Search

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: More than 50% of patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are taking antihypertensive drugs before ictus. Although antihypertensive therapy should be given long term for secondary prevention, whether to continue or stop such treatment during the acute phase of ICH remains unclear, a question that was addressed in the Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial.METHODS: ENOS was an international multicenter, prospective, randomized, blinded endpoint trial. Among 629 patients with ICH and systolic blood pressure between 140 and 220 mmHg, 246 patients who were taking antihypertensive drugs were assigned to continue (n = 119) or to stop (n = 127) taking drugs temporarily for 7 days. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included death, length of stay in hospital, discharge destination, activities of daily living, mood, cognition, and quality of life.RESULTS: Blood pressure level (baseline 171/92 mmHg) fell in both groups but was significantly lower at 7 days in those patients assigned to continue antihypertensive drugs (difference 9.4/3.5 mmHg, P < .01). At 90 days, the primary outcome did not differ between the groups; the adjusted common odds ratio (OR) for worse outcome with continue versus stop drugs was .92 (95% confidence interval, .45-1.89; P = .83). There was no difference between the treatment groups for any secondary outcome measure, or rates of death or serious adverse events.CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with acute ICH, immediate continuation of antihypertensive drugs during the first week did not reduce death or major disability in comparison to stopping treatment temporarily.

Early infection after stroke is associated with a poor outcome. We aimed to determine whether delayed infections (up to 76 days post-stroke) are associated with poor outcome at 90 days. Data came from the international Efficacy of Nitric Oxide Stroke (ENOS, ISRCTN99414122) trial. Post hoc data on infections were obtained from serious adverse events reports between 1 and 76 days following stroke in this large cohort of patients. Regression models accounting for baseline covariates were used to analyse fatalities and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index, Euro-Qol-5D) at 90 days, in patients with infection compared to those without infection. Of 4011 patients, 242 (6.0%) developed one or more serious infections. Infections were associated with an increased risk of death (p < 0.001) and an increased likelihood of dependency (measured by mRS) compared to those of all other patients (p < 0.001). This remained when only surviving patients were analysed, indicating that the worsening of functional outcome is not due to mortality (p < 0.001). In addition, the timing of the infection after stroke did not alter its detrimental association with fatality (p = 0.14) or functional outcome (p = 0.47). In conclusion, severe poststroke infections, whether occurring early or late after stroke, are associated with an increased risk of death and poorer functional outcome, independent of differences in baseline characteristics or treatment. Not only are strategies needed for reducing the risk of infection immediately after stroke, but also during the first 3 months following a stroke. This study is registered: ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN99414122, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT00989716.

Background Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces death due to bleeding after trauma and post-partum haemorrhage. The aim was to assess if tranexamic acid reduces haematoma expansion and improves outcome in adults with stroke due to intracerebral 6 haemorrhage (ICH). Methods We undertook an international, randomised placebo-controlled trial in adults with intracerebral haemorrhage. Participants received 1g intravenous tranexamic acid bolus followed by an 8 hour 1g infusion, or matching placebo, within 8 hours of symptom onset. The primary outcome was functional status at day 90, measured by shift in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), using ordinal logistic regression, with adjustment for stratification and minimisation criteria. All analyses were performed on an intention to treat basis. This trial is registered as ISRCTN93732214. Findings We recruited 2,325 participants (TXA 1161, placebo 1164) from 124 hospitals in 12 countries between 2013 and 2017. Treatment groups were well balanced at baseline. The primary outcome was determined for 2307 (99·2%) participants. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the primary outcome of functional status at day 90 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0·88, 95% CI 0·76-1·03, p=0·11). Although there were fewer deaths by day 7 in the TXA group (aOR 0·73, 95% CI 0·53-0·99, p=0·0406), there was no difference in case fatality at 90 days (adjusted hazard ratio 0·92, 95% CI 0·77 to 1·10, p =0·37). There were fewer serious adverse events after TXA vs. placebo by days 2 (p=0·0272), 7 (p=0·0200) and 90 (p=0·0393). Interpretation There was no significant difference in functional status 90 days after intracerebral haemorrhage with tranexamic acid, despite a reduction in early deaths and serious adverse events. Larger randomised trials are needed to confirm or refute a clinically significant treatment effect.

