1
|
Ojo DT, Brewer PC, Imeh-Nathaniel A, Imeh-Nathaniel S, Broughton PX, Nathaniel TI. Sex differences in clinical risk factors in obese ischemic stroke patients with a history of smoking. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:288. [PMID: 38816791 PMCID: PMC11138086 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03952-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical risk factors associated obesity and smoking, as well as their combined effect, are not fully understood. This study aims to determine sex differences in risk factors in a population of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who are obese and with a history of previous or current smoking. METHODS A retrospective analysis of risk factors in male and female AIS patients with baseline data of obesity and current or previous history of smoking, smoking, and obesity alone was determined. The primary predictor and outcome are risk factors associated with male and female AIS patients. Baseline risk factors were analyzed using a multivariate regression analysis to determine specific risk factors linked with the combined effect of obesity and current or previous history of smoking''. RESULTS Male obese AIS patients who are current or previous smokers were more likely to be older patients(OR = 1.024, 95% CI, 1.022-1.047, P = 0.033) that present with coronary artery disease (OR = 1.806, 95% CI, 1.028-3.174, P = 0.040), a history of alcohol use (OR = 2.873, 95% CI, 1.349-6.166, P = 0.006), elevated serum creatinine (OR = 4.724, 95% CI, 2.171-10.281, P < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.029, 95% CI, 1.011-1.047, P < 0.002). Females were more associated with depression (OR = 0.432, 95% CI, 0.244-0.764, P = 0.004), previous TIA (OR = 0.319, 95% CI, 0.142-0.714, P < 0.005), and higher levels of HDL (OR = 0.938, 95% CI, 0.915-0.962, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our results reveal sex differences in risk factors in obese AIS patients with a current or past history of smoking. This finding emphasizes the need to develop management strategies to improve the care of obese AIS patients who are either current or former smokers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dami T Ojo
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Philip C Brewer
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | | | | | - Philip X Broughton
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Thomas I Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Imeh-Nathaniel E, Imeh-Nathaniel S, Imeh-Nathaniel A, Coker-Ayo O, Kulkarni N, Nathaniel TI. Sex Differences in Severity and Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Hyperlipidemia. Neurosci Insights 2024; 19:26331055241246745. [PMID: 38706531 PMCID: PMC11069268 DOI: 10.1177/26331055241246745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to determine sex differences in poststroke hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglyceride levels ⩾ 200 mg/dl) and high stroke severity in ischemic stroke patients. Method Our study analyzed data from 392 males and 373 females with hypertriglyceridemia. Stroke severity on admission was measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) with a value ⩽7 indicating a more favorable post-stroke prognosis while a score of >7 indicates poorer post-stroke outcomes. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and risk factors. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each clinical risk factor were used to predict the increasing odds of an association of a specific clinical baseline risk factor with the male or female AIS with hypertriglyceridemia. Results In the adjusted analysis, male patients with hypertriglyceridemia, diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.100, 95% CI, 1.034-1.171, P = .002), and Ischemic stroke mortality (OR = 6.474, 95% CI, 3.262-12.847, P < .001) were significantly associated with increased stroke severity. In female patients with hypertriglyceridemia, age (OR = 0.920, 95% CI, 0.866-0.978, P = .008) was associated with reduced stroke severity, while ischemic stroke mortality score (OR = 37.477, 95% CI, 9.636-145.756, P < .001) was associated with increased stroke severity. Conclusion Increased ischemic stroke mortality risk score was associated with increased severity in both male and female AIS patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Our findings provide information about sex differences in specific risk factors that can be managed to improve the care of male and female ischemic stroke patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Thomas I Nathaniel
- School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wouters A, Scheldeman L, Liessens H, Dupont P, Boutitie F, Cheng B, Ebinger M, Endres M, Fiebach JB, Gerloff C, Muir KW, Nighoghossian N, Pedraza S, Simonsen CZ, Thijs V, Thomalla G, Lemmens R. Sex differences in imaging and clinical characteristics of patients from the WAKE-UP trial. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:641-647. [PMID: 36349887 PMCID: PMC10099623 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sex-based differences in acute ischemic stroke are a well-known phenomenon. We aimed to explore these differences between women and men in the Efficacy and Safety of MRI-Based Thrombolysis in Wake-Up Stroke (WAKE-UP) trial. METHODS We compared baseline demographic and imaging characteristics (visual fluid-attenuated inversion recovery [FLAIR] positivity, relative FLAIR signal intensity, collateral status) between women and men in all screened patients. In randomized patients (i.e., those with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-FLAIR mismatch), we evaluated a modifying role of sex on the treatment effect of alteplase in multivariable logistic regression, with treatment adjusted for National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and age. Dependent variables were modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1 at 90 days and distribution of mRS scores at 90 days. RESULTS Of 1362 screened patients, 529 (38.8%) were women. Women were older than men, had higher baseline NIHSS scores and smoked less frequently. FLAIR positivity of the DWI lesion was equally present in women (174/529, 33.1%) and men (273/833, 33.3%; p = 1.00) and other imaging variables also did not differ between the sexes. In a total of 503 randomized patients, of whom 178 were women (35.4%), sex did not modify the treatment effect of alteplase on mRS score 0-1 or on the total distribution of mRS scores. CONCLUSION As in many other stroke trials, more men than women were included in the WAKE-UP trial, but the presence of a visual DWI-FLAIR mismatch and the relative FLAIR signal intensity did not differ between the sexes. The treatment effect of alteplase was not modified by sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Wouters
- Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lauranne Scheldeman
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Dupont
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Florent Boutitie
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Biostatistique, Université Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Bastian Cheng
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Kopf- und Neurozentrum, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Ebinger
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medical Park Berlin Humboldtmühle, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- ExcellenceCluster NeuroCure, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jochen B Fiebach
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Gerloff
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Kopf- und Neurozentrum, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Keith W Muir
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Norbert Nighoghossian
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Salvador Pedraza
- Department of Radiology, Institut de Diagnostic per la Image (IDI), Hospital Dr Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Girona (IDIBGI), Parc Hospitalari Marti i Julia de Salt - Edifici M2, Girona, Spain
| | - Claus Z Simonsen
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vincent Thijs
