Abstract TMP67: Sex Disparities in Atrial Fibrillation as a Predictor of Poor Discharge Disposition After Ischemic Stroke Hospitalization: The Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan C Martin ◽  
David Z Rose ◽  
Kefeng Wang ◽  
Maria A Ciliberti-Vargas ◽  
Jose G Romano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facility ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Discharge Disposition ◽  
Sex Disparities

Background: It is unknown whether atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible for increased morbidity and disability seen in women with ischemic stroke. We sought to determine whether patients with ischemic stroke and AF had poorer outcomes than ischemic stroke patients without AF and whether this effect is more pronounced among women. Methods: We analyzed data from the FL-PR CReSD Study, a large quality improvement registry of Florida (N=66) and Puerto Rico (N=9) hospitals based on the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) program. Discharge disposition was utilized as a surrogate marker for morbidity and disability, with discharge to home or rehabilitation in comparison to other discharge dispositions (skilled nursing facility, hospice or died). Multilevel generalized linear models were used to evaluate AF and sex disparities in discharge disposition adjusted for demographics, risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, previous stroke/TIA), and NIHSS and CHADS2 scores. Results: We examined a total of 55,945 ischemic stroke patients, of whom 11,797 (21%) had AF at discharge. AF patients were older than non-AF patients (79.0±10.9 years vs. 68.7±14.4 years), had higher proportion of women (54% vs. 49%) and more severe strokes (mean NIHSS 10±9 vs. 7±7). Among AF patients, women were older (81±10 vs. 76±11 years) and had greater NIHSS (11±9 vs. 9±8) and CHADS2 scores (3.9±0.9 vs. 3.7±1.0) than men. Overall, AF patients were less likely discharged to home or rehabilitation than those without AF (54% vs. 71%, OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98). There was a significant effect modification between AF and discharge disposition by sex. In stratified analyses by sex, AF was associated with less discharged to home or rehabilitation among women (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.91), but not among men (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.96-1.11). Conclusion: Women with AF were less likely discharged to home or rehabilitation facility after ischemic stroke. Baseline differences in age, stroke severity, risk factors, and comorbidities between men and women had little impact on the poorer outcome and discharge disposition after ischemic stroke in women. Further studies are warranted to identify the causes of sex-specific differences in stroke outcomes for patients with AF.

scholarly journals Trends in the seeking of emergency service for ischemic stroke and its risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study from Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-447
Author(s):  
Yi Te Tsai ◽  
Yachung Jeng ◽  
Hsiu-Hsi Chen ◽  
Kai-Chieh Chang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Ich Score

Background & Objectives: COVID-19 may influence the health seeking behavior of acute ischemic stroke patients. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the patients who visited the emergency room in a centre designated for stroke care in Taiwan. Methods: This was a retrospective database-based study comparing the severity of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and risk factors of patients seen between 2019 and 2020 in the National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch. Patients with or without thrombolysis therapy were analysed. Results: The median NIHSS of ischemic stroke patients were lower in 2019 than in 2020 (p = 0.015). The difference was seen in non-thrombolysis patients (2019: 3[1-6] vs. 4 [2-7.5], p = 0.012) but not in thrombolysis patients. The frequency of minor stroke was higher in 2019 (45.1%) than in 2020 (37.9%, p = 0.038). The discharge mRS was lower overall (p = 0.004) and in non-thrombolysis patients (0.003), but not in thrombolysis patients in 2019. As for the ICH patients, the severity of ICH score (p = 0.021) and discharge mRS (p = 0.001) were also lower in 2019. The frequencies of risk factors of stroke were higher in 2019 than in 2020, including smoking (24% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.046), alcohol (11.9% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.039), hypertension (72.9% vs. 66.2%, p = 0.039), history of stroke (16.5% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.047), and atrial fibrillation (11.9% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.039). Conclusions: This study in Taiwan revealed a decline in the willingness to seek emergency services under the influence of COVID-19 among patients with lower stroke severity, especially those with more risk factors.

scholarly journals HUBUNGAN ANTARA RIWAYAT PENYAKIT JANTUNG DENGAN TINGKAT KEPARAHAN STROKE ISKEMIK AKUT PERTAMA KALI

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignatius Ivan ◽  
Budi Riyanto Wreksoatmodjo ◽  
Octavianus Darmawan
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Severe Stroke ◽  
History Of

