How do treatment times impact on functional outcome in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy in Germany? Results from the German Stroke Registry

Background Functional outcome post-stroke depends on time to recanalization. Effect of in-hospital delay may differ in patients directly admitted to a comprehensive stroke center and patients transferred via a primary stroke center. We analyzed the current door-to-groin time in Germany and explored its effect on functional outcome in a real-world setting. Methods Data were collected in 25 stroke centers in the German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment a prospective, multicenter, observational registry study including stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. Functional outcome was assessed at three months by modified Rankin Scale. Association of door-to-groin time with outcome was calculated using binary logistic regression models. Results Out of 4340 patients, 56% were treated primarily in a comprehensive stroke center and 44% in a primary stroke center and then transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (“drip-and-ship” concept). Median onset-to-arrival at comprehensive stroke center time and door-to-groin time were 103 and 79 min in comprehensive stroke center patients and 225 and 44 min in primary stroke center patients. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome per hour of onset-to-arrival-at comprehensive stroke center time was 1.03 (95%CI 1.01–1.05) in comprehensive stroke center patients and 1.06 (95%CI 1.03–1.09) in primary stroke center patients. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome per hour of door-to-groin time was 1.30 (95%CI 1.16–1.46) in comprehensive stroke center patients and 1.04 (95%CI 0.89–1.21) in primary stroke center patients. Longer door-to-groin time in comprehensive stroke center patients was associated with admission on weekends (odds ratio 1.61; 95%CI 1.37–1.97) and during night time (odds ratio 1.52; 95%CI 1.27–1.82) and use of intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio 1.28; 95%CI 1.08–1.50). Conclusion Door-to-groin time was especially relevant for outcome of comprehensive stroke center patients, whereas door-to-groin time was much shorter in primary stroke center patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03356392 . Unique identifier NCT03356392

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Intravenous thrombolysis in stroke with admission NIHSS score 0 or 1

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/1747493021991969 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174749302199196

Author(s):

Marek Sykora ◽

Stefan Krebs ◽

Florentina Simader ◽

Thomas Gattringer ◽

Stefan Greisenegger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Neurological Deterioration ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Poor Functional Outcome ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Excellent Outcome ◽

Early Neurological Deterioration ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Haemorrhage

Background Up to 30% of stroke patients initially presenting with non-disabling or mild deficits may experience poor functional outcome. Despite, intravenous thrombolysis remains controversial in this subgroup of stroke patients due to its uncertain risk benefit ratio. Aim We aimed to analyze the real-world experience with intravenous thrombolysis in stroke patients presenting with very low NIHSS. Methods Data of stroke patients presenting with mild initial stroke severity (NIHSS 0–5) including vascular risk factors, stroke syndrome and etiology, early neurological deterioration, symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH), and functional outcome by modified Rankin Scale were extracted from a large nationwide stroke registry and analysed. Patients were categorized and compared according to admission severity NIHSS 0–1 versus NIHSS 2–5 and intravenous thrombolysis use. Results Seven hundred and three (2%) of 35,113 patients presenting with NIHSS 0–1 and 6316 (13.9%) of 45,521 of patients presenting with NIHSS 2–5 underwent intravenous thrombolysis. In the NIHSS 0–1 group, intravenous thrombolysis was associated with early neurological deterioration (adjusted OR 8.84, CI 6.61–11.83), sICH (adjusted OR 9.32, CI 4.53–19.15) and lower rate of excellent outcome (mRS 0–1) at three months (adjusted OR 0.67, CI 0.5–0.9). In stroke patients with NIHSS 2–5, intravenous thrombolysis was associated with early neurological deterioration (adjusted OR 1.7, 1.47–1.98), sICH (adjusted OR 5.75, CI 4.45–7.45), and higher rate of excellent outcome (mRS 0–1) at three months (adjusted OR 1.21, CI 1.08–1.34). Conclusions Among patients with NIHSS 0–1, intravenous thrombolysis did not increase the likelihood of excellent outcome. Moreover, potential signals of harm were observed. Further research seems to be warranted.

