The growing problem of stroke among young adults

Elevated Risk of Stroke in Young Adults After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Nationwide Study of 1 Million Individuals

BACKGROUND

Although stroke is commonly perceived as occurring in older adults, traumatic brain injury, one of the risk factors for stroke, is a leading cause of death in the younger adults. This study evaluated stroke risk in young-to-middle-aged adults based on traumatic brain injury severity and stroke subtypes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

For this retrospective, population-based, cohort study, data of adults aged 18 to 49 years who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2010 and 2017. Traumatic brain injury history was measured based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), codes. Posttraumatic brain injury stroke risk was analyzed using a time-dependent Cox regression model. At baseline, 518423 patients with traumatic brain injury and 518 423 age- and sex-matched controls were included. The stroke incidence rate per 1000 person-years was 3.82 in patients with traumatic brain injury and 1.61 in controls. Stroke risk was approximately 1.89 times as high in patients with traumatic brain injury (hazard ratio, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.84-1.95]). After excluding stroke cases that occurred within 12 months following traumatic brain injury, these significant associations remained. In the subgroup analysis, patients with brain injury other than concussion had an approximately 9.34-fold risk of intracerebral hemorrhage than did the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke prevention should be a priority even in young-to-middle-aged adult patients with traumatic brain injury. Managing stroke risk factors through regular health checkups and modifying health-related behaviors is necessary to prevent stroke.

Stroke pathway performance assessment: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Performance assessment of the Stroke Pathway is a key element in healthcare quality. The aim of this study has been to carry out a retrospective assessment of the Stroke Pathway in a first level Stroke Unit in Italy, analyzing the temporal trend of the Stroke Pathway performance and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was carried out analyzing data from 1/01/2010 to 31/12/2020. The following parameters were considered: volume and characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke undergoing intravenous thrombolysis, baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, Onset-to-Door (OTD), Door-To-Imaging (DTI) and Door-To-Needle (DTN) Times, mRS score 3 months after the ischemic event onset (3 m-mRS) and NIHSS score 24 h after the ischemic event onset (24 h-NIHSS). The study also compared the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (March-December 2019) with the one immediately following it (March-December 2020).

RESULTS

418 patients were included. Over time, treatment was extended to older patients (mean age from 66.3 to 75.51 years; p = 0.006) and with a higher level of baseline disability (baseline mRS score from 0.22 to 1.22; p = 0.000). A statistically significant reduction over the years was found for DTN, going from 90 min to 61 min (p = 0.000) with also an increase in the number of thrombolysis performed within the "golden hour" - more than 50% in 2019 and more of 60% in 2020. Comparing pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic periods, the number of patients remained almost unchanged, but with a significantly higher baseline disability (mRS = 1.18 vs. 0.72, p = 0.048). The pre-hospital process indicator OTD increased from 88.13 to 118.48 min, although without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.197). Despite the difficulties for hospitals due to pandemic, the hospital process indicators DTI and DTN remained substantially unchanged, as well as the clinical outcome indicators 3 m-mRS, NHISS and 24 h-NHISS.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the retrospective assessment of the Stroke Pathway highlighted its positive impact both on hospital processes and patients' outcomes, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that the current performance is aligning itself with international goals. Moreover, the analysis showed the need of improvement actions for both hospital and pre-hospital phases. The Stroke Pathway should be improved with the thrombolysis starting in the diagnostic imaging department in order to further reduce the DTN score. Moreover, health education initiatives involving all the stakeholders should be promoted, also by using social media, to increase population awareness on timely recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and emergence medical services usage.

Global, regional, and national time trends in mortality for stroke, 1990-2019: An age-period-cohort analysis for the global burden of disease 2019 study and implications for stroke prevention

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, a comprehensive and comparable assessment of mortality, and epidemiologic trends has not been conducted for most regions.We estimated the global and regional burden of stroke from 1990 to 2019 using data from the 2019 Global Study of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors.

METHODS

For the period between 1990 and 2019, we used an age-period-cohort model to calculate the annual percentage changes in mortality (net drifts), local drifts, and period and cohort relative risks (period/cohort effects). Meanwhile, to quantify the temporal trends in stroke age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR), Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were determined by sex, area. With the potential to uncover disparities and treatment gaps in stroke care, this approach enables the examination and differentiation of age, period, and cohort effects in mortality trends.

FINDINGS

Global stroke deaths in 2019 were 6,552,725 (95% UI 5,995,200 to 7,015,139). Between 1990 and 2019, the ASMR declined globally by 36.43% (95% UI -41.65 to -31.2), with decreases in all SDI quintiles. The net drift in stroke mortality from 1990 to 2019 varied from -2.83% per year (95% confidence interval [CI]:-3.39 to -2.77) in countries with a high Socio-demographic Index (SDI) to -1.21% per year (95% CI: -1.26 to -1.16) in countries with a low SDI. During the past 30 years, favorable mortality reductions were generally found in high-SDI countries (net drift = -3.1% [95% CI: -3.4 to -2.8] per year) and high-middle SDI countries (-2.8% [-3.0 to -2.6]). However, 31 of 204 countries had either increasing trends (net drifts≥0.0%) or stagnated reductions (≥ - 0.5%) in mortality. The relative risk of mortality generally showed improving trends over time and in successively younger birth cohorts among high and high-middle SDI countries, with the exceptions of Kuwait, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Guam, RussianFederation, Lithuania, Turkey, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovin, and Bulgaria.

