Comparison of Sub-Types and Severity of Ischemic Stroke among Both Genders

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1340-1344
Author(s):  
Q. Yusaf ◽  
A. Qayyum ◽  
E. U. Haq, Javaria ◽  
A. Yasir ◽  
H. A. Qayyum
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
P Value ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Female Case ◽  
The Mean

Background: It has been noted that there is an increased prevalence and serious clinical implications of stroke in women. However, local studies focused on stroke among female gender are still scarce. Aim: To find frequency of female patients with ischemic stroke and to compare the sub-types of ischemic stroke, mean NIHSS score and mean MRS scores among both genders. Methodology: This descriptive case series was conducted in indoor and outdoor department of Neurology at Mayo Hospital, Lahore for six months [Feb 6, 2018 till August 6, 2018]. After taking demographics and clinical characteristics of patients, the severity of stroke was taken using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission in hospital. The functional outcome was measured using Modified Rankin Scale (MRS). Subtype of acute ischemic stroke was assigned using Oxfordshire classification for acute ischemic stroke. All data was taken on a structured proforma and was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of cases was 53.58 ± 9.42 years with 73(60.83%) male and 47(39.17%) female cases. Among TACS, there were 15(50%) female cases whereas 9(34.6%) female case were found in PACS and 10(33.3%) female cases were found in LACS. The frequency of gender in all subtypes was statistically same in both groups, p-value > 0.05. The mean modified Rankin scale in male and female cases was 2.93 ± 1.58 and 4.30 ±1.50 respectively with significantly higher mean MMR score in females than male cases, p-value < 0.05. Conclusion: This study concludes that females make up a considerable percentage of patients with ischemic stroke. Though, no statistically significant difference could be found in terms of subtypes of ischemic stroke, the mean NIHSS score and mean MRS were statistically higher among females compared to male cases. Keywords: Stroke, subtypes, severity, ischemia, gender difference, NIHSS, MRS

scholarly journals Frequency of Hypoalbuminemia in Acute Ischemic Stroke patients Based on Stroke Severity

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1335-1339
Author(s):  
E. U Haq ◽  
A. Qayyum ◽  
H. A. Qayyum ◽  
M. Anam ◽  
A. R. Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Serum Albumin ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
P Value ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Baseline Serum ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
The Mean

Background: Stroke is a serious public health issue and third leading cause of death worldwide. Hypoalbuminemia is commonly found factor in patients of stroke and is also associated with severe disease as well as pro inflammatory patterns of serum protein electrophoresis. Therefore, further research for understanding the role of Hypoalbuminemia in stroke is important to devise strategies for better management of stroke. Aim : To determine the frequency of hypoalbuminemia in acute ischemic stroke patients based on stroke severity. Methods: This descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted in Shifa International hospital stroke unit for 6 months from May 15, 2018 till Nov 15, 2018. Data was collected from 100 patients using purposive sampling. After taking consent from patient or attendant, the demographic data was collected on a structured proforma. Baseline serum albumin and stroke severity using the NIHSS score was also assessed. All data was entered and analysed using SPSS 21. After descriptive analysis, post stratified Chi Square test was applied for gender and age categories. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.60 ± 11.87 years with 57(57%) male and 43(43%) female cases. The mean serum albumin level was 4.03 ± 0.94 with minimum and maximum values as 1.50 and 5.5. Among cases with minor, moderately severe and with severe stroke, 6(37.5%) cases, 18(25.7%) cases and 6(42.9%) cases had Hypoalbuminemia. The frequency of hypoalbuminemia was statistically same with respect to severity of stroke, p-value > 0.05. Conclusion: This study concludes that the frequency of hypoalbuminemia in acute ischemic stroke patients was diagnosed in almost one third cases, however, no statistical association could be found. Hence, screening for hypoalbuminemia should be done for better management of stroke patients. Keywords: Storke, NIHSS score, serum albumin, hypoalbuminemia, mortality

Abstract TMP21: Intravenous Thrombolysis with Alteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Thrombocytopenia

