Recognition and management of stroke in young adults and adolescents

Clinical and Economic Profile of Homeless Young Adults with Stroke in the United States, 2002 - 2017

INTRODUCTION

. Homelessness is a major social determinant of health. We studied the clinical and economic profile of homeless young adults hospitalized with stroke.

METHODS

. We studied the National Inpatient Sample database (2002-2017) to evaluate trends of stroke hospitalization, clinical outcomes, and health expenditure in homeless vs. non-homeless young adults (<45 years).

RESULTS

. We identified 3,134 homeless individuals out of 648,944 young adults. Homeless patients were more likely to be men, Black adults and had a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and psychiatric disorders than non-homeless adults. Both homeless and non-homeless adults had a similar prevalence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Between 2002 and 2017, hospitalization rates per million increased for both non-homeless (295.8 to 416.8) and homeless adults (0.5 to 3.6) (P≤0.01). Between 2003 and 2017, the decline in in-hospital mortality was limited to non-homeless adults (11% to 9%), while it has increased in homeless adults (3% to 11%) (P<0.01). The prevalence of acute myocardial infarction (6.8% vs. 3.3%, P<0.01), and acute kidney injury (13.1% vs. 9.4%, P<0.01) was also higher in homeless vs. non-homeless adults. The length of stay and inflation-adjusted care cost were comparable between both study groups. Finally, a higher proportion of homeless patients left the hospital against medical advice than non-homeless adults.

CONCLUSIONS

. Homeless young stroke patients had significant comorbidities, increased hospitalization rates, and adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, public health interventions should focus on multidisciplinary care to reduce health care disparities among young homeless adults.

Patients Hospitalized for Ischemic Stroke and Intracerebral Hemorrhage in France: Time Trends (2008-2019), In-Hospital Outcomes, Age and Sex Differences

BACKGROUND

Rates of patients hospitalized for stroke increased among people aged under 65 years in France, as has been found in other countries.

METHODS

To analyze time trends in the rates of patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in France between 2008 and 2019 and determine related short-term outcomes mainly, we selected all patients hospitalized for stroke using the French national hospital database.

RESULTS

The average annual percentage change in the rates of patients hospitalized for IS increased significantly in men and women aged 50-64 years (+2.0%) and in men aged 18-34 years (+1.5%) and 35-44 years (+2.2%). A decrease in the average annual percentage change was observed for IS among people aged over 75 years and among those over 50 years for ICH. After adjustment on confounding factors, women were less likely to die in hospital. Case fatality rates decreased overtime in all age groups for both sexes, with a more pronounced decrease for IS than ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing trend of IS among adults under 65 years is ongoing, highlighting the urgent need for stroke prevention programs in that age. For the first time, we recorded a decrease in the rates of patients hospitalized for ICH among the population over 50 years.

Biological determinants impact the neurovascular toxicity of nicotine and tobacco smoke: A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics perspective

Accumulating evidence suggests that the detrimental effect of nicotine and tobacco smoke on the central nervous system (CNS) is caused by the neurotoxic role of nicotine on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression, and the dopaminergic system. The ultimate consequence of these nicotine associated neurotoxicities can lead to cerebrovascular dysfunction, altered behavioral outcomes (hyperactivity and cognitive dysfunction) as well as future drug abuse and addiction. The severity of these detrimental effects can be associated with several biological determinants. Sex and age are two important biological determinants which can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of several systemically available substances, including nicotine. With regard to sex, the availability of gonadal hormone is impacted by the pregnancy status and menstrual cycle resulting in altered metabolism rate of nicotine. Additionally, the observed lower smoking cessation rate in females compared to males is a consequence of differential effects of sex on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine. Similarly, age-dependent alterations in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine have also been observed. One such example is related to severe vulnerability of adolescence towards addiction and long-term behavioral changes which may continue through adulthood. Considering the possible neurotoxic effects of nicotine on the central nervous system and the deterministic role of sex as well as age on these neurotoxic effects of smoking, it has become important to consider sex and age to study nicotine induced neurotoxicity and development of treatment strategies for combating possible harmful effects of nicotine. In the future, understanding the role of sex and age on the neurotoxic actions of nicotine can facilitate the individualization and optimization of treatment(s) to mitigate nicotine induced neurotoxicity as well as smoking cessation therapy. Unfortunately, however, no such comprehensive study is available which has considered both the sex- and age-dependent neurotoxicity of nicotine, as of today. Hence, the overreaching goal of this review article is to analyze and summarize the impact of sex and age on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine and possible neurotoxic consequences associated with nicotine in order to emphasize the importance of including these biological factors for such studies.

Acute Cerebral Ischemic Infarct in a 34-Year-Old Patient After an Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report

COVID-19 is an infectious disease induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an enveloped RNA coronavirus that primarily has a tropism for the respiratory tract. Respiratory tract symptoms are frequently encountered, but many complications of this disease are still under study, including cardiovascular and neurological syndromes. The latter was linked to a severe disease presentation, but there are no reports on asymptomatic disease presentations. 

A thirty-four-year-old lady presented to the emergency division for acute right-sided weakness. She was previously healthy, with no history of miscarriages. She had no previous signs or symptoms of any respiratory tract infection or other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 infection. The physical exam revealed a complete right-sided hemiparesis with no other findings. Her initial blood workup was normal. The echocardiography and a carotid duplex ultrasound were performed and did not show any abnormality. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for COVID-19 was negative; however, serology testing including IgM and IgG were positive, suggesting a recent COVID-19 infection. Cardiovascular complications have been reported in COVID-19 patients; however, ischemic stroke in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients has not been previously reported.

Our case highlights the risk of thrombotic complications due to SARS-CoV-2 infection even in asymptomatic COVID-19 infected patients.

Vascular risk factors and stroke risk across the life span: A population-representative study of half a million people

Background:

The incidence of stroke in developed countries is increasing selectively in young individuals, but whether this is secondary to traditional vascular risk factors is unknown.

Methods:

We used the Canadian Community Health Survey from 2000 to 2016 to create a large population-representative cohort of individuals over the age of 30 and free from prior stroke. All analyses were stratified by age decile. We linked with administrative databases to determine emergency department visits or hospitalizations for acute stroke until December 2017. We calculated time trends in risk factor prevalence (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking) using meta-regression. We used Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the association between vascular risk factors and stroke risk, adjusted for demographic, co-morbid, and social variables. We used competing risk regression to account for deaths and calculated population-attributable fractions. In a sensitivity analysis, we excluded those with prior heart disease or cancer.

Results:

We included 492,400 people in the analysis with 8865 stroke events over a median follow-up time of 8.3 years. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity increased over time while smoking decreased. Associations of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity with stroke risk were progressively stronger at younger age (adjusted hazard ratio for diabetes was 4.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.95–10.28 at age 30–39, vs 1.21, 95% CI = 0.93–1.57 at age 80+), although the obesity association was attenuated with adjustment. Smoking was associated with higher risk of stroke without a gradient across age deciles, although had the greatest population-attributable fraction at younger age. The hazard ratio for stroke with multiple concurrent risk factors was much higher at younger age (adjusted hazard ratio for 3–4 risk factors was 8.60, 95% CI = 2.97–24.9 at age 30–39 vs 1.61, 95% CI = 0.88–2.97 at age 80+) and results were consistent when accounting for the competing risk of death and excluding those with prior heart disease or cancer.

