Critical Care Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke in critically ill patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19: Disparities between low-middle and high-income countries

PURPOSE

We aimed to compare the incidence of stroke in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) versus high-income countries (HICs) in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and its impact on in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

International observational study conducted in 43 countries. Stroke and mortality incidence rates and rate ratios (IRR) were calculated per admitted days using Poisson regression. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to address the HICs vs. LMICs imbalance for confounders.

RESULTS

23,738 patients [20,511(86.4 %) HICs vs. 3,227(13.6 %) LMICs] were included. The incidence stroke/1000 admitted-days was 35.7 (95 %CI = 28.4-44.9) LMICs and 17.6 (95 %CI = 15.8-19.7) HICs; ischemic 9.47 (95 %CI = 6.57-13.7) LMICs, 1.97 (95 %CI = 1.53, 2.55) HICs; hemorrhagic, 7.18 (95 %CI = 4.73-10.9) LMICs, and 2.52 (95 %CI = 2.00-3.16) HICs; unspecified stroke type 11.6 (95 %CI = 7.75-17.3) LMICs, 8.99 (95 %CI = 7.70-10.5) HICs. In regression with IPW, LMICs vs. HICs had IRR = 1.78 (95 %CI = 1.31-2.42, p < 0.001). Patients from LMICs were more likely to die than those from HICs [43.6% vs 29.2 %; Relative Risk (RR) = 2.59 (95 %CI = 2.29-2.93), p < 0.001)]. Patients with stroke were more likely to die than those without stroke [RR = 1.43 (95 %CI = 1.19-1.72), p < 0.001)].

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke incidence was low in HICs and LMICs although the stroke risk was higher in LMICs. Both LMIC status and stroke increased the risk of death. Improving early diagnosis of stroke and redistribution of healthcare resources should be a priority.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12620000421932 registered on 30/03/2020.

Damage to the Endotracheal Tube Caused by Incessant Biting by an Unconscious Patient After Stroke: A Case Report

Endotracheal intubation, a procedure performed using an endotracheal tube (ETT), has been identified as one of the most viable and common methods of managing the airway and artificially supporting respiration. Patient consciousness is an essential factor that is directly linked to airway safety, and an acute drop in the level of consciousness might threaten the airway. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 9/15 is an indication of the need to protect the airway by conducting the commonly known procedure of endotracheal intubation. In the current case report, we found an unusual cause of leakage in the ventilator tube that affected the tube integrity: the involuntary tube biting of a patient admitted to the intensive care unit due to low consciousness provoked by an ischemic stroke. This constitutes an interesting phenomenon that must be investigated further. Aside from deciphering the underlying subconscious event, mitigatory mechanisms should be deployed along with ETT to prevent the ventilator circuit from failing.

Barriers to integrating portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems in emergency medical service ambulances for stroke care

This study examines the barriers to integrating portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems into ambulance services to enable effective triaging of patients to the appropriate hospitals for timely stroke care and potentially reduce door-to-needle time for thrombolytic administration. The study employs a qualitative methodology using a digital twin of the patient handling process developed and demonstrated through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, including 11 paramedics from an Emergency Medical Services system and seven neurologists from a tertiary stroke care centre. The interview transcripts were thematically analysed to determine the barriers based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety framework. Key barriers include the need for MRI operation skills, procedural complexities in patient handling, space constraints, and the need for training and policy development. Potential solutions are suggested to mitigate these barriers. The findings can facilitate implementing MRI systems in ambulances to expedite stroke treatment.

Burden of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke Across the US From 1990 to 2019

Importance

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the US. Accurate and updated measures of stroke burden are needed to guide public health policies.

Objective

To present burden estimates of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the US in 2019 and describe trends from 1990 to 2019 by age, sex, and geographic location.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An in-depth cross-sectional analysis of the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study was conducted. The setting included the time period of 1990 to 2019 in the US. The study encompassed estimates for various types of strokes, including all strokes, ischemic strokes, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs), and subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs). The 2019 Global Burden of Disease results were released on October 20, 2020.

