When to Screen Ischaemic Stroke Patients for Cancer

Background and Purpose: Ischemic stroke can be the first manifestation of cancer and it is therefore important to ascertain which stroke patients should be considered for cancer-diagnostic investigations. We aimed to determine the frequency of active cancer in patients with acute ischemic stroke and to compare clinical findings in stroke patients with active cancer to ischemic stroke patients with no history of cancer. Finally, we aimed to develop a predictive and feasible score for clinical use to uncover underlying malignancy. Methods: All ischemic stroke patients admitted to the stroke unit in the Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital were consecutively included in the Norwegian Stroke Research Registry (NORSTROKE). Stroke etiology was determined by the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. Data on cancer diagnoses was obtained from patients’ medical records and the Cancer Registry of Norway. Active cancer was defined as cancer diagnosis, metastasis of known cancer, recurrent cancer or receiving cancer treatment, all within 12 months before or after the index stroke. Based on variables independently associated with active cancer, a predictive score was developed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curves. Bayes’ theorem was used to calculate post-test probabilities of active cancer. Results: Of the 1,646 ischemic stroke patients included, 82 (5.0%) had active cancer. Increased D-dimer (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1–1.2, p = <0.001), lower Hb (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5–0.7, p = <0.001), smoking (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–4.3, p = 0.02) and suffering a stroke of undetermined etiology (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3, p = 0.03) were factors independently associated with active cancer. These were included in the final predictive score which gave an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.65–0.81) in patients younger than 75 years of age. Assuming the prevalence of cancer to be 5%, the score shows that if a patient fulfills all 3 score points, the probability of active cancer is 53%. Conclusions: Active cancer was found in 5% of our ischemic stroke patients. We found that a clinical score comprising elevated D-dimer ≥3 mg/L, lower Hb ≤12.0 g/dL and previous or current smoking is feasible for predicting active cancer in ischemic stroke patients.

Download Full-text

Score for Predicting Active Cancer in Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Study

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/5585206 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Jiwei Jiang ◽

Xiuli Shang ◽

Jinming Zhao ◽

Meihui Cao ◽

Jirui Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Retrospective Study ◽

Clinical Laboratory ◽

Elevated Serum ◽

Clinical Score ◽

Predictive Score ◽

Bayesian Decision ◽

History Of ◽

D Dimer ◽

Active Cancer

Background. We aimed to examine the differences of clinical characteristics between patients with ischemic stroke with active cancer and those without cancer to develop a clinical score for predicting the presence of occult cancer in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods. This retrospective study enrolled consecutive adult patients with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to our department between December 2017 and January 2019. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging characteristics were compared between patients with ischemic stroke with active cancer and those without cancer. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with active cancer. Subsequently, a predictive score was developed using the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves based on these independent factors. Finally, Bayesian decision theory was applied to calculate the posterior probability of active cancer for finding the best scoring system. Results. Fifty-three (6.63%) of 799 patients with ischemic stroke had active cancer. The absence of a history of hyperlipidemia (odds ratio OR = 0.17 , 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06–0.48, P < 0.01 ), elevated serum fibrinogen ( OR = 1.72 , 95% CI: 1.33–2.22, P < 0.01 ) and D-dimer levels ( OR = 1.43 , 95% CI: 1.24–1.64, P <0.01), and stroke of undetermined etiology ( OR = 22.87 , 95% CI: 9.91–52.78, P < 0.01 ) were independently associated with active cancer. A clinical score based on the absence of hyperlipidemia, serum fibrinogen level of ≥4.00 g/L, and D-dimer level of ≥2.00 μg/mL predicted active cancer with an area under the curve of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.77–0.89, P < 0.01 ). The probability of active cancer was 59% at a supposed prevalence of 6.63%, if all three independent factors were present in a patient with ischemic stroke. Conclusions. We devised a clinical score to predict active cancer in patients with ischemic stroke based on the absence of a history of hyperlipidemia and elevated serum D-dimer and fibrinogen levels. The use of this score may allow for early intervention. Further research is needed to confirm the implementation of this score in clinical settings.

