Abstract WP466: Optimism Reduces Stroke Severity and Inflammation

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Ju Lai ◽  
Diego Morales-Scheihing ◽  
Frank W Blixt ◽  
Yashasvee Munshi ◽  
Brina V Bui ◽  
...  

Introduction: Post-stroke inflammation is detrimental to the brain and leads to impaired recovery. Optimism has been associated with lower inflammation and better health outcomes among people with medical conditions, but no studies have assessed this association in stroke population. The overall goals were to examine the relationship between optimism, stroke severity, physical disability, and inflammation during hospitalization and to evaluate this relationship over the three-month post-stroke period. Hypothesis: Patients with higher levels of optimism have lower stroke severity on presentation, less physical disability, decreased inflammation, and better recovery during the first three months after stroke compared to those with lower levels of optimism. Methods: This pilot study is a secondary analysis of data prospectively collected from the BioRepository of Neurological Diseases biobank. Outcomes included optimism level measured by the revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), stroke severity evaluated via the NIHSS, physical recovery defined by the mRS, and levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNFα, and CRP) assessed by ELISA. Spearman’s correlation, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, multiple linear regression, and mixed-effect regression model were used to determine the relationship among the variables. Results: The sample consisted of 49 subjects at baseline and 13 subjects at 3-month follow-up. LOT-R scores were negatively correlated with NIHSS (ρ= -.41, p=.003), mRS (ρ= -.30, p=.05), and inflammatory markers IL-6 (ρ= -.44, p=.008) and CRP (ρ= -.40, p=.02), but not with TNFα. After adjusting for potential confounders, NIHSS and CRP remained negatively correlated with the optimism level. For every unit increase of LOT-R, subject’s NIHSS scores decreased by .27 point (p=.001), mRS decreased by .11 point (p=.03), and level of CRP decreased 148.6 ng/ml (p=.02). However, LOT-R was not correlated with mRS the three-month follow-up. Conclusion: Optimistic stroke survivors showed lower inflammation, less stroke severity, and less physical disability. Although the number of patients was low in this initial cohort, understanding this relationship may provide a scientific framework whereby new strategies for stroke recovery can be developed.

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice A Holland ◽  
Kimberly D Goodspeed ◽  
Patricia Plumb ◽  
Peter L Stavinoha ◽  
Michael Dowling

Introduction: Studies examining cognitive outcomes for pediatric stroke are sparse, and few account for stroke severity. The Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM) provides an objective, comprehensive rating of neurological impairment. This study investigated the relationship between initial PSOM score and long-term cognitive outcomes. It was hypothesized that greater severity of stroke (worse initial PSOM score) would predict lower IQ at long-term follow-up. Other factors considered were age at stroke and months post stroke. Age-related studies in broad cognitive outcomes for pediatric stroke are sparse and somewhat inconsistent in findings. It was hypothesized that severity of stroke would be more relevant than age of stroke for long-term cognitive outcomes. Methods: PSOM scores at initial visit and IQ scores at long-term follow-up (M=3.77 years) were obtained for 84 survivors of pediatric stroke ages 4:0-25:6 (M=11:5 years; 37 females). A one-sample t-test was conducted to compare mean IQ to the normative sample. To examine the hypotheses, all variables of interest (PSOM, age at stroke, and months s/p) were entered into a stepwise regression equation. Results: Mean IQ for the sample was 84.77 (SD=17.26), significantly below average relative to healthy norms ( t =-8.088, p =.000). PSOM scores ranged 0-5.5 (median/mode=1.0). The regression was significant ( F =8.798; p =.000), with both PSOM score ( b =-.350; t [80]=-3.483; p =.001) and months post stroke ( b =-.355; t [80]=-3.005; p =.004) significantly contributing to the model, but not age at stroke. Conclusions: PSOM was more relevant than age at stroke in predicting long-term cognitive outcomes, and greater stroke severity was associated with lower IQ at follow-up. Finding suggest that initial PSOM score and greater time since stroke may be more relevant to long-term cognitive outcomes than age at stroke. The present study lends validity to using the PSOM both as a marker of functional severity of stroke and a potential indicator of relative risk for poorer long-term cognitive outcomes. Better predictors of cognitive outcomes for pediatric stroke are greatly needed in order to facilitate earlier intervention/rehabilitation and improve the efficacy of such efforts.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Emre Erdem ◽  
Ahmet Karatas ◽  
Tevfik Ecder

