Stroke incidence and prevalence in Europe: a review of available data

Epidemiology of stroke in Europe and trends for the 21st century

Despite major improvements in primary prevention and acute treatment over the last decades, stroke is still a devastating disease. At the beginning of the 21st century, the age-standardized incidence of stroke in Europe ranged from 95 to 290/100,000 per year, with one-month case-fatality rates ranging from 13 to 35%. Approximately 1.1 million inhabitants of Europe suffered a stroke each year, and ischemic stroke accounted for approximately 80% of cases. Although global stroke incidence is declining, rates observed in young adults are on the rise, thus suggesting a need for strategies to improve prevention. In addition, because of the ageing population, the absolute number of stroke is expected to dramatically increase in coming years: by 2025, 1.5 million European people will suffer a stroke each year. Beyond vital prognosis, stroke patients are also at increased risk of poor outcome within the first year of the event including re-hospitalisation (33%), recurrent event (7 to 13%), dementia (7 to 23%) mild cognitive disorder (35 to 47%), depression (30 to 50%), and fatigue (35% to 92%), all of them contributing to affect health related quality of life. Given these observations, an urgent development of acute care provision, as well as resources for post-stroke therapeutic strategies, is needed.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Stroke Among 14 European Countries

Background This study compared the risk factors for and incidence of stroke among 14 European countries by using the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Methods The analysis was based on data collected during 2006 to 2007 from Wave 2 of SHARE and panel data from respondents interviewed during 2004 to 2005. Results and Conclusion The highest stroke incidence rates were found in Denmark, Poland, and Sweden; these incidence rates were more than double that of Spain. Stroke was mostly associated with elderly people (age, ≥65 years) in Sweden, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Greece. In addition, stroke incidence was high among young males (age, <65 years) in Italy and elderly males in Germany and Switzerland. A negative association was found between stroke and vigorous exercise for younger people in Sweden and elderly people in Poland, whereas moderate exercise was significantly associated with stroke only for elderly Belgians, Greeks, and Irish.

Rehabilitation of Motor Function after Stroke: A Multiple Systematic Review Focused on Techniques to Stimulate Upper Extremity Recovery

Stroke is one of the leading causes for disability worldwide. Motor function deficits due to stroke affect the patients' mobility, their limitation in daily life activities, their participation in society and their odds of returning to professional activities. All of these factors contribute to a low overall quality of life. Rehabilitation training is the most effective way to reduce motor impairments in stroke patients. This multiple systematic review focuses both on standard treatment methods and on innovating rehabilitation techniques used to promote upper extremity motor function in stroke patients. A total number of 5712 publications on stroke rehabilitation was systematically reviewed for relevance and quality with regards to upper extremity motor outcome. This procedure yielded 270 publications corresponding to the inclusion criteria of the systematic review. Recent technology-based interventions in stroke rehabilitation including non-invasive brain stimulation, robot-assisted training, and virtual reality immersion are addressed. Finally, a decisional tree based on evidence from the literature and characteristics of stroke patients is proposed. At present, the stroke rehabilitation field faces the challenge to tailor evidence-based treatment strategies to the needs of the individual stroke patient. Interventions can be combined in order to achieve the maximal motor function recovery for each patient. Though the efficacy of some interventions may be under debate, motor skill learning, and some new technological approaches give promising outcome prognosis in stroke motor rehabilitation.

Test-retest reliability and four-week changes in cardiopulmonary fitness in stroke patients: evaluation using a robotics-assisted tilt table

BACKGROUND

Exercise testing devices for evaluating cardiopulmonary fitness in patients with severe disability after stroke are lacking, but we have adapted a robotics-assisted tilt table (RATT) for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Using the RATT in a sample of patients after stroke, this study aimed to investigate test-retest reliability and repeatability of CPET and to prospectively investigate changes in cardiopulmonary outcomes over a period of four weeks.

METHODS

Stroke patients with all degrees of disability underwent 3 separate CPET sessions: 2 tests at baseline (TB1 and TB2) and 1 test at follow up (TF). TB1 and TB2 were at least 24 h apart. TB2 and TF were 4 weeks apart. A RATT equipped with force sensors in the thigh cuffs, a work rate estimation algorithm and a real-time visual feedback system was used to guide the patients' exercise work rate during CPET. Test-retest reliability and repeatability of CPET variables were analysed using paired t-tests, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the coefficient of variation (CoV), and Bland and Altman limits of agreement. Changes in cardiopulmonary fitness during four weeks were analysed using paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Seventeen sub-acute and chronic stroke patients (age 62.7 ± 10.4 years [mean ± SD]; 8 females) completed the test sessions. The median time post stroke was 350 days. There were 4 severely disabled, 1 moderately disabled and 12 mildly disabled patients. For test-retest, there were no statistically significant differences between TB1 and TB2 for most CPET variables. Peak oxygen uptake, peak heart rate, peak work rate and oxygen uptake at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP) showed good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC 0.65-0.94). For all CPET variables, CoV was 4.1-14.5 %. The mean difference was close to zero in most of the CPET variables. There were no significant changes in most cardiopulmonary performance parameters during the 4-week period (TB2 vs TF).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide the first evidence of test-retest reliability and repeatability of the principal CPET variables using the novel RATT system and testing methodology, and high success rates in identification of VAT and RCP: good to excellent test-retest reliability and repeatability were found for all submaximal and maximal CPET variables. Reliability and repeatability of the main CPET parameters in stroke patients on the RATT were comparable to previous findings in stroke patients using standard exercise testing devices. The RATT has potential to be used as an alternative exercise testing device in patients who have limitations for use of standard exercise testing devices.

Risk factors associated with increased prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in women

Background

Four randomized trials of men aged 65–80 years showed that aneurysm-related mortality was reduced by 40 per cent by ultrasound screening. Screening is considered economically viable when the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is 1·0 per cent or higher. This is not the case for women, in whom the prevalence of AAA is less than 1 per cent. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the prevalence of AAA 3·0 cm or larger in women screened with ultrasound imaging, the risk factors associated with AAA in this population, and whether high-risk groups can be identified with an AAA prevalence of 1 per cent or greater.

Methods

Demographic data and risk factors were collected from the first 50 000 women who attended for private cardiovascular screening in the UK. Tests included ultrasound screening for AAA, ankle : brachial pressure index (ABPI), carotid duplex imaging for carotid atherosclerosis, and electrocardiography for atrial fibrillation.