Conclusions:

Diabetes and hypertension were associated with progressively elevated relative risk of stroke in younger individuals and prevalence was increasing over time. The association of obesity with stroke was not significant after adjustment for other factors. Smoking had the greatest prevalence and population-attributable fraction for stroke at younger age. Our findings assist in understanding the relationship between vascular risk factors and stroke across the life span and planning public health measures to lower stroke incidence in the young.

Serum Uric Acid to Serum Creatinine Ratio and Risk of Stroke Recurrence in Young Adults with Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Serum uric acid to serum creatinine ratio (SUA/SCr) is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between SUA/SCr and stroke recurrence among young adults with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A total of 428 young patients with ischemic stroke were included in the present study. SUA/SCr was calculated from the concentration of serum uric acid and creatine (uric acid/creatine). Cox proportional regression models were performed to evaluate the association between SUA/SCr and stroke recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare recurrence rates in different quantiles of SUA/SCr.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 3.14 years, 51 (10.7%) patients had stroke recurrence. Multivariable analyses indicated that SUA/SCr was associated with stroke recurrence after being adjusted for potential confounders (quantile four versus quantile one: hazard ratio: 3.420; 95% confidence interval: 1.426-8.200; P = 0.006). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that patients with a high concentration of SUA/SCr had an increased stroke recurrence risk. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve for SUA/SCr was above 0.7 during follow-up. Restricted cubic spline presented an increasing trend for the link between SUA/SCr and stroke recurrence among young adults.

CONCLUSION

SUA/SCr was positively associated with the risk of stroke recurrence among young adults with ischemic stroke. Further prospective studies are warranted to assess the causality between SUA/SCr and the development of stroke recurrence among young adults.

Recurrent vertebrobasilar strokes and transient-ischemic attacks with challenging workup: Case report

Detecting the stroke etiology in young patients can be challenging. Among others, determining causality between ischemic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains a complicated task for stroke neurologists, given the relatively high prevalence of PFOs. Thorough diagnostic workup to identify incidental vascular risk factors and rare embolic sources is crucial to avoid premature PFO closure suggesting successful secondary stroke prevention. In this paper, we report on a 38-year-old patient with recurrent vertebrobasilar territory, especially right posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) territory strokes. After the initial suspicion of a left vertebral artery (VA) dissection was not confirmed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other major risk factors were excluded, a PFO was detected and closed. Successful PFO closure was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography, yet recurrent transient-ischemic attacks and vertebrobasilar strokes, especially during nighttime and in the early morning, occurred despite various antiplatelet and antithrombotic regimes and a persistent right-to-left shunt was detected by bubble transcranial Doppler. Finally, MRI after another vertebrobasilar infarction detected a transient left VA occlusion that finally led to the diagnosis of a left VA pseudoaneurysm from an incident emboligenic dissection in the atlas segment. This pseudoaneurysm together with an anatomical variant of the right PICA originating with the right anterior inferior cerebellar artery from the basilar artery finally explained the recurrent ischemic events of the patient. After successful treatment with coil occlusion, the patient suffered no further stroke and recovered completely. In summary, stroke in the young remains a diagnostic challenge. The incidental finding of a PFO should not deter from thorough stroke workup and the follow-up of these patients including PFO closure verification should be performed under the guidance of vascular neurologists.

A Contemporary Review of Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Etiology, and Outcomes of Premature Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent data identifies increases in young ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. We provide a contemporary overview of current literature on stroke among young patients or premature stroke along with directions for future investigation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Strokes in the young are highly heterogenous and often cryptogenic. Sex distribution and risk factors shift from women among the youngest age groups (< 35) to men over the age of 45, with a coinciding rise in traditional vascular risk factors. Incidence is higher in minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and the impact of stroke among these communities may be exaggerated by disparities in symptom recognition and access to care. Special diagnostic work-up may be needed, and a lower threshold for diagnosis is warranted as potential misdiagnosis is a concern and may preclude necessary triage and management. Although "premature strokes" form a relatively small proportion of total incidence, they vary greatly across subgroups and present an outsized impact on quality of life and productivity.

Nonadherence in diabetes care among US adults with diabetes by stroke status

OBJECTIVE

Effects of stroke (i.e., memory loss, paralysis) may make effective diabetes care difficult which can in turn contribute to additional diabetes related complications and hospitalization. However, little is known about US post-stroke diabetes care levels. This study sought to examine diabetes care levels among US adults with diabetes by stroke status.

METHODS

Using 2015-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys, the prevalence of nonadherence with the American Diabetes Association's diabetes care measures (<1 eye exam annually, <1 foot exam annually, <1 blood glucose check daily, <2 A1C tests annually, no receipt of annual flu vaccination) was ascertained in people with diabetes by stroke status. A separate logistic regression model was run for each diabetes care measure to determine if nonadherence patterns differed by stroke status after adjustment for stroke and diabetes associated factors.

RESULTS

Our study included 72,630 individuals, with 9.8% having had a stroke. Nonadherence levels varied for each diabetes care measure ranging from 20.4-42.2% for stroke survivors and 22.8-44.0% for those who had never had stroke. By stroke status, nonadherence with diabetes management measures was comparable except for stroke survivors having both a lower prevalence (30.2% versus 40.1%) and odds of nonadherence (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.82) with daily blood glucose check than those who had never had stroke.

CONCLUSION

While nonadherence with diabetes management does not vary by stroke status, considerable nonadherence still exists among stroke survivors with diabetes. Additional interventions to improve diabetes care may help to reduce risk of further diabetes complications in this population.

Postpartum cerebral arterial dissections: Clinical features and treatment

Postpartum cerebral arterial dissections are rare, and the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment approaches are not clear to many physicians. This study was to investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of postpartum cerebral arterial dissections.One patient with postpartum cerebral arterial dissections enrolled in our hospital was analyzed. All patients with postpartum cerebral arterial dissections retrieved from the PubMed were also included in this study and analyzed.A total of 45 patients with postpartum cerebral arterial dissections were retrieved including our case, with an age range of 24 to 44 years (mean 34). Thirty-six (80%) patients were older than 30 years of age (mean 35). There were 17 cases of cesarean section, 14 cases of natural labor, and 14 cases whose delivery modes were not reported. The clinical symptoms included headache in 35 cases (78%) and neck pain in 14 (31%). The symptoms occurred at a mean time of 11 days (range 0-53 days) following delivery. Among 45 patients, arterial dissections involved unilateral carotid or vertebral artery in 29 cases (64%), bilateral carotid or vertebral arteries in 8 (18%), 3 arteries in 3 (7%), and all bilateral carotid and vertebral arteries in 5 (11%). Fourteen (31%) patients were treated with antiplatelet agents, 27 (60%) with anticoagulation, 7 (16%) with both antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications, and only 2 (4%) with stent angioplasty. The prognosis was complete recovery in 30 (86%) patients and mild focal neurological symptoms in 5 (14%).Postpartum cerebral arterial dissections are rare, and correct diagnosis relies on imaging examination. Prognosis is usually favorable in patients with early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Posterior Circulation Ischemia in the Endovascular Era

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To perform literature review of clinical, radiographic, and anatomical features of posterior circulation ischemia (PCI) and systematic review of the literature on the management of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) and associated outcomes.