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The effect of high serum ferritin levels on long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients is unknown. The relationship between serum ferritin levels and 5-year all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients was investigated in this study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 173 prevalent hemodialysis patients were included in this study. The patients were followed for up to 5 years and divided into 3 groups according to time-averaged serum ferritin levels (group 1: serum ferritin &#x3c;800 ng/mL, group 2: serum ferritin 800–1,500 ng/mL, and group 3: serum ferritin &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL). Along with the serum ferritin levels, other clinical and laboratory variables that may affect mortality were also included in the Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eighty-one (47%) patients died during the 5-year follow-up period. The median follow-up time was 38 (17.5–60) months. The 5-year survival rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 44, 64, and 27%, respectively. In group 3, the survival was lower than in groups 1 and 2 (log-rank test, <i>p</i> = 0.002). In group 1, the mortality was significantly lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.16 [0.05–0.49]; <i>p</i> = 0.001). In group 2, the mortality was also lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.12–0.88]; <i>p</i> = 0.026). No significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2 was found (HR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.23–1.04]; <i>p</i> = 0.063). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Time-averaged serum ferritin levels &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients are associated with an increased 5-year all-cause mortality risk.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Rieke ◽  
Ramon Durazo-Arvizu ◽  
Kiang Liu ◽  
Erin D. Michos ◽  
Amy Luke ◽  
...  

Objective. To examine the association between anxiety and weight change in a multiethnic cohort followed for approximately 10 years.Methods. The study population consisted of participants of the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis who met specified inclusion criteria (n= 5,799). Weight was measured at baseline and four subsequent follow-up exams. Anxiety was analyzed as sex-specific anxiety quartiles (QANX). The relationship between anxiety level and weight change was examined using a mixed-effect model with weight as the dependent variable, anxiety and time as the independent variables, and adjusted for covariates.Results. Average annual weight change (range) was −0.17 kg (−6.04 to 4.38 kg) for QANX 1 (lowest anxiety), −0.16 kg (−10.71 to 4.45 kg) for QANX 2, −0.15 kg (−8.69 to 6.39 kg) for QANX 3, and −0.20 kg (−7.12 to 3.95 kg) for QANX 4 (highest anxiety). No significant association was noted between QANX and weight change. However, the highest QANX was associated with a −2.48 kg (95% CI = −3.65, −1.31) lower baseline weight compared to the lowest QANX after adjustment for all covariates.Conclusions. Among adults, age 45–84, higher levels of anxiety, defined by the STPI trait anxiety scale, are associated with lower average baseline weight but not with weight change.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Ge Zhang ◽  
Ping Yang ◽  
Tao Jiang ◽  
Jian-Ying Zhang ◽  
Xue-Juan Jin ◽  
...  

Purpose. To investigate whether lymphocyte nadir induced by radiation is associated with survival and explore its underlying risk factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. Total lymphocyte counts were collected from 184 HCC patients treated by radiotherapy (RT) with complete follow-up. Associations between gross tumor volumes (GTVs) and radiation-associated parameters with lymphocyte nadir were evaluated by Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Kaplan–Meier analysis, log-rank test, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to assess the relationship between lymphocyte nadir and overall survival (OS). Results. GTVs and fractions were negatively related with lymphocyte nadir (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Lymphocyte nadir and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage were independent prognostic factors predicting OS of HCC patients (all p<0.001). Patients in the GTV ≤55.0 cc and fractions ≤16 groups were stratified by lymphocyte nadir, and the group with the higher lymphocyte counts (LCs) showed longer survival than the group with lower LCs (p<0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). Patient distribution significantly differed among the RT fraction groups according to BCLC stage (p<0.001). However, stratification of patients in the same BCLC stage by RT fractionation showed that the stereotactic body RT (SBRT) group achieved the best survival. Furthermore, there were significant differences in lymphocyte nadir among patients in the SBRT group. Conclusions. A lower lymphocyte nadir during RT was associated with worse survival among HCC patients. Smaller GTVs and fractions reduced the risk of lymphopenia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 260-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Flach ◽  
Maria Elstad ◽  
Walter Muruet ◽  
Charles D.A. Wolfe ◽  
Anthony G. Rudd ◽  
...  