INTERPRETATION

Notwithstanding mortality from stroke has increased globally over the past 30 years, adverse period and cohort effects have been found in many countries, calling into question the adequacy of healthcare for stroke patients of all ages. These lapses have a significant impact on the likelihood of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets on mortality from age 60+ and NCDs.

Carotid artery type of Eagle syndrome: an uncommon cause of ischemic stroke

Acute ischemic stroke in patients younger than the age of 50 years is a rare occurrence that results in high mortality and substantial loss of functional years of life. Internal carotid artery dissection (CAD) presents a rare, but serious condition that needs to be fully evaluated and carefully treated, as it may lead to an acute ischemic stroke in all, but mostly in younger patients. A possible cause for CAD, the carotid artery type of Eagle syndrome (ESy), is atypical and underrecognized. In this case report we present a case of a young patient with carotid artery type of ESy, resulting in a severe acute ischemic stroke. Only recognition of such a syndrome in its early symptomatic phase could allow appropriate management to prevent this kind of a deleterious outcome.

Global Burden of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults in 204 Countries and Territories

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To estimate the rates of incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of ischemic stroke in young adults aged 15-49 years and the relevant risk factors by sex, age group, and sociodemographic index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories.

METHODS

Data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2019 study were used. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to evaluate the temporal trends from 1990 to 2019. We also estimated the risk factors contributing to DALYs resulting from ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2019, the global age-standardized incidence (EAPC = -0.97), death (EAPC = -0.11), and DALYs rates (EAPC = -0.55) of ischemic stroke in young adults decreased. The largest increases in age-standardized incidence, death, and DALYs rates were observed in the low and low-middle SDI quintiles. At the regional level, North Africa and the Middle East and Southeast Asia showed the largest increases in the age-standardized incidence, death, and DALYs rates of ischemic stroke. The age-standardized incidence rate was higher among young women than among young men in 2019. Globally, a high environmental temperature, high body mass index (BMI), and a high fasting plasma glucose contributed to the largest increases in age-standardized DALYs rates between 1990 and 2019. In the same period, the largest increases in the age-standardized DALYs rates in high-SDI and low-SDI regions were attributable to high environmental temperatures and alcohol use, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The burden of ischemic stroke in young adults continues to increase in low-SDI regions such as North Africa and the Middle East and Southeast Asia. There were differences in the primary risk factors related to the burden of ischemic stroke in different SDI regions. Targeted implementation of cost-effective policies and interventions is an urgent need to reduce the burden of ischemic stroke in young adults.

Time course of right-hemisphere recruitment during word production following left-hemisphere damage: A single case of young stroke

Our understanding of post-stroke language function is largely based on older age groups, who show increasing age-related brain pathology and neural reorganisation. To illustrate language outcomes in the young-adult brain, we present the case of J., a 23-year-old woman with chronic aphasia from a left-hemisphere stroke affecting the temporal lobe. Diffusion MRI-based tractography indicated that J.'s language-relevant white-matter structures were severely damaged. Employing magnetoencephalography (MEG), we explored J.'s conceptual preparation and word planning abilities using context-driven and bare picture-naming tasks. These revealed naming deficits, manifesting as word-finding difficulties and semantic paraphasias about half of the time. Naming was however facilitated by semantically constraining lead-in sentences. Altogether, this pattern indicates disrupted lexical-semantic and phonological retrieval abilities. MEG revealed that J.'s conceptual and naming-related neural responses were supported by the right hemisphere, compared to the typical left-lateralised brain response of a matched control. Differential recruitment of right-hemisphere structures (330-440 ms post-picture onset) was found concurrently during successful naming (right mid-to-posterior temporal lobe) and word-finding attempts (right inferior frontal gyrus). Disconnection of the temporal lobes via corpus callosum was not critical for recruitment of the right hemisphere in visually guided naming, possibly due to neural activity right lateralising from the outset. Although J.'s right hemisphere responded in a timely manner during word planning, its lexical and phonological retrieval abilities remained modest.

Indirect effects of social support and hope on quality of life via emotional distress among stroke survivors: A three-wave structural equation model

OBJECTIVES

Stroke survivors are prone to functional impairments and reduced quality of life (QoL). This study examined the mediating role of social support and hope in the relationships between functional impairment, emotional distress, and QoL.

METHODS

A total of 188 stroke survivors in Hong Kong completed assessments on functional impairment, social support, and hope at baseline, with follow-up measurements of emotional distress at 2 months and QoL at 8 months. Structural equation modeling with bootstrapping was used to analyze the direct and indirect effects of functional impairment on emotional distress and QoL via the mediating factors of social support and hope.

