Hematocrit and Stroke: A Forgotten and Neglected Link?

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (06) ◽  
pp. 591-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Stavropoulos ◽  
Konstantinos Imprialos ◽  
Chrysoula Boutari ◽  
Michael Doumas ◽  
Sofia Bouloukou
Keyword(s):  
Blood Perfusion ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
New Class ◽  
Sodium Glucose Cotransporter ◽  
Cerebrovascular Events ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Causes Of Mortality ◽  
Socioeconomic Consequences

AbstractStroke is considered among the most common causes of mortality and disability, leading to dramatic socioeconomic consequences. From a pathophysiologic perspective, enhanced blood viscosity due to increased hematocrit might be associated with stroke through impaired cerebral blood perfusion. This association has remained rather neglected during previous decades, but newly emerged as an epicenter of scientific interest due to the unexpected elevation of stroke rates with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, a new class of hypoglycemic drugs with otherwise dramatic cardiovascular benefits. The purpose of this article is to review available data on the relation between stroke and hematocrit values. Data from large observational studies point toward an increased risk for stroke in individuals with elevated hematocrit. Data also suggest that the coexistence of increased hematocrit values and hypertension significantly enhance the risk of cerebrovascular events compared with each condition alone. Additionally, high hematocrit values seem related to worse survival outcomes in post-stroke patients. Collectively, the association between hematocrit and stroke seems to be strong and independent in high hematocrit values (>0.50) in both previously healthy individuals and post-stroke patients, but remains less clarified in patients with normal hematocrit values.

scholarly journals The views of public and clinician stakeholders on risk assessment tools for post-stroke dementia: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e025586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Tang ◽  
Catherine Exley ◽  
Christopher Price ◽  
Blossom Stephan ◽  
Louise Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
North East ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Diagnosis Of Dementia

ObjectiveStroke-survivors are at increased risk of future dementia. Assessment to identify those at high risk of developing a disease using predictive scores has been utilised in different areas of medicine. A number of risk assessment scores for dementia have been developed but none has been recommended for use clinically. The aim of this qualitative study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using a risk assessment tool to predict post-stroke dementia.DesignQualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed thematically. The patients and carers were offered interviews at around 6 (baseline) and 12 (follow-up) months post-stroke; clinicians were interviewed once.SettingThe study was conducted in the North-East of England with stroke patients, family carers and healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care.ParticipantsThirty-nine interviews were conducted (17 clinicians and 15 stroke patients and their carers at baseline. Twelve stroke patients and their carers were interviewed at follow-up, some interviews were conducted in pairs).ResultsBarriers and facilitators to risk assessment were discussed. For the patients and carers the focus for facilitators were based on the outcomes of risk assessment for example assistance with preparation, diagnosis and for reassurance. For clinicians, facilitators were focused on the process that is, familiarity in primary care, resource availability in secondary care and collaborative care. For barriers, both groups focused on the outcome including for example, the anxiety generated from a potential diagnosis of dementia. For the patients/carers a further barrier included concerns about how it may affect their recovery. For clinicians there were concerns about limited interventions and how it would be different from standard care.ConclusionsRisk assessment for dementia post-stroke presents challenges given the ramifications of a potential diagnosis of dementia. Attention needs to be given to how information is communicated and strategies developed to support the patients and carers if risk assessment is used.

