Predicting Clinical Outcomes After Thrombolysis Using the iScore

Background and Purpose— The ischemic stroke risk score (iScore) is a validated tool developed to estimate the risk of death and functional outcomes early after an acute ischemic stroke. Our goal was to determine the ability of the iScore to estimate clinical outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) in the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA). Methods— We applied the iScore ( www.sorcan.ca/iscore ) to patients with an acute ischemic stroke within the VISTA collaboration to examine the effect of tPA. We explored the association between the iScore (<200 and ≥200) and the primary outcome of favorable outcome at 3 months defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 0 to 2. Secondary outcomes included death at 3 months, catastrophic outcomes (modified Rankin scale, 4–6), and Barthel index >90 at 3 months. Results— Among 7140 patients with an acute ischemic stroke, 2732 (38.5%) received tPA and 711 (10%) had an iScore ≥200. Overall, tPA treatment was associated with a significant improvement in the primary outcome among patients with an iScore <200 (38.9% non-tPA versus 47.5% tPA; P <0.001) but was not associated with a favorable outcome among patients with an iScore ≥200 (5.5% non-tPA versus 7.6% tPA; P =0.45). In the multivariable analysis after adjusting for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and onset-to-treatment time, there was a significant interaction between tPA administration and iScore; tPA administration was associated with 47% higher odds of a favorable outcome at 3 months among patients with an iScore <200 (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–1.67), whereas the association between tPA and favorable outcome among those with an iScore ≥200 remained nonsignificant (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.45–1.42). A similar pattern of benefit with tPA among patients with an iScore <200, but not ≥200, was observed for secondary outcomes including death. Conclusions— The iScore is a useful and validated tool that helps clinicians estimate stroke outcomes. In stroke patients participating in VISTA, an iScore <200 was associated with better outcomes at 3 months after tPA.

Download Full-text

Admission Blood Pressure in Relation to Clinical Outcomes and Successful Reperfusion After Endovascular Stroke Treatment

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.120.029907 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (11) ◽

pp. 3205-3214

Author(s):

Sophie A. van den Berg ◽

Simone M. Uniken Venema ◽

Maxim J.H.L. Mulder ◽

Kilian M. Treurniet ◽

Noor Samuels ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Lower Probability ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose: Optimal blood pressure (BP) targets before endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke are unknown. We aimed to assess the relation between admission BP and clinical outcomes and successful reperfusion after EVT. Methods: We used data from the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) Registry, an observational, prospective, nationwide cohort study of patients with ischemic stroke treated with EVT in routine clinical practice in the Netherlands. Baseline systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were recorded on admission. The primary outcome was the score on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included successful reperfusion (extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2B-3), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 90-day mortality. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to assess the associations of SBP and DBP with outcomes. The relations between BPs and outcomes were tested for nonlinearity. Parameter estimates were calculated per 10 mm Hg increase or decrease in BP. Results: We included 3180 patients treated with EVT between March 2014 and November 2017. The relations between admission SBP and DBP with 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores and mortality were J-shaped, with inflection points around 150 and 81 mm Hg, respectively. An increase in SBP above 150 mm Hg was associated with poor functional outcome (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.04–1.15]) and mortality at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.03–1.16]). Following linear relationships, higher SBP was associated with a lower probability of successful reperfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.94–0.99]) and with the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.99–1.13]). Results for DBP were largely similar. Conclusions: In patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with EVT, higher admission BP is associated with lower probability of successful reperfusion and with poor clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to investigate whether these patients benefit from BP reduction before EVT.