Background and purpose: Although poor prognosis after intracerebral haemorrhage relates to risk factors and haematoma characteristics, there is limited evidence for the effect of race-ethnicity. Methods: Data from 1011 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage enrolled into hyperacute trials and randomised to control were obtained from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) and Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) Trial. Clinical characteristics and functional outcome were compared among three racial groups – Asians, Blacks and Caucasians. Results: The majority of patients were Caucasian (78.1%) followed by Asians (14.5%) and Blacks (5.5%). At baseline, Caucasians were older and had larger haematoma volumes; Blacks had lower Glasgow Coma Scale and higher systolic blood pressure (all p<0.05). Although the primary outcome of modified Rankin scale (mRS) did not differ at 90 days (p=0.14), there were significant differences in mortality (p<0.0001) and quality of life (EQ-5D p<0.0001; EQ-VAS p 0.015). In test of multiple comparisons, Caucasians were more likely to die (p=0.0003) and had worse quality of life (EQ-5D p=0.003; EQ-VAS p<0.0001) as compared to Asians. Conclusion: Race-ethnicity appears to explain some of the variation in clinical characteristics and outcomes after acute intracerebral haemorrhage. Factors that explain this variation need to be identified.

Post-stroke dysphagia is common, associated with poor outcome and often requires non-oral feeding/fluids. The relationship between route of feeding and outcome, as well as treatment with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), was studied prospectively. The Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial assessed transdermal GTN (5 mg versus none for 7 days) in 4011 patients with acute stroke and high blood pressure. Feeding route (oral = normal or soft diet; nonoral = nasogastric tube, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube, parenteral fluids, no fluids) was assessed at baseline and day 7. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) measured at day 90. At baseline, 1331 (33.2%) patients had non-oral feeding, were older, had more severe stroke and more were female, than 2680 (66.8%) patients with oral feeding. By day 7, 756 patients had improved from non-oral to oral feeding, and 119 had deteriorated. Non-oral feeding at baseline was associated with more impairment at day 7 (Scandinavian Stroke Scale 29.0 versus 43.7; 2p < 0.001), and worse mRS (4.0 versus 2.7; 2p < 0.001) and death (23.6 versus 6.8%; 2p = 0.014) at day 90. Although GTN did not modify route of feeding overall, randomisation ≤6 hours of stroke was associated with a move to more oral feeding at day 7 (odds ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence intervals 0.38, 0.98; 2p = 0.040). As a proxy for dysphagia, non-oral feeding is present in 33% of patients with acute stroke and associated with more impairment, dependency and death. GTN moved feeding route towards oral intake if given very early after stroke.

Early infection after stroke is associated with a poor outcome. We aimed to determine whether delayed infections (up to 76 days post-stroke) are associated with poor outcome at 90 days. Data came from the international Efficacy of Nitric Oxide Stroke (ENOS, ISRCTN99414122) trial. Post hoc data on infections were obtained from serious adverse events reports between 1 and 76 days following stroke in this large cohort of patients. Regression models accounting for baseline covariates were used to analyse fatalities and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index, Euro-Qol-5D) at 90 days, in patients with infection compared to those without infection. Of 4011 patients, 242 (6.0%) developed one or more serious infections. Infections were associated with an increased risk of death (p < 0.001) and an increased likelihood of dependency (measured by mRS) compared to those of all other patients (p < 0.001). This remained when only surviving patients were analysed, indicating that the worsening of functional outcome is not due to mortality (p < 0.001). In addition, the timing of the infection after stroke did not alter its detrimental association with fatality (p = 0.14) or functional outcome (p = 0.47). In conclusion, severe poststroke infections, whether occurring early or late after stroke, are associated with an increased risk of death and poorer functional outcome, independent of differences in baseline characteristics or treatment. Not only are strategies needed for reducing the risk of infection immediately after stroke, but also during the first 3 months following a stroke. This study is registered: ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN99414122, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT00989716.

Background and purpose: More than 50% of patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are taking antihypertensive drugs before ictus. Although antihypertensive therapy should be given long term for secondary prevention, whether to continue or stop such treatment during the acute phase of ICH remains unclear, a question that was addressed in the Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial. Methods: ENOS was an international multicenter, prospective, randomized, blinded endpoint trial. Among 629 patients with ICH and systolic blood pressure between 140 and 220 mmHg, 246 patients who were taking antihypertensive drugs were assigned to continue (n = 119) or to stop (n = 127) taking drugs temporarily for 7 days. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included death, length of stay in hospital, discharge destination, activities of daily living, mood, cognition, and quality of life. Results: Blood pressure level (baseline 171/92 mmHg) fell in both groups but was significantly lower at 7 days in those patients assigned to continue antihypertensive drugs (difference 9.4/3.5 mmHg, P < .01). At 90 days, the primary outcome did not differ between the groups; the adjusted common odds ratio (OR) for worse outcome with continue versus stop drugs was .92 (95% confidence interval, .45- 1.89; P = .83). There was no difference between the treatment groups for any secondary outcome measure, or rates of death or serious adverse events. Conclusions: Among patients with acute ICH, immediate continuation of antihypertensive drugs during the first week did not reduce death or major disability in comparison to stopping treatment temporarily.

