Novel Predictors of Future Vascular Events in Post-stroke Patients—A Pilot Study

Introduction: A modified platelet function test (mPFT) was recently found to be superior compared to impedance aggregometry for selection of post-stroke patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR). We aimed to explore some peripheral blood cell characteristics as predictors of recurrent ischemic episodes. The predictive value of mPFT was also assessed in a cohort followed up to 36 months regarding recurrent ischemic vascular events.Methods: As a novelty, not only whole blood (WB), but after 1-h gravity sedimentation the separated upper (UB) and lower half blood (LB) samples were analyzed including neutrophil antisedimentation rate (NAR) in 52 post-stroke patients taking clopidogrel. Area under the curve (AUC, AUCupper and AUClower, respectively) was separately measured by Multiplate in the WB, UB and LB samples to characterize ex vivo platelet aggregation in the presence of ADP. Next, the occurrence of vascular events (stroke, acute coronary syndrome, ACS) were evaluated during 36-month follow-up.Results: A total of 11 vascular events (stroke n = 5, ACS n = 6) occurred during the follow-up period. The AUCupper was significantly higher in patients with recurrent stroke compared to those with uneventful follow-up (p = 0.03). The AUCupper with a cut-off value ≥70 based on the mPFT, was able to predict all stroke events (p = 0.01), while the total vascular events were independently predicted by NAR with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 88%.Conclusions: A combination of NAR reflecting the inflammatory state and AUCupper indicating HTPR may provide a better prediction of recurrent ischemic events suggesting a better selection of patients at risk, thus providing an individually tailored vascular therapy.

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Abstract T P388: Statin Use is Linked to Lower Risk of Recurrent Vascular Events among Ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.46.suppl_1.tp388 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Meng Lee ◽

Yi-Ling Wu ◽

Jeffrey L Saver ◽

Jiann-Der Lee ◽

Hui-Hsuan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Antithrombotic Agent ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Index Stroke ◽

Statin Use

Background: The efficacy of statin therapy in the prevention of recurrent stroke and major adverse cardiovascularevents (MACE) was clearly established by the SPARCL trial; but SPARCL excluded patients whose index stroke was due to a presumed cardioembolic mechanism. As such, it remains unclear whether statins are beneficial in cardioembolic stroke patients, particularly those with atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: To evaluate the relationship between statin use and future vascular risk reduction among recent ischemic stroke patients with AF Methods: We analyzed the Taiwan National Health Insurance registry which comprises beneficiaries aged ≥ 18 years. Code ICD-9 was used to identify a primary hospitalization diagnosis of ischemic stroke and AF among subjects encountered between 2003 and 2009. Follow-up was from time of the index stroke to admission for recurrent stroke or myocardial infarction; withdrawal from the registry; and last medical claim before 1/1/2011. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether statin was prescribed (at least 30 days vs. never used) during the follow-up period. Patients were excluded if they did not take any antithrombotic agent within 30 days before an endpoint. Primary endpoint was MACE (composite of stroke and myocardial infarction) and a key secondary endpoint was any recurrent stroke. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI for the development of events were estimated using Cox models. Model was adjusted for baseline age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, prior myocardial infarction, hyperlipidemia, hospital level, and antithrombotic agent during follow-up. Results: Among 4455 eligible patients, mean age was 71 years and mean follow-up duration was 2.8 years.Compared to non-statin use, statin use was associated with a significantly lower occurrence of MACE (adjusted HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.99, P=0.04) and recurrent stroke (adjusted HR 0.82, 0.69 to 0.97, P=0.02). Statin use was also linked to lower ischemic stroke risk, but had neutral effects on intracranial hemorrhage and myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Among patients with an index ischemic stroke and AF, statin use is associated with a lower risk of recurrent vascular events including stroke.

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Abstract T MP107: Ischemic Strokes While on Aspirin: Initiation of Clopidogrel Is Better than Re-initiation of Aspirin for Prevention of Future Vascular Events

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.tmp107 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Meng Lee ◽

Yi-Ling Wu ◽

Jeffrey L Saver ◽

Hsuei-Chen Lee ◽

Jiann-Der Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Treatment Failure ◽

Risk Reduction ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Vascular Risk ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Index Stroke

