Effectiveness and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis in conjunction with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy for acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe acute low iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT), such as phlegmasia cerulea dolens, benefit from catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). This meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) during CDT compared with CDT alone in the treatment of acute iliofemoral DVT.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wanfang data were searched for studies on the management of acute iliofemoral DVT by means of CDT or CDT with adjuvant PMT. Randomized, controlled trials and nonrandomized studies were included. The primary outcomes were venous patency rate, major bleeding complications, and post-thrombotic syndrome occurrence within 2 years of the procedure. The secondary outcomes were thrombolytic time and volume, as well as the rates of thigh detumescence and iliac vein stenting.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 20 eligible studies with a total of 1686 patients. The rates of venous patency (mean difference, 10.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.59-14.62) and thigh detumescence (mean difference, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.10-6.18) of the adjuvant PMT group were higher than those of the CDT alone group. Compared with CDT alone, the adjuvant PMT group experienced fewer incidences of major bleeding complications (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26-0.77) and occurrences of post-thrombotic syndrome within 2 years of the procedure (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33-0.92). Furthermore, the duration of thrombolytic therapy was shorter, and the total dose of administered thrombolytics was lower with adjuvant PMT.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant PMT during CDT is associated with improved clinical outcomes and a lower incidence of major bleeding complications. The studies investigated were, however, single-center cohort studies, and future randomized controlled trials are needed to substantiate these findings.

Thrombolysis in STEMI in the era of COVID - Holding fort in cardiologist deficit locales

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmaco-invasive approach in the management of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) played a vital role in saving many lives. A retrospective observational study was conducted wherein 134 patients presenting with STEMI between (Dec 2019-Mar 2022) were thrombolysed with either streptokinase or tenecteplase in a centre where primary PCI was not available. There was no significant difference in the outcomes and their predictors between the SK and TNK groups. A prospective study with a larger sample size in the Indian population will be able to provide more substantial and promising results for further interventions.

Culprit vessel only versus complete revascularization following thrombolysis in patients with ST elevation myocardial infraction and multivessel coronary artery disease - A prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The present study compares the treatment outcomes of only culprit vessel PCI and complete revascularization in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (MVD) following thrombolysis.

METHODS

This was a single-center, prospective randomized study including a total of 108 patients presenting at a tertiary care center within 3-24 h post-thrombolysis and undergoing pharmacoinvasive PCI, and randomized into two groups: complete revascularization PCI group and culprit only PCI group. The primary outcomes were evaluated by cardiac mortality, repeat myocardial infarction (MI)/acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and refractory angina. The secondary outcomes include repeat revascularization and safety outcomes namely contrast induced nephropathy (CIN), cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and major bleeding were compared among both the groups at one year follow-up.

RESULTS

Complete revascularization PCI group and culprit only PCI group had 54 patients in each group. Left ventricular ejection fraction did not show significant difference at discharge (p = 1) but was significantly improved in complete revascularization PCI group (p = 0.001) at one year follow-up. Reduced number of outcomes with a significant difference in both the groups were seen for primary outcomes such as cardiac mortality (p = 0.01), repeat MI/ACS (p = 0.01) and refractory angina (p = 0.038) along with repeat revascularization (p = 0.001) at one year follow-up. Complete revascularization did not show any statistically significant difference for CIN (p = 0.567), CVA (p = 0.153) and major bleeding (p = 0.322) then culprit only revascularization group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with STEMI and MVD, complete revascularization was found more favourable in terms of primary and secondary outcomes compared to culprit only revascularization.