METHODS

Review of literature was conducted to identify publications describing the risk factors, etiology, clinical presentation, and imaging for PCI. A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE were searched from 2009 to 2020 for articles relating to management of BAO. A synthesis was compiled summarizing current evidence on management of BAO.

RESULTS

PCI accounts for 15%-20% of strokes. Risk factors are similar to anterior circulation strokes. Dizziness (47%), unilateral limb weakness (41%), and dysarthria (31%) are the most common presenting symptoms. A noncontrast head CT will identify PCI in 21% of cases; diffusion-weighted MRI or CT perfusion increase sensitivity to 85%. Recent trials have shown endovascular therapy can achieve >80% recanalization of BAO. In select patients, 30%-60% who receive endovascular treatment can achieve favorable outcome vs without. A total of 13% achieve good outcome and there is an 86% mortality rate.

DISCUSSION

PCI can present with waxing and waning symptoms or clinical findings that overlap with stroke mimics and anterior circulation ischemia, making diagnosis more heavily dependent on imaging. Recanalization is an important predictor of improved functional outcome and survival. In this endovascular era, trials of BAO are fraught with deterrents to enrollment. Despite limitations, endovascular treatment has shown improved outcome in select patients.

Acquired Brain Injury in Adults: A Review of Pathophysiology, Recovery, and Rehabilitation

Purpose

To summarize existing literature from a range of fields (i.e., neurology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, neuroimaging, rehabilitation, speech-language pathology) that is relevant to the development and/or revision of cognitive rehabilitation programs for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) and in particular, for young adults.

Method

This paper reviews a range of ABI-associated topics including: 1) mechanisms of injury; 2) biological, individual-specific, and behavioral drivers of recovery; and 3) current methods of cognitive rehabilitation. It then narrows focus to young adults, a frequently affected and growing population to sustain ABI. The paper concludes by providing: 1) suggestions for key components of cognitive rehabilitation for young adults with ABI; 2) an example from our own research providing intensive academically-focused cognitive rehabilitation for young adults with ABI pursuing college; and 3) recommendations for future behavioral and neuroimaging studies in this area.

Conclusions

ABI is on the rise in the United States. Young adults have been sustaining ABI at higher rates over the past several decades. These injuries occur when they would otherwise be advancing their academic and career goals, making the cognitive deficits that often accompany ABI especially devastating for this group. Review of existing literature suggests cognitive rehabilitation programs that combine aspects of restorative, comprehensive, and contextualized approaches could promote recovery for young adults with ABI. Future intervention studies may benefit from including both behavioral and neural outcomes to best understand how principles of neuroplasticity- naturally embedded within many cognitive rehabilitation approaches-could be manipulated to promote cognitive recovery and long-lasting brain reorganization in this group.

Development and initial validation of a patient-centered stroke outcome measure in young stroke survivors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to develop a patient-centered stroke outcome measure and initial validation of the proposed Young Stroke Questionnaire (YSQ).

METHODS

This study assessed the reliability and discriminant validity of the YSQ. The initial questionnaire evolved from a focus group comprised of six young stroke survivors and six stroke neurologists centralized around four patient-centered domains. To determine the reliability and discriminant validity of the YSQ, 100 young stroke survivors were recruited and provided consent. Standardized clinical assessments completed included the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and Stroke Impact Scale. Additionally, all patients were asked to complete the patient-centered YSQ.

RESULTS

Of the 100 enrolled patients in the study (mean age ± standard deviation = 49 ± 11.3, 58% females, 53% African American, 44% White), Cronbach alpha for all domains was >0.7. Moreover, Cronbach alpha for entire questionnaire was >0.9, indicating that the scale, with four subdomains, is internally consistent and reproducible. Discriminant validity of the scale was assessed by comparing the means of each subdomain of the YSQ among healthy subjects to the groups of stroke patients as defined by the mRS. The YSQ was able to differentiate subjects with good outcome (mRS = 0-1) from subjects with varying degree of disability as defined by the mRS (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized clinical assessments are not sensitive to disabilities in young stroke survivors. When compared to standardized clinical assessments, the YSQ is significantly capable of differentiating the young survivor perspective of the impact of stroke in all four subdomains.

Ultrasound-Assisted Diagnosis of Embolic Cerebrovascular Accident From Left Atrial Myxoma in the Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Acute-onset, unilateral weakness is an alarming presentation due to the possibility of a cerebrovascular accident. When considering cerebrovascular accidents in patients younger than 35 years, emergency physicians should evaluate embolic sources.

CASE REPORT

A 28-year-old man with no reported past medical history presented to the Emergency Department with a complaint of acute-onset left-sided hemiparesis and facial droop that started a day prior to arrival. He was stable, had unilateral weakness, hyperreflexia, and slightly slurred speech. He reported no sensory deficits. A computed tomography scan of the head demonstrated areas of ischemia. Patient demographics suggested an embolic source, so point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) was performed by emergency practitioners, leading to the discovery of a large, mobile, left atrial mass. After admission and confirmatory imaging, the mass was surgically removed. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: In young, otherwise healthy individuals, heart masses should be considered as a cause of unexplained stroke-like symptoms. POCUS can identify these masses and expedite care.

Screening for cerebrovascular disorder on the basis of family history in asymptomatic children

Background: Cerebrovascular disorders represent a group of uncommon, heterogeneous, and complex conditions in children. We reviewed the screening practice for the detection of cerebrovascular disorder in asymptomatic children referred to our neurovascular service on the basis of a positive family history and parental and/or treating physician concern.Methods: Retrospective case-note review of referrals to our neurovascular service (July 2008-April 2018). Patients were included if the referral was made for screening, on the basis of a positive family history of cerebrovascular disorder. Symptomatic children, those with previous cranial imaging, or children under the care of a clinical geneticist (i.e. due to the child or their relative having HHT or mutations in KRIT1) were not eligible for inclusion.Results: Forty-one children were reviewed, 22 males (Median age 10.7 years, range 0.6-15.6 years). This represented 22% of the total number of referrals over a 10-year period. Twenty-nine children had an MRI/MRA brain. Twenty-eight children were referred due to a family history of intracranial aneurysm and/or subarachnoid haemorrhage, but only two had two first-degree relatives affected. Ten children were referred due to a family history of arteriovenous malformation. Three children were referred due to a family history of stroke. No cerebrovascular disease was detected during the study period (n = 29).Conclusions: Parental and/or physician concern generated a substantial number of referrals but no pathology was detected after screening. Whilst general screening guidance exists for the detection of intracranial aneurysms, consensus guidelines for the screening of children with a positive family history do not, but are required both to guide clinical practice and to assuage parental and/or physician concerns.

