Accuracy of Serial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Scores to Identify Artery Status in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: Studies suggest an increased risk of adverse outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Using Get With The Guidelines–Stroke, we identified 41 971 patients (AIS/COVID-19: 1143; AIS/no COVID-19: 40 828) with AIS hospitalized between February 4, 2020 and June 29, 2020, from 458 Get With The Guidelines–Stroke hospitals with at least one COVID-19 case and evaluated clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes. Results: Compared with patients with AIS/no COVID-19, those with AIS/COVID-19 were younger, more likely to be non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, or Asian, more likely to present with higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, and had greater proportions of large vessel occlusions. Rates of thrombolysis and thrombectomy were similar between the groups. Door to computed tomography (median 55 [18–207] versus 35 [14–99] minutes, P <0.001), door to needle (59 [40–82] versus 46 [33–64] minutes, P <0.001), and door to endovascular therapy (114 [74–169] versus 90 [54–133] minutes, P =0.002) times were longer in the AIS/COVID-19 cohort. In adjusted models, patients with AIS/COVID-19 had decreased odds of discharge with modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2 (odds ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.52–0.81], P <0.001) and increased odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 4.34 [95% CI, 3.48–5.40], P <0.001). ConclusionS: This analysis demonstrates younger age, greater stroke severity, longer times to evaluation and treatment, and worse morbidity and mortality in patients with AIS/COVID-19 compared with those with AIS/no COVID-19.

Download Full-text

Emergency Medicine Pharmacist Impact on Door-to-Needle Time in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

The Neurohospitalist ◽

10.1177/1941874417729982 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 60-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Joshua S. Jacoby ◽

Heather M. Draper ◽

Lisa E. Dumkow ◽

Muhammad U. Farooq ◽

G. Robert DeYoung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Medicine ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Neurological Status ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Discharge Disposition ◽

Scale Scores ◽

The Impact

Background and Purpose: Decreased door-to-needle (DTN) time with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke is associated with improved patient outcomes. Emergency medicine pharmacists (EMPs) can expedite the administration of tPA by assessing patients for contraindications, preparing, and administering tPA. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of EMPs on DTN times and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke who receive tPA in the emergency department. Methods: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study of patients who received tPA between August 1, 2012, and August 30, 2014, was conducted to compare DTN times with or without EMP involvement in stroke care. Secondary outcomes included changes in neurological status as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), length of hospital stay, discharge disposition, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and in-hospital all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 100 patients were included. The EMPs were involved in the care of 49 patients. The EMP involvement was associated with a significant improvement in DTN time (median 46 [interquartile range IQR: 34.5-67] vs 58 [IQR: 45-79] minutes; P = .019) and with receiving tPA within 45 minutes of arrival (49% vs 25%, odds ratio [OR]: 2.81 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-6.52]). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were significantly improved at 24 hours post-tPA in favor of the EMP group (median NIHSS 1 [IQR: 0-4] vs 2 [IQR: 1-9.25]; P = .047). Conclusions: The EMP involvement in initial stroke care was associated with a significant improvement in DTN time.

Download Full-text

Decreased plasma miR-335 expression in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its association with calmodulin expression

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060516665707 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 44 (6) ◽

pp. 1331-1338 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Bin Zhao ◽

Zilong Zhu ◽

Junwei Hao ◽

Zongming Wan ◽

Xiaoqin Guo

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Protein Expression ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Significance ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Regulatory Function ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Direct Target

Objective To determine the expression and clinical significance of plasma miR-335 in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and investigate its association with calmodulin (CaM) expression. Methods Plasma miR-335 and CaM expression levels in patients with AIS and healthy controls were examined. Correlations between miR-335, CaM, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were also analysed. Furthermore, the potential regulatory function of miR-335 on CaM expression was investigated. Results Plasma miR-335 levels were significantly lower in AIS and negatively correlated with NIHSS scores. The converse was observed for plasma CaM levels. Plasma miR-335 and CaM levels were negatively correlated. Plasma miR-335 was confirmed as a novel biomarker for AIS diagnosis and an independent predictor of AIS. Up-regulation of miR-335 suppressed CaM protein expression, and CaM was confirmed as a direct target of miR-335. Conclusions Plasma miR-335 was down-regulated in AIS patients and represents a potential noninvasive circulating biomarker.

Download Full-text

Predictive value of the ankle brachial index in patients with acute ischemic stroke

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000328 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 55-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Konstantinos Tziomalos ◽

Vasilios Giampatzis ◽

Stella Bouziana ◽

Athinodoros Pavlidis ◽

Marianna Spanou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Ankle Brachial Index ◽

Arterial Disease ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Limited Data ◽