Acute recanalization treatments in postnatal paediatric ischaemic arterial stroke. Paediatric stroke code

In children, arterial ischemic stroke is a much less understood disease compared to in adults due to its lower frequency and different aetiology. However, it is also a serious disease, with a high incidence of severe and permanent sequelae that exceeds 50% of total cases. The acute management of postnatal arterial ischaemic stroke (MNAIS) has changed drastically in recent years, chiefly on account of recanalization treatments (thrombolysis and endovascular therapies). These treatments, which used to not be recommended in childhood, are increasingly implemented in everyday clinical practice. Although the evidence from studies carried out in children is not of high quality due to their retrospective design and the small number of reported cases, they support the hypothesis that these treatments are as safe and effective as they are in adults as long as appropriate eligibility criteria are applied and they are used within a certain time from the onset of symptoms (therapeutic window). This article reviews the acute management of postnatal paediatric arterial ischemic stroke based on the current scientific evidence. Since the efficacy of these treatments is highly dependent on their early initiation, a paediatric stroke code needs to be in place as an extension of the stroke code applied to adults. It has started to be introduced in Spain since 2019, although there are still large areas of the country where it has yet to be applied.

Best medical management versus intravenous thrombolysis for mild non-disabling ischemic stroke: A prospective noninferiority registry study

OBJECTIVES

The efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis uncertain in patients with non-disabling mild ischemic stroke. Our aim was to investigate whether best medical management only is noninferior to intravenous thrombolysis plus best medical management therapy for achieving favorable functional outcome at 90 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective acute ischemic stroke registry from 2018 through 2020, 314 non-disabling mild ischemic stroke patients received best medical management only and 638 underwent intravenous thrombolysis plus best medical management. The primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale ≤1 at Day 90. The noninferiority margin was -5%. Secondary outcomes of hemorrhagic transformation, early neurologic deterioration and mortality were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The best medical management only was noninferior to the combined therapy of intravenous thrombolysis and best medical management with regard to the primary outcome (unadjusted risk difference, 1.16%; 95% CI, -3.48% ∼ 5.8%; p = 0.0046 for noninferiority; adjusted risk difference, 3.01%; 95% CI, -3.39% ∼ 9.41%). After propensity score matching, p < 0.0001 for noninferiority. RD, 4.03%; 95% CI, -1.59% ∼ 9.69%. p < 0.0001 for noninferiority. Adjusted RD, 5.23%; 95% CI, -1.88% ∼ 9.97%. The occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation was significantly increased in the group of combination therapy (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.30 to 13.99; p = 0.008), while no significant difference was detected in early neurologic deterioration (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.49-2.52; p = 0.808) and mortality (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.69; p = 0.214) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we found the best medical management only was noninferior to the combination therapy of intravenous thrombolysis plus best medical management for non-disabling mild ischemic stroke within 4.5 h after onset. Best medical management may be a treatment of choice for non-disabling mild ischemic stroke patients. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted.

Gender disparity versus equality in acute stroke: a Middle Eastern country hospital-based study

Background

Acute stroke management is well-established in developed countries with no gender difference. Yet, in developing countries there are reports on gender disparity in medical services including stroke services. Egypt, a developing low-middle-income country, heavily populated, in the Middle East is a good example to answer whether acute ischemic stroke service is provided equally to males and females or there is disparity in risk factors, onset to door (OTD), door to needle (DTN), and outcome. The current study was prospective observational analytical hospital-based study, on acute ischemic stroke cases admitted to Nasr city insurance hospital stroke unit between September 2020 and September 2022.

Results

350 cases were included, 257 males and 93 females. Hypertension was the commonest risk factor 66% males and 81% females P = 0.011, atrial fibrillation was predominant in females P < 0.001, smoking was predominant in males P < 0.001. Median OTD in hours was 8.0 among both genders with minimum zero and maximum 96 h in males compared to minimum 1 and maximum 120 h in females, DTN was around 30 min with no significant difference. Median NIHSS on which rtPA was administered was 12.5 (6-13) in females compared to 10 (6-12) in males. Males who did not receive rtPA had a better mRS on discharge and on 90 days P = 0.01, 0.009, respectively, while there was no significant difference on discharge and 90 days between both genders on receiving rtPA.