Ischemic Stroke Associated With Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the most serious complication of assisted reproductive technology. Severe OHSS may be accompanied by thromboembolic events, such as pulmonary thromboembolism or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Ischemic stroke may occur in rare cases.

CASE REPORT

We report a 32-year-old woman with a recent medical history of OHSS who presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute onset of impaired consciousness. Her initial Glasgow Coma Scale score was 10 (E3V3M4). History taking and a thorough physical examination were impossible because of the patient's mental status. Additional medical history was obtained with the assistance of the patient's husband. Ischemic stroke was confirmed on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging performed after a basic examination and confirmation of normal findings on a noncontrast brain computed tomography scan. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Although the incidence of cerebral infarction is low in younger patients, emergency physicians treating young women in the ED who have recently undergone fertility treatment or have been diagnosed with OHSS should be aware of the possibility of complications caused by OHSS. Specifically, if these patients complain of traditional or nontraditional neurologic symptoms during an ED visit, stroke should be strongly suspected.. This awareness will reduce the incidence of sequelae through prompt examination and treatment.

Factors Predictive of Enlargement of Dissecting Aneurysms in the Vertebral Artery

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the incidence rate of enlargement of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs) during the acute phase and factors associated with enlargement.

METHODS

Of 115 patients with unilateral intracranial vertebral artery dissection who did not experience subarachnoid hemorrhage, 64 with the pearl sign of vertebral artery dissection (VADA without stenosis) participated in the study. We performed initial magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose VADA and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate VADA enlargement. The presence of a hyperintense intramural signal was confirmed using T1-weighted three-dimensional turbo spin-echo imaging. Enlargement of VADAs between the initial and subsequent examinations was evaluated via magnetic resonance angiography and defined as the end point. We studied the rate of VADA enlargement using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. After independent variables were determined, the Cox proportional hazards model was applied in multivariable analysis to identify the factors significantly associated with VADA enlargement.

RESULTS

Of 64 patients (mean age, 55.7 ± 13.0 years; 44 men and 20 women), 15 exhibited VADA enlargement. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated that 24.8% of VADA enlargements were detected 30 days after initial magnetic resonance imaging. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that young age (hazard ratio 0.953, P = 0.043) and the presence of hyperintense intramural signal (hazard ratio 2.841, P = 0.033) were significantly associated with VADA enlargement.

CONCLUSIONS

VADAs enlarged by approximately 25% until day 30 after the initial examination. Younger age and the presence of hyperintense intramural signal were significantly associated with VADA enlargement.

Cerebrovascular Complications Associated with Marijuana Use

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the last few years, the attitude toward marijuana in many parts of the world has shifted from illicit to legalized for medical use and to decriminalized. In parallel, there has been a gradual increase in the consumption of this product in the general population, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Marijuana is generally perceived as a harmless drug. However, data obtained in observational studies and preclinical models have established associations between cannabis use and cardiovascular events. In addition, there is emerging evidence linking marijuana use to cerebrovascular complications. Here we provide a critical review of the literature with special emphasis on the association of cannabinoids with stroke and the possible pathogenic mechanisms involved.

RECENT FINDINGS

Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke have been described in association with cannabis use, particularly in young individuals. Cerebral infarction remains the most commonly reported stroke subtype seen in marijuana users. Several pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed to explain this association, including multifocal intracranial stenosis, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and coexisting vascular risk factors. Cannabis use is increasingly recognized in young individuals presenting with acute stroke. Our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms associated with cannabis use and stroke is limited but rapidly evolving. Healthcare providers should educate patients about the potential cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications related to marijuana or cannabinoids use.

Population-based Study Comparing Predictors of Ischemic Stroke Recurrence After Index Ischemic Stroke in Non-elderly Adults with or without Diabetes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Factors associated with ischemic stroke (IS) recurrence and the contribution of pharmacological treatment as secondary preventions among nondiabetics especially in the non-elderly population are unclear and not widely investigated. This was a population-based study that aimed to identify recurrent IS predictors and to determine the possible impact of secondary preventive medications on the IS recurrence in non-elderly adults with or without diabetes.

METHODS

Data of 3386 patients <60 years old who had a history of index IS were extracted from the Malaysian National Neurology Registry (NNEUR) from 2009 to 2016. Recurrent IS was defined as any IS event recorded after the index IS in the NNEUR database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed by using SPSS version 22.

RESULTS

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was the significant predictor of IS recurrence in non-elderly adults both with or without diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 3.210; 95%CI: 1.909-5.398 and 2.989; 95%CI: 1.515-5.894) respectively). Receiving antiplatelet as secondary stroke prevention (AOR: 0.194; 95%CI: 0.046-0.817) and continuation of antidiabetic medication after the index IS event (AOR: 0.510; 95%CI: 0.298-0.872) reduced the odds of IS recurrence only in non-elderly diabetic adults. Among non-elderly adults without diabetes, hyperlipidemia and every increased in 1 mmHg of systolic blood pressure significantly increased the odds of IS recurrence following the indexing event (AOR: 1.796; 95%CI: 1.058-3.051 and 1.009; 95%CI: 1.002-1.016 respectively).

CONCLUSION

IHD was found as the main predictor of IS recurrence regardless of diabetes status in non-elderly adults after the index IS event. Receiving antidiabetic and antiplatelet medications upon discharge after index IS were significant predictors of recurrent IS in non-elderly diabetic adults. A proper randomized clinical trial may be required to determine the impact of secondary preventive medication on IS recurrence, especially in non-elderly adults.

A prediction model of health-related quality of life in young adult patients with stroke

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to establish and test a predictive model for explaining the health-related quality of life of young adult patients with stroke.

BACKGROUND

Individual characteristics, biological and physiological variables, social support, emotional and cognitive symptoms, physical function disability and general health perception may be interrelated and may directly or indirectly affect the health-related quality of life of young adult patients with stroke.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

237 young outpatients with stroke were recruited and surveyed. Data collection used a structured questionnaire from July-November 2018. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0^® and AMOS 23.0. This study is based on STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS

The hypothetical model's fit indices were adequate. Stroke severity, social support, fear of stroke recurrence, physical function disability and general health perceptions directly affected the health-related quality of life. Additionally, stroke severity, depression and fear of stroke recurrence also indirectly affected it. These variables explained 60.3% of the variance in this quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Variables such as severity of stroke, depression, fear of stroke recurrence, social support, physical function disability and general health perception were found to be related to the HRQoL of young adult patients with stroke.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

A variety of physical, psychological, functional and social factors related to health-related quality of life should be systematically monitored. Furthermore, nurses need to develop and apply detailed nursing interventions that take into account all these variables.

Age-Related Disparities in the Quality of Stroke Care and Outcomes in Rehabilitation Hospitals: The Australian National Audit

INTRODUCTION

Stroke affects all ages. Despite increased incidence in those <65 years, little is known about age-based differences in inpatient rehabilitation management and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate management and outcomes, comparing younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years) patients with stroke, who received inpatient rehabilitation.