Background: It is currently unclear about what to do for the patient who has a breakthrough ischemic stroke while receiving aspirin, the so-called ‘aspirin treatment failure’. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of clopidogrel vs. aspirin for vascular risk reduction among ischemic stroke patients who were on aspirin treatment at the time of the index stroke. Methods: We analyzed the Taiwan National Health Insurance registry which comprises beneficiaries aged ≥ 18 years. Code ICD-9 was used to identify a primary hospitalization diagnosis of ischemic stroke among subjects encountered between 2003 and 2009, and continuously treated with aspirin ≥ 30 days before the index stroke. Follow-up was from time of the index stroke to admission for recurrent stroke or myocardial infarction; withdrawal from the registry; and last medical claim before 1/1/2011. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on whether clopidogrel or aspirin was prescribed during follow-up period. Patients were excluded if their Medication Possession Ratio was < 80% or they not taking clopidogrel or aspirin within 30 days before an endpoint. Primary endpoints were a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE: composite of stroke and myocardial infarction) and a recurrent stroke alone. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI for the development of events were estimated using Cox models. Results: Among 2281 eligible patients, mean age was 72 years, 41% were female, and mean follow-up duration was 2.2 years. Compared to aspirin, clopidogrel was associated with a significantly lower occurrence of MACE (adjusted HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.81) and recurrent stroke (adjusted HR 0.67, 0.54 to 0.82). The pattern of benefit for clopidogrel users was consistent across several endpoints (Table). Conclusion: Among ischemic stroke patients with so called ‘aspirin treatment failure’, clopidogrel may a better choice than aspirin for future vascular risk reduction.

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ASSOCIATION OF PLATELET-DERIVED MICROVESICLES WITH HIGH ON-TREATMENT PLATELET REACTIVITY IN CONVALESCENT ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS TREATED WITH ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID

Wiadomości Lekarskie ◽

10.36740/wlek201908102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 72 (8) ◽

pp. 1426-1436

Author(s):

Justyna Rosińska ◽

Joanna Maciejewska ◽

Robert Narożny ◽

Wojciech Kozubski ◽

Maria Łukasik

Keyword(s):

Platelet Aggregation ◽

Treatment Failure ◽

Acetylsalicylic Acid ◽

Platelet Reactivity ◽

Study Groups ◽

Surface Expression ◽

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Vascular Events ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Elevated concentrations of platelet-derived microvesicles are found in cerebrovascular diseases. The impact of acetylsalicylic acid on these microvesicles remains inconsistent, despite its well-established effect on platelet aggregation. High residual platelet aggregation is defined as high on-treatment platelet reactivity, while “treatment failure” is the occurrence of vascular events despite antiplatelet treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether the antiaggregatory effect of acetylsalicylic acid correlates with platelet-derived microvesicles in convalescent ischaemic stroke patients and cardiovascular risk factor controls as well as to evaluate the association between high on-treatment platelet reactivity and recurrent vascular events with the studied platelet-derived microvesicle parameters. Materials and methods: The study groups consisted of 76 convalescent stroke patients and 74 controls. Total platelet-derived microvesicles, annexino-positive microvesicles number, and platelet-derived microvesicles with surface expression of proinflammatory (CD40L, CD62P, CD31) and procoagulant (PS, GPIIb/IIIa) markers were characterized and quantified using flow cytometry. Cyclooxygenase-1-specific platelet responsiveness, with whole blood impedance platelet aggregation under arachidonic acid stimulation and the serum concentration of thromboxane B2, were evaluated. Results: Neither acetylsalicylic acid intake nor modification of its daily dose caused statistically significant differences in the studied microvesicle parameters. Additionally, no statistically significant differences in the studied microvesicle parameters were revealed between high on-treatment platelet reactivity and non-high on-treatment platelet reactivity subjects in either study subgroup. However, elevated concentrations of PAC-1+/CD61+, CD62P+/CD61+ and CD31+/CD61+ microvesicles were found in stroke patients with treatment failure, defined in this study as a recurrent vascular events in a one-year follow-up period. Conclusions: This study revealed no relationship between circulating microvesicle number and platelet aggregation. The procoagulant and proinflammatory phenotype of circulating platelet-derived microvesicles might contribute to acetylsalicylic acid treatment failure.