Exposures

In this study, no particular exposure was specifically targeted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary focus of this analysis centered on both overall and age-standardized estimates, stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs per 100 000 individuals.

Results

In 2019, the US recorded 7.09 million prevalent strokes (4.07 million women [57.4%]; 3.02 million men [42.6%]), with 5.87 million being ischemic strokes (82.7%). Prevalence also included 0.66 million ICHs and 0.85 million SAHs. Although the absolute numbers of stroke cases, mortality, and DALYs surged from 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized rates either declined or remained steady. Notably, hemorrhagic strokes manifested a substantial increase, especially in mortality, compared with ischemic strokes (incidence of ischemic stroke increased by 13% [95% uncertainty interval (UI), 14.2%-11.9%]; incidence of ICH increased by 39.8% [95% UI, 38.9%-39.7%]; incidence of SAH increased by 50.9% [95% UI, 49.2%-52.6%]). The downturn in stroke mortality plateaued in the recent decade. There was a discernible heterogeneity in stroke burden trends, with older adults (50-74 years) experiencing a decrease in incidence in coastal areas (decreases up to 3.9% in Vermont), in contrast to an uptick observed in younger demographics (15-49 years) in the South and Midwest US (with increases up to 8.4% in Minnesota).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the declining age-standardized stroke rates over the past 3 decades suggest progress in managing stroke-related outcomes. However, the increasing absolute burden of stroke, coupled with a notable rise in hemorrhagic stroke, suggests an evolving and substantial public health challenge in the US. Moreover, the significant disparities in stroke burden trends across different age groups and geographic locations underscore the necessity for region- and demography-specific interventions and policies to effectively mitigate the multifaceted and escalating burden of stroke in the country.

Effect of admission in the stroke care unit versus intensive care unit on in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Few reports have directly compared the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who are managed in a stroke care unit (SCU) with those who are managed in an intensive care units (ICU). This large database study in Japan aimed to compare in-hospital mortality between patients with AIS admitted into SCU and those admitted into ICU.

METHODS

Patients with AIS who were admitted between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2019, were selected from the administrative database and divided into the SCU and ICU groups. We calculated the propensity score to match groups for which the admission unit assignment was independent of confounding factors, including the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes were the mRS score at discharge, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization cost.

RESULTS

Overall, 8,683 patients were included, and 960 pairs were matched. After matching, the in-hospital mortality rates of the SCU and ICU groups were not significantly different (5.9% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.106). LOS was significantly shorter (SCU = 20.9 vs. ICU = 26.2 days, P < 0.001) and expenses were significantly lower in the SCU group than in the ICU group (SCU = 1,686,588 vs. ICU = 1,998,260 yen, P < 0.001). mRS scores (score of 1-3 or 4-6) at discharge were not significantly different after matching. Stratified analysis showed that the in-hospital mortality rate was lower in the ICU group than in the SCU group among patients who underwent thrombectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the ICU and SCU groups, with significantly lower costs and shorter LOS in the SCU group than in the ICU group.

Advances in Antibody-Based Therapeutics for Cerebral Ischemia

Cerebral ischemia is an acute disorder characterized by an abrupt reduction in blood flow that results in immediate deprivation of both glucose and oxygen. The main types of cerebral ischemia are ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. When a stroke occurs, several signaling pathways are activated, comprising necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy as well as glial activation and white matter injury, which leads to neuronal cell death. Current treatments for strokes include challenging mechanical thrombectomy or tissue plasminogen activator, which increase the danger of cerebral bleeding, brain edema, and cerebral damage, limiting their usage in clinical settings. Monoclonal antibody therapy has proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. In contrast, the evidence for stroke therapy is minimal. Recently, Clone MTS510 antibody targeting toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) protein, ASC06-IgG1 antibody targeting acid sensing ion channel-1a (ASIC1a) protein, Anti-GluN1 antibodies targeting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor associated calcium influx, GSK249320 antibody targeting myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), anti-High Mobility Group Box-1 antibody targeting high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) are currently under clinical trials for cerebral ischemia treatment. In this article, we review the current antibody-based pharmaceuticals for neurological diseases, the use of antibody drugs in stroke, strategies to improve the efficacy of antibody therapeutics in cerebral ischemia, and the recent advancement of antibody drugs in clinical practice. Overall, we highlight the need of enhancing blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration for the improvement of antibody-based therapeutics in the brain, which could greatly enhance the antibody medications for cerebral ischemia in clinical practice.

