scholarly journals Trends in the seeking of emergency service for ischemic stroke and its risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study from Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-447
Author(s):  
Yi Te Tsai ◽  
Yachung Jeng ◽  
Hsiu-Hsi Chen ◽  
Kai-Chieh Chang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Ich Score

Background & Objectives: COVID-19 may influence the health seeking behavior of acute ischemic stroke patients. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the patients who visited the emergency room in a centre designated for stroke care in Taiwan. Methods: This was a retrospective database-based study comparing the severity of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and risk factors of patients seen between 2019 and 2020 in the National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch. Patients with or without thrombolysis therapy were analysed. Results: The median NIHSS of ischemic stroke patients were lower in 2019 than in 2020 (p = 0.015). The difference was seen in non-thrombolysis patients (2019: 3[1-6] vs. 4 [2-7.5], p = 0.012) but not in thrombolysis patients. The frequency of minor stroke was higher in 2019 (45.1%) than in 2020 (37.9%, p = 0.038). The discharge mRS was lower overall (p = 0.004) and in non-thrombolysis patients (0.003), but not in thrombolysis patients in 2019. As for the ICH patients, the severity of ICH score (p = 0.021) and discharge mRS (p = 0.001) were also lower in 2019. The frequencies of risk factors of stroke were higher in 2019 than in 2020, including smoking (24% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.046), alcohol (11.9% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.039), hypertension (72.9% vs. 66.2%, p = 0.039), history of stroke (16.5% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.047), and atrial fibrillation (11.9% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.039). Conclusions: This study in Taiwan revealed a decline in the willingness to seek emergency services under the influence of COVID-19 among patients with lower stroke severity, especially those with more risk factors.

scholarly journals Predictors of the functional outcome after thrombolysis in an Egyptian patients’ sample

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Eldeeb ◽  
D. H. Elsalamawy ◽  
A. M. Elabd ◽  
H. S. Abdelraheem
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Arterial Occlusion ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Predicting Factors ◽  
Egyptian Patients ◽  
Cerebrovascular Stroke

Abstract Background About 6.2 million individuals worldwide and approximately 200 Egyptians/100,000 citizens have cerebrovascular stroke annually, and only less than 1% of stroke patients received intravenous (IV) thrombolysis in 2014. Outcome of the ischemic stroke after IV thrombolysis varies, and there is lack of data about the predicting factors that contributes to the outcome of ischemic strokes after IV thrombolysis in Egypt. Objective The aim of this work is to study the predictors of the functional outcome of ischemic cerebrovascular stroke after IV thrombolysis in Egyptian patients. Patients and methods This is a prospective study that includes acute ischemic stroke patients who received IV thrombolysis at the Alexandria University Hospital during the year from February 2017 to February 2018, and they were evaluated initially by Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) scale and followed-up serially for 6 months after thrombolysis using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified ranking score (mRS). Results Forty-five patients are included; 56% had favorable functional outcome (mRS 0–2) after 6 months, 68% had ≥ 4 points improvement in NIHSS after 6 months, and 13% had hemorrhagic conversion with 18% mortality rate. High initial RACE scale and long hospital stay are associated with poor functional outcome 6 months after thrombolysis. Conclusion Stroke severity demonstrated by high initial RACE and the duration of hospital stay are the two most significant predictors with an impact on the functional outcome of ischemic cerebrovascular stroke after thrombolysis.

scholarly journals The stroke mothership model survived during COVID-19 era: an observational single-center study in Emilia-Romagna, Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 3395-3399
Author(s):  
Andrea Zini ◽  
Michele Romoli ◽  
Mauro Gentile ◽  
Ludovica Migliaccio ◽  
Cosimo Picoco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction A reduction of the hospitalization and reperfusion treatments was reported during COVID-19 pandemic. However, high variability in results emerged, potentially due to logistic paradigms adopted. Here, we analyze stroke code admissions, hospitalizations, and stroke belt performance for ischemic stroke patients in the metropolitan Bologna region, comparing temporal trends between 2019 and 2020 to define the impact of COVID-19 on the stroke network. Methods This retrospective observational study included all people admitted at the Bologna Metropolitan Stroke Center in timeframes 1 March 2019–30 April 2019 (cohort-2019) and 1 March 2020–30 April 2020 (cohort-2020). Diagnosis, treatment strategy, and timing were compared between the two cohorts to define temporal trends. Results Overall, 283 patients were admitted to the Stroke Center, with no differences in demographic factors between cohort-2019 and cohort-2020. In cohort-2020, transient ischemic attack (TIA) was significantly less prevalent than 2019 (6.9% vs 14.4%, p = .04). Among 216 ischemic stroke patients, moderate-to-severe stroke was more represented in cohort-2020 (17.8% vs 6.2%, p = .027). Similar proportions of patients underwent reperfusion (45.9% in 2019 vs 53.4% in 2020), although a slight increase in combined treatment was detected (14.4% vs 25.4%, p = .05). Door-to-scan timing was significantly prolonged in 2020 compared with 2019 (28.4 ± 12.6 vs 36.7 ± 14.6, p = .03), although overall timing from stroke to treatment was preserved. Conclusion During COVID-19 pandemic, TIA and minor stroke consistently reduced compared to the same timeframe in 2019. Longer stroke-to-call and door-to-scan times, attributable to change in citizen behavior and screening at hospital arrival, did not impact on stroke-to-treatment time. Mothership model might have minimized the effects of the pandemic on the stroke care organization.