Background and purpose: The Efficacy of Nitric oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial found that transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, a nitric oxide donor) lowered blood pressure but did not improve functional outcome in patients with acute stroke. However, GTN was associated with improved outcome if patients were randomised within 6 hours of stroke onset. Methods: In this pre-specified subgroup analysis, the effect of GTN (5 mg/day for 7 days) versus no GTN was studied in 629 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage presenting within 48 hours and with systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Results: Mean blood pressure at baseline was 172/93 mmHg and significantly lower (difference -7.5/-4.2 mmHg; both p< 0.05) on day 1 in 310 patients allocated to GTN as compared with 319 randomised to no GTN. No difference in the mRS was observed between those receiving GTN versus no GTN (adjusted odds ratio, OR for worse outcome with GTN 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-1.37; p=0.84). In the subgroup of 61 patients randomised within 6 hours, GTN improved functional outcome with a shift in the modified Rankin Scale (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.69, p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the rates of serious adverse events between GTN and no GTN. Conclusions: In patients with intracerebral haemorrhage within 48 hours of onset, GTN lowered blood pressure, was safe but did not improve functional outcome. Very early treatment might be beneficial but needs assessment in further studies.

Rationale: Outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage remains poor. Tranexamic acid is easy to administer, readily available, inexpensive, and effective in other hemorrhagic conditions. Aim: This randomized trial aims to test the hypothesis that intravenous tranexamic acid given within 8 h of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage reduces death or dependency. Design: Phase III prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Participants within 8 h of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage are randomized to receive either intravenous tranexamic acid 1 g 10 min bolus followed by 1 g 8 h infusion, or placebo. Sample size estimates: A trial of 2000 participants (300 from start-up phase and 1700 from main phase) will have 90% power to detect an ordinal shift of the modified Rankin Scale with odds ratio 0.79. Study outcomes: The primary outcome is death or dependency measured by ordinal shift analysis of the 7 level mRS at day 90. Secondary outcomes are neurological impairment at day 7 and disability, quality of life, cognition, and mood at day 90. Safety outcomes are death, serious adverse events, thromboembolic events, and seizures. Cost outcomes are length of stay in hospital, readmission, and institutionalization. Discussion: This pragmatic trial is assessing efficacy of tranexamic acid after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Recruitment started in 2013; as of 15th January 2016 1355 participants have been enrolled, from 95 centers in seven countries. Recruitment is due to end in 2017. TICH-2 Trial is registered as ISRCTN93732214.

Background and purpose: Although poor prognosis after intracerebral haemorrhage relates to risk factors and haematoma characteristics, there is limited evidence for the effect of race-ethnicity. Methods: Data from 1011 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage enrolled into hyperacute trials and randomised to control were obtained from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) and Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) Trial. Clinical characteristics and functional outcome were compared among three racial groups – Asians, Blacks and Caucasians. Results: The majority of patients were Caucasian (78.1%) followed by Asians (14.5%) and Blacks (5.5%). At baseline, Caucasians were older and had larger haematoma volumes; Blacks had lower Glasgow Coma Scale and higher systolic blood pressure (all p<0.05). Although the primary outcome of modified Rankin scale (mRS) did not differ at 90 days (p=0.14), there were significant differences in mortality (p<0.0001) and quality of life (EQ-5D p<0.0001; EQ-VAS p 0.015). In test of multiple comparisons, Caucasians were more likely to die (p=0.0003) and had worse quality of life (EQ-5D p=0.003; EQ-VAS p<0.0001) as compared to Asians. Conclusion: Race-ethnicity appears to explain some of the variation in clinical characteristics and outcomes after acute intracerebral haemorrhage. Factors that explain this variation need to be identified.

Background Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces death due to bleeding after trauma and post-partum haemorrhage. The aim was to assess if tranexamic acid reduces haematoma expansion and improves outcome in adults with stroke due to intracerebral 6 haemorrhage (ICH). Methods We undertook an international, randomised placebo-controlled trial in adults with intracerebral haemorrhage. Participants received 1g intravenous tranexamic acid bolus followed by an 8 hour 1g infusion, or matching placebo, within 8 hours of symptom onset. The primary outcome was functional status at day 90, measured by shift in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), using ordinal logistic regression, with adjustment for stratification and minimisation criteria. All analyses were performed on an intention to treat basis. This trial is registered as ISRCTN93732214. Findings We recruited 2,325 participants (TXA 1161, placebo 1164) from 124 hospitals in 12 countries between 2013 and 2017. Treatment groups were well balanced at baseline. The primary outcome was determined for 2307 (99·2%) participants. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the primary outcome of functional status at day 90 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0·88, 95% CI 0·76-1·03, p=0·11). Although there were fewer deaths by day 7 in the TXA group (aOR 0·73, 95% CI 0·53-0·99, p=0·0406), there was no difference in case fatality at 90 days (adjusted hazard ratio 0·92, 95% CI 0·77 to 1·10, p =0·37). There were fewer serious adverse events after TXA vs. placebo by days 2 (p=0·0272), 7 (p=0·0200) and 90 (p=0·0393). Interpretation There was no significant difference in functional status 90 days after intracerebral haemorrhage with tranexamic acid, despite a reduction in early deaths and serious adverse events. Larger randomised trials are needed to confirm or refute a clinically significant treatment effect.