- Stroke Theme, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Kopf- und Neurozentrum, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robin Lemmens
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Perrier J, Renard M, Pariente A, Bezin J. Systematic review on sex differences for drug use after stroke. Therapie 2023; 78:213-224. [PMID: 36517302 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have synthetized the existing knowledge on sex-differences for the risk of stroke, the most recent ones highlighting an increased risk of stroke for women. However, whether there are sex differences in post stroke treatment in real world setting is not known. We therefore conducted a systematic review on this subject. MATERIAL AND METHODS All observational studies on sex-differences in poststroke drug use published until 20/04/2021 were identified from PubMed and Scopus. Articles were selected and assessed by two independent readers; a third resolved disagreements. Data extraction was performed using a standardized form; articles quality was assessed using the STROBE guidelines. The study is registered on PROSPERO: CRD42021250256. RESULTS Of the 604 identified articles, 33 were included. Most were published before 2015 and presented methodological limitations. These limitations differentially affected studies with statistically significant and non-significant results, questioning the reliability of conflicting results. The exploration of sex-differences in drug use varied between therapeutic classes (articles focusing on thrombolytics: 25; antithrombotics: 23; on antihypertensive: 13; lipid-lowering drugs: 9). After stroke, women were found less likely to be prescribed antithrombotics in 48% of the articles investigating this class, and lipid-lowering drugs in 56%. Thirty-one percent of the studies concerning antihypertensive drugs reported the opposite. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION In women, a lack of use of antithrombotics and lipid-lowering drugs after stroke seem to emerge from this review. Conflicting results regarding sex-differences might relate to methodological limitations in studies with no statistical differences, and advocate for the conduct of newer and more comprehensive research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Perrier
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, équipe AHeaD, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Mathilde Renard
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, équipe AHeaD, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Pariente
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, équipe AHeaD, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, service de pharmacologie médicale,INSERM, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Julien Bezin
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, équipe AHeaD, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, service de pharmacologie médicale,INSERM, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Simmons CA, Poupore N, Nathaniel TI. Age Stratification and Stroke Severity in the Telestroke Network. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041519. [PMID: 36836054 PMCID: PMC9963120 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age is one of the most important risk factors for stroke, and an estimated 75% of strokes occur in people 65 years old and above. Adults > 75 years of age experience more hospitalizations and higher mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate how age and various clinical risk factors affect acute ischemic stroke (AIS) severity in two age categories. METHODS This retrospective data analysis study was conducted using data collected from the PRISMA Health Stroke Registry between June 2010 and July 2016. Baseline clinical and demographic data were analyzed for 65-74-year-old patients and those ≥ 75 years of age. This study aimed to investigate risk factors associated with stroke severity in these two age categories of AIS patients treated in telestroke settings. RESULTS An adjusted multivariate analysis showed that the acute ischemic stroke (AIS) population of 65-74-year-old patients experiencing heart failure (odds ratio (OR) = 4.398, 95% CI = 3.912-494.613, p = 0.002) and elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (OR = 1.066, 95% CI = 1.009-1.126, p = 0.024) trended towards worsening neurological function, while patients experiencing obesity (OR = 0.177, 95% CI = 0.041-0.760, p = 0.020) exhibited improved neurological functions. For the patients ≥ 75 years of age, direct admission (OR = 0.270, 95% CI = 0.085-0.856, p = 0.026) was associated with improved functions. CONCLUSIONS Heart failure and elevated HDL levels were significantly associated with worsening neurologic functions in patients aged 65-74. Obese patients and individuals ≥ 75 years of age who were directly admitted were most likely to exhibit improving neurological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassie A. Simmons
- Department of Biology, North Greenville University, Tigerville, SC 29688, USA
| | - Nicolas Poupore
- School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Thomas I. Nathaniel
- School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-44559846; Fax: +1-44558404
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Poupore N, Edrissi C, Sowah M, Stanley M, Joffe J, Lewis D, Cunningham T, Sanders CB, Knisely K, Rathfoot C, Nathaniel TI. Analysis of severity in ischemic stroke patients with coronary artery disease in the telestroke network. Future Cardiol 2022; 18:797-807. [PMID: 36052858 DOI: 10.2217/fca-2022-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated demographic and clinical risk factors associated with severity in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials & methods: Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine specific factors associated with worsening or improving neurologic functions among AIS patients with CAD treated in the telestroke. Results: AIS patients with CAD, peripheral vascular disease (OR: 3.995; 95% CI: 1.035-15.413; p = 0.044) and hypertension (OR: 6.056; 95% CI: 1.207-30.374; p = 0.029) were associated with worsening neurologic functions. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the need to develop strategic management to improve the care of AIS patients with a history of CAD that present with hypertension and peripheral vascular disease in the telestroke network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Poupore
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Camron Edrissi
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Mareshah Sowah
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Madison Stanley
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Jonah Joffe
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Donovan Lewis
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Teanda Cunningham
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | | | - Krista Knisely
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Chase Rathfoot
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Thomas I Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Poupore N, Edrissi C, Sowah M, Stanley M, Joffe J, Lewis D, Cunningham T, Sanders CB, Knisely K, Rathfoot C, Nathaniel TI. Stroke severity among men and women acute ischemic stroke patients in the telestroke network. Cerebrovasc Dis Extra 2022; 12:93-101. [PMID: 35675796 PMCID: PMC9574206 DOI: 10.1159/000525099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigates gender differences among stroke patients treated in the telestroke network using specific risk factors that contribute to stroke severity. Methods We examined gender differences in stroke severity among 454 patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The logistic regression model was used to predict clinical risk factors associated with stroke severity in men and women AIS patients. Results In the adjusted analysis among women patients, increasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.017–1.085, p = 0.003) and higher heart rate (OR = 1.031, 95% CI: 1.005–1.058, p = 0.021) were associated with worsening neurological functions, while direct admission (OR = 0.191, 95% CI: 0.079–0.465, p < 0.001) was associated with improving neurologic functions. Among men, hypertension (OR = 3.077, 95% CI: 1.060–8.931, p = 0.039) and higher international normalized ratio (INR) (OR = 21.959, 95% CI: 1.489–323.912, p = 0.024) were associated with worsening neurologic functions, while Caucasian (OR = 0.181, 95% CI: 0.062–0.526, p = 0.002) and obesity (OR = 0.449, 95% CI: 0.203–0.99, p = 0.047) were associated with neurologic improvement. Conclusion Increasing age and heart rate in women, hypertension and greater INR in men contribute to worsening neurologic functions. There is a need to develop strategies to improve the care of both men and women in the telestroke network.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sex and Economic Disparity Related to Reperfusion Therapies for Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke in South Korea across a 10-Year Period: A Nationwide Population-Based Study Using the National Health Insurance Database. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053050. [PMID: 35270741 PMCID: PMC8910261 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
