Abstract W P212: The Effect Of Pre-hospital Notification On Time To Head Ct, Stroke Specialist Arrival, And Tpa Administration For Hispanic Patients With Acute Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan McCoy ◽  
Ralph Fader ◽  
Colleen Donovan ◽  
Robert Eisenstein ◽  
Pamela Ohman-Strickland ◽  
...  

Background: Hispanics have an increased incidence of ischemic stroke but may be less likely to use Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for stroke care. Objective: To examine disparities in pre-hospital triage and emergent evaluation of Hispanic stroke patients. We hypothesized that Hispanic stroke patients with pre-hospital notification experience less delay in emergent evaluation but the reduction may not be as pronounced as general stroke patients. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of all emergency department patients alerted as Brain Attack (BAT) between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2012, at an urban comprehensive stroke center. We collected demographics, co-morbidities, and stroke severity from a quality assurance database. Outcome variables included EMS utilization, pre-hospital BAT activation, head CT timing & tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) timing. Effects of ethnicity and pre-hospital notification on evaluation and treatment times were measured using multivariate logistic regression models. The study was IRB approved. Results: During the study period, 832(64 Hispanic) patients were alerted as Brain Attacks. Hispanic patients were younger 56±17 vs. 68±16 years (p<0.0001), had trends for less EMS utilization (walk-in 35% vs. 22%) and lower NIHSS 9.3±4.3 vs. 12.8±8.3 (p=0.06), but did not differ in comorbidities. Patients with pre-hospital notification had significantly shorter times to stroke specialist arrival, door to head CT, and door to TPA irrespective of ethnicity. However, ethnicity did have independent effect on time to TPA administration. Please see Table 1. Conclusion: Pre-hospital notification is associated with faster stroke evaluation and treatment, including among Hispanic patients with acute stroke. Further study is needed to examine if outreach to increase EMS utilization will decrease disparities in this population.

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patty Noah ◽  
Melanie Henderson ◽  
Rebekah Heintz ◽  
Russell Cerejo ◽  
Christopher T Hackett ◽  
...  

Introduction: Dysphagia occurs in up to two thirds of stroke patients and can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia, which is also linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Evidence-based guidelines recommend a bedside dysphagia assessment before oral intake in stroke patients regardless of initial stroke severity. Several studies have described registered nurses’ competency in terms of knowledge and skills regarding dysphagia screening. We aimed to examine the rate of aspiration pneumonia compared to the rate of dysphagia screening. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data at a single tertiary stroke center was carried out between January 2017 and June 2020. Data comparison was completed utilizing ICD-10 diagnosis codes to identify aspiration pneumonia in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. The data was reviewed to compare the compliance of a completed dysphagia screen prior to any oral intake to rate of aspiration pneumonia. Chi square tests were used to assess proportion differences in completed dysphagia screen and proportion of aspiration pneumonia diagnosis in the ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. Results: We identified 3320 patient that met inclusion criteria. 67% were ischemic strokes, 22% were intracerebral hemorrhages and 11% were subarachnoid hemorrhages. Compliance with dysphagia screening decreased from 94.2% (n=1555/1650) in 2017-2018 to 74.0% (n=1236/1670) in 2019-2020, OR=0.17 (95%CI 0.14 - 0.22), p < 0.0001. Aspiration pneumonias increased from 58 (3.5%) in 2017-2018 to 77 (4.6%) in 2019-2020, but this difference was not statistically significant, OR=0.75 (95%CI 0.53 - 1.07), p = 0.11. Conclusion: We noted that the decrease in compliance with completing a dysphagia screen in patients with acute stroke prior to any oral intake was associated with a higher trend of aspiration pneumonia.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona N Bahouth ◽  
Argye Hillis ◽  
Rebecca Gottesman