Background: The benefit of statins on stroke incidence is well known. However, data on the relationship between pre- and post-stroke statin use, recurrence, and survival outcomes are limited. We aim to investigate the short- and long-term relationships between statin prescription, stroke recurrence, and survival in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. Methods: Data were collected from the population-based South London Stroke Register for the years 1995–2015. Patients were assessed at the time of first ever stroke, 3 months, and annually thereafter. Data on vascular risk factors, treatments prescribed, sociodemographic characteristics, stroke subtype, survival, and stroke recurrence were collected. Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to assess the relationship of statin prescriptions pre- and post-stroke on stroke severity, long-term recurrence and survival. Results: Patients prescribed statins both pre- and post-stroke showed a 24% reduction in mortality (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] 0.76, 0.60–0.97), those who were prescribed statins pre-stroke and then stopped post-stroke showed greater risk of mortality (aHR 1.85, 1.10–3.12) and stroke recurrence (aHR 3.25, 1.35–7.84) compared to those that were not prescribed statins at any time. No associations were observed between pre-stroke statin and severity of the initial stroke overall, though a protective effect against moderate/severe stroke (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤12) was observed in those aged 75+ years (aOR 0.70, 0.52–0.95). Conclusions: Statins play a significant role in improving the survival rates after a stroke. Adherence to the National Guidelines that promote statin treatment, primary and secondary prevention of stroke should be monitored and a focus for quality improvement programs.


Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 762-766
Author(s):  
Sujith Subesinghe ◽  
Alexander Kleymann ◽  
Andrew Ian Rutherford ◽  
Katie Bechman ◽  
Sam Norton ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To investigate the relationship between occurrence of serious infection (SI) and lymphocyte counts in patients with RA using data from a single centre. Methods We used routinely captured data from a single tertiary rheumatology centre to explore the relationship between lymphopenia and SI risk. Adult RA patients were included over a 5-year follow-up period. Admissions due to confirmed SI were considered. SI rate with 95% confidence intervals was calculated. The association between SI with baseline lymphocyte counts, time-averaged lymphocyte counts throughout all follow-up, and a nadir lymphocyte count was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression. The relationship between lymphopenia over time and SI was analysed using a mixed-effect model of lymphocyte counts prior to SI. Results This analysis included 1095 patients with 205 SIs during 2016 person-years of follow-up. The SI rate was 4.61/100 patient-years (95% CI: 3.76, 5.65). Compared with patients with nadir lymphocyte counts &gt;1.5 × 109 cells/l, nadir lymphopenia &lt;1 × 109 cells/l was significantly associated with higher SI risk (HR 3.28; 95% CI: 1.59, 6.76), increasing to HR 8.08 (95% CI: 3.74, 17.44) in patients with lymphopenia &lt;0.5 × 109 cells/l. Lymphocyte counts were observed to be reduced in the 30-day period prior to SI. Conclusion Lymphocyte counts below &lt;1.0 × 109 cells/l were associated with higher SI risk in RA patients; the strongest association between lymphopenia and SI was observed when lymphocyte counts were below &lt;0.5 × 109 cells/l. Lymphopenia may be used as a measure to stratify patients at risk of SI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Khadijah Banjar ◽  
Sharafaldeen Bin Nafisah

Background Patient satisfaction with an ED visit is often overlooked during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and requires further examination. Aim We aim to investigate, on a national scale, patients’ satisfaction during their ED encounter, and to explore the determinants of such satisfaction. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis conducted between January and February 2021 throughout Saudi Arabia. Result The total number of patients was 508. The median satisfaction score for the clarity of information provided in the ED was 40 (SD=4.94), while satisfaction with the relationship with staff and ED routine revealed a median score of 39.9 (SD=5.08). We noted several determinants of ED satisfaction, including age, marital status, educational status, clarity of the treatment plan, improvement of their condition while in the ED, verbal and/or written discharge instructions, as well as a follow-up call two days after discharge. Conclusion Patient satisfaction is an integral part of the patient-centred approach in the ED, and should be continuously evaluated.  