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Abstract 1122‐000083: Endovascular Therapy Delay for Acute LVO is Associated with Worse Functional Outcome and Increased Mortality

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000083 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Julian Carrion‐Penagos ◽

Sonam Thind ◽

Elisheva Coleman ◽

James R Brorson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Lower Probability ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Poor Functional Outcome ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Living Situation ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Relevant Covariates

Introduction : The importance of early mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has shown to improve functional outcomes for patients with acute large vessel occlusion (LVO). As well, prior studies have shown that earlier MT resulted in reduced hospital stay, more home‐time, and more desirable living situation in the 90 days after stroke. We hypothesized that delay in MT in patients with LVO would result in worse clinical outcome and increased mortality. Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent MT for LVO in a large academic comprehensive stroke center between 01/2018 and 05/2021. We compared outcomes including in‐hospital mortality and 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) based on time from door‐to‐puncture and door‐to‐reperfusion, adjusting for relevant covariates using logistic regression. Results : Patients that had shorter door‐to‐puncture time were found to have higher probability of a lower modified Rankin Scale (mRS 0–2) at discharge (p = 0.03). Patients with door‐to‐puncture less than 60 minutes had a probability of 50% of achieving a good outcome. Longer door‐to‐puncture times were associated with lower probability of achieving mRS 0–2 at discharge. A similar finding was seen in patients that had shorter times to reperfusion (p = 0.05). Adjusting for age, baseline NIHSS score, and final TICI score, delayed door‐to‐reperfusion time in minutes was an independent predictor of increased mortality at 90 days of 9% for every 10 minutes delay (OR 1.009, 95% CI 1.003‐1.016, p = 0.006). Every 10 minutes delay in door‐to‐reperfusion time had 7% higher chance of poor functional outcome at 90 days (OR 1.007, 95% CI 1.004‐1.019, p = 0.015). Conclusions : Shorter times to MT and reperfusion impact functional outcome and mortality in LVO stroke patients. This indicates that an adequate hospital protocol and continuous education may lead to faster and more efficient stroke activations leading to a shorter time to MT and eventual reperfusion. Goals of door‐to‐puncture must be established in order to achieve better outcomes.

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Abstract WP289: The Impact of Infection on Neurological Deterioration and Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.awp289 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Amelia K Boehme ◽

Andre D Kumar ◽

Adrianne M Dorsey ◽

James E Siegler ◽

Michael J Lyerly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Symptom Onset ◽

Neurological Deterioration ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Poor Functional Outcome ◽

Acute Hospitalization ◽

Stroke Center ◽

The Impact

Introduction: To date, few studies have assessed the influence of infection on neurological deterioration (ND) and other outcome measures in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients admitted to our stroke center (07/08-12/10) were retrospectively assessed. Patients were excluded if they had an in-hospital stroke, unknown time of symptom onset, or delay from symptom onset to hospital arrival >48 hours. Positive blood or urine culture, or chest x-ray consistent with pneumonia were classified as infection and stratified according to whether the infection was diagnosed within the first 24 hours of admission or after 24 hours. ND was defined as an increase ≥2 points on the NIHSS score within a 24hr period. Poor functional outcome was defined as a mRS score of 3-6 on discharge. Results: Of the 334 patients included in this study, 78 had an infection (19 on admission). The majority of infections were found in the urinary tract (64%), while pneumonia (37%) and bacteremia (24%) were also common. Infection on admission was predictive of ND (Table 1; OR=2.79, 95% CI 1.18-6.64, p=0.0211) and poor functional outcome (OR=3.0, 95% CI 1.1-7.9, p=0.0182). Developing an infection during acute hospitalization was an even stronger predictor of ND (OR=11.9, 95% CI 5.8-24.5, p<0.0001) and poor functional outcome (OR=56.4, 95% CI 7.7-414, p<0.0001). After adjusting for age, NIHSS at baseline and glucose on admission, the development of an infection during acute hospitalization remained a significant predictor of ND (OR=8.9, 95% CI 4.2-18.6, p<0.0001) and poor functional outcome (OR=41.7, 95% CI 5.2-337.9, p=0.005) while an infection on admission was no longer predictive of ND (OR=1.5, 95%CI 0.59-3.99, p=0.3738) or poor functional outcome (OR=1.09, 95%CI 0.3-3.9, p=0.8984). Conclusion: Our data suggest that ischemic stroke patients who develop an infection during their acute hospitalization are at increased odds of experiencing ND and of being discharged with significant disability.