scholarly journals Association of Prior Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease with Dementia After Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 1157-1167
Author(s):  
Zhirong Yang ◽  
Duncan Edwards ◽  
Stephen Burgess ◽  
Carol Brayne ◽  
Jonathan Mant
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Clinical Practice Research Datalink ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background: Prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), are common among patients with stroke, a known risk factor for dementia. However, whether these conditions further increase the risk of post-stroke dementia remains uncertain. Objective: To examine whether prior ASCVD is associated with increased risk of dementia among stroke patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink with linkage to hospital data. Patients with first-ever stroke between 2006 and 2017 were followed up to 10 years. We used multi-variable Cox regression models to examine the associations of prior ASCVD with dementia and the impact of prior ASCVD onset and duration. Results: Among 63,959 patients, 7,265 cases (11.4%) developed post-stroke dementia during a median of 3.6-year follow-up. The hazard ratio (HR) of dementia adjusted for demographics and lifestyle was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.12–1.25) for ASCVD, 1.16 (1.10–1.23) for CHD, and 1.25 (1.13–1.37) for PAD. The HRs additionally adjusted for multimorbidity and medications were 1.07 (1.00–1.13), 1.04 (0.98–1.11), and 1.11 (1.00–1.22), respectively. Based on the fully adjusted estimates, there was no linear relationship between the age of ASCVD onset and post-stroke dementia (all p-trend >0.05). The adjusted risk of dementia was not increased with the duration of pre-stroke ASCVD (all p-trend >0.05). Conclusion: Stroke patients with prior ASCVD are more likely to develop subsequent dementia. After full adjustment for confounding, however, the risk of post-stroke dementia is attenuated, with only a slight increase with prior ASCVD.

scholarly journals Knowledge of nurses regarding dysphagia in patients post stroke in Namibia

Curationis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthea Rhoda ◽  
A. Pickel-Voight
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Basic Training ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: Stroke patients commonly experience dysphagia post stroke. Complications of dysphagia include aspiration leading to chest infection and pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and a subsequent increased risk of death. Its early diagnosis and management is an important prerequisite for recovery from stroke during the rehabilitation phase. As nurses are the first health personnel that interact with a patient post stroke, it is important that they are knowledgeable and skilled in the screening of these patients for dysphagia.Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and factors associated with knowledge of nurses regarding dysphagia in stroke patients.Methods: The study used a quantitative survey to determine the knowledge of the nurses employed at an intermediate hospital in Namibia. A convenient sample of 182 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions, which was developed by the researcher. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The findings of the study confirmed that nurses have a moderate knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and complications of dysphagia, but poor knowledge about its management.Training and experience in the care of dysphagia patients was a stronger predictor of knowledge than the initial qualification or years of experience as a nurse.Conclusion: Post basic training in dysphagia would better equip nurses to manage stroke patients in the acute phase.

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin type 9 Inhibition in Cardiovascular Prevention

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-450
Author(s):  
Ali Ali ◽  
Pierluigi Costanzo ◽  
Angela Hoye
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cardiovascular Prevention ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Proprotein Convertase ◽  
Pcsk9 Inhibitors ◽  
New Class ◽  
Cerebrovascular Events ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Control Serum

Elevated levels of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are directly associated with increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Statins have been used to control serum LDLC and this has translated into reduction in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, despite high dose statin therapy, LDL-C control may remain inadequate in some patients, particularly those with familial hypercholesterolemia. A new therapeutic approach has emerged in recent years with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. In this review, we describe the development and the use of this new class of drugs.

scholarly journals POST STROKE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY: PREVALANCE AND CORRELATES

2021 ◽  
pp. 142-147
Author(s):  
NASMI NOUSHAD ◽  
SACHITA S ◽  
SHILPA ANNA VARUGHESE ◽  
SIJIMOL K JOY ◽  
SNEHA JOSE
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Care ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Comorbid Conditions ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Post Stroke Depression ◽  
Collection Form

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in post-stroke patients and identify its predictors. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted for a period of 6 months among 81 patients admitted with stroke in SSIMS and RC, Davangere. The information compiled from patient data collection form was assessed for comorbid conditions and type of stroke. Assessment for depression and anxiety was conducted using Hamilton D (HAM-D) and HAM-A scale and information of location of lesion was obtained from patient’s neuroimaging results. Quality of life (QOL) of post-stroke was assessed using stroke and aphasia QOL (SAQOL) questionnaire. Follow-up was conducted for patients who were diagnosed with depression and anxiety within 1 to 3 months. Results: Depression was more prevalent as compared to anxiety in post-stroke patients and was predominant in males and between the ages 61 and 70 years. Hypertension and diabetes were found to be a major comorbid conditions in such patients. Factors contributing to increased risk of depression and anxiety after stroke include age, sex, comorbidities, lesion location, and type of stroke. Post-stroke depression (PSD) and anxiety showed statistically significant association with left-sided lesion. Conclusion: PSD and anxiety are a relatively common complications and can result in poor QOL in stroke patients. Early detection of depression and anxiety symptoms may assist functional recovery and improve QOL in stroke patients. Careful evaluation of PSD and post-stroke anxiety should be integrated into clinical care of stroke patients.