Background and purpose: Although poor prognosis after intracerebral haemorrhage relates to risk factors and haematoma characteristics, there is limited evidence for the effect of race-ethnicity. Methods: Data from 1011 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage enrolled into hyperacute trials and randomised to control were obtained from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) and Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) Trial. Clinical characteristics and functional outcome were compared among three racial groups – Asians, Blacks and Caucasians. Results: The majority of patients were Caucasian (78.1%) followed by Asians (14.5%) and Blacks (5.5%). At baseline, Caucasians were older and had larger haematoma volumes; Blacks had lower Glasgow Coma Scale and higher systolic blood pressure (all p<0.05). Although the primary outcome of modified Rankin scale (mRS) did not differ at 90 days (p=0.14), there were significant differences in mortality (p<0.0001) and quality of life (EQ-5D p<0.0001; EQ-VAS p 0.015). In test of multiple comparisons, Caucasians were more likely to die (p=0.0003) and had worse quality of life (EQ-5D p=0.003; EQ-VAS p<0.0001) as compared to Asians. Conclusion: Race-ethnicity appears to explain some of the variation in clinical characteristics and outcomes after acute intracerebral haemorrhage. Factors that explain this variation need to be identified.

Early infection after stroke is associated with a poor outcome. We aimed to determine whether delayed infections (up to 76 days post-stroke) are associated with poor outcome at 90 days. Data came from the international Efficacy of Nitric Oxide Stroke (ENOS, ISRCTN99414122) trial. Post hoc data on infections were obtained from serious adverse events reports between 1 and 76 days following stroke in this large cohort of patients. Regression models accounting for baseline covariates were used to analyse fatalities and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index, Euro-Qol-5D) at 90 days, in patients with infection compared to those without infection. Of 4011 patients, 242 (6.0%) developed one or more serious infections. Infections were associated with an increased risk of death (p < 0.001) and an increased likelihood of dependency (measured by mRS) compared to those of all other patients (p < 0.001). This remained when only surviving patients were analysed, indicating that the worsening of functional outcome is not due to mortality (p < 0.001). In addition, the timing of the infection after stroke did not alter its detrimental association with fatality (p = 0.14) or functional outcome (p = 0.47). In conclusion, severe poststroke infections, whether occurring early or late after stroke, are associated with an increased risk of death and poorer functional outcome, independent of differences in baseline characteristics or treatment. Not only are strategies needed for reducing the risk of infection immediately after stroke, but also during the first 3 months following a stroke. This study is registered: ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN99414122, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT00989716.

Post-stroke dysphagia is common, associated with poor outcome and often requires non-oral feeding/fluids. The relationship between route of feeding and outcome, as well as treatment with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), was studied prospectively. The Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial assessed transdermal GTN (5 mg versus none for 7 days) in 4011 patients with acute stroke and high blood pressure. Feeding route (oral = normal or soft diet; nonoral = nasogastric tube, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube, parenteral fluids, no fluids) was assessed at baseline and day 7. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) measured at day 90. At baseline, 1331 (33.2%) patients had non-oral feeding, were older, had more severe stroke and more were female, than 2680 (66.8%) patients with oral feeding. By day 7, 756 patients had improved from non-oral to oral feeding, and 119 had deteriorated. Non-oral feeding at baseline was associated with more impairment at day 7 (Scandinavian Stroke Scale 29.0 versus 43.7; 2p < 0.001), and worse mRS (4.0 versus 2.7; 2p < 0.001) and death (23.6 versus 6.8%; 2p = 0.014) at day 90. Although GTN did not modify route of feeding overall, randomisation ≤6 hours of stroke was associated with a move to more oral feeding at day 7 (odds ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence intervals 0.38, 0.98; 2p = 0.040). As a proxy for dysphagia, non-oral feeding is present in 33% of patients with acute stroke and associated with more impairment, dependency and death. GTN moved feeding route towards oral intake if given very early after stroke.

