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Introducción: El tiempo sigue siendo una variable determinante para los tratamientos de reper-fusión del ictus isquémico agudo. A pesar de las recomendaciones de las guías clínicas, soloalrededor de la tercera parte de los pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo son fibrinolizadosen = 60 min. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir nuestra experiencia implementando unprotocolo específico de atención del ictus isquémico agudo y evaluar su impacto en nuestrostiempos puerta-aguja. Métodos: A finales del 2015, se implantaron gradualmente unas medidas dise ~nadas para acortarlos tiempos de actuación y optimizar la atención del ictus isquémico agudo incluyendo unaguardia específica de Neurovascular. Se compararon los tiempos de actuación antes (2013-2015)y después (2017-2019) de la introducción de este protocolo. Resultados: Se incluyó a 182 pacientes antes y 249 después de la intervención. Cuando todas lasmedidas fueron introducidas, la mediana global de tiempo puerta-aguja fue de 45 min (previa74 min, 39% menos, p < 0, 001) con un 73, 5% de pacientes tratados en = 60 min (47% más quepreintervención, p < 0, 001). El tiempo global al tratamiento (inicio síntoma-aguja) se redujo en20 min de mediana (p < 0, 001). Conclusiones: Las medidas asociadas en nuestro protocolo han conseguido una disminución deltiempo puerta-aguja de forma significativa y sostenida, aunque todavía nos queda margen demejora, la dinámica establecida de control de resultados y mejora continua hará posible seguiravanzando en este sentido. Introduction: Time continues to be a fundamental variable in reperfusion treatments for acute ischaemic stroke. Despite the recommendations made in clinical guidelines, only around one-third of these patients receive fibrinolysis within 60 minutes. In this study, we describe our experience with the implementation of a specific protocol for patients with acute ischaemic stroke and evaluate its impact on door-to-needle times in our hospital. Methods: Measures were gradually implemented in late 2015 to shorten stroke management times and optimise the care provided to patients with acute ischaemic stroke; these measures included the creation of a specific on-call neurovascular care team. We compare stroke management times before (2013-2015) and after (2017-2019) the introduction of the protocol. Results: The study includes 182 patients attended before implementation of the protocol and 249 attended after. Once all measures were in effect, the overall median door-to-needle time was 45 minutes (vs 74 minutes before, a 39% reduction; P

Background Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in acute stroke due to severe basilar artery stenosis or basilar artery occlusion remain a matter of debate. The higher risk of stroke recurrence in patients with vertebrobasilar stenosis compared to anterior circulation atherosclerotic disease creates high expectations concerning endovascular approaches. This study aims to review our experience with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in acute stroke caused by basilar artery steno-occlusive disease. Methods Our prospective database from June 2014 until December 2020 was screened and patients with acutely symptomatic severe (>80%) basilar artery stenosis or acute basilar artery occlusion who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting were analysed. Results Twenty-five patients included: 72% men (mean age 68.6 years), all with prior modified Rankin Scale Conclusions Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting showed to be a technically feasible and reasonably safe procedure in selected patients. However, good clinical outcomes may be difficult to achieve as only 43.5% of the patients remained independent at 3 months. Randomized studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in acute stroke caused by basilar artery steno-occlusive disease.

Objective: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovasculary treatments (EVT) are recomended currently in eligible patients admitted within the therapeutic window. In this study, the data of AIS patients who were treated with intravenous and EVT methods in Istanbul Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital between 2017-2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and ninety patients who received IVT and/or EVT were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, radiological characteristics, risk factors and post-treatment clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed. Results: Of the 590 patients, 324 (54.9\%) underwent IVT, 164 (27.8\%) EVT and 102 (17.3\%) combined IVT+EVT. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were 9 (1-21) in the iv tPA group, 13 (3-27) in the EVT group, 12 (4-23) in the combined treatment group at admission In the IVT group, 220 patients had no artery occlusion (67.9\%), M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was found to be the most frequently occluded artery with 32 patients (9.9\%). In the EVT and combined IVT+EVT groups, the M1 segment of the MCA had the highest occlusion rate {[}76 (44.2\%), 49 (45\%), respectively]. Asymptomatic hemorrhage rate was higher in the EVT group than the other groups. Symptomatic hemorrhage rate was lower in the IVT group compared to the other groups. A total of 182 (56.2\%), 67 (39\%) and 53 (48.6\%) patients in the IVT, EVT and combined IVT+EVT groups had good outcome, respectively. Conclusion: Acute stroke treatment has been proven to significantly reduce the serious burden of stroke on patients, caregivers and society. For this reason, the societal awareness of the importance of urgent admission to emergency departmentsand the number and capacity of centers that provide AIS treatments should be increased.

Background Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a genetic small vessel disease responsible for recurrent ischemic strokes, often with a progressive course leading to dementia and disability. On MRI, lacunes, microbleeds, and severe white matter alterations are typical features of the disease. In case of acute stroke, because of the bleeding risk associated with the disease and the doubtful efficacy of fibrinolytic treatment in a disease with poor evidence of thrombosis, the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis remains unproven. Nevertheless, stroke is a frequent occurrence in CADASIL patients, and clinicians not unlikely may face in the emergency room the situation of a CADASIL patient with an acute stroke within the time window for thrombolysis. Objective We report on two CADASIL patients treated with intravenous alteplase for acute ischemic stroke, and we present a review of literature aimed to report epidemiological data, efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis in CADASIL patients. Methods We performed a systematic review of medical literature published until August 2, 2022. Case reports and series in English language reporting on CADASIL patients and acute stroke were included. Results Both patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis without complications and had a good clinical outcome. The systematic review identified three case reports of CADASIL patients who were treated with intravenous alteplase for acute ischemic stroke; no bleedings complications were described. Conclusions Available data on intravenous thrombolysis in CADASIL patients are scarce but suggest that this treatment can be taken into consideration for these patients.

Purpose: The early identification of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in patients after an acute stroke using non-invasive and easily administered instruments can minimize its consequences and reduce comorbidity and mortality. The Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (V-VST) is a screening test that makes it possible. The goal of this study is to contribute to the validation of the V-VST European Portuguese (V-VST: EP) version and study the prevalence of safety and efficacy signs in acute stroke patients. Method: The V-VST: EP, its instructions manual and algorithm, was presented to a panel of experts, to assess its content validity. It was applied to 33 acute stroke patients, with signs of OD, to analyze its psychometric properties. Finally, the prevalence of impaired signs of safety and efficacy was analyzed. Results: The V-VST: EP and its instruction manual (content) demonstrate very good agreement values. Most of the results for inter and intra-evaluator reliability presented Cohen’s kappa values higher than 0.60 or 0.80 (75.0%). The concurrent validity (against the 3 OZ wst) presented a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 57.1%. For evaluator 1, the results presented are for the nectar, liquid and pudding consistencies, the prevalence values for the 5 ml, 10 ml and 20ml volume capacity was: impaired lip closure (36%, 39%, 18%), piecemeal deglutition (50%, 50%, 50%), oral residue (7%, 0%, 9%), pharyngeal residue (25%, 17%, 9%) and safe swallowing (89%, 33%, 94%), respectively. Propósito: La identificación temprana de la disfagia orofaríngea (DO) en pacientes después de un accidente cerebrovascular, utilizando instrumentos no invasivos y de fácil administración, puede minimizar sus consecuencias y reducirla comorbilidad y la mortalidad. El examen VolumeViscosity Swallow Test (V-VST) es una prueba de detección que lo hace posible. El objetivo de este estudio es contribuir para la validación del V-VST Versión en portugués europeo (V-VST: EP) y estudio de prevalencia de signos de seguridad y eficacia en pacientes con ictus agudo. Método: Se presentó el V-VST: EP, su manual de instrucciones y algoritmo, a un panel de expertos, para evaluar su validez de contenido. Se aplicó a 33 pacientes con ictus agudo, con signos de DO, para analizar sus propiedades psicométricas. Finalmentese analizó la prevalencia de senales ˜ de deterioro de seguridad y eficacia. Resultados: El V-VST: EP y su manual de instrucciones (contenido) demuestran valores demuy buenaconcordancia. La mayoría de los resultados de confiabilidad inter e intra evaluador presentaron valoreskappa de Cohen superiores a 0,60 o 0,80 (75,0%). La validez concurrente (contra el peso de 3 OZ) presentada una sensibilidad del 100% y una especificidad del 57,1%. Para el evaluador 1, los resultados presentados son para las consistencias de néctar, líquido y budín, los valores de prevalencia para los 5 ml, 10 ml y 20 ml capacidad de volumen fue: deterioro del cierre de los labios (36%, 39%, 18%), deglución fragmentaria (50%, 50%, 50%), residuo oral (7%, 0%, 9%), residuo faríngeo (25%, 17%, 9%) y deglución segura (89%, 33%, 94%), respectivamente. published