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashkan Mowla ◽  
Haris Kamal ◽  
Navdeep Lail ◽  
Rick Magun ◽  
Sandhya Mehla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective: To evaluate the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in patients who received Intravenous tPA(IVT) for acute ischemic stroke(AIS) and were later found to have platelets less than 100,000 /mm 3 . Background: With increasing use of IVT for AIS and more studies on its risk and benefits, many of the initial exclusion criteria which were part of the pivotal NINDS trial have been challenged with well-designed case series and reports. Based on the latest scientific statement from the AHA/ASA on the exclusion and inclusion criteria for IVT in AIS published in February 2016, the safety and efficacy of IVT in AIS is unknown for the patients with platelet count <100,000(Class III, Level of evidence C). The platelet threshold of 100,000 /mm 3 was derived from expert consensus in the NINDS trial and since many of the exclusion criteria have been challenged, this value also comes into question. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who received IVT for AIS from the beginning of 2006 till the end of August 2015 at our large volume comprehensive stroke center (SUNY Buffalo). Those with platelets <100,000/mm 3 were identified. Head CT done in 24 to 36 hours Post-thrombolysis was reviewed to evaluate the rate of sICH. sICH was defined as ICH with an increase in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale of at least 4 points. Results: A total of 835 patients received IV rtPA for AIS in our center during a 9·6-year period. Fifty one patients (6.1 %) were found to have sICH. A total of 5 patients (0.6 %) were identified to have platelet count <100,000 /mm 3 . One of them (20%) developed sICH post IV tPA administration .The mean platelet count of those 5 patients was 63,000 ± 19,000 /mm 3 (Range: 38,000 - 85,000 /mm 3 ) . To the best of our knowledge, only 21 thrombocytopenic patients have been reported to receive IV rtPA for AIS in the medical literature. Combining our 5 cases with 21 patients previously reported, we have 26 AIS patients who had platelet count <100,000 /mm 3 and received IV rtPA, with 2 of them developed sICH (7.7 %). Comparing the rate of sICH among this group with the patients with normal platelet count in our cohort, there was no statistically significant difference (7.7% versus 6.04%, p-value = 0.73). Conclusion: Although our extremely low number of cases precludes any solid conclusion, IV rtPA for AIS might be safe in patients with platelet count <100,000/ mm 3 and it is reasonable not to delay IV rtPA administration while waiting for the platelet count result, unless there is strong suspicion for abnormal platelet count.

Predictors of Outcome, Complications, and Recanalization of the Solitaire Device

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Badih Daou ◽  
Nohra Chalouhi ◽  
Robert M. Starke ◽  
Richard Dalyai ◽  
Kate Hentschel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Favorable Outcome ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Flow Restoration ◽  
The Mean

Abstract BACKGROUND: The use of mechanical thrombectomy in the management of acute ischemic stroke is becoming increasingly popular. OBJECTIVE: To identify notable factors that affect outcome, revascularization, and complications in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with the Solitaire Flow Restoration Revascularization device. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients treated with the Solitaire Flow Restoration Revascularization device (ev3/Covidien Vascular Therapies, Irvine, California) were retrospectively analyzed. Three endpoints were considered: revascularization (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction), outcome (modified Rankin Scale score), and complications. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to determine significant predictors. RESULTS: The mean time from onset of symptoms to the start of intervention was 6.7 hours. The average procedure length was 58 minutes. The mean NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 16 on arrival and 8 at discharge. Of the patients, 6.7% had a symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 16.8% had fatal outcomes within 3 months post-intervention, and 81.4% had a successful recanalization. Thrombus location in the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery was associated with successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3) (P = .003). Of the patients, 56.6% had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months: 0–2). In patients younger than 80 years of age, 66.7% had favorable outcome. Increasing age (P = .01) and NIHSS score (P = .002) were significant predictors of a poor outcome. On multivariate analysis, NIHSS score on admission (P = .05) was a predictor of complications. On univariate analysis, increasing NIHSS score from admission to 24 hours after the procedure (P = .05) and then to discharge (P = .04) was a predictor of complications. Thrombus location in the posterior circulation (P = .04) and increasing NIHSS score (P = .04) predicted mortality. CONCLUSION: The Solitaire device is safe and effective in achieving successful recanalization after acute ischemic stroke. Important factors to consider include age, NIHSS score, and location.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Neuroprotective Drugs in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Is It Helpful?