Download Full-text

Abstract 43: Predicting Clinical Outcomes After Thrombolysis in Patients with Diabetes in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.a43 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Davar Nikneshan ◽

Pongmoragot Jitphapa ◽

Stavroula Raptis ◽

Limei Zhou ◽

Gustavo Saposnik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Stroke Risk Factor ◽

Stroke Outcomes ◽

Patients With Diabetes ◽

Secondary Outcomes

Background: Diabetes is a well-known stroke risk factor that is associated with poorer stroke outcomes. Limited tools are available to evaluate clinical outcomes and response to thrombolysis in stroke patients with Diabetes. Methods: We applied the iScore (www.sorcan.ca/iscore), a validated risk score, to stroke patients presenting to stroke centers participating in the Registry of the Canadian Stroke network (RCSN). Outcome measures: Favorable outcome (defined as a modified Rankin scale 0-2) at discharge after thrombolysis. Secondary outcomes included intracerebral hemorrhage, death at 30-days and at 1-year stratified by tertiles of the iScore. Results: Among 12,686 patients with an acute ischemic stroke, 3,228 (25.5%) had diabetes. Patients with diabetes had higher likelihood of death or disability (mRS>3) at discharge after thrombolysis compared to patients without diabetes (75.7% vs. 68.9%; RR 1.01 95%CI 1.02-1.18). The risk of intracranial hemorrhage (any type or symptomatic) was not different in patients with or without diabetes (12.6% vs. 12.5%; RR 1.01, 95%CI 0.72-1.4 and 7.5% vs 6.8%; RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.7-1.72 respectively). In the logistic regression analysis, there was an interaction between tPA and the iScore (p<0.001), but there was no interaction between diabetes and the iScore or tPA. Conclusion: Stroke patients with diabetes had higher mortality. The iScore similarly predicted a clinical response after tPA in both patients with and without diabetes. ICH was similar in both groups.

Download Full-text

Non-contrast head CT alone for thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: analysis of the ANGEL-ACT registry

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2021-017940 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2021-017940

Author(s):

Zeguang Ren ◽

Gaoting Ma ◽

Maxim Mokin ◽

Ashutosh P Jadhav ◽

Baixue Jia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Ct Perfusion ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Vessel Imaging ◽

Baseline Characteristics ◽

Procedural Outcomes ◽

Head Computed Tomography

BackgroudThe goal of this study was to determine if the choice of imaging paradigm performed in the emergency department influences the procedural or clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT).MethodsThis is a retrospective comparative outcome study which was conducted from the ANGEL-ACT registry. Comparisons were made between baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing MT with non-contrast head computed tomography (NCHCT) alone versus patients undergoing NCHCT plus non-invasive vessel imaging (NVI) (including CT angiography (with or without CT perfusion) and magnetic resonance angiography). The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included change in mRS score from baseline to 90 days, the proportions of mRS 0–1, 0–2, and 0–3, and dramatic clinical improvement at 24 hours. The safety outcomes were any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic ICH, and mortality within 90 days.ResultsA total of 894 patients met the inclusion criteria; 476 (53%) underwent NCHCT alone and 418 (47%) underwent NCHCT + NVI. In the NCHCT alone group, the door-to-reperfusion time was shorter by 47 min compared with the NCHCT + NVI group (219 vs 266 min, P<0.001). Patients in the NCHCT alone group showed a smaller increase in baseline mRS score at 90 days (median 3 vs 2 points; P=0.004) after adjustment. There were no significant differences between groups in the remaining clinical outcomes.ConclusionsIn patients selected for MT using NCHCT alone versus NCHCT + NVI, there were improved procedural outcomes and smaller increases in baseline mRS scores at 90 days.

Download Full-text

Abstract 268: Is There a Weekend Effect on Telestroke Code Time Metrics?

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.11.suppl_1.268 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ganesh Asaithambi ◽

Amy L Castle ◽

Emily H Marino ◽

Bridget M Ho ◽

Sandra K Hanson

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Scale Score ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Weekend Effect ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Code Process