Background: Many ischemic stroke patients present to the hospital in a state of dehydration. We hypothesized that patients who were dehydrated at the time of acute stroke would have more severe stroke and worse short term outcomes. Methods: We enrolled consecutive ischemic stroke patients within 12 hours from their last normal neurological exam at a single academic health system. Patients with renal failure or who were unable to undergo MRI were excluded. Surrogate markers for dehydration were defined as BUN/Creatinine ratio >15 and urine specific gravity >1.010. Stroke severity was determined based on clinical examination (NIHSS score) and lesion volume measured on diffusion weighted MRI. The primary outcome of interest was change in NIHSS from admission to discharge. Results: We surveyed 383 ischemic stroke admissions to our comprehensive stroke center. Of these, 168 met inclusion criteria with 126/168 (75%) having complete laboratory and MRI data. 44% of our patients were dehydrated at the time of admission, with no difference in demographics between the dehydrated and hydrated groups. Baseline NIHSS (6.7 vs 7.3; p=0.63) and lesion volumes (12 vs 16; p=0.48) were similar in the two groups. 42% of dehydrated patients were in the worst short term quartile of NIHSS change, as compared with 17% of the hydrated group (p=0.02). Dehydration remained a significant predictor of having the worst NIHSS change, after adjustment for age, initial NIHSS, lesion volume, and admission glucose (OR=4.34, 95% CI 1.75-10.76). Conclusions: Nearly half of acute stroke patients admitted to the hospital are dehydrated by surrogate laboratory markers. Acute stroke patients with markers of dehydration demonstrate greater worsening in NIHSS scores as compared with hydrated patients, independent of infarct size. Results suggest an opportunity for an inexpensive and globally available treatment to optimize functional outcomes of the stroke patient.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunjuan Wang ◽  
Zixiao Li ◽  
Yilong Wang ◽  
Yong Jiang ◽  
Xingquan Zhao ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the first leading cause of death in China and millions of patients were admitted to various levels of hospitals each year. However, it is unknown how many of these hospitals are able to provide an appropriate level of care for stroke patients since the certification program of comprehensive stroke center (CSC) and primary stroke center (PSC) has not been initiated in China. Method: In 2012, we selected all 554 hospitals that joined into the China Stroke Research Network (CSRN) to start a survey. These hospitals were from 31 provinces or municipalities, covered nearly the entire Mainland China. A six-page questionnaire was sent to each of them to obtain the stroke facility information. We used the same criteria and definitions for CSC, PSC, and minimum level for any hospital ward (AHW) admitting stroke patients with that of the European Stroke Facilities Survey. Results: For all the hospitals in CSRN, 521 (94.0%) returned the questionnaire, 20 (3.8%) met criteria for CSC, 179 (34.4%) for PSC, 64 (12.3%) for AHW, and 258 (49.5%) met none of them and provided a lower level of care. Hospitals meeting criteria for CSC, PSC, AHW, and none of them admitted 70 052 (8.8%), 334 834 (42.2%), 88 364 (11.1%), and 299 806 (37.8%) patients in the whole of last year. There was no 24-hour availability for brain CT scan in 4.3% of hospitals not meeting criteria for AHW, while neither stroke care map nor stroke pathway for patients admission in 81.0% of them. Conclusions: Less than two fifths of Chinese hospitals admitting acute stroke patients have optimal facilities, and nearly half even the minimum level is not available. Our study suggests that only one half acute stroke patients are treated in appropriate centers in China, facilities for hospitals admitting stroke patients should be enhanced and certification project of CSCs and PSCs may be a feasible choice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-82
Author(s):  
Mohammad El-Ghanem ◽  
Francisco E. Gomez ◽  
Prateeka Koul ◽  
Rolla Nuoman ◽  
Justin G. Santarelli ◽  
...  

Background: Traditionally, patients undergoing acute ischemic strokes were candidates for mechanical thrombectomy if they were within the 6-h window from onset of symptoms. This timeframe would exclude many patient populations, such as wake-up strokes. However, the most recent clinical trials, DAWN and DEFUSE3, have expanded the window of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients to within 24 h from symptom onset. This expanded window increases the number of potential candidates for endovascular intervention for emergent large vessel occlusions and raises the question of how to efficiently screen and triage this increase of patients. Summary: Abbreviated pre-hospital stroke scales can be used to guide EMS personnel in quickly deciding if a patient is undergoing a stroke. Telestroke networks connect remote hospitals to stroke specialists to improve the transportation time of the patient to a comprehensive stroke center for the appropriate level of care. Mobile stroke units, mobile interventional units, and helistroke reverse the traditional hub-and-spoke model by bringing imaging, tPA, and expertise to the patient. Smartphone applications and social media aid in educating patients and the public regarding acute and long-term stroke care. Key Messages: The DAWN and DEFUSE3 trials have expanded the treatment window for certain acute ischemic stroke patients with mechanical thrombectomy and subsequently have increased the number of potential candidates for endovascular intervention. This expansion brings patient screening and triaging to greater importance, as reducing the time from symptom onset to decision-to-treat and groin puncture can better stroke patient outcomes. Several strategies have been employed to address this issue by reducing the time of symptom onset to decision-to-treat time.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiawei Xin ◽  
Xuanyu Huang ◽  
Changyun Liu ◽  
Yun Huang