Severe Stroke ◽

Hospital Outcome ◽

Peripheral Arterial

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is frequently present in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, there are limited data regarding the association between ankle brachial index (ABI) ≤ 0.90 (which is diagnostic of PAD) or > 1.40 (suggesting calcified arteries) and the severity of stroke and in-hospital outcome in this population. We aimed to evaluate these associations in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients and methods: We prospectively studied 342 consecutive patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke (37.4 % males, mean age 78.8 ± 6.4 years). The severity of stroke was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at admission. The outcome was assessed with the mRS and dependency (mRS 2 - 5) at discharge and in-hospital mortality. Results: An ABI ≤ 0.90 was present in 24.6 % of the patients whereas 68.1 % had ABI 0.91 - 1.40 and 7.3 % had ABI > 1.40. At admission, the NIHSS score did not differ between the 3 groups (10.4 ± 10.6, 8.3 ± 9.3 and 9.3 ± 9.4, respectively). The mRS score was also comparable in the 3 groups (3.6 ± 1.7, 3.1 ± 1.8 and 3.5 ± 2.3, respectively). At discharge, the mRS score did not differ between the 3 groups (2.9 ± 2.2, 2.3 ± 2.1 and 2.7 ± 2.5, respectively) and dependency rates were also comparable (59.5, 47.6 and 53.3 %, respectively). In-hospital mortality was almost two-times higher in patients with ABI ≤ 0.90 than in patients with ABI 0.91 - 1.40 or > 1.40 but this difference was not significant (10.9, 6.6 and 6.3 %, respectively). Conclusions: An ABI ≤ 0.90 or > 1.40 does not appear to be associated with more severe stroke or worse in-hospital outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Download Full-text

Mechanical thrombectomy using a Solitaire stent retriever in the treatment of pediatric acute ischemic stroke

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2018.9.peds18242 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 363-368 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bing Zhou ◽

Xiao-Chuan Wang ◽

Jun-Yi Xiang ◽

Ming-Zhao Zhang ◽

Bo Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Balloon Dilation ◽

Stent Retriever ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Clinical Prognosis ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Grade 3

OBJECTIVEMechanical thrombectomy using a Solitaire stent retriever has been widely applied as a safe and effective method in adult acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, due to the lack of data, the safety and effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy using a Solitaire stent in pediatric AIS has not yet been verified. The purpose of this study was to explore the safety and effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy using a Solitaire stent retriever for pediatric AIS.METHODSBetween January 2012 and December 2017, 7 cases of pediatric AIS were treated via mechanical thrombectomy using a Solitaire stent retriever. The clinical practice, imaging, and follow-up results were reviewed, and the data were summarized and analyzed.RESULTSThe ages of the 7 patients ranged from 7 to 14 years with an average age of 11.1 years. The preoperative National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores ranged from 9 to 22 with an average of 15.4 points. A Solitaire stent retriever was used in all patients, averaging 1.7 applications of thrombectomy and combined balloon dilation in 2 cases. Grade 3 on the modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction scale of recanalization was achieved in 5 cases and grade 2b in 2 cases. Six patients improved and 1 patient died after thrombectomy. The average NIHSS score of the 6 cases was 3.67 at discharge. The average modified Rankin Scale score was 1 at the 3-month follow-up. Subarachnoid hemorrhage after thrombectomy occurred in 1 case and that patient died 3 days postoperatively.CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that mechanical thrombectomy using a Solitaire stent retriever has a high recanalization rate and excellent clinical prognosis in pediatric AIS. The safety of mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric AIS requires more clinical trials for confirmation.

Download Full-text

Role of S100β Glial Protein as a Serological Marker for Analysis of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Journal of Stroke Medicine ◽

10.1177/25166085211011284 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 251660852110112

Author(s):

Kiran Buddharaju ◽

Mahendra Javali ◽

Anish Mehta ◽

R Srinivasa ◽

Purushottam Acharya

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Recovery ◽

Protein Level ◽

Serological Marker ◽

Protein Levels ◽

S100β Protein ◽

Asymptomatic Volunteers ◽

Scale Scores

Background: Stroke is a major cause of neurological disability, which can be often predicted with serological markers. Glial-derived S100β protein is a potential biomarker for cerebral ischemia and may be helpful in predicting the severity, outcome, and recovery of stroke. Aim: This study aimed to study the role of S100β glial protein as a serological marker in predicting the severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), outcome, and functional recovery after 1 month. Methods: A hospital-based prospective case control study included 43 consecutive patients, >18 years old, who were admitted with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarcts within 72 h of onset of neurological deficits. Control group comprised of 43 age-matched asymptomatic volunteers. Independent t-test and chi square test were used to compare the means and evaluate the association between protein level and various parameters. P ≤ .05 was statistically significant. Results: S100β protein level in AIS patients was significantly higher compared to controls ( P < .05). Elevated serum S100β protein level was found to be associated with larger infarct volumes, higher National Institute Health Stroke Scale scores, and higher modified Rankin Scale scores at admission ( P < .05). Patients with higher S100β protein levels at admission had poor recovery at 1 month compared to patients having normal S100β protein levels. Conclusion: S100β protein levels at admission after an acute MCA territory infarct may be used as a reliable serological tool in predicting the severity, outcome, and functional recovery in stroke.