Conclusions

No gender disparity was found in DTN, discharge outcome, and 90 days among rtPA recipients. Females tended to have higher NIHSS and relatively delayed presentation to ER with less favorable outcome at discharge and 90 days in case of not receiving rtPA. Encouraging earlier arrival and conducting awareness campaigns for risk factors management is warranted.

An in vitro model for Extracellular DNA Traps (ETs)-rich Human Thrombus Analogs

BACKGROUND

Extracellular DNA traps (ETs) have important implications in both thrombosis and thrombolysis. Thus, developing benchtop thrombus analogs that recapitulate clinical ETs is potentially of great value for preclinical development and testing of thrombolytic agents and thrombectomy devices. In this study, we aimed to develop ETs-rich thrombus analogs for preclinical testing.

METHODS

Red blood cell (RBC)-rich, fibrin-rich, and platelet-rich thrombus analogs were created using human whole blood, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma obtained from the blood bank following institutional approval. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (9.9×106 cells/mL) isolated from human whole blood and lipopolysaccharide (1 µg/mL) were added to induce ETs. Histochemical, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to identify thrombus components and ETs. Scanning electronic microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructure of the thrombus analogs. The thrombus compositions, morphologic features of ETs and citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit) expression were compared with those of thrombi retrieved from patients by thrombectomy.

RESULTS

ETs-rich thrombus analogs were more compacted th-an the ETs-poor thrombus analogs. ETs were identified in both ETs-rich thrombus analogs and patient thrombi showing morphologic features including nuclear lobulation, nuclear swelling, diffused chromatin within cytoplasm, DNA/chromatin extending intracellularly and extracellularly, and extracellular chromatin patches and bundles. In the ETs-poor thrombus analogs, ETs were not observed and H3Cit expression was absent to minimal. The compositions and H3Cit expression in the ETs-rich thrombus analogs fell in the range of patient thrombi.

CONCLUSIONS

ETs-rich thrombus analogs can be consistently created in vitro and may benefit the preclinical development and testing of new thrombolytic agents and thrombectomy devices.

Thrombolysis for Acute Wake-Up and Unclear-Onset Strokes with Alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg in Clinical Practice: THAWS2 Study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg for patients with acute wake-up or unclear-onset strokes in clinical practice.

METHODS

This multicenter observational study enrolled acute ischemic stroke patients with last-known-well time >4.5 h who had mismatch between DWI and FLAIR and were treated with IV alteplase. The safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after thrombolysis, all-cause deaths, and all adverse events. The efficacy outcomes were favorable outcome defined as an mRS score of 0-1 or recovery to the same mRS score as the premorbid score, complete independence defined as an mRS score of 0-1 at 90 days, and change in NIHSS at 24 h from baseline.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients (35 females; mean age, 74 ± 11 years; premorbid complete independence, 54 [82%]; median NIHSS on admission, 11) were enrolled at 15 hospitals. Two patients (3%) had sICH. Median NIHSS changed from 11 (IQR, 6.75-16.25) at baseline to 5 (3-12.25) at 24 h after alteplase initiation (change, -4.8 ± 8.1). At discharge, 31 patients (47%) had favorable outcome and 29 (44%) had complete independence. None died within 90 days. Twenty-three (35%) also underwent mechanical thrombectomy (no sICH, NIHSS change of -8.5 ± 7.3), of whom 11 (48%) were completely independent at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

In real-world clinical practice, IV alteplase for unclear-onset stroke patients with DWI-FLAIR mismatch provided safe and efficacious outcomes comparable to those in previous trials. Additional mechanical thrombectomy was performed safely in them.

The safety and efficacy of hypothermia combining mechanical thrombectomy or thrombolysis in the treatment of ischemic stroke: A systematic meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a major global public health problem, affecting 13.7 million people worldwide. Previous studies have found a neuroprotective effect of hypothermia therapy and the efficacy and safety of combined hypothermia and mechanical thrombectomy or thrombolysis in the treatment of ischemic stroke have also attracted attention.