Abstract Background Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the stroke care systems have been seriously affected because of social restrictions and other reasons. As the pandemic spreads further to global, it is of great significant to understand how COVID-19 affect the stroke care systems. Methods We retrospectively studied the real-world data of one comprehensive stroke center in China from January to February, 2020, and compared it with the same period in 2019. We analyzed time from stroke onset to admission, severity, effect after treatment, hospital stays, cost of hospitalization, etc., and correlation among them. Results We observed a great extension of the onset-to-door time of stroke patients during the pandemic. The degree of neurological deficit of the patients was significantly higher, both admission and discharge. Longer onset-to-door time and higher degree of neurological deficit were significantly correlated with longer hospital stays and higher medical burden. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the stroke care systems. Measures must be taken to minimize the collateral damage caused by COVID-19.


Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Spozhmy Panezai ◽  
Florence Chukwuneke ◽  
Audrey Arango ◽  
Jaskiran Brar ◽  
Joshua Daniel ◽  
...  

Background: Time lost is brain lost. The ASA’s Target Stroke strategies were reviewed to improve Door to CT (DTCT) and Door to Needle (DTN) times. Taking acute stroke patients direct from triage to the CT scanner can reduce thrombolysis treatment times, which may improve patient outcomes. In April 2015, the JFK Comprehensive Stroke Center introduced a Direct to CT policy for acute stroke patients who are assessed to be acute by the JFK EMS service. Method: We performed a prospective pilot study comparing door-to-CT times (DTCT) and door-to-needle (DTN) times pre- and post-implementation of Direct to CT policy, and analyzed patient characteristics, Emergency Department (ED) presentation time, adverse effects, protocol violations and patient outcomes. Delays in treatment, enablers and barriers to treatment were also examined. The purpose was to look at feasibility and maintenance of quality when applied to a larger subset of patients. Results: There was no statistical difference in demographics or clinical factors in patients who presented pre- (2013, 2014, n= 621) or post- Direct to CT (April 20-June 20, 2015 n=22). However, a reduction in mean DTCT times (21 mins vs. 8.7 mins, p<.0001) and DTN times (55 mins vs. 19 mins, p<.0001) was seen. There was no increase in adverse outcomes (7% vs. 0%) in patients taken Direct to CT. There was no difference in patient outcomes, however the current study size is small. Numerous barriers to Direct to CT were identified at the pre-hospital, ED, CT and stroke team levels. These issues included ED resources, hospital geography and space, and stroke team decision making. Some of these concerns are ongoing and will take time and effort to overcome. Strengths noted were the EMS capability of pre-hospital Intravenous line establishment, blood draws, and EKG performance as well as IV tPA initiation in the CT area. Conclusions: Taking patients Direct to CT has significantly reduced time to evaluation, DTCT, and DTN and further improvements may be achieved through resolution of identified barriers.


2019 ◽  
pp. 174749301988452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akiko Kada ◽  
Kuniaki Ogasawara ◽  
Takanari Kitazono ◽  
Kunihiro Nishimura ◽  
Nobuyuki Sakai ◽  
...  

Background Limited national-level information on temporal trends in comprehensive stroke center capabilities and their effects on acute ischemic stroke patients exists. Aims To examine trends in in-hospital outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients and the prognostic influence of temporal changes in comprehensive stroke center capabilities in Japan. Methods This retrospective study used the J-ASPECT Diagnosis Procedure Combination database and identified 372,978 acute ischemic stroke patients hospitalized in 650 institutions between 2010 and 2016. Temporal trends in patient outcomes and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and mechanical thrombectomy usage were examined. Facility comprehensive stroke center capabilities were assessed using a validated scoring system (comprehensive stroke center score: 1–25 points) in 2010 and 2014. The prognostic influence of temporal comprehensive stroke center score changes on in-hospital mortality and poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale: 3–6) at discharge were examined using hierarchical logistic regression models. Results Over time, stroke severity at admission decreased, whereas median age, sex ratio, and comorbidities remained stable. The median comprehensive stroke center score increased from 16 to 17 points. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, consciousness level, and facility comprehensive stroke center score, proportion of in-hospital mortality and poor outcomes at discharge decreased (from 7.6% to 5.0%, and from 48.7% to 43.1%, respectively). The preceding comprehensive stroke center score increase (in 2010–2014) was independently associated with reduced in-hospital mortality and poor outcomes, and increased rt-PA and mechanical thrombectomy use (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.97 (0.95–0.99), 0.97 (0.95–0.998), 1.07 (1.04–1.10), and 1.21 (1.14–1.28), respectively). Conclusions This nationwide study revealed six-year trends in better patient outcomes and increased use of rt-PA and mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. In addition to lesser stroke severity, preceding improvement of comprehensive stroke center capabilities was an independent factor associated with such trends, suggesting importance of comprehensive stroke center capabilities as a prognostic indicator of acute stroke care.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 631-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed F Zaidi ◽  
Julie Shawver ◽  
Aixa Espinosa Morales ◽  
Hisham Salahuddin ◽  
Gretchen Tietjen ◽  
...  