scholarly journals RISK OF POST STROKE PNEUMONIA DURING HOSPITALIZATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (IAHSC) ◽  
pp. 108-113
Author(s):  
Juliana Gracia G.E.P Massie ◽  
Ratna Sitorus ◽  
I Made Kariasa ◽  
Yunisar Gultom ◽  
Maya Khairani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Discrimination Performance ◽  
Diagnostic Study ◽  
Common Complication ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Nursing Team

Introduction: Post-stroke pneumonia is the most a common complication during the first few weeks after a stroke. Thus, a score is needed for the early identification of stroke patients with an increased risk of pneumonia to assist the nursing team in preventing the onset of pneumonia in stroke patients during hospitalization. This study aimed to assess the application of the A2DS2 score to predict pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients. Method: This is a diagnostic study that used a cross-sectional method conducted among adult acute ischemic stroke patients. Data analysis was performed to assess the calibration and discrimination performance of the A2DS2 score. Results: A total of 16 respondents were followed up. The incidence of post-stroke pneumonia was observed in 6 patients (37.5%). Conclusion: This scoring proved clinically accurate to predict the incidence of pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients.

What can virtual reality offer to stroke patients? A narrative review of the literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-120
Author(s):  
Joanna Szczepańska-Gieracha ◽  
Błażej Cieślik ◽  
Sebastian Rutkowski ◽  
Paweł Kiper ◽  
Andrea Turolla
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Physical Rehabilitation ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Psychological Disturbance ◽  
Rehabilitation Process ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Therapeutic Tools

BACKGROUND: Studies demonstrated the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) as a method supporting the post-stroke neuro-rehabilitation process by activating motor learning processes. Nevertheless, stroke is frequently accompanied by serious psychological problems including depression, which is associated with an increased risk of mortality, lower post-stroke physical activity, and higher disability in stroke patients. OBJECTIVES: To explore the current use of VR as a method supporting the neuro-rehabilitation process, both in physical and psychological dimensions. METHODS: An exploratory review was conducted with a narrative synthesis. PubMed was used for literature search. Search includes the use of VR in physical rehabilitation, and as support therapy in psychiatric disorders. Both primary research and systematic reviews were included. RESULTS: In neurological disorders rehabilitation, out of 22 studies, 16 concerned stroke survivors. In psychiatric disorders, 44 literature reviews were included. CONCLUSION: The studies confirmed the effectiveness of various forms of VR treatment in the alleviation of psychological and behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. There is a shortage of VR-based technological solutions that would, besides physical rehabilitation, offer stroke patients therapeutic tools to alleviate psychological disturbance and improve the patient’s mood and motivation. Such solutions will most likely become a field of intensive research in the coming years.

scholarly journals High Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minwoo Lee ◽  
Jae-Sung Lim ◽  
Chul-Ho Kim ◽  
Sang-Hwa Lee ◽  
Yerim Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background and Aims: Systemic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, but the associations between them in stroke patients are less clear. We examined the impact of systemic inflammation represented as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and domain-specific cognitive outcomes 3-month after ischemic stroke.Methods: Using prospective stroke registry data, we consecutively enrolled 345 participants with ischemic stroke whose cognitive functions were evaluated 3-month after stroke. Their cognition was assessed with the Korean version of the Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards and the Korean-Mini Mental Status Examination. PSCI was defined as a z-score of < -2 standard deviations for age, sex, and education adjusted means in at least one cognitive domain. The participants were categorized into five groups according to the quintiles of NLR (lowest NLR, Q1). The cross-sectional association between NLR and PSCI was assessed using multiple logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, education, vascular risk factors, and stroke type.Results: A total of 345 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 63.0 years and the median NIHSS score and NLR were 2 [1–4] and 2.26 [1.65–2.91], respectively. PSCI was identified in 71 (20.6%) patients. NLR was a significant predictor for PSCI both as a continuous variable (adjusted OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.00–1.31) and as a categorical variable (Q5, adjusted OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.17–9.08). Patients in the Q5 group (NLR ≥ 3.80) showed significantly worse performance in global cognition and in visuospatial and memory domains.Conclusions: NLR in the acute stage of ischemic stroke was independently associated with PSCI at 3 months after stroke, and high NLR was specifically associated with cognitive dysfunction in the memory and visuospatial domains. Thus, systemic inflammation may be a modifiable risk factor that may influence cognitive outcomes after stroke.