Introduction The benefits of mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of patients with acute stroke due to large vessel occlusions (LVOs) have been extensively demonstrated by randomized trials and registries in developed countries. However, data on thrombectomy outside controlled trials are scarce in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy, and to investigate the predictors for good and poor outcomes of thrombectomy for treatment of AIS due to anterior circulation LVOs in Brazil. Materials and Methods This was a single center registry of thrombectomy in the treatment of stroke caused by anterior circulation LVOs. Between 2011 and 2019, a total of 565 patients were included. Results the mean baseline NIHSS score on admission was 17.2. The average baseline ASPECTS was 8, and 91.0% of patients scored ≥6. Half of the patients received intravenous thrombolysis. The mean time from symptom onset to arterial puncture was 296.4 minutes. The mean procedure time was 61.4 minutes. The rates of the main outcomes were recanalization (TICI 2b-3) 85.6%, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) 8,1%, good clinical outcome (mRS=0-2) 43,5%, and mortality 22.1% at three months. Conclusions This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of patients with AIS of the anterior circulation in real-life conditions under limited facilities and resources. The results of the present study were relatively similar to those of large trials and population registers of developed countries.

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, acil servis hekimleri ve hemşirelerinin empati düzeyleri ile intravenöz trombolitik ve/veya endovasküler trombektomi tedavisi için hastaların sevk edilmesi arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmaktır.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Kesitsel tipteki bu çalışma Bursa'da inme kliniği olmayan hastanelerin acil servis hekimleri ve hemşireleri ile Temmuz 2019 tarihinde gerçekleştirilmiş ve çalışmaya toplam 198 acil servis personeli dahil edilmiştir. Katılımcıların sosyodemografik özellikleri, mesleki çalışma koşulları ve kendi yakın çevrelerindeki (aile ve arkadaşlar) inme öyküleri sorgulanarak kaydedildi ve empati düzeyleri ölçüldü. Acil servis hekimleri ve hemşirelerinin empati durumlarının değerlendirilmesinde Jefferson empati ölçeğinin sağlık çalışanları versiyonu kullanıldı.Bulgular: Çalışma grubunun Jefferson empati ölçeği ile elde edilen ortalama empati skoru 98,63±14,83 puan olarak bulundu. Bu çalışmada empati puanı ile sevklerin sayısı arasında herhangi bir anlamlı ilişki bulunmadı (p=0,962). Toplam empati puanı, katılımcıların hastanedeki rolüne (p=0,161) veya ailelerinde ya da arkadaşları arasında inme vakası görülmesine (p=0,694) göre de bir farklılık göstermedi. Acil eğitimi almış olan (p, Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the empathy level of emergency department physicians and nurses and the referral of patients for intravenous thrombolytic and/or endovascular thrombectomy treatment.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with the emergency department physicians and nurses of hospitals that did not have a stroke clinic in Bursa in July 2019, and included 198 emergency personnel. Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, professional working conditions, and stroke history in their immediate environment (friends and family) were recorded and empathy level was measured. The health professions version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy was used in the assessment of empathy status among emergency physicians and nurses.Results: The mean empathy score of the study group, by the Jefferson scale of empathy, was found 98.63±14.83 points. In this study, no significant relationship was found between the empathy score and the number of referrals (p=0.962). The total empathy score did not differ by the role of the participants in the hospital (p=0.161) or observation of stroke cases in their family or their friends (p=0.694). Healthcare professionals who had received emergency education (p

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a neurologic emergency characterized by cerebral ischemia eliciting a temporary focal neurological deficit. Many clinical prediction scores have been proposed to assess the risk of stroke after TIA; however, studies on their clinical validity and comparisons among them are scarce. The objective is to compare the accuracy of ABCD2, ABCD2-I, and OTTAWA scores in the prediction of a stroke at 7, 90 days, and 1 year in patients presenting with TIA. Single-centre, retrospective study including patients with TIA admitted to the Emergency Department of our third-level, University Hospital, between 2018 and 2019. Five hundred three patients were included. Thirty-nine (7.7%) had a stroke within 1 year from the TIA: 9 (1.7%) and 24 (4.7%) within 7 and 90 days, respectively. ABCD2, ABCD2-I, and OTTAWA scores were significantly higher in patients who developed a stroke. AUROCs ranged from 0.66 to 0.75, without statistically significant differences at each time-point. Considering the best cut-off of each score, only ABCD2 > 3 showed a sensitivity of 100% only in the prediction of stroke within 7 days. Among clinical items of each score, duration of symptoms, previous TIA, hemiparesis, speech disturbance, gait disturbance, previous cerebral ischemic lesions, and known carotid artery disease were independent predictors of stroke. Clinical scores have moderate prognostic accuracy for stroke after TIA. Considering the independent predictors for stroke, our study indicates the need to continue research and prompts the development of new tools on predictive scores for TIA.

Background: Minorities constitute groups with higher risk of stroke and stroke severity. Disparities in stroke care may result from greater prevalence of risk factors, barriers to medical care, and lower utilization of preventive therapies. Insurance status may be one limiting factor in access to care and preventive measures. Purpose: We hypothesize that vascular risk factors differ between racial groups and that insurance status may affect stroke treatment, secondary prevention measures, stroke severity, and outcomes. Methods: We included 1061 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke (2005-2008) in our local Get-With-The-Guidelines (GWTG) database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relation of race and insurance status to risk factors, intravenous thrombolytic therapy (IV-tPA) use, stroke severity (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]), hospital complications, and ambulatory status at discharge. Results: Whites were older than Non-Whites (mean age 65 vs 62 years, p

Objective: Variable treatment strategies and protocols have been applied to reduce time durations in the process of acute stroke management. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of our intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) protocol for decreasing door-to-recanalization time duration and improve successful recanalization.Methods: A systemic and endovascular protocol included door-to-image, image-to-puncture and puncture-to-recanalization. We retrospectively analyzed the patients of pre- (Sep 2012–Apr 2014) and post-IAT protocol (May 2014–Jul 2018). Univariate analysis was used for the statistical significance according to variable factors (age, gender, the location of occluded vessel, successful recanalization TICI 2b-3). Independent t-test was used to compare the time duration.Results: Among all 267 patients with acute stroke of anterior circulation, there were 50 and 217 patients with pre- and post-IAT protocol. Age, gender, and the location of occluded vessel have no statistical significance (p＞0.05). In pre- and post-IAT group, successful recanalization was 39 of 50 (78.0%) and 185/217 (85.3%), respectively (p＜0.05). Post-IAT (48.8%, 106/217) group had a higher tendency of good outcome than pre-IAT group (36.0%, 18/50) (p＞0.05). Pre- and post-IAT group showed 61.7±21.4 vs. 25±16.0 (p＜0.05), 102.0±29.8 vs. 82.7±30.4 (min) (p＜0.05), and 79.1±47.5 vs. 58.4±75.3 (p＜0.05) in three steps, respectively.Conclusions: We suggest that the application of systemic and endovascular IAT protocols showed a significant time reduction for faster recanalization in patients with LVO. To build-up the well-designed IAT protocol through puncture-to-recanalization can be needed to decrease time duration and improve clinical outcome in recanalization therapy in acute stroke patients.