Download Full-text

Cancer-Associated Hypercoagulation Increases the Risk of Early Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Active Cancer

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000491436 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 46 (1-2) ◽

pp. 46-51 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jun Fujinami ◽

Tomoyuki Ohara ◽

Fukiko Kitani-Morii ◽

Yasuhiro Tomii ◽

Naoki Makita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Recurrent Cancer ◽

Systemic Metastasis ◽

D Dimer ◽

Active Cancer

Background: This study assessed the incidence and predictors of short-term stroke recurrence in ischemic stroke patients with active cancer, and elucidated whether cancer-associated hypercoagulation is related to early recurrent stroke. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled acute ischemic stroke patients with active cancer admitted to our hospital between 2006 and 2017. Active cancer was defined as diagnosis or treatment for any cancer within 12 months before stroke onset, known recurrent cancer or metastatic disease. The primary clinical outcome was recurrent ischemic stroke within 30 days. Results: One hundred ten acute ischemic stroke patients with active cancer (73 men, age 71.3 ± 10.1 years) were enrolled. Of those, recurrent stroke occurred in 12 patients (11%). When patients with and without recurrent stroke were compared, it was found that those with recurrent stroke had a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer (33 vs. 10%), systemic metastasis (75 vs. 39%), multiple vascular territory infarctions (MVTI; 83 vs. 40%), and higher D-dimer levels (16.9 vs. 2.9 µg/mL). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that each factor mentioned above was not significantly associated with stroke recurrence independently, but high D-dimer (hDD) levels (≥10.4 µg/mL) and MVTI together were significantly associated with stroke recurrence (OR 6.20, 95% CI 1.42–30.7, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Ischemic stroke patients with active cancer faced a high risk of early recurrent stroke. The concurrence of hDD levels (≥10.4 µg/mL) and MVTI was an independent predictor of early recurrent stroke in active cancer patients. Our findings suggest that cancer-associated hypercoagulation increases the early recurrent stroke risk.

Download Full-text

Abstract TP315: D-dimer is Associated With 30-day Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke With Active Cancer

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.tp315 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ki Woong Nam ◽

Chi Kyung Kim ◽

Tae Jung Kim ◽

Sang Joon An ◽

Kyungmi Oh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Hemorrhagic Transformation ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Advanced Stages ◽

D Dimer ◽

Active Cancer

Background: Stroke in cancer patients is not rare, but is a devastating event with high mortality. However, the predictors of mortality in stroke patients with cancer have not been well addressed. D-dimer could be a useful predictor because it can reflect both thromboembolic events and advanced stages of cancer. In this study, we evaluate the possibility of D-dimer as a predictor of 30-day mortality in stroke patients with active cancer. Methods: We included 210 ischemic stroke patients with active cancer. The data of 30-day mortality were collected by reviewing medical records. We also collected follow-up D-dimer levels in 106 (50%) participants to evaluate the effects of treatment response on D-dimer levels. Results: Of the 210 participants, 30-day mortality occurred in 28 (13%) patients. Higher initial NIHSS score, D-dimer levels, CRP levels, frequent cryptogenic mechanism, systemic metastasis, multiple vascular territory lesion, hemorrhagic transformation, and larger infarct volume were related to 30-day mortality. In the multivariate analysis, D-dimer [adjusted OR (aOR) = 2.19; 95% CI, 1.46-3.28, P < 0.001] predicted 30-day mortality after adjusting for confounders. Initial NIHSS score (aOR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00-1.14, P = 0.043) and hemorrhagic transformation (aOR = 3.02; 95% CI, 1.10-8.29, P = 0.032) were also significant independently from D-dimer levels. In the analysis of D-dimer changes after treatment, the mortality group showed no significant decrease of D-dimer levels, despite treatment, while the survivor group showed opposite responses. Conclusions: D-dimer levels may predict 30-day mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients with active cancer.

Download Full-text

Comparison of acute ischemic stroke evaluation and the etiologic subtypes between university and nonuniversity hospitals in Isfahan, Iran

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/1747493019828648 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. 613-619 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fariborz Khorvash ◽