RESULTS

The partial cascading model provided an adequate fit to the data. Functional impairment had significant negative direct effects on hope and physical QoL and social support had significant positive direct effects on hope and physical QoL. Social support had a significant positive indirect effect on physical QoL via hope and perceived stress and on psychosocial QoL via hope and depression. Functional impairment and hope had a significant negative interaction effect on perceived stress.

CONCLUSION

The findings support a mediating role for hope in the relationship between social support and QoL in stroke survivors. The protective effect of hope on perceived stress was stronger among patients with greater functional impairment.

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

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

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

RECENT FINDINGS

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

Effectiveness of Public Education Campaigns for Stroke Symptom Recognition and Response in Non-Elderly Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The incidence of stroke is on the rise among younger adults. Stroke educational campaigns are often used to raise public knowledge of stroke warning signs and response actions, but their effectiveness in non-elderly adults is unclear. This study investigated the effectiveness of stroke campaigns in improving stroke symptom recognition and intention to call emergency medical services in adults aged < 65 years, and described the characteristics of public stroke education in this demographic group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven databases (Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) were searched from inception to 24 January 2021. A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the effects of stroke education campaigns on stroke symptom recognition and intention to call emergency medical services in adults < 65 years. A narrative synthesis approach was used to explore the types of educational content and campaign best suited to this demographic group.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies from 2001 to 2019 were included in this review. Out of the thirteen studies, five were included in the meta-analysis to synthesize the effects of stroke education campaigns on symptom recognition and four were included for synthesizing the effects on intention to call emergency medical services. The estimated pooled risk ratio for post-campaign compared with pre-campaign in stroke symptom recognition and intention to call emergency medical services was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.07-1.36, p = 0.002) and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.11-1.28, p < 0.00001), respectively. Usage of acronyms in broadcast and digital media campaigns appears promising in enhancing recognition of and responsiveness to stroke symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Public stroke education campaigns were found to have a significant impact on stroke symptom recognition and intention to call emergency medical services. The evidence generated from this review could be applied to inform future campaigns targeted at younger adults.

The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol: Past, Present, and Prospective for Cardiovascular Diseases

In the past, cannabis was commonly associated with mysticism and illegality. Fortunately, in recent years perspectives and discourses have changed. More prominence has been given to the rigorous scientific effort that led to the discovery of cannabis' many physiological actions and endogenous signalling mechanisms. The endocannabinoid system is a complex and heterogeneous pro-homeostatic network comprising different receptors with several endogenous ligands, numerous metabolic enzymes and regulatory proteins. Therefore, it is not surprising that alterations and dysfunctions of the endocannabinoid system are observed in almost every category of disease. Such high degree of pathophysiological involvement suggests the endocannabinoid system is a promising therapeutic target and prompted the translation of resurgent scientific findings into clinical therapies. Shifting attitudes toward cannabis also raised other matters such as increased patient awareness, prescription requests, self-medication, recreational use, recognition of new knowledge gaps, renewed scientific activity, and seemingly exponential growth of the cannabis industry. This review, following a general overview of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, assiduously describes its role within the context of cardiovascular diseases, paying particular attention to the Janus influence that endocannabinoid system modulators can have on the cardiovascular system.

Thrombin generation is associated with ischemic stroke at a young age

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the underlying mechanisms in ischemic stroke (IS) in young adults remains challenging. Thrombin activates processes that contribute to the development and progression of arterial diseases. We investigated the association between thrombin generation (TG) and a first IS or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in young adults.

METHODS

In this case-control study, we included consecutive patients (≤45 years in men, ≤55 years in women) with a first IS or TIA (n = 160) and healthy controls (n = 160). TG was determined with the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) assay. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between TG and IS. Men and women were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

TG started earlier, reached its peak earlier and was also terminated earlier in patients than in healthy controls. Peak height (PH) was higher in patients than in controls, 227 nM (25th-75th percentile 145-326) versus 179 nM (110-294), p = 0.02. The endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was not different in patients and controls, 1530 nM·min (1089-2045) versus 1454 nM·min (1011-2139), p = 0.52. Lag time (LT) (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-0.99)), time to peak (TTP) (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.97) and time to tail (TTT) (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.97) were associated with a first IS and TIA. In men LT, TTP and TTT were associated with IS, but not in women.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that TG parameters are associated with a first IS in young patients. Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the role of TG in IS.

Socio-ecological perspective on factors influencing acute recovery of younger stroke survivors: A mixed methods study

AIMS

Stroke is affecting an increasing number of young and middle-aged adults. Given the substantial diversion from anticipated life trajectories that younger stroke survivors experience as a result of their stroke deficits, their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is likely to be negatively impacted during the immediate post-acute recovery period. The aim of this study was to generate a comprehensive understanding of the influences on HRQOL and acute recovery during the first three months following stroke for younger adults using a socio-ecological perspective.

DESIGN

Longitudinal, convergent mixed methods design.