Resumen Introduccion El uso de activador tisular del plasminogeno (rt-PA) a dosis bajas fue propuesto inicialmente en paises asiaticos en atencion a particularidades raciales relacionadas con la funcionalidad del fibrinogeno y factores de coagulacion que contribuyen al riesgo de hemorragias intracerebrales, asi como a la intencion de ahorrar costos. Ante la controversia sobre el uso de rt-PA por debajo de la dosis estandar, realizamos una revision de la literatura sobre los estudios que motivaron su uso y aquellos dirigidos a comparar diferentes dosis de rt-PA. Desarrollo Se revisaron 198 resumenes relacionados con los terminos de busqueda. Se revisaron 52 publicaciones de texto completo de los ultimos 30 anos. Se incluyeron 13 ensayos clinicos aleatorizados dirigidos a determinar la eficacia y seguridad del uso de rt-PA a diferentes dosis en el ictus agudo, 14 estudios de cohorte observacionales, 5 metaanalisis y 3 revisiones sistematicas. Conclusiones No se cuenta con evidencia suficiente para catalogar la dosis baja de alteplase como superior o al menos no inferior que el tratamiento estandar en el manejo del ictus agudo en poblacion occidental. Se requieren mas ensayos clinicos para determinar, si el uso de dosis bajas es beneficioso en pacientes con contraindicaciones relativas de terapia trombolitica u otras circunstancias particulares que eleven el riesgo de hemorragias intracerebrales.

This article focuses on the inpatient evaluation and management of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). We describe foundational principles including quality metrics, TIA, and stroke as emergencies, TIA/minor stroke management, and standard assessments before discussing tailored evaluation and management strategies by stroke type.

У статті поданий огляд публікацій, присвячених проблемі лихоманки у хворих на гострий інсульт (ГІ). Наголошується, що висока температура тіла значно корелює з вихідною тяжкістю інсульту, розміром ураження, смертністю й неврологічними наслідками. У хворих на ГІ для диференціальної діагностики лихоманки мають значення час її появи, особливості клінічної картини та рівень С-реактивного білка. Підвищена температура тіла при ГІ повинна бути обов’язково знижена й має підтримуватися в безпечному нормотермічному діапазоні принаймні перші кілька днів після початку ГІ. Ацетамінофен (парацетамол) у дозах, рекомендованих для лікування лихоманки, має обмежену ефективність у хворих на ГІ. Для запобігання побічним ефектам добова доза ацетамінофену не повинна перевищувати 3 г/день. Необхідні додаткові дослідження для того, щоб з’ясувати, чи лихоманка є одним із патогенетичних механізмів, чи тільки маркером несприятливого результату, а також щоб визначити оптимальну програму лікування.

In the article, the authors present an analysis of published data on international scientific community thought about the issue of care for acute stroke and the need for stroke centers, suggest an approximate description of stroke centers that are recommended for introduction in Kyiv and Ukraine. Description consists of the general provisions, the main tasks of the center, functions, center management, recommendations for specialized centers for the treatment of stroke (emergency diagnostics, general examination and treatment of complications of a stroke).

Актуальність. Однією з основних причин і важливим фактором ризику виникнення гострого інсульту (ГІ) є цукровий діабет (ЦД), який погіршує перебіг інсульту, збільшує ризик розвитку ускладнень і смертельного наслідку. Для зменшення неврологічного дефіциту та поліпшення результатів лікування ГІ у даний час широко використовують нейропротектори, зокрема цитиколін і препарати магнію. Мета. Дослідження ефективності застосування комбінації цитиколіну та магнію сульфату як нейропротекторної терапії у хворих на ГІ на тлі супутнього ЦД. Матеріали та методи. Було проведено комплексне клініко-неврологічне та лабораторне обстеження 346 хворих (165 жінок та 181 чоловік), які перенесли гострий ішемічний інсульт. Цим хворим призначали цитиколін 1000 мг 1 раз на добу та розчин магнію сульфату 25% 30 мл на добу у 2–3 введення. В групі контролю (46 хворих — 25 жінок та 21 чоловік) використовували різні препарати із заявленою нейропротективною дією (крім цитиколіну та магнію сульфату). Результати. В групах, де використовувалися для нейропротекції цитиколін і магнію сульфат, починаючи з 5-ї доби, рівень свідомості відновлювався більш швидко, ніж у групі традиційного лікування. Згідно з аналізом за шкалою FOUR, на 10-й день лікування різниця між 1-ю, 2-ю групами та контролем стає відчутною і досягає рівня вірогідності (p < 0,05). На 3-тю добу лікування у хворих усіх груп рівень нейронспецифічної енолази (NSE) перевищував нормальні показники, причому найбільшою мірою — у хворих контрольної групи, в яких рівень NSE зріс у 10 разів (з 9,2 до 96,4 нг/мл). У подальшому спостерігалося швидке зниження рівня NSE, який в основних групах хворих на 10-ту добу лікування досягнув нормальних показників. У контрольній групі динаміка зниження NSE не була такою вираженою і на 10-й день лікування рівень NSE не досяг референтних значень. У хворих контрольної групи спостерігалося різке зниження rSO2 (особливо на 3-тю — 4-ту добу) з подальшим тривалим і повільним його підвищенням. Висновки. Комбінація цитиколіну з магнію сульфатом була вірогідно ефективною під час лікування хворих на ГІ на тлі супутнього ЦД. У хворих зі станами предіабету та у хворих без ЦД і з транзиторними гіперглікеміями спостерігалася менша ефективність цієї комбінації, а у групі хворих, які отримували традиційне лікування, вірогідних відмінностей у динаміці клініко-лабораторних показників виявлено не було. Таким чином, у хворих на ГІ на тлі супутнього ЦД комбінація цитиколіну та магнію сульфату є однією з можливих перспективних комбінацій препаратів, що мають нейропротекторні властивості.

Неврологічне обстеження хворих із гострим інсультом є обов’язковим компонентом діагностики інсульту. Для ґрунтовного з’ясування впливу ізоосмолярного розчину 0,9% NaCl та гіперосмолярного розчину маніту на перебіг гострого порушення мозкового кровообігу за ішемічним типом становило інтерес дослідження впливу курсової терапії цими розчинами на перебіг неврологічного дефіциту за допомогою різних неврологічних шкал. Досліджувані розчини вводили в умовно ефективній дозі (визначеній в експерименті) одразу при підтвердженні діагнозу і далі щодоби кожні 12 год впродовж 7 діб. Контроль результатів терапії в дослідженні проводився щодня за допомогою шкали коми Глазго, шкали FOUR та NIHSS. Застосування 0,9% NаСl та маніту не мало вірогідного впливу на динаміку неврологічного дефіциту за показниками шкал коми Глазго, FOUR та NIHSS упродовж 7 діб спостереження (р > 0,05). Міжгруповий аналіз неврологічного дефіциту показав вірогідно гірший результат у групі маніту порівняно з 0,9% NaCl за показниками шкали FOUR (р = 0,02).

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the study is to investigate the performance of a two-part stroke scale for screening and subsequent severity assessment combined with a telephone conference (teleconference).MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 6-month period, we prospectively tested the Prehospital Stroke Score (PreSS). PreSS part 1 is designed to identify stroke or TIA in a prehospital setting. PreSS part 2 is a stroke severity scale designed to identify large-vessel occlusion (LVO). PreSS was performed by emergency medical service (EMS) providers prior to a teleconference with a stroke neurologist.RESULTS: Combined teleconference and PreSS part 1 were performed on 79.3% of all patients diagnosed with stroke/TIA, and 99.1% of the patients with positive scores were subsequently PreSS part 2 scored. PreSS part 1 and teleconference had a sensitivity to identify stroke/TIA of 89.3% (95% CI 85.7-92.2), specificity of 64.5% (95% CI 59.3-69.5), and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95% CI 0.77-0.83). Regarding LVO, PreSS part 1 with teleconference recognized 96.7% (95% CI 88.7-99.6) of all cases as stroke. PreSS part 2 had a sensitivity of 55.7% (95% CI 42.4-68.5), specificity of 91.5% (95% CI 89.0-93.6), and AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.82-0.90) for identification of LVO.CONCLUSIONS: PreSS was feasible and the sensitivity for stroke/TIA and LVO was high to moderate providing an overall high precision. Almost all LVO cases were ensured acute stroke admission. The high specificity for LVO could be useful for determining transfers strategies.CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence when evaluating PreSS combined with teleconference.