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Abstract MP86: Effects of Immediate Blood Pressure Reduction on Death and Major Disability in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients by History of Hypertension and Use of Antihypertensive Medications

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.131.suppl_1.mp86 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Tan Xu ◽

Yonghong Zhang ◽

Yingxian Sun ◽

Chung-Shiuan Chen ◽

Jing Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Hospital Discharge ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Antihypertensive Medications ◽

History Of

Introduction: The effects of blood pressure (BP) reduction on clinical outcomes among acute stroke patient remain uncertain. Hypothesis: We tested the effects of immediate BP reduction on death and major disability at 14 days or hospital discharge and 3-month follow-up in acute ischemic stroke patients with and without a previous history of hypertension or use of antihypertensive medications. Methods: The China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CATIS) randomly assigned patients with ischemic stroke within 48 hours of onset and elevated systolic BP (SBP) to receive antihypertensive treatment (N=2,038) or to discontinue all antihypertensive medications (N=2,033) during hospitalization. Randomization was stratified by participating hospitals and use of antihypertensive medications. Study outcomes were assessed at 14 days or hospital discharge and 3-month post-treatment follow-up. The primary outcome was death and major disability (modified Rankin Scale score≥3), and secondary outcomes included recurrent stroke and vascular events. Results: Mean SBP was reduced 12.7% in the treatment group and 7.2% in the control group within 24 hours after randomization (P<0.001). Mean SBP was 137.3 mmHg in the treatment group and 146.5 in the control group at day 7 after randomization (P<0.001). At 14 days or hospital discharge, the primary and secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups by subgroups. At the 3-month follow-up, recurrent stroke was significantly reduced in the antihypertensive treatment group among patients with a history of hypertension (odds ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.24-0.75, P=0.003) and among patients with a history of use of antihypertensive medications (odds ratio 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.84, P=0.01). All-cause mortality (odds ratio 2.84, 95% CI 1.11-7.27, P=0.03) was increased among patients without a history of hypertension. Conclusion: Immediate BP reduction lowers recurrent stroke among acute ischemic stroke patients with a previous history of hypertension or use of antihypertensive medications at 3 months. On the other hand, BP reduction increases all-cause mortality among patients without a history of hypertension.

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Abstract WP379: Sex-specific Effects of Comorbid Diabetes and Depression on Post-stroke Mortality in Individuals With Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wp379 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Jodi Edwards ◽

Jessica Colby-Milley ◽

Jiming Fang ◽

Limei Zhou ◽

Baiju R Shah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Comorbid Depression ◽

Term Care ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Specific Effects ◽

Long Term Mortality

Background: Comorbid diabetes and depression are highly prevalent in atrial fibrillation (AF) and increase the risk of stroke. Women with AF show higher mortality rates and have worse functional outcomes post-stroke. However, the sex-specific effects of comorbid diabetes and depression on mortality and other adverse outcomes in stroke patients with a history of AF is unclear. Methods: Prospectively collected consecutive patients with ischemic stroke and known AF presenting to designated stroke centres in Ontario (2003-2013). Multinomial regression was used to determine sex-specific associations between diabetes and depression and in-hospital mortality post-stroke in individuals with AF. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the adjusted hazard of long-term mortality post-stroke and competing risks models to estimate hazards of recurrent stroke/TIA, admission to long-term care, and incident dementia post-discharge. Results: Among 5082 stroke patients with known AF (median age=80, IQR:73-85), female patients were more likely to have comorbid depression than males (63.5% vs. 36.5%) and those with comorbid diabetes and depression were younger (77 yrs) and had more vascular history (HTN, CAD, hyperlipidemia) than those with AF only. For males, comorbid diabetes increased the likelihood of in-hospital mortality post-stroke by 53% (OR=1.53, 95% CI=1.16-2.02), after adjustment for stroke severity, demographic and clinical factors, while comorbid depression did not significantly impact in-hospital mortality and neither diabetes or depression affected in-hospital mortality post-stroke for females. However, diabetes was independently associated with increased hazard of long-term mortality for both female (HR=1.15, 95%CI=1.02-1.29) and male AF stroke patients (HR=1.35, 95%CI=1.19-1.53). No associations with recurrent stroke/TIA, institutionalization or dementia post-stroke were observed for either females or males. Conclusion: In stroke patients with known AF, comorbid diabetes but not depression was independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality for males and increased long-term mortality post-stroke for both females and males.

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Abstract W P29: Tissue Plasminogen Activator Mediated Reperfusion, and Subsequent Improvement in Resting State Connectivity Correlates with Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.46.suppl_1.wp29 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Souvik Sen ◽

Johann Fridriksson ◽

Taylor Hanayik ◽

Christopher Rorden ◽

Isabel Hubbard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Connectivity ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Resting State ◽

Network Connectivity ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Resting State Network ◽