Biotechnology-based therapeutics for management of cerebral stroke

Cerebral stroke, commonly caused due to hindrance in blood flow, is broadly classified into two categories-ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes. The onset of stroke triggers multiple mechanisms causing inflammation, generation of free radicals and protein damage leading to apoptosis of neuronal cells. The current therapies available for cerebral strokes involve use of complex surgical treatments and tissue plasminogen activator which increases the risk of internal bleeding, brain edema and cerebral damage, thereby restricting their use in clinical setting. The alarming need to develop safe, effective, target specific systems which, promote neuronal growth and reduce cerebral inflammation can be accomplished with use of biotechnological approaches. The article gives an insight to biotechnology-based advancements for tissue plasminogen activators, cell penetrating peptides, growth factors, ribonucleic acid systems and monoclonal antibodies for cerebral stroke. We also emphasis on challenges and future perspective of biotechnology-based therapeutics for better management of stroke.

Hemorrhagic Transformation After Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms and Management

Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is one of the complications most likely to lead to death in patients with acute ischemic stroke. HT after acute ischemic stroke is diagnosed when certain areas of cerebral infarction appear as cerebral hemorrhage on radiological images. Its mechanisms are usually explained by disruption of the blood-brain barrier and reperfusion injury that causes leakage of peripheral blood cells. In ischemic infarction, HT may be a natural progression of acute ischemic stroke and can be facilitated or enhanced by reperfusion therapy. Therefore, to balance risks and benefits, HT occurrence in acute stroke settings is an important factor to be considered by physicians to determine whether recanalization therapy should be performed. This review aims to illustrate the pathophysiological mechanisms of HT, outline most HT-related factors after reperfusion therapy, and describe prevention strategies for the occurrence and enlargement of HT, such as blood pressure control. Finally, we propose a promising therapeutic approach based on biological research studies that would help clinicians treat such catastrophic complications.

Effect of standardized nursing cooperation on intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the impact of standardized nursing cooperation on intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

From June 2019 to June 2020, a total of 235 AIS patients that received rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis were enrolled as the research subjects. Among them, there were 101 patients who were admitted between June 2019 and December 2019 and were placed into control-group and received traditional routine nursing collaboration procedures; and the remaining 134 subjects admitted between January 2020 to June 2020 were classified into the observation-group and received standardized care collaboration procedures. The time spent (from admission to CT examination, from completion of CT to medication and from admission to medication), the thrombolysis within 1 h, 1-2 h, 2-3 h and 3-4.5 h, the degree of damage of neurological function before and after nursing intervention, the occurrence of complications and satisfaction with nursing care were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The time spent in each procedure of thrombolytic therapy in the observation group was remarkably less than that in control group (P<0.05). The distribution of thrombolysis in the observation group was superior to that in control group (P<0.05). NIHSS score of subjects in observation group after intervention was obviously lower than that in the control group, with statistically significant difference [(3.34±0.87) points, (4.82±0.93) points, t=12.5318, P=0.0000]. The incidence of complications in the observation group was 5.97%, and that in the control group was 24.75%, with a statistically significant difference (X² =16.8317, P=0.0000). The nursing satisfaction of the observation group was 91.04%, which was significantly higher than 73.27% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (X² =13.1496, P=0.0003).