Results

AAA was detected in 82 of 50 000 women screened; these aneurysms were rare below the age of 66 years (7 of 24 499). In the 66–85-years age group there were 72 AAAs in 25 170 women (0·29 per cent). Univariable analysis demonstrated that a history of stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA), hypertension, smoking, atrial fibrillation, ABPI of less than 0·9 and internal carotid artery stenosis of at least 50 per cent were associated with an increased prevalence of AAA (P &lt; 0·001). In multivariable linear logistic regression of risk factors, age 76 years or more, history of stroke/TIA, hypertension and smoking were independent predictors of AAA. This model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0·711 (95 per cent c.i. 0·649 to 0·772) and could identify 2235 women who had 22 AAAs (prevalence 0·98 per cent). By adding ABPI, atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis, the prediction improved to an AUC of 0·775 (0·724 to 0·826). This model could identify 3701 women who had 58 AAAs (prevalence 1·57 per cent).

Conclusion

This report should stimulate consideration of a targeted AAA screening programme for women aged over 65 years.

Visual Rehabilitation in Chronic Cerebral Blindness: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Study

The treatment of patients suffering from cerebral blindness following stroke is a topic of much recent interest. Several types of treatment are under investigation, such as substitution with prisms and compensation training of saccades. A third approach, aimed at vision restitution is controversial, as a proper controlled study design is missing. In the current study, 27 chronic stroke patients with homonymous visual field defects were trained at home with a visual training device. We used a discrimination task for two types of stimuli: a static point stimulus and a new optic flow-discontinuity stimulus. Using a randomized controlled crossover design, each patient received two successive training rounds, one with high contrast stimuli in their affected hemifield (test) and one round with low-contrast stimuli in their intact hemifield (control). Goldmann and Humphrey perimetry were performed at the start of the study and following each training round. In addition, reading performance was measured. Goldmann perimetry revealed a statistically significant reduction of the visual field defect after the test training, but not after the control training or after no intervention. For both training rounds combined, Humphrey perimetry revealed that the effect of a directed training (sensitivity change in trained hemifield) exceeded that of an undirected training (sensitivity change in untrained hemifield). The interaction between trained and tested hemifield was just above the threshold of significance (p = 0.058). Interestingly, reduction of the field defect assessed by Goldmann perimetry increases with the difference between defect size as measured by Humphrey and Goldmann perimetry prior to training. Moreover, improvement of visual sensitivity measured by Humphrey perimetry increases with the fraction of non-responsive elements (i.e., more relative field loss) in Humphrey perimetry prior to training. Reading speed revealed a significant improvement after training. Our findings demonstrate that our training can result in reduction of the visual field. Improved reading performance after defect training further supports the significance of our training for improvement in daily life activities.

Using Actual and Imagined Walking Related Desynchronization Features in a BCI

Recently, brain-computer interface (BCI) research has extended to investigate its possible use in motor rehabilitation. Most of these investigations have focused on the upper body. Only few studies consider gait because of the difficulty of recording EEG during gross movements. However, for stroke patients the rehabilitation of gait is of crucial importance. Therefore, this study investigates if a BCI can be based on walking related desynchronization features. Furthermore, the influence of complexity of the walking movements on the classification performance is investigated. Two BCI experiments were conducted in which healthy subjects performed a cued walking task, a more complex walking task (backward or adaptive walking), and imagination of the same tasks. EEG data during these tasks was classified into walking and no-walking. The results from both experiments show that despite the automaticity of walking and recording difficulties, brain signals related to walking could be classified rapidly and reliably. Classification performance was higher for actual walking movements than for imagined walking movements. There was no significant increase in classification performance for both the backward and adaptive walking tasks compared with the cued walking tasks. These results are promising for developing a BCI for the rehabilitation of gait.

Collateral blood vessels in acute ischemic stroke: a physiological window to predict future outcomes

Collateral circulation is a physiologic pathway that protects the brain against ischemic injury and can potentially bypass the effect of a blocked artery, thereby influencing ischemic lesion size and growth. Several recent stroke trials have provided information about the role of collaterals in stroke pathophysiology, and collateral perfusion has been recognized to influence arterial recanalization, reperfusion, hemorrhagic transformation, and neurological outcomes after stroke. Our current aim is to summarize the anatomy and physiology of the collateral circulation and to present and discuss a comprehensible review of the related knowledge, particularly the effects of collateral circulation on the time course of ischemic injury and stroke severity, as well as imaging findings and therapeutic implications.

Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

PURPOSE

The aim of this guideline is to provide a synopsis of best clinical practices in the rehabilitative care of adults recovering from stroke.

METHODS

Writing group members were nominated by the committee chair on the basis of their previous work in relevant topic areas and were approved by the American Heart Association (AHA) Stroke Council's Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and the AHA's Manuscript Oversight Committee. The panel reviewed relevant articles on adults using computerized searches of the medical literature through 2014. The evidence is organized within the context of the AHA framework and is classified according to the joint AHA/American College of Cardiology and supplementary AHA methods of classifying the level of certainty and the class and level of evidence. The document underwent extensive AHA internal and external peer review, Stroke Council Leadership review, and Scientific Statements Oversight Committee review before consideration and approval by the AHA Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee.

RESULTS

Stroke rehabilitation requires a sustained and coordinated effort from a large team, including the patient and his or her goals, family and friends, other caregivers (eg, personal care attendants), physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, recreation therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, social workers, and others. Communication and coordination among these team members are paramount in maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation and underlie this entire guideline. Without communication and coordination, isolated efforts to rehabilitate the stroke survivor are unlikely to achieve their full potential.

CONCLUSIONS

As systems of care evolve in response to healthcare reform efforts, postacute care and rehabilitation are often considered a costly area of care to be trimmed but without recognition of their clinical impact and ability to reduce the risk of downstream medical morbidity resulting from immobility, depression, loss of autonomy, and reduced functional independence. The provision of comprehensive rehabilitation programs with adequate resources, dose, and duration is an essential aspect of stroke care and should be a priority in these redesign efforts. (Stroke.2016;47:e98-e169. DOI: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000098.).

