scholarly journals Prognostic value of “tissue-based” definitions of TIA and minor stroke

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (21) ◽  
pp. e2455-e2461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Hurford ◽  
Linxin Li ◽  
Nicola Lovett ◽  
Magdalena Kubiak ◽  
Wilhelm Kuker ◽  
...  

ObjectiveSince use of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) positivity in the “tissue-based” definition of stroke in patients with a clinical TIA is supported by the high associated 90-day risk of recurrent stroke, we aimed to determine long-term prognostic significance, stratified by etiologic subtype, and whether the same tissue-based distinction is predictive in minor strokes.MethodsConsecutive eligible patients with TIA or minor stroke (NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] ≤3) in the population-based Oxford Vascular Study underwent brain MRI at baseline. Stroke risk on 10-year follow-up was stratified by NIHSS (0/1 vs 2/3) and Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification of the initial event.ResultsAmong 1,033 patients (633 TIA; 400 minor stroke), 248 (24.0%) had acute lesions on DWI (13.9% of TIAs; 40.0% of minor strokes). A positive DWI was associated with an increased 10-year risk of recurrent ischemic stroke after an index TIA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–5.54, p = 0.009) or a stroke with NIHSS 0–1 (3.03, 1.29–7.08, p = 0.011), but not after a stroke with NIHSS 2–3 (0.70, 0.24–2.10, p = 0.53). Ischemic stroke risk after DWI-positive TIA was at least equivalent to that after DWI-negative stroke (1.81, 0.82–4.00, p = 0.14). Among all patients, DWI positivity was most predictive of 10-year risk after cryptogenic events (4.68, 1.70–12.92, p = 0.003).ConclusionDWI positivity is associated with an increased long-term risk of recurrent stroke after TIA and minor stroke, supporting a tissue-based definition of minor stroke as well as TIA. Prognostic value is greatest after cryptogenic events.

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramon Luengo-Fernandez ◽  
Linxin Li ◽  
Louise Silver ◽  
Sergei Gutnikov ◽  
Nicola C. Beddows ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose: Urgent assessment aimed at reducing stroke risk after transient ischemic attack or minor stroke is cost-effective over the short-term. However, it is unclear if the short-term impact is lost on long-term follow-up, with recurrent events being delayed rather than prevented. By 10-year follow-up of the EXPRESS study (Early Use of Existing Preventive Strategies for Stroke), previously showing urgent assessment reduced 90-day stroke risk by 80%, we determined whether that early benefit was still evident long-term for stroke risk, disability, and costs. Methods: EXPRESS was a prospective population-based before (phase 1: April 2002–September 2004; n=310) versus after (phase 2: October 2004–March 2007; n=281) study of the effect of early assessment and treatment of transient ischemic attack/minor stroke on early recurrent stroke risk, with an external control. This report assesses the effect on 10-year recurrent stroke risk, functional outcomes, quality-of-life, and costs. Results: A reduction in stroke risk in phase 2 was still evident at 10 years (55/23.3% versus 82/31.6%; hazard ratio=0.68 [95% CI, 0.48–0.95]; P =0.024), as was the impact on risk of disabling or fatal stroke (17/7.7% versus 32/13.1%; hazard ratio=0.54 [0.30–0.97]; P =0.036). These effects were due to maintenance of the early reduction in stroke risk, with neither additional benefit nor rebound catch-up after 90 days (post-90 days hazard ratio=0.88 [0.65–1.44], P =0.88; and hazard ratio=0.83 [0.42–1.65], P =0.59, respectively). Disability-free life expectancy was 0.59 (0.03–1.15; P =0.043) years higher in patients in phase 2, as was quality-adjusted life expectancy (0.49 [0.03–0.95]; P =0.036). Overall, 10-year costs were nonsignificantly higher in patients attending the phase 2 clinic ($1022 [-3865–5907]; P =0.66). The additional cost per quality-adjusted life year gained in phase 2 versus phase 1 was $2103, well below current cost-effectiveness thresholds. Conclusions: Urgent assessment and treatment of patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke resulted in a long-term reduction in recurrent strokes and improved outcomes, with little atrophy of the early benefit over time, representing good value for money even with a 10-year time horizon. Our results suggest that other effective acute treatments in transient ischemic attack/minor stroke in the short-term will also have the potential to have long-term benefit.