METHODS

Multicentre, cross-sectional study using data from Australian hospitals who participated in the Stroke Foundation national stroke rehabilitation audit (2016-2018). Chi-square tests compared characteristics and care by age. Multivariable regression models were used to compare outcomes by age (e.g. length of stay). Models were adjusted for sex, stroke type and severity factors.

RESULTS

7,165 audited cases from 127 hospitals; 23% <65 years (66% male; 72% ischaemic stroke). When compared to older patients, younger patients were more likely male (66% vs 52%); identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (6% vs 1%); be less disabled on admission; receive psychology (46% vs 34%) input, and community reintegration support, including return to work (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.03, 2.11), sexuality (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.39, 1.84) and self-management (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.23, 1.57) advice. Following adjustment, younger patients had longer lengths of stay (coeff 3.54, 95% CI 2.27, 4.81); were more likely to be independent on discharge (aOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.68, 2.28); be discharged to previous residences (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.41, 1.91) and receive community rehabilitation (aOR: 2.27, 95% CI 1.91, 2.70).

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related differences exist in characteristics, management and outcomes for inpatients with stroke accessing rehabilitation in Australia.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms among young stroke survivors-frequency, patterns, and associated factors

BACKGROUND

Although neuropsychiatric symptoms are reported in stroke survivors, details of its prevalence and patterns among young stroke subjects are sparse.

METHODS

In a hospital-based cross-sectional study in India, we recruited 150 young stroke subjects (aged < 45 years) and their caregivers > 3 months from ictus. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-12 (NPI-12) and self-reported depression with the Centre for Epidemiological Studies - Depression (CES-D) scale. Descriptive statistics were used. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify associated factors. All statistical analyses were carried out using STATA ver. 14.2, StataCorp, TX, USA.

RESULTS

Eighty-four (56%; 95% CI: 47.7-64.1%) had ≥ 1 symptoms on the NPI-12 over median time from stroke of 2 years (IQR 2). Self-reported depression was seen in 71 (47.3%). Post-stroke epilepsy was associated with presence of at least one neuropsychiatric symptom. Dementia was associated with increased odds; and having spouse as principal caregiver with reduced odds, of self-reported depression. Multiple infarcts on imaging were associated with self-reported depression (OR: 3.29; 95%CI: 1.31-8.27) and presence of any neuropsychiatric symptom (OR: 3.55; 95% CI: 1.42-8.88).

CONCLUSION

Young stroke survivors frequently have neuropsychiatric symptoms with depression being most common. Presence of multiple infarcts on imaging was associated with self-reported depression and presence of any neuropsychiatric symptom.

Proposed definition for young-onset ischemic stroke according to its cause

OBJECTIVE

Young-onset stroke has a greater social impact than does stroke in older persons, indicating the importance of its prevention. Although there have been studies comparing stroke risk factors in young versus older individuals, no definition of young-onset ischemic stroke has been established. Large extracranial and intracranial atheroma, small vessel disease and atrial fibrillation have a major role in cases of stroke in the elderly, while these disorders are much less frequent in young adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal cut-off point for defining young-onset ischemic stroke according to its cause.

METHODS

We identified 203 patients aged 65 years or less who had been admitted to our hospital between 2010 and 2017 with ischemic stroke, and we divided them into two groups according to the causes of the stroke. We allocated patients with strokes caused by small vessel occlusion, large artery atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, or aortic atheroma to Group A and those with strokes of other causes to Group B which included dissection, Trousseau syndrome and cerebral sinus thrombosis. We then used receiver operating characteristics curve analysis by the above groups and by sex to determine the cut-off age for defining young-onset.

RESULTS

Group A comprised 131 patients (58 ± 7 years, 92 men, 39 women) and Group B 72 (45 ± 15 years, 47 men, 25 women). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis to differentiate Group B from Group A in all participants indicated a cut-off value of 53 years of age (area under curve: 0.78 [0.71-0.85], P < 0.001), which we therefore considered should define young-onset ischemic stroke. After dividing all patients by their sex, ROC analyses identified a cut-off for age of between 53 and 54 years for men (AUC: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.65-0.85, P < 0.001). In comparison, ≤ 48 years was the cut-off for young ischemic stroke in women (AUC: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71-0.94, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The age of 53 years may be the optimal cut-off point for young-onset ischemic stroke. Of note, the cut-off point between young- and non-young-onset stroke was 48 years for women, whereas it was 53 years for men. It is therefore important to carefully examine and treat female patients with this sex difference in mind.

Detection of symptoms of late complications after stroke in young survivors with active surveillance versus usual care

PURPOSE

Stroke survivors develop late complications after stroke (LCAS) that impair return to pre-stroke responsibilities. Optimal strategies for detection have not been developed. We assessed differences in LCAS symptom detection among young stroke survivors undergoing active surveillance versus usual care.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study including patients age 18-50 with ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or intracerebral hemorrhage evaluated in a Stroke Clinic between 1/1/2016-12/31/2017 with at least one outpatient evaluation during the first year after stroke. "Active surveillance" involved a semi-structured interview to elicit LCAS symptoms including headache, seizures, lethargy, mood disorders, cognitive impairment, central pain, insomnia, spasticity, dystonia, and orthostasis. "Usual care" did not involve the interview. Rates of LCAS symptom detection were assessed at 0-3 months and 3-12 months.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-one stroke survivors were included, of which 37% (45) underwent active surveillance. There were no differences in baseline characteristics except hospitalization location. Patients undergoing active surveillance were more likely to have at least one LCAS symptom detected (77% vs 49% at 0-3 months, p = 0.02; 81% vs. 54% at 3-12 months, p = 0.008). Active surveillance was more likely to detect symptoms of non-motor LCAS. There were no differences for motor LCAS.

CONCLUSIONS

Active surveillance leads to higher rates of early symptom detection of non-motor LCAS in young stroke survivors.Implications for rehabilitationYoung stroke survivors frequently have late complications after stroke (LCAS) that impair return to pre-stroke responsibilities.Active surveillance for LCAS symptoms with a semi-structured interview increases detection of non-motor late complications.A bundled approach to screening for LCAS symptoms is pragmatic as a majority of young stroke survivors have at least one symptom but no single symptom is present in all stroke survivors.

Cognitive reserve in stroke patients

At present, a limited amount of information exists on the association between cognitive reserve and cognitive impairment in stroke populations. To determine predictors of cognitive reserve among stroke patients, 80 stroke patients attending the neurological and rehabilitation clinic in two different Malaysian general hospitals participated in this study. The Malay Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq-M), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales-Short Form (DASS-21), WHO Quality of Life assessment BREF-21 (WHO-QOL BREF-21), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used as instruments in this study. The study found that cognitive reserve (CRIq-M) is positively correlated with cognitive function (MoCA), r = 0.529, p < .01. Multiregression showed that education was a significant predictor of cognitive impairment whereas cognitive impairment as assessed by the MoCA is a significant predictor for cognitive reserve in people with stroke. Early identification of cognitive impairment among stroke patients is important so that effective individual rehabilitation can be designed to enhance individual cognitive reserve and quality of life.