Risk of Symptomatic Stroke After Radiation Therapy for Childhood Cancer: A Long-Term Follow-Up Cohort Analysis

PURPOSE

Long-term childhood cancer survivors are at high risk of late adverse effects, including stroke. We aimed to determine the cumulative incidence of clinically validated symptomatic stroke (transient ischemic attack [TIA], cerebral infarction, and intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH]) and to quantify dose-effect relationships for cranial radiation therapy (CRT) and supradiaphragmatic radiation therapy (SDRT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Our single-center study cohort included 1362 survivors of childhood cancer that were diagnosed between 1966 and 1996. Prescribed CRT and SDRT doses were converted into the equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2). Multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze the relationship between the EQD2 and stroke.

RESULTS

After a median latency time of 24.9 years and at a median age of 31.2 years, 28 survivors had experienced a first stroke: TIA (n=5), infarction (n=13), and ICH (n=10). At an attained age of 45 years, the estimated cumulative incidences, with death as competing risk, among survivors treated with CRT only, SDRT only, both CRT and SDRT, and neither CRT nor SDRT were, respectively, 10.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5%-17.0%), 5.4% (95% CI, 0%-17.0%), 12.5% (95% CI, 5.5%-18.9%), and 0.1% (95% CI, 0%-0.4%). Radiation at both locations significantly increased the risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner (hazard ratios: HRCRT 1.02 Gy(-1); 95% CI, 1.01-1.03, and HRSDRT 1.04 Gy(-1); 95% CI, 1.02-1.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood cancer survivors treated with CRT, SDRT, or both have a high stroke risk. One in 8 survivors treated at both locations will have experienced a symptomatic stroke at an attained age of 45 years. Further research on the pathophysiologic processes involved in stroke in this specific group of patients is needed to enable the development of tailored secondary prevention strategies.

Plasticity and Reorganization in the Rehabilitation of Stroke

Abstract. This paper outlines some actual developments in the behavioral treatment and rehabilitation of stroke and other brain injuries in post-acute and chronic conditions of brain lesion. It points to a number of processes that demonstrate the enormous plasticity and reorganization capacity of the human brain following brain lesion. It also highlights a series of behavioral and neuroscientific studies that indicate that successful behavioral rehabilitation is paralleled by plastic changes of brain structures and by cortical reorganization and that the amount of such plastic changes is obviously significantly determining the overall outcome of rehabilitation.

Magnetoencephalography in Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a non-invasive neurophysiological technique used to study the cerebral cortex. Currently, MEG is mainly used clinically to localize epileptic foci and eloquent brain areas in order to avoid damage during neurosurgery. MEG might, however, also be of help in monitoring stroke recovery and rehabilitation. This review focuses on experimental use of MEG in neurorehabilitation. MEG has been employed to detect early modifications in neuroplasticity and connectivity, but there is insufficient evidence as to whether these methods are sensitive enough to be used as a clinical diagnostic test. MEG has also been exploited to derive the relationship between brain activity and movement kinematics for a motor-based brain–computer interface. In the current body of experimental research, MEG appears to be a powerful tool in neurorehabilitation, but it is necessary to produce new data to confirm its clinical utility.

Performing Permanent Distal Middle Cerebral with Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Aged Rats to Study Cortical Ischemia with Sustained Disability

Stroke typically occurs in elderly people with a range of comorbidities including carotid (or other arterial) atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Accordingly, when evaluating therapies for stroke in animals, it is important to select a model with excellent face validity. Ischemic stroke accounts for 80% of all strokes, and the majority of these occur in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), often inducing infarcts that affect the sensorimotor cortex, causing persistent plegia or paresis on the contralateral side of the body. We demonstrate in this video a method for producing ischemic stroke in elderly rats, which causes sustained sensorimotor disability and substantial cortical infarcts. Specifically, we induce permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in elderly female rats by using diathermy forceps to occlude a short segment of this artery. The carotid artery on the ipsilateral side to the lesion was then permanently occluded and the contralateral carotid artery was transiently occluded for 60 min. We measure the infarct size using structural T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 24 hr and 8 weeks after stroke. In this study, the mean infarct volume was 4.5% ± 2.0% (standard deviation) of the ipsilateral hemisphere at 24 hr (corrected for brain swelling using Gerriet's equation, n = 5). This model is feasible and clinically relevant as it permits the induction of sustained sensorimotor deficits, which is important for the elucidation of pathophysiological mechanisms and novel treatments.

The effect of 'device-in-charge' versus 'patient-in-charge' support during robotic gait training on walking ability and balance in chronic stroke survivors: A systematic review

This review describes the effects of two control strategies - used in robotic gait-training devices for chronic stroke survivors - on gait speed, endurance and balance. Control strategies are classified as 'patient-in-charge support', where the device 'empowers' the patient, and 'device-in-charge support', where the device imposes a pre-defined movement trajectory on the patient. Studies were collected up to 24 June 2015 and were included if they presented robotic gait training in chronic stroke survivors and used outcome measures that were indexed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. In total, 11 articles were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Outcome measures were walking speed, endurance and balance. Pooled mean differences between pre and post measurements were calculated. No differences were found between studies that used device-in-charge support and patient-in-charge support. Training effects were small for both groups of control strategies, and none were considered to be clinically relevant as defined by the Minimal Clinically Important Difference. However, an important confounder is the short training duration among all included studies. As control strategies in robotic gait training are rapidly evolving, future research should take the recommendations that are made in this review into account.

Improving Outcomes Achieved by a New Stroke Program in Hungary

Background

Stroke is a devastating disease with increasing incidence and prevalence due to population aging. Even with the best care, a proportion of patients dies or is left with significant neurological and cognitive disability. Organization of stroke centers markedly improved outcomes worldwide. We initiated a ‘lysis alarm’ program in September 2013 at our medical center.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of electronic data from patients with acute ischemic stroke before (October 2012-June 2013) and after (October 2013-June 2014) the ‘lysis alarm’ program was introduced at our medical center.

Results

Prior to the introduction of the stroke program, there were only 19 thrombolysis procedures in 777 acute stroke patients in 9 months, while this figure rose to 32 thrombolysis procedures in 737 acute stroke patients after the initiation of the program. The ‘door-to-needle’ time decreased from 88 to 71 min when the two study periods were compared. These changes were associated with decreased stroke mortality in patients receiving thrombolytic treatment (16% prior to the program and 9% during the program). In 2013, there were 1,439 thrombolysis procedures, representing 3.2% of all stroke cases throughout Hungary. After the introduction of the ‘lysis alarm’ program, we have reached a 4% thrombolysis rate at our medical center.