A complete enumeration study was conducted to evaluate trends related to reperfusion therapies (intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular treatment (EVT)) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in South Korea, according to sex, economic status, and age, over a 10-year period retrospectively, using the National Health Information Database (NHIS-2020-1-481). This study included AIS patients aged ≥20 years who were hospitalized in a general hospital or tertiary hospital for ≥4 days and underwent brain imaging during the same period. Study participants were classified by sex, economic status (Medical Aid beneficiaries and National Health Insurance beneficiaries) and age (20-44, 45-64, 65-79, and ≥80 years). Women showed a significantly lower OR (Odds ratio) than men in IVT (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.73-0.77), EVT (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93-0.99), and any therapy (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.80-0.84). The Medical Aid beneficiaries showed significantly lower OR in IVT (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.95), EVT (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98), and either therapy (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.90-0.95) than the National Health Insurance beneficiaries. This study showed sex and economic disparity related to reperfusion therapies in patients with AIS in Korea.
Collapse
|
9
|
Knisely K, Sanders CB, Edrissi C, Rathfoot C, Poupore N, Bailey-Taylor MJ, Stewart B, Nathaniel T. Retrospective analysis of comorbidities in stroke patients with a history of obstructive sleep apnea treated with thrombolytic therapy. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR NURSING 2022; 40:74-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
10
|
Okon M, Blum B, Nathaniel TI. Risk factors and ambulatory outcome in ischemic stroke patients with pre-stroke depression. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR NURSING 2021; 39:91-99. [PMID: 34865727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is well known that post-stroke depression might be a negative factor for stroke recovery, however there is limited evidence to establish the link between pre-stroke depression and stroke outcome such motor recovery. The objective is to determine clinical risk factors in ischemic stroke patients with pre-stroke depression that are associated functional ambulatory outcome. METHODS Data from acute ischemic patients from a regional stroke registry were collected for consecutive recombinant tissue plasminogen activator(rtPA)-treated acute ischemic stroke patients between January 2010 and June 2016. Logistic regression model was used to predict risk factors that served as predictive variables, while the increase or reduce odds of improvement in ambulatory outcome was considered as the primary outcome. Multicollinearity and possible interactions among the independent variables were analyzed using the variance inflation factor. RESULTS A total of 1446 patients were eligible for recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and 596 of these patients received rtPA. Of the 596 ischemic stroke patients, 286 patients presented with recent pre-stroke depression, 310 had no pre-stroke depression. Carotid artery stenosis (OR = 11.577, 95% CI, 1.281-104.636, P = 0.029) and peripheral vascular disease (OR = 18.040, 95% CI, 2.956-110.086, P = 0.002) were more likely to be associated with increase odds of improvement in ambulation in patients with no pre-stroke depression treated with rtPA, while antihypertensive medications (OR = 0.192, 95% CI, 0.035-1.067, P = 0.050),previous TIA (OR = 0.177, 95% CI, 0.038-0.818, P = 0.027), and congestive heart failure (OR = 0. 0.160, 95% CI, 0.030-0.846, P = 0.031) were associated with reduced odds of improvement in ambulation. In addition, carotid artery stenosis (OR = 0.078, 95% CI, 0.10-0.614, P = 0.015, congestive heart failure (OR = 0.217, 95% CI, 0.318-0.402, P = 0.030), previous TIA (OR = 0.444, 95% CI, 0.517-0.971, P = 0.012), higher NIHSS scores ((OR = 0.887, 95% CI, 0.830-0.948, P < 0.001), and antihypertensive medications (OR = 0.810, 95% CI, 0.401-0.529, P = 0.019) were associated with the reduced odd of improvement in ambulation in an ischemic stroke population with pre-stroke depression treated with rtPA. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that more risk factors were associated with the decreased odds of an improvement in ambulation following thrombolytic therapy in an ischemic stroke population with pre-stroke depression when compared with those without pre-stroke depression. This finding maybe helpful in the development of management strategies to increase the use of thrombolytic therapy for pre-stroke depressed ischemic stroke to increased their eligibility for rtPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Okon
- Department of Public Health, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631
| | - Brice Blum
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Thomas I Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Poupore N, Okon M, Mackey T, Nathaniel TI. Pre-stroke factors (morbitities, diet, medication, demograhics) that affect the severity of a stroke. THROMBOSIS UPDATE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tru.2021.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
|
12
|
Edrissi C, Rathfoot C, Knisely K, Sanders CB, Poupore N, Nathaniel T. Gender disparity in a cohort of stroke patients with incidence of obstructive sleep apnea. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR NURSING 2021; 40:17-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
13
|
Brechtel L, Poupore N, Monroe M, Knisely K, Sanders C, Edrissi C, Rathfoot C, Nathaniel TI. Role of dyslipidemia in ischemic stroke patients treated in the telestroke network. Adv Med Sci 2021; 66:254-261. [PMID: 33940526 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The relationship between the telestroke technology and clinical risk factors in a dysplipidemic ischemic stroke population and neurologic outcomes is not fully understood. This issue was investigated in this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed retrospective data collected from a regional stroke registry to identify demographic and clinical risk factors in patients with improving (NIHSS ≤ 7) or worsening (NIHSS > 7) neurologic outcome in dyslipidemic ischemic stroke population. We used logistic multivariate models to identify independent predictors of improving or worsening outcome based on dyslipidemia disease status in ischemic stroke patients. RESULTS In the adjusted analysis for dyslipidemic ischemic stroke population, cholesterol reducer use (odd ratio; [OR] = 0.393, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.176-0.879, P = 0.023) and direct admission (OR = 0.435, 95% CI, 0.199-0.953, P = 0.037) were more likely to be associated with neurologic improvement and no clinical or demographic factors were associated with poor neurologic outcome in dyslipidemic ischemic stroke patients treated in the telestroke network. For the ischemic stroke population without dyslipidemia, increasing age (OR = 1.070, 95% CI, 1.031-1.109, P < 0.001), coronary artery disease (OR = 3.633, 95% CI, 1.307-10.099, P = 0.013), history of drug or alcohol abuse (OR = 6.548, 95% CI, 1.106-38.777, P = 0.038), and improvement in ambulatory outcome (OR = 2.880, 95% CI, 1.183-7.010, P = 0.020) were associated with worsening neurological functions, while being Caucasian (OR = 0.294, 95% CI, 0.098-0.882, P = 0.029) was associated with improving neurologic functions. CONCLUSION Demographic and clinical risk factors among the dysplipidemic ischemic stroke population in the telestroke network were not associated with worsening neurologic functions.
