scholarly journals Hospital Variation in Time to Endovascular Treatment for Ischemic Stroke: What Is the Optimal Target for Improvement?

Author(s):  
Sanne J. den Hartog ◽  
Hester F. Lingsma ◽  
Pieter‐Jan van Doormaal ◽  
Jeannette Hofmeijer ◽  
Lonneke S. F. Yo ◽  
...  

Background Time to reperfusion in patients with ischemic stroke is strongly associated with functional outcome and may differ between hospitals and between patients within hospitals. Improvement in time to reperfusion can be guided by between‐hospital and within‐hospital comparisons and requires insight in specific targets for improvement. We aimed to quantify the variation in door‐to‐reperfusion time between and within Dutch intervention hospitals and to assess the contribution of different time intervals to this variation. Methods and Results We used data from the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) Registry. The door‐to‐reperfusion time was subdivided into time intervals, separately for direct patients (door‐to‐computed tomography, computed tomography‐to‐computed tomography angiography [CTA], CTA‐to‐groin, and groin‐to‐reperfusion times) and for transferred patients (door‐to‐groin and groin‐to‐reperfusion times). We used linear mixed models to distinguish the variation in door‐to‐reperfusion time between hospitals and between patients. The proportional change in variance was used to estimate the amount of variance explained by each time interval. We included 2855 patients of 17 hospitals providing endovascular treatment. Of these patients, 44% arrived directly at an endovascular treatment hospital. The between‐hospital variation in door‐to‐reperfusion time was 9%, and the within‐hospital variation was 91%. The contribution of case‐mix variables on the variation in door‐to‐reperfusion time was marginal (2%–7%). Of the between‐hospital variation, CTA‐to‐groin time explained 83%, whereas groin‐to‐reperfusion time explained 15%. Within‐hospital variation was mostly explained by CTA‐to‐groin time (33%) and groin‐to‐reperfusion time (42%). Similar results were found for transferred patients. Conclusions Door‐to‐reperfusion time varies between, but even more within, hospitals providing endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke. Quality of stroke care improvements should not only be guided by between‐hospital comparisons, but also aim to reduce variation between patients within a hospital, and should specifically focus on CTA‐to‐groin time and groin‐to‐reperfusion time.

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 1493-1502
Author(s):  
Eveline J.A. Wiegers ◽  
Maxim J.H.L. Mulder ◽  
Ivo G.H. Jansen ◽  
Esmee Venema ◽  
Kars C.J. Compagne ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose— Collateral circulation status at baseline is associated with functional outcome after ischemic stroke and effect of endovascular treatment. We aimed to identify clinical and imaging determinants that are associated with collateral grade on baseline computed tomography angiography in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Methods— Patients included in the MR CLEAN trial (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands; n=500) and MR CLEAN Registry (n=1488) were studied. Collateral status on baseline computed tomography angiography was scored from 0 (absent) to 3 (good). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to test the association of selected determinants with collateral status. Results— In total, 1988 patients were analyzed. Distribution of the collateral status was as follows: absent (7%, n=123), poor (32%, n=596), moderate (39%, n=735), and good (23%, n=422). Associations for a poor collateral status in a multivariable model existed for age (adjusted common odds ratio, 0.92 per 10 years [95% CI, 0.886–0.98]), male (adjusted common odds ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.53–0.76]), blood glucose level (adjusted common odds ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95–1.00]), and occlusion of the intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery with occlusion of the terminus (adjusted common odds ratio 0.50 [95% CI, 0.41–0.61]). In contrast to previous studies, we did not find an association between cardiovascular risk factors and collateral status. Conclusions— Older age, male sex, high glucose levels, and intracranial internal carotid artery with occlusion of the terminus occlusions are associated with poor computed tomography angiography collateral grades in patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for endovascular treatment.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone M. Uniken Venema ◽  
Alida A. Postma ◽  
Ido R. van den Wijngaard ◽  
Jan Albert Vos ◽  
Hester F. Lingsma ◽  
...  

Background: Cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) have been associated with a greater risk of poor functional outcome after ischemic stroke. We assessed the relations between WML burden and radiological and clinical outcomes in patients treated with endovascular treatment in routine practice. Methods: We analyzed data from the MR CLEAN Registry (Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischaemic Stroke in the Netherlands)—a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study of patients treated with endovascular treatment in the Netherlands. WMLs were graded on baseline noncontrast computed tomography using a visual grading scale. The primary outcome was the score on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included early neurological recovery, successful reperfusion (extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b), futile recanalization (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3 despite successful reperfusion), and occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess associations between WML severity and outcomes, taking the absence of WML on noncontrast computed tomography as the reference category. Results: Of 3180 patients included in the MR CLEAN Registry between March 2014 and November 2017, WMLs were graded for 3046 patients and categorized as none (n=1855; 61%), mild (n=608; 20%), or moderate to severe (n=588; 19%). Favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) was achieved in 838 patients (49%) without WML, 192 patients (34%) with mild WML, and 130 patients (24%) with moderate-to-severe WML. Increasing WML grades were associated with a shift toward poorer functional outcome in a dose-dependent manner (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.13–1.60] for mild WML and 1.67 [95% CI, 1.39–2.01] for moderate-to-severe WML; P trend , <0.001). Increasing WML grades were associated with futile recanalization ( P trend , <0.001) and were inversely associated with early neurological recovery ( P trend , 0.041) but not with the probability of successful reperfusion or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusions: An increasing burden of WML at baseline is associated with poorer clinical outcomes after endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke but not with the probability of successful reperfusion or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.


Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malik M Adil ◽  
Shyam Prabhakaran

Background and Objective: Ischemic stroke (IS) patients may require inter-facility transfer for higher level of care. Endovascular treatment is the main indication for transfer. We aimed to compare patient characteristics and clinical outcomes amongst transferred vs. non-transferred IS patients who undergo endovascular therapy. Methods: Patients admitted to US hospitals between 2008 and 2011 with a primary discharge diagnosis of IS were identified by ICD-9 codes (433, 434, 436 and 437.1). Mechanical embolectomy (ME) was identified using the ICD-9 procedure code 39.74 or DRG 543 and cerebral angiography (CA) day 0-1 by 88.41. Using logistic regression, we estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), in-hospital mortality, and good outcomes (discharge home or inpatient rehabilitation) among transfer vs. non-transfers, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Of 116,382 patients with IS treated with ME or CA (7.0% of all patients with IS), 10.1% were performed in transferred patients. Atrial fibrillation and hyperlipidemia was significantly higher in IS transfers. In-hospital mortality was higher among IS transfers (9.0% vs. 3.7%; p<0.001) and discharge to home or inpatient rehabilitation was less likely among transferred IS patients (70.2% vs. 80.6%; p<0.001). ICH was higher among IS transfers (4.6% vs. 1.7%; p<0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, race, presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, alcohol abuse, insurance status, and hospital teaching status, transferred patients had higher odds of ICH (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.8, p<0.001)] and death (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-2.4, p<0.001) and lower odds of discharge to home/rehabilitation (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7, p<0.001) . Conclusion: Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke may be associated with worse outcomes among inter-hospital transfer patients compared to non-transfers. Organized stroke systems of care may need to consider pre-hospital strategies to increase direct referrals to comprehensive stroke centers and inter-hospital strategies to reduce delays to treatment.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kars C Compagne ◽  
Manon Kappelhof ◽  
Robert-Jan B Goldhoorn ◽  
Charles B Majoie ◽  
Yvo B Roos ◽  
...  

Introduction: Outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke are highly time dependent, but whether active reduction of time to treatment leads to better outcome has not been demonstrated. We compared data of the two subsequent MR CLEAN Registry cohorts, comprising all patients in the Netherlands who had EVT for acute ischemic stroke from 2014-2017, for a trend in time to treatment and its association with outcome. Methods: We compared workflow, successful reperfusion (eTICI 2B-3), NIHSS at 24h, functional outcome (mRS) at 90 days, occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and mortality in patients with ischemic stroke and a proximal intracranial occlusion in the anterior circulation included in the second cohort of the Registry (June 2016-November 2017; n = 1779) to those in patients included in the first cohort (March 2014-June 2016; n = 1526) using logistic regression. Results: Baseline NIHSS was 16 in both cohorts. Times from onset-to-groin and onset-to-reperfusion were shorter in the second cohort than in the first (185 versus 210 minutes; p<0.01 and 238 versus 270 minutes; p<0.01, respectively) (Figure 1). Successful reperfusion was achieved more often in the second than in the first cohort (72% versus 58%; p<0.01). Rates of sICH and mortality did not differ (5.9% versus 5.7%; p=0.94 and 29% versus 29%; p=0.60). However, follow-up NIHSS was lower (median 10 versus 11; p<0.001) and more patients achieved functional independence at 90 days (42.6% versus 38.9%; p = 0.012) in the second cohort (Figure 1). In a logistic regression model, the difference in good outcome between the two cohorts (aOR 1.27; 95%CI 1.08-1.50) was reduced after additional adjustment for time to reperfusion (aOR 1.15; 95%CI 0.96-1.36) as well as successful reperfusion (aOR 1.16; 95%CI 0.95-1.41). Discussion: Our data show that outcomes after EVT in routine clinical practice are improving, likely attributable to improved workflow and experience.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1759-1764.e6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert-Jan B. Goldhoorn ◽  
Nele Duijsters ◽  
Charles B.L.M. Majoie ◽  
Yvo B.W.E.M. Roos ◽  
Diederik W.J. Dippel ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Christoph I. Lee

This chapter, found in the headache section of the book, provides a succinct synopsis of a key study examining the imaging selection and endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke. This summary outlines the study methodology and design, major results, limitations and criticisms, related studies and additional information, and clinical implications. Researchers found that a favorable penumbral pattern by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging does not help identify patients who would benefit from endovascular therapy for acute stroke, and that embolectomy is not superior to standard care with regard to clinical and imaging outcomes for acute ischemic stroke. In addition to outlining the most salient features of the study, a clinical vignette and imaging example are included in order to provide relevant clinical context.


