Abstract P260: Ischemic Strokes on Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Digvijaya Navalkele ◽  
Ashok Polu ◽  
Janis Ginnane ◽  
Michael R Frankel ◽  
Nirav Bhatt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Mechanism

Introduction: The objective of our study was to identify the underlying causes of acute ischemic strokes (AIS) in patients prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients presenting to a large urban comprehensive stroke center from December 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020 who were prescribed DOACs at the index event. Two board-certified vascular neurologists independently reviewed medical charts including patient baseline characteristics, laboratory results, stroke mechanism, and patient-reported adherence. DOAC “failure” was defined as AIS occurring in the setting of self-reported adherence to the FDA-indicated dosing regimen. Results: Of 302 AIS patients admitted during the study period, 18 (6.0%) patients had AIS while on DOACs. Median age was 82 (IQR 72, 86) years, 9 (50%) were black and 14 (78%) were female. Eight patients (44%) presented within the IV Alteplase window and 5 (28%) patients presented with large vessel occlusion. At the time of stroke, 13 (72%) patients were on apixaban, 4 (22%) were on rivaroxaban and 1 (6%) on dabigatran. Atrial fibrillation (mean CHADS-VASc score 4.7) was the most common indication for DOAC (72%), followed by deep venous thrombosis (17%), and embolic stroke (11%). The most frequent causes of AIS on DOACs were underdosing in patients ≥ 80 years (n=6), known active malignancy (n=5), and non-adherence (n=4). The remaining cases included procedure-related discontinuation of the DOAC (n=1), symptomatic extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis (n=1), and unknown cause (n=1). Overall, the frequency of DOAC “failure” was 39%. In 6 (33%) patients, the initial anticoagulant was switched to an alternative anticoagulant at discharge. Conclusion: In this cohort of patients who had AIS while on DOAC therapy, 39% of cases were attributed to DOAC “failure” and primarily occurred in patients with active malignancy. Underdosing in the elderly and non-adherence remained the leading cause of AIS in patients on DOAC. Our findings highlight the importance of accurate dosing in the elderly and reinforcing adherence to medications. Further studies are needed to understand the role of DOACs in patients with active malignancy.

Safety of Anticoagulation in Patients With an Intracranial Hemorrhage at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-143
Author(s):  
Sarah F. Boyko ◽  
Olivia Morgan ◽  
Kruti Shah ◽  
Katleen Chester
Keyword(s):  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background: Approximately 10% to 15% of patients who suffer intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs) are on therapeutic anticoagulation. Additionally, patients may develop an indication for anticoagulation after ICH. There is minimal guidance with starting anticoagulation after an ICH, and most evidence has evaluated vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of anticoagulation prescribing following a nontraumatic ICH with VKA, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients admitted with a nontraumatic ICH and an indication for anticoagulation between February 2015 to June 2018 at an urban tertiary comprehensive stroke center. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of prescribing anticoagulation in these patients. Two groups were reviewed to evaluate the primary outcome: patients who were started on anticoagulation after ICH (anticoagulation group) and a comparator group not started on anticoagulation (control group). The primary endpoint was measured by a composite incidence of recurrent ICH, major bleeding events, and thromboembolic events. Results: Anticoagulation was started within 2 months in 23 patients with an indication for anticoagulation. Anticoagulation was held in 35 patients. There was no difference in the composite primary endpoint between the 2 groups ( P = .29). The median time to starting anticoagulation was 21 days (IQR 7-28 days). Conclusions: This study shows the safety of starting anticoagulation in patients with recent ICH in our cohort of patients and highlights the need for more robust evidence to guide clinical decision making.

scholarly journals Value of repeated imaging in patients with a stroke who are transferred for endovascular treatment

2021 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2020-017050
Author(s):  
Laura C C van Meenen ◽  
Nerea Arrarte Terreros ◽  
Adrien E Groot ◽  
Manon Kappelhof ◽  
Ludo F M Beenen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Treatment Delay ◽  
Clinical Deterioration ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Intracranial Hemorrhages ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Quality Outcomes ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