Implicit bias in stroke care: A recurring old problem in the rising incidence of young stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the majority of strokes affect the elderly, the incidence of stroke in young patients is on the rise. Prompt recognition of stroke symptoms and time critical therapies play a key role in management and prognosis of this condition. This is especially critical in young stroke patients, for whom delays in early recognition and treatment can result in many years of disability with associated social and financial burden. Misdiagnosis and unwarranted variation in treatment of stroke in young patients is problematic. Clinician implicit bias, the unconscious and unintentional process of judgement in healthcare decision-making, is a contributor to the short-falls in outcomes in this population. Interventions in this process have been shown to improve clinical outcomes in young stroke patients and represent an active area of study.

A Four-Year Observational Study regarding the Characteristics and Causes of the Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults: one center study report

Introduction. Stroke is the second cause of mortality worldwide, after the ischemic coronary disease, and the first cause of long term-disability. Recent studies report that ischemic stroke (IS) in young patients is increasing in incidence, even though the overall stroke hospitalization rate is decreasing. Stroke in the young, working individuals significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) and also determines an important, negative economic impact by reducing the workforce. Material and method. The aim of this paper is to present the results of a 4-year observational, retrospective study on all patients between 18-49 years, who suffered from acute IS and were admitted and investigated in the Neurology Clinic of Sibiu and the CVASIC Research Center. Clinical evaluations, imaging investigations, and risk factor evaluations were performed on all patients in order to elucidate the etiology and organize according to the TOAST classification. Results and discussions. 114 patients with ischemic stroke were included in the study. 76% of the subjects fall into the 40-49 age class. In respect to the TOAST classification, most cases of IS were of UE (rural<urban), while the fewest cases of IS were represented by SAA in both populations. The most frequent vascular risk factors were hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and thrombophilia. Confirmed cervical arteries dissection caused 2/3 of the severe carotid stenosis and 45,5% of the carotid occlusions. Conclusions. Hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking are the main risk factors for stroke in young patients. The most common TOAST stroke subtype was stroke of undetermined etiology, followed by stroke of other determined etiology (carotid artery dissection and thrombophilia). Keywords: ischemic stroke, young patients, vascular risk factors, TOAST classification, disability,

Cerebrovascular risk factors associated with ischemic stroke in a young non-diabetic and non-hypertensive population: a retrospective case-control study

Background

Globally, rates of ischemic stroke (IS) have been rising among young adults. This study was designed to identify risk factors associated with IS incidence in young adults unaffected by hypertension or diabetes.

Methods

This was a retrospective case-control study of early-onset IS patients without diabetes and hypertension. Control patients were matched with healthy individuals based upon sex, age (±2 years), and BMI (±3 kg/m²) at a 1:3 ratio. Sociodemographic, clinical, and risk factor-related data pertaining to these patients was collected. The association between these risk factors and IS incidence was then assessed using conditional logistic regression models.

Results

We recruited 60 IS patients and 180 controls with mean ages of 44.37 ± 4.68 and 44.31 ± 4.71 years, respectively, for this study. Relative to controls, IS patients had significantly higher total cholesterol (TG), homocysteine (HCY), white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels, and significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride cholesterol (TC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels (all P < 0.05). After controlling for potential confounding factors, HCY and ANC were found to be significantly positively associated with IS incidence (OR 1.518, 95%CI 1.165–1.977, P = 0.002 and OR 2.418, 95%CI 1.061–5.511, P = 0.036, respectively), whereas HDL-C and FT3 levels were negatively correlated with IS incidence (OR 0.001, 95%CI 0.000–0.083, P = 0.003 and OR 0.053, 95%CI 0.008–0.326, P = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

In young non-diabetic and non-hypertensive patients, lower HDL-C and FT3 levels and higher HCY and ANC levels may be associated with an elevated risk of IS. Additional prospective studies of large patient cohorts will be essential to validate these findings.

Ischemic chiasmal syndrome associated with posterior communicating artery (PCoA) and tuberothalamic artery (TA) infarction: a case report

Lesions affecting the body of the optic chiasm typically produce bitemporal hemianopia. The blood supply comes from the anterior communicating artery, anterior cerebral, posterior communicating, posterior cerebral, and basilar arteries. We herein report a young patient admitted to the emergency department with acute confusion, left-sided hemiparesis, hemihypoesthesia, and dysarthria. Bitemporal hemianopia was detected after resolution of confusion. On cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), infarction in the right anterolateral thalamus in the territory of tuberothalamic artery (TA) and in posterior chiasma in the territory of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) was revealed. Cerebral MR angiography showed luminal irregularity of the PCoA. The patient was presented to draw attention to the rare entity ischemic chiasmal syndrome.

Therapeutic Pitfalls in the Transition of Neurologic Patients from Pediatric to Adult Health Care Providers

Transitions of care from the pediatric to adult setting are fraught with difficulty. For patients whose neurologic problems began in childhood, there is often a lack of organized multidisciplinary care with the desired neurologic expertise in the adult setting. This monograph highlights those difficulties, reviewing disease-specific instances of the problems with transition from pediatric to adult neurologic care. The use of an arbitrary chronologic age cutoff for transition from pediatric to adult expertise in specific disease state may be a disservice in provision of care, and the disease-specific expertise of providers may outweigh the benefit of an age-related provider focus.

Association Between Sociodemographic Determinants and Disparities in Stroke Symptom Awareness Among US Young Adults

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Despite declining stroke rates in the general population, stroke incidence and hospitalizations are rising among younger individuals. Awareness of and prompt response to stroke symptoms are crucial components of a timely diagnosis and disease management. We assessed awareness of stroke symptoms and response to a perceived stroke among young adults in the United States.

METHODS

Using data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey, we assessed awareness of 5 common stroke symptoms and the knowledge of planned response (ie, calling emergency medical services) among young adults (<45 years) across diverse sociodemographic groups. Common stroke symptoms included: (1) numbness of face/arm/leg, (2) confusion/trouble speaking, (3) difficulty walking/dizziness/loss of balance, (4) trouble seeing in one/both eyes, and (5) severe headache.

RESULTS

Our study population included 24 769 adults, of which 9844 (39.7%) were young adults who were included in our primary analysis, and represented 107.2 million US young adults (mean age 31.3 [±7.5] years, 50.6% women, and 62.2% non-Hispanic White). Overall, 2718 young adults (28.9%) were not aware of all 5 stroke symptoms, whereas 242 individuals (2.7%; representing 2.9 million young adults in the United States) were not aware of a single symptom. After adjusting for confounders, Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.17-3.28]), non-US born immigration status (odds ratio, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.31-3.11]), and lower education level (odds ratio, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.76-4.35]), were significantly associated with lack of symptom awareness. Individuals with 5 high-risk characteristics (non-White, non-US born, low income, uninsured, and high school educated or lower) had nearly a 4-fold higher odds of not being aware of all symptoms (odds ratio, 3.70 [95% CI, 2.43-5.62]).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on data from the National Health Interview Survey, a large proportion of young adults may not be aware of stroke symptoms. Certain sociodemographic subgroups with decreased awareness may benefit from focused public health interventions.