2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-327
Author(s):  
Wouter H. Hinsenveld ◽  
Inger R. de Ridder ◽  
Robert J. van Oostenbrugge ◽  
Wim H. van Zwam ◽  
Jan Albert Vos ◽  
...  

Background: Endovascular treatment (EVT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is effective and safe in is­chemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion, but IVT might delay time to EVT or increase risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). We assessed the influence of prior IVT on time to treatment and risk of ICH in patients treated with EVT. Methods: We analyzed data from the MR CLEAN Registry and included patients with an anterior circulation occlusion treated with EVT who presented directly to an intervention center, between 2014 and 2017. Primary endpoint was the door to groin time. Secondary outcomes were workflow time intervals and safety outcomes. We compared patients who received EVT only with patients who received IVT prior to EVT. Results: We included 1,427 patients directly referred to an intervention center of whom 1,023 (72%) received IVT + EVT. Adjusted door to CT imaging and door to groin time were shorter in IVT + EVT patients (difference 5.7 min [95% CI: 4.6–6.8] and 7.0 min [95% CI: 2.4–12], respectively) while CT imaging to groin time was similar between the groups. Early recanalization on digital subtraction angiography before EVT was seen more often after prior IVT (11 vs. 5.2%, aOR 2.4 [95% CI: 1.4–4.2]). Rates of symptomatic ICH were similar. Conclusion: Prior IVT did not delay door to groin times and was associated with higher rates of early recanalization, without increasing the risk of ICH. Our results do not warrant withholding IVT prior to EVT.


Stroke ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 923-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmee Venema ◽  
Adrien E. Groot ◽  
Hester F. Lingsma ◽  
Wouter Hinsenveld ◽  
Kilian M. Treurniet ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose— To assess the effect of inter-hospital transfer on time to treatment and functional outcome after endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke, we compared patients transferred from a primary stroke center to patients directly admitted to an intervention center in a large nationwide registry. Methods— MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) Registry is an ongoing, prospective, observational study in all centers that perform EVT in the Netherlands. We included adult patients with an acute anterior circulation stroke who received EVT between March 2014 to June 2016. Primary outcome was time from arrival at the first hospital to arterial groin puncture. Secondary outcomes included the 90-day modified Rankin Scale score and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2). Results— In total 821/1526 patients, (54%) were transferred from a primary stroke center. Transferred patients less often had prestroke disability (227/800 [28%] versus 255/699 [36%]; P =0.02) and more often received intravenous thrombolytics (659/819 [81%] versus 511/704 [73%]; P <0.01). Time from first presentation to groin puncture was longer for transferred patients (164 versus 104 minutes; P <0.01, adjusted delay 57 minutes [95% CI, 51–62]). Transferred patients had worse functional outcome (adjusted common OR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.62–0.90]) and less often achieved functional independence (244/720 [34%] versus 289/681 [42%], absolute risk difference −8.5% [95% CI, −8.7 to −8.3]). Conclusions— Interhospital transfer of patients with acute ischemic stroke is associated with delay of EVT and worse outcomes in routine clinical practice, even in a country where between-center distances are short. Direct transportation of patients potentially eligible for EVT to an intervention center may improve functional outcome.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2-6) ◽  
pp. 116-122
Author(s):  
Ameer E. Hassan ◽  
Hafsah Shamim ◽  
Haralabos Zacharatos ◽  
Saqib A. Chaudhry ◽  
Christina Sanchez ◽  
...  

Background: Studies have shown a lack of agreement of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in the selection of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients for endovascular treatment. Purpose: To demonstrate whether non-contrast computed tomography (CT) within 8 h of symptom onset is comparable to CTP imaging. Methods: Prospective study of consecutive anterior circulation AIS patients with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score > 7 presenting within 8 h of symptom onset with endovascular treatment. All patients had non-contrast CT, CT angiography, and CTP. The neuro-interventionalist was blinded to the results of the CTP and based the treatment decision using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS). Baseline demographics, co-morbidities, and baseline NIHSS scores were collected. Outcomes were modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at discharge and in-hospital mortality. Good outcomes were defined as a mRS score of 0–2. Results: 283 AIS patients were screened for the trial, and 119 were enrolled. The remaining patients were excluded for: posterior circulation stroke, no CTP performed, could not obtain consent, and NIHSS score < 7. Mean ­NIHSS score at admission was 16.8 ± 3, and mean ASPECTS was 8.4 ± 1.4. There was no statistically significant correlation with CTP penumbra and good outcomes: 50 versus 47.8% with no penumbra present (p = 0.85). In patients without evidence of CTP penumbra, there was 22.5% mortality compared to 22.1% mortality in patients with a CTP penumbra. If ASPECTS ≥7, 64.6% had good outcome versus 13.3% if ASPECTS < 7 (p < 0.001). Patients with an ASPECTS ≥7 had 10% mortality versus 51.4% in patients with an ASPECTS < 7 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CTP penumbra did not identify patients who would benefit from endovascular treatment when patients were selected with non-contrast CT ASPECTS ≥7. There is no correlation of CTP penumbra with good outcomes or mortality. Larger prospective trials are warranted to justify the use of CTP within 6 h of symptom onset.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document