Mabobeh Khalili ◽

Roya Rezvani Habibabadi ◽

Nizal Sarafzadegan ◽

Mahshid Givi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

University Hospital ◽

Large Artery ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

Hospital Patients ◽

Degree Of Disability ◽

One Year ◽

Undetermined Etiology

Background and purpose Performing a proper causative workup for ischemic stroke patients is essential as it guides the direction of primary and secondary preventions. We aim to investigate the etiological evaluation of these patients in university and nonuniversity hospitals. Method We enrolled subjects from the Persian Registry of Cardiovascular Disease–stroke. Stroke patients were categorized base on an etiological-based classification (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment or TOAST) into five groups. We also separated patients with ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology due to incomplete standard evaluation from ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology due to negative standard evaluation. The etiological subtypes and diagnostic evaluations were compared between the two hospital groups. Result Ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology was the most common subtype overall (43%). The prevalence of ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology (incomplete standard evaluation) was significantly higher in patients evaluated in nonuniversity hospitals versus university hospital (46.2% vs. 22.3%). Patients with ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology (negative standard evaluation) and large-artery atherosclerosis were significantly more prevalent in university hospitals (10.3% vs. 4.6% and 13.9% vs. 4.4%, respectively). All diagnostic workups were performed more significantly for university hospital patients. Patients with Ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology (negative standard evaluation). Patients were significantly younger (64.91 ± 14.44 vs. 71.42 ± 12.93) and had lower prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension (48.5% vs. 65.4%) and diabetes (19.4% vs. 33.1%) than patients in ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology (incomplete standard evaluation) subgroup. University hospital patients had better clinical outcomes in terms of mortality and degree of disability during one-year follow-up. Conclusion The high clinical burden of ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology especially in nonuniversity hospitals shows the rational for promoting ischemic stroke evaluation and providing specialized stroke centers for these hospitals in a developing country like Iran.

Download Full-text

Score for Predicting Active Cancer in Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-41401/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jiwei Jiang ◽

Jirui Wang ◽

Meihui Cao ◽

Jinming Zhao ◽

Xiuli Shang

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Retrospective Study ◽

Clinical Laboratory ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Elevated Serum ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Clinical Score ◽

History Of ◽

D Dimer ◽

Active Cancer

Abstract Background: We aimed to examine the differences between the clinical characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke and active cancer and those without cancer and develop a clinical score for predicting occult cancer in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled consecutive adult patients with acute ischemic stroke, who were admitted to our department between December 2017 and January 2019. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke with active cancer and those without cancer were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with active cancer. Subsequently, a predictive cancer-risk score was developed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results: Fifty-three (6.63%) of 799 patients with ischemic stroke had active cancer. The absence of a history of hyperlipidemia [odds ratio (OR)=0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06–0.48, P<0.01], elevated serum fibrinogen (OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.33–2.22, P<0.01) and D-dimer levels (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.24–1.64, P<0.01), and stroke of undetermined etiology (OR=22.87, 95% CI: 9.91–52.78, P<0.01) were independently associated with active cancer. Thus, a score based on the absence of hyperlipidemia and serum fibrinogen ≥4.00 g/L and D-dimer ≥2.00 μg/mL predicted active cancer with an area under the curve of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.77–0.89, P<0.01). The probability of active cancer was 59% at a supposed prevalence of 6.63%, if all three independent factors were present in a patient with ischemic stroke.Conclusions: We devised a score to predict active cancer in patients with ischemic stroke based on the absence of a history of hyperlipidemia and elevated serum D-dimer and fibrinogen that highlights the importance of hypercoagulability in these patients and may help determine early intervention and management.

Download Full-text

Recanalisation theraphy for acute ischemic stroke in cancer patients

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-91257-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Giovanni Merlino ◽

Carmelo Smeralda ◽

Gian Luigi Gigli ◽

Simone Lorenzut ◽

Sara Pez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Metastatic Cancer ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

University Hospital ◽

Bridging Therapy ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Active Cancer

AbstractTo date, very few studies focused their attention on efficacy and safety of recanalisation therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with cancer, reporting conflicting results. We retrospectively analysed data from our database of consecutive patients admitted to the Udine University Hospital with AIS that were treated with recanalisation therapy, i.e. intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and bridging therapy, from January 2015 to December 2019. We compared 3-month dependency, 3-month mortality, and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) occurrence of patients with active cancer (AC) and remote cancer (RC) with that of patients without cancer (WC) undergoing recanalisation therapy for AIS. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Among the 613 AIS patients included in the study, 79 patients (12.9%) had either AC (n = 46; 7.5%) or RC (n = 33; 5.4%). Although AC patients, when treated with IVT, had a significantly increased risk of 3-month mortality [odds ratio (OR) 6.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.42–20.07, p = 0.001] than WC patients, stroke-related deaths did not differ between AC and WC patients (30% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.939). There were no significant differences between AC and WC patients, when treated with MT ± IVT, regarding 3-month dependency, 3-month mortality and SICH. Functional independence, mortality, and SICH were similar between RC and WC patients. In conclusion, recanalisation therapy might be used in AIS patients with nonmetastatic AC and with RC. Further studies are needed to explore the outcome of AIS patients with metastatic cancer undergoing recanalisation therapy.