OBJECTIVE

In the present research, the authors conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the safety and efficacy of hypothermia combining mechanical thrombectomy or thrombolysis in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Articles published from January 2001 to May 2022 were searched from Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar and PubMed to evaluate the clinical significance of hypothermia treatment in ischemic stroke. Complications, short-term mortality, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in the full text was extracted.

RESULTS

89 publications were selected and 9 among them were included in this study with sample size of 643. All selected studies are in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Forest plot of clinical characteristics was as follows: complications (RR = 1.132, 95% CI 0.942‒1.361, p = 0.186, I² = 37.2%), mortality within 3 months (RR = 1.076, 95% CI 0.694‒1.669, p = 0.744, I² = 0.00%), mRS ≤ 1 at 3 months (RR = 1.138, 95% CI 0.829‒1.563, p = 0.423, I² = 26.0%), mRS ≤ 2 at 3 months (RR = 1.672, 95% CI 1.236‒2.263, p = 0.001, I²=49.6%) and mRS ≤ 3 at 3 months (RR = 1.518, 95% CI 1.128‒2.043, p = 0.006, I² = 0.00%). The funnel plot suggested that there was no significant publication bias in the meta-analysis on complications, mortality within 3 months, mRS ≤ 1 at 3 months and mRS ≤ 2 at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the results showed that hypothermia treatment was correlated with mRS ≤ 2 at 3 months, but not linked with complications and mortality within 3 months.

Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke during two COVID-19 outbreaks in China: Wuhan pandemic and Beijing pandemic

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the emergency department (ED). Door-to-needle time (DNT) could be prolonged for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) treatment. We aimed to investigate the impact of two COVID-19 pandemics on the workflow of IVT in our neurovascular ED.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who received IVT treatment in the neurovascular ED of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, from January 20, 2020, to October 30, 2020, covering two COVID-19 pandemics in China. The time-based performances of IVT treatment including onset-to-arrival time, arrival-to-CT time, CT-to-needle time, door-to-needle time, and onset-to-needle time were recorded. Data on clinical characteristics and imaging information were also collected.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty patients that received IVT were enrolled in this study. The number of patients admitted to our neurovascular ED began to decrease in December 2019 and was the lowest in April 2020 (n = 95). Longer DNT (Wuhan pandemic: 49.00 [35.00, 64.00] min; Beijing pandemic: 55.00 [45.50, 77.00] min) interval delays were observed during the two pandemics (p = .016). More patients admitted during the two pandemics had an 'unknown' subtype (Wuhan pandemic: 21.8%; Beijing pandemic: 31.4%. p = .008). The percentage of the cardiac embolism subtype was higher during the Wuhan pandemic (20.0%) than during other periods. The median admission NIHSS score increased during the Wuhan pandemic and the Beijing pandemic (8.00 [4.00, 12.00], 7.00 [4.50, 14.00], respectively, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The number of patients who received IVT decreased during the Wuhan pandemic. Higher admission NIHSS scores and prolonged DNT intervals were also observed during the Wuhan pandemic and the Beijing pandemic.

Successful treatment of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation complicated with left ventricular thrombus by intravenous thrombolysis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular thrombus is a rare condition, for which appropriate treatments are not extensively studied. Although it can be treated by thrombectomy, such surgery can be difficult and risky, and not every patient can tolerate the surgery.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of a middle-aged man receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for acute myocardial infarction who developed left ventricular thrombus despite systemic anticoagulation. After systemic thrombolysis with urokinase, the left ventricular thrombus disappeared, ECMO was successfully withdrawn 9 days later, and the patient recovered and was discharged from hospital.

CONCLUSION

Systemic thrombolysis is a treatment option for left ventricular thrombus in addition to anticoagulation and thrombectomy.