Background: It has been suggested that there is a “weekend effect” resulting in higher mortality rates for stroke patients admitted on weekends. We examine this phenomenon for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients presenting to telestroke (TS) sites to determine its effect on stroke code process times and outcomes. Methods: From October 2015-June 2017, we reviewed consecutive AIS patients receiving IV alteplase within our TS network who then were transferred to our CSC. We compared patients presenting to TS sites on weekdays (Monday 0700 to Friday 1859) to patients presenting on weekends (Friday 1900 to Monday 0659). We analyzed door to code activation, code activation to TS evaluation, door to imaging, and door to needle times. Rates of favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) and death at 90 days were compared. Results: We identified 89 (54 weekday, 35 weekend) patients (mean age 71.8±13.3 years, 47.2% women) during the study period. Median door to code activation (15 [5, 27] vs 8 [1, 17] mins, p=0.01) and door to needle (61 [49, 73] vs 47 [35, 59] mins, p=0.003) times were significantly longer for patients presenting on weekends compared to weekdays. There were no significant differences in median door to imaging (weekend 17 [7, 30] vs weekday 11 [6, 21], p=0.1) and code activation to TS evaluation (weekend 7 [6, 10] vs weekday 5 [4, 9], p=0.14) times. The rates of favorable outcome (weekend 50% vs weekday 66.7%, p=0.18) and death (weekend 8.3% vs weekday 4.8%, p=0.56) at 90 days were not significantly different. Conclusion: While there were no significant differences in outcomes, the “weekend effect” results in slower door to code activation and door to needle times. Efforts to improve methods in increasing efficiency of care on weekends should be considered.

Download Full-text

Abstract TP74: Early Administration of Tissue-plasminogen Activator Improves the Long-term Clinical Outcome at 5 Years After Onset

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.tp74 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Junya Aoki ◽

Kazumi Kimura ◽

Yuki Sakamoto

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Plasminogen Activator ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Tissue Plasminogen

Introduction & Hypothesis: Data on long-term outcomes after tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy are limited. We evaluated the rate of favorable outcomes and mortality at 5 years after tPA therapy and investigated factors related to long-term clinical outcomes. Methods: Telephone interviews were used to assess the to the the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years after tPA therapy after written informed consent was obtained. When a telephone interview was not successfully accomplished, an interview letter was sent as an alternative method. Favorable outcome was defined as mRS 0-2, and unfavorable outcome was as mRS 3-6. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors associated with favorable outcomes and mortality at 5 years after tPA therapy. Results: From 2005 to 2013, 256 (median age, 77 [interquartile range, 68-84] years; 157 [61%] males) patients were enrolled. The onset-to-treatment time (OTT) was 153 (120-176) minutes. At 3 months after tPA therapy, the median mRS score was assessed as 3 (1-5). Kaplan-Meier curve showed that favorable outcomes after 5 years after tPA therapy occurred in 45% patients and that the mortality rate was 40%. Univariate analysis showed that OTT was 123 (107-172) minutes in patients with favorable outcomes and 155 (124-172) minutes in patients with non-favorable outcomes (p=0.046). In addition, OTT was 157 (133-172) minutes in the death group and 123 (106-169) minutes in the survival group (p=0.001). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that OTT was an independent factor related to favorable outcomes (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.95-0.99, p=0.008) and mortality (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.06, p=0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that OTT ≥ 136 minutes was the optimal cut-off value to predict favorable outcome at 5 years after tPA therapy, with a sensitivity of 0.67, a specificity of 0.70, and an area under curve (AUC) of 0.662 (p=0.016), and that to predict death within 5 years after tPA therapy, with a sensitivity of 0.70, a specificity of 0.66, and an AUC of 0.679 (p=0.001). Conclusion: Early tPA administration can improves long-term clinical outcomes.

Download Full-text

Clinical profile of patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis (rtPA-alteplase)

International Journal of Advances in Medicine ◽

10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20180078 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 164

Author(s):

Shiva Prasad Jagini ◽

Suresh I.

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Clinical Profile ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Nihss Score ◽

The Mean ◽

Centre Hospital

Background: Stroke patients are at highest risk death in the first few weeks after the event, and between 20-50% die within first month depending on type, severity, age, co-morbidities and effectiveness of treatment of complications. Objective of this study was to clinical profile of patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis (rtPA-alteplase).Methods: Prospective Observational study of 26 cases of acute ischemic stroke receiving IV thrombolysis using rtPA-alteplase at Kovai Medical Centre Hospital, Coimbatore over a period of 1 year 9 months.Results: 21 cases had NIHSS score of range 10 to 22. The mean NIHSS score at admission is 13.5. 15 subjects (57.7%) had achieved primary outcome in this study. MRS Score of 0 to 2 is considered as favorable outcome. In this study 20 subjects (76.92 %) had favorable outcome at the end of 3 months.Conclusions: Majority of the patients receiving rtPA-alteplase had favorable outcome.