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Abstract WP238: Thrombolytic Use in Stroke Mimics via Telestroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.wp238 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ganesh Asaithambi ◽

Amy L Castle ◽

Michael A Sperl ◽

Aditi Gupta ◽

Jayashree Ravichandran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hospital Mortality ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Rehabilitation Unit ◽

Stroke Mimics ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Stroke Mimic ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Acute Rehabilitation

Background: It has been established that safety and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to stroke patients via telestroke (TS) is similar to those presenting to stroke centers. Little is known on the accuracy of TS diagnosis among those receiving IVT. We sought to compare the rate of stroke mimic (SM) patients receiving IVT in our TS network to those who present to our comprehensive stroke center (CSC). Methods: Consecutive patients receiving IVT between August 2014 and June 2015 were identified at our CSC and TS network. The rates of SM patients in each cohort were calculated. Outcomes measured included rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), in-hospital mortality, and discharge to home or an acute rehabilitation unit (ARU). Results: During the study period, 132 patients (mean age 71±15 years, 49% women) receiving IVT were included in the analysis (75 CSC, 57 TS). Rates of SM patients receiving IVT were similar (CSC 12% vs TS 7%, p=0.39). One stroke patient developed sICH, and three other stroke patients experienced in-hospital mortality; neither outcome was found in the SM cohort. Discharge to home or ARU was similar between stroke (76.5%) and SM (76.9%) patients (p=1). Patients with SMs had significantly higher diagnoses of migraine (p=0.045) and psychiatric disorders (p=0.0002) compared to stroke patients. Conclusion: The rate of IVT among SM patients via TS is low and similar to those who present directly to a stroke center. Continued efforts should be made to further minimize IVT in SM patients despite the low rate of complications.

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Abstract WP373: Emergency Medical Service Stroke Education in a Rural Community: Need for Improvement

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.wp373 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Pauline M Rankin ◽

Dianne Marsh ◽

James McLaughlin

Keyword(s):

Emergency Medical Services ◽

Emergency Medical Service ◽

Medical Service ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Primary Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Education ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

According to The Journal of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) the goal of stroke care is to minimize brain injury and maximize recovery. The stroke chain of survival links actions taken by patients, family, EMS and healthcare providers. Recent innovations in stroke treatment require accurate identification and appropriate triage to the appropriate treatment facility. Evidence in the literature demonstrates variability with EMS correct identification of stroke patients between 30% and 80%. Our 164 bed primary stroke center in rural Pennsylvania has been active in providing stroke education on an annual basis to emergency medical services within a two county radius. As part of our ongoing process improvement we wanted to evaluate the emergency medical technicians and paramedics knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms, their understanding of the evaluation, treatment and triage of stroke patients. A standard questionnaire with 14 variables was developed using the American Heart and Stroke Association prehospital guidelines. The questionnaire included 16 stroke and non stroke symptoms, identifying transport to primary verses comprehensive stroke centers and initial evaluation. A sample population of 90 emergency medical service staff were asked to complete the questionnaire with 28 (31%) responses received. All participants indicated they were confident to recognize stroke signs and symptoms but 6 of the non stroke items were chosen as stroke symptoms. All participants indicated they were confident in the initial evaluation of a stroke patient but 14 (50%) appropriately identified airway, breathing, circulation as the first evaluation. Evaluating triage knowledge, 26 (93%) stated confidence in decision to transport to a primary stroke center and 22 (79%) to a comprehensive stroke center, however, appropriate decision to transport to a primary stroke center was identified correctly by 46% a comprehensive stroke center 66%. In conclusion, results from this study suggest that in this rural setting, barriers exist in prehospital recognition and evaluation of the stroke patient for which proper education may be remediable. Our goal is to use this information to revise our current EMS stroke education program and enhance prehospital assessment and triage.