BackgroundEarly identification and transfer of patients with acute stroke to a primary or comprehensive stroke center results in favorable outcomes.ObjectiveTo describe implementation and results of an emergency medical service (EMS)-driven stroke protocol in Lucas County, Ohio.MethodAll county EMS personnel (N=464) underwent training in the Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation (RACE) score. The RACE Alert (RA) protocol, whereby patients with stroke and a RACE score ≥5 were taken to a facility that offered advanced therapy, was implemented in July 2015. During the 6-month study period, 109 RAs were activated. Time efficiencies, diagnostic accuracy, and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes were compared with standard ‘stroke-alert’ (N=142) patients from the preceding 6 months.ResultsAn increased treatment rate (25.6% vs 12.6%, p<0.05) and improved time efficiency (median door-to-CT 10 vs 28 min, p<0.05; door-to-needle 46 vs 75 min, p<0.05) of IV tissue plasminogen activator within the RA cohort was achieved. The rate of MT (20.1% vs 7.7%, p=0.06) increased and treatment times improved, including median arrival-to-puncture (68 vs 128 min, p=0.04) and arrival-to-recanalization times (101 vs 205 min, p=0.001) in favor of the RA cohort. A non-significant trend towards improved outcome (50% vs 36.4%, p=0.3) in the RA cohort was noted. The RA protocol also showed improved diagnostic specificity for ischemic stroke (52.3% vs 30.1%, p<0.05).ConclusionsOur results indicate that EMS adaptation of the RA protocol within Lucas County is feasible and effective for early triage and treatment of patients with stroke. Using this protocol, we can significantly improve treatment times for both systemic thrombolysis and MT.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2092103
Author(s):  
Scott Gutovitz ◽  
Jonathan Leggett ◽  
Leslie Hart ◽  
Samuel M Leaman ◽  
Heather James ◽  
...  

Introduction We evaluated the impact of tele-neurologists on the time to initiating acute stroke care versus traditional bedside neurologists at an advanced stroke center. Methods This observational study evaluated time to treatment for acute stroke patients at a single hospital, certified as an advanced primary stroke centre, with thrombectomy capabilities. Consecutive stroke alert patients between 1 March, 2016 and 31 March, 2018 were divided into two groups based on their neurology consultation service (bedside neurology: 1 March, 2016–28 February, 2017; tele-neurology: 1 April, 2017–31 March, 2018). Door-to-tPA time and door-to-IR time for mechanical thrombectomy were compared between the two groups. Results Nine hundred and fifty-nine stroke patients met the inclusion criteria (436 bedside neurology, 523 tele-neurology patients). There were no significant differences in sex, age, or stroke final diagnosis between groups ( p > 0.05). 85 bedside neurology patients received tPA and 35 had mechanical thrombectomy, 84 and 44 for the tele-neurology group respectively. Door-to-tPA time (median (IQR)) was significantly higher among tele-neurology (64 min (51.5–83.5)) than bedside neurology patients (45 min (34–69); p < 0.0001). There was no difference in door-to-IR times (mean ± SD) between bedside neurology (87.2 ± 33.3 min) and tele-neurology (90.4 ± 33.4 min; p = 0.67). Discussion At this facility, our tele-neurology services vendor was associated with a statistically significant delay in tPA administration compared with bedside neurologists. There was no difference in door-to-IR times. Delays in tPA administration make it harder to meet acute stroke care guidelines and could worsen patient outcomes.


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