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (04) ◽  
pp. 576-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anish Mehta ◽  
Rohan Mahale ◽  
Kiran Buddaraju ◽  
Mahendra Javali ◽  
Purushottam Acharya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Neuroprotective Agents ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Neuroprotective Drugs ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Out of several neuroprotective drugs (NPDs) studied in animals and humans, four NPDs (citicoline, edaravone, cerebrolysin, and minocycline) have been found to have beneficial effects in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Objective The purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of citicoline, edaravone, minocycline, and cerebrolysin compared with placebo in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory AIS. Materials and Methods This was a prospective, single center, single-blinded, and hospital-based study. One hundred patients with MCA territory AIS with 20 patients in each group including control group were included. Barthel index (BI), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and modified Rankin Scale score were recorded at admission, at day 11 and after 90 days. Results The mean NIHSS score was significantly lesser at day 11 and after 90 days in citicoline, edaravone, and cerebrolysin group in comparison with placebo. Similarly, the mean BI score was significantly higher at day 11 and after 90 days in citicoline, edaravone, and cerebrolysin group in comparison with placebo. In minocycline group, there was no significant change in the NIHSS score and BI score at day 11 and after 90 days. Conclusion There was significant improvement in the functional outcome of patients with AIS involving MCA territory at 90 days receiving citicoline, edaravone, and cerebrolysin. However, minocycline did not offer the same efficacy as compared with other neuroprotective agents.

scholarly journals Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients Younger than 18 Years

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibasankar Dalai ◽  
Uday Limaye ◽  
Satyarao Kolli ◽  
Mohan V. Sumedha Maturu ◽  
Randhi Venkata Narayana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Major Complication ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Arterial Recanalization ◽  
The Mean

AbstractRapid and effective revascularization is very important in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Endovascular treatment is a promising modality in the management of AIS in young patients. We evaluated the clinical and imaging records in 14 patients younger than 18 years presenting within 6 hours of AIS. They received endovascular therapy (ET) either by mechanical thrombectomy, thromboaspiration, or both (Solumbra) between July 2017 and June 2021 in our institute. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was calculated on admission and before the discharge of all patients. The 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score on disability-free outcome was also evaluated. The mean preprocedure NIHSS score was 10.78 ± 2.11 that improved to 4.5 ± 1.88 after the procedure. Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade 2b and 3 blood flow could be established in 12 (85.72%) patients. One patient had TICI 2a flow and one patient had recurrent occlusion despite repeated recanalization (TICI grade 0). The disability-free outcome, mRS score at 90 days was 0 to 1 in 12 (85.72%) patients, mRS score 2 in one (7.14%) patient, and mRS score 3 in one patient (7.14%). We did not have any major complication related to the procedure. ET provides high rates of arterial recanalization and favorable disability-free outcomes in young patients with AIS.