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-148
Author(s):  
Hosne Ara Rahman ◽  
Mahbub Ur Rahman ◽  
Jasmine Ara Haque ◽  
Samira Sharmin ◽  
Anup Kumar Saha

Objectives: Neuroendocrine profile is significantly altered in acute ischemic stroke. Increasing evidences suggested that low T3 levels immediately following acute ischemic stroke is associated with greater stroke severity, higher mortality rates and poorer functional outcome. The objective of this study was to see the possible association of serum T3 level with severity of acute ischemic stroke as well as post stroke recovery.Material & Methods: It was a prospective cross sectional study. From October 2014 to June 2015 patients with acute ischemic stroke, presented within 48 hours of onset of symptoms having radiologically confirmed cerebral infarct were enrolled in this study. Blood for thyroid hormone estimation was collected within 48 hours of onset of symptom. Neurological impairment and improvement were assessed using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score together with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on admission day and at 4 weeks post stroke follow-up visit.Result: A total 83 patients met all inclusion criteria were studied. Mean age was 63.4 ± 15.6 years (range 47-79 years). Among eighty three patients 49 (59%) had normal T3 level and rest 34 (41%) had low T3 level. Mean T3 level was 0.4 ± 0.3 ng/ml and 1.8 ±0.5 ng/ml in lowT3 and normal T3 level group respectively. Based on NIHSS scores on admission, a much higher portion of patients (73.5%) belonged to lowT3 level group fell into moderate-to-severe category while majority of patients (53.0%) fell into mild category for normal T3 level group. In post stroke follow up, about 63.2 % patients with normal T3 level showed favorable neurological functional improvement compared to 38.2% having low T3 level (Chi square=4.9, P<0.05).Conclusion: In patients with acute ischemic stroke lower T3 level elevated the risk of poor functional outcome.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 18(2): 145-148, July 2015


Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoang T Phan ◽  
Mathew J Reeves ◽  
Leigh Blizzard ◽  
Amanda Thrift ◽  
Dominique Cadilhac ◽  
...  

Introduction: It is uncertain why women suffer worse long-term outcomes after stroke than men. We examined sex differences in mortality and disability 1 and 5 years after stroke and identified factors contributing to these differences. Methods: Individual patient data pooling study of incident strokes (ischemic and hemorrhagic) from 1987-2013 obtained from 12 population-based cohorts from Australasia, Europe, South America and the Caribbean. Data on socio-demographics, stroke-related factors and pre-stroke health were obtained for each patient and harmonized between studies. Poisson modelling estimated the mortality rate ratio (MRR) for women compared to men at 1 year (12 studies) and 5 years (7 studies) post-stroke. Log binomial regression estimated the relative risk (RR) of poor outcome (modified Rankin scale>2 or Barthel Index <20) for women compared to men at 1 year (9 studies) and 5 years (6 studies) after stroke. Multivariable models were adjusted for potential confounders including age, pre-stroke dependency, stroke severity and comorbidities. Results: A total of 16557 first-ever-stroke patients with follow-up data to 1 year and 12,839 with follow-up to 5 years were included. The pooled crude mortality was greater in women than men at 1-year (MRR 1.37 95% CI 1.27-1.48) and 5 years (MRR 1.25 95% CI 1.13-1.39). However, these sex differences were reversed after adjustment for confounders at both 1 year (MRR 0.94 95% CI 0.82-1.06) and 5-years post stroke (MRR 0.74 95% CI 0.66-0.84). Similarly, the pooled crude RR for disability after stroke was greater in women than men at 1-year (RR 1.28 95% CI 1.17-1.39 and 5-year (RR 1.32 95% CI 1.18-1.47), but these sex differences disappeared after adjustment at both 1 year (RR 1.08 95%CI 0.98-1.18) and 5-years post stroke (RR 1.08 95% CI 0.97-1.20). The key contributors to worse outcomes in women were greater age, pre-stroke dependency, severe strokes and atrial fibrillation (AF, mortality only) compared with men. Conclusion: Worse outcomes in women were mostly due to age and potentially modifiable factors of stroke severity and AF providing potential targets to reduce the impact of stroke in women.


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