Download Full-text

Bivalirudin for Endovascular Intervention in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Case Report

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000097556.08044.1f ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 54 (1) ◽

pp. 218-223 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Mark R. Harrigan ◽

Elad I. Levy ◽

Bernard R. Bendok ◽

L. Nelson Hopkins

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Middle Cerebral Artery ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Scale Score ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Left Middle Cerebral Artery ◽

Computed Tomographic ◽

Left Middle ◽

Arterial Thrombolysis

Abstract OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE Intra-arterial thrombolysis has been demonstrated to improve recanalization and outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, thrombolytic agents have limited effectiveness and are associated with a significant risk of bleeding. Bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor that has been demonstrated in the cardiology literature to have a more favorable efficacy and bleeding profile than other antithrombotic medications. We report the use of bivalirudin during endovascular treatment of acute stroke, when hemorrhagic complications are not uncommon. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 71-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation presented with right hemiparesis and aphasia and was found to have a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 10. Computed tomographic scans revealed no evidence of intracranial hemorrhage, aneurysm, or ischemic stroke. Cerebral angiography revealed thromboembolic occlusion of the superior division of the left middle cerebral artery. INTERVENTION For anticoagulation, a loading dose of bivalirudin was intravenously administered before the interventional procedure, followed by continuous infusion. Attempts to remove the clot with an endovascular snare failed to induce recanalization of the vessel. Bivalirudin was then administered intra-arterially. Immediate postprocedural angiography demonstrated restoration of flow in the left middle cerebral artery. Repeat computed tomographic scans demonstrated no intracranial hemorrhage. The patient's hemiparesis and aphasia were nearly resolved and her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 2 at the time of her discharge 5 days later. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of bivalirudin for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Bivalirudin may be a useful agent for intravenous anticoagulation and intra-arterial thrombolysis in this setting.

Download Full-text

Prediction of Hospital Disposition After Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke Using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale

Archives of Neurology ◽

10.1001/archneur.61.7.1061 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 61 (7) ◽

pp. 1061 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Daniel J. Schlegel

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

National Institutes Of Health

Download Full-text

Predictors of home discharge after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke: Usefulness of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale sub-items assessed 24 h postoperatively

Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery ◽

10.1016/j.inat.2021.101341 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 101341

Author(s):

Keiichiro Aoki ◽

Akihiro Iguchi ◽

Jin Saito ◽

Kazuki Komaba ◽

Kunio Kabe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Home Discharge

Download Full-text

Dysphagia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Early Dysphagia Screening May Reduce Stroke-Related Pneumonia and Improve Stroke Outcomes

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000445299 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 42 (1-2) ◽

pp. 81-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Mohamed Al-Khaled ◽

Christine Matthis ◽

Andreas Binder ◽

Jonas Mudter ◽

Joern Schattschneider ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Case Fatality ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Stroke Outcomes ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Reduced Risk

Background: Dysphagia is associated with poor outcome in stroke patients. Studies investigating the association of dysphagia and early dysphagia screening (EDS) with outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are rare. The aims of our study are to investigate the association of dysphagia and EDS within 24 h with stroke-related pneumonia and outcomes. Methods: Over a 4.5-year period (starting November 2007), all consecutive AIS patients from 15 hospitals in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, were prospectively evaluated. The primary outcomes were stroke-related pneumonia during hospitalization, mortality, and disability measured on the modified Rankin Scale ≥2-5, in which 2 indicates an independence/slight disability to 5 severe disability. Results: Of 12,276 patients (mean age 73 ± 13; 49% women), 9,164 patients (74%) underwent dysphagia screening; of these patients, 55, 39, 4.7, and 1.5% of patients had been screened for dysphagia within 3, 3 to <24, 24 to ≤72, and >72 h following admission. Patients who underwent dysphagia screening were likely to be older, more affected on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and to have higher rates of neurological symptoms and risk factors than patients who were not screened. A total of 3,083 patients (25.1%; 95% CI 24.4-25.8) had dysphagia. The frequency of dysphagia was higher in patients who had undergone dysphagia screening than in those who had not (30 vs. 11.1%; p < 0.001). During hospitalization (mean 9 days), 1,271 patients (10.2%; 95% CI 9.7-10.8) suffered from stroke-related pneumonia. Patients with dysphagia had a higher rate of pneumonia than those without dysphagia (29.7 vs. 3.7%; p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that dysphagia was associated with increased risk of stroke-related pneumonia (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.8-4.2; p < 0.001), case fatality during hospitalization (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.1-3.7; p < 0.001) and disability at discharge (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6-2.3; p < 0.001). EDS within 24 h of admission appeared to be associated with decreased risk of stroke-related pneumonia (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.52-0.89; p = 0.006) and disability at discharge (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.46-0.77; p < 0.001). Furthermore, dysphagia was independently correlated with an increase in mortality (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.4-4.2; p < 0.001) and disability (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.8-3.0; p < 0.001) at 3 months after stroke. The rate of 3-month disability was lower in patients who had received EDS (52 vs. 40.7%; p = 0.003), albeit an association in the logistic regression was not found (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.51-1.2; p = 0.2). Conclusions: Dysphagia exposes stroke patients to a higher risk of pneumonia, disability, and death, whereas an EDS seems to be associated with reduced risk of stroke-related pneumonia and disability.

Download Full-text