CONCLUSION

The standardized nursing cooperation for AIS patients with rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis is beneficial for effectively reducing the treatment delay and the incidence of complications, and improving the neurological function and satisfaction of nursing care, and as such it which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Care of the Patient With Acute Ischemic Stroke (Endovascular/Intensive Care Unit-Postinterventional Therapy): Update to 2009 Comprehensive Nursing Care Scientific Statement: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Ischemic stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Nurses play a pivotal role in the care of patients throughout the continuum. With the advances in stroke care, including mechanical thrombectomy, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association charged the writing panel to complement the 2009 clinical practice guideline, "Comprehensive Overview of Nursing and Interdisciplinary Care of the Acute Ischemic Stroke Patient," with current evidence-based nursing care. This update is 1 of a 3-part series focusing on emergency medical services/emergency care, endovascular/intensive care unit care, and postacute care. The aim of this scientific statement is to review and present current evidence, complications, best practices, and clinical practice strategies to provide current comprehensive scientific information for nursing care in the neuroendovascular area and intensive care unit in conjunction with medical treatments, including intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy.

Locked-In Syndrome: Practical Rehabilitation Management

Locked-in syndrome is a rare and devastating condition that results in tetraplegia, lower cranial nerve paralysis, and anarthria with preserved cognition, vertical gaze, and upper eyelid movements. Although acute management is much like that of any severe stroke, rehabilitation and recovery of these patients have not been previously described. Challenges relevant to this population include blood pressure management and orthostasis, timing and appropriateness of reinstating oral feeding, ventilatory support, decannulation after tracheostomy, bowel and bladder management, vestibular dysfunction, and eye care. Targeted rehabilitation of head, neck, and trunk stability to improve function, and proper fit in an appropriate wheelchair are essential to assist with mobility. Rehabilitation interventions should include a focus on distal motor control and upright tolerance training followed by balance and mobility exercises. In addition, special considerations must be given to developing early methods of communication through use of augmentative systems to call for help and express needs. These systems along with additional technology provide the basis to promote connectivity to family and friends through the use of social media and the internet. Establishment of communication, mobility, and connectivity is essential in promoting independence, autonomy, and improving quality of life. Overall, with specialized rehabilitative care and access to the proper equipment, long-term outcomes and quality of life in these patients can be favorable.

Stroke and potential benefits of brain-computer interface

To treat stroke and, in particular, to alleviate the personal and social burden of stroke survivors is a main challenge for neuroscience research. Advancements in the knowledge of neurobiologic mechanisms subserving stroke-related damage and recovery provide key data to guide clinicians to tailor interventions to specific patient's needs. How does the brain-computer interface (BCI) fit into this scenario? A technique created to allow completely paralyzed individuals to control the environment recently introduced a new line of development: to provide a means to possibly control formation and changes in the brain network organization. In a sort of revolution, similar to the change from geocentric to heliocentric planet organization envisioned by Copernicus, we are facing a critical change in BCI research, moving from a brain to computer direction to a computer to brain one. This direction change will profoundly open up new avenues for BCI research and clinical applications. In this chapter, we address this change and discuss present and future applications of this new line idea of BCI use in stroke.

SUR1-TRPM4 channels, not KATP, mediate brain swelling following cerebral ischemia

BACKGROUND

Preclinical and emerging clinical data show that glibenclamide reduces space occupying edema and brain swelling following cerebral ischemia. Glibenclamide is a potent inhibitor of numerous sulfonylurea receptor (SUR)-regulated channels, including K_ATP (SUR1-KIR6.2, SUR2A-KIR6.2, SUR2B-KIR6.2, SUR2B-KIR6.1) and SUR1-TRPM4. Here, we used molecularly specific oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to investigate the role of various SUR-regulated ion channel subunits in post-ischemic brain swelling.