Background and purpose: More than 50% of patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are taking antihypertensive drugs before ictus. Although antihypertensive therapy should be given long term for secondary prevention, whether to continue or stop such treatment during the acute phase of ICH remains unclear, a question that was addressed in the Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial. Methods: ENOS was an international multicenter, prospective, randomized, blinded endpoint trial. Among 629 patients with ICH and systolic blood pressure between 140 and 220 mmHg, 246 patients who were taking antihypertensive drugs were assigned to continue (n = 119) or to stop (n = 127) taking drugs temporarily for 7 days. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included death, length of stay in hospital, discharge destination, activities of daily living, mood, cognition, and quality of life. Results: Blood pressure level (baseline 171/92 mmHg) fell in both groups but was significantly lower at 7 days in those patients assigned to continue antihypertensive drugs (difference 9.4/3.5 mmHg, P < .01). At 90 days, the primary outcome did not differ between the groups; the adjusted common odds ratio (OR) for worse outcome with continue versus stop drugs was .92 (95% confidence interval, .45- 1.89; P = .83). There was no difference between the treatment groups for any secondary outcome measure, or rates of death or serious adverse events. Conclusions: Among patients with acute ICH, immediate continuation of antihypertensive drugs during the first week did not reduce death or major disability in comparison to stopping treatment temporarily.

Background and purpose: The Efficacy of Nitric oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial found that transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, a nitric oxide donor) lowered blood pressure but did not improve functional outcome in patients with acute stroke. However, GTN was associated with improved outcome if patients were randomised within 6 hours of stroke onset. Methods: In this pre-specified subgroup analysis, the effect of GTN (5 mg/day for 7 days) versus no GTN was studied in 629 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage presenting within 48 hours and with systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Results: Mean blood pressure at baseline was 172/93 mmHg and significantly lower (difference -7.5/-4.2 mmHg; both p< 0.05) on day 1 in 310 patients allocated to GTN as compared with 319 randomised to no GTN. No difference in the mRS was observed between those receiving GTN versus no GTN (adjusted odds ratio, OR for worse outcome with GTN 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-1.37; p=0.84). In the subgroup of 61 patients randomised within 6 hours, GTN improved functional outcome with a shift in the modified Rankin Scale (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.69, p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the rates of serious adverse events between GTN and no GTN. Conclusions: In patients with intracerebral haemorrhage within 48 hours of onset, GTN lowered blood pressure, was safe but did not improve functional outcome. Very early treatment might be beneficial but needs assessment in further studies.

Rationale: Outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage remains poor. Tranexamic acid is easy to administer, readily available, inexpensive, and effective in other hemorrhagic conditions. Aim: This randomized trial aims to test the hypothesis that intravenous tranexamic acid given within 8 h of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage reduces death or dependency. Design: Phase III prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Participants within 8 h of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage are randomized to receive either intravenous tranexamic acid 1 g 10 min bolus followed by 1 g 8 h infusion, or placebo. Sample size estimates: A trial of 2000 participants (300 from start-up phase and 1700 from main phase) will have 90% power to detect an ordinal shift of the modified Rankin Scale with odds ratio 0.79. Study outcomes: The primary outcome is death or dependency measured by ordinal shift analysis of the 7 level mRS at day 90. Secondary outcomes are neurological impairment at day 7 and disability, quality of life, cognition, and mood at day 90. Safety outcomes are death, serious adverse events, thromboembolic events, and seizures. Cost outcomes are length of stay in hospital, readmission, and institutionalization. Discussion: This pragmatic trial is assessing efficacy of tranexamic acid after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Recruitment started in 2013; as of 15th January 2016 1355 participants have been enrolled, from 95 centers in seven countries. Recruitment is due to end in 2017. TICH-2 Trial is registered as ISRCTN93732214.

Background and purpose: Although poor prognosis after intracerebral haemorrhage relates to risk factors and haematoma characteristics, there is limited evidence for the effect of race-ethnicity. Methods: Data from 1011 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage enrolled into hyperacute trials and randomised to control were obtained from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) and Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) Trial. Clinical characteristics and functional outcome were compared among three racial groups – Asians, Blacks and Caucasians. Results: The majority of patients were Caucasian (78.1%) followed by Asians (14.5%) and Blacks (5.5%). At baseline, Caucasians were older and had larger haematoma volumes; Blacks had lower Glasgow Coma Scale and higher systolic blood pressure (all p<0.05). Although the primary outcome of modified Rankin scale (mRS) did not differ at 90 days (p=0.14), there were significant differences in mortality (p<0.0001) and quality of life (EQ-5D p<0.0001; EQ-VAS p 0.015). In test of multiple comparisons, Caucasians were more likely to die (p=0.0003) and had worse quality of life (EQ-5D p=0.003; EQ-VAS p<0.0001) as compared to Asians. Conclusion: Race-ethnicity appears to explain some of the variation in clinical characteristics and outcomes after acute intracerebral haemorrhage. Factors that explain this variation need to be identified.