Introduction Patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) that may persist beyond the currently recommended period of 6 to 14 days of thromboprophylaxis. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of extended venous thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke. Materials and methods MEDLINE, EMBASE and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched up to December 2020 for randomized controlled trials comparing extended versus standard venous thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke. The efficacy outcome was a composite of asymptomatic or symptomatic deep vein thrombosis, symptomatic pulmonary embolism, and VTE-related death. The safety outcome was major bleeding. Summary risk ratios (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Results Four randomized controlled trials enrolling 33718 patients were included. Of 4330 (12.8%) patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke, 2152 (49.7%) received extended thromboprophylaxis for four to five weeks with betrixaban (n = 405, 18.8%), enoxaparin (n = 198, 9.2%), or rivaroxaban (n = 1549, 72.0%), and 2178 (50.3%) received standard venous thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin. VTE risk was lower in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving extended thromboprophylaxis (RR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.43 to 1.04; 13 fewer per 1000), whereas the increase in major bleeding seemed trivial when compared with standard prophylaxis (RR 1.10; 95% CI, 0.31 to 3.95; 1 more per 1000). Conclusion In patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke, the net clinical benefit may favor extended venous thromboprophylaxis for four to five weeks over standard thromboprophylaxis.

This work presents a novel and promising approach to the clinical management of acute stroke. Using machine learning techniques, our research has succeeded in developing accurate diagnosis and prediction real-time models from hemodynamic data. These models are able to diagnose stroke subtype with 30 min of monitoring, to predict the exitus during the first 3 h of monitoring, and to predict the stroke recurrence in just 15 min of monitoring. Patients with difficult access to a CT scan and all patients that arrive at the stroke unit of a specialized hospital will benefit from these positive results. The results obtained from the real-time developed models are the following: stroke diagnosis around 98% precision (97.8% sensitivity, 99.5% specificity), exitus prediction with 99.8% precision (99.8% Sens., 99.9% Spec.), and 98% precision predicting stroke recurrence (98% Sens., 99% Spec.). Graphical abstract depicting the complete process since a patient is monitored until the data collected is used to generate models.

BACKGROUND: Racial minorities are disproportionately affected by stroke, with Black patients experiencing worse post-stroke outcomes than White patients. A modifiable aspect of acute stroke care delivery not yet examined is whether disparities in stroke outcomes are related to hospital nurse staffing levels. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether 7- and 30-day readmission disparities between Black and White patients were associated with nurse staffing levels. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of 542 hospitals in four states. Risk-adjusted, logistic regression models were used to determine the association of nurse staffing with 7-day and 30-day all-cause readmissions for Black and White ischemic stroke patients. RESULTS: Our sample included 98,150 ischemic stroke patients (87% White, 13% Black). Thirty-day readmission rates were 10.4% (12.7% for Black, 10.0% for White patients). In models accounting for hospital and patient characteristics, the odds of 30-day readmissions were higher for Black than White patients. A significant interaction was found between race and nurse staffing, with Black patients experiencing higher odds of 30-day and 7-day readmissions for each additional patient cared for by a nurse. In the best-staffed hospitals (< 3 patients per nurse), Black and White stroke patients’ disparities were no longer significant. DISCUSSION: Disparities in readmissions between Black and White stroke patients may be linked to the level of nurse staffing in the hospitals where they receive care. Tailoring nurse staffing levels to meet the needs of Black ischemic stroke patients represents a promising intervention to address systemic inequities linked to readmission disparities among minority stroke patients.

BackgroundIn patients with stroke, current guidelines recommend non-invasive vascular imaging to identify intracranial vessel occlusions (VO) that may benefit from endovascular treatment (EVT). However, VO can be missed in CT angiography (CTA) readings. We aim to evaluate the impact of consistently including CT perfusion (CTP) in admission stroke imaging protocols.MethodsFrom April to October 2020 all patients admitted with a suspected acute ischemic stroke underwent urgent non-contrast CT, CTA and CTP and were treated accordingly. Hypoperfusion areas defined by time-to-maximum of the tissue residue function (Tmax) >6 s, congruent with the clinical symptoms and a vascular territory, were considered VO (CTP-VO). In addition, two experienced neuroradiologists blinded to CTP but not to clinical symptoms retrospectively evaluated non-contrast CT and CTA to identify intracranial VO (CTA-VO).ResultsOf the 338 patients included in the analysis, 157 (46.5%) presented with CTP-VO (median Tmax >6s: 73 (29–127) mL). CTA-VO was identified in 83 (24.5%) of the cases. Overall CTA-VO sensitivity for the detection of CTP-VO was 50.3% and specificity was 97.8%. Higher hypoperfusion volume was associated with increased CTA-VO detection (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.04). EVT was performed in 103 patients (30.5%; Tmax >6s: 102 (63–160) mL), representing 65.6% of all CTP-VO. Overall CTA-VO sensitivity for the detection of EVT-VO was 69.9% and specificity was 95.3%. Among patients who received EVT, the rate of false negative CTA-VO was 30.1% (Tmax >6s: 69 (46–99.5) mL).ConclusionSystematically including CTP in acute stroke admission imaging protocols may increase the diagnosis of VO and rate of EVT.

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine whether sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels in patients with acute stroke are associated with stroke severity and outcome. Methods: In a prospective stroke cohort (MARK-STROKE), 374 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were enrolled (mean age: 67.9±13.0 years, sex: 64.7% male), and serum-S1P at admission was analyzed with tandem mass spectrometry. In addition to cross-sectional analyses, 79 adverse events (death, stroke, myocardial infarction, rehospitalization) were recorded in 270 patients during follow-up. Regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and vascular risk factors. Results were validated in an independent stroke cohort with 219 patients with acute ischemic stroke (CIRCULAS). Results: Low serum-S1P was associated with higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission and with anterior circulation nonlacunar infarcts determined by multivariate regression analyses. During a follow-up of 294±170 days, patients with S1P in the lowest tertile (P =0.048 for trend). In adjusted Cox regression analysis, the lowest S1P tertile was associated with a worse outcome after stroke (hazard ratio, HR 0.51 [95% confidence interval 0.28–0.92]). Results were confirmed in an independent cohort, ie, low S1P levels were associated with higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, larger infarct volumes and worse outcome after 90 days (β-coefficient: –0.03, P =0.026; β-coefficient: −0.099, P =0.009 and odds ratio 0.52 [0.28–0.96], respectively). Conclusions: Our findings imply a detrimental role of low S1P levels in acute stroke and therefore underpin the therapeutic potential of S1P-mimics.