Download Full-text

Abstract TP13: Procedural Time (Groin Puncture to Recanalization) Significantly Predicts Outcomes in Endovascular Treatment: A Pooled Analysis of SWIFT, STAR and SWIFT PRIME Trials

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.tp13 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ameer E Hassan ◽

Jeffrey L Saver ◽

Mayank Goyal ◽

David S Liebeskind ◽

Reza Jahan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Pooled Analysis ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Post Procedure ◽

Procedural Time

Background: Recent single center studies have suggested that “procedural time” independent of “time to procedure” can affect outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment (ET). We performed a pooled analysis from three ET trials to determine the effect of procedural time on angiographic and clinical outcomes. Objective: To determine the relationship between procedural time and clinical outcomes among acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing successful recanalization with ET. Methods: We analyzed data from SWIFT, STAR and SWIFT PRIME trials. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, NIHSS score on admission, intracranial hemorrhage rates and mRS at 3 months post procedure were analyzed. TICI scale was used to grade post procedure angiographic recanalization. Procedural time was defined by the time interval between groin puncture and recanalization. We estimated the procedural time after which favorable clinical outcome was unlikely even after recanalization (futile) after age and NIHSS score adjustment. Results: We analyzed 301 patients who underwent ET and had near complete or complete recanalization (TICI 2b or 3). The procedural time (±SD) was significantly shorter in patients who achieved a favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) compared with those who did not achieve favorable outcome (44±25 vs 51±33 minutes, p=0.04). Table 1. In the multivariate analysis (including all baseline characteristics with a p value <0.05 as independent variables), shorter procedural time was a significant predictor of lower odds of unfavorable outcome (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28, 0.85, p=0.012). The rates of favorable outcomes were significantly higher when the procedural time was <60 minutes compared with ≥60 minutes (62% vs 45%, p=0.020). Conclusion: Procedural time in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is an important determinant of favorable outcomes in those with near complete or complete recanalization.

Download Full-text

Weekday Versus Weekend Presentation in the Acute Management of Ischemic Stroke Through Telemedicine

The Neurohospitalist ◽

10.1177/1941874419878020 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 115-117

Author(s):

Ganesh Asaithambi ◽

Amy L. Castle ◽

Megan E. Tipps ◽

Bridget M. Ho ◽

Emily H. Marino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Scale Score ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Weekend Effect ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Acute Management ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Intravenous Alteplase

A “weekend effect” resulting in higher mortality rates for patients with stroke admitted on weekends has been reported. We examine this phenomenon for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presenting to telestroke (TS) sites to determine its effect on stroke alert process times and outcomes. From October 2015 to June 2017, we reviewed patients with AIS receiving intravenous alteplase within our TS network. We compared patients presenting to TS sites on weekdays (Monday 07:00 to Friday 18:59) to those presenting on weekends (Friday 19:00 to Monday 06:59). We analyzed door-to-alert activation, alert activation-to-TS evaluation, door-to-imaging, and door-to-needle times. Rates of favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) and death at 90 days were compared. We identified 89 (54 weekday and 35 weekend) patients (mean age: 71.8 ± 13.3 years, 47.2% women) during the study period. Median door-to-alert activation ( P = .01) and door-to-needle ( P = .004) times were significantly longer for patients presenting on weekends compared to weekdays. There were no significant differences in median door-to-imaging ( P = .1) and alert activation-to-TS evaluation ( P = .07) times. Rates of favorable outcome ( P = .19) and death ( P = .56) at 90 days did not differ. While there were no significant differences in outcomes, patients presenting on weekends had longer door-to-alert activation and door-to-needle times. Efforts to improve methods in efficiency of care on weekends should be considered.