Stroke in young adults: Current trends, opportunities for prevention and pathways forward

Cardiovascular disease remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the US and elsewhere, and stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite recent success in diminishing stroke incidence in the general US population, in parallel there is now a concerning propensity for strokes to happen at younger ages. Specifically, the incidence of stroke for US adults 20-44 years of age increased from 17 per 100,000 US adults in 1993 to 28 per 100,000 in 2015. Occurrence of strokes in young adults is particularly problematic as these patients are often affected by physical disability, depression, cognitive impairment and loss of productivity, all of which have vast personal, social and economic implications. These concerning trends among young adults are likely due to increasing trends in the prevalence of modifiable risk factors amongst this population including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and diabetes, highlighting the importance of early detection and aggressive prevention strategies in the general population at early ages. In parallel and compounding to the issue, troublesome trends are evident regarding increasing rates of substance abuse among young adults. Higher rates of strokes have been noted particularly among young African Americans, indicating the need for tailored prevention and social efforts targeting this and other vulnerable groups, including the primordial prevention of risk factors in the first place, reducing stroke rates in the presence of prevalent risk factors such as hypertension, and improving outcomes through enhanced healthcare access. In this narrative review we aim to emphasize the importance of stroke in young adults as a growing public health issue and increase awareness among clinicians and the public health sector. For this purpose, we summarize the available data on stroke in young adults and discuss the underlying epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, prognosis and opportunities for timely prevention of stroke specifically at young ages. Furthermore, this review highlights the gaps in knowledge and proposes future directions moving forward.

Biological age is a novel biomarker to predict stroke recurrence

BACKGROUND

Stroke recurrence (SR) after an ischemic stroke is an important cause of death and disability. We conducted a hospital-based study to evaluate the role of biological age (b-Age: age-related DNA-methylation changes) as a risk factor for SR.

METHODS

We included 587 patients in the acute phase of stroke, assessed at one tertiary stroke center (Hospital del Mar: Barcelona, Spain). B-Age was estimated with 5 different methods based on DNA methylation, and Hannum's method was the one that better performed. We analyzed the relationships between b-Age, chronological age, sex, vascular risk factors, coronary and peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, initial neurological severity assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the 7 days preceding the index stroke, and symptomatic atherosclerosis. Stroke recurrence definition include: new symptoms that suggest a new ischemic event had occurred within 3 months after stroke onset and worsening by four points in the initial neurological severity (measured by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score).

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis associated b-Age with SR [p = 0.003; OR = 1.06 (95% CI: 1.02-1.09)], independently of chronological age [p = 0.022; OR = 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-1.00)], symptomatic atherosclerosis (stenosis > 50% in the symptomatic territory), transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the 7 days preceding the index stroke, and initial NIHSS. The b-Age of patients with SR was 2.7 years older than patients without SR.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SR were biologically older than those without SR. B-Age was independently associated with high risk of developing SR.

The Potential Protective Role of Aspirin Against Migraine in Pregnant Women

Females are highly predisposed to the occurrence of migraine, a recurrent neurovascular headache disorder. Although migraine improves or disappears during pregnancy, a significant association between migraine and hypertension (i.e., pre-eclampsia) or vascular complications (i.e., stroke) during gestation has been determined. Low-dose aspirin exerts an antithrombotic effect and can improve vascular resistance by regulating endothelial function, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine, pre-eclampsia, and other vascular complications during pregnancy. Low-dose aspirin is widely used prophylactically in the general population who are at higher risk of developing stroke or in pregnant women at higher risk of pre-eclampsia. In this paper we discuss the recent trends in research on the relationship between migraine and pre-eclampsia, an issue of paramount importance in obstetric care, and the potential relationship between migraine and vascular complications in pregnant women. In addition, the potential validity of low-dose aspirin prophylaxis in pregnant women with migraine is explored.

SiPP (Stroke in Pregnancy and Postpartum): A prospective, observational, international, multicentre study on pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical profile, management and outcome of cerebrovascular diseases in pregnant and postpartum women

Rationale

Cerebrovascular diseases associated with pregnancy and postpartum period are uncommon; however, they can have an important impact on health of both women and foetus or newborn.

Aims

To evaluate the frequency, characteristics and management of cerebrovascular events in pregnant/postpartum women, to clarify pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the occurrence of these events including biomolecular aspects, and to assess the short- and long-term cerebrovascular and global cardiovascular outcome of these patients, their predictors and infant outcome.

Methods and design

This is an observational, prospective, multicentre, international case-control study. The study will include patients with cerebrovascular events during pregnancy and/or within six months after delivery. For each included case, two controls will be prospectively recruited: one pregnant or puerperal subject without any history of cerebrovascular event and one non-pregnant or non-puerperal subject with a recent cerebrovascular event. All controls will be matched by age, ethnicity and type of cerebrovascular event with their assigned cases. The pregnant controls will be matched also by pregnancy weeks/trimester. Follow-up will last 24 months for the mother and 12 months for the infant.

Summary

To better understand causes and outcomes of uncommon conditions like pregnancy/postpartum-related cerebrovascular events, the development of multisite, multidisciplinary registry-based studies, such as the Stroke in Pregnancy and Postpartum study, is needed in order to collect an adequate number of patients, draw reliable conclusions and give definite recommendations on their management.

Call 911: Lower Ambulance Utilization Among Young Adults, Especially Women, with Stroke

BACKGROUND

Delayed presentation to the emergency department influences acute stroke care and can result in worse outcomes. Despite public health messaging, many young adults consider stroke as a disease of older people. We determined the differences in ambulance utilization and delays to hospital presentation between women and men as well as younger (18-44 years) versus older (≥45 years) patients with stroke.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective study using national administrative health data from the Canadian Institute of Health Information databases and examined data between 2003 and 2016 to compare ambulance utilization and time to hospital presentation across sex and age.

RESULTS

Young adults account for 3.9% of 463,310 stroke/transient ischemic attack/hemorrhage admissions. They have a higher proportion of hemorrhage (37% vs. 15%) and fewer ischemic events (50% vs. 68%) compared with older patients. Younger patients are less likely to arrive by ambulance (62% vs. 66%, p < 0.001), with younger women least likely to use ambulance services (61%) and older women most likely (68%). Median stroke onset to hospital arrival times were 7 h for older patients and younger men, but 9 h in younger women. There has been no improvement among young women in ambulance utilization since 2003, whereas ambulance use increased in all other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger adults, especially younger women, are less likely to use ambulance services, take longer to get to hospital, and have not improved in utilization of emergency services for stroke over 13 years. Targeted public health messaging is required to ensure younger adults seek emergency stroke care.