METHODS

Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in adult male rats by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAo). We used this model to study the effects of antisense-ODNs (AS-ODNs) directed against Abcc8/SUR1, Trpm4/TRPM4, Kcnj8/KIR6.1 and Kcnj11/KIR6.2 on hemispheric swelling, with sense or scrambled ODNs used as controls. We used antibody-based Förster resonance energy transfer (immuno-FRET) and co-immunoprecipitation to study the co-assembly of SUR1-TRPM4 heteromers.

RESULTS

In the combined control groups administered sense or scrambled ODNs, pMCAo resulted in uniformly large infarct volumes (mean ± SD: 57.4 ± 8.8 %; n = 34) at 24 h after onset of ischemia, with no effect of AS-ODNs on infarct size. In controls, hemispheric swelling was 23.9 ± 4.1 % (n = 34), and swelling was linearly related to infarct volume (P < 0.02). In the groups administered anti-Abcc8/SUR1 or anti-Trpm4/TRPM4 AS-ODN, hemispheric swelling was significantly less, 11.6 ± 3.9 % and 12.8 ± 5.8 % respectively (P < 0.0001), and the relationship between infarct volume and swelling was reduced and not significant. AS-ODNs directed against Kcnj8/KIR6.1 and Kcnj11/KIR6.2 had no significant effect on hemispheric swelling (23.3 ± 5.4 % and 22.9 ± 5.8 % respectively). Post-ischemic tissues showed co-assembly of SUR1-TRPM4 heteromers.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-ischemic hemispheric swelling can be decoupled from infarct volume. SUR1-TRPM4 channels, not K_ATP, mediate post-ischemic brain swelling.

Priority Nursing Interventions Caring for the Stroke Patient

Nearly 20% of all patients with ischemic stroke will require care in an intensive care unit (ICU), particularly those who have received intravenous alteplase or endovascular therapy. Prioritizing nursing intervention and intensive care monitoring can improve patient outcomes and reduce disability. A collaborative interdisciplinary team approach best facilitates the ICU care of an acute stroke patient.

Continuous intravenous low-dose diclofenac sodium to control a central fever after ischemic stroke in the intensive care unit: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction

Elevation in body temperature within the first 24 hours of ischemic stroke is fairly common and known to be associated with worse outcomes. Only after thoroughly ruling out infection and the noninfectious etiologies and in the appropriate clinical setting should the diagnosis of central fever be made. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are typical therapeutic options. External cooling is frequently used when pharmacologic interventions are inadequate. However, reports have suggested that neurogenic fevers are somewhat resistant to traditional pharmacologic therapies.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a Caucasian patient with central fever after ischemic stroke not responsive to acetaminophen administration and external cooling. After an initial bolus of diclofenac sodium (0.2 mg/kg in 100 ml of saline solution for 30 minutes), a continuous infusion (75 mg in 50 ml of saline solution) was started. After 5 days of treatment, the patient’s body temperature was below 37.5 °C, and the diclofenac sodium infusion was stopped.

Conclusions

We observed that a low-dose diclofenac sodium infusion was effective in treating fever without systemic side effects. This treatment may be suggested as an alternative to conventional antipyretic drugs, but additional clinical trials are required.

From Stroke to Dementia: a Comprehensive Review Exposing Tight Interactions Between Stroke and Amyloid-β Formation

Stroke and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are cerebral pathologies with high socioeconomic impact that can occur together and mutually interact. Vascular factors predisposing to cerebrovascular disease have also been specifically associated with development of AD, and acute stroke is known to increase the risk to develop dementia.

Despite the apparent association, it remains unknown how acute cerebrovascular disease and development of AD are precisely linked and act on each other. It has been suggested that this interaction is strongly related to vascular deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ), i.e., cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Furthermore, the blood–brain barrier (BBB), perivascular space, and the glymphatic system, the latter proposedly responsible for the drainage of solutes from the brain parenchyma, may represent key pathophysiological pathways linking stroke, Aβ deposition, and dementia.