Download Full-text

Dual antiplatelet therapy pretreatment in IV thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000006168 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 91 (11) ◽

pp. e1067-e1076 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Nitin Goyal ◽

Ali Kerro ◽

Aristeidis H. Katsanos ◽

Rashi Krishnan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Propensity Score ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Favorable Functional Outcome

ObjectiveWe sought to determine the safety and efficacy of IV thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with a history of dual antiplatelet therapy pretreatment (DAPP) in a prospective multicenter study.MethodsWe compared the following outcomes between DAPP+ and DAPP− IVT-treated patients before and after propensity score matching (PSM): symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–1), and 3-month mortality.ResultsAmong 790 IVT patients, 58 (7%) were on DAPP before stroke (mean age 68 ± 13 years; 57% men; median NIH Stroke Scale score 8). DAPP+ patients were older with more risk factors compared to DAPP− patients. The rates of sICH were similar between groups (3.4% vs 3.2%). In multivariable analyses adjusting for potential confounders, DAPP was associated with higher odds of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio = 3.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.47–8.47; p = 0.005) but also with a higher likelihood of 3-month favorable functional outcome (odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–5.46; p = 0.035). After propensity score matching, 41 DAPP+ patients were matched to 82 DAPP− patients. The 2 groups did not differ in any of the baseline characteristics or safety and efficacy outcomes.ConclusionsDAPP is not associated with higher rates of sICH and 3-month mortality following IVT. DAPP should not be used as a reason to withhold IVT in otherwise eligible AIS candidates.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that for IVT-treated patients with AIS, DAPP is not associated with a significantly higher risk of sICH. The study lacked the precision to exclude a potentially meaningful increase in sICH bleeding risk.

Download Full-text

Adiposity and Outcome After Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.119.027900 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 144-151

Author(s):

Zuolu Liu ◽

Nerses Sanossian ◽

Sidney Starkman ◽

Gilda Avila-Rinek ◽

Marc Eckstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Scale Score ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Related Quality ◽

Severely Obese

Background and Purpose: A survival advantage among individuals with higher body mass index (BMI) has been observed for diverse acute illnesses, including stroke, and termed the obesity paradox. However, prior ischemic stroke studies have generally tested only for linear rather than nonlinear relations between body mass and outcome, and few studies have investigated poststroke functional outcomes in addition to mortality. Methods: We analyzed consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke enrolled in a 60-center acute treatment trial, the NIH FAST-MAG acute stroke trial. Outcomes at 3 months analyzed were (1) death; (2) disability or death (modified Rankin Scale score, 2–6); and (3) low stroke-related quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale<median). Relations with BMI were analyzed univariately and in multivariate models adjusting for 14 additional prognostic variables. Results: Among 1033 patients with acute ischemic stroke, average age was 71 years (±13), 45.1% female, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 10.6 (±8.3), and BMI 27.5 (±5.6). In both unadjusted and adjusted analysis, increasing BMI was linearly associated with improved 3-month survival ( P =0.01) odds ratios in adjusted analysis for mortality declined across the BMI categories of underweight (odds ratio, 1.7 [CI, 0.6–4.9]), normal (odds ratio, 1), overweight (0.9 [CI, 0.5–1.4]), obese (0.5, [CI, 0.3–1.0]), and severely obese (0.4 [CI, 0.2–0.9]). In unadjusted analysis, increasing BMI showed a U-shaped relation to poststroke disability or death (modified Rankin Scale score, 2–6), with odds ratios of modified Rankin Scale score, 2 to 6 for underweight, overweight, and obese declined initially when compared with normal weight patients, but then increased again in severely obese patients, suggesting a U-shaped or J-shaped relation. After adjustment, including for baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale score 2 to 6 was no longer related to adiposity. Conclusions: Mortality and functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke have disparate relations with patients’ adiposity. Higher BMI is linearly associated with increased survival; and BMI has a U-shaped or J-shaped relation to disability and stroke-related quality of life. Potential mechanisms including nutritional reserve aiding survival during recovery and greater frequency of atherosclerotic than thromboembolic infarcts in individuals with higher BMI.

Download Full-text