ImportancePsychosocial stress is considered a modifiable risk factor for stroke. Given the prevalence of chronic and acute exposure to stress, it represents a potentially attractive target for population-health interventions.ObjectivesTo determine the association of psychosocial stress with the risk of acute stroke and explore factors that might modify the association of stress with risk of acute stroke in a large international population.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsINTERSTROKE is an international retrospective case-control study of risk factors for first acute stroke in 32 countries in Asia, North and South America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. A total of 13 462 patients with stroke and 13 488 matched controls were recruited between January 11, 2007, and August 8, 2015. The present analyses were performed from June 1 to 30, 2021, and included 13 350 cases and 13 462 controls with available data on psychosocial stress.ExposuresPsychosocial stress and occurrence of stressful life events within the preceding year were measured using a standardized questionnaire of self-reported stress at home and work.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe association of stress with acute stroke and its subtypes was examined using multivariable conditional logistic regression and factors that might modify the association, particularly self-reported locus of control.ResultsAmong 26 812 participants included in the analysis, the mean (SD) age of cases was 62.2 (13.6) years; that of controls, 61.3 (13.3) years; 7960 cases (59.6%) and 8017 controls (59.6%) were men. Several periods of stress and permanent stress were reported for 2745 cases (20.5%) and 1933 controls (14.4%), with marked regional variation in prevalence, with the lowest in China (201 of 3981 [5.0%] among controls and 364 of 3980 [9.1%] among cases) and highest in South East Asia (233 of 855 [26.1%] among controls and 241 of 782 [30.8%] among cases). Increased stress at home (odds ratio [OR], 1.95 [95% CI, 1.77-2.15]) and at work (OR, 2.70 [95% CI, 2.25-3.23]) and recent stressful life events (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.19-1.43]) were associated with an increased risk of acute stroke on multivariable analyses (vs no self-reported stress). Higher locus of control at home was associated with a reduced odds of all stroke (OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.68-0.79]), and higher locus of control both at work and at home were associated with a lower odds of acute stroke and significantly diminished the association with stress at work (OR, 2.20 [95% CI, 1.88-2.58]; P = .008 for interaction) and home (OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.44-1.98]; P < .001 for interaction) for acute stroke.Conclusions and RelevancePsychosocial stress is a common risk factor for acute stroke. The findings of this case-control study suggest that higher locus of control is associated with lower risk of stroke and may be an important effect modifier of the risk associated with psychosocial stress.

Introduction: Stroke is the second leading underlying cause of death globally and the leading cause of disability in adults. Stroke diagnosis should be performed quickly and efficiently to eliminate other potential causes of neurological deficits and to assess the time since the onset of clinical symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are essential methods of detecting and evaluating stroke type and treatmentoptions. Diffusion and perfusion MR imaging is recommended for early stroke diagnosis, as well as for the selection of patients for recanalization therapy, and is considered effective in assessing treatment outcomes. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the diagnostic value of diffusion and perfusion imaging in the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, analyze the role of magnetic resonance imaging in the selection of patients with acute stroke for recanalization therapy, and assess the effect of acute stroke complicity.Material and methods: The research is designed as a systematic review of the primary scientific research literature, which was published in English in relevant scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline) from 2014 to 2021.Results: 14 scientific research papers were singled out and the general characteristics of the study were analyzed (country, authors, year of publication, title of the study, type of study, study objectives, research methods, results and conclusion). A quality assessment of the included studies with cohort design and randomized controlled studies was performed, and most belong to the category of high-quality studies with a smaller number of medium-quality studies. The overall percentage of detected AIS cases in isolated studies using the DWI and/or PWI sequence was 90.8%. At the same time, the outcome of recanalization therapy was assessed using MRI studies (the number of patients who developed adverse events with functional data outcome 30 or 90 days after the procedure was observed). Comparison of MRI and CT imaging protocols provided data on the total percentage of detected acute stroke cases using CT imaging protocols (68.9%) and MRI imaging protocols (88.5%), which is why MRI is considered a superior method.Conclusion: Although CT is a suitable method for visualizing bleeding and also for early differentiation of hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke, if MRI imaging is available, it is recommended to use DWI, PWI, MRA sequences for a more accurate diagnosis of stroke in the acute phase.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Blood pressure management in acute stroke has long been a matter of debate. Epidemiological data show that high blood pressure is associated with death, disability and early stroke recurrence, whereas the pathophysiological rationale for ensuring elevated blood pressure in order maintain adequate cerebral perfusion remains a pertinent argument, especially in ischaemic stroke. RECENT FINDINGS The European Stroke Organisation Guidelines on blood pressure management in acute ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage provide recommendations for the appropriate management of blood pressure in various clinical acute stroke settings. SUMMARY In this narrative review, we provide specific updates on blood pressure management in ICH, blood pressure management in the setting of reperfusion therapies for ischaemic stroke, and the evidence for the use of induced hypertension in patients with acute ischaemic stroke in the light of the recent guidelines.

The World Health Organization defines a stroke as ‘rapidly developing clinical signs of focal (or global) disturbance of cerebral function, with symptoms lasting 24 hours or longer or leading to death, with no apparent cause other than vascular origin’. If the symptoms last less than 24 hours, typically less than 2 hours, then this is classified as a transient ischaemic attack. ‘Brain attack’ is a term that is increasingly used, as the rapid nature of treatment means the differentiating criterion of symptoms lasting at least 24 hours, is often not met before initiation of treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The earlier the treatment, the better the outcomes after acute ischemic stroke. Optimizing prehospital care bears potential to shorten treatment times. We here review the recent literature on mothership vs. drip-and-ship as well as mobile stroke unit concepts. RECENT FINDINGS Mobile stroke units result in the shortest onset-to-treatment times in mostly urban settings. SUMMARY Future research should focus on further streamlining processes around mobile stroke units, especially improving dispatch algorithms and improve referral for endovascular therapy.

Актуальність. Інсульт є другою за частотою причиною смертності у світі пicля серцево-судинних захворювань. Концепція діашизу Монакова описує нейрофізіологічні зміни, що відбуваються на відстані від осередкового ураження головного мозку і відіграють значну роль у вираженості гострого неврологічного дефіциту в пацієнтів з інсультом. Проте на сьогодні опубліковано недостатньо перспективних клінічних досліджень, у яких проаналізовано характеристики перехресного понтинно-мозочкового діашизу в пацієнтів iз гострим інсультом. Мета дослідження: визначення особливостей клінічних проявів перехресного понтинно-мозочкового діашизу в пацієнтів iз гострим ішемічним інсультом. Матеріали та методи. Ми провели проспективне госпітальне когортне дослідження 124 пацієнтів iз гострим ішемічним інсультом, які надійшли до відділення цереброваскулярних захворювань Олександрівської клінічної лікарні м. Києва протягом перших 24 годин з моменту розвитку інсульту. Усі пацієнти пройшли комплексне клініко-неврологічне, лабораторне, ультразвукове та нейровізуалізаційне обстеження. Результати. Серед 124 обстежених хворих iз гострим ішемічним інсультом перехресний понтинно-мозочковий діашиз був діагностований у 5 осіб. Ми проаналізували патофізіологічні, анатомічні та клінічні особливості перехресного понтинно-мозочкового діашизу в пацієнтів iз гострим ішемічним інсультом. Висновки. Унілатеральні інфаркти верхнього і середнього відділів моста поєднувалися з вогнищем ішемії (діашиз) у контралатеральній півкулі мозочка, призводячи до перехресного понтинно-мозочкового діашизу, виникнення якого пов’язують з перериванням проходження імпульсів по відрізку корково-мосто-мозочкового шляху від вогнища інфаркту в мостi до перехрещення волокон, що йдуть поперечно від ядер моста до півкулі мозочка.

Background The optimal timing of anticoagulation following acute ischaemic stroke or TIA in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent challenge. Early initiation of anticoagulation can reduce the risk for recurrent ischaemic events, but may lead to an increased risk for intracerebral haemorrhage. Aim The Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA (PRODAST) study was initiated to investigate outcome events under antithrombotic therapy after ischaemic stroke or TIA in patients with AF. The main objective is to compare the three-month rates of major haemorrhagic events between early (≤ 7 days) versus late (> 7 days) administration of dabigatran or treatment with vitamin-K antagonists started at any time. Occurrences of ischaemic and major haemorrhagic events will be evaluated to determine the optimal time point for initiation or resumption of anticoagulation. Design and Methods PRODAST is a prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventional post-authorization safety study. 10,000 patients with recent (≤ 1 week from index event) ischaemic stroke or TIA and non-valvular AF were recruited at 86 German sites starting in July 2015. The observational plan includes a baseline visit, documentation of data during hospitalization and a telephone-based, central follow-up at three months after the index event. The primary endpoint is the major bleeding rate within three months. Secondary endpoints include rates of recurrent ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, TIA, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction and death. Summary PRODAST will provide important real-world data on safety and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy after acute stroke and TIA in patients with AF.