METHODS

HRQOL survey data, assessed using the Patient Generated Index (N = 31), and qualitative interview data about survivors' recovery experiences (N = 20) were collected. Simple linear regression and effect size results were integrated with themes and sub-themes identified from conventional content analysis using joint data displays.

RESULTS

Depression and fatigue negatively affected recovery at the individual level. At the family and societal level, family functioning, social support including being married, having insurance, working, adequate income and being unemployed post-stroke all positively impacted recovery. Qualitative findings revealed determination, coping, and accessing healthcare to positively affect recovery though a meta-inference could not be drawn as no quantitative data addressed these concepts.

CONCLUSION

A variety of factors intersecting across socio-ecological levels were perceived by young stroke survivors to influence acute recovery experiences and outcomes.

IMPACT

This study identified individual-, family- and societal-level factors in younger adults' environments that may affect the acute stroke recovery experience. Findings underscore the need for research and clinical approaches that consider environmental factors at multiple levels of influence when supporting stroke recovery for younger adults.

Reduced Impact of Endovascular Thrombectomy on Disability in Real-World Practice, Relative to Randomized Controlled Trial Evidence in Australia

Background and Aims: Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are an important measure of the global burden of disease that informs patient outcomes and policy decision-making. Our study aimed to compare the DALYs saved by endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the Australasian-based EXTEND-IA trial vs. clinical registry data from EVT in Australian routine clinical practice.

Methods: The 3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) outcome and treatment status of consecutively enrolled Australian patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke were taken from the International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry (INSPIRE). DALYs were calculated as the summation of years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death and years lived with a disability (YLD). A generalized linear model (GLM) with gamma family and log link was used to compare the difference in DALYs for patients receiving/not receiving EVT while controlling for key covariates. Ordered logit regression model was utilized to compare the difference in functional outcome at 3 months between the treatment groups. Cox regression analysis was undertaken to compare the difference in survival over an 18-year time horizon. Estimated long-term DALYs saved based on the EXTEND-IA randomized controlled trial (RCT) results were used as the comparator.

Results: INSPIRE patients who received EVT treatment only achieved nominally better functional outcomes than the non-EVT group (p = 0.181) at 3 months. There was no significant survival gain from EVT over the first 3 months of stroke in both INSPIRE and EXTEND-IA patients. However, measured against no EVT in the long-term, EVT in INSPIRE was associated with no significant survival gain [hazard ratio (HR): 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78–1.08, p = 0.287] compared with the survival benefit extrapolated from the EXTEND-IA trial (HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22–0.82, p = 0.01]. Offering EVT to patients with LVO stroke was also associated with fewer DALYs lost (11.04, 95% CI: 10.45–11.62) than those not receiving EVT in INSPIRE (12.13, 95% CI: 11.75–12.51), a reduction of −1.09 DALY (95% CI: −1.76 to −0.43, p = 0.002). The absolute magnitude of the treatment effect was lower than that seen in EXTEND-IA (−2.72 DALY reduction in EVT vs non-EVT patients).

Conclusions: EVT for the treatment of LVO in a registry of routine care was associated with significantly lower DALYs lost than medical care alone, but the saved DALYs are less than those reported in clinical trials, as there were major differences in the baseline characteristics of the patients.

Recovery experiences of younger stroke survivors who are parents: A qualitative content analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the experience of parenting for younger stroke survivors (aged 18 to 64 years at the time of the stroke).

BACKGROUND

Stroke among younger adults increased 43% between 2000 and 2010. The social, emotional and physical functioning of younger adults affects multiple aspects of their lives including parenting. There is limited research on the experience of parenting after stroke.

DESIGN

This is a qualitative descriptive study.

METHODS

We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 10 younger adults who were actively parenting children under the age of 18 years at the time of stroke. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse the data. We report the methods and results using the COREQ checklist.

RESULTS

Impairments from stroke disrupted participants' identity, relationships and roles as a parent. The degree to which parenting abilities and behaviours were affected by stroke was contingent upon the type and severity of impairments as well as the children's age. Participants also observed emotional and behavioural changes in their children in response to their stroke. Support from family, friends, healthcare providers and children's school/day care was crucial to participants throughout their stroke recovery. Two major themes emerged: (a) finding a new normal; and (b) support for parenting post-stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings enable a deeper understanding of the distinct parenting challenges younger stroke survivors face and can inform future research on this population.

RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Study findings highlight the need for continual and tailored follow-up by nurses and other allied healthcare professionals to decrease the difficulty stroke survivors experience when trying to resume their role as parents.