Collapse
|
14
|
Sanders CB, Knisely K, Edrissi C, Rathfoot C, Poupore N, Wormack L, Nathaniel T. Obstructive sleep apnea and stroke severity: Impact of clinical risk factors. Brain Circ 2021; 7:92-103. [PMID: 34189352 PMCID: PMC8191529 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_57_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific clinical and demographic risk factors may be associated with improving or worsening neurologic outcomes within a population of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective of this study was to determine the changes in neurologic outcome during a 14-day recovery as it relates to initial stroke severity in AIS patients with OSA. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed baseline clinical risk factors and demographic data collected in a regional stroke center from January 2010 to June 2016. Our primary endpoint measure was the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and our secondary endpoint measures included the clinical factors associated with improving (NIHSS score ≤7) or worsening (NIHSS score >7) neurological outcome. The relative contribution of each variable to stroke severity and related outcome was determined using a logistic regression. The regression models were checked for the overall correct classification percentage using a Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the sensitivity of our models was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS A total of 5469 AIS patients were identified. Of this, 96.89% did not present with OSA while 3.11% of AIS patients presented with OSA. Adjusted multivariate analysis demonstrated that in the AIS population with OSA, atrial fibrillation (AF) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.289-8.762, P = 0.013) and changes in ambulatory status (OR = 2.813, 95% CI, 1.123-7.041, P = 0.027) showed an association with NIHSS score >7 while being Caucasian (OR = 0.214, 95% CI, 0.06-0.767, P = 0.018) was associated with NIHSS score ≤7. CONCLUSION In AIS patients with OSA, AF and changes in ambulatory status were associated with worsening neurological outcome while Caucasian patients were associated with improving neurological outcome. Our findings may have significant implications for patient stratification when determining treatment protocols with respect to neurologic outcomes in AIS patients with OSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Breauna Sanders
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Krista Knisely
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Camron Edrissi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Chase Rathfoot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Nicolas Poupore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Leah Wormack
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Thomas Nathaniel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kumar A, McCullough L. Cerebrovascular disease in women. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:1756286420985237. [PMID: 33552237 PMCID: PMC7844450 DOI: 10.1177/1756286420985237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability in women. The spectrum of disease differs between men and women, with women being particularly vulnerable to certain conditions, especially during specific periods of life such as pregnancy. There are several unique risk factors for cerebrovascular disease in women, and the influence of some traditional risk factors for stroke is stronger in women. Moreover, disparities persist in representation of women in clinical trials, acute intervention, and stroke outcomes. In this review, we aimed to explore the epidemiology, etiologies, and management of cerebrovascular disease in women, highlighting some of these differences and the growing need for sex-specific management guidelines and health policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Kumar
- Department of Neurology, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brechtel L, Poupore N, Stoikov T, Roley LT, Emerson JF, Nathaniel T. Comorbidities associated with different levels of total cholesterol in male and female acute ischemic stroke patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e23870. [PMID: 33350783 PMCID: PMC7769330 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000023870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Men and women differ in their clinical risk factors with respect to various predictors of severity in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). High cholesterol is a risk factor for AIS and the mechanism by which high cholesterol levels lead to an AIS is well established. However, the specific relationship between demographic, clinical risk factors, total cholesterol, and the resulting gender difference in AIS patients is yet to be investigated. This study recruited AIS patients between January 2000 and June 2016 classified into normal, borderline or high total cholesterol (TC). Normal was defined as ≤200 mg/dl, borderline 200 to 239 mg/dl and high ≥240 mg/dl based on Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) Guidelines for the classification of TC levels. The logistic regression model was used to predict clinical risk factors associated within men and women AIS patients with different levels of TC. A total of 3532 AIS patients presented with normal TC, 760 patients with borderline TC and 427 patients with high TC. The high total cholesterol group was more likely to be women with increasing age (OR = 1.028, 95% CI, 1.006-1.052, P = .014), body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.052, 95% CI, 1.004-1.102, P = .033), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 1.039, 95% CI, 1.019-1.060, P < .001), while those with coronary artery disease (OR = 0.435, 95% CI, 0.234-0.809, P = .003), history of drug or alcohol abuse (OR = 0.261, 95% CI, 0.079-0.867, P = .028), increasing INR (OR = 0.187, 95% CI, 0.047-0.748, P = .018), and elevated diastolic blood pressure (OR = 0.982, 95% CI, 0.970-0.995, P = .006) were associated with being a male AIS patient. There were disparities in demographic and clinical risk factors associated with high TC levels in men when compared to women and more clinical risk factors were associated with high TC levels in men when compared to women with AIS. It is important to take into account specific clinical risk factors associated with gender-related differences in total cholesterol in AIS population to facilitate personalizing their therapeutic actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Brechtel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville
| | - Nicolas Poupore
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville
| | - Teodora Stoikov
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville
| | | | | | - Thomas Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Moraney R, Poupore N, Shugart R, Tate M, Snell A, Brown K, Nathaniel TI. Thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke patients with pre-stroke depression in the telestroke vs non-telestroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:104890. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.104890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
|
18
|
Poupore N, Strat D, Mackey T, Brown K, Snell A, Nathaniel TI. Thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke patients with a preceding transient ischemic attack in telestroke and non‐telestroke settings. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ncn3.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Poupore
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Greenville SC USA
| | - Dan Strat