Carboxyl PEGylation of magnetic nanoparticles as antithrombotic and thrombolytic agents by calcium binding

Known to be biocompatible and hemocompatible, polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been widely used as anti-fouling coating of biomaterials. Nanoparticles coated with functionalized PEG were also investigated for their nano-cell interactions, but seldomly on the coagulation system, especially with platelets. Both experiments and molecular dynamic simulations indicate that terminal carboxylation of PEG promotes its binding with calcium, especially in the ionized form, which makes it potential anticoagulants. Further, the carboxyl PEGylated magnetic nanoparticle (HOOC-PEG₂₀₀₀-MNP) exhibits significantly increased anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties, by entering the open canalicular system (OCS) of human platelets and binding with the cytoplasmic calcium ions. HOOC-PEG₂₀₀₀-MNP also acts as effective thrombolytic agents in dissolving mature blood clots under oscillating magnetic field both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the carboxyl PEGylated magnetic nanoparticles are prototype agents for antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapies and provide a versatile platform for targeted and effective treatments of acute cardiovascular diseases.

Intra-arterial thrombolysis as adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients in the United States: A case control analysis

BACKGROUND

Although observational studies have reported favorable clinical outcomes associated with intra-arterial thrombolysis as adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy, the cost and length of hospitalization associated with this intervention has not been studied.

METHODS

We analyzed the nationally representative data of the United States data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to compare hospitalization cost and duration in addition to other outcomes in patients receiving (n = 1990) with those not receiving intra-arterial thrombolysis (n = 1990) in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy using a case control design matched for age, gender, and presence of aphasia, hemiplegia, neglect, coma/stupor, hemianopsia and dysphagia.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the median hospitalization cost in patients treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis compared with those not treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis: $36,992 [28,361 to 54,336] versus $35,440 [24,383 to 50,438], (regression coefficient 2,485 [-1,947 to 6,917], p = 0.27). There was no difference in the median length of hospitalization in patients treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis compared with those not treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis: 6 days [3 to 10] versus 6 days [4 to 10], (regression coefficient -0.34 [-1.47 to 0.80], p = 0.56). There was no difference in odds of home-discharge (OR 1.02 95%CI 0.72-1.43, p = 0.93) or post-procedural intracranial hemorrhage (OR 1.16 95%CI 0.83-1.64, p = 0.39) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not observe an increase in the cost or length of hospitalization associated with the use of intra-arterial thrombolysis as adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients. If the ongoing randomized clinical trials demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in reducing death or disability, this intervention has a high likelihood of being beneficial overall.

Recanalization Therapies for Large Vessel Occlusion Due to Cervical Artery Dissection: A Cohort Study of the EVA-TRISP Collaboration

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of endovascular treatment (EVT, with or without intravenous thrombolysis [IVT]) versus IVT alone on outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) attributable to cervical artery dissection (CeAD).

METHODS

This multinational cohort study was conducted based on prospectively collected data from the EVA-TRISP (EndoVAscular treatment and ThRombolysis for Ischemic Stroke Patients) collaboration. Consecutive patients (2015-2019) with AIS-LVO attributable to CeAD treated with EVT and/or IVT were included. Primary outcome measures were (1) favorable 3-month outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) and (2) complete recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale 2b/3). Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (OR [95% CI]) from logistic regression models were calculated (unadjusted, adjusted). Secondary analyses were performed in the patients with LVO in the anterior circulation (LVOant) including propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Among 290 patients, 222 (76.6%) had EVT and 68 (23.4%) IVT alone. EVT-treated patients had more severe strokes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, median [interquartile range]: 14 [10-19] vs. 4 [2-7], P<0.001). The frequency of favorable 3-month outcome did not differ significantly between both groups (EVT: 64.0% vs. IVT: 86.8%; ORadjusted 0.56 [0.24-1.32]). EVT was associated with higher rates of recanalization (80.5% vs. 40.7%; ORadjusted 8.85 [4.28-18.29]) compared to IVT. All secondary analyses showed higher recanalization rates in the EVT-group, which however never translated into better functional outcome rates compared to the IVT-group.