Is Prevalence of Atherosclerotic Risk Factors Increasing Among Young Adults? It Depends on How You Ask

Background Incidence of cardiovascular disease in young adults is unabated. Increased prevalence of self-reported atherosclerotic risk factors may be driving this trend. The goal of this study was to examine whether the prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors in young adults is increasing over time using both self-report and standard clinical criteria. Methods and Results Data from young adults, aged 20 to 45 years, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999/2000 to 2013/2014 were analyzed. Risk factor prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia was measured using clinical criteria and self-report. Smoking was based on self-report only, and obesity was based clinically on body mass index and waist to height ratio. Prevalence by survey was adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. By clinical criteria, adjusted prevalence of any 3 risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia) declined slightly from 21.8% to 18.9% ( P for trend=0.05). However, by self-report, the adjusted prevalence of any 3 risk factors increased from 17.8% to 26.5% ( P<0.01). Hypertension was unchanged by clinical criteria ( P=0.32) but increased by self-report ( P<0.08). Diabetes mellitus, by clinical diagnosis and self-report, remained unchanged ( P=0.35 and P=0.29, respectively). Hyperlipidemia, by clinical criteria, declined over time ( P<0.01), but increased by self-report ( P<0.01). Smoking declined ( P<0.01), and obesity increased by both body mass index ( P<0.01) and waist/height ratio ( P<0.01). Conclusions The perception that young adult risk factors are increasing is consistent with increasing self-reported risk factors. However, evidence does not suggest that clinical risk factor prevalence overall has increased in young adults.

Effect of Health Education on Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Nigerian In-School adolescents on Stroke and Its Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Stroke education in adolescents has been established as an effective method of creating awareness about stroke, its warning signs and risk factors. It contributes to desired behavioural change in the adolescents as well as their parents. Thus, we aimed to determine the baseline knowledge of school attending adolescents about stroke and its risk factors as well as the effect of stroke education on their stroke awareness.

METHODS

This study employed a quasi-experimental study design and was conducted in secondary schools in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The schools were divided into intervention and control groups. We assessed the baseline knowledge of the students on stroke, its risk factors, warning signs, and ways of preventing it using a pre-tested structured questionnaire in both intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, health talks on stroke consisting of oral presentation and distribution of fliers were presented for 30 minutes in each selected school. Each school was visited 2 weeks after the health education intervention to assess their knowledge on stroke, its risk factors, and ways of preventing it. The control group was also visited after 2 weeks for a re-assessment of their stroke knowledge and the conduct of heath talk on other aspects of neurology such as sleep, epilepsy, etc. Results: A total of 1259 adolescents were studied with 661 in the intervention group and 598 in the control group. The mean age of the respondents was 13.56 ± 2.87 the intervention group and 13.38 ± 2.06 in the control group. There were higher mean scores on knowledge of stroke and its risk factors among the intervention group than seen in the control group after the stroke education.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke education is an effective way of creating and maintaining stroke awareness among school-attending adolescents.

Association of Stroke Among Adults Aged 18 to 49 Years With Long-term Mortality

IMPORTANCE

Stroke remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. Approximately 10% to 15% of all strokes occur in young adults. Information on prognosis and mortality specifically in young adults is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To determine short- and long-term mortality risk after stroke in young adults, according to age, sex, and stroke subtype; time trends in mortality; and causes of death.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Registry- and population-based study in the Netherlands of 15 527 patients aged 18 to 49 years with first stroke between 1998 and 2010, and follow-up until January 1, 2017. Patients and outcomes were identified through linkage of the national Hospital Discharge Registry, national Cause of Death Registry, and the Dutch Population Register.

EXPOSURES

First stroke occurring at age 18 to 49 years, documented using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, codes for ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and stroke not otherwise specified.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcome was all-cause cumulative mortality in 30-day survivors at end of follow-up, stratified by age, sex, and stroke subtype, and compared with all-cause cumulative mortality in the general population.

RESULTS

The study population included 15 527 patients with stroke (median age, 44 years [interquartile range, 38-47 years]; 53.3% women). At end of follow-up, a total of 3540 cumulative deaths had occurred, including 1776 deaths within 30 days after stroke and 1764 deaths (23.2%) during a median duration of follow-up of 9.3 years (interquartile range, 5.9-13.1 years). The 15-year mortality in 30-day survivors was 17.0% (95% CI, 16.2%-17.9%). The standardized mortality rate compared with the general population was 5.1 (95% CI, 4.7-5.4) for ischemic stroke (observed mortality rate 12.0/1000 person-years [95% CI, 11.2-12.9/1000 person-years]; expected rate, 2.4/1000 person-years; excess rate, 9.6/1000 person-years) and the standardized mortality rate for intracerebral hemorrhage was 8.4 (95% CI, 7.4-9.3; observed rate, 18.7/1000 person-years [95% CI, 16.7-21.0/1000 person-years]; expected rate, 2.2/1000 person-years; excess rate, 16.4/1000 person-years).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among young adults aged 18 to 49 years in the Netherlands who were 30-day survivors of first stroke, mortality risk compared with the general population remained elevated up to 15 years later.

Stroke incidence in young adults according to age, subtype, sex, and time trends

OBJECTIVE

To investigate incidence of stroke and its subtypes in young adults, according to sex and age, and to study trends over time.