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Greenville SC USA
| | - Tristan Mackey
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Greenville SC USA
| | - Katherine Brown
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Greenville SC USA
| | - Ashley Snell
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Greenville SC USA
| | - Thomas I. Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Greenville SC USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Strong B, Lisabeth LD, Reeves M. Sex differences in IV thrombolysis treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Neurology 2020; 95:e11-e22. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveA prior meta-analysis of reports published between 2000 and 2008 found that women were 30% less likely to receive IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) treatment for stroke than men; we updated this meta-analysis to determine if this sex difference persisted.MethodsWe identified studies that reported sex-specific IV rtPA treatment rates for acute ischemic stroke published between 2008 and 2018. Eligible studies included representative populations of patients with ischemic stroke from hospital-based, registry-based, or administrative data. Random effects odds ratios (ORs) were generated to quantify sex differences.ResultsTwenty-four eligible studies were identified during this 10-year period. The summary unadjusted OR based on 17 studies with data on all ischemic stroke patients was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82–0.93), indicating that women had 13% lower odds of receiving IV rtPA treatment than men. However, substantial between-study variability existed. Lower treatment odds in women were also observed in 7 studies that provided data on the subgroup of patients eligible for IV rtPA treatment, although the summary OR of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.88–1.02) was not statistically significant. Examination of time trends across 33 studies published between 2000 and 2018 found evidence that the sex difference had narrowed in more recent years.ConclusionsAlthough there is considerable variability in the findings of individual studies, pooled data from recent studies show that women with acute stroke are less likely to be treated with IV thrombolysis compared with men. However, the size of this difference has narrowed compared to studies published before 2008.
Collapse
|
20
|
Poupore N, Strat D, Mackey T, Brown K, Snell A, Nathaniel TI. Cholesterol reducer and thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients. Lipids Health Dis 2020; 19:84. [PMID: 32375780 PMCID: PMC7201805 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-020-01270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific clinical risk factors may contribute to improving or worsening neurological functions in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients pre-treated with a combined cholesterol reducer and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) therapy. In this study, clinical risk factors associated with good or poor presenting neurological symptoms in ischemic stroke patients with prior cholesterol reducer use, specifically a statin and rtPA therapy was investigated. METHODS Retrospective data for baseline clinical and demographic data for patients with AIS taking cholesterol reducers prior to rtPA treatment from January 2010 to June 2016 in a regional stroke center was analyzed. Improving (NIHSS score ≤ 7) or worsening (NIHSS score > 7) of neurologic functions were the determined measures of treatment outcome. Multivariate logistic regression models identified demographic and clinical factors associated with worsening or improving neurologic functions. RESULTS Adjusted multivariate analysis showed that in an AIS population with a combined rtPA and cholesterol reducer medication history, increasing age (OR = 1.032, 95% CI, 1.015-1.048, P < 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.859, 95% CI, 1.098-3.149, P = 0.021) demonstrated a likely association with worsening neurologic functions, while direct admission (OR = 0.411, 95% CI, 0.246-0.686, P = 0.001) and being Caucasian (OR = 0.496, 95% CI, 0.297-0.827, P = 0.007) showed an association with improving or progressing neurologic functions. CONCLUSION A prior cholesterol reducer, namely a statin, plus rtPA combination may be associated with worsening neurological function for elderly AIS patients with atrial fibrillation, while Caucasians directly admitted to a neurology unit are more likely to show an association with progress or improvements in neurologic functions. While combining statin with rtPA treatment may facilitate worsening neurologic functions in elderly AIS patients with atrial fibrillation, they should not be denied of this therapy. The decision to combine statin and rtPA for AIS patients with atrial fibrillation can be done after clinical stabilization following appropriate clinical management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Poupore
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Dan Strat
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Tristan Mackey
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Katherine Brown
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Ashley Snell
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Thomas I Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tate MJ, Shugart RM, Moraney RA, Brechtel LE, Blum B, Thomas I Nathaniel. Gender and functional outcomes in prestroke depressive patients treated with thrombolytic therapy. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl-2019-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the clinical factors associated with functional ambulatory outcomes and gender differences in prestroke depressive patients. Materials & methods: Clinical risk factors associated with improved functional outcomes with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-treated cohorts were determined using binary logistic regression. Results: In the adjusted analysis, improvement in ambulation was associated with male patients that had higher National Institute of Health stroke scale score (p = 0.04), a stroke history (p = 0.026), lower serum creatinine levels (p = 0.049) and were taking cholesterol reducing medication (p = 0.014). Improvement in females was associated with taking antidepressants (p = 0.027) and having lower National Institute of Health stroke scale score (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Our findings indicate gender disparities between male and female prestroke depressive patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy J Tate
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Rachel M Shugart
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Robyn A Moraney
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Leanne E Brechtel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Brice Blum
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Thomas I Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews sex differences in stroke risk and presentation, with a particular emphasis on the unique risk factors women experience throughout the lifespan. RECENT FINDINGS Although prior studies suggested women have worse outcomes after stroke, it is now clear that age, prestroke functional status, and comorbidities explain many of the differences between men and women in stroke severity, functional outcomes, and mortality. Several meta-analyses and large cohort studies have evaluated the risk factors for women related to reproductive factors and found that fewer years between menarche and menopause, pregnancy complications (preeclampsia/eclampsia, preterm delivery, and stillbirth), oophorectomy, hormone replacement therapy use, and younger age at menopause all increase the risk of stroke. Although the nonreproductive risks of stroke overlap between men and women, those with greater impact on women include age, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, socioeconomic status, and depression. SUMMARY Significant sex differences are observed in risk factors of stroke and stroke outcome. Including this information in the clinical assessment of the individual patient may support development of more effective prevention plans.