CONCLUSION

We observed no signal of superiority of EVT over IVT regarding functional outcome in CeAD-patients with AIS and LVO despite higher rates of complete recanalization with EVT. Whether pathophysiological CeAD-characteristics or their younger age might explain this observation deserves further research.

Trends in intravenous thrombolysis utilization for acute ischemic stroke based on hospital size: Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program, 2010-2019

INTRODUCTION

The rate of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) utilization in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been increasing, and this has coincided with improved door-to-needle times (DNTs). Smaller hospitals have been observed to utilize IVT less frequently or even not at all. Using a multistate stroke registry, we sought to determine the impact of hospital size on trends in IVT utilization for AIS.

METHODS

Utilizing data from the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (PCNASP), we studied trends in IVT for AIS patients between 2010 and 2019 based on hospital size. Hospitals were grouped into quartiles based on size. We studied the impact of hospital size on DNTs and overall IVT utilization.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 530,828 AIS patients (mean age 70.3 ± 0.02 years, 50.4% men) from 540 participating hospitals. We did not identify a significant trend in IVT utilization among hospitals within the first quartile (p = 0.1005), but there were significantly increased trends within the hospitals belonging to the second, third, and fourth quartiles (p < 0.001 for all). All quartiles were observed to have significantly increased trends in DNTs ≤60 min (p < 0.0001), but only hospitals within the second, third, and fourth quartiles experienced significantly increased trends in DNTs ≤45 min (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In our registry-based analysis, we observed an increased trend in IVT utilization for AIS among larger hospitals. There was an overall improvement in rates of DNTs ≤60 min, but only larger hospitals were observed to have improved DNTs ≤45 min.

Baseline brain imaging signs in patients with ischaemic stroke by the presence of atrial fibrillation: the ENCHANTED trial

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the association of atrial fibrillation (AF) on outcomes in a post hoc analysis of the ENCHANTED (Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study) and how this association is modified by baseline imaging features.

METHODS

Inverse probability of treatment weight was used to remove baseline imbalances between those with and without AF. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH), early neurological deterioration or death within 24 h, and death at 90 days. The logistic regression model was used to determine the associations.

RESULTS

Of the 3285 patients included in this analysis, 636 (19%) had AF at baseline. Compared with non-AF, AF was not significantly associated with an unfavourable shift of mRS (odds ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-1.24), but with sICH (2.82; 1.78-4.48; IST-3 criteria), early neurological deterioration or death within 24 h (1.31; 1.01-1.70), and death (1.42; 1.12-1.79). Among patients with acute ischaemic signs (presence, extent, swelling and attenuation of acute lesions), AF was associated with the increased risk of all the poor outcomes (all P < 0.04 for interaction).

CONCLUSIONS

We found AF increased risk of sICH, early neurological deterioration or death and death, but not unfavourable functional recovery at day 90 after thrombolysis in patients with AIS. The presence of acute ischaemic brain imaging signs at stroke presentation could be used to improve risk stratification in the presence of AF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01422616).

The REMIT scale: A novel prediction scale for embolism in hyperacute stroke with large vessel occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Large vessel occlusion (LVO) in hyperacute ischemic stroke occurs mainly by one of two mechanisms, embolism or atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism is difficult to identify prior to treatment. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with embolic LVO in hyperacute ischemic stroke, and to develop a preoperative predictive scale for the event.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study was conducted with consecutive ischemic stroke patients with LVO who underwent thrombectomy, thrombolysis, or both. The embolic LVO was defined as an occlusion that underwent recanalization with no residual stenosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for embolic LVO was performed to identity the independent risk factors. With this approach, a novel prediction scale (Rating of Embolic Occlusion for Mechanical Thrombectomy [REMIT] scale) was developed.