In this review, we propose a hypothetic connection between CAA, stroke, perivascular space integrity, and dementia. Based on relevant pre-clinical research and a few clinical case reports, we speculate that impaired perivascular space integrity, inflammation, hypoxia, and BBB breakdown after stroke can lead to accelerated deposition of Aβ within brain parenchyma and cerebral vessel walls or exacerbation of CAA. The deposition of Aβ in the parenchyma would then be the initiating event leading to synaptic dysfunction, inducing cognitive decline and dementia. Maintaining the clearance of Aβ after stroke could offer a new therapeutic approach to prevent post-stroke cognitive impairment and development into dementia.

Transient Laterality of Cerebral Oxygenation Changes in Response to Head-of-Bed Manipulation in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Cerebral oxygenation monitoring provides important information for optimizing individualized management in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Although changes in cerebral oxygenation are known to occur in response to head-of-bed (HOB) elevation within 72 h after onset, changes in cerebral oxygenation during stroke recovery are unclear. We compared changes in total- (tHb), oxygenated- (HbO2), and deoxygenated-hemoglobin (deoxyHb) concentrations in response to HOB manipulation between the timeframes within 72 h and 7–10 days after AIS onset. Methods: We measured forehead ΔtHb, ΔHbO2, and ΔdeoxyHb in response to HOB elevation (30°) within 72 h (first measurement) and 7–10 days (second measurement) after AIS onset using time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: We enrolled 30 participants (mean age 72.8 ± 11.3 years; 13 women) with a first AIS. There were no significant differences in ΔtHb, ΔHbO2, or ΔdeoxyHb measurements on the infarct or contra-infarct side. At the first measurement, ΔtHb, ΔHbO2, and ΔdeoxyHb measured on the contra-infarct side did not correlate with those measured on the infarct side: ΔtHb (r = 0.114, p = 0.539); ΔHbO2 (r = 0.143, p = 0.440); ΔdeoxyHb (r = 0.227, p = 0.221). Notably, at the second measurement, correlation coefficients of ΔtHb and ΔHbO2 between the contra-infarct and infarct sides were statistically significant: ΔtHb (r = 0.491, p = 0.008); ΔHbO2 (r = 0.479, p = 0.010); ΔdeoxyHb (r = 0.358, p = 0.054). Conclusion: Although changes in cerebral oxygenation in response to HOB elevation had a laterality difference between hemispheres within 72 h of AIS onset, the difference had decreased, at least partially, 7–10 days after AIS onset.

Effect of a novel designed intensive patient care program on cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression as well as relapse free survival in acute ischemic stroke patients: a randomized controlled study

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the influence of a novel designed intensive patient care program (IPCP) on cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression and relapse-free survival (RFS) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Methods: Two hundred forty-two AIS patients were consecutively recruited in this randomized controlled study and randomly allocated to IPCP group or control group as 1:1 ratio. Patients received IPCP and conventional treatment in IPCP group, while received usual education, cognitive rehabilitation training and conventional treatment in control group for 12-month intervention. Cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression were assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety (HADS-A), and HADS depression (HADS-D) at baseline (M0), month (M)3, M6 and M12. After intervention, patients were followed up until 2018/7/30 and RFS was calculated. Results: IPCP increased MMSE score at M12 and change of MMSE score (M12-M0), while decreased cognitive impairment rate at M12. For anxiety, decreased change of HADS-A score (M12-M0) and lower anxiety rate at M12 were observed in IPCP group compared to control group. For depression, decreased HADS-D score at M6 and M12, reduced change of HADS-D score (M12-M0) and lower depression rate at M12 were shown in IPCP group compared to control group. Besides, RFS was numerically longer in IPCP group compared to control group, but without statistical significance. Conclusions: IPCP presents with a positive influence on improving cognitive impairment and decreasing anxiety as well as depression, while a less effect on improving RFS in AIS patients. Abbreviation: IPCP: intensive patient care program; RFS: relapse free survival; AIS: acute ischemic stroke; MRA: magnetic resonance angiography; ITT: intention-to-treat; LOCF: last observation carried forward.