Collapse
|
23
|
Poupore N, Strat D, Mackey T, Nathaniel TI. The Association Between an Antecedent of Transient Ischemic Attack Prior to Onset of Stroke and Functional Ambulatory Outcome. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2020; 26:1076029620906867. [PMID: 32122158 PMCID: PMC7288839 DOI: 10.1177/1076029620906867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific clinical risk factors linked to transient ischemic attack (TIA) could affect functional ambulatory outcome following thrombolytic therapy in patients having ischemic stroke with a prior TIA (TIA-ischemic stroke). This issue was investigated in this study. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from 6379 ischemic stroke patients of which 1387 presented with an antecedent TIA prior to onset of stroke. We used logistic regression model to identify demographic and clinical risk factors that are associated with functional ambulatory outcome in patients with TIA-ischemic stroke treated with thrombolytic therapy. RESULTS In a population of TIA-ischemic stroke who received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, patients with a history of stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 3.229, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.494-6.98, P = .003) were associated with increasing odds of improvement in functional ambulation, while the female gender (OR = 0.462, 95% CI = 0.223-0.956, P = .037) was associated with reducing odds of improvement. In the non-TIA group, dyslipidemia (OR = 1.351, 95% CI = 1.026-1.781, P = .032) and blood glucose (OR = 1.003, 95% CI = 1.0-1.005, P = .041) were associated with the increasing odds of improvement while older patients (OR = 0.989, 95% CI = 0.98-0.999, P = .029) with heart failure (OR = 0.513, 95% CI = 0.326-0.808, P = .004) and higher lipid level (OR = 0.834, 95% CI = 0.728-0.955, P = .009) were associated with reducing odds of improvement in ambulation. CONCLUSION In a population of TIA-ischemic stroke with thrombolytic therapy and a clearly defined TIA without focal ischemic injury, regardless of associated clinical risk factors, a TIA prior to a stroke is not associated with reducing odds of improved ambulatory outcome, except in female patients with TIA-ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Poupore
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Dan Strat
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Tristan Mackey
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Blum B, Penwell A, Wormack L, Walker B, Lari S, Nathaniel TI. Gender and thrombolysis therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients with incidence of obesity. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:1829-1839. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03902-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
25
|
Bushnell C, Howard VJ, Lisabeth L, Caso V, Gall S, Kleindorfer D, Chaturvedi S, Madsen TE, Demel SL, Lee SJ, Reeves M. Sex differences in the evaluation and treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. Lancet Neurol 2019; 17:641-650. [PMID: 29914709 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
With the greater availability of treatments for acute ischaemic stroke, including advances in endovascular therapy, personalised assessment of patients before treatment is more important than ever. Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke; therefore, reducing potential sex differences in the acute stroke setting is crucial for the provision of equitable and fast treatment. Evidence indicates sex differences in prevalence and types of non-traditional stroke symptoms or signs, prevalence of stroke mimics, and door-to-imaging times, but no substantial differences in use of emergency medical services, stroke knowledge, eligibility for or access to thrombolysis or thrombectomy, or outcomes after either therapy. Women presenting with stroke mimics or non-traditional stroke symptoms can be misdiagnosed, which can lead to inappropriate triage, and acute treatment delays. It is essential for health-care providers to recognise possible sex differences in stroke symptoms, signs, and mimics. Future studies focused on confounders that affect treatment and outcomes, such as age and pre-stroke function, are also needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Bushnell
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Virginia J Howard
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lynda Lisabeth
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Valeria Caso
- Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Seana Gall
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Dawn Kleindorfer
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Tracy E Madsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stacie L Demel
- Department of Neurology & Ophthalmology and Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Mathew Reeves
- Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fleming T, Blum B, Averkamp B, Sullivan J, Nathaniel T. Effect of antihypertensive medications on thrombolysis therapy and outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2019; 21:271-279. [DOI: 10.1111/jch.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Fleming
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville; Greenville South Carolina
| | - Brice Blum
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville; Greenville South Carolina
| | - Benjamin Averkamp
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville; Greenville South Carolina
| | - James Sullivan
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville; Greenville South Carolina
| | - Thomas Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville; Greenville South Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Blum B, Wormack L, Holtel M, Penwell A, Lari S, Walker B, Nathaniel TI. Gender and thrombolysis therapy in stroke patients with incidence of dyslipidemia. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2019; 19:11. [PMID: 30651099 PMCID: PMC6335821 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-018-0698-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When untreated, dyslipidemia is a higher risk factor for stroke and stroke-related mortality in men than in women. However, when dyslipidemia is treated the risk reduction is the same, but men benefited from mortality reduction more than women. Whether there is a gender difference in exclusion criteria for the use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) or thrombolysis therapy in an acute ischemic stroke subpopulation with dyslipidemia is yet to be investigated. METHOD In a dyslipidemic stroke population obtained from a stroke registry, gender differences in exclusion risk factors were determined using clinical and demographic variables. Univariate analysis compared the recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) group and the no rtPA group. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine demographic and clinical factors associated with inclusion and exclusion for rtPA in the total dyslipidemic stroke population and the subsets of the male and female population. The regression model was tested using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, for the overall correct classification percentage. Significant interactions and multicollinearity between independent variables were examined using variance inflation factors. RESULTS A total of 769 patients presented with acute ischemic stroke with incidence dyslipidemia; 325 received rtPA while 444 were excluded from rtPA. Of those excluded from rtPA, 54.30% were female and 45.72% were male. In an adjusted analysis, female patients with increased age (OR = 1.024, 95% CI, 1.001-1.047, P < 0.05), with a history of carotid artery stenosis (OR = 7.063, 95% CI, 1.506-33.134, P < 0.05), and previous stroke (OR = 1.978, 95% CI, 1.136-3.442, P < 0.05) were more likely to be excluded from rtPA. Male patients with atrial fibrillation (OR = 2.053, 95% CI, 1.059-3.978, P = 0.033), carotid artery stenosis (OR = 2.400, 95% CI, 1.062-5.424, P = 0.035), and previous stroke (OR = 1.785, 95% CI, 1.063-2.998, P = 0.028) were more likely to be excluded from rtPA. CONCLUSION Although there are some similarities in the clinical risk factors for exclusion in both male and female stroke patients with incidence of dyslipidemia, there are differences as well. Elderly female stroke patients with incidence of dyslipidemia are more likely to be excluded from rtPA, even after adjustment for the effect of confounding variables. Further research should focus on how identified clinical risk factors can be targeted and managed to improve the use of rtPA in elderly female acute ischemic stroke population with incidence of dyslipidemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brice Blum
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Leah Wormack
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Mason Holtel
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Alexandria Penwell
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Shyyon Lari
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Brittany Walker
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Thomas I Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Nathaniel TI, Ubah C, Wormack L, Gainey J. The telestroke and thrombolysis therapy in diabetic stroke patients. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2019; 11:36. [PMID: 31086570 PMCID: PMC6506930 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-019-0421-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several controversial findings have been reported on treatment outcomes for diabetic stroke patients that received thrombolysis therapy in the hospital. We determined whether the association between telestroke technology, thrombolysis therapy and clinical risk factors in diabetic acute ischemic stroke may result in the inclusion or exclusion or more diabetic ischemic stroke patients for thrombolysis therapy. METHODS Retrospective data that comprises of a total of 3202 acute ischemic stroke patients from a regional stroke registry that contained telestroke and non telestroke patients with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke of which 312 were identified as diabetic stroke patients were used in this study. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the associated pre-clinical risk factors, and demographics associated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) therapy in a subset of diabetic acute ischemic stroke patients in the telestroke and non-telestroke settings. RESULTS In the telestroke, only higher International Normalized Ratio (INR) [odds ratio, OR = 0.063 (0.003-1.347, 95% confidence interval (CI)] was associated with exclusion from thrombolysis. Direct admission [OR, 3.141 (1-9.867), 95% CI] and telestroke [OR, 4.87 (1.834-12.928), 95% CI] were independent predictors in the inclusion for thrombolysis therapy. In the non telestroke, older age (> 80 years) [(OR), 0.955 (0.922-0.989), 95% CI], higher blood glucose level [OR, 0.994 (0.99-0.999); 95% CI], higher INR [OR, 0.113 (0.014-0.944); 95% CI], and renal insufficiency [OR, 0.163 (0.033-0.791); 95% CI] were associated with exclusion while higher NIH stroke scale [OR, 1.068 (1.009-1.13); 95% CI] was associated with inclusion for thrombolysis in the non telestroke. CONCLUSION The non-telestroke setting admitted more diabetic stroke patients to the hospital, but more were excluded from thrombolysis therapy when compared with the telestroke setting. Measures to improve clinical risk factors that excluded more diabetic ischemic stroke patients in the non telestroke will improve the use of thrombolysis in the treatment of diabetic acute ischemic stroke patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas I. Nathaniel
- School of Medicine-Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC 29605 USA
| | - Chibueze Ubah
- School of Medicine-Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC 29605 USA
| | - Leah Wormack
- School of Medicine-Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC 29605 USA
| | - Jordan Gainey
- School of Medicine-Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC 29605 USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Brecthel L, Gainey J, Penwell A, Nathaniel TI. Predictors of thrombolysis in the telestroke and non telestroke settings for hypertensive acute ischemic stroke patients. BMC Neurol 2018; 18:215. [PMID: 30577762 PMCID: PMC6302528 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-018-1204-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In acute ischemic stroke patients, telestroke technology provides sustainable approaches to improve the use of thrombolysis therapy. How this is achieved as it relates to inclusion or exclusion of clinical risk factors for thrombolysis is not fully understood. We investigated this in a population of hypertensive stroke patients. METHODS Structured data from a regional stroke registry that contained telestroke and non telestroke patients with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke with history of hypertension were collected between January 2014 and June 2016. Clinical risk factors associated with inclusion or exclusion for recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in the telestroke and non telestroke were identified using multiple regression analysis. Associations between variables and rtPA in the regression models were determined using variance inflation factors while the fitness of each model was determined using the ROC curve to predict the power of each logistic regression model. RESULTS The non telestroke admitted more patients (62% vs 38%), when compared with the telestroke. Although the telestroke admitted fewer patients, it excluded 11% and administered thrombolysis therapy to 89% of stroke patients with hypertension. In the non telestroke group, adjusted odd ratios showed significant associations of NIH stroke scale score (OR = 1.059, 95% CI, 1.025-1.093, P < 0.001) and coronary artery disease (OR = 2.003, 95% CI, 1.16-3.457, P = 0.013) with inclusion, while increasing age (OR = 0.979, 95% CI, 0.961-0.996, P = 0.017), higher INR (OR = 0.146, 95% CI, 0.032-0.665, P = 0.013), history of previous stroke (OR = 0.39, 95% CI, 0.223-0.68, P = 0.001), and renal insufficiency (OR = 0.153, 95% CI, 0.046-0.508, P = 0.002) were associated with rtPA exclusion. In the telestroke, only direct admission to the telestroke was associated with rtPA administration, (OR = 4.083, 95% CI, 1.322-12.611, P = 0.014). CONCLUSION The direct admission of hypertensive stroke patients to the telestroke network was the only factor associated with inclusion for thrombolysis therapy even after adjustment for baseline variables. The telestroke technology provides less restrictive criteria for clinical risk factors associated with the inclusion of hypertensive stroke patients for thrombolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Brecthel