Tissue Plasminogen

Background: Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) is the only FDA approved medical therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Prior study suggests that early recanalization is associated with better stroke outcome. Our aim was to correlate task-negative and task-positive (TN/TP) resting state network activity with tissue perfusion and functional outcome, in stroke patients who received TPA. Method: AIS patients were consented and underwent NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans during TPA infusion (baseline) and six hours post stroke. The MRI sequences include contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted image (PWI) and resting state Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent or BOLD (RSB) images acquired using a Siemens Treo 3T MRI scanner. Additionally, the RSB scan and the NIHSS were obtained at a 30-day follow up visit. Results: Fourteen patients (mean age ± SD=63 ±14, 50% male, 50% white, 43% black and 7% others) who qualified for TPA completed the study at baseline and 6 hours post stroke. Of these, 6 patients had valid follow up data at 30 days. Three patients without cerebral ischemia were excluded. A paired samples t-test comparing baseline and 6h post stroke showed a significantly improved TP network t(10)= -4.24 p< 0.05. The resting network connectivity improved from 6 hours post stroke to 30-days follow up, t(5)= -5.35 p< 0.01. Similarly, NIHSS, at 6h post stroke t(10)= 3.62 p< 0.01 and at 30-days follow up t(5)= -3.4 p< 0.01 were significantly better than the NIHSS at baseline. The 6-hours post-stroke perfusion correlated with the resting network connectivity in both the damaged (r=-0.56 p= 0.07) and intact hemispheres (r= -0.57 p= 0.06). Differences in functional connectivity and NIHSS scores from baseline to 6 h were positively correlated (r= 0.56 p=0.07). Conclusion: In this pilot study we found that TPA led to changes in MRI based resting state networks and associated functional outcome. Correlations were found between perfusion, functional connectivity and NIHSS. This suggests that the improvement of resting state network means improved efficiency of brain activity indicated by functional outcome and may be a potential predictive MRI biomarker for TPA response. A larger study is needed to verify this finding.

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Abstract T P42: Patients With a Clinical Diagnosis of Non-disabling Stroke, and a Normal MRI are Clinically Indistinguishable From Patients With a MRI Lesion at 1 Year Post Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.tp42 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Stephen Makin ◽

Martin Dennis ◽

Joanna M Wardlaw

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Assessment ◽

Expert Panel ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Final Diagnosis ◽

Cognitively Impaired ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Mild Stroke ◽

One Year

Background: Up to one third of patients with a clinically apparent mild stroke and no other apparent cause of their symptoms have a normal MRI. We examined disability, recurrent stroke, and cognitive impairment at one year compared to patient with an MRI-DWI lesion. Methods: We recruited consecutive patients with a non-disabling ischaemic stroke, and performed clinical assessment and MRI (with DWI) . An expert panel reviewed all cases, we included patients with a final diagnosis of stroke and excluded patients with another diagnosis. At one year post stroke we recorded modified Rankin scale (mRs), stroke and TIA recurrence, Addenbrookes Cognitive Assessment Revised (ACE-R) and the Beck Depression index (BDI) and performed another MRI. Non-attenders were assessed by telephone or post. We defined cognitive impairment as ACE-R of <88, and depression as a BDI of >9. Results: Almost one third (75/264) (median NIHSS=2) of patients had a no relevant lesion on MRI DWI. There was no difference in age, sex, symptoms, or risk factors in patients with and without a lesion, 197 had MRI at 1 year (all had clinical follow-up). Of 75 with no lesion, 41% were mRs ≥2, 13% had recurrent stroke or TIA, 36% were cognitively impaired and 46% had depression. This was not significantly different from the patients with a lesion. Of the 197 who had a follow-up MRI 50 patients with no initial lesion had follow-up MRI and one had a new lesion, (versus 20/147 patients with a lesion) (p=0.016). Conclusions: Patients with a clinical stroke and no other obvious cause for their symptoms are clinically indistinguishable from patients with the same NIHSS who have a lesion on DWI-MRI, in terms of recurrence, disability, or cognitive impairment. Suggesting that these patients have had a stroke that does not appear on MRI. The presence of an initial lesion increases the liklihood of a lesion on 1 year MRI, however without a difference in clinical stroke this is of doubtful significance.

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The views of public and clinician stakeholders on risk assessment tools for post-stroke dementia: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025586 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. e025586 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Eugene Tang ◽

Catherine Exley ◽

Christopher Price ◽

Blossom Stephan ◽

Louise Robinson

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Secondary Care ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Post Stroke ◽

North East ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Diagnosis Of Dementia