Conclusions

Our thrombolysis rate is higher than the national average, but still low compared to the rates of Western European countries. We are continuously working to enhance our stroke program. Here, we discuss those components that need to be further refined in order to improve stroke intervention and outcome.

Delayed intramuscular human neurotrophin-3 improves recovery in adult and elderly rats after stroke

There is an urgent need for a therapy that reverses disability after stroke when initiated in a time frame suitable for the majority of new victims. We show here that intramuscular delivery of neurotrophin-3 (NT3, encoded by NTF3) can induce sensorimotor recovery when treatment is initiated 24 h after stroke. Specifically, in two randomized, blinded preclinical trials, we show improved sensory and locomotor function in adult (6 months) and elderly (18 months) rats treated 24 h following cortical ischaemic stroke with human NT3 delivered using a clinically approved serotype of adeno-associated viral vector (AAV1). Importantly, AAV1-hNT3 was given in a clinically-feasible timeframe using a straightforward, targeted route (injections into disabled forelimb muscles). Magnetic resonance imaging and histology showed that recovery was not due to neuroprotection, as expected given the delayed treatment. Rather, treatment caused corticospinal axons from the less affected hemisphere to sprout in the spinal cord. This treatment is the first gene therapy that reverses disability after stroke when administered intramuscularly in an elderly body. Importantly, phase I and II clinical trials by others show that repeated, peripherally administered high doses of recombinant NT3 are safe and well tolerated in humans with other conditions. This paves the way for NT3 as a therapy for stroke.

How does age affect the care dependency risk one year after stroke? A study based on claims data from a German health insurance fund

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of age on care dependency risk 1 year after stroke. Two research questions are addressed: (1) How strong is the association between age and care dependency risk 1 year after stroke and (2) can this association be explained by burden of disease?

METHODS

The study is based on claims data from a German statutory health insurance fund. The study population was drawn from all continuously insured members with principal diagnoses of ischaemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischaemic attack in 2007 who survived for 1 year after stroke and who were not dependent on care before their first stroke (n = 2864). Data were collected over a 1-year period. People are considered to be dependent on care if they, due to a physical, mental or psychological illness or disability, require substantial assistance in carrying out activities of daily living for a period of at least 6 months. Burden of disease was assessed by stroke subtype, history of stroke, comorbidities as well as geriatric multimorbidity. Regression models were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

21.6 % of patients became care dependent during the observation period. Post-stroke care dependency risk was significantly associated with age. Relative to the reference group (0-65 years), the odds ratio of care dependency was 11.30 (95 % CI: 7.82-16.34) in patients aged 86+ years and 5.10 (95 % CI: 3.88-6.71) in patients aged 76-85 years. These associations were not explained by burden of disease. On the contrary, age effects became stronger when burden of disease was included in the regression model (by between 1.1 and 28 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that age has an effect on care dependency risk that cannot be explained by burden of disease. Thus, there must be other underlying age-dependent factors that account for the remaining age effects (e.g., social conditions). Further studies are needed to explore the causes of the strong age effects observed.

Gingival Inflammation Associates with Stroke--A Role for Oral Health Personnel in Prevention: A Database Study

OBJECTIVES

Gingival inflammation is the physiological response to poor oral hygiene. If gingivitis is not resolved the response will become an established lesion.We studied whether gingivitis associates with elevated risk for stroke. The hypothesis was based on the periodontitis-atherosclerosis paradigm.

METHODS

In our prospective cohort study from Sweden 1676 randomly selected subjects were followed up from 1985 to 2012. All subjects underwent clinical oral examination and answered a questionnaire assessing background variables such as socio-economic status and pack-years of smoking. Cases with stroke were recorded from the Center of Epidemiology, Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden, and classified according to the WHO International Classification of Diseases. Unpaired t-test, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Of the 1676 participants, 39 subjects (2.3%) had been diagnosed with stroke. There were significant differences between the patients with stroke and subjects without in pack-years of smoking (p = 0.01), prevalence of gingival inflammation (GI) (p = 0.03), and dental calculus (p = 0.017). In a multiple regression analysis the association between GI, confounders and stroke, GI showed odds ratio 2.20 (95% confidence interval 1.02-4.74) for stroke.

CONCLUSION

Our present findings showed that gingival inflammation clearly associated with stroke in this 26-year cohort study. The results emphasize the role of oral health personnel in prevention.

Cerebral White Matter Lesions and Affective Episodes Correlate in Male Individuals with Bipolar Disorder

Background

Cerebral white matter lesions (WML) have been found in normal aging, vascular disease and several neuropsychiatric conditions. Correlations of WML with clinical parameters in BD have been described, but not with the number of affective episodes, illness duration, age of onset and Body Mass Index in a well characterized group of euthymic bipolar adults. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the associations between bipolar course of illness parameters and WML measured with volumetric analysis.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study 100 euthymic individuals with BD as well as 54 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled to undergo brain magnetic resonance imaging using 3T including a FLAIR sequence for volumetric assessment of WML-load using FSL-software. Additionally, clinical characteristics and psychometric measures including Structured Clinical Interview according to DSM-IV, Hamilton-Depression, Young Mania Rating Scale and Beck’s Depression Inventory were evaluated.

Results

Individuals with BD had significantly more (F = 3.968, p < .05) WML (Mdn = 3710mm3; IQR = 2961mm3) than HC (Mdn = 2185mm3; IQR = 1665mm3). BD men (Mdn = 4095mm3; IQR = 3295mm3) and BD women (Mdn = 3032mm3; IQR = 2816mm3) did not significantly differ as to the WML-load or the number and type of risk factors for WML. However, in men only, the number of manic/hypomanic episodes (r = 0.72; p < .001) as well as depressive episodes (r = 0.51; p < .001) correlated positively with WML-load.

Conclusions

WML-load strongly correlated with the number of manic episodes in male BD patients, suggesting that men might be more vulnerable to mania in the context of cerebral white matter changes.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Mechanical Thrombectomy Using Stent Retrievers in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Recently, 5 randomized controlled trials demonstrated the benefit of endovascular therapy compared with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator in acute stroke. Economic evidence evaluating stent retrievers is limited. We compared the cost-effectiveness of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator alone versus mechanical thrombectomy and intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator as a bridging therapy in eligible patients in the UK National Health Service.