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Thrombectomy accessibility after transfer from a primary stroke center: Analysis of a three-year prospective registry

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/1747493017701151 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 519-523 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Denis Sablot ◽

Nicolas Gaillard ◽

Philippe Smadja ◽

Jean-Marie Bonnec ◽

Alain Bonafe

Keyword(s):

Symptom Onset ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Arterial Occlusion ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Interventional Neuroradiology ◽

High Volume ◽

Large Artery ◽

Primary Stroke Center ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background No comprehensive study exists about mechanical thrombectomy accessibility for patients admitted to a primary stroke center without onsite interventional neuroradiology service. Aims To evaluate mechanical thrombectomy accessibility within 6 h after transfer from a primary stroke center to a distant (156 km apart; 1.5 h by car) comprehensive stroke center. Methods Analysis of data collected in a three-year prospective registry on patients admitted to a primary stroke center within 4.5 h after symptom onset and selected for transfer to a comprehensive stroke center for mechanical thrombectomy. Eligible patients had confirmed proximal arterial occlusion and no large cerebral infarction on MRI images (DWI-ASPECTS ≥ 5). The rate of transfer, transfer without mechanical thrombectomy, mechanical thrombectomy, reperfusion (TICI score ≥ 2b-3), and the main relevant time measures were determined. Results Among the 385 patients selected for intravenous thrombolysis and/or potential mechanical thrombectomy, 211 were considered as transferrable for mechanical thrombectomy. The rate of transfer was 56.4% (n = 119/211), transfer without mechanical thrombectomy 56.3% (n = 67/119), mechanical thrombectomy 24.6% (n = 52/211), and reperfusion by MT (TICI score 2b/3) 18% (n = 38/211). The relevant median times (interquartile range) were: 130 min (62) for intravenous thrombolysis start to comprehensive stroke center door, 95 minutes (39) for primary stroke center door-out to comprehensive stroke center door-in, 191 min (44) for intravenous thrombolysis start to mechanical thrombectomy puncture, 354 min (107) for symptom onset to mechanical thrombectomy puncture and 417 min (124) for symptom onset to recanalization. Conclusions Our study suggests that transfer to a distant comprehensive stroke center is associated with reduced access to early mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and large artery occlusion. These results could be translated to other high volume distant primary stroke center.

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Performance of four ischemic stroke prognostic scores in a Brazilian population

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20160002 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 74 (2) ◽

pp. 133-137 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Gustavo W. Kuster ◽

Lívia A. Dutra ◽

Israel P. Brasil ◽

Evelyn P. Pacheco ◽

Márcio J. C. Arruda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Brazilian Population ◽

Prognostic Scores ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Primary Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

ABSTRACT Objective Ischemic stroke (IS) prognostic scales may help clinicians in their clinical decisions. This study aimed to assess the performance of four IS prognostic scales in a Brazilian population. Method We evaluated data of IS patients admitted at Hospital Paulistano, a Joint Commission International certified primary stroke center. In-hospital mortality and modified Rankin score at discharge were defined as the outcome measures. The performance of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Stroke Prognostication Using Age and NIHSS (SPAN-100), Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne (ASTRAL), and Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) were compared. Results Two hundred six patients with a mean ± SD age of 67.58 ± 15.5 years, being 55.3% male, were included. The four scales were significantly and independently associated functional outcome. Only THRIVE was associated with in-hospital mortality. With area under the curve THRIVE and NIHSS were the scales with better performance for functional outcome and THRIVE had the best performance for mortality. Conclusion THRIVE showed the best performance among the four scales, being the only associated with in-hospital mortality.

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The Association between Baseline and 3-Month Albuminuria and 1-Year Prognosis of Ischemic Stroke

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000518180 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Dongxue Wang ◽

Yuesong Pan ◽

Hao Li ◽

Hongyi Yan ◽

Xia Meng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Poor Functional Outcome ◽

Clinical Prognosis ◽

Stroke Outcomes ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Confounding Variables ◽

Ischemic Attack

Introduction: The association between the changes in albuminuria levels and the clinical prognosis of stroke is unknown. The present study aimed to explore the relationships between changes in albuminuria and the risk of adverse stroke outcomes. Methods: The patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III) who had the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) detected at baseline and 3-month were recruited. They were classified into 4 groups according to baseline and 3-month ACR and followed up for 1 year. Results: A total of 5,311 patients were finally included in the study. There were 3,738 (70.4%), 483 (9.1%), 451 (8.5%), and 639 (12.0%) patients with no albuminuria, baseline albuminuria, 3-month albuminuria, and persistent albuminuria, respectively. After adjustment for confounding variables, persistent albuminuria was independently associated with all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 2.23; 95% CI, 1.17–4.25; p = 0.02), stroke recurrence (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.02–2.36; p = 0.04), and poor functional outcome (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.66–2.96; p < 0.001). Baseline albuminuria was independently associated with poor functional outcome (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.19–2.28; p = 0.003), while 3-month albuminuria was independently associated with stroke recurrence (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.06–2.65; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Changes in albuminuria can predict adverse 1-year outcomes in Chinese ischemic stroke patients. In particular, persistent albuminuria was independently associated with 1-year all-cause death, stroke recurrence, and poor functional outcome.