Актуальність. Спонтанне відновлення неврологічних функцій після інсульту пояснюється феноменом діашизу й пов’язане з реорганізацією в моторних та премоторних ділянках кори головного мозку. Однак на сьогодні опубліковано недостатньо проспективних когортних досліджень, у яких наведено та проаналізовано клініко­нейровізуалізаційні характеристики перехресно­мозочкового діашизу в пацієнтів iз гострим ішемічним інсультом. Мета дослідження: визначення особливостей клінічних проявів перехресно­мозочкового діашизу в пацієнтів iз гострим ішемічним інсультом та підвищення ефективності його діагностики шляхом зіставлення отриманих даних з результатами магнітно­резонансної томографії. Матеріали та методи. Ми провели проспективне госпітальне когортне дослідження пацієнтiв iз гострим ішемічним інсультом (n = 124), які були госпіталізовані у відділення цереброваскулярних захворювань Олександрівської клінічної лікарні м. Київа протягом перших 24 годин з моменту розвитку інсульту. Усі пацієнти пройшли комплексне клініко­неврологічне, лабораторне, ультразвукове і нейровізуалізаційне обстеження. Результати. Серед 124 хворих iз гострим ішемічним інсультом перехресно­мозочковий діашиз був діагностований у 5 (4,03 %) пацієнтів. Ми проаналізували патофізіологічні, анатомічні та клініко­нейровізуалізаційні особливості перехресно­мозочкового діашиза в пацієнтів iз гострим ішемічним інсультом. Висновки. Семіотика гострого інсульту визначається не тільки первинним інфарктом мозочку, а й діашизом, що обумовлює більш серйозний неврологічний дефіцит. Перехресно­мозочковий діашиз асоціюється не тільки з характерними симптомами ураження мозочку, але й парезом кінцівок, порушеннями чутливості та вищих функцій мозку.

Purpose of the ReviewStent retrievers and large-bore aspiration catheters have doubled substantial reperfusion rates compared to first-generation devices. This has been accompanied by a 3-fold reduction in procedural time to revascularization. To measure future thrombectomy improvements, new benchmarks for technical efficacy are needed. This review summarizes the recent literature concerning biomarkers of procedural success and harm and highlights future directions.Recent FindingsExpanded Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia (eTICI), which incorporates scores for greater levels of reperfusion, improves outcome prediction. Core laboratory–adjudicated studies show that outcomes following eTICI 2c (90%–99% reperfusion) are superior to eTICI 2b50 and nearly equivalent to eTICI 3. Moreover, eTICI 2c improves scale reliability. Studies also confirm the importance of rapid revascularization, whether measured as first pass effect or procedural duration under 30 minutes. Distal embolization is a complication that impedes the extent and speed of revascularization, but few studies have reported its per-pass occurrence. Distal embolization and emboli to new territory should be measured after each thrombectomy maneuver. Collaterals have been shown to be an important modifier of thrombectomy benefit. A drawback of the currently accepted collateral grading scale is that it does not discriminate among the broad spectrum of partial collateralization. Important questions that require investigation include reasons for failed revascularization, the utility of a global Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia scale, and the optimal grading system for vertebrobasilar occlusions.SummaryEmerging data support a lead technical efficacy endpoint that combines the extent and speed of reperfusion. Efforts are needed to better characterize angiographic measures of treatment harm and of collateralization.

Background and ObjectivesNew imaging techniques have advanced our ability to capture thrombus characteristics and burden in real time. An improved understanding of recanalization rates with thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy based on thrombus characteristics has spurred interest in new therapies for acute stroke.Methods and ResultsThis article reviews the biochemical, structural, and imaging characteristics of intracranial thrombi in acute ischemic stroke; the relationship between thrombus composition and response to lytic and endovascular therapies; and current and future directions for improving outcomes in patients with acute stroke based on thrombus characteristics.DiscussionThrombus composition, size, location, and timing from stroke onset correlate with imaging findings in acute ischemic stroke and are associated with clinical outcome. Further research across multiple domains could assist in better applying our knowledge of thrombi to patient selection and individualization of acute therapies.

The paper deals with the basic pathogenic mechanisms of thrombosis development both arterial and venous in patients with COVID-19. These patients developed critical complications in cases of vascular risk factors that significantly enhances the risk of occurrence of such vascular events as acute ischemic stroke. The thrombophilia mechanism in a patient with COVID-19 disease turns on the direct activation of coagulation, so antiplatelet drugs cannot prevent the development of thrombosis while the vascular risk factors and prominent inflammatory reaction cause vascular events. The optimization of antiplatelet therapy in patients with COVID-19 disease with vascular risk factors is relevant. Triflusal is an antiplatelet drug with the best characteristics for the treatment of these patients., В статье освещены основные патогенетические механизмы развития тромбозов, как артериальных, так и венозных, у пациентов с COVID-19. Осложнения, которые развиваются у таких пациентов, имеют крайне важное значение в случаях наличия сосудистых факторов риска, что значимо повышает риски развития таких сосудистых событий, как острый ишемический инсульт. Механизм тромбофилии у больного COVID-19 включает прямую активацию факторов свертывания крови, поэтому антитромбоцитарные препараты не в состоянии предотвратить развитие тромбозов, тогда как сосудистые факторы риска и выраженная воспалительная реакция вызывают развитие сосудистых событий. Актуальной является оптимизация антитромботической терапии у пациентов с COVID-19 с сосудистыми факторами риска. Трифлузал — антитромбоцитарный препарат, имеющий наилучшие характеристики для таких пациентов., У статті висвітлені основні патогенетичні механізми розвитку тромбозів, як артеріальних, так і венозних, у пацієнтів з COVID-19. Ускладнення, що розвиваються у таких пациентів, мають вкрай важливе значення у випадку наявності судинних факторів ризику, що значуще підвищує ризик розвитку таких судинних подій, як гострий ішемічний інсульт. Механізм тромбофілії у хворих на COVID-19 включає пряму активацію факторів згортання крові, тому антитромбоцитарні препарати не в змозі запобігти розвитку тромбозів, тоді як судинні фактори ризику та виражена запальна реакція викликають розвиток судинних подій. Актуальною є оптимізація антитромботичної терапії у пацієнтів з COVID-19 із судинними факторами ризику. Трифлузал — антитромбоцитарний препарат, що має найкращі характеристики для таких пацієнтів.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand the nature and source of disruptions in an ambulance during the telemedicine-based caregiving process for stroke patients to enhance the ambulance design for supporting telemedicine-based care. Background: Telemedicine is emerging as an efficient approach to provide timely remote assessment of patients experiencing acute stroke in an ambulance. These consults are facilitated by connecting the patient and paramedic with a remotely located neurologist and nurse using cameras, audio systems, and computers. However, ambulances are typically retrofitted to support telemedicine-enabled care, and the placement of these systems inside the ambulance might lead to spatial challenges and disruptions during patient evaluation. Method: Video recordings of 13 simulated telemedicine-based stroke consults were coded and analyzed using an existing systems-based flow disruption (FD) taxonomy. For each observed disruption—the type, severity or impact, location in the ambulance, and equipment involved in the disruption were recorded. Results: Seat size, arrangement of assessment equipment, location of telemedicine equipment (computer workstation), and design of telemedicine camera were among the factors that impacted telemedicine-related disruptions. The left ambulance seat zone and head of the patient bed were more involved in environmental hazard–related disruptions, while the right zone of the ambulance was more prone to interruptions and communication-related disruptions. Conclusion: Adequate evaluation space for the paramedic, proper placement of evaluation equipment, and telemedicine computer location could facilitate the stroke care evaluation process and reduce FDs in the ambulance.