METHODS

We established a nationwide cohort through linkage of national registries (hospital discharge, cause of death, and population register) with patients aged 18-50 years and those ≥50 years with first-ever ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or unspecified stroke, using ICD-9/ICD-10 codes between 1998 and 2010 in the Netherlands. Outcomes were yearly incidence of stroke stratified by age, sex, and stroke subtype, its changes over time, and comparison of incidence in patients 18-50 years to patients ≥50 years.

RESULTS

We identified 15,257 patients (53% women; mean age 41.8 years). Incidence increased exponentially with age (R ² = 0.99) and was higher for women than men, most prominently in the youngest patients (18-44 years). The relative proportion of ischemic stroke increased with age (18-24 years: 38.3%; 44-49 years: 56.5%), whereas the relative proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage decreased (18-24 years: 34.0%; 44-49 years: 18.3%). Incidence of any stroke in young adults increased (1998: 14.0/100,000 person-years: 2010: 17.2; +23%; p < 0.001), driven by an increase in those aged over 35 years and ischemic stroke incidence (46%), whereas incidence decreased in those ≥50 years (329.1%-292.2%; -11%; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of any stroke in the young increases with age in patients over 35, is higher in women than men aged 18-44 years, and has increased by 23% in one decade, through an increase in ischemic stroke. Incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage is comparable for women and men and remained stable over time.

Clinical Impact of Thrombophilia Screening in Young Adults with Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the ability of genetic and serological testing to diagnose clinically relevant thrombophilias in young adults with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke at a comprehensive stroke center between 2011 and 2015 with laboratory testing for thrombophilia. The primary outcome was any positive thrombophilia screening test. The secondary outcome was a change in clinical management based on thrombophilia testing results. Logistic regression was used to assess whether the prespecified risk factors of age, sex, prior venous thromboembolism, family history of stroke, stroke subtype, and presence of patent foramen ovale were associated with outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 196 young ischemic stroke patients, at least 1 positive thrombophilia test was identified in 85 patients (43%; 95% CI, 36%-51%) and 16 (8%; 95% CI, 5%-13%) had a resultant change in management. Among 111 patients with cryptogenic strokes, 49 (44%) had an abnormal thrombophilia test and 9 (8%) had a change in management. After excluding cases of isolated hyperhomocysteinemia or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase or Factor V Leiden gene mutation heterozygosity, the proportion of patients with an abnormal thrombophilia screen decreased to 24%. Prespecified risk factors were not significantly associated with positive thrombophilia testing or a change in management.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-of-five young patients with ischemic stroke who underwent thrombophilia screening at our institution had at least 1 positive test but only one-in-twelve had a resultant change in clinical management. Neither cryptogenic stroke subtype nor other studied clinical factors were associated with a prothrombotic state.

Struggling with everyday life after mild stroke with cognitive impairments – The experiences of working age women

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore how women of working age who have had a mild stroke resulting in cognitive impairment experience and manage their everyday lives.

Method

Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The participants consisted of 10 women of working age who had sustained cognitive impairment after a mild stroke. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three main categories appeared: The everyday is affected by the symptoms, Living strategies, and The social environment effects and changes. Participants feel insecure about their abilities and capabilities, experience anxiety and fear in relation to work, and find it hard to live up to demands and expectations. They are required to plan their daily activities in a new way and to prioritise chores that benefit the family, rather than follow their own interests and social activities. In order to cope with everyday life, they need to allocate chores to other family members.

Conclusions

The constant impact of fatigue and cognitive impairments affects everyday life. The women said that they had to learn to continuously manage their limitations through their experience of everyday life, something that can be facilitated with occupational therapy.

Benefit finding for Chinese family caregivers of community-dwelling stroke survivors: A cross-sectional study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To identify whether benefit finding is a mediator or moderator in the relationship between caregiver burden and psychological well-being (anxiety and depression) in Chinese family caregivers of community-dwelling stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND

Family caregivers not only bear a heavy burden, a high level of anxiety and depression, but also experience benefit finding (positive effects result from stressful events). However, the relationships among benefit finding, caregiver burden and psychological well-being in Chinese family caregivers are not well known.

DESIGN

This study was a cross-sectional correlational design.

METHODS

Caregivers (n = 145) of stroke survivors were recruited from two communities in Zhengzhou, China. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews with structured questionnaires, examining caregiver burden, benefit finding and psychological well-being of caregivers. A hierarchical regression analysis explored whether caregiver burden and benefit finding were associated with anxiety and depression of caregivers. The moderator role of benefit finding was examined by testing the significance of the interaction between caregiver burden and benefit finding. A mediational model was used to test benefit finding as a mediator between caregiver burden and psychological well-being of caregivers using process in spss 21.0.

RESULTS

Caregiver burden and benefit finding were significantly associated with both anxiety and depression of caregivers. Benefit finding did not portray a moderating role, but portrayed the mediator role in the relationship between caregiver burden, anxiety and depression in caregivers.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the preliminary evidence to nurses that intervention focus on benefit finding may help improve the psychological well-being of caregivers.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study offers nurses rational for assessing caregiver's negative emotions and benefit finding. By targeting benefit finding, the nurse may guide caregivers in benefit identification and implement interventions to reduce anxiety, depression and caregiver burden.

