Recanalization and mortality rates of thrombectomy with stent-retrievers in octogenarian patients with acute ischemic stroke

Is endovascular treatment still good for acute ischemic stroke in the elderly? A meta-analysis of observational studies in the last decade

Background

The lack of randomized evidence makes it difficult to establish reliable treatment recommendations for endovascular treatment (EVT) in elderly patients. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in the elderly compared with younger patients.

Methods

Comprehensive literature retrieval was conducted to identify studies that directly compared the outcomes of EVT in elderly patients and those aged <80 years. The primary outcome was functional independence, defined as mRS 0-2 at 90 days after EVT. The secondary outcomes were the rate of successful recanalization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using a random effects model.

Results

In total, twenty-six studies with 9,492 enrolled participants were identified. Our results showed that, compared with patients aged <80 years undergoing EVT, EVT was associated with a lower rate of functional independence at 90 days (OR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.33-0.45; p < 0.00001) and a higher mortality rate (OR = 2.51; 95% CI, 1.98-3.18; p < 0.00001) in the elderly. Furthermore, even without a significantly observed increase in sICH (OR = 1.19; 95% CI, 0.96-1.47; p = 0.11), EVT appeared to be associated with a lower rate of successful recanalization (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.96; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Evidence from observational studies revealed that EVT has less functional outcomes in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further studies are needed to better identify patients aged ≥80 years who could potentially benefit from EVT.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Versus Best Medical Management for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Elderly Patients: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus best medical management (BMM) in patients aged ≥80 years.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review to identify comparative studies of MT versus BMM with or without intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV tPA) in patients ≥80 years. Clinical data including outcomes and mortality categorized as modified Rankin scale scores 0-2, 3-5, and 6, were collected from identified studies, and effectiveness scores were assigned to each outcome. Costs associated with stroke outcomes were derived from previous literature, including costs associated with initial and follow-up imaging, hospitalization, physicians/associated personnel, and MT. TreeAge Pro software was used to construct a cost-effectiveness analysis model of clinical data from studies and costs derived from the literature.

RESULTS

The review identified 1 relevant comparative study. The cost model demonstrated total annual cumulative overall per-patient costs of $30,064.21 for BMM with IV tPA and $21,940.36 for BMM without IV tPA. Overall effectiveness scores were 0.61 and 0.62, respectively. MT had a cumulative total annual per-patient cost of $47,849.54 and an overall effectiveness score of 0.40. The cost-effectiveness ratios of total cumulative patient cost to overall outcome effectiveness score for the 3 treatments were as follows: BMM with IV tPA = $49,285.59, BMM without IV tPA = $35,387.58, and MT = $119,623.85. BMM with or without IV tPA was found to be more cost-effective than MT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study utilized stroke outcomes data for patients aged ≥80 years to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis. MT was found to be less cost-effective than BMM with and without IV tPA.

No Racial Disparity in Outcome Measures After Endovascular Treatment for Stroke in the Elderly

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Despite the lower rates of good outcomes and higher mortality in elderly patients, age does not modify the treatment effect of mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion strokes. We aimed to study whether racial background influences the outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in the elderly population.

METHODS

We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy from October 2010 through June 2020 to identify all consecutive patients with age ≥80 years and anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes. The patients were categorized according to their race as Black and White. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to define the predictors of 90-day modified Rankin Scale and mortality in the overall population and in each race separately.

RESULTS

Among 2241 mechanical thrombectomy, a total of 344 patients (median [interquartile range]; age 85 [82-88] years, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 19 [15-23], Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 9 [7-9], 69.5% females) were eligible for the analysis. White patients (n=251; 73%) had significantly lower median body mass index (25.37 versus 26.89, P=0.04) and less frequent hypertension (78.9% versus 90.3%, P=0.01) but more atrial fibrillation (64.5% versus 44.1%, P=0.001) compared with African Americans (n=93; 27%). Other clinical, imaging, and procedural characteristics were comparable between groups. The rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, and mortality were comparable among both groups. On multivariable analysis, race was neither a predictor of 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 (White race: odds ratio, 0.899 [95% CI, 0.409-1.974], P=0.79) nor 90-day mortality (White race: odds ratio, 1.368; [95% CI, 0.715-2.618], P=0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, there was no racial difference in terms of outcome.