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE AND SEVERITY OF ACUTE FIRST-EVER ISCHEMIC STROKEABSTRACTIntroduction: History of heart disease such as atrial  fibrillation, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure has a role on ischemic stroke severity.Aim: This research aims to find the association between history of heart disease and stroke severity using NIHSS score on acute ischemic stroke patients in Atma Jaya hospital during 2014-2018.Method: This research used cross-sectional method with two-sided fisher’s exact test. With total sampling, samples retrieved from secondary sources in Atma Jaya hospital during 2014-2018 resulting 236 subjects. Stroke severity measured by NIHSS score during admission, categorized with severe stroke (15-42) and non-severe stroke (0-14).Result: There is a significant association between history of AF (p=0.046) on first-ever ischemic stroke severity. Acute first-ever ischemic stroke patients who are  >18 years old with history of AF has a tendency of 5,2 times to have severe stroke compared with patients without AF. Other history of heart disease has no significant association towards stroke severity.Discussion: In accordance with previous research, our findings suggest a significant association between history of atrial fibrillation and acute first-ever ischemic stroke severity in which there is a tendency of more severe stroke compared wth patients without AF. Unlike previous findings, this research shows no significant association between history of heart failure and stroke severity due to limited data characteristic  of ejection fraction preventing us to include patient with ejection fraction below 30%. This limitation may also allow history of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction to be insignificant.Keywords:  Atrial  fibrillation,  heart  failure,  ischemic  stroke,  myocardial  infarction,  National  Institutes  of Health Stroke ScaleABSTRAKPendahuluan: Riwayat penyakit jantung seperti atrial fibrilasi, angina pektoris, infark miokardium, gagal jantung memiliki peran terhadap keparahan stroke iskemik.Tujuan: Mengetahui hubungan riwayat penyakit jantung dengan tingkat keparahan stroke berdasarkan skor NIHSS pada pasien stroke iskemik akut di RS Atma Jaya pada tahun 2014-2018.Metode: Penelitian potong lintang terhadap data sekunder pasien stroke iskemik pertama kali yang dirawat di RS Atma Jaya pada tahun 2014-2018. Keparahan stroke diukur berdasarkan National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) masuk dengan kategori severe stroke (skor 15-42) dan non-severe stroke (0-14). Dilakukan uji Fisher dua sisi untuk menilai hubungan.Hasil: Terdapat 236 subjek dengan mayoritas hubungan riwayat AF (p=0,046) terhadap tingkat keparahan stroke. Pasien berumur >18 tahun yang mengalami stroke iskemik akut pertama kali dengan riwayat AF akan berpeluang 5,2 kali lebih tinggi untuk mengalami severe stroke dibandingkan jika tanpa riwayat AF. Riwayat penyakit jantung lain tidak memiliki hubungan signifikan terhadap tingkat keparahan stroke.Diskusi: Terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara riwayat AF terhadap tingkat keparahan stroke, terutama pada subjek dengan severe stroke jika dibandingkan pasien tanpa riwayat AF. Tidak ditemukan hubungan signifikan antara penyakit jantung yang lain dikarenakan keterbatasan data penelitian.Kata kunci: Atrial fibrilasi, gagal jantung, infark miokardium, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, stroke iskemik

scholarly journals Study of Outcome of Ischemic Stroke Patient With Atrial Fibrillation

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Achinta Kumar Mallick ◽  
Md Kafil Uddin ◽  
Md Ahmed Ali ◽  
Pijus Kumar Kundu ◽  
Sheikh Mohammad Emdadul Haque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Clinical Deterioration ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Stroke Patients