2021 ◽  
pp. 239698732110585
Author(s):  
Elora Basu ◽  
Setareh Salehi Omran ◽  
Hooman Kamel ◽  
Neal S Parikh

Background Sex differences in stroke outcomes have been noted, but whether this extends to stroke recurrence is unclear. We examined sex differences in recurrent stroke using data from the Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke (POINT) trial. Patients and methods We assessed the risk of recurrent stroke in women compared to men using data from the POINT trial. Adults >18 years old were randomized within 12 hours of onset of minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and followed for up to 90 days for ischemic stroke, our primary outcome. We used Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for demographics and stroke risk factors to evaluate the association between sex and stroke recurrence. We used interaction term testing and prespecified subgroup analyses to determine if the association between sex and recurrent stroke differed by age (<60 versus >60 years old), locale (US versus non-US), and index event type (stroke versus TIA). Last, we evaluated whether sex modified the effect of common stroke risk factors on stroke recurrence. Results Of 4,881 POINT trial participants with minor stroke or high-risk TIA, 2,195 (45%) were women. During the 90-day follow-up period, 267 ischemic strokes occurred; 121 were in women and 146 in men. The cumulative risk of recurrent ischemic stroke was not significantly different among women (5.76%; 95% CI, 4.84%–6.85%) compared to men (5.67%; 95% CI, 4.83%–6.63%). Women were not at a different risk of recurrent ischemic stroke compared to men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80–1.30) in unadjusted models or after adjusting for covariates. However, there was a significant interaction of age with sex (P=0.04). Among patients <60 years old, there was a non-significantly lower risk of recurrent stroke in women compared to men (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.42–1.05). Last, sex did not modify the association between common stroke risk factors and recurrent stroke risk. Discussion and Conclusion Among patients with minor stroke or TIA, the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and the impact of common stroke risk factors did not differ between men and women.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 767
Author(s):  
Courtney Davis ◽  
Sean I. Savitz ◽  
Nikunj Satani

Ischemic stroke is a debilitating disease and one of the leading causes of long-term disability. During the early phase after ischemic stroke, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) exhibits increased permeability and disruption, leading to an influx of immune cells and inflammatory molecules that exacerbate the damage to the brain tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells have been investigated as a promising therapy to improve the recovery after ischemic stroke. The therapeutic effects imparted by MSCs are mostly paracrine. Recently, the role of extracellular vesicles released by these MSCs have been studied as possible carriers of information to the brain. This review focuses on the potential of MSC derived EVs to repair the components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) controlling the BBB, in order to promote overall recovery from stroke. Here, we review the techniques for increasing the effectiveness of MSC-based therapeutics, such as improved homing capabilities, bioengineering protein expression, modified culture conditions, and customizing the contents of EVs. Combining multiple techniques targeting NVU repair may provide the basis for improved future stroke treatment paradigms.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajbeer S Sangha ◽  
Carlos Corado ◽  
Richard A Bernstein ◽  
Ilana Ruff ◽  
Yvonne Curran ◽  
...  

Background: Since the SAMMPRIS trial, aggressive medical management (AMM) with the use of dual antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel) and high dose statin therapy has been standard of care for patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). However, there is limited data on the “real-world” application of this regimen. We hypothesized that 30-day recurrent stroke risk among patients treated with AMM would be similar to that in SAMMPRIS medically-treated patients. Methods: Using the prospective Northwestern University Brain Attack Registry, we identified all patients admitted between 8/1/12 and 1/31/14 with 1) confirmed ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA); 2) independently adjudicated symptomatic ICAD; and 3) discharged on AMM. At 30 days (28-35 day window) post-stroke, patients or proxies were contacted by telephone to review events and outcomes. We also utilized an electronic surveillance system of hospital records at any of 3 health system hospitals with confirmation by manual review of the medical record in all instances of reported recurrent stroke or TIA. Ischemic stroke in the territory of the symptomatic stenotic artery was the primary outcome. We calculated 30-day rate of stroke in the territory of the stenotic artery and 95% confidence intervals using the Wald method and compared it with that reported in the SAMMPRIS trial. Results: Among 36 patients who met study criteria, 13 (36.1%) were female and mean age was 65.4 (± 9.7) years. Median initial NIHSS score was 4 (interquartile range 0-17). Symptomatic ICAD was localized to the anterior circulation in 21 (58%) patients and posterior circulation in 15 (41.7%). At 30 days, 3 of the 36 patients (8.3%, 95% CI 2.1-22.6%) had recurrent stroke compared to 5.8% in the medical arm of SAMMPRIS (p=0.47). An additional 3 patients (8.3%) experienced TIA within 30 days. Conclusions: In a single-center observational cohort study, we found that AMM in patients with symptomatic ICAD yielded similar rates of recurrent stroke at 30-days as observed in the SAMMPRIS trial. Our study provides “real-world” confirmation of the potential benefits of AMM in this high-risk stroke subtype.


Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Abuzaid ◽  
Sara Almuslem ◽  
Farah Aleisa

Background: Hypertension is considered major risk factor for incidence of ischemic stroke, controlling blood pressure reduces this risk, the relationship of uncontrolled blood pressure and stroke outcomes is complex, post stroke uncontrolled blood pressure remains one of the major contributing factors for stroke recurrence and mortality, in our study we studied the long term effects of uncontrolled hypertension in modern health care setting. Methodology: Patients in the study were admitted to the neurology department at KFSH-D between March 2015- August 2019, we included 102 acute ischemic stroke patients whom had hypertension, all patients had follow up appointments at stroke clinic a minimum of 2 visits over 4 years. We retrospectively compared blood pressure data from stroke patients with recurrent ischemic stroke events vs. patients with initial stroke event, and recurrent stroke, also we studied blood pressure readings for different stroke severity groups, patients who had severe stroke with mRS>4, compared to milder stroke group of mRS<4. Results: We found 48 patients identified with recurrent stroke event, those with uncontrolled hypertension had significantly higher stroke recurrence events (P=0.002), despite acute stroke treatment, patients who had history of uncontrolled hypertension were found to have more severe stroke deficits than those who had controlled blood pressure (P=0.029). We found significant difference in the long term stroke clinical outcomes between patients who had uncontrolled blood pressure and patients who had controlled blood pressure recordings within the same hospital setting (P=0.064). Conclusion: Based on our findings, uncontrolled hypertension was associated with higher risk of stroke recurrence, it also increased susceptibility to worse stroke clinical outcomes up to 1 year after initial stroke event, which deserved further close attention and better blood pressure control.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett L Cucchiara ◽  
Jordan Elm ◽  
J Donald Easton ◽  
Shelagh Coutts ◽  
Joshua Willey ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose: To assess the effect of combination antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel versus aspirin alone on disability following TIA or minor stroke and to identify factors associated with disability. Methods: The POINT trial randomized patients with TIA or minor stroke (NIHSS≤3) within 12 hours of onset to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin plus clopidogrel versus aspirin alone. The primary outcome measure was a composite of stroke, MI, or vascular death. We performed a post-hoc exploratory analysis to examine the effect of treatment on overall disability (defined as mRS>1) at 90 days as well as disability ascribed by the local investigator to index or recurrent stroke. We also evaluated predictors of disability. Results: At 90 days, 188/1964 (9.6%) of patients enrolled with TIA and 471/2586 (18.2%) of those enrolled with stroke were disabled. Overall disability was similar between patients assigned DAPT versus aspirin alone (14.7% vs. 14.3%, OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.82-1.14, p=0.69). However, there were numerically fewer patients with disability in conjunction with a primary outcome event in the DAPT arm (3.0% vs. 4.0%, OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.53-1.01, p=0.06), and significantly fewer patients in the DAPT arm with disability attributed by the investigators to either the index event or recurrent stroke (5.9% vs. 7.4%, OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.99, p=0.04). Notably, disability attributed to the index event accounted for the majority of this difference (4.5% vs. 6.0%, OR 0.74 95% CI 0.57-0.96, p=0.02). In multivariate analysis of patients enrolled with TIA, disability was significantly associated with age, subsequent ischemic stroke, serious adverse events, and major bleeding. In patients enrolled with stroke, disability was associated with female sex, hypertension, diabetes, NIHSS score, recurrent ischemic stroke, subsequent myocardial infarction, and serious adverse events. Conclusions: In addition to reducing recurrent stroke in patients with acute minor stroke and TIA, dual antiplatelet therapy might reduce stroke-related disability.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Corado ◽  
Deborah Bergman ◽  
Ilana Ruff ◽  
Yvonne Curran ◽  
Richard A Bernstein ◽  
...  

Background/Objective: Stroke survivors are at high-risk for recurrent stroke. Stroke education attempts to reduce this risk by emphasizing stroke warning signs and need to call 911. Long-term stroke awareness has been under-studied in stroke survivors. We aimed to assess stroke awareness at 1 year among stroke survivors and identify factors associated with poor performance. Methods: From a single center prospective cohort study of consecutive patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic stroke (TIA), we identified stroke survivors able to complete telephone interviews at 1 year. All patients were provided standardized educational materials during index hospitalization. We used the validated Stroke Action Test (STAT) to assess stroke knowledge at 1 year. The STAT is a 28-item questionnaire that asks respondents to choose 1 of 4 answers to each scenario (call 911, call doctor, wait 1 hour, or wait 1 day). We also assessed cognitive status at 1 year using the validated telephone interview for Cognitive Status (TICS). We identified factors associated with STAT score (number of correct responses) using univariate and multivariate regression. Results: Among 254 patients who completed 1 year follow-up (65.8 years; 55.5% male; 68.5% white; 94.1% modified Rankin 0-1 at 1 year), the median STAT score was 57.1% (range 2.1-75.0%). In multivariate regression, TICS score (B=0.533; p<0.001) and ethnicity (B=-2.357, p=0.006) were independently associated with STAT score. Age, race, insurance, arrival by ambulance at time of index hospitalization, stroke unit admission, length of stay, discharge to rehabilitation, post-stroke hospital/clinic visits were not associated with STAT score. Conclusion: Despite hospitalization and standardized education at time of index event, most stroke survivors are unaware of stroke warning signs at 1 year. Besides cognitive status and Hispanic ethnicity, no other factors were identified that predicted STAT score performance. Future studies should focus on improving hospital-based stroke educational programs and consider novel strategies in patients with cognitive impairment and differing language/cultural backgrounds.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joon-Tae Kim ◽  
Beom Joon Kim ◽  
Jong-Moo Park ◽  
Soo Joo Lee ◽  
Jae-Kwan Cha ◽  
...  