RESULTS

A total of 162 patients (104 men; median age 76 years; interquartile range 68-83) were included in this study. Embolic LVO was observed in 121 patients (75%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that embolic LVO was independently associated with high brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission, and absence of non-culprit stenosis (NoCS). The REMIT scale comprises high BNP (>100 pg/dL), high NIHSS (>14) and absence of NoCS, with one point for each risk factor. The frequencies of embolic LVO for the REMIT scale scores were as follows: score 0, 25%; score 1, 60%; score 2, 87%; score 3, 97% (C-statistic 0.80, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The novel REMIT scale has predictive value for embolic LVO.

Inpatient rehabilitation therapy in stroke patients with reperfusion therapy: a national prospective registry study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the rate of real-world inpatient rehabilitation therapy (IRT) after stroke. We aimed to determine the rate of inpatient rehabilitation therapy and its associated factors in patients who undergo reperfusion therapy in China.

METHODS

This national prospective registry study included hospitalized ischemic stroke patients aged 14-99 years with reperfusion therapy between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, collecting hospital-level and patient-level demographic and clinical data. IRT included acupuncture or massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and others. The primary outcome was the rate of patients receiving IRT.

RESULTS

We included 209,189 eligible patients from 2191 hospitals. The median age was 66 years, and 64.2% were men. Four in five patients received only thrombolysis, and the rest 19.2% underwent endovascular therapy. The overall rate of IRT was 58.2% (95% CI, 58.0-58.5%). Differences in demographic and clinical variables existed between patients with and without IRT. The rates of acupuncture or massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other rehabilitation interventions were 38.0%, 28.8%, 11.8%, 14.4%, and 22.9%, respectively. The rates of single and multimodal interventions were 28.3% and 30.0%, respectively. A lower likelihood of receiving IRT was associated with being 14-50 or 76-99 years old, female, from Northeast China, from Class-C hospitals, receiving only thrombolysis, having severe stroke or severe deterioration, a short length of stay, Covid-19 pandemic and having intracranial or gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Among our patient population, the IRT rate was low with limited use of physical therapy, multimodal interventions, and rehabilitation centers and varied by demographic and clinical features. The implementation of IRT remains a challenge for stroke care, warranting urgent and effective national programs to enhance post-stroke rehabilitation and the adherence to guidelines.

Combined Therapeutics: Future Opportunities for Co-therapy with Thrombectomy

Stroke is an urgent public health issue with millions of patients worldwide living with its devastating effects. The advent of thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy has transformed the hyperacute care of these patients. However, a significant proportion of patients receiving these therapies still goes on to have unfavorable outcomes and many more remain ineligible for these therapies based on our current guidelines. The future of stroke care will depend on an expansion of the scope of thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy to patients outside traditional time windows, more distal occlusions, and large vessel occlusions with mild clinical deficits, for whom clinical trial results have not proven therapeutic efficacy. Novel cytoprotective therapies targeting the ischemic cascade and reperfusion injury therapy, in combination with our existing treatment modalities, should be explored to further improve outcomes for these patients with acute ischemic stroke. In this review, we will review the current status of thrombolysis and thrombectomy, suggest additional data that is needed to enhance these therapies, and discuss how cytoprotection might be combined with thrombectomy.

Treatment of Acute Stroke: Current Practices and Future Horizons

PURPOSE

This review will discuss revascularization of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), discussing the concept of the ischemic penumbra and how thrombolysis and thrombectomy take advantage of it.

SUMMARY

The goal of AIS revascularization is to rescue the ischemic penumbra and the approach to has gone from a time-based to tissue-based approach. Patients must be carefully selected for thrombolysis, which traditionally was limited to those whose last known normal time (LKNT) was known and within 4.5 h. However, newer imaging techniques involving MRI and CT perfusion (CTP) can select patients for thrombolysis whose LKNT is unknown. Alteplase, or tPA, is still the agent of choice for thrombolysis in patients with AIS but tenecteplase (TNK) may be just as effective and more efficient to use. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has shown considerable efficacy for treating large-vessel occlusions and using CTP, patients can be selected for hours after symptom-onset if viable tissue remains. Further research is underway to determine if EVT can be used for medium vessel occlusions and for basilar artery thromboses as well as to determine whether an "EVT-alone" strategy is superior to "tPA + EVT" strategy.