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia and a major risk factor for ischemic stroke, especially in the elderly. Patients with nonvalvular AF have a 5-fold excess risk of stroke. However, population-based data are scarce in patients who have experienced a first-ever ischemic stroke in the presence of AF regarding long-term risk of stroke recurrence and case-fatality rate. Aim of the study is to find out the outcome of ischemic stroke patients with Atrial Fibrillation. It was a descriptive type cross sectional study where 125 diagnosed cases of ischemic stroke were included. Presence of atrial fibrillation was detected by electrocardiogram. They were divided into two groups – those with atrial fibrillation and those without. Comparison was done between the two group in term of recurrence, mortality and clinical improvement. Atrial fibrillation was present in 22 (17.6%) of 125 patients with ischemic stroke. Those with AF were more frequently male, aged 45 years and older. The presence of AF was associated with high 3 months (Χ2 =4.562, df = 1, p<0.05) and 6 months mortality (Χ2 =7.868, df = 1, p<0.05), with a higher stroke recurrence rate within the first 6 months follow-up (22.7% versus 7.8% (<0.05)). At 3 months follow up clinical deterioration was noted in 9.1% patient with atrial fibrillation compared to 2.9% patients who had no arrhythmia(p<0.01) and at 6 months follow up clinical deterioration was noted in 18.2% patient with atrial fibrillation compared to 4.9% patients who had no arrhythmia(p<0.01). Ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation had significant mortality within the study period compared to those without atrial fibrillation. Significant deterioration in clinical outcome was noted in atrial fibrillation group after six months. Recurrence was more in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. Multivariate linear regression analysis shows atrial fibrillation as well as CKD, Diabetes mellitus and smoking as independent risk factor for recurrence. In conclusion, patients who had an ischemic stroke with accompanying atrial fibrillation had higher mortality, grave stroke severity, more recurrences and poorer functional status than those without atrial fibrillation.TAJ 2015; 28(2): 1-6

scholarly journals Outcome Predictors in First-Ever Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Population-Based Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Corso ◽  
Edo Bottacchi ◽  
Piera Tosi ◽  
Laura Caligiana ◽  
Chiara Lia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Very Old Age ◽  
Long Term Mortality

Background. There is scant population-based information regarding predictors of stroke severity and long-term mortality for first-ever ischemic strokes. The aims of this study were to determine the characteristics of patients who initially presented with first-ever ischemic stroke and to identify predictors of severity and long-term mortality. Methods. Data were collected from the population-based Cerebrovascular Aosta Registry. Between 2004 and 2008, 1057 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were included. Variables analysed included comorbidities, sociodemographic factors, prior-to-stroke risk factors, therapy at admission and pathophysiologic and metabolic factors. Multivariate logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox proportional Hazards model were used to assess predictors. Results. Predictors of stroke severity at admission were very old age (odds ratio [OR] 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75–5.06), female gender (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.21–2.40), atrial fibrillation (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.72–4.44), low ejection fraction (OR 2.22, CI 95% 1.13–4.32), and cardioembolism (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.36–2.93). Predictors of long-term mortality were very old age (hazard ratio [HR] 2.02, 95% CI 1.65–2.47), prestroke modified Rankin scale 3–5 (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.46–2.26), Charlson Index ≥2 (HR 1.97; 95% CI 1.62–2.42), atrial fibrillation (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.04–1.98), and stroke severity (HR 3.54, 95% CI 2.87–4.36). Conclusions. Very old age and cardiac embolism risk factors are the independent predictors of stroke severity. Moreover, these factors associated with other comorbid medical conditions influence independently long-term mortality after ischemic stroke.

scholarly journals Lack of Sex Disparity in Oral Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Presenting with Ischemic Stroke in a Rural Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (20) ◽  
pp. 4670
Author(s):  
Eric Koza ◽  
Johan Diaz ◽  
Durgesh Chaudhary ◽  
Shima Shahjouei ◽  
Jiang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Sex Disparities ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Sex Disparity

Various studies on oral anticoagulants (OAC) use among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have shown high rates of undertreatment and the presence of sex disparity. This study used the ‘Geisinger Neuroscience Ischemic Stroke’ (GNSIS) database to examine sex differences in OAC treatment among ischemic stroke patients with the pre-event diagnosis of AF in rural Pennsylvania between 2004 and 2019. We examined sex disparities in OAC undertreatment and associated risks based on age group and ischemic stroke year. A total of 1062 patients were included in the study and 1015 patients (96%) had CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2, of which 549 (54.1%) were women. Undertreatment rates were not statistically significant between men and women in the overall cohort (50.0% vs. 54.5%, p = 0.18), and male sex was not found to be a significant factor in undertreatment (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.62–1.09, p = 0.17). The result persisted even when patients were divided into four age groups and two groups based on the study time period. The undertreatment rates in both sex groups remained consistent following the introduction of novel oral anticoagulants. In conclusion, there was no evidence of sex disparity with respect to OAC treatment, even after stratifying the cohort by age and ischemic stroke year.