Background and purpose: Although poor prognosis after intracerebral haemorrhage relates to risk factors and haematoma characteristics, there is limited evidence for the effect of race-ethnicity. Methods: Data from 1011 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage enrolled into hyperacute trials and randomised to control were obtained from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) and Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) Trial. Clinical characteristics and functional outcome were compared among three racial groups – Asians, Blacks and Caucasians. Results: The majority of patients were Caucasian (78.1%) followed by Asians (14.5%) and Blacks (5.5%). At baseline, Caucasians were older and had larger haematoma volumes; Blacks had lower Glasgow Coma Scale and higher systolic blood pressure (all p<0.05). Although the primary outcome of modified Rankin scale (mRS) did not differ at 90 days (p=0.14), there were significant differences in mortality (p<0.0001) and quality of life (EQ-5D p<0.0001; EQ-VAS p 0.015). In test of multiple comparisons, Caucasians were more likely to die (p=0.0003) and had worse quality of life (EQ-5D p=0.003; EQ-VAS p<0.0001) as compared to Asians. Conclusion: Race-ethnicity appears to explain some of the variation in clinical characteristics and outcomes after acute intracerebral haemorrhage. Factors that explain this variation need to be identified.

Background Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces death due to bleeding after trauma and post-partum haemorrhage. The aim was to assess if tranexamic acid reduces haematoma expansion and improves outcome in adults with stroke due to intracerebral 6 haemorrhage (ICH). Methods We undertook an international, randomised placebo-controlled trial in adults with intracerebral haemorrhage. Participants received 1g intravenous tranexamic acid bolus followed by an 8 hour 1g infusion, or matching placebo, within 8 hours of symptom onset. The primary outcome was functional status at day 90, measured by shift in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), using ordinal logistic regression, with adjustment for stratification and minimisation criteria. All analyses were performed on an intention to treat basis. This trial is registered as ISRCTN93732214. Findings We recruited 2,325 participants (TXA 1161, placebo 1164) from 124 hospitals in 12 countries between 2013 and 2017. Treatment groups were well balanced at baseline. The primary outcome was determined for 2307 (99·2%) participants. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the primary outcome of functional status at day 90 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0·88, 95% CI 0·76-1·03, p=0·11). Although there were fewer deaths by day 7 in the TXA group (aOR 0·73, 95% CI 0·53-0·99, p=0·0406), there was no difference in case fatality at 90 days (adjusted hazard ratio 0·92, 95% CI 0·77 to 1·10, p =0·37). There were fewer serious adverse events after TXA vs. placebo by days 2 (p=0·0272), 7 (p=0·0200) and 90 (p=0·0393). Interpretation There was no significant difference in functional status 90 days after intracerebral haemorrhage with tranexamic acid, despite a reduction in early deaths and serious adverse events. Larger randomised trials are needed to confirm or refute a clinically significant treatment effect.

Early infection after stroke is associated with a poor outcome. We aimed to determine whether delayed infections (up to 76 days post-stroke) are associated with poor outcome at 90 days. Data came from the international Efficacy of Nitric Oxide Stroke (ENOS, ISRCTN99414122) trial. Post hoc data on infections were obtained from serious adverse events reports between 1 and 76 days following stroke in this large cohort of patients. Regression models accounting for baseline covariates were used to analyse fatalities and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index, Euro-Qol-5D) at 90 days, in patients with infection compared to those without infection. Of 4011 patients, 242 (6.0%) developed one or more serious infections. Infections were associated with an increased risk of death (p < 0.001) and an increased likelihood of dependency (measured by mRS) compared to those of all other patients (p < 0.001). This remained when only surviving patients were analysed, indicating that the worsening of functional outcome is not due to mortality (p < 0.001). In addition, the timing of the infection after stroke did not alter its detrimental association with fatality (p = 0.14) or functional outcome (p = 0.47). In conclusion, severe poststroke infections, whether occurring early or late after stroke, are associated with an increased risk of death and poorer functional outcome, independent of differences in baseline characteristics or treatment. Not only are strategies needed for reducing the risk of infection immediately after stroke, but also during the first 3 months following a stroke. This study is registered: ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN99414122, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT00989716.

Post-stroke dysphagia is common, associated with poor outcome and often requires non-oral feeding/fluids. The relationship between route of feeding and outcome, as well as treatment with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), was studied prospectively. The Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial assessed transdermal GTN (5 mg versus none for 7 days) in 4011 patients with acute stroke and high blood pressure. Feeding route (oral = normal or soft diet; nonoral = nasogastric tube, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube, parenteral fluids, no fluids) was assessed at baseline and day 7. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) measured at day 90. At baseline, 1331 (33.2%) patients had non-oral feeding, were older, had more severe stroke and more were female, than 2680 (66.8%) patients with oral feeding. By day 7, 756 patients had improved from non-oral to oral feeding, and 119 had deteriorated. Non-oral feeding at baseline was associated with more impairment at day 7 (Scandinavian Stroke Scale 29.0 versus 43.7; 2p < 0.001), and worse mRS (4.0 versus 2.7; 2p < 0.001) and death (23.6 versus 6.8%; 2p = 0.014) at day 90. Although GTN did not modify route of feeding overall, randomisation ≤6 hours of stroke was associated with a move to more oral feeding at day 7 (odds ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence intervals 0.38, 0.98; 2p = 0.040). As a proxy for dysphagia, non-oral feeding is present in 33% of patients with acute stroke and associated with more impairment, dependency and death. GTN moved feeding route towards oral intake if given very early after stroke.