scholarly journals Predicting stroke severity with a 3-min recording from the Muse portable EEG system for rapid diagnosis of stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra M. Wilkinson ◽  
Jennifer I. Burrell ◽  
Jonathan W. P. Kuziek ◽  
Sibi Thirunavukkarasu ◽  
Brian H. Buck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Severe Stroke ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Detection Tool ◽  
Record Data

Abstract In this study, we demonstrated the use of low-cost portable electroencephalography (EEG) as a method for prehospital stroke diagnosis. We used a portable EEG system to record data from 25 participants, 16 had acute ischemic stroke events, and compared the results to age-matched controls that included stroke mimics. Delta/alpha ratio (DAR), (delta + theta)/(alpha + beta) ratio (DBATR) and pairwise-derived Brain Symmetry Index (pdBSI) were investigated, as well as head movement using the on-board accelerometer and gyroscope. We then used machine learning to distinguish between different subgroups. DAR and DBATR increased in ischemic stroke patients with increasing stroke severity (p = 0.0021, partial η2 = 0.293; p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.234). Also, pdBSI decreased in low frequencies and increased in high frequencies in patients who had a stroke (p = 0.036, partial η2 = 0.177). Using classification trees, we were able to distinguish moderate to severe stroke patients and from minor stroke and controls, with a 63% sensitivity, 86% specificity and accuracy of 76%. There are significant differences in DAR, DBATR, and pdBSI between patients with ischemic stroke when compared to controls, and these effects scale with severity. We have shown the utility of a low-cost portable EEG system to aid in patient triage and diagnosis as an early detection tool.

scholarly journals A study of age as a risk factor in ischemic stroke of elderly

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1553
Author(s):  
Hari Priya Reddy ◽  
Jaganath A. ◽  
Nagaraj N. ◽  
Visweswara Reddy Y. J.
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Severe Stroke ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Successful Prevention

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of age as a risk factor and a determinant of outcome in elderly ischemic stroke patients.Methods: This is an observational study. One hundred, successive elderly patients aged 60 years and above, admitted with acute ischemic stroke in PESIMSR over a period of 18 months were prospectively studied. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke, neurological deficits following trauma or following infection were excluded. Demographics, risk factors, stroke severity at admission were estimated by NIHSS. Risk factors and clinical profile were noted and compared among male and female patients. Outcome at discharge was measured by-mRS-modified ranking score.Results: Patients in age group 60-75 years presented with less severe stroke and better mRS when compared to >75 years age group. Complications were significantly higher among the older age group.Conclusions: The risk factors identified for ischemic stroke in the present study are diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, smoking, and alcohol. Severity of stroke at presentation, clinical outcome and complication rate during the in-hospital stay were all significantly affected by the age, more so in ischemic stroke. Age specific factors of stroke prevention are crucial for successful prevention and implementation of well-organized stroke care.

scholarly journals Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, stroke severity and short term clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-484
Author(s):  
Ilkin Iyigundogdu ◽  
Eda Derle ◽  
Seda Kibaroglu ◽  
Ufuk Can
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Potential Indicator

