct-angiograms To Predict Outcomes In Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.a11 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

leonard L yeo ◽

benjamin wakerley ◽

Aftab Ahmad ◽

prakash Paliwal ◽

kay ng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Scoring Systems ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Unaffected Side ◽

Computed Tomographic ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

Iv Tpa

Background: The presence of effective collateral blood flow patterns may influence response to intravenously administered tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We compared various existing methods of scoring collaterals on the pre-treatment computed tomographic angiogram (CTA) of the brain for a reliable prediction of functional outcome in AIS patients. Methods: Consecutive AIS patients treated with IV-tPA within 4.5 hours of symptom-onset during 2007-2011 were included. Data were collected for demographics, vascular risk factors, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and stroke subtypes. Intracranial collaterals were evaluated by 2 independent blinded neuroradiologists via 4 predefined criteria- Miteff’s system that grades middle cerebral artery (MCA) collateral branches with respect to the sylvian fissure; Maas system that compares collaterals on the affected hemisphere against the unaffected side; modified Tan’s scale where collaterals in 50% or more of the MCA territory are classified as good; and a 20-point collateral grading scale in regions corresponding to Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) methodology. Good functional outcomes at 3-months were determined by modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 0-1. Results: CTA was performed in 115 patients with anterior circulation AIS before IV-tPA bolus. Median age 66yrs (range 35-92), 42% males, median NIHSS 19 points (range 3-30) and median onset-to-treatment time 155 minutes. Overall, 52 (45.2%) patients achieved good functional outcome at 3-months. Univariable analysis revealed younger age, absence of diabetes, lower pre-tPA NIHSS scores and good collaterals according to ASPECTS methodology as significantly associated with good functional outcomes. On multivariable logistic regression, only lower NIHSS (OR 1.111 per NIHSS point; 95% CI 1.023-1.206, p=0.013) and good collaterals by ASPECTS methodology (OR 1.117 per point; 95%CI 1.006-1.241, p=0.039) were found as independent predictors of good outcomes. Conclusion: Of the existing intracranial collaterals scoring systems, only the ASPECTS methodology serves as a reliable predictor of favorable outcomes at 3-months in patients with anterior circulation AIS.

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Characteristics of Pediatric Stroke and Association of Delayed Diagnosis with Mortality in a Mexican Tertiary Care Hospital

Neuropediatrics ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1731802 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gerardo Garza-Alatorre ◽

Ana Luisa Carrion-Garcia ◽

Alfredo Falcon-Delgado ◽

Elda Carolina Garza-Davila ◽

Angel R Martinez-Ponce de Leon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽

Early Recognition ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Delayed Diagnosis ◽

University Hospital ◽

Pediatric Stroke ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Continuous Increase ◽

Common Risk Factors

Abstract Background and objectives Pediatric cerebrovascular disease carries significant morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of a pediatric stroke as well and its most common risk factors are important, but that diagnosis is often delayed. It is believed that the incidence in our center is higher than it appears. This study aims to assess the incidence and characteristics of the pediatric stroke in our university hospital. Likewise, this study seeks to evaluate if a longer symptoms-to-diagnosis time is associated with mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods A retrospective study including children with stroke admitted to the UANL University Hospital from January 2013 to December 2016. Results A total of 41 patients and 46 stroke episodes were admitted. About 45.7% had an ischemic stroke and 54.3% had a hemorrhagic stroke. A mortality of 24.4% and a morbidity of 60.9% were recorded. Regarding ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, an increased symptoms-to-diagnosis time and a higher mortality were obtained with a relative risk of 2.667 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–6.524, p = 0.013) and 8.0 (95% CI: 2.18–29.24, p = < 0.0001), respectively. A continuous increase in the incidence rate, ranging from 4.57 to 13.21 per 1,000 admissions comparing the first period (2013) versus the last period (2016), p = 0.02, was found in our center. Conclusions Pediatric stroke is a rare disease; however, its incidence shows a continuous increase. More awareness toward pediatric stroke is needed.

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Abstract TP361: Recreational Drug Use and Arterial Ischemic Stroke in a Pediatric Cohort

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.tp361 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ishvinder Bhathal ◽

Tazeen Qureshi ◽

Mahendranath Moharir ◽

Daune MacGregor ◽

Elizabeth Pulcine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Drug Use ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Case Series ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Recreational Drug ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Recreational Drug Use ◽