Preadmission use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and short-term mortality after stroke

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The prognostic impact of ACE inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on stroke mortality remains unclear. We aimed to examine whether prestroke use of ACE-Is or ARBs was associated with improved short-term mortality following ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study using medical registries in Denmark. We identified all first-time stroke patients during 2004-2012 and their comorbidities. We defined ACE-I/ARB use as current use (last prescription redemption <90 days before admission for stroke), former use and non-use. Current use was further classified as new or long-term use. We used Cox regression modelling to compute 30-day mortality rate ratios (MRRs) with 95% CIs, controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS

We identified 100 043 patients with a first-time stroke. Of these, 83 736 patients had ischaemic stroke, 11 779 had ICH, and 4528 had SAH. For ischaemic stroke, the adjusted 30-day MRR was reduced in current users compared with non-users (0.85, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.89). There was no reduction in the adjusted 30-day MRR for ICH (0.95, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.03) or SAH (1.01, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.21), comparing current users with non-users. No association with mortality was found among former users compared with non-users. No notable modification of the association was observed within sex or age strata.

CONCLUSIONS

Current use of ACE-Is/ARBs was associated with reduced 30-day mortality among patients with ischaemic stroke. We found no association among patients with ICH or SAH.

Validation of Stroke Diagnosis in the National Registry of Hospitalized Patients in the Czech Republic

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a common cause of mortality and morbidity in Eastern Europe. However, detailed epidemiological data are not available. The National Registry of Hospitalized Patients (NRHOSP) is a nationwide registry of prospectively collected data regarding each hospitalization in the Czech Republic since 1998. As a first step in the evaluation of stroke epidemiology in the Czech Republic, we validated stroke cases in NRHOSP.

METHODS

Any hospital in the Czech Republic with a sufficient number of cases was included. We randomly selected 10 of all 72 hospitals and then 50 patients from each hospital in 2011 stratified according to stroke diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision [ICD-10] cerebrovascular codes I60, I61, I63, I64, and G45). Discharge summaries from hospitalization were reviewed independently by 2 reviewers and compared with NRHOSP for accuracy of discharge diagnosis. Any disagreements were adjudicated by a third reviewer.

RESULTS

Of 500 requested discharge summaries, 484 (97%) were available. Validators confirmed diagnosis in NRHOSP as follows: transient ischemic attack (TIA) or any stroke type in 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79-86), any stroke type in 85% (95% CI, 81-88), I63/cerebral infarction in 82% (95% CI, 74-89), I60/subarachnoid hemorrhage in 91% (95% CI, 85-97), I61/intracerebral hemorrhage in 91% (95% CI, 85-96), and G45/TIA in 49% (95% CI, 39-58). The most important reason for disagreement was use of I64/stroke, not specified for patients with I63.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of coding of the stroke ICD-10 codes for subarachnoid hemorrhage (I60) and intracerebral hemorrhage (I61) included in a Czech Republic national registry was high. The accuracy of coding for I63/cerebral infarction was somewhat lower than for ICH and SAH.

Sex Differences in Biological Markers of Health in the Study of Stress, Aging and Health in Russia

BACKGROUND

The apparent contradiction that women live longer but have worse health than men, the so called male-female health-survival paradox, is very pronounced in Russia. The present study investigates whether men in Moscow are healthier than women at the level of biomarkers, and whether the associations between biomarkers and subjective health have sex-specific patterns.

MATERIALS

Previously collected data in the study of Stress, Aging, and Health in Russia (SAHR, n = 1800) were used to examine sex differences in biomarkers and their associations with physical functioning and self-rated health.

RESULTS

The present study found mixed directions and magnitudes for sex differences in biomarkers. Women were significantly disadvantaged with regard to obesity and waist circumference, whereas men had a tendency toward higher prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities. No sex differences were indicated in the prevalence of immunological biomarkers, and mixed patterns were found for lipid profiles. Many biomarkers were associated with physical functioning and general health. Obesity and waist circumference were related to lower physical functioning among females only, while major Q-wave abnormalities with high probabilities of myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter were associated with physical functioning and self-rated health among males only.

CONCLUSION

No clear patterns of sex differences in prevalence of high-risk levels of biomarkers suggest that the male-female health-survival paradox is weaker at the level of health biomarkers. We found some evidence that certain biomarkers reflecting pathophysiological changes in the organism that do not possess acute health risks, but over many years may lead to physical disability, are associated with physical functioning and self-rated health in women, whereas others reflecting more serious life-threatening pathophysiological changes are associated with physical functioning and self-rated health in men.

What is the effect of additional physiotherapy on sitting balance following stroke compared to standard physiotherapy treatment: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Sitting balance dysfunction is commonly experienced following stroke. Physiotherapists utilize interventions to address this problem but it is unclear whether treatment type, target or practice intensity may affect outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of standard physiotherapy to standard physiotherapy plus an additional physiotherapy treatment after stroke.

DATA SOURCES

The databases of Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, Ovid Medline, AMED, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) up to December 2014 were searched.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials in English reported in peer-reviewed journals regarding the effect of additional physiotherapy on sitting balance were retrieved.

DATA EXTRACTION

The PEDro scale was used to assess study quality.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Nine targeted the ICF (International Classification of Function, Disability and Health) domain of Activity. The Trunk control test (TCT) was used as a primary outcome measure in five studies, and the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) was used in four. There was a significant effect (mean difference = 1.67, 95% CI = 0.54-2.80) favoring intervention, as measured by the TIS. There was no evidence to support the effect of additional treatment on sitting balance as measured by the TCT (mean difference = - 1.53, 95% CI = - 9.37 to 6.32).

CONCLUSION

The current evidence supports strategies that target deficits at the activity level and increase total treatment time. The TIS is most responsive as a measure of treatment efficacy. Further research is required using recommended outcome measures to facilitate generation of a minimum data set and data pooling.

Ability in daily activities after early supported discharge models of stroke rehabilitation

More knowledge is needed about how different rehabilitation models in the municipality influence stroke survivors' ability in activities of daily living (ADL).

OBJECTIVES

To compare three models of outpatient rehabilitation; early supported discharge (ESD) in a day unit, ESD at home and traditional treatment in the municipality (control group), regarding change in ADL ability during the first three months after stroke.