ObjectiveStroke-survivors are at increased risk of future dementia. Assessment to identify those at high risk of developing a disease using predictive scores has been utilised in different areas of medicine. A number of risk assessment scores for dementia have been developed but none has been recommended for use clinically. The aim of this qualitative study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using a risk assessment tool to predict post-stroke dementia.DesignQualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed thematically. The patients and carers were offered interviews at around 6 (baseline) and 12 (follow-up) months post-stroke; clinicians were interviewed once.SettingThe study was conducted in the North-East of England with stroke patients, family carers and healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care.ParticipantsThirty-nine interviews were conducted (17 clinicians and 15 stroke patients and their carers at baseline. Twelve stroke patients and their carers were interviewed at follow-up, some interviews were conducted in pairs).ResultsBarriers and facilitators to risk assessment were discussed. For the patients and carers the focus for facilitators were based on the outcomes of risk assessment for example assistance with preparation, diagnosis and for reassurance. For clinicians, facilitators were focused on the process that is, familiarity in primary care, resource availability in secondary care and collaborative care. For barriers, both groups focused on the outcome including for example, the anxiety generated from a potential diagnosis of dementia. For the patients/carers a further barrier included concerns about how it may affect their recovery. For clinicians there were concerns about limited interventions and how it would be different from standard care.ConclusionsRisk assessment for dementia post-stroke presents challenges given the ramifications of a potential diagnosis of dementia. Attention needs to be given to how information is communicated and strategies developed to support the patients and carers if risk assessment is used.

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Trials in Sleep Apnea and Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.120.031709 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 366-372

Author(s):

Mark I. Boulos ◽

Laavanya Dharmakulaseelan ◽

Devin L. Brown ◽

Richard H. Swartz

Keyword(s):

Sleep Apnea ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Obstructive Sleep

Few randomized controlled trials have evaluated the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in reducing recurrent vascular events and mortality in poststroke obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To date, results have been mixed, most studies were underpowered and definitive conclusions are not available. Using lessons learned from prior negative trials in stroke, we reappraise prior randomized controlled trials that examined the use of CPAP in treating poststroke OSA and propose the following considerations: (1) Intervention-based changes, such as ensuring that patients are using CPAP for at least 4 hours per night (eg, through use of improvements in CPAP technology that make it easier for patients to use), as well as considering alternative treatment strategies for poststroke OSA; (2) Population-based changes (ie, including stroke patients with severe and symptomatic OSA and CPAP noncompliers); and (3) Changes to timing of intervention and follow-up (ie, early initiation of CPAP therapy within the first 48 hours of stroke and long-term follow-up calculated in accordance with sample size to ensure adequate power). Given the burden of vascular morbidity and mortality in stroke patients with OSA, there is a strong need to learn from past negative trials and explore innovative stroke prevention strategies to improve stroke-free survival.

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Aspirin Resistance Affects Medium-Term Recurrent Vascular Events after Cerebrovascular Incidents: A Three-Year Follow-up Study

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci10030179 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 179 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Adam Wiśniewski ◽

Karolina Filipska ◽

Joanna Sikora ◽

Grzegorz Kozera

Keyword(s):

Cerebral Ischemia ◽

Platelet Reactivity ◽

Aspirin Resistance ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Medium Term ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Follow Up Study ◽

Ischemic Attack ◽

Large Vessel Disease

Background: The aim of this prospective, a three-year follow-up study, was to establish the role of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) in predicting the recurrence of vascular events in patients after cerebrovascular incidents, particularly in the aspect of stroke etiology. Methods: The study included 101 subjects with non-embolic cerebral ischemia (69 patients with ischemic stroke and 32 patients with transient ischemic attack) treated with 150 mg of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) a day. The platelet reactivity was tested in the first 24 h after the onset of cerebral ischemia by impedance aggregometry. Recurrent vascular events, including recurrent ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, or sudden death of vascular reason, were assessed 36 months after the onset of cerebral ischemia. Results: Recurrent vascular events occurred between 3 and 9 months after onset in 8.5% of all subjects; in the HTPR subgroup, recurrent vascular events occurred in 17.9%; in the normal on-treatment platelet reactivity (NTPR) subgroup, they occurred in 4.6%. We did not notice early or long-term recurrent events. Aspirin resistant subjects had a significantly higher risk of recurrent vascular events than did aspirin sensitive subjects (Odds ratio (OR) = 4.57, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 1.00–20.64; p = 0.0486). Cox proportional hazard models showed that large-vessel disease (Hazard ratio (HR) 12.04, 95% CI 2.43–59.72; p = 0.0023) and high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HR 4.28, 95% CI 1.02–17.93; p = 0.0465) were independent predictors of recurrent vascular events. Conclusion: Aspirin resistance in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia was associated with a higher risk of recurrent medium-term vascular events, coexisting with large-vessel etiology of stroke. Platelet function-guided personalized antiplatelet treatment should be considered for patients with recurrent strokes, especially when due to large-vessel disease.

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