Thrombectomy in special populations: report of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery Standards and Guidelines Committee

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this guideline is to summarize the data available for performing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke in special populations not typically included in large randomized controlled clinical trials, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, patients who have recently undergone surgery, and patients with thrombocytopenia, collagen vascular disorders, and endocarditis.

METHODS

We performed a literature review for studies examining the indications, efficacy, and outcomes for patients undergoing MT for ischemic stroke aged <18 years and >80 years, pregnant patients, patients who have recently undergone surgery, and those with thrombocytopenia, collagen vascular diseases, or endocarditis. We graded the quality of the evidence.

RESULTS

MT can be effective for the treatment of ELVO in ischemic stroke for patients over age 80 years and under age 18 years, thrombocytopenic patients, pregnant patients, and patients with endocarditis. While outcomes are worse compared to younger patients and those with normal platelet counts (respectively), there is still a benefit in the elderly (in both mRS and mortality). Data are very limited for patients with collagen vascular diseases; although diagnostic cerebral angiography carries increased risks, MT may be appropriate in carefully selected patients in whom untreated ELVO would likely result in disabling or fatal outcome.

Predictors of Futile Recanalization After Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Multicenter Registry Study

BACKGROUND

Futile recanalization, defined as the early recanalization of an occluded artery failing to improve neurological outcome, remains a persistent concern in the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke. We investigated the occurrence and predictors of futile recanalization after endovascular treatment in a nationwide multicenter stroke registry study.

METHODS

The subjects consisted of eligible patients from the Acute Ischemic Stroke Cooperation Group of Endovascular Treatment registry study (2015-2017). Subjects with acute anterior large vessel occlusion who achieved successful angiographic recanalization (defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grades 2b or 3) by endovascular treatment were dichotomized into the futile-recanalization group (with a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6) and the favorable-recanalization group (with a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) according to 90-day functional independence. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate predictors of futile recanalization.

RESULTS

Futile recanalization was observed in 200 (49.6%) out of 403 patients. On multivariate analysis, older age (>74 vs. ≤74; odds ratio (OR), 2.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31-4.44; P=0.005), high baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (>21 vs. ≤13; OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.21-5.28; P=0.014), delayed puncture to recanalization time (>80 vs. ≤80 min; OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.67-4.51; P=0.000), and the use of general anesthesia (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.15-3.14; P=0.012) were positively associated with futile recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of futile recanalization is common following endovascular treatment among Asian patients with anterior circulation occlusion. Advanced age, higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, delayed puncture to reperfusion, and the use of general anesthesia are associated with lower functional independence 90 days post-treatment despite successful recanalization.

Effects of hypertension in patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Available evidence shows conflicting results with regard to a potential detrimental effect of hypertension on clinical outcomes in patients who undergo mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of hypertension on the prognosis of patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) treated by MT.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed previous studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases that reported MT outcomes in AIS patients and their relationships with hypertension or blood pressure. We used a poor outcome (modified Rankin score >2 at 3 months) as the primary end point. Mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were the secondary end points. We incorporated a random effect for trials in all models.

RESULTS

Data from 6650 patients in 31 articles that evaluated the effect of hypertension or blood pressure on outcomes after MT were included. Compared with patients without hypertension, patients with hypertension had significantly higher odds of a poor outcome (odds ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.57-0.85; I = 43%) and higher mortality (odds ratio 1.70; 95% confidence interval 1.26-2.29; I = 33%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage did not differ by patient hypertension status.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirms that hypertension and high blood pressure are associated with a poor outcome at 3 months after MT in AIS patients. However, the causal relationship between hypertension and a poor outcome remains undetermined, and further investigations are required to ascertain whether AIS patients receiving MT could benefit from intensive blood pressure control.