BackgroundPatients with a stroke who are transferred to a comprehensive stroke center for endovascular treatment (EVT) often undergo repeated neuroimaging prior to EVT.ObjectiveTo evaluate the yield of repeating imaging and its effect on treatment times.MethodsWe included adult patients with a large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke who were referred to our hospital for EVT by primary stroke centers (2016–2019). We excluded patients who underwent repeated imaging because primary imaging was unavailable, incomplete, or of insufficient quality. Outcomes included treatment times and repeated imaging findings.ResultsOf 677 transferred LVO stroke, 551 were included. Imaging was repeated in 165/551 patients (30%), mostly because of clinical improvement (86/165 (52%)) or deterioration (40/165 (24%)). Patients who underwent repeated imaging had higher door-to-groin-times than patients without repeated imaging (median 43 vs 27 min, adjusted time difference: 20 min, 95% CI 15 to 25). Among patients who underwent repeated imaging because of clinical improvement, the LVO had resolved in 50/86 (58%). In patients with clinical deterioration, repeated imaging led to refrainment from EVT in 3/40 (8%). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (sICH) were identified. Ultimately, 75/165 (45%) of patients with repeated imaging underwent EVT compared with 326/386 (84%) of patients without repeated imaging (p<0.01).ConclusionsNeuroimaging was repeated in 30% of patients with an LVO stroke and resulted in a median treatment delay of 20 minutes. In patients with clinical deterioration, no sICH were detected and repeated imaging rarely changed the indication for EVT. However, in more than half of patients with clinical improvement, the LVO had resolved, resulting in refrainment from EVT.

Effect of “drip-and-ship” and “drip-and-drive” on endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion: a single-center retrospective study

2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110068
Author(s):  
Yu Hang ◽  
Zhen Yu Jia ◽  
Lin Bo Zhao ◽  
Yue Zhou Cao ◽  
Huang Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO) were usually transferred from a primary stroke center (PSC) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for endovascular treatment (drip-and-ship [DS]), while driving the doctor from a CSC to a PSC to perform a procedure is an alternative strategy (drip-and-drive [DD]). Purpose To compare the efficacy and prognosis of the two strategies. Material and Methods From February 2017 to June 2019, 62 patients with LVO received endovascular treatment via the DS and DD models and were retrospectively analyzed from the stroke alliance based on our CSC. Primary endpoint was door-to-reperfusion (DTR) time. Secondary endpoints included puncture-to-recanalization (PTR) time, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) rates at the end of the procedure, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Results Forty-one patients received the DS strategy and 21 patients received the DD strategy. The DTR time was significantly longer in the DS group compared to the DD group (315.5 ± 83.8 min vs. 248.6 ± 80.0 min; P < 0.05), and PTR time was shorter (77.2 ± 35.9 min vs. 113.7 ± 69.7 min; P = 0.033) compared with the DD group. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in 89% (36/41) of patients in the DS group and 86% (18/21) in the DD group ( P = 1.000). Favorable functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) were observed in 49% (20/41) of patients in the DS group and 71% (15/21) in the DD group at 90 days ( P = 0.089). Conclusion Compared with the DS strategy, the DD strategy showed more effective and a trend of better clinical outcomes for AIS patients with LVO.

Impact of RapidAI mobile application on treatment times in patients with large vessel occlusion

2021 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2021-017365
Author(s):  
Mais Al-Kawaz ◽  
Christopher Primiani ◽  
Victor Urrutia ◽  
Ferdinand Hui
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Adjusted Model