Download Full-text

Predictors of the functional outcome after thrombolysis in an Egyptian patients’ sample

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery ◽

10.1186/s41983-020-00261-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

Author(s):

H. M. Eldeeb ◽

D. H. Elsalamawy ◽

A. M. Elabd ◽

H. S. Abdelraheem

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Hospital Stay ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Arterial Occlusion ◽

University Hospital ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Predicting Factors ◽

Egyptian Patients ◽

Cerebrovascular Stroke

Abstract Background About 6.2 million individuals worldwide and approximately 200 Egyptians/100,000 citizens have cerebrovascular stroke annually, and only less than 1% of stroke patients received intravenous (IV) thrombolysis in 2014. Outcome of the ischemic stroke after IV thrombolysis varies, and there is lack of data about the predicting factors that contributes to the outcome of ischemic strokes after IV thrombolysis in Egypt. Objective The aim of this work is to study the predictors of the functional outcome of ischemic cerebrovascular stroke after IV thrombolysis in Egyptian patients. Patients and methods This is a prospective study that includes acute ischemic stroke patients who received IV thrombolysis at the Alexandria University Hospital during the year from February 2017 to February 2018, and they were evaluated initially by Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) scale and followed-up serially for 6 months after thrombolysis using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified ranking score (mRS). Results Forty-five patients are included; 56% had favorable functional outcome (mRS 0–2) after 6 months, 68% had ≥ 4 points improvement in NIHSS after 6 months, and 13% had hemorrhagic conversion with 18% mortality rate. High initial RACE scale and long hospital stay are associated with poor functional outcome 6 months after thrombolysis. Conclusion Stroke severity demonstrated by high initial RACE and the duration of hospital stay are the two most significant predictors with an impact on the functional outcome of ischemic cerebrovascular stroke after thrombolysis.

Download Full-text

Supplemental Oxygen Use in Ischemic Stroke Patients, Does Utilization Correspond to Need for Oxygen Therapy?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.32.suppl_1.382-b ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 32 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. 382-382

Author(s):

Arthur M Pancioli ◽

Mark J Bullard ◽

Mary E Grulee ◽

Edward C Jauch ◽

David F Perkis

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Oxygen Therapy ◽

Supplemental Oxygen ◽

University Hospital ◽

Extensive Literature ◽

Oxygen Utilization ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

History Of ◽

Explicit Criteria

P236 Background: In 1994, the American Heart Association Stroke Council stated that there is no data to support routine use of supplemental oxygen in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of supplemental oxygen use in ischemic stroke and whether patients receiving oxygen met criteria for therapy. Methods: An extensive literature search was performed to generate a comprehensive list of explicit criteria for supplemental oxygen use. When the literature disagreed, criteria were included in the list to overestimate rather than underestimate the justification for oxygen use. A retrospective chart review of 169 consecutive, non-intubated, ischemic stroke patients admitted to a university hospital during calendar year 1998 was performed. Two patients were excluded due to missing data yielding a sample of 167 patients. Data included demographic and co-morbidity information as well as a check of each inpatient day for documentation of any of the explicit criteria for supplemental oxygen use. Results: A total of 167 patient charts were reviewed yielding a total of 600 inpatient days abstracted. Of the 167 patients, 102 (61.1%) received oxygen accounting for 322 patient days. Of the 322 inpatient days that patients received oxygen, 147 (45.6%) met at least one criteria for oxygen utilization. Of the 278 inpatient days that patients did not receive oxygen 69 (24.8%) would have met at least one of the criteria for oxygen use. For the entire population, statistically significant factors associated with patients receiving oxygen included: presence of at least one justifying criteria, increasing age, white race, male gender, history of atrial fibrillation, and a history of hypertension. Conclusion: We developed a comprehensive, literature-based list of criteria for supplemental oxygen therapy that was designed to overestimate rather than underestimate the justification of oxygen utilization. Using this explicit list, only 45.6% of days of oxygen therapy were justified in our ischemic stroke population. This study demonstrates that oxygen therapy is commonly given to ischemic stroke victims without clear indication.