Abstract W MP106: Clinical Effectiveness of Anticoagulation with Warfarin among Ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Findings from the Patient-Centered Research into Outcomes Stroke Patients Prefer and Effectiveness Research (PROSPER) Study

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Xian ◽  
Jingjing Wu ◽  
Emily C O’Brien ◽  
Gregg C Fonarow ◽  
DaiWai M Olson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Warfarin Therapy ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Warfarin Treatment

Background: Oral anticoagulation is recommended for ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, based on clinical trials done in selected populations. However, little is known about whether the clinical benefit of warfarin is preserved outside the clinical trial setting, especially in older patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: PROSPER, a PCORI-funded research program designed by stroke survivors and stakeholders, used American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke data linked to Medicare claims to evaluate the association between warfarin treatment at discharge and long-term outcomes among ischemic stroke survivors with atrial fibrillation (AF) and no contraindication to or prior anticoagulation therapy. The primary outcome prioritized by patients was home-time (defined as days spent alive and not in inpatient post-acute care facility) within 2-year follow-up after discharge. Results: Of 12,552 ischemic stroke patients with AF admitted from 2009-2011, 11,039 (88%) received warfarin treatment at discharge. Compared with those not receiving any anticoagulation, warfarin-treated patients were slightly younger (mean 80 vs. 83, p<0.001), less likely to have a history of prior stroke or coronary artery disease, but had similar stroke severity as measured by NIHSS (median 5 [IQR 2-12] vs. 6 [2-13], p=0.09). After adjustment for all observed baseline characteristics using propensity score inverse probability weighting method, patients discharged on warfarin therapy had 45 more days of home-time during 2-year follow-up than those not receiving any oral anticoagulant (513 vs. 468 days, p<0.001). Warfarin use was also associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular readmission or death, and ischemic stroke (Table). Conclusions: Among ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, warfarin therapy was associated with improved long-term outcomes.

Abstract 3735: Utility A Second 24-hours Holter Monitoring For The Diagnosis Of Paroxismal Atrial Fibrillation After An Acute Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Correas Callero ◽  
Patricia Martinez-Sanchez ◽  
Daniel Prefasi Gomar ◽  
Blanca Fuentes Gimeno ◽  
Gerardo Ruiz Ares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Outpatient Clinic ◽  
Brain Infarction ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Duplex Ultrasound ◽  
Holter Monitoring ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Center

OBJETIVE: to assess the utility of a second 24-hours Holter monitoring for the diagnosis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in patients with suspected cardioembolic ischemic stroke. METHODS: prospective study of ischemic stroke patients (brain infarction/TIA) treated in a Stroke Center (June 2010-February 2011). A first 24-hours Holter monitoring was performed if PAF was suspected and, if it was negative, a second 24-hours Holter monitoring was performed. Variables analyzed: demographic data, vascular risk factors, stroke severity and etiological subtype, presence of carotid plaques by duplex ultrasound, enlarged left atrial by transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography and presence of chronic/acute brain infarctions by neuroimaging (CT/MRI). RESULTS: 219 patients included, mean age 69.8 (SD 13.5) years, 55.3% male. 17.8% have previous atrial fibrillation (AF). In 14 (6.4%) patients AF was diagnosed by ECG on admission or by serial ECG in the Stroke Unit. 24-hours Holter was performed in 101 patients to assess the presence of PAF, 85 cases during hospitalization and 16 at the outpatient clinic. This 24-hours Holter diagnosed PAF in 28.7% (29/101) of patients. A second 24-hours Holter was performed at the outpatient clinic in 21 cryptogenic brain ischemia patients. The mean time from the first to the second Holter was 143.3 (SD 72.2) days. This second 24-hours Holter detected PAF in 2 (9.5%) patients. CONCLUSION: a second 24-hours Holter monitoring at the outpatient clinic could detect PAF in almost 10% of cryptogenic ischemic stroke patients.

scholarly journals Acute Ischemic Stroke and COVID-19

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan I. Qureshi ◽  
William I. Baskett ◽  
Wei Huang ◽  
Daniel Shyu ◽  
Danny Myers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Care Facilities

Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke may occur in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but risk factors, in-hospital events, and outcomes are not well studied in large cohorts. We identified risk factors, comorbidities, and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with or without acute ischemic stroke and compared with patients without COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We analyzed the data from 54 health care facilities using the Cerner deidentified COVID-19 dataset. The dataset included patients with an emergency department or inpatient encounter with discharge diagnoses codes that could be associated to suspicion of or exposure to COVID-19 or confirmed COVID-19. Results: A total of 103 (1.3%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 8163 patients with COVID-19. Among all patients with COVID-19, the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure was significantly higher among those with acute ischemic stroke. Acute ischemic stroke was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.6–2.4]; P <0.0001) after adjusting for potential confounders. A total of 199 (1.0%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 19 513 patients without COVID-19. Among all ischemic stroke patients, COVID-19 was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.0–1.3]; P =0.03) after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: Acute ischemic stroke was infrequent in patients with COVID-19 and usually occurs in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of discharge to destination other than home or death increased 2-fold with occurrence of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Paradoxical role of hepatocyte growth factor in ischemic stroke: stroke risk/stroke recovery