Background: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is an easily evaluated systemic inflammation indicator. However, there are limited reports on neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and functional outcome in ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and stroke severity, short term functional outcomes and mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The clinical data of patients who were > 18 age-old and hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke in Baskent University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between January 2018 and May 2019 were studied retrospectively. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were measured. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, mortality during hospitalization and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge of the patients with acute ischemic stroke were correlated. Results: Among the acute ischemic stroke patients due to the exclusion criteria, the data of 134 patients were evaluated. Median age of the patients were 76± 12.5 years and 82 patients (61.2%) were male. The median NIHSS scores of the patients at admission was 5±4.5. Mortality during the hospitalization was seen in 8 patients (6%). The median neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio value of the patients at admission were found to be 2.6±3.4. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and NIHSS scores of the patients at admission, duration of the hospitalization, mRS scores at discharge and mortality during hospitalization were found to be positively correlated. Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple and easily measured marker and can be used as a potential indicator for prognosis in acute ischemic stroke. However further prospective multicenter investigations are required to confirm the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for predicting the prognosis in acute ischemic stroke patients.

scholarly journals Paradoxical role of hepatocyte growth factor in ischemic stroke: stroke risk/stroke recovery

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibraheim Al-Ahmar ◽  
Noha Mohamed ◽  
Hosna Elshony
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Outcome ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatocyte Growth

Abstract Background Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has an obvious pathological role in atherosclerosis and plaque instability leading to an acute ischemic stroke; however, its beneficial role in stroke recovery is still restricted to experimental studies. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between HGF and carotid atherosclerosis and evaluate its value as a prognostic marker of ischemic stroke and its role in stroke recovery. Results This case–control study was done on 100 patients with first time anterior circulation ischemic stroke, subjected to clinical and laboratory evaluation of atherosclerosis risk factors. Brain imaging, cardiac work-up and ultrasonographic assessment of carotid atherosclerosis (using intimal medial thickness and plaque score) were all done. Clinical evaluation of initial stroke severity, using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and stroke outcome after 3 m, using Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), was performed. Measurement of HGF serum concentration was done to all stroke patients within 24 h of stroke onset and compared to results of 100 matched healthy subjects aged more than 50 years. HGF was significantly higher in stroke patients than healthy controls and in atherothrombotic than cardioembolic stroke group and its level was significantly correlated with atherosclerosis risk factors, degree of carotid atherosclerosis and better stroke outcome; however, it was not significantly correlated with initial stroke severity. Conclusion HGF is strongly associated with carotid atherosclerosis and other atherosclerosis risk factors and subsequent atherothrombotic stroke. Also, it can be used as a good prognostic marker in atherothrombotic stroke suggesting its role in stroke recovery but more studies are needed to explore this beneficial role as well as its therapeutic potentials in ischemic stroke patients.

scholarly journals Preventive effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation on ischemic stroke-induced constipation mediated via the autonomic pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (2) ◽  
pp. G293-G301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaoxiu Liu ◽  
Yebo Ge ◽  
Feng Xu ◽  
Yuemei Xu ◽  
Yanmei Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Sympathetic Nerve Activity ◽  
Autonomic Function ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Preventive Effect ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Nerve Activity ◽  
Bowel Movements

The aim of this study was to explore the preventive effect and possible mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on stroke-induced constipation. A total of 86 ischemic stroke patients were randomly allocated to 2-wk TEA or sham-TEA group. Bowel dairy and Bristol Stool Form Scale were recorded daily. Constipation and dyspeptic symptom assessment was performed at the end of the 14-day treatment. Electrocardiogram was recorded for the assessment of autonomic function. The correlation between autonomic function at admission and stroke severity was assessed. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors for stroke-induced constipation. The cumulative incidence of stroke-induced constipation was 68.2% at the acute stage. Sympathetic nerve activity at admission was positively correlated with stroke severity ( R = 0.47, P < 0.001). Sympathetic nerve activity and stroke severity were independent risk factors for stroke-induced constipation. TEA decreased cumulative incidence of stroke-induced constipation (42.9 vs. 68.2%, P = 0.029). TEA significantly increased frequency of bowel movements (4.5 vs. 5.5, P = 0.001) and spontaneous bowel movements (3.0 vs. 4.5, P = 0.003) per week. TEA decreased straining defecations (0.2 vs. 0, P < 0.001) and laxative use (1 vs. 0, P < 0.001). TEA improved stool consistency and patients’ quality of life ( P < 0.05, resp.). TEA increased vagal activity ( P < 0.001 vs. baseline) and decreased sympathetic activity ( P < 0.001 vs. baseline). Ischemic stroke patients are predisposed to autonomic function imbalance. TEA was effective in the prevention of stroke-induced constipation, and the effect was possibly mediated via the autonomic function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study illustrated that the brain-gut dysfunction, primarily autonomic function imbalance, was correlated with the stroke-induced constipation. This was the first study to report that transcutaneous electrical acustimulation had a preventive effect on stroke-induced constipation, suggesting a potential novel therapy for bowel problem management. The effect was possibly mediated via the autonomic function.