BackgroundNon-interventional large-scale research on real-world patients who had a stroke requires the use of multiple data sources ensuring access to longitudinal data from large populations with clinically-detailed information. We sought to establish a framework for longitudinal research on patients hospitalised with stroke by linking information-rich, deidentified inpatient data from the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (PCNASP) to commercial and Medicare Advantage longitudinal claims data.MethodsAll stroke admissions in PCNASP between 2008 and 2015 were evaluated for linkage to longitudinal claims from a commercial insurer using an algorithm based on six available common data fields (patient age, gender, admission date, discharge date, discharge diagnosis and state) and a hospital match. We evaluated the linkage quality (via the percentage of unique records in the linked dataset) and the representativeness of the linked population. We also described medical history, stroke severity and patterns of medication use among the PCNASP-claims linked cohort.ResultsThe linkage produced uniqueness equal to 99.1%. We identified 5644 linked and 98 896 unlinked patients who had an ischaemic stroke hospitalisation in claims data. Linked patients were younger than unlinked (69.7 vs 72.5 years), but otherwise similar by medical history, prestroke medication use or lab values. Stroke severity was mild and most patients were discharged home. Prestroke and discharge use of antihypertensive and statins in the PCNASP were greater than their use as measured by filled prescriptions in claims.ConclusionsHigh-quality linkage between the PCNASP and commercial claims data is feasible. This linkage identified differences between reported or recommended versus actual out-of-hospital medication utilisation, highlighting the importance of longitudinal data availability for research aimed to improve the care of patients who had a stroke.

Background and purpose Multiple embolic sources are sometimes observed simultaneously in patients with embolic stroke. The present study investigated the effects of coexisting aortic arch atheroma ≥ 4 mm thick and atrial fibrillation (AF) on short-term stroke recurrence and functional outcome. Methods Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed in consecutive embolic stroke patients, and 395 patients were classified into 4 groups according to the presence of aortic arch atheroma ≥ 4 mm thick and AF: AF - /ARCH - group, AF + /ARCH - group, AF - /ARCH + group, and AF + /ARCH + group. In accordance with these 4 groups, we evaluated stroke recurrence and all-cause death for 3 months after stroke onset, and also evaluated the 3-month functional outcome using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Results Among the 128 AF patients, 39.1% also had aortic arch atheroma ≥ 4 mm thick. Of the 395 enrolled cases, the AF + /ARCH + group showed the highest frequencies of stroke recurrence and all-cause death during 3 months after onset. On multivariate analysis, stroke recurrence or all-cause death during 3 months after onset was relatively more frequent in the AF + /ARCH + group than in the AF + /ARCH - group (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 0.82-6.69; p = 0.11), but that was not statistically significant, and poor functional outcome (mRS score 3-6) at 3 months was significantly more frequent in the AF + /ARCH + group than in the AF + /ARCH - group (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.08-6.24; p = 0.0339). Conclusions Aortic arch atheroma concomitant with AF is not rare and appears associated with increased risks of stroke recurrence and poor functional outcome.

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide including Bangladesh. There are various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for stroke. Metabolic syndrome is an important factor amongst them. Objective: To determine the association of stroke with metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at Neurology Centre and Family Medical Ward of combined military hospital (CMH) Dhaka from July 2018 to December 2018. Total 100 admitted cases of acute stroke (both ischaemic and haemorrhagic) were enrolled. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examinations, relevant laboratory investigations and CT scan and/or MRI of brain. Verbal consent was obtained from patients or next of kin. Ethical issue was addressed. Data collection was done in a prescribed form by face to face interview, clinical findings and laboratory and imaging results. Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS v16.0. Chi square test was done to see the level of significance. Results: Hypertension (HTN) was found in 54.6% of haemorrhagic stroke and 45.5% of ischemic stroke. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was present in 40% of ischaemic stroke and 32% of haemorrhagic stroke. Abdominal obesity was present in 13 haemorrhagic stroke and only 4 ischaemic stroke cases. Fasting hyperglycaemia was found in 20 haemorrhagic stroke and 30 ischaemic stroke cases. Hypertriglyceridaemia was found in 33 ischaemic stroke and 18 haemorrhagic stroke cases. Low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was found in 30 ischaemic stroke and 15 haemorrhagic stroke patients. Total 53 patients fulfilled the criteria of metabolic syndrome and 21 of them had 4 elements like HTN, DM, high triglyceride (TG), low HDL-C. Metabolic syndrome was present in 39 out of 54 ischaemic stroke and 14 out of 46 haemorrhagic strokes. There was significant association between metabolic syndrome and stroke especially in the ischaemic stroke (p value

Objectives: To assess degree and severity of depression To describe the symptomatic profile of depression Analyse the relation between depression and demographic, predisposing and precipitating factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 160 subjects chosen by random sampling technique from the Department of General Medicine of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital using Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Results: 68% of the cases with acute stroke was assessed and found to have depression according to Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Conclusion: Post-Stroke Depression is expected in patients diagnosed with acute stroke.

Introduction Infection after stroke is associated with unfavorable outcome. Randomized controlled studies did not show benefit of preventive antibiotics in stroke but lacked power for subgroup analyses. Aim of this study is to assess whether preventive antibiotic therapy after stroke improves functional outcome for specific patient groups in an individual patient data meta-analysis. Patients and methods We searched MEDLINE (1946–7 May 2021), Embase (1947–7 May 2021), CENTRAL (17th September 2021), trial registries, cross-checked references and contacted researchers for randomized controlled trials of preventive antibiotic therapy versus placebo or standard care in ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke patients. Meta-analysis was performed by a one-step and two-step approach. Primary outcome was functional outcome adjusted for age and stroke severity. Secondary outcomes were infections and mortality. Results 4197 patients from nine trials were included. Preventive antibiotic therapy was not associated with a shift in functional outcome (mRS) at 3 months (OR1.13, 95%CI 0.98–1.31) or unfavorable functional outcome (mRS 3–6) (OR0.85, 95%CI 0.60–1.19). Preventive antibiotics did not improve functional outcome in pre-defined subgroups (age, stroke severity, timing and type of antibiotic therapy, pneumonia prediction scores, dysphagia, type of stroke, and type of trial). Preventive antibiotics reduced infections (276/2066 (13.4%) in the preventive antibiotic group vs. 417/2059 (20.3%) in the control group, OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51–0.71, p < 0.001), but not pneumonia (191/2066 (9.2%) in the preventive antibiotic group vs. 205/2061 (9.9%) in the control group (OR 0.92 (0.75–1.14), p = 0.450). Discussion and conclusion Preventive antibiotic therapy did not benefit any subgroup of patients with acute stroke and currently cannot be recommended.

Verbal and oral apraxia are two possible consequences of stroke. It seems that there are not sufficient studies regarding the frequency of these disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of Verbal and oral apraxia. In addition, the relationship between apraxia and some variables such as age, gender, and education, as well as the relationship between types of apraxia with each other, and damaged areas of the brain in apraxia of the oral system in Persian-speaking patients with stroke were studied. In this descriptive-analytical study, 42 patients participated using the convenient sampling method. Verbal and oral apraxia were assessed using the oral and verbal apraxia tasks for adults test. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test. The frequency of patients with oral apraxia was 35.7%, those with verbal apraxia was 2.3%, and the combination of both verbal and oral apraxia was 4.7%. People with apraxia were significantly older than those without apraxia. There was not any significant relationship between apraxia and gender, apraxia and education, and oral apraxia with verbal apraxia (p

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is one of the complications after stroke. If it is not treated in time, it will affect the rehabilitation process after stroke and reduce the quality of life of patients. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the reports on the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction after stroke with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in recent years to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.The clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Medline, and Web of Science databases from January 2010 to August 2021 were searched. After screening the qualified literatures, literature quality evaluation was performed. The software Stata 16.0 was used to analyze and compare the outcome indicators of TCM and conventional western medicine treatment, and the utility of TCM in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders after stroke was comprehensively evaluated.A total of 16 studies were finally selected including a total of 1,589. Meta-analysis showed that TCM treatment of gastrointestinal disorders after stroke was more effective than conventional western medicine treatment [odds ratio (OR) =3.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.63 to 5.89; P=0.000]. It was also shown that TCM can reduce the recovery time of bowel sounds and is superior to conventional western medicine [standard mean difference (SMD) =-1.92; 95% CI: -2.51 to -1.34; P=0.000]; reduce defecation and flatulence recovery time (SMD =-2.51; 95% CI: -3.41 to -1.61; P=0.000); increase gastrin level (SMD =0.80; 95% CI: 0.35 to 1.25; P=0.001); increase motilin level (SMD =2.27; 95% CI: 1.55 to 3.00; P=0.000); increase serum albumin level (SMD =0.72; 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.90; P=0.000); increase transferrin levels (SMD =1.11; 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.36; P=0.000); and it can increase serum prealbumin levels (SMD =1.50; 95% CI: 0.78 to 2.22; P=0.000).The use of TCM in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction after stroke can effectively reduce symptoms, shorten the recovery time of bowel sounds, the first defecation and flatulence time, promote gastric motility and gastrointestinal hormone secretion, and improve the nutritional status of patients.