Background and purpose: More than 50% of patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are taking antihypertensive drugs before ictus. Although antihypertensive therapy should be given long term for secondary prevention, whether to continue or stop such treatment during the acute phase of ICH remains unclear, a question that was addressed in the Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial. Methods: ENOS was an international multicenter, prospective, randomized, blinded endpoint trial. Among 629 patients with ICH and systolic blood pressure between 140 and 220 mmHg, 246 patients who were taking antihypertensive drugs were assigned to continue (n = 119) or to stop (n = 127) taking drugs temporarily for 7 days. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included death, length of stay in hospital, discharge destination, activities of daily living, mood, cognition, and quality of life. Results: Blood pressure level (baseline 171/92 mmHg) fell in both groups but was significantly lower at 7 days in those patients assigned to continue antihypertensive drugs (difference 9.4/3.5 mmHg, P < .01). At 90 days, the primary outcome did not differ between the groups; the adjusted common odds ratio (OR) for worse outcome with continue versus stop drugs was .92 (95% confidence interval, .45- 1.89; P = .83). There was no difference between the treatment groups for any secondary outcome measure, or rates of death or serious adverse events. Conclusions: Among patients with acute ICH, immediate continuation of antihypertensive drugs during the first week did not reduce death or major disability in comparison to stopping treatment temporarily.

Background and purpose: The Efficacy of Nitric oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial found that transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, a nitric oxide donor) lowered blood pressure but did not improve functional outcome in patients with acute stroke. However, GTN was associated with improved outcome if patients were randomised within 6 hours of stroke onset. Methods: In this pre-specified subgroup analysis, the effect of GTN (5 mg/day for 7 days) versus no GTN was studied in 629 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage presenting within 48 hours and with systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Results: Mean blood pressure at baseline was 172/93 mmHg and significantly lower (difference -7.5/-4.2 mmHg; both p< 0.05) on day 1 in 310 patients allocated to GTN as compared with 319 randomised to no GTN. No difference in the mRS was observed between those receiving GTN versus no GTN (adjusted odds ratio, OR for worse outcome with GTN 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-1.37; p=0.84). In the subgroup of 61 patients randomised within 6 hours, GTN improved functional outcome with a shift in the modified Rankin Scale (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.69, p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the rates of serious adverse events between GTN and no GTN. Conclusions: In patients with intracerebral haemorrhage within 48 hours of onset, GTN lowered blood pressure, was safe but did not improve functional outcome. Very early treatment might be beneficial but needs assessment in further studies.

Rationale: Outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage remains poor. Tranexamic acid is easy to administer, readily available, inexpensive, and effective in other hemorrhagic conditions. Aim: This randomized trial aims to test the hypothesis that intravenous tranexamic acid given within 8 h of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage reduces death or dependency. Design: Phase III prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Participants within 8 h of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage are randomized to receive either intravenous tranexamic acid 1 g 10 min bolus followed by 1 g 8 h infusion, or placebo. Sample size estimates: A trial of 2000 participants (300 from start-up phase and 1700 from main phase) will have 90% power to detect an ordinal shift of the modified Rankin Scale with odds ratio 0.79. Study outcomes: The primary outcome is death or dependency measured by ordinal shift analysis of the 7 level mRS at day 90. Secondary outcomes are neurological impairment at day 7 and disability, quality of life, cognition, and mood at day 90. Safety outcomes are death, serious adverse events, thromboembolic events, and seizures. Cost outcomes are length of stay in hospital, readmission, and institutionalization. Discussion: This pragmatic trial is assessing efficacy of tranexamic acid after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Recruitment started in 2013; as of 15th January 2016 1355 participants have been enrolled, from 95 centers in seven countries. Recruitment is due to end in 2017. TICH-2 Trial is registered as ISRCTN93732214.