Select hyperacute complications of ischemic stroke: cerebral edema, hemorrhagic transformation, and orolingual angioedema secondary to intravenous Alteplase

INTRODUCTION

Remarkable advances have occurred in the management of acute ischemic stroke, especially in regards to reperfusion treatments. With advances in reperfusion treatments come the risk of complications associated with these treatments. Areas covered: The article focuses on three acute complications that can occur in the setting of acute ischemic stroke: cerebral edema, hemorrhagic transformation, and orolingual angioedema following administration of alteplase, a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Predictors of the development of these complications are reviewed. The management of cerebral edema and hemorrhagic transformation is also reviewed in depth including potential new treatments targeting the blood-brain barrier. The article also reviews the management of the rare but potentially fatal complication of orolingual angioedema secondary to alteplase. Expert commentary: An understanding of the pathophysiology leading to the development of malignant cerebral edema and hemorrhagic transformation allows the clinician to anticipate and properly manage these acute complications. Regardless of a patient's age or comorbidities, the decision to pursue decompressive hemicraniectomy in patients with malignant cerebral edema should be based on an honest assessment of expected outcome and guided by the patient's prior wishes regarding an acceptable quality of life.

Comparative Analysis of Markers of Mass Effect after Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Midline shift determined on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) images is a well-validated marker of mass effect after large hemispheric infarction and associated with mortality. In this study, we targeted a population with moderately sized strokes. We compared midline shift to other imaging markers and determined their ability to predict long-term outcome.

METHODS

MRI scans were studied from the Echoplanar Imaging Thrombolysis Evaluation Trial (EPITHET) cohort. Midline shift, acute stroke lesion volume, lesional swelling volume, change in ipsilateral hemisphere volume, the ratio of ipsilateral to contralateral hemisphere volume, and the reduction in lateral ventricle volume were measured. The relationships of these markers with poor outcome (modified Rankin scale score 3-6 at day 90) were assessed. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare the performance of each metric.

RESULTS

Of the 71 included patients, 59.2% had a poor outcome that was associated with significantly larger values for midline shift, lesional swelling volume, and ratio of hemisphere volumes. Lesional swelling volume, change in hemisphere volume, ratio of hemisphere volumes, and lateral ventricle displacement were each correlated with midline shift (Spearman r = .60, .49, .61, and -.56, respectively; all P < .0001). ROC curve analysis showed that lesional swelling volume (area under the curve [AUC] = .791) predicted poor outcome better than midline shift (AUC = .682). For predicting mortality, ROC curve analysis showed that these three markers were equivalent.

CONCLUSION

The ratio of ipsilateral to contralateral hemisphere volume, baseline lesion volume and lesional swelling volume best predicted poor outcome across a spectrum of stroke sizes.

Cardiac troponin for predicting all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis

Cardiac troponins are specific biomarkers of cardiac injury. However, the prognostic usefulness of cardiac troponin in patients with acute ischemic stroke is still controversial. The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association of cardiac troponin elevation with all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies up to April 31, 2017. All observational studies reporting an association of baseline cardiac troponin-T (cTnT) or troponin-I (cTnI) elevation with all-cause mortality risk in patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Pooled adjusted risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained using a random effect model. Twelve studies involving 7905 acute ischemic stroke patients met our inclusion criteria. From the overall pooled analysis, patients with elevated cardiac troponin were significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.83-3.50). The prognostic value of cardiac troponin elevation on all-cause mortality risk was stronger (RR: 3.54; 95% CI: 2.09-5.98) during in-hospital stay. Further stratified analysis showed elevated cTnT (RR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.47-3.77) and cTnI (RR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.68-4.64) level conferred the similar prognostic value of all-cause mortality. Acute ischemic stroke patients with elevated cTnT or cTnI at baseline independently predicted an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Determination of cardiac troponin on admission may aid in the early death risk stratification in these patients.