Parenting after stroke: a systematic review

Background Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States, resulting in physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. One in ten strokes occur in adults younger than 50 years of age and the incidence has increased approximately 44% from 2000 to 2010. Young adult survivors have specific needs related to their developmental stage including childcare responsibilities. Despite the high value placed on parenting by society, parenting is currently not assessed at any stage of stroke rehabilitation. Objective To determine the state of the science on parenting after stroke Methods A literature search of multiple electronic databases was conducted from 1964 to February 2018. Select key words were adapted for use in each database. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines were followed. Results One thousand two hundred and forty-one articles were identified from electronic databases. After deduplication, abstract/title review, and full-text review, ten studies were included. Nine of the studies were qualitative and one was a retrospective cohort study. Survivors in all but one of the qualitative studies reported limitations in parenting tasks after stroke. Changes in social relationships and participation as a parent in other life domains as a result of stroke were also described by survivors. Conclusion Findings from this systematic review of the perspectives of stroke survivors actively parenting suggest that residual stroke impairments lead to both activity limitations and participation restrictions. However, the literature available on parenting after stroke is limited and there is a significant opportunity to advance this area of stroke research.

Challenges of stroke management in resource-limited settings: A case-based reflection

A 19-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of headache, generalised body weakness, progressive memory loss, and disorientation. One month prior to admission, there was aggravation of the weakness of the right upper limb, with new-onset difficulty with mastication, speech impairment, apathy, and urinary incontinence. On clinical examination, the patient had a motor aphasia and a right-sided hemiparesis with increased muscle tone and hyperreflexia. A noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain revealed large ischaemic strokes extending beyond the classical vascular territories. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a mildly increased protein level. The electrocardiogram revealed an irregular sinus bradycardia. The remainder of the cardiovascular and laboratory workup was unremarkable. Considering a working diagnosis of central nervous system vasculitis, the patient was treated with aspirin, prednisolone, and physiotherapy. However, he died suddenly a few weeks later. Based on this case, we discuss the challenges of stroke management in resource-limited settings, provide practical tips for general practitioners, reflect on the potential avenues for short- and long-term action, and introduce the budding collaboration platform between the University College London, the University of Liverpool, the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, and the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme.

Cannabis, Tobacco, Alcohol Use, and the Risk of Early Stroke: A Population-Based Cohort Study of 45 000 Swedish Men

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current knowledge on cannabis use in relation to stroke is based almost exclusively on clinical reports. By using a population-based cohort, we aimed to find out whether there was an association between cannabis use and early-onset stroke, when accounting for the use of tobacco and alcohol.

METHODS

The cohort comprises 49 321 Swedish men, born between 1949 and 1951, who were conscripted into compulsory military service between the ages of 18 and 20. All men answered 2 detailed questionnaires at conscription and were subject to examinations of physical aptitude, psychological functioning, and medical status. Information on stroke events up to ≈60 years of age was obtained from national databases; this includes strokes experienced before 45 years of age.

RESULTS

No associations between cannabis use in young adulthood and strokes experienced ≤45 years of age or beyond were found in multivariable models: cannabis use >50 times, hazard ratios=0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-2.57) and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.59-1.53). Although an almost doubled risk of ischemic stroke was observed in those with cannabis use >50 times, this risk was attenuated when adjusted for tobacco usage: hazards ratio=1.47 (95% CI, 0.83-2.56). Smoking ≥20 cigarettes per day was clearly associated both with strokes before 45 years of age, hazards ratio=5.04 (95% CI, 2.80-9.06), and with strokes throughout the follow-up, hazards ratio=2.15 (95% CI, 1.61-2.88).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evident association between cannabis use in young adulthood and stroke, including strokes before 45 years of age. Tobacco smoking, however, showed a clear, dose-response shaped association with stroke.

Effects of professional rehabilitation training on the recovery of neurological function in young stroke patients

Young stroke patients have a strong desire to return to the society, but few studies have been conducted on their rehabilitation training items, intensity, and prognosis. We analyzed clinical data of young and middle-aged/older stroke patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Capital Medical University, China from February 2014 to May 2015. Results demonstrated that hemorrhagic stroke (59.6%) was the primary stroke type found in the young group, while ischemic stroke (60.0%) was the main type detected in the middle-aged/older group. Compared with older stroke patients, education level and incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia were higher in younger stroke patients, whereas, incidences of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease were lower. The average length of hospital stay was longer in the young group than in the middle-aged/older group. The main risk factors observed in the young stroke patients were hypertension, drinking, smoking, hyperlipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, previous history of stroke, and heart disease. The most accepted rehabilitation program consisted of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion. Average rehabilitation training time was 2.5 hours/day. Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale scores were increased at discharge. Six months after discharge, the degree of occupational and economic satisfaction declined, and there were no changes in family life satisfaction. The degrees of other life satisfaction (such as friendship) improved. The degree of disability and functional status improved significantly in young stroke patients after professional rehabilitation, but the number of patients who returned to society within 6 months after stroke was still small.