Revascularization and functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in elderly patients

OBJECTIVE

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is now the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large-vessel occlusion, but there remains a question of whether elderly patients benefit from this procedure to the same degree as the younger populations enrolled in the seminal trials on MT. The authors compared outcomes after MT of patients 80-89 and ≥ 90 years old with AIS to those of younger patients.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed records of patients undergoing MT at their institution to examine stroke severity, comorbid conditions, medical management, recanalization results, and clinical outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare patients < 80 years, 80-89 years, and ≥ 90 years old.

RESULTS

All groups had similar rates of comorbid disease and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration, and stroke severity did not differ significantly between groups. Elderly patients had equivalent recanalization outcomes, with similar rates of readmission, 30-day mortality, and hospital-associated complications. These patients were more likely to have poor clinical outcome on discharge, as defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3-6, but this difference was not significant when controlled for stroke severity, tPA administration, and recanalization results.

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians with AIS have similar rates of mortality, hospital readmission, and hospital-associated complications as younger patients after MT. Elderly patients also have the capacity to achieve good functional outcome after MT, but this potential is moderated by stroke severity and success of treatment.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Octogenarians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and purpose: Multiple randomized trials have confirmed that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment method for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, evidence on the safety and efficacy of MT in elderly patients compared with younger patients is controversial. This meta-analysis is aimed to systematically compare the outcomes of elderly patients and younger patients after MT for AIS.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database. The primary outcomes were favorable functional outcome at 90 days and mortality. The secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and successful recanalization rate. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using a random effects model.

Results: Sixteen studies published between 2014 and 2019 were included in this meta-analysis totally involving 3,954 patients. The pooled results showed that patients aged ≥80 years had worse functional outcome (OR = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.32–0.50; P < 0.001) and higher rates of mortality (OR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.73–2.95; P < 0.001). There was a trend of higher rates of sICH in patients aged ≥80 years compared with patients aged <80 years, whereas this did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 0.89–1.84; P = 0.18). Furthermore, the frequency of successful recanalization was also lower in patients aged ≥80 years compared with patients aged <80 years (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55–0.95; P = 0.02). The subgroup analysis indicated that in comparison with those studies published between 2014 and 2016, elderly patients undergoing MT had better outcomes in studies published between 2017 and 2019.

Conclusion: Elderly patients undergoing MT had higher risk of mortality and worse functional outcome. Meanwhile, there was a trend toward higher rates of sICH and lower probability of achieving successful recanalization in elderly patients. These findings emphasize the need for improving the rates of successful recanalization in elderly patients with AIS. In addition, advanced technology of endovascular intervention and peri-interventional management might be associated with the prognosis in elderly patients. However, more prospective or randomized studies should be conducted to further explore this issue.

Functional Outcomes at 90 Days in Octogenarians Undergoing Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis

Background: Elderly patients account for 30% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) but are under-represented in randomized controlled trials of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Meta-analysis of “real world” studies evaluating 90-day outcomes in elderly patients ≥80 years have been limited to small numbers undergoing EVT with older generation devices.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 181 prospectively collected patients who received EVT for anterior circulation AIS at an Australian center over 2.5-years. The study aims to determine (i) 90-day functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale mRS 0–2) in patients ≥80 vs. <80 years, (ii) the interaction of prognostic factors and age and (iii) compare our data to those previously reported using a meta-analysis of outcomes in observational studies using second generation thrombectomy devices.

Results: We analyzed 2,387 patients (≥80 years, n = 649; <80 years, n = 1,738) from 14 studies including our study (≥80 years, n = 71; <80 years, n = 110). Twenty-eight percent of our and 30% of the meta-analysis elderly cohort achieved good 90-day mRS compared to 55 and 52%, respectively of younger patients (p < 0.001). Twenty-seven percent of our and 26% of the meta-analysis elderly cohort died compared to 16% (p = 0.07) and 15% (p < 0.0001), respectively of younger patients. Baseline NIHSS≥16 correlated with poor prognosis in elderly (OR 16.4; 95% CI 4.49–59.91, p < 0.001) and younger (OR 8.73;95% CI 3.35–22.80, p < 0.001) patients. Prior rt-PA was associated with favorable outcome in younger (OR 2.90; 95%CI 1.29–6.52, p = 0.01) patients only.