METHODS

A group comparison study was designed within a randomized controlled trial. Included participants were tested with the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) at baseline and discharged directly home. Primary and secondary outcomes were the AMPS and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Included were 154 participants (57% men, median age 73 years), and 103 participants completed the study. There were no significant group differences in pre-post changed ADL ability measured by the AMPS. To find the best rehabilitation model to improve the quality of stroke survivors' motor and process skills needs further research. Patients participating in the ESD rehabilitation models were, compared with traditional treatment, significantly associated with improved ADL ability measured by the mRS when controlling for confounding factors, indicating that patients with social needs and physical impairment after stroke may benefit from ESD rehabilitation models.

The effects of golf training in patients with stroke: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the most common neurological disease and the primary cause of lifelong disability in industrialized countries. Because of this it is important to investigate any kind of successful therapy.

METHODS

From the 24 recruited stroke patients who were between 23 and 72 years old, 14 patients were separated either in a golf training group (EG), or a social communication meeting (CG). Both groups met for one hour sessions, twice a week, for ten weeks. All participants completed assessment tests before and after the experimental period: cognitive tests measuring attention (Go/No-Go task), visual-spatial memory (Block-Tapping test) and mental rotation performance (MRT); a balance test (Berg Balance Scale), and an emotional well-being test (CES-D-Scale).

RESULTS

The results show that both groups improved in the CES Scale, the block-tapping test and the balance test. In addition, stroke patients who received a golf training showed a significant improvement in the MRT comparing to the control group (CG).

CONCLUSION

It is indicated that golf training can improve visual imagery ability in stroke patients, even late after stroke.

Musical training as an alternative and effective method for neuro-education and neuro-rehabilitation

In the last decade, important advances in the field of cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience have largely contributed to improve our knowledge on brain functioning. More recently, a line of research has been developed that aims at using musical training and practice as alternative tools for boosting specific perceptual, motor, cognitive, and emotional skills both in healthy population and in neurologic patients. These findings are of great hope for a better treatment of language-based learning disorders or motor impairment in chronic non-communicative diseases. In the first part of this review, we highlight several studies showing that learning to play a musical instrument can induce substantial neuroplastic changes in cortical and subcortical regions of motor, auditory and speech processing networks in healthy population. In a second part, we provide an overview of the evidence showing that musical training can be an alternative, low-cost and effective method for the treatment of language-based learning impaired populations. We then report results of the few studies showing that training with musical instruments can have positive effects on motor, emotional, and cognitive deficits observed in patients with non-communicable diseases such as stroke or Parkinson Disease. Despite inherent differences between musical training in educational and rehabilitation contexts, these results favor the idea that the structural, multimodal, and emotional properties of musical training can play an important role in developing new, creative and cost-effective intervention programs for education and rehabilitation in the next future.

Clinical effect size of an educational intervention in the home and compliance with mobile phone-based reminders for people who suffer from stroke: protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term neurological disability in the world. Cognitive, communication, and physical weakness combined with environmental changes frequently cause changes in the roles, routines, and daily occupations of stroke sufferers. Educational intervention combines didactic and interactive intervention, which combines the best choices for teaching new behaviors since it involves the active participation of the patient in learning. Nowadays, there are many types of interventions or means to increase adherence to treatment.

Objective

The aim of this study is to enable patients who have suffered stroke and been discharged to their homes to improve the performance of the activities of daily living (ADL) in their home environment, based on advice given by the therapist. A secondary aim is that these patients continue the treatment through a reminder app installed on their mobile phones.

Methods

This study is a clinical randomized controlled trial. The total sample will consist of 80 adults who have suffered a stroke with moderate severity and who have been discharged to their homes in the 3 months prior to recruitment to the study. The following tests and scales will be used to measure the outcome variables: Barthel Index, the Functional Independence Measure, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Canadian Neurological Scale, the Stroke Impact Scale-16, the Trunk Control Test, the Modified Rankin Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Quality of Life Scale for Stroke, the Functional Reach Test, the Romberg Test, the Time Up and Go test, the Timed-Stands Test, a portable dynamometer, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Descriptive analyses will include mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals of the values for each variable. The Kolmogov-Smirnov (KS) test and a 2x2 mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used. Intergroup effect sizes will be calculated (Cohen’s d).

Results

Currently, the study is in the recruitment phase and implementation of the intervention has begun. The authors anticipate that during 2015 the following processes should be completed: recruitment, intervention, and data collection. It is expected that the analysis of all data and the first results should be available in early-to-mid 2016.

Conclusions

An educational intervention based on therapeutic home advice and a reminder app has been developed by the authors with the intention that patients who have suffered stroke perform the ADL more easily and use their affected limbs more actively in the ADL. The use of reminders via mobile phone is proposed as an innovative tool to increase treatment adherence in this population.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01980641; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01980641 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6WRWFmY6U).

Impact of preadmission treatment with calcium channel blockers or beta blockers on short-term mortality after stroke: a nationwide cohort study

Background

The prognostic impact of preadmission use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and beta blockers (BBs) on stroke mortality remains unclear. We aimed to examine whether preadmission use of CCBs or BBs was associated with improved short-term mortality following ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study using Danish medical registries. We identified all patients with a first-time inpatient diagnosis of stroke between 2004 and 2012 and their comorbidities. We defined CCB/BB use as current use, former use, or non-use. Current use was further classified as new or long-term use. We used Cox regression modeling to compute 30-day mortality rate ratios (MRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), controlling for potential confounders.

Results

We identified 100,043 patients with a first-time stroke. Of these, 83,736 (83.7%) patients had ischemic stroke, 11,779 (11.8%) had ICH, and 4,528 (4.5%) had SAH. Comparing current users of CCBs or BBs with non-users, we found no association with mortality for ischemic stroke [adjusted 30-day MRR = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.94-1.05) for CCBs and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.96-1.07) for BBs], ICH [adjusted 30-day MRR = 1.05 (95% CI: 0.95-1.16) for CCBs and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.87-1.04) for BBs], or SAH [adjusted 30-day MRR = 1.05 (95% CI: 0.85-1.29) for CCBs and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.72-1.11) for BBs]. Former use of CCBs or BBs was not associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Preadmission use of CCBs or BBs was not associated with 30-day mortality following ischemic stroke, ICH, or SAH.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-015-0279-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Safety and feasibility of intravenous rt-PA in the Emergency Department without a neurologist-based stroke unit: an observational study