Changes in the prevalence of hospitalization and comorbidity in US adults with stroke: A three decade cross-sectional and birth cohort analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Little attention was paid to the transition of care for stroke that may partially explain the long-term trend of stroke rates. We aimed to test the trend of hospitalization attributable to stroke in US adults.

METHODS

Data from National Hospital Discharge Surveys 1980-2010 in patients aged ≥18 (n = 6,527,304) were analyzed to examine the trend of patients with first-list diagnoses of stroke. Stroke comorbidities were classified in stroke patients with second- to seven-listed diagnoses of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arrhythmias, or hyperlipidemia. Stroke trends by survey years and birth cohorts were analyzed using univariate, multivariate, and birth cohorts methods.

RESULTS

Of the total study sample, the prevalence of hospitalization due to stroke was 22.99%, 30.00%, and 27.03% in years of 1980-1989, 1990-1999, and 2000-2010 in males, and 17.30%, 22.04%, and 19.34% in females, respectively. Overall, hospitalization rates in stroke patients significantly increased among adults aged <65, and decreased in adults aged ≥65. There was an increase in stroke hospitalization rate in the old adults aged ≥65 in recent birth cohorts. Significant increased trends of comorbid hypertension, diabetes, arrhythmias, and hyperlipidemia were observed from 1980 to 2010.

CONCLUSION

A significant increase in stroke hospitalization rate was observed in adults aged <65 in the past three decades, and in old adults in recent years. Increases in stroke comorbidity rates were observed in all age groups. Findings from the study highlight that both public health and clinical practices face a serious challenge in controlling this unwelcome increased stroke trend.

Stroke Prevalence, Mortality and Disability-Adjusted Life Years in Adults Aged 20-64 Years in 1990-2013: Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2013 Study

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests that stroke is increasing as a cause of morbidity and mortality in younger adults, where it carries particular significance for working individuals. Accurate and up-to-date estimates of stroke burden are important for planning stroke prevention and management in younger adults.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to estimate prevalence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and their trends for total, ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) in the world for 1990-2013 in adults aged 20-64 years.

METHODOLOGY

Stroke prevalence, mortality and DALYs were estimated using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2013 methods. All available data on rates of stroke incidence, excess mortality, prevalence and death were collected. Statistical models were used along with country-level covariates to estimate country-specific stroke burden. Stroke-specific disability weights were used to compute years lived with disability and DALYs. Means and 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for prevalence, mortality and DALYs. The median of the percent change and 95% UI were determined for the period from 1990 to 2013.

RESULTS

In 2013, in younger adults aged 20-64 years, the global prevalence of HS was 3,725,085 cases (95% UI 3,548,098-3,871,018) and IS was 7,258,216 cases (95% UI 6,996,272-7,569,403). Globally, between 1990 and 2013, there were significant increases in absolute numbers and prevalence rates of both HS and IS for younger adults. There were 1,483,707 (95% UI 1,340,579-1,658,929) stroke deaths globally among younger adults but the number of deaths from HS (1,047,735 (95% UI 945,087-1,184,192)) was significantly higher than the number of deaths from IS (435,972 (95% UI 354,018-504,656)). There was a 20.1% (95% UI -23.6 to -10.3) decline in the number of total stroke deaths among younger adults in developed countries but a 36.7% (95% UI 26.3-48.5) increase in developing countries. Death rates for all strokes among younger adults declined significantly in developing countries from 47 (95% UI 42.6-51.7) in 1990 to 39 (95% UI 35.0-43.8) in 2013. Death rates for all strokes among younger adults also declined significantly in developed countries from 33.3 (95% UI 29.8-37.0) in 1990 to 23.5 (95% UI 21.1-26.9) in 2013. A significant decrease in HS death rates for younger adults was seen only in developed countries between 1990 and 2013 (19.8 (95% UI 16.9-22.6) and 13.7 (95% UI 12.1-15.9)) per 100,000). No significant change was detected in IS death rates among younger adults. The total DALYs from all strokes in those aged 20-64 years was 51,429,440 (95% UI 46,561,382-57,320,085). Globally, there was a 24.4% (95% UI 16.6-33.8) increase in total DALY numbers for this age group, with a 20% (95% UI 11.7-31.1) and 37.3% (95% UI 23.4-52.2) increase in HS and IS numbers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 1990 and 2013, there were significant increases in prevalent cases, total deaths and DALYs due to HS and IS in younger adults aged 20-64 years. Death and DALY rates declined in both developed and developing countries but a significant increase in absolute numbers of stroke deaths among younger adults was detected in developing countries. Most of the burden of stroke was in developing countries. In 2013, the greatest burden of stroke among younger adults was due to HS. While the trends in declining death and DALY rates in developing countries are encouraging, these regions still fall far behind those of developed regions of the world. A more aggressive approach toward primary prevention and increased access to adequate healthcare services for stroke is required to substantially narrow these disparities.