The incidence of stroke is increasing year by year, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients in the later period. At present, there is no clear evidence-based medical support for very early mobilization (VEM). Therefore, this study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of VEM intervention on patients with acute stroke in order to further understand the application value of VEM.The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and other databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the VEM of patients with acute stroke. The articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was extracted and the quality of the studies was evaluated. Revman 5.3 software was used to analyze the impact of VEM on adverse events after stroke, the disability rate, bed-related complications, length of hospital stay, and ability of daily living.After screening, 8 studies reported on the efficacy of VEM intervention for stroke patients. After analysis, VEM had no significant relationship with adverse events [relative risk (RR): 1.18; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.94-1.47], disability rates (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.95-1.15), and bed-related complications (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.66-1.06). VEM was related to length of hospital stay [mean difference (MD): -1.72; 95% CI: -2.63 to -0.81] and ability of daily living (MD: 4.97; 95% CI: 0.15-9.79).VEM can shorten the hospital stay and improve the activities of daily living of patients. Additionally, it will not increase the adverse events, bed-related complications, and disability rates of acute stroke patients, suggesting that VEM is safe and effective.

Background: Acute low back pain is one of the most common reasons for adults to see a physician. However, vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a rare condition, which mostly affects the lumbar spine. Lumbar spine MRI imaging is the diagnostic method of choice. If left untreated can lead to vertebral destruction or spinal abscess formation. Case: An 86-year-old man presented with a stroke to our facility, while undergoing therapy complained of excruciating low back pain that prevented him from undergoing therapy specially standing and walking. His vital signs were normal, and he was afebrile. Plain X-ray of the lower spine showed osteoarthritic changes. Patient was initially started on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) with no change in the severity of his low back pain. Lumbar vertebral spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis. Initiation of IV antibiotics dramatically decreased the pain severity. Conclusion: Low back pain is common in the elderly population and responds effectively to NSAID. Persistence of low back pain in the presence of pathognomonic changes in the lumbar spine MRI indicate the presence of VO. Prompt treatment with empirical antibiotics is warranted.

INTRODUCTION Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, with the administration of recombinant transcriptase-plasminogen activator (rtPA) improving outcomes in a time-dependent manner. Only 52.3% of eligible stroke patients at our institution received rtPA within 60 minutes of arrival. We aimed to improve the percentage of acute stroke patients receiving rtPA within 60 minutes of arrival at the emergency department (ED). METHODS This study presents results from the first year of a clinical practice improvement project that implemented quality improvement interventions. The primary outcome measure was percentage of acute ischaemic stroke patients receiving rtPA within 60 minutes of arrival at the ED. Secondary outcome measures included components of total door-to-needle (DTN) time and factors for delay to thrombolysis. Interventions were establishment of standardised acute stroke activation guidelines, screening question at ED registration, prehospital notification of stroke activation, public education, scripting for thrombolysis consent and easy access to equipment. RESULTS The percentage of patients thrombolysed within 60 minutes increased to 60.6% (p = 0.27), and DTN time decreased from 59 minutes to 54.5 minutes (p = 0.15). This was attributable to reduced door-to-physician time, door-to-imaging time and decision time, although the results were not significant. There was no significant increase in symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage or mortality secondary to stroke. Length of stay was significantly reduced by 1.5 days (p < 0.048). CONCLUSION The interventions resulted in an increasing but non-significant trend of acute stroke patients receiving thrombolysis within 60 minutes. Outcomes will be monitored for a longer duration to demonstrate trends and sustainability.

Background and Purpose: Rapid access to acute stroke treatment improves clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. We aimed to shorten the time to admission and to acute stroke treatment for patients with acute stroke in the Hamburg metropolitan area by collaborative multilevel measures involving all hospitals with stroke units, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and health-care authorities. Methods: In 2007, an area-wide stroke care quality project was initiated. The project included mandatory admission of all stroke patients in Hamburg exclusively to hospitals with stroke units, harmonized acute treatment algorithms among all hospitals, repeated training of the EMS staff, a multimedia educational campaign, and a mandatory stroke care quality monitoring system based on structured data assessment and quality indicators for procedural measures. We analyzed data of all patients with acute stroke who received inhospital treatment in the city of Hamburg during the evaluation period from the quality assurance database data and evaluated trends of key quality indicators over time. Results: From 2007 to 2016, a total of 83,395 patients with acute stroke were registered. During this period, the proportion of patients admitted within ≤3 h from symptom onset increased over time from 27.8% in 2007 to 35.2% in 2016 (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients who received rapid thrombolysis (within ≤30 min after admission) increased from 7.7 to 54.1% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Collaborative stroke care quality projects are suitable and effective to improve acute stroke care.

En las ultimas décadas, el papel de la enfermería en el triaje y cribado de pacientes en los servicios de urgencias y emergencias, tanto en el entorno prehospitalario como sobre todo en los hospitales, es esencial e indiscutible. Con el objetivo de analizar el triaje realizado por enfermería para detectar los pacientes con ictus agudo, y llegado el caso mejorarlo, se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo de las presentaciones cardinales del ictus, la escala del Instituto Nacional de la Salud de Estados Unidos, y la escala modificada de Rankin, aplicadas en el set del triaje por enfermería en el Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, durante el período comprendido entre los años 2016 y 2019, ambos inclusive. El total de historias clínicas analizadas ha sido de 1572. El análisis está centrado en la fiabilidad, evaluado por enfermería, de la presentación cardinal del ictus agudo, y de las dos escalas, frente a los algoritmos tradicionales rápidos de detección del ictus, en particular el método FAST, y la escala de Cincinnati. Nuestro estudio demuestra que son varias las presentaciones clínicas que escapan a las escalas rápidas, por lo que es esencial ampliar los métodos de triaje del ictus agudo realizados por enfermería, con el fin de evitar retardos en la detección y el tratamiento definitivo (enfermedad tiempo-dependiente). Así pues, la identificación ampliada de las presentaciónes cardinales, junto con el uso de escalas más detalladas aplicadas por enfermería entrenada, se muestran como herramientas muy útiles de detección del ictus agudo. In recent decades, the role of nursing in triage and screening of patients in emergency services, both in prehospital environment and especially in hospitals, is essential and indisputable. In order to analyze the triage carried out by nursing to detect patients with acute stroke, and if necessary improve it, a retrospective study was carried out of the cardinal presentations of stroke, the scale of the National Institute of Health of the United States, and the modified Rankin scale, applied in the nursing triage set at the Salamanca University Hospital, during the period between 2016 and 2019, both inclusive. The total number of clinical records analyzed was 1572. The analysis is focused on the reliability, evaluated by nursing, of the cardinal presentations of acute stroke, and of the two scales, compared to the traditional rapid algorithms for stroke detection, in particular the FAST method, and the Cincinnati scale. Our study shows that there are several clinical presentations that escape the rapid scales, so it is essential to expand the triage methods of acute stroke carried out by nursing, in order to avoid delays in detection and definitive treatment (time-dependent disease). Thus, the expanded identification of cardinal presentations, together with the use of more detailed scales applied by trained nurses, appear to be very useful tools for the detection of acute stroke.