BackgroundCurrent efforts to reduce door to groin puncture time (DGPT) aim to optimize clinical outcomes in stroke patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs). The RapidAI mobile application (Rapid Mobile App) provides quick access to perfusion and vessel imaging in patients with LVOs. We hypothesize that utilization of RapidAI mobile application can significantly reduce treatment times in stroke care by accelerating the process of mobilizing stroke clinicians and interventionalists.MethodsWe analyzed patients presenting with LVOs between June 2019 and October 2020. Thirty-one patients were treated between June 2019 and March 2020 (pre-app group). Thirty-three patients presented between March 2020 and October 2020 (post-app group). Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to examine variables that are not normally distributed. In a secondary analysis we analyzed interhospital time metrics between primary stroke centers and our comprehensive stroke center.ResultsBaseline demographic and vascular risk factors were similar in both groups. Use of Rapid Mobile App resulted in 33 min reduction in DGPT (P=0.02), 35 min reduction in door to first pass time (P=0.02), and 37 min reduction in door to recanalization time (P=0.02) in univariate analyses when compared with patients treated pre-app. In a multiple linear regression model, utilization of Rapid Mobile App significantly predicted shorter DGPT (P=0.002). In an adjusted model, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 24 hours after procedure and at discharge were significantly lower in the post-app group (P=0.03). Time of transfer between primary and comprehensive stroke center was comparable in both groups (P=0.26).ConclusionIn patients with LVOs, the implementation of the RapidAI mobile application was independently associated with reductions in intrahospital treatment times.

Detection of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke in the Prehospital Setting

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C.C. van Meenen ◽  
Maritta N. van Stigt ◽  
Arjen Siegers ◽  
Martin D. Smeekes ◽  
Joffry A.F. van Grondelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Prehospital Setting ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Good Diagnostic Accuracy

A reliable and fast instrument for prehospital detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke would be a game-changer in stroke care, because it would enable direct transportation of LVO stroke patients to the nearest comprehensive stroke center for endovascular treatment. This strategy would substantially improve treatment times and thus clinical outcomes of patients. Here, we outline our view on the requirements of an effective prehospital LVO detection method, namely: high diagnostic accuracy; fast application and interpretation; user-friendliness; compactness; and low costs. We argue that existing methods for prehospital LVO detection, including clinical scales, mobile stroke units and transcranial Doppler, do not fulfill all criteria, hindering broad implementation of these methods. Instead, electroencephalography may be suitable for prehospital LVO detection since in-hospital studies have shown that quantification of hypoxia-induced changes in the electroencephalography signal have good diagnostic accuracy for LVO stroke. Although performing electroencephalography measurements in the prehospital setting comes with challenges, solutions for fast and simple application of this method are available. Currently, the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of electroencephalography in the prehospital setting are being investigated in clinical trials.

Resolution of warfarin-induced alopecia with conversion to apixaban

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e240579
Author(s):  
Katherine Leigh Hull ◽  
Richard Gooding ◽  
James O Burton
Keyword(s):  
Hair Loss ◽  
Warfarin Therapy ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Hair Follicles ◽  
Dialysis Access ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Patient Reported

Warfarin is frequently prescribed as a long-term anticoagulant in patients with end-stage kidney disease as direct oral anticoagulants undergo renal excretion. Anticoagulation is a rare cause of alopecia in adults and is thought to be due to the promotion of the ‘resting phase’ of hair follicles. In this case report, a prevalent haemodialysis female patient required long-term anticoagulation following a complex pulmonary embolus and dialysis access complications. After commencing warfarin therapy, the patient reported generalised loss and thinning of her hair. All other potential causes were excluded. Cessation of warfarin therapy and conversion to apixaban with close monitoring alleviated the hair loss. Warfarin therapy is a rare cause of alopecia but should be considered in patients on long-term anticoagulation when other diagnoses have been excluded. Hair loss has a profoundly negative impact on patient quality of life and should prompt investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Prehospital Comprehensive Stroke Center vs Primary Stroke Center Triage in Patients With Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tareq Kass-Hout ◽  
Jungwha Lee ◽  
Katie Tataris ◽  
Christopher T. Richards ◽  
Eddie Markul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Abstract 33: Diagnostic Accuracy, Reperfusion Delay and Triage Scale Comparison: Real-World Paramedic Validation Results From the ACT-FAST Triage Algorithm for Thrombectomy