Conclusion: EVT has less favorable outcomes in elderly patients. However, results are better than outcomes in historical controls not treated with thrombectomy providing further support for EVT in the elderly.

Mechanical Thrombectomy of Large Artery Occlusion Is Beneficial in Octogenarians

AIM

Recent trials have established the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large artery occlusion (LAO). However, older patients were often excluded from trials. EVT outcomes were retrospectively compared between octogenarians and younger patients treated for LAO in a tertiary hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 199 consecutive patients with anterior circulation AIS that underwent EVT between 2009 and 2015 in the Kuopio University Hospital were included. Patients were dichotomized into younger (<80 years, N=162) and older (≥80 years, N=37) groups. Baseline, imaging, and procedural characteristics, the 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and 1-year mortality were assessed. To conduct a number-needed-to-treat (NNT) analysis, data on age-dichotomized control groups from a meta-analysis were acquired.

RESULTS

Compared to younger patients, older patients exhibited atrial fibrillation (57% vs. 21%, p<0.01) and coronary artery disease (49% vs. 20%, p<0.01) more frequently and Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) occlusion less frequently (22% vs. 55%, p<0.01). Similar proportions of patients received preprocedural intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA; 57% vs. 67%), general anesthesia (35% vs. 41%), and reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale 2b/3; 76% vs. 75%). Older patients had more complications during hospitalization (41% vs. 24%, p=0.034), higher 3-month mRS values (4.0±2.3 vs. 2.8±1.9, p<0.01), fewer favorable mRS values (mRS≤2: 27% vs. 52%, p<0.01), and higher 3-month (46% vs. 10% p<0.01) and 1-year mortality (49% vs. 11%, p<0.01). The NNT to achieve an additional patient with an independent outcome (mRS≤2) was 12 among older and six among younger patients.

CONCLUSION

Despite a poor recovery rate, octogenarians benefitted from EVT for AIS, with a NNT comparable to that of younger patients treated with intravenous r-tPA.

Endovascular Management of Acute Stroke in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute ischemic stroke occurs more frequently, presents with more severe symptoms, and has worse outcomes in elderly patients. The safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy for acute stroke in this age group has not been fully established.

PURPOSE

We present the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis examining clinical, procedural, and radiologic outcomes of endovascular therapy for acute stroke in patients older than 80 years of age.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE from 1992 to week 35 of 2017 for studies evaluating endovascular therapy for acute stroke in the elderly.

STUDY SELECTION

Two independent reviewers selected studies and abstracted data. The primary end point was good functional outcome at 3 months defined as modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2.

DATA ANALYSIS

Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Seventeen studies reporting on 860 patients were included. The rate of good functional outcome at 3 months was 27% (95% CI, 21%-32%). Mortality at 3 months was 34% (95% CI, 23%-44%). Successful recanalization was achieved in 78% of patients (95% CI, 72%-85%). Procedure-related complications occurred in 11% (95% CI, 4%-17%). The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was 24% (95% CI, 15%-32%), and for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, it was 8% (95% CI, 5%-10%). The mean time to groin was 251 minutes (95% CI, 224-278 minutes). Procedure time was 99 minutes (95% CI, 67-131 minutes).

LIMITATIONS

I² values were above 50% for all outcomes, indicating substantial heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Good functional recovery in octogenarians treated with endovascular therapy for acute stroke can be achieved in a high proportion of patients despite the higher incidence of comorbidity in this cohort. Outcomes are inferior to those reported for younger patients; however, endovascular therapy can allow at least 1 in 4 patients older than 80 years of age to regain independent function at 3 months. More research is required to improve patient selection in the elderly, but age should not be a discriminator when deciding to offer endovascular therapy for patients with acute stroke.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Elderly Stroke Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Baseline Disability

Background

The number of elderly patients suffering from ischemic stroke is rising. Randomized trials of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) generally exclude patients over the age of 80 years with baseline disability. The aim of this study was to understand the efficacy and safety of MT in elderly patients, many of whom may have baseline impairment.

Methods

Between January 2015 and April 2017, 96 patients ≥80 years old who underwent MT for stroke were selected for a chart review. The data included baseline characteristics, time to treatment, the rate of revascularization, procedural complications, mortality, and 90-day good outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 or return to baseline.