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Acute administration of tirofiban versus aspirin in emergent carotid artery stenting

Interventional Neuroradiology ◽

10.1177/1591019918808777 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 219-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Philipp Gruber ◽

Martin Hlavica ◽

Jatta Berberat ◽

Benjamin Victor Ineichen ◽

Michael Diepers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carotid Artery ◽

Carotid Artery Stenting ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Similar Efficacy ◽

Intracranial Bleeding ◽

Acute Administration ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background Carotid artery stenting requires antiplatelet therapy for prevention of in-stent thrombosis. Patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke undergoing intravenous thrombolysis and emergent carotid artery stenting (eCAS) are at high risk for intracranial bleeding. We assessed efficacy and safety of acute administration of intravenous tirofiban versus aspirin in these patients. Methods A retrospective, single center, cohort study was carried out of 32 patients who underwent eCAS (18 received tirofiban, 14 received aspirin) at our comprehensive stroke center (2008–2016). Results Of our 32 consecutive eCAS patients, favorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin scale ≤ 2) were achieved in eight (47%) tirofiban patients and six (46%) aspirin patients ( p = 0.96). Overall rates were similar for symptomatic intracranial bleeding (tirofiban 22%, aspirin 29%, p = 0.68) and mortality (tirofiban 18%, aspirin 23%, p = 0.71). Conclusions Tirofiban and aspirin demonstrated similar efficacy and safety in thrombolyzed stroke patients who underwent eCAS in our cohort. Intravenous tirofiban with its short half-life might represent an alternative to aspirin in select patients.

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Direct Admission versus Secondary Transfer for Acute Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy: Insights from the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Registry

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000499112 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (3-4) ◽

pp. 112-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

David Weisenburger-Lile ◽

Raphaël Blanc ◽

Maeva Kyheng ◽

Jean-Philippe Desilles ◽

Julien Labreuche ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Adjusted Relative Risk ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Cerebral Imaging ◽

Excellent Outcome ◽

Primary Stroke Center ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background: To date, thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes can be performed only in comprehensive stroke centers with thrombectomy capacity. We compared the clinical outcome of patients first referred to a primary stroke center to those admitted directly to a comprehensive stroke center and treated on site in the multicentric observational Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry. Methods: From our perspective, multicenter, observational ETIS registry, we analyzed anterior circulation stroke patients, treated within 8 h, who underwent thrombectomy after thrombolysis and were admitted to a comprehensive stroke center either with drip and ship or mothership. Clinical and safety outcomes were compared between 2 groups. Results: A total of 971 patients were analyzed: 298 were treated with the mothership approach and 673 with drip and ship. Significantly more functional independence (90-day modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–2) was achieved in mothership (60.1%) than in drip and ship patients (52.6%; adjusted relative risk [RR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.98, p = 0.018). Excellent outcome (90-day mRS 0–1) was achieved in 45.3% of the mothership group, compared to 37.9% of the drip and ship group (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.98; p = 0.026). According to the distance between the primary stroke center and the comprehensive stroke center, greater functional independence was achieved in mothership than in drip and ship >12.5 miles patients (adjusted RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.71–0.94). Results in the drip-ship group stratified according to time between cerebral imaging and groin puncture (categorized according to the median cut-off: 140 min) were similar. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage rate and mortality within 90 days was similar in both groups (7.5 vs. 5.9%, p = 0.40; 17.4 vs. 16.1%, p = 0.63). Conclusions: Our study suggests that LVO stroke patients directly admitted to a comprehensive stroke center present a higher chance of functional independence, especially when the distance between the primary stroke center and comprehensive stroke center is >12.5 miles or when the time between cerebral imaging and groin puncture is ≥140 min.

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