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Jordan Gainey
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Alexandria Penwell
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Thomas I Nathaniel
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ischemic stroke across sexes: What is the status quo? Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 50:3-17. [PMID: 29753797 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stroke prevalence is expected to increase in the next decades due to the aging of the Western population. Ischemic stroke (IS) shows an age- and sex-dependent distribution in which men represent the most affected population within 65 years of age, being passed by post-menopausal women in older age groups. Furthermore, a sexual dimorphism concerning risk factors, presentation and treatment of IS has been widely recognized. In order to address these phenomena, a number of issue have been raised involving both socio-economical and biological factors. The latter can be either dependent on sex hormones or due to intrinsic factors. Although women have poorer outcomes and are more likely to die after a cerebrovascular event, they are still underrepresented in clinical trials and this is mirrored by the lack of sex-tailored therapies. A greater effort is needed in the future to ensure improved treatment and quality of life to both sexes.
Collapse
|
31
|
Liberale L, Carbone F, Montecucco F, Gebhard C, Lüscher TF, Wegener S, Camici GG. Ischemic stroke across sexes: what is the status quo? Front Neuroendocrinol 2018:S0091-3022(18)30040-2. [PMID: 29763641 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stroke prevalence is expected to increase in the next decades due to the aging of the Western population. Ischemic stroke (IS) shows an age- and sex-dependent distribution in which men represent the most affected population within 65 years of age, being passed by post-menopausal women in older age groups. Furthermore, a sexual dimorphism concerning risk factors, presentation and treatment of IS has been widely recognized. In order to address these phenomena, a number of issue have been raised involving both socio-economical and biological factors. The latter can be either dependent on sex hormones or due to intrinsic factors. Although women have poorer outcomes and are more likely to die after a cerebrovascular event, they are still underrepresented in clinical trials and this is mirrored by the lack of sex-tailored therapies. A greater effort is needed in the future to ensure improved treatment and quality of life to both sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Liberale
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 6 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Carbone
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 6 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 6 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 10 Largo Benzi, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, 9 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cathérine Gebhard
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas F Lüscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; Cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susanne Wegener
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni G Camici
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Colello MJ, Ivey LE, Gainey J, Faulkner RV, Johnson A, Brechtel L, Madeline L, Nathaniel TI. Pharmacological thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke treatment: Gender differences in clinical risk factors. Adv Med Sci 2018; 63:100-106. [PMID: 28985592 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a stroke population, women have a worse outcome than men when untreated. In contrast, there is no significant difference in treated patients. In this study, we determined whether clinical variables represent a promising approach to assist in the evaluation of gender differences in a stroke population. METHODS We analyzed data from ischemic stroke patients' ≥18 years-old from the stroke registry on rtPA administration and identified gender differences in clinical factors within inclusion and exclusion criteria in a stroke population that received rtPA. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for patient demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS Of the 241 eligible stroke patients' thrombolytic therapy, 49.4% were females and 50.6% were males. Of the 422 patients that did not receive rtPA, more women (235) were excluded from rtPA than men (187) (P<0.05). In the male population, exclusion from rtPA was associated with history of a previous stroke (P<0.05, OR=2.028), hypertension (P<0.05, OR=0.519), and NIH stroke score (P<0.0001, OR=0.893). In female stroke patients, exclusion from rtPA was associated with previous history of stroke (P<0.05, OR=2.332), diabetes (P<0.05, OR=1.88) and NIH stroke score (P<0.05, OR=0.916). CONCLUSIONS Despite similarities in different areas of stroke care for both men and women, more women with diabetes, previous history of stroke and higher NIH scores are more likely to be excluded from thrombolytic therapy. Men with a previous history of stroke, hypertension and higher NIH scores are more likely to be excluded rtPA even after adjustment for confounding variables.
Collapse
|
33
|
Memon A, McCullough LD. Cerebral Circulation in Men and Women. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1065:279-290. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-77932-4_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
34
|
Abstract
Stroke is the second largest cause of disability-adjusted life-years lost worldwide. The prevalence of stroke in women is predicted to rise rapidly, owing to the increasing average age of the global female population. Vascular risk factors differ between women and men in terms of prevalence, and evidence increasingly supports the clinical importance of sex differences in stroke. The influence of some risk factors for stroke - including diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation - are stronger in women, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy also affect the risk of stroke decades after pregnancy. However, in an era of evidence-based medicine, women are notably under-represented in clinical trials - despite governmental actions highlighting the need to include both men and women in clinical trials - resulting in a reduced generalizability of study results to women. The aim of this Review is to highlight new insights into specificities of stroke in women, to plan future research priorities, and to influence public health policies to decrease the worldwide burden of stroke in women.
Collapse
|