Results

Of the 96 patients, 50 had mild baseline disability (mRS score 0-1) and 46 had moderate disability (mRS score 2-4). Recanalization was achieved in 84% of the patients, and the rate of symptomatic hemorrhage was 6%. At 90 days, 34% of the patients had a good outcome. There were no significant differences in good outcome between those with mild and those with moderate baseline disability (43 vs. 24%, p = 0.08), between those aged ≤85 and those aged > 85 years (40.8 vs. 26.1%, p = 0.19), and between those treated within and those treated beyond 8 h (39 vs. 20%, p = 0.1). The mortality rate was 38.5% at 90 days. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) predicted good outcome regardless of baseline disability (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively).

Conclusion

Advanced age, baseline disability, and delayed treatment are associated with sub-optimal outcomes after MT. However, redefining good outcome to include return to baseline functioning demonstrates that one-third of this patient population benefits from MT, suggesting the real-life utility of this treatment.

Efficacy, safety, and clinical outcome of modern mechanical thrombectomy in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

The average life expectancy is increasing worldwide, surpassing 80 years in some countries. Recently, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using modern devices and techniques has led to improved clinical outcomes following acute ischemic stroke. However, thus far, it remains uncertain whether MT is effective in elderly patients aged over 80 years.

METHODS

Between July 2013 and June 2016, 207 patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation received MT at our center. The applied MT strategies were forced arterial suction thrombectomy (FAST) and stent retriever thrombectomy. Patients were divided into those <80 years (n = 173) and those ≥80 years (n = 34). We compared clinical and angiographic parameters between groups.

RESULTS

The median age was 67.5 in the younger group and 82 in the elderly group; 92.5% of the younger group and 70.6% of the elderly group received MT via the FAST technique. Angiographic outcomes, including procedural time, mTICI 2b-3 reperfusion (85.5% vs. 82.4%, p = 0.633), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, were not different between the groups. A favorable clinical outcome rate was significantly higher in the younger group (62.4% vs. 44.1%, p = 0.047). Younger age, a low NIHSS score, and fast onset to reperfusion time were favorable prognostic factors in elderly patients.

CONCLUSION

Modern MT in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke is safe and effective compared to younger patients despite a lower favorable clinical outcome. Our findings may suggest that an appropriate MT strategy with respect to the location of the target occlusion and vascular tortuosity might be helpful to achieve fast reperfusion and improved outcomes for elderly patients.

Impact of Baseline Ischemia on Outcome in Older Patients Undergoing Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The outcome for older stroke patients who undergo endovascular revascularization remains unsatisfactory. We aimed to determine the effect of the extent of baseline ischemia on outcome according to age, testing the hypothesis that the restorative capacity for recovery is only marginal in older patients.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirteen patients who underwent endovascular revascularization due to occlusion in the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (with or without internal carotid artery occlusions) were selected for analysis. Patients were categorized into three age groups: group A (<66 years), group B (66-75 years), and group C (>75 years). Using pretreatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and lesion volume were independently measured and analyzed in relation to a favorable outcome.

RESULTS

A favorable outcome was achieved in 111 of 213 patients overall: in 60 of the 94 (63.8%) patients in group A, in 36 of the 70 (51.4%) patients in group B, and in 15 of the 49 (30.6%) patients in group C (p=0.001). In older stroke patients (group C), a DWI ASPECTS ≥9 and lesion volume ≤5 mL were found to predict a favorable outcome, which was more restrictive than the cutoffs for their younger counterparts (groups A and B; DWI ASPECTS ≥8 and lesion volume ≤20 mL).

CONCLUSIONS

The age-adjusted pretreatment DWI lesion volume and ASPECTS may represent useful surrogate markers for functional outcome according to age. The use of more-restrictive inclusion criteria for older stroke patients could be warranted, although larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Stent Retriever-Based Thrombectomy in Octogenarians

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Stent retriever-based thrombectomy (SRT) may be beneficial in patients with large hemispheric stroke. Previous studies concluded that favorable outcomes are far less frequent after endovascular therapy in older patients but have not explored outcomes in the era of newer-generation stent retrievers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with large hemispheric stroke treated with SRT were included. We compared neurological and functional outcomes between patients younger and older than 80.