Background Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces death due to bleeding after trauma and post-partum haemorrhage. The aim was to assess if tranexamic acid reduces haematoma expansion and improves outcome in adults with stroke due to intracerebral 6 haemorrhage (ICH). Methods We undertook an international, randomised placebo-controlled trial in adults with intracerebral haemorrhage. Participants received 1g intravenous tranexamic acid bolus followed by an 8 hour 1g infusion, or matching placebo, within 8 hours of symptom onset. The primary outcome was functional status at day 90, measured by shift in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), using ordinal logistic regression, with adjustment for stratification and minimisation criteria. All analyses were performed on an intention to treat basis. This trial is registered as ISRCTN93732214. Findings We recruited 2,325 participants (TXA 1161, placebo 1164) from 124 hospitals in 12 countries between 2013 and 2017. Treatment groups were well balanced at baseline. The primary outcome was determined for 2307 (99·2%) participants. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the primary outcome of functional status at day 90 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0·88, 95% CI 0·76-1·03, p=0·11). Although there were fewer deaths by day 7 in the TXA group (aOR 0·73, 95% CI 0·53-0·99, p=0·0406), there was no difference in case fatality at 90 days (adjusted hazard ratio 0·92, 95% CI 0·77 to 1·10, p =0·37). There were fewer serious adverse events after TXA vs. placebo by days 2 (p=0·0272), 7 (p=0·0200) and 90 (p=0·0393). Interpretation There was no significant difference in functional status 90 days after intracerebral haemorrhage with tranexamic acid, despite a reduction in early deaths and serious adverse events. Larger randomised trials are needed to confirm or refute a clinically significant treatment effect.

Early infection after stroke is associated with a poor outcome. We aimed to determine whether delayed infections (up to 76 days post-stroke) are associated with poor outcome at 90 days. Data came from the international Efficacy of Nitric Oxide Stroke (ENOS, ISRCTN99414122) trial. Post hoc data on infections were obtained from serious adverse events reports between 1 and 76 days following stroke in this large cohort of patients. Regression models accounting for baseline covariates were used to analyse fatalities and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index, Euro-Qol-5D) at 90 days, in patients with infection compared to those without infection. Of 4011 patients, 242 (6.0%) developed one or more serious infections. Infections were associated with an increased risk of death (p < 0.001) and an increased likelihood of dependency (measured by mRS) compared to those of all other patients (p < 0.001). This remained when only surviving patients were analysed, indicating that the worsening of functional outcome is not due to mortality (p < 0.001). In addition, the timing of the infection after stroke did not alter its detrimental association with fatality (p = 0.14) or functional outcome (p = 0.47). In conclusion, severe poststroke infections, whether occurring early or late after stroke, are associated with an increased risk of death and poorer functional outcome, independent of differences in baseline characteristics or treatment. Not only are strategies needed for reducing the risk of infection immediately after stroke, but also during the first 3 months following a stroke. This study is registered: ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN99414122, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT00989716.

Post-stroke dysphagia is common, associated with poor outcome and often requires non-oral feeding/fluids. The relationship between route of feeding and outcome, as well as treatment with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), was studied prospectively. The Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial assessed transdermal GTN (5 mg versus none for 7 days) in 4011 patients with acute stroke and high blood pressure. Feeding route (oral = normal or soft diet; nonoral = nasogastric tube, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube, parenteral fluids, no fluids) was assessed at baseline and day 7. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) measured at day 90. At baseline, 1331 (33.2%) patients had non-oral feeding, were older, had more severe stroke and more were female, than 2680 (66.8%) patients with oral feeding. By day 7, 756 patients had improved from non-oral to oral feeding, and 119 had deteriorated. Non-oral feeding at baseline was associated with more impairment at day 7 (Scandinavian Stroke Scale 29.0 versus 43.7; 2p < 0.001), and worse mRS (4.0 versus 2.7; 2p < 0.001) and death (23.6 versus 6.8%; 2p = 0.014) at day 90. Although GTN did not modify route of feeding overall, randomisation ≤6 hours of stroke was associated with a move to more oral feeding at day 7 (odds ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence intervals 0.38, 0.98; 2p = 0.040). As a proxy for dysphagia, non-oral feeding is present in 33% of patients with acute stroke and associated with more impairment, dependency and death. GTN moved feeding route towards oral intake if given very early after stroke.

Background and purpose: More than 50% of patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are taking antihypertensive drugs before ictus. Although antihypertensive therapy should be given long term for secondary prevention, whether to continue or stop such treatment during the acute phase of ICH remains unclear, a question that was addressed in the Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial. Methods: ENOS was an international multicenter, prospective, randomized, blinded endpoint trial. Among 629 patients with ICH and systolic blood pressure between 140 and 220 mmHg, 246 patients who were taking antihypertensive drugs were assigned to continue (n = 119) or to stop (n = 127) taking drugs temporarily for 7 days. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included death, length of stay in hospital, discharge destination, activities of daily living, mood, cognition, and quality of life. Results: Blood pressure level (baseline 171/92 mmHg) fell in both groups but was significantly lower at 7 days in those patients assigned to continue antihypertensive drugs (difference 9.4/3.5 mmHg, P < .01). At 90 days, the primary outcome did not differ between the groups; the adjusted common odds ratio (OR) for worse outcome with continue versus stop drugs was .92 (95% confidence interval, .45- 1.89; P = .83). There was no difference between the treatment groups for any secondary outcome measure, or rates of death or serious adverse events. Conclusions: Among patients with acute ICH, immediate continuation of antihypertensive drugs during the first week did not reduce death or major disability in comparison to stopping treatment temporarily.