Evolving Thrombolytics: from Alteplase to Tenecteplase

Alteplase has been the primary thrombolytic used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke since thrombolysis was first established as an effective treatment of acute ischemic stroke in 1995. Tenecteplase, a genetically modified tissue plasminogen activator, has gained attention as an attractive alternative to alteplase given its practical workflow advantages and possible superior efficacy in large vessel recanalization. As more data is analyzed both from randomized trials and non-randomized patient registries, there is mounting support that tenecteplase appears to be at least equally, if not more, safe and potentially more effective than alteplase in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Randomized trials investigating tenecteplase in the delayed treatment window and with thrombectomy are ongoing, and their results are eagerly awaited. This paper provides an overview of completed and ongoing randomized trials and nonrandomized studies analyzing tenecteplase in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Results reviewed support the safe use of tenecteplase in clinical practice.

Effects of endovascular therapy for mild stroke due to proximal or M2 occlusions: meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of endovascular therapy (EVT) in mild acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to proximal versus distal occlusions.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov from January 2000 to September 2021 to identify studies comparing EVT versus best medical management (BMM) in AIS with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores ≤5 due to proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) or M1 versus distal M2 occlusions. We included studies that reported the number of patients with proximal or distal occlusions separately and reported the number of patients with freedom of disability (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-1) or functional independence (mRS score 0-2) at 90 days in proximal or M2 occlusions, respectively. OR with 95% CI was used.

RESULTS

We identified six studies with 653 proximal ICA and M1 occlusion patients and 666 distal M2 occlusion patients. Pooled results showed EVT versus BMM was associated with a higher rate of being disability-free in patients with proximal occlusions (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.30), but was associated with a lower rate of being disability-free in patients with M2 occlusions (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.99). Effect of EVT in proximal versus distal occlusions was substantially different (P for interaction=0.002). A similar pattern was seen for functional independence (P for interaction=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with mild AIS, observational data suggest that EVT may be beneficial for proximal ICA or M1 but not for distal M2 occlusions. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021281034.

Cerebral hemorrhage after thrombolysis in stroke patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

For ischemic stroke patients with concomitant unruptured aneurysm, intravenous thrombolysis therapy (IVT) remains a disputable decision. We hence performed a meta-analysis to identify the related brain hemorrhage rate of unruptured aneurysms and the risk ratio for their rupture comparing to stroke patients who do not have aneurysms.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify the studies from the online database from 2000 to September 1st, 2022. Cohort studies were included and assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for quality. The research procedures were subjected to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Fixed-effects model was used based on the heterogeneity tests.

RESULTS

In 10 eligible studies, 7238 ischemic stroke patients were screened, a total of 302 patients with 348 aneurysms were included. 10 studies were eligible for ICH rate analysis, 8 for SAH rate analysis and 7 for risk ratio of stroke patients with unruptured aneurysms. The pooled any ICH rate was 16% (95% CI 11-21%), symptomatic ICH rate was 4% (95% CI 1-7%, I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.90), and 0% (95% CI 0-1%) for aneurysm-related ICH. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was as low as 2% (95% CI 0-5%), while 0% (95% CI 0-2%) directly related to the aneurysm rupture. The risk ratio of ICH in stroke patients with aneurysms was 1.18 (95% CI 0.79-1.77). Additionally, the hemorrhage rate difference was not evident between saccular and fusiform aneurysms due to a lack of details.

CONCLUSIONS

IVT is unlikely to induce hemorrhage of pre-existing unruptured aneurysms in stroke patients. Further randomized control studies are warranted to validate these conclusions.