Abstract P82: The Impact of SARS-COV-2 on Stroke Epidemiology and Care: A Meta-Analysis

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aristeidis H Katsanos ◽  
Lina Palaiodimou ◽  
Ramin Zand ◽  
Shadi Yaghi ◽  
Hooman Kamel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
Infection Status ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Cerebrovascular Events ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Historical Controls

Background: Emerging data indicates an increased risk for cerebrovascular events with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and highlights the potential impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the management and outcomes of acute stroke. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the aforementioned considerations. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of observational cohort studies reporting on the occurrence and/or outcomes of patients with cerebrovascular events in association with their SARS-CoV-2 infection status. We used a random-effects model. Summary estimates were reported as odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: We identified 16 cohort studies including 44,004 patients. Among patients with SARS-CoV-2, 1.3% (95%CI: 0.9-1.8%; I 2 =88%) were hospitalized for cerebrovascular events, 1.2% (95%CI: 0.8-1.5%; I 2 =85%) for ischemic stroke, and 0.2% (95%CI: 0.1-0.4%; I 2 =69%) for hemorrhagic stroke. Compared to non-infected contemporary or historical controls, patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection had increased odds of ischemic stroke (OR=3.58, 95%CI: 1.43-8.92; I 2 =43%) and cryptogenic stroke (OR=3.98, 95%CI: 1.62-9.77; I 2 =0%). Odds for in-hospital mortality were higher among SARS-CoV-2 stroke patients compared to non-infected contemporary or historical stroke patients (OR=5.60, 95%CI: 3.19-9.80; I 2 =45%). SARS-CoV-2 infection status was not associated to the likelihood of receiving intravenous thrombolysis (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 0.65-3.10; I 2 =0%) or endovascular thrombectomy (OR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.35-1.74; I 2 =0%) among hospitalized ischemic stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diabetes mellitus was found to be more prevalent among SARS-CoV-2 stroke patients compared to non-infected contemporary or historical controls (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.04-1.86; I 2 =0%). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 appears to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly the cryptogenic subtype. SARS-CoV-2 infection in stroke substantially increases the mortality risk.

scholarly journals Resilience as the Mediating Factor in the Relationship Between Sleep Disturbance and Post-stroke Depression of Stroke Patients in China: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Zhao ◽  
Fengzhi Yang ◽  
Kristin K. Sznajder ◽  
Changqing Zou ◽  
Yajing Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Post Stroke Depression ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Stroke patients may suffer from a variety of symptoms which can result in sleep disturbance and post-stroke depression (PSD). Whereas, resilience can alleviate sleep disturbance and help maintain well-being after stroke.Objective: The aim of this study is to explore whether resilience plays a mediating role in the relationship between sleep disturbance and PSD of stroke patients in China.Methods: A cross-sectional study with a multi-stage sampling was carried out in Liaoning Rehabilitation Center and the Third People's Hospital of Chongqing in China from May to September 2019. A total of 353 stroke patients were enrolled in this study. Structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between sleep disturbance and PSD.Results: The prevalence of PSD of stroke patients was 34.56%. Sleep disturbance contributed most to the variance of PSD and had a significantly positive association with PSD among stroke patients (P < 0.01). Resilience was negatively associated with PSD, and acted as a mediator between sleep disturbance and PSD (a * b = 0.201, BCa 95% CI: 0.156~0.254).Conclusions: The prevalence of PSD was high among the Chinese stroke patients. Sleep disturbance was highly associated with PSD, resulting in the increased risk of PSD. Furthermore, resilience has a mediating effect on the relationship between sleep disturbance and PSD, and could reduce the negative effect of sleep disturbance on the development of PSD.

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