Early intravenous thrombolysis has proven to be a safe and effective therapy for selected patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Nowadays, thrombolysis is usually delivered by neurologists in "hub" referral centers. However, only a few among eligible patients actually receive treatment. Barriers to early administration of thrombolysis are represented by delays in presentation to referral centers, in-hospital and transfer delays, as well as changes in symptoms during assessment time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and rate of thrombolysis provided in Emergency Department (ED) of a district hospital without neurological stroke team. Consecutive patients with AIS treated with intravenous thrombolysis were prospectively enrolled in this observational study, conducted between May 2010 and December 2013. The main outcomes evaluated were: mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), systemic adverse events, and neurological recovery. Secondly, all patients admitted with ischemic stroke were retrospectively screened to assess the reasons for exclusion to treatment and the rate of thrombolysis delivered. During the study period, 43 patients with AIS received intravenous rt-PA treatment. The mortality rate at three months was 9.5 % (4/43; 95 % CI 2.6-22.1) and total ICH at any-time CT scan imaging was 18.6 % (8/43; 8.4-33.4). At seven days or at discharge, 35/43 patients (81.4 %; 66.6-91.6) presented a neurological improvement and 46.5 % (20/43; 31.2-62.3) a complete neurological recovery presenting a normal NIHSS, while 9.5 % of patients remained in steady conditions and other 9.5 % worsened (4/43; 2.6-22.1). Outcomes do not appear to be very different from those reported in SITS-MOST study cohort. Among the overall 732 patients with AIS, 117 (16.0 %; 13.4-18.8) were eligible for age and arrived within the three-hour window of time, and the thrombolysis rate was 5.9 % (43/732; 4.3-7.8). Administration of rt-PA in an ED setting without neurological specialized stroke unit seems to be feasible and safe after adequate training. Thrombolysis rate found seems to be favorably comparable with the national average in specialist stroke units. If such data were confirmed by studies of greater dimension, this may imply the ability to perform thrombolysis even in smaller centers without the neurologist, thus being able to treat a greater number of patients in the times proven effective for thrombolysis.

Patient selection for stroke endovascular therapy--DWI-ASPECTS thresholds should vary among age groups: insights from the RECOST study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of endovascular intervention in large-vessel occlusion strokes, depending on age class.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A clinical management protocol including intravenous treatment and mechanical thrombectomy was instigated in our center in 2009 (Prognostic Factors Related to Clinical Outcome Following Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke [RECOST] study). All patients with acute ischemic stroke with an anterior circulation major-vessel occlusion who presented within 6 hours were evaluated with an initial MR imaging examination and were analyzed according to age subgroups (younger than 50 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years; 80 years or older). The mRS score at 3 months was the study end point.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-five patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 67.4 years (range, 29-90 years). The mean baseline NIHSS score was 17.24 (range, 3-27). The mean DWI-derived ASPECTS was 6.4. Recanalization of TICI 2b/3 was achieved in 80%. At 3 months, 41.72% of patients had a good outcome, with a gradation of prognosis depending on the age subgroup and a clear cutoff at 70 years. Only 19% of patients older than 80 years had a good outcome at 3 months (mean ASPECTS = 7.4) with 28% for 70-79 years (mean ASPECTS = 6.8), but 58% for 60-69 years (mean ASPECTS = 6), 52% for 50-59 years (mean ASPECTS = 5.91), and 72% for younger than 50 years (mean ASPECTS = 6.31). In contrast, the mortality rate was 35% for 80 years and older, and 26% for 70-79 versus 5%-9% for younger than 70 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The elderly may benefit from thrombectomy when their ischemic core volume is low in comparison with younger patients who still benefit from acute recanalization despite larger infarcts. Stroke volume thresholds should, therefore, be related and adjusted to the patient's age group.

Prevalence of self-reported stroke and disability in the French adult population: a transversal study

In France, the prevalence of stroke and the level of disability of stroke survivors are little known. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional limitations in adults at home and in institutions, with and without self-reported stroke. A survey named “the Disability Health survey” was carried out in people's homes (DHH) and in institutions (DHI). Medical history and functional level (activities-of-daily-living, ADL and instrumented-activities-of-daily-living IADL) were collected through interviews. The modified Rankin score (mRS) and the level of dependence and disability were compared between participants with and without stroke. 33896 subjects responded. The overall prevalence of stroke was 1.6% (CI95% [1.4%–1.7%]). The mRS was over 2 for 34.4% of participants with stroke (28.7% of participants at home and 87.8% of participants in institutions) versus respectively 3.9%, 3.1% and 71.6% without stroke. Difficulty washing was the most frequently reported ADL for those with stroke (30.6% versus 3% for those without stroke). Difficulty with ADL and IADL increased with age but the relative risk was higher below the age of 60 (17 to 25) than over 85 years (1.5 to 2.2), depending on the ADL. In the overall population, 22.6% of those confined to bed or chair reported a history of stroke. These results thus demonstrate a high national prevalence of stroke. Older people are highly dependent, irrespective of stroke history and the relative risk of dependence in young subjects with a history of stroke is high compared with those without.

[Potential analyses for research on occupational therapy-led training of activities of daily living in stroke patients]

HEALTH PROBLEM

Every year about 200,000 people in Germany suffer from a first stroke and 65,000 persons from a recurrent stroke. Stroke is one of the major causes of acquired life-long disability. It is associated with multiple limitations in functioning, activities of daily living and social participation. People with stroke must develop and apply considerable coping and adaptation strategies to manage the consequences of disabilities in daily life. Insufficient adaptations may result in social isolation, depressive disorders, need for medical and nursing care and subsequently lead to increasing costs for care. Thus occupational therapy-led treatment addressing social participation as well as skills training, adaptation strategies and assistive technology for activities of daily living is essential for stroke patients after hospital discharge.

CORPUS OF EVIDENCE

Based on nine randomised comparisons, a Cochrane review from 2006 revealed that occupational therapy-led training after stroke had positive effects on personal activities of daily living (8 studies; 961 participants; 0.18 SMD; 95 % CI [0.04 to 0.32]), on extended activities of daily living (6 studies; 847 participants; 0.21 SMD; 95 % CI [0.03 to 0.39]), and on poor outcome (7 studies; 1,065 participants; odds ratio 0.67; 95 % CI [0.51 to 0.87]). However, direct implementation into the German healthcare context is not recommendable due to (1) different settings and heterogeneity within the primary studies, (2) lack of manualisation of treatment programmes and (3) insufficient evaluation of client-oriented outcomes.