Abstract Uncertainty regarding an optimal antiplatelet regimen still exists in patients with breakthrough acute ischemic stroke (AIS) while on aspirin. This study provides an analysis of a prospective multicenter registry between April 2008 and April 2014. Eligible patients were on aspirin at the time of AIS and treated with antiplatelet regimens (aspirin, clopidogrel, or clopidogrel-aspirin). Potential factors associated with the choice of each antiplatelet regimen were explored and included a predictive risk score for future vascular events, the Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS). A total of 2348 patients (age, 69 ± 11 years; male, 57.7%) were analyzed, and 55.3%, 25.3% and 19.4% were treated with clopidogrel-aspirin, aspirin and clopidogrel, respectively. While the likelihood of choosing clopidogrel-aspirin increased as the ESRS increased, the likelihood of choosing aspirin decreased as the ESRS increased (Ptrend < 0.001). The ESRS category (0–1/2–3/ ≥ 4) modified the effect of antiplatelet regimens for 1-year vascular events (Pinteraction < 0.01). Among patients with ESRS ≥ 4, clopidogrel-aspirin (HR 0.47 [0.30–0.74]) and clopidogrel (HR 0.30 [0.15–0.60]) significantly reduced the risk of outcome events. Our study showed that more than half of the patients with aspirin failure were treated with clopidogrel-aspirin. In particular, a higher ESRS, which indicates an increased risk of recurrent stroke, was associated with the choice of clopidogrel-aspirin rather than aspirin.


2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-164
Author(s):  
Kathy B. Lee

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as ischemic stroke, is the sudden onset of neurologic deficit attributable to a focal vascular cause.1 It is the third leading cause of death, with the death rate being reported as 50.0 (per 100,000 population) in the United States in 2004.2 It is also a leading cause for serious, long-term disability in the United States. While there are various causes, the large majority of strokes result from either global or focal ischemia of the brain. Ischemic stroke accounts for 87% of all strokes, while intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage makes up the remainder. 2 Currently, the primary pharmacological agents used in stroke treatment are thrombolytics, not without limitations, however, and antiplatelet therapy. 3 Minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline antibiotic, has recently gained attention as a neuroprotective agent. A recent study evaluated the use of minocycline in the treatment of acute stroke and demonstrated promising results.4 A review of the mechanisms of action and data presented in past studies will be examined to evaluate the efficacy and clinical impact of minocycline in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.


Author(s):  
Jožef Magdič ◽  
Nino Cmor ◽  
Matevž Kaube ◽  
Tanja Hojs Fabjan ◽  
Larissa Hauer ◽  
...  

Intracranial artery calcification can be detected on nonenhanced brain computer tomography (NECT) and is a predictor of early vascular events. Here, we assessed the impact of vertebrobasilar artery calcification (VBC) on the long-term risk for recurrent stroke and vascular events. We performed a case-control trial of all consecutive stroke patients admitted to the University Hospital of Maribor, Slovenia over a period of 14 months. VBC was defined as presence of a hyperdense area within vertebrobasilar arteries that exceeds > 90 Hounsfield units as seen on NECT. Clinical follow-up information was obtained from the hospital documentation system and mortality registry of the district and included recurrent stroke, subsequent vascular events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, peripheral arterial occlusive disease), and death. We followed a total of 448 patients for a median of 1505 days (interquartile range, IQR 188-2479). Evidence for VBC was present in 243 (54.2%) patients. Median age was 76 years, recurrent stroke occurred in 33 (7.4%), any vascular events in 71 (15.8%), and death in 276 (61.6%). VBC was associated with a higher risk of recurrent stroke (hazard ratio, HR 3.13, 95% confidence interval (CI 1.35–7.20)) and vascular events (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.21–3.47). Advanced age, male gender, and ischemic stroke involving the entire anterior circulation raised the likelihood for death. We conclude that the presence of VBC in patients with ischemic stroke is a short- and long-term prognostic factor for stroke recurrence and subsequent manifestation of acute vascular disease. Further understanding of the pathophysiology of VBC is warranted.


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