Download Full-text

Barriers to Providing Prehospital Care to Ischemic Stroke Patients: Predictors and Impact on Care

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x18000766 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 501-507 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Timmy Li ◽

Jeremy T. Cushman ◽

Manish N. Shah ◽

Adam G. Kelly ◽

David Q. Rich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Barriers To Care ◽

Prehospital Care ◽

Heart Association ◽

Living Alone ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Publication Type ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

AbstractIntroductionIschemic stroke treatment is time-sensitive, and barriers to providing prehospital care encountered by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers have been under-studied.Hypothesis/ProblemThis study described barriers to providing prehospital care, identified predictors of these barriers, and assessed the impact of these barriers on EMS on-scene time and administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the emergency department (ED).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed using the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S; American Heart Association [AHA]; Dallas, Texas USA) registry at two hospitals to identify ischemic stroke patients arriving by EMS. Variables were abstracted from prehospital and hospital medical records and merged with registry data. Barriers to care were grouped into themes. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of barriers to care, and bi-variate tests were used to assess differences in EMS on-scene time and the proportion of patients receiving tPA between patients with and without barriers.ResultsBarriers to providing prehospital care were documented for 15.5% of patients: 29.6% related to access, 26.7% communication, 23.0% extrication and transportation, 20.0% refusal, and 14.1% assessment/management. Non-white and non-black race (OR: 3.69; 95% CI, 1.63-8.36) and living alone (OR: 1.53; 95% CI, 1.05-2.23) were associated with greater odds of barriers to providing care. The EMS on-scene time was ≥15 minutes for 70.4% of patients who had a barrier to care, compared with 49.0% of patients who did not (P<.001). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who were administered tPA between those with and without barriers to care (14.1% vs 19.2%; P=.159).ConclusionsBarriers to providing prehospital care were documented for a sizable proportion of ischemic stroke patients, with the majority related to patient access and communication, and occurred more frequently among non-white and non-black patients and those living alone. Although EMS on-scene time was longer for patients with barriers to care, the proportion of patients receiving tPA in the ED did not differ.LiT, CushmanJT, ShahMN, KellyAG, RichDQ, JonesCMC. Barriers to providing prehospital care to ischemic stroke patients: predictors and impact on care. Prehosp Disaster Med.2018;33(5):501–507.

Download Full-text

Abstract P201: Octogenarian and Nonagenarian Outcomes Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p201 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

RAJAN R GADHIA ◽

Farhaan S Vahidy ◽

Tariq Nisar ◽

Destiny Hooper ◽

David Chiu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Combined Treatment ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Acute Stroke Treatment ◽

Iv Tpa

Objective: Most acute stroke treatment trials exclude patients above the age of 80. Given the clear benefit of revascularization with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT), we sought to assess functional outcomes in patients treated above the age of 80. Methods: We conducted a review of all patients admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital between January 2019 and August 2020 with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presentation[MOU1] for whom premorbid, discharge, and 90 day modified Rankin Scale scores were available. Patients were categorized by acute stroke treatment (IV tPA, MT, both or none[MOU2] ). mRS values were assessed during admission prior to discharge and at 90 days post stroke event. A delta mRS (Discharge vs. 90-day [MOU3] ) was defined and grouped as no change, improved, or worsened to assess overall functional disability in regards to the index stroke presentation. Results: A total of 865 patients with AIS presentation were included, of whom 651 (75.3%) were <80 years and 214 (24.7%) were > 80 years of age at presentation. A total of 208 patients received IV tPA, 176 underwent revascularization with MT only, 71 had both treatments, and 552 had no acute intervention. In patients >80 yrs who had no acute stroke intervention. mRS improvement was noted in 71.4% compared to 54.1% observed in those patients <80 years. Among patients who received IV tPA, 81.5% of > 80 years improved vs. 61.6% in the younger cohort. A similar trend was noted in the MT and combined treatment groups (76.2% vs. 71.2% and 78.6% vs. 79.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Based on our cohort of acute stroke patients, there was no significant difference in outcomes (as measured by delta mRS) for octogenarians and nonagenarians when compared to younger patients. There was a trend towards improvement in the elderly patients. Chronological age by itself may be an insufficient predictor of functional outcome among stroke patients and age cutoffs for enrollment of patients in acute stroke trials may need additional considerations.

Download Full-text