IMPLICATION FOR RESEARCH

It is recommended to manualise client-centred standardised modules of a stage-specific occupational therapy-led training of activities of daily living and to pilot-test this intervention programme in a feasibility study. If this trial results in a set of reliable and valid client-oriented outcome measurements applicable within the German care context and in a feasible treatment programme well accepted by stroke patients and their treating occupational therapists, a large-scaled randomised clinical trial in terms of comparative effectiveness research may follow.

The incidence of the first-ever stroke in a Mediterranean island population: the isle of Lesvos stroke study

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of research on the incidence and distribution of stroke types in Greece. This is the first study investigating stroke incidence in a Greek island, the Northern Aegean island of Lesvos (Eastern Mediterranean Sea).

METHODS

A multisource, prospective population-based register was established and subjects with first-ever stroke (FES) between June 1st 2010 and May 31st 2011 were identified.

RESULTS

197 FES subjects registered, 112 males and 85 females (mean age ± SD = 75 ± 12 years). Cerebral infarction was diagnosed in 77.7%, intracerebral hemorrhage in 12.7%, subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2.5%; undetermined stroke accounted for 7.1%. The crude annual incidence rates of FES were 227.9 (95% CI 196-260) per 100,000. Following age- and gender-standardization to the 'European' population, FES incidence rates were 117 (95% CI 99-136). Early case fatality was 20.81% (95% CI 16-27%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that the incidence of FES in the studied Mediterranean population is at the low end of the range of estimates established by recent European registers. The results of the present study extend the limited epidemiological data on stroke in Greece and can help guide future monitoring, prevention and treatment strategies.

Current status of stroke epidemiology in Greece: a panorama

Although strokes have been documented since about 3 millennia, they remain today as one of the leading causes of mortality, as well as of subsequent serious long-term physical and mental morbidity, among patients in many different countries all over the world. Greece presents an increase in mortality rates according to World Health Organization, and this fact underlines the need for early diagnosis and treatment, as well as, the need to implement effective prevention strategies for strokes. This review makes an effort to describe the current status of stroke epidemiological features, as well as to present the risk factors prevalent in Greece. The incidence rate is 261-319/100,000 based on the recent population based registry. Stroke appears to be more prevalent in men than in women, and the mean age of stroke onset in Greece is at 70 years of age. Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus are the major risk factors of stroke in the Greek population, while smoking is the most commonly documented modifiable risk factor in young adults with ischemic stroke. Similar to other parts of the world, ischemic stroke is the most common stroke type. The 28-day case fatality rate for men and women was 26.5%. The mean in-hospital cost per stroke patient was 3624.9 € and the mean rehabilitation cost of outpatients with stroke was 5553.3 €, while the cost proportion of hemorrhagic stroke is higher when compared to ischemic stroke. Stroke is a devastating condition with recognized challenges in identifying effective prevention programs. In Greece, limited data exists regarding the epidemiology of strokes. As a result, the need to conduct new studies and researches across the country is well documented.

Natural products from marine organisms with neuroprotective activity in the experimental models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and ischemic brain stroke: their molecular targets and action mechanisms

Continuous increases in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and brain stroke demand the urgent development of therapeutics. Marine organisms are well-known producers of natural products with diverse structures and pharmacological activities. Therefore, researchers have endeavored to identify marine natural products with neuroprotective effects. In this regard, this review summarizes therapeutic targets for AD, PD, and ischemic brain stroke and marine natural products with pharmacological activities on the targets according to taxonomies of marine organisms. Furthermore, several marine natural products on the clinical trials for the treatment of neurological disorders are discussed.

Presbyfagie: de invloed van het primair verouderingsproces op de slikfunctie

PRESBYPHAGIA: THE INFLUENCE OF PRIMARY AGING ON SWALLOWING FUNCTION: Elderly often get confronted with swallowing difficulties. It is important to differentiate between presbyphagia, which describes the influence of primary aging on swallow function and dysphagia, which is a pathological swallowing disorder caused by age related diseases and their treatment. In this literature overview the focus is on presbyphagia. The influence of primary aging on the oropharyngeal swallowing function and on other body functions that are indirectly related to swallowing will be discussed. From the literature we learn that in primary aging a number of functions stay preserved, a number of functions deteriorate, and some compensatory mechanisms are evident. The swallow safety as such however, stays preserved. To conclude with we discuss some clinical implications concerning both the detection of swallowing disorders in the elderly and the establishment of preventive action for the healthy elderly.

TagTrainer: supporting exercise variability and tailoring in technology supported upper limb training

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation technology for upper limb training can potentially increase the amount, duration, and quality of therapy offered to patients by targeting the needs of individual patients. Empirical evaluations of such technologies focus on clinical effectiveness; however, little is known regarding the implications of their implementation in daily practice. Tailoring training content to patients requires active participation by therapists, and requires an extension of their role to include authoring and modifying exercises. It is not yet known whether this is feasible, and the socio-technical requirements that will make it successful in practice have not yet been explored. The current study investigates the extent to which therapists can take the role of authoring patient-specific training content and whether effort savings can be achieved by sharing the created content.

METHOD

We present TagTrainer: an interactive tabletop system for rehabilitation that can be operated by manipulating every day physical objects in order to carry out exercises that simulate daily living tasks. TagTrainer supports therapists in creating their own exercises that fit individual patient needs, in adjusting existing exercises, and in putting together personalized exercise programs for and with patients. Four therapists in stroke- and paraplegia-rehabilitation have used TagTrainer for three weeks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the therapists, questionnaires were administered to them, and observation notes and usage logs were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 20 exercises were created from scratch, while another three exercises were created as variations of the existing ones. Importantly, all these exercises were created to address specific needs that patients expressed. The patients found the exercises motivating and these exercises were integrated into their regular training.

CONCLUSIONS

TagTrainer can support arm-hand rehabilitation training by increasing therapy variability and tailoring. Therapists consider TagTrainer most suited for group sessions where they supervise many patients at once. Therapists are motivated and are able to, with minimal training, create and tailor exercises for patients fitting individual needs and capabilities. Future research will examine the socio-technical conditions that will encourage therapists to contribute and share training content, and provide the peer support needed for the adoption of a new technology.