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Zhao ◽  
Karen Smith ◽  
Stephen Bernard ◽  
Michael Stephenson ◽  
Christopher Bladin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Real World ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Hospital Transfer ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Direct Bypass ◽  
Triage Algorithm

Background: Severity-based selection tools for large vessel occlusion (LVO) are limited by lack of validation in unselected prehospital stroke patients and concerns regarding delayed thrombolysis (tPA) and comprehensive stroke center (CSC) burdening. We examined these issues in a real-world validation of the two exam step (severe arm motor + speech or neglect) ACT-FAST LVO triage algorithm. Methods: The ACT-FAST statewide validation involved 15 metro and 17 rural hospitals in Victoria, Australia from Nov 2017-July 2019 with training of paramedics using an 8 min video. Prehospital paramedic assessments were correlated with hospital imaging to determine presence of LVO. Data were then examined for diagnostic accuracy, time saving for direct bypass to CSC using a validated Google maps model, rates and magnitude of delayed tPA in false-positive non-LVO infarcts, and extra CSC workload. Results: In 517 completed assessments, 58% involving non-EVT centers and including 114 (22%) LVO, ACT-FAST sensitivity was 81% (92/114) and specificity was 81% (325/403; 89% if ICH are not regarded as false-positive) for LVO. Figure compares to other LVO scales. Bypass to CSC was modelled to save median 71 min for analysis of 29 thrombectomy patients requiring inter-hospital transfer. Of 27 non-LVO infarcts with false positive ACT-FAST, only 4 (15%) received tPA at a non-CSC center, and bypass would have only added median 10 mins in these cases. The increase in CSC presentation using ACT-FAST triage was estimated to be 2-3.3 patients/week using estimated 7,200 suspected stroke cases/year across entire metro Victoria. Conclusion: In comprehensive real-world validation, the simple ACT-FAST algorithm detected LVO or ICH in almost 80% of positive assessments with highly favorable comparison to other scales. Prehospital bypass to CSC substantially reduces thrombectomy delay, and appears to strongly outweigh negatives of bypassing false positive cases on tPA delay and CSC overburdening.

scholarly journals Comparative Evaluation of 10 Prehospital Triage Strategy Paradigms for Patients With Suspected Acute Ischemic Stroke

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludwig Schlemm ◽  
Matthias Endres ◽  
Jan F. Scheitz ◽  
Marielle Ernst ◽  
Christian H. Nolte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life Years ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background The best strategy to identify patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke and unknown vessel status (large vessel occlusion) for direct transport to a comprehensive stroke center instead of a nearer primary stroke center is unknown. Methods and Results We used mathematical modeling to estimate the impact of 10 increasingly complex prehospital triage strategy paradigms on the reduction of population‐wide stroke‐related disability. The model was applied to suspected acute ischemic stroke patients in (1) abstract geographies, and (2) 3 real‐world urban and rural geographies in Germany. Transport times were estimated based on stroke center location and road infrastructure; spatial distribution of emergency medical services calls was derived from census data with high spatial granularity. Parameter uncertainty was quantified in sensitivity analyses. The mothership strategy was associated with a statistically significant population‐wide gain of 8 to 18 disability‐adjusted life years in the 3 real‐world geographies and in most simulated abstract geographies (net gain −4 to 66 disability‐adjusted life years). Of the more complex paradigms, transportation of patients with clinically suspected large vessel occlusion based on a dichotomous large vessel occlusion detection scale to the nearest comprehensive stroke center yielded an additional clinical benefit of up to 12 disability‐adjusted life years in some rural but not in urban geographies. Triage strategy paradigms based on probabilistic conditional modeling added an additional benefit of 0 to 4 disability‐adjusted life years over less complex strategies if based on variable cutoff scores. Conclusions Variable stroke severity cutoff scores were associated with the highest reduction in stroke‐related disability. The mothership strategy yielded better clinical outcome than the drip‐‘n'‐ship strategy in most geographies.

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