The Impact

Background: Existing literature reports an association between recreational drug use and arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in adults. Due to recent trends in legalization and concerns regarding the impact of drugs on the developing brain, there is an urgent need for increased awareness of recreational drug use as a risk factor for AIS in childhood. Purpose: To increase awareness of an association between AIS and recreational drug use in a pediatric cohort. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of a consecutive cohort of patients at a tertiary care pediatric center diagnosed with AIS in the context of recreational drug use between 2008-2017. Drug use was confirmed using toxicology testing and clinical history. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were collected. Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores (PSOM) were obtained from an institutional Stroke Registry. Results: Three males and one female were included in the study. Mean age at stroke presentation was 16.3 years (range 16-17 years). Three children presented with focal neurologic deficit and one with new onset seizure. Drug use for each patient was described as follows: Patient A - Marijuana; Patient B - Oxybutynin, Fluoxetine and unidentified compound; Patient C - Marijuana and Amphetamine; Patient D - Marijuana and alcohol. MRI demonstrated diffusion restriction in the anterior circulation in two children, anterior and posterior circulation in one child, and bilateral posterior circulation in one child also found to have a remote AIS. Vascular findings included: Patient A - normal; Patient B and C - right anterior circulation arteriopathy; Patient D - posterior circulation arteriopathy and bilateral vessel wall enhancement. ECHO and pro-thrombotic results were non-contributory. However, one patient required PFO closure. PSOM scores indicated mild-moderate disability initially and moderate disability at follow-up for three of four patients. Conclusions: This case series describes an association between recreational drug use and AIS in adolescents. We are unable to comment on the incidence of AIS related to drug use from our cohort. However, our data highlights a need for public health strategies that acknowledge AIS as a potential consequence of recreational drug use in adolescents.

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Socioeconomic determinants of outcome after childhood arterial ischemic stroke

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000005946 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 91 (6) ◽

pp. e509-e516 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Lori C. Jordan ◽

Nancy K. Hills ◽

Christine K. Fox ◽

Rebecca N. Ichord ◽

Paola Pergami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Low Income ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Rehabilitation Services ◽

Pediatric Stroke ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Annual Household Income ◽

Neurologic Outcomes

ObjectiveTo determine whether lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with worse 1-year neurologic outcomes and reduced access to rehabilitation services in children with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsFrom 2010 to 2014, the Vascular effects of Infection in Pediatric Stroke (VIPS) observational study prospectively enrolled and confirmed 355 children (age 29 days–18 years) with AIS at 37 international centers. SES markers measured via parental interview included annual household income (US dollars) at the time of enrollment, maternal education level, and rural/suburban/urban residence. Receipt of rehabilitation services was measured by parental report. Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores were categorized as 0 to 1, 1.5 to 3, 3.5 to 6, and 6.5 to 10. Univariate and multivariable ordinal logistic regression models examined potential predictors of outcome.ResultsAt 12 ± 3 months after stroke, 320 children had documented outcome measurements, including 15 who had died. In univariate analysis, very low income (<US $10,000), but not other markers of SES, was associated with worse outcomes (odds ratio [OR] 3.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–6.88, p = 0.004). In multivariable analysis, including adjustment for stroke etiology, this association persisted (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.18–8.47, p = 0.02). Income did not correlate with receiving rehabilitation services at 1 year after stroke; however, quality and quantity of services were not assessed.ConclusionsIn a large, multinational, prospective cohort of children with AIS, low income was associated with worse neurologic outcomes compared to higher income levels. This difference was not explained by stroke type, neurologic comorbidities, or reported use of rehabilitation services. The root causes of this disparity are not clear and warrant further investigation.

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Diffusion imaging of cerebral diaschisis in neonatal arterial ischemic stroke

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2015.89 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 42 (S1) ◽

pp. S15-S15

Author(s):

R Srivastava ◽

T Rajapakse ◽

J Roe ◽

X Wei ◽

A Kirton

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Diffusion Imaging ◽

Population Based ◽

Pediatric Stroke ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Primary Injury

Background: Neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) is a leading cause of brain injury and cerebral palsy. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has revolutionized NAIS diagnosis and outcome prognostication. Diaschisis refers to changes in brain areas functionally connected but structurally remote from primary injury. We hypothesized that acute DWI can demonstrate cerebral diaschisis and evaluated associations with outcome. Methods: Subjects were identified from a prospective, population-based research cohort (Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program). Inclusion criteria were unilateral middle cerebral artery NAIS, DWI MRI within 10 days of birth, and >12-month follow-up (Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure, PSOM). Diaschisis was quantified using a validated software method. Diaschisis-scores were corrected for infarct size and compared to outcomes (Mann-Whitney). Results: From 20 eligible NAIS, 2 were excluded for image quality. Of 18 remaining, 16 (89%) demonstrated diaschisis. Thalamus (88%) was most often involved. Age at imaging was not associated with diaschisis. Long-term outcomes available on 13 (81%) demonstrated no association between diaschisis score and PSOM categories. Conclusion: Cerebral diaschisis occurs in NAIS and can be quantified with DWI. Occurrence is common and should not be mistaken for additional infarction. Determining additional clinical significance will depend on larger samples with long-term outcomes.

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