RESULTS

We included 16 patients older than 80 (22.5%, mean age 84.1 ± 4.4, 56% females) and compared them to 55 patients that were younger than 80 (77.5%, mean age 63.1 ± 12.5, 51% females). Risk factor profile, admission neurological severity, stroke etiology and procedure-related variables including excellent target vessel recanalization did not differ between the groups. Favorable outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin score ≤2) was more common in younger patients (77 vs. 23%; p = 0.031). In contrast, mortality rates were higher in octogenarians (40 vs. 7%; p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis adjusting for neurological severity and collateral state identified age over 80 (odds ratio, OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.75; p = 0.02) and reperfusion state (OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.1-49.9; p = 0.04) as significant modifiers of favorable outcome. Similarly, age over 80 was identified as a positive predictor of mortality (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.8-36.7; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarians have higher chances of mortality and lower probability of achieving functional independence even after SRT. Nevertheless, because some elderly patients do achieve favorable outcomes, the cost-effectiveness of SRT in this population needs to be further studied.

Outcome and periprocedural time management in referred versus directly admitted stroke patients treated with thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

After thrombectomy has shown to be effective in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion, the potential benefit of secondary referral for such an intervention needs to be validated.

AIMS

We aimed to compare consecutive stoke patients directly admitted and treated with thrombectomy at a neurointerventional centre with patients secondarily referred for such a procedure from hospitals with a stroke unit.

METHODS

Periprocedure times and mortality in 300 patients primarily treated in eight neurointerventional centres were compared with 343 patients referred from nine other hospitals in a prospective multicentre study of a German neurovascular network. Data on functional outcome at 3 months was available in 430 (76.4%) patients.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality (14.8% versus 11.7%, p = 0.26) and 3 months mortality (21.9% versus 24.1%, p = 0.53) were not statistically different in both patient groups despite a significant shorter symptom to groin puncture time in directly admitted patients, which was mainly caused by a longer interfacility transfer time. We found a nonsignificant trend for better functional outcome at 3 months in directly admitted patients (modified Rankin Scale 0-2, 44.0% versus 35.7%, p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that a drip-and-ship thrombectomy concept can be effectively organized in a metropolitan stroke network. Every effort should be made to speed up the emergency interfacility transfer to a neurointerventional centre in stroke patients eligible for thrombectomy after initial brain imaging.

Discrepancy between early neurological course and mid-term outcome in older stroke patients after mechanical thrombectomy

Background

Stroke in aged patients has a relatively poor prognosis, even after recanalizing therapy. Potential reasons include mechanisms that relate directly to the extent of brain tissue damage, but also age-dependent factors which are not, or only indirectly, stroke-related, such as pre-existing functional deficits, comorbidities, and post-stroke complications (eg, infections).

Objective

To compare early neurological course with subsequent functional outcome in older (≥80 years) and younger stroke patients in order to estimate the relative impact of these factors. Specifically, to examine if the strong age-dependency of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) outcome scores in stroke patients after mechanical thrombectomy is paralleled by a similar age dependency of early postinterventional National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores—a more specific measure of stroke-induced brain damage.

Methods

We evaluated technical results, pre- and postinterventional NIHSS scores, mid-term mRS scores and early and overall mortality and their relation to age in 125 patients, 40 of them ≥80 years, with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion, treated by mechanical thrombectomy.

Results

Technical success, pre- and postinterventional NIHSS scores and early mortality were age-independent. Early neurological improvement depended on successful recanalization, but not on age. Nevertheless, good mRS outcome (mRS 0–2) was much rarer, and overall mortality almost threefold higher in aged patients.

Conclusions

Older patients exhibit a similar early neurological course and responsiveness to mechanical thrombectomy as younger patients, but this is not reflected in mid-term functional outcome scores. This indicates that post-stroke complications and other factors that are not, or only indirectly, related to the brain tissue damage induced by the incident stroke have a dominant role in their poor prognosis.