Abstract TMP67: Sex Disparities in Atrial Fibrillation as a Predictor of Poor Discharge Disposition After Ischemic Stroke Hospitalization: The Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan C Martin ◽  
David Z Rose ◽  
Kefeng Wang ◽  
Maria A Ciliberti-Vargas ◽  
Jose G Romano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facility ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Discharge Disposition ◽  
Sex Disparities

Background: It is unknown whether atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible for increased morbidity and disability seen in women with ischemic stroke. We sought to determine whether patients with ischemic stroke and AF had poorer outcomes than ischemic stroke patients without AF and whether this effect is more pronounced among women. Methods: We analyzed data from the FL-PR CReSD Study, a large quality improvement registry of Florida (N=66) and Puerto Rico (N=9) hospitals based on the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) program. Discharge disposition was utilized as a surrogate marker for morbidity and disability, with discharge to home or rehabilitation in comparison to other discharge dispositions (skilled nursing facility, hospice or died). Multilevel generalized linear models were used to evaluate AF and sex disparities in discharge disposition adjusted for demographics, risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, previous stroke/TIA), and NIHSS and CHADS2 scores. Results: We examined a total of 55,945 ischemic stroke patients, of whom 11,797 (21%) had AF at discharge. AF patients were older than non-AF patients (79.0±10.9 years vs. 68.7±14.4 years), had higher proportion of women (54% vs. 49%) and more severe strokes (mean NIHSS 10±9 vs. 7±7). Among AF patients, women were older (81±10 vs. 76±11 years) and had greater NIHSS (11±9 vs. 9±8) and CHADS2 scores (3.9±0.9 vs. 3.7±1.0) than men. Overall, AF patients were less likely discharged to home or rehabilitation than those without AF (54% vs. 71%, OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98). There was a significant effect modification between AF and discharge disposition by sex. In stratified analyses by sex, AF was associated with less discharged to home or rehabilitation among women (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.91), but not among men (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.96-1.11). Conclusion: Women with AF were less likely discharged to home or rehabilitation facility after ischemic stroke. Baseline differences in age, stroke severity, risk factors, and comorbidities between men and women had little impact on the poorer outcome and discharge disposition after ischemic stroke in women. Further studies are warranted to identify the causes of sex-specific differences in stroke outcomes for patients with AF.

scholarly journals Quality of care for ischemic stroke in China vs India

Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (14) ◽  
pp. e1348-e1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zixiao Li ◽  
Jeyaraj Pandian ◽  
P.N. Sylaja ◽  
Yilong Wang ◽  
Xingquan Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Risk Factors ◽  
Indian Patients

ObjectiveTo understand stroke risk factors, status of stroke care, and opportunities for improvement as China and India develop national strategies to address their disproportionate and growing burden of stroke.MethodsWe compared stroke risk factors, acute management, adherence to quality performance measures, and clinical outcomes among hospitalized ischemic stroke patients using data from the Indo-US Collaborative Stroke Project (IUCSP) and China National Stroke Registry-II (CNSR-II). The IUCSP included 5 academic stroke centers from different geographic regions (n = 2,066). For comparison, the CNSR-II dataset was restricted to 31 academic hospitals among 219 participating sites from 31 provinces (n = 1,973).ResultsIndian patients were significantly younger, had health insurance less often, and had significantly different risk factors (more often diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and coronary heart disease; less often prior stroke, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and smoking). Hospitalized Indian patients had greater stroke severity (median NIH Stroke Scale score 10 vs 4), higher rates of IV thrombolysis within 3 hours (7.5% vs 2.4%), greater in-hospital mortality (7.9% vs 1.2%), and worse outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale score 0–2, 49.3% vs 78.1%) (all p < 0.001). The poorer clinical outcomes were attributable mainly to greater stroke severity in IUCSP patients. Chinese patients more often received antithrombotics, stroke education, and dysphagia screening during hospitalization.ConclusionThese data provide insights into the status of ischemic stroke care in academic urban centers within 2 large Asian countries. Further research is needed to determine whether these patterns are representative of care across the countries, to explain differences in observed severity, and to drive improvements.

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