A Nomogram for Predicting Stroke Recurrence Among Young Adults

Background and Purpose—

This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the risk of stroke recurrence among young adults after ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Patients aged between 18 and 49 years with first-ever ischemic stroke were selected from the Nanjing Stroke Registry Program. A stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to develop the best-fit nomogram. The discrimination and calibration in the training and validation cohorts were used to evaluate the nomogram. All patients were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups based on the risk scores generated from the nomogram.

Results—

A total of 604 patients were enrolled in this study. Hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 2.038 [95% CI, 1.504–3.942]; P =0.034), diabetes mellitus (HR, 3.224 [95% CI, 1.848–5.624]; P <0.001), smoking status (current smokers versus nonsmokers; HR, 2.491 [95% CI, 1.304–4.759]; P =0.006), and stroke cause (small-vessel occlusion versus large-artery atherosclerosis; HR, 0.325 [95% CI, 0.109–0.976]; P =0.045) were associated with recurrent stroke. Educational years (>12 versus 0–6; HR, 0.070 [95% CI, 0.015–0.319]; P =0.001) were inversely correlated with recurrent stroke. The nomogram was composed of these factors, and successfully stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups ( P <0.001).

Conclusions—

The nomogram composed of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, stroke cause, and education years may predict the risk of stroke recurrence among young adults after ischemic stroke.

Factors delaying intravenous thrombolytic therapy in acute ischaemic stroke: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This review examined factors that delay thrombolysis and what management strategies are currently employed to minimise this delay, with the aim of suggesting future directions to overcome bottlenecks in treatment delivery.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy included a combination of synonyms and controlled vocabularies from Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and EmTree covering brain ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, fibrinolytic therapy and Alteplase. The search was conducted using Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), PubMed and Cochrane Library databases using truncations and Boolean operators. The literature search excluded review articles, trial protocols, opinion pieces and case reports. Inclusion criteria were: (1) The article directly related to thrombolysis in ischaemic stroke, and (2) The article examined at least one factor contributing to delay in thrombolytic therapy.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-two studies were included. Pre-hospital factors resulted in the greatest delay to thrombolysis administration. In-hospital factors relating to assessment, imaging and thrombolysis administration also contributed. Long onset-to-needle times were more common in those with atypical, or less severe, symptoms, the elderly, patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those living alone. Various strategies currently exist to reduce delays. Processes which have achieved the greatest improvements in time to thrombolysis are those which integrate out-of-hospital and in-hospital processes, such as the Helsinki model.

CONCLUSION

Further integrated processes are required to maximise patient benefit from thrombolysis. Expansion of community education to incorporate less common symptoms and provision of alert pagers for patients may provide further reduction in thrombolysis times.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children and Young Adults

Arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) experienced at a young age is undoubtedly a serious medical problem. AIS very rarely occurs at a developmental age, whereas in young adults, it occurs with a higher frequency. The etiologic mechanisms of AIS occurring in childhood and adulthood differ. However, for both age populations, neurological consequences of AIS, including post-stroke seizures, motor disability, and recurrence of the disease, are connected to many years of care, rehabilitation, and treatment. Recurrent stroke was observed to increase the risk of patients' mortality. One of the confirmed risk factors for recurrent stroke in children is the presence of vasculopathies, especially Moyamoya disease and syndrome, and focal cerebral arteriopathy of childhood (FCA). FCA causes a 5-fold increase in the risk of recurrent stroke in comparison with idiopathic AIS. In turn, young adults with recurrent stroke were found to more often suffer from hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or peripheral artery disease than young patients with first-ever stroke. Some reports also indicate relationships between specific genetic polymorphisms and AIS recurrence in both age groups. The aim of the present literature review was to discuss available data regarding the risk factors for recurrent AIS in children and young adults.

Analysis of young ischemic stroke patients in northeast China

Background

Limited research has been conducted to address stroke etiology in young patients in developing countries. We aimed to analyze risk factors and etiology of ischemic stroke (IS) in young patients of northeast China.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed ischemic stroke patients aged 15-49 years in a single-center study from January 2013 to December 2017. Demographics and clinical information, including imaging studies, were retrieved for all patients. Patients were first compared according to sex and age. They were then divided into the first-ever and recurrent stroke groups; risk factors and stroke etiology between the two groups were compared.

Results

Of the 956 patients (median age 45 years) included, 78.9% were males. The most frequent risk factors were hypertension (60.0%), dyslipidemia (55.3%), smoking (54.1%), and alcohol consumption (49.6%). The most common etiology of stroke was large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA, 43.7%). In total, 789 patients experienced first-ever stroke and 167 patients experienced recurrent stroke. Recurrent stroke patients more often suffered from hypertension (70.7% versus 57.8%, P=0.002), diabetes (35.3% versus 24.8%, P=0.005), and coronary heart disease (10.2% versus 5.1%, P=0.011), and were less likely to be smokers (44.3% versus 56.1%, P=0.005) and consume alcohol (38.3% versus 52.0%, P=0.001). Recurrent strokes were more frequently caused by LAA (42.1% versus 52.5%, P=0.026) and less often by small-vessel disease (40.9% versus 29.9%, P=0.008).

Conclusions

LAA is the most common etiology in Chinese young stroke patients, especially in those with recurrent stroke. Our data highlight the need of screening of LAA and prevention and management of conventional stroke risk factors in young people of China.

Etiologic workup in cases of cryptogenic stroke: protocol for a systematic review and comparison of international clinical practice guidelines

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Identifying the aetiology of ischaemic stroke is essential in order to initiate appropriate and timely secondary prevention measures to reduce the risk of recurrence. For the majority of ischaemic strokes, the aetiology can be readily identified, but in at least 30% of cases, the exact aetiology cannot be determined using existing investigative protocols. Such strokes are classed as 'cryptogenic' or as a stroke of unknown origin. However, there exists substantial variation in clinical practice when investigating cases of seemingly cryptogenic stroke, often reflecting local service availability and the preferences of treating clinicians. This variation in practice is compounded by the lack of international consensus as to the optimum level and timing of investigations required following a stroke. To address this gap, we aim to systematically review and compare recommendations in evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that relate to the assessment and investigation of the aetiology of ischaemic stroke, and any subsequent diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke.

METHOD

We will search for CPGs using electronic databases (MEDLINE, Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC), EMBASE, and CINAHL), relevant websites and search engines (e.g. guideline specific websites, governmental, charitable, and professional practice organisations) and hand-searching of bibliographies and reference lists. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and CPGs using a pre-defined relevance criteria form. From each included CPG, we will extract definitions and terms for cryptogenic stroke; recommendations related to assessment and investigation of the aetiology of stroke, including the grade of recommendations and underpinning evidence. The quality of the included CPGs will be assessed using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) tool. Recommendations across the CPGs will be summarised descriptively highlighting areas of convergence and divergence between CPGs.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this will be the first review to systematically compare recommendations of international CPGs on investigating the aetiology of ischaemic stroke. The findings will allow for a better understanding of international perspectives on the optimum level of investigations required following a stroke and thus contribute to achieving greater international consensus on best practice in this important and complex area.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019127822.