Abstract TP195: Pre-Stroke Cognitive Impairment is Associated With Poor Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takuya Kanamaru ◽  
Satoshi Suda ◽  
Junya Aoki ◽  
Kentaro Suzuki ◽  
Yuki Sakamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Poor Outcome Group ◽  
Outcome Group ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: It is reported that pre-stroke cognitive impairment is associated with poor functional outcome after stroke associated with small vessel disease. However, it is not clear that pre-stroke cognitive impairment is associated with poor outcome in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Method: We enrolled 127 consecutive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke from December 2016 to November 2018. Pre-stroke cognitive function was evaluated using the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). We retrospectively compared poor outcome (a score of 3 to 6 on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days) group (n=75) with good outcome (a score of 0, 1, or 2 on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days) group (n=52) and examined that IQCODE could be the predictor of PO. Result: IQCODE was significantly higher in poor outcome group than in good outcome group (89 vs. 82, P=0.0012). Moreover, age (77.2 years old vs. 71.6 years old, P= 0.0009), the percentage of female (42.7% vs. 17.3%, P= 0.0021), complication of hypertension (HT, 68.0% vs. 44.2%, P=0.0076), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (20 vs. 11, P<0.0001), the percentage of postoperative intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH, 33.3% vs. 15.4%, P=0.0233) were higher in poor outcome group than in good outcome group, too. However, there was no significant difference between poor outcome and good outcome groups in occlusion site (P= 0.1229), DWI-ASPECTS (P= 0.2839), the duration from onset to recanalization (P=0.4871) and other risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that IQCODE, HT and NIHSS at admission were associated with poor outcome (P= 0.0128, P=0.0061 and P<0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: Cognitive impairment could be associated with poor outcome in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Abstract 3681: Early Anticoagulation Is Not Associated With Hemorrhagic Transformation Of Ischemic Stroke In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. B Brouwers ◽  
Svetlana Lorenzano ◽  
Lyndsey H Starks ◽  
David M Greer ◽  
Steven K Feske ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Clinical Data ◽  
Infarct Volume ◽  
Hemorrhagic Transformation ◽  
P Value ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Nihss Score

Purpose: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a common and potentially devastating complication of ischemic stroke, however its prevalence, predictors, and outcome remain unclear. Early anticoagulation is thought to be a risk factor for HT which raises the clinical question when to (re)start anticoagulation in ischemic stroke patients who have a compelling indication, such as atrial fibrillation. We conducted a prospective cohort study to address this question and to identify association of hemorrhagic transformation with outcome measures in patients with atrial fibrillation in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study which enrolled consecutive patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke presenting to a single center over a three-year period. As part of the observational study, baseline clinical data and stroke characteristics as well as 3 month functional outcome were collected. For this sub-study, we restricted the analysis to subjects diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. CT and MRI scans were reviewed by experienced readers, blinded to clinical data, to assess for hemorrhagic transformation (using ECASS 2 criteria), microbleeds and infarct volumes in both admission and follow-up scans. Clinical and outcome data were analyzed for association with hemorrhagic transformation. Results: Of 94 patients, 63 had a history of atrial fibrillation (67.0%) and 31 had newly discovered atrial fibrillation (33.0%). We identified HT in 3 of 94 baseline scans (3.2%) and 22 of 48 follow-up scans (45.8%) obtained a median of 3 days post-stroke. In-hospital initiation of either anti-platelet (n = 36; OR 0.34 [95% CI 0.10-1.16], p-value = 0.09) or anticoagulation with unfractionated intravenous heparin or low molecular weight heparin (n = 72; OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.06-1.15], p-value = 0.08) was not associated with HT. Initial NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (median 13.0 [IQR 15.0] vs. 7.0 [IQR 10.0], p-value = 0.029) and baseline infarct volume (median 17 [IQR 42.03] vs. 5 [IQR 10.95], p-value = 0.011) were significantly higher in patients with HT compared to those without. Hemorrhagic transformation was associated with a significantly higher 48-hour median NIHSS score (20 [IQR 3.0] vs. 2 [IQR 3.25], p-value = 0.007) and larger final infarct volume (81.40 [IQR 82.75] vs. 9.95 [IQR 19.73], p-value < 0.001). Finally, we found a trend towards poorer 3-month modified Rankin Scale scores in subjects with HT (OR 11.25 [95% CI 0.97-130.22], p-value = 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with atrial fibrillation, initial NIHSS score and baseline infarct volume are associated with hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke. Early initiation of antithrombotic therapy was not associated with hemorrhagic transformation. Patients with hemorrhagic transformation were found to have a poorer short and long term outcome and larger final infarct volumes.

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

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.