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibraheim Al-Ahmar ◽  
Noha Mohamed ◽  
Hosna Elshony
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Outcome ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatocyte Growth

Abstract Background Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has an obvious pathological role in atherosclerosis and plaque instability leading to an acute ischemic stroke; however, its beneficial role in stroke recovery is still restricted to experimental studies. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between HGF and carotid atherosclerosis and evaluate its value as a prognostic marker of ischemic stroke and its role in stroke recovery. Results This case–control study was done on 100 patients with first time anterior circulation ischemic stroke, subjected to clinical and laboratory evaluation of atherosclerosis risk factors. Brain imaging, cardiac work-up and ultrasonographic assessment of carotid atherosclerosis (using intimal medial thickness and plaque score) were all done. Clinical evaluation of initial stroke severity, using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and stroke outcome after 3 m, using Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), was performed. Measurement of HGF serum concentration was done to all stroke patients within 24 h of stroke onset and compared to results of 100 matched healthy subjects aged more than 50 years. HGF was significantly higher in stroke patients than healthy controls and in atherothrombotic than cardioembolic stroke group and its level was significantly correlated with atherosclerosis risk factors, degree of carotid atherosclerosis and better stroke outcome; however, it was not significantly correlated with initial stroke severity. Conclusion HGF is strongly associated with carotid atherosclerosis and other atherosclerosis risk factors and subsequent atherothrombotic stroke. Also, it can be used as a good prognostic marker in atherothrombotic stroke suggesting its role in stroke recovery but more studies are needed to explore this beneficial role as well as its therapeutic potentials in ischemic stroke patients.

scholarly journals Preventive effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation on ischemic stroke-induced constipation mediated via the autonomic pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (2) ◽  
pp. G293-G301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaoxiu Liu ◽  
Yebo Ge ◽  
Feng Xu ◽  
Yuemei Xu ◽  
Yanmei Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Sympathetic Nerve Activity ◽  
Autonomic Function ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Preventive Effect ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Nerve Activity ◽  
Bowel Movements

The aim of this study was to explore the preventive effect and possible mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on stroke-induced constipation. A total of 86 ischemic stroke patients were randomly allocated to 2-wk TEA or sham-TEA group. Bowel dairy and Bristol Stool Form Scale were recorded daily. Constipation and dyspeptic symptom assessment was performed at the end of the 14-day treatment. Electrocardiogram was recorded for the assessment of autonomic function. The correlation between autonomic function at admission and stroke severity was assessed. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors for stroke-induced constipation. The cumulative incidence of stroke-induced constipation was 68.2% at the acute stage. Sympathetic nerve activity at admission was positively correlated with stroke severity ( R = 0.47, P < 0.001). Sympathetic nerve activity and stroke severity were independent risk factors for stroke-induced constipation. TEA decreased cumulative incidence of stroke-induced constipation (42.9 vs. 68.2%, P = 0.029). TEA significantly increased frequency of bowel movements (4.5 vs. 5.5, P = 0.001) and spontaneous bowel movements (3.0 vs. 4.5, P = 0.003) per week. TEA decreased straining defecations (0.2 vs. 0, P < 0.001) and laxative use (1 vs. 0, P < 0.001). TEA improved stool consistency and patients’ quality of life ( P < 0.05, resp.). TEA increased vagal activity ( P < 0.001 vs. baseline) and decreased sympathetic activity ( P < 0.001 vs. baseline). Ischemic stroke patients are predisposed to autonomic function imbalance. TEA was effective in the prevention of stroke-induced constipation, and the effect was possibly mediated via the autonomic function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study illustrated that the brain-gut dysfunction, primarily autonomic function imbalance, was correlated with the stroke-induced constipation. This was the first study to report that transcutaneous electrical acustimulation had a preventive effect on stroke-induced constipation, suggesting a potential novel therapy for bowel problem management. The effect was possibly mediated via the autonomic function.

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