Abstract 3314: The Role of Bridging with Intravenous Thrombolysis in Endovascular Therapy of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Kass-Hout ◽  
Tareq Kass-Hout ◽  
Maxim Mokin ◽  
David Orion ◽  
Shadi Jahshan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Therapy ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
P Value ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Nihss Score

Background: Large vessel occlusions with a high clot burden are less likely to improve with the FDA-approved IV strategy. Endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke symptom onset provides an effective alternative treatment in patients with large vessel occlusion. It is not clear if combination of IV thrombolysis and endovascular approach is superior to endovascular treatment alone. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated within the first 3 h stroke onset during the 2005-2010 period. First group received endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke onset. Second group consisted of patients who received IV thrombolysis within the first 3 h followed by endovascular therapy. We compared the following outcomes: revascularization rates, NIHSS score at discharge, mRS at discharge and 3months, symptomatic hemorrhage rates and mortality. Results: Among 104 patients identified, 42 received combined therapy, and 62 received endovascular therapy only. The two groups had similar demographic (age and sex distribution) and vascular risk factors distribution, as well as NIHSS score on admission (14.8±4.7 and 16.0±5.3; p=0.23). We found no difference in TIMI recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction scale score of 2 or 3) following combined or endovascular therapy alone (83.3% and 79.0%; p=0.59). A preferred outcome, defined as a mRS of 2 or less at 90 days also did not differ between the combined therapy group and the endovascular only group (37.5% and 34.5%; p=0.76). There was no difference in mortality rate (22.5% and 31.0%; p=0.36) and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (9.5% and 8.1%; p=0.73). There was a significant difference in mean time from symptom onset to endovascular treatment between the combined group (227±88 min) and endovascular only group (125±40 min; p<0.0001).Patients with good TIMI recanalization rate of 2 or 3 showed a trend of having a better mRS at 90 days in both bridging (16.67% vs. 41.18%, p-value: 0.3813) and endovascular groups (25% vs. 34.78%, p-value: 0.7326).When analyzing the correlation of mRS at 90 days with the site of occlusion, patients in the bridging group showed a trend of a better outcome when the site of occlusion was ICA (33.3% vs 30%) and MCA (66.67% vs. 27.59%) and worse outcome when the site of occlusion was in the posterior circulation (26.32% vs. 50%), however, these results were not statistically significant (p-values: 0.1735& 0.5366). Conclusion: Combining IV thrombolysis and endovascular therapy achieves similar rates of clinical outcomes, revascularization rates, complications and mortality rates, when compared with endovascular treatment alone. The combined therapy, however, significantly delays initiation of endovascular treatment. A randomized prospective trial comparing both treatment strategies in acute ischemic stroke is warranted

Abstract 202: The NIH Stroke Scale Can Miss Improvement After IV tPA For Acute Ischemic Stroke

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth B Marsh ◽  
Erin Lawrence ◽  
Rafael H Llinas
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Iv Tpa

Background and Objective: The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the most commonly used metric to evaluate stroke severity and improvement following intervention. Despite its advantages as a rapid, reproducible screening tool, it may be too insensitive to adequately capture functional improvement following treatment. We evaluated the difference in rate of improvement by previously accepted criteria (change of ≥4 NIHSS points) versus physician documentation in patients receiving IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Prospectively collected data on all patients receiving IV tPA over a 15 month period were retrospectively reviewed. NIHSS 24 hours post-treatment and on discharge were extrapolated based on examination and compared to NIHSS on presentation. NIHSS scores at post-discharge follow-up were also recorded. Two reviewers evaluated the medical record and determined improvement based on physician documentation. Using tests of proportion, ‘significant improvement’ by NIHSS was compared to physician documentation at each time point. Results: Forty-one patients were treated with IV tPA. The mean admission NIHSS was 8.6 and improved to 6.4 24 hours post-tPA. Twenty-nine of 41 patients (79%) were “better” by documentation; however only 11/41 (27%) met NIHSS criteria for improvement (p compared to documentation <0.001). On discharge, 20/41 patients (49%) met NIHSS criteria for improvement; however a significant difference between physician documentation remained (p=0.04). The mean post-discharge follow-up NIHSS score was 2.0. 20/21 patients (95%) were “better” compared to 16/21 (76%) meeting NIHSS criteria (p=0.08). Conclusion: The NIHSS may inadequately capture functional improvement post-treatment, especially in the days immediately following intervention.

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