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Andersson J, Rejnö Å, Jakobsson S, Hansson PO, Nielsen SJ, Björck L. Symptoms at stroke onset as described by patients: a qualitative study. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:150. [PMID: 38702612 PMCID: PMC11067237 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03658-4] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a common and severe disease that requires prompt care. Symptom expressions as one-sided weakness and speech difficulties are common and included in public stroke campaigns. For some patients stroke can present with subtle and less common symptoms, difficult to interpret. The symptom severity assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale has decreased, and symptoms at onset may have changed. Therefore, we aimed to investigate how patients describe their symptoms at the onset of a first-time stroke. METHODS The study used a qualitative descriptive design and conventional content analysis. Data were collected through recorded interviews with 27 patients aged 18 years and older hospitalised with a first-time stroke between October 2018 and April 2020. Data were analysed on a manifest level. RESULTS Symptoms at stroke onset were presented in two themes: Altered Reality and Discomfort and Changed Body Functions and described in five categories. Various types of symptoms were found. All symptoms were perceived as sudden, persistent, and never experienced before and this appear as a "red thread" in the result. Regardless of symptom expressions, no specific symptom was described as more severe than another. CONCLUSIONS Stroke symptoms were described with a variety of expressions. Many described complex symptoms not typical of stroke, which can make it difficult to recognise the symptoms as a stroke and delay medical care. Public stroke campaigns should emphasize the importance of seeking medical care at the slightest suspicion of stroke and could be designed to help achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Andersson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra Hospital, Diagnosvägen 11, Gothenburg, 41650, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Medicine Geriatrics and Emergency Medicine/Östra, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Rejnö
- Stroke unit, Department of Medicine, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
- Skaraborg institute for Research and Development, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Sofie Jakobsson
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Hansson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra Hospital, Diagnosvägen 11, Gothenburg, 41650, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Medicine Geriatrics and Emergency Medicine/Östra, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne J Nielsen
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra Hospital, Diagnosvägen 11, Gothenburg, 41650, Sweden
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lena Björck
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra Hospital, Diagnosvägen 11, Gothenburg, 41650, Sweden.
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Medicine Geriatrics and Emergency Medicine/Östra, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Ambarika R, Said MSM, Adiutama NM, Anggraini NA, Poddar S, Abdullah BF. Knowledge and awareness of stroke in rural and urban communities. ENFERMERIA CLINICA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2024:S2445-1479(24)00028-6. [PMID: 38641005 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcle.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The average stroke morbidity rate, especially in rural communities, is higher when compared to the national average. OBJECTIVE Identify the profile of knowledge and awareness of stroke in rural and urban communities and analyze the differences between the two. METHOD Respondents who met the requirements answered a questionnaire containing a total of 41 items regarding knowledge and awareness of stroke. Characteristic data obtained includes age, gender, education, occupation, and ethnicity. Differences in characteristics were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, and the profiles of knowledge and awareness of stroke in rural and urban groups were analyzed using independent t tests to see differences between the two. RESULT Differences in the characteristics of rural and urban groups were only in education (p = 0.036) and occupation (p = 0.021). The mean score of the knowledge domain for the rural group was 72.53 (SD = 11.04), for the urban group it was 81.06 (SD = 11.12). The mean score awareness of stroke domain in the rural group was 72.18 (SD = 11.01), the urban group was 85.51 (SD = 11.67). The profile of knowledge and awareness of stroke in rural communities was significantly lower than in urban communities. The significance value was (p = 0.004) for knowledge and (p = 0.002) for awareness of stroke. CONCLUSION Based on the findings, it is reasonable to suspect that educational and occupational factors contribute to differences in the profile of knowledge and awareness of stroke in the two groups. Therefore, the stroke awareness campaign strategy for rural communities needs to be specifically designed by emphasizing/considering educational and occupational factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sandeep Poddar
- Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Tworek K, Tomaszewska A, Owecka B, Fryska Z, Marcinkowski JT, Owecki M. Non-compliance with medical recommendations results in delayed hospitalization and poorer prognosis in patients with cerebral ischemic stroke in Poland: Non-compliance effects on post-ischemic stroke prognosis. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107465. [PMID: 37949030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107465] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to reveal and analyze the causes of delays in reaching the hospital of patients with cerebral ischemic stroke and to assess their clinical picture. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group included 161 patients with stroke, who reported to the hospital beyond the thrombolytic treatment therapeutic window. The control group consisted of 85 patients recruited consecutively with stroke who received thrombolytic treatment per eligibility criteria. Laboratory and medical imaging tests essential for neurological condition assessment were conducted in the study group. Control group research was based on retrospective analysis of medical records. RESULTS The rate of deaths during hospitalization was lower in the control group (4.7%) compared to the study group (14.9%). In the study group, more patients (16.8%) admitted to non-compliance with medical recommendations than in the control group (5.9%). There were no statistically significant differences in nicotinism and alcohol dependence syndrome frequency between both groups. CONCLUSIONS Based on each group inclusion criteria, a lower mortality rate in the control group indicates a crucial role of the therapeutic window in cerebral stroke treatment. Analysis of reasons for delay points out that efficient prophylaxis is the education of patients with stroke risk factors and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Tworek
- Department of Public Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Rokietnicka 4, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Agata Tomaszewska
- Students Research Circle of Public Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Rokietnicka 4, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Barbara Owecka
- Students Research Circle of Public Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Rokietnicka 4, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Fryska
- Students Research Circle of Public Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Rokietnicka 4, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jerzy T Marcinkowski
- Department of Public Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Rokietnicka 4, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Maciej Owecki
- Department of Public Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Rokietnicka 4, 60-806 Poznań, Poland.
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Gude MF, Valentin JB, Christensen HC, Mikkelsen S, Søvsø MB, Andersen G, Kirkegaard H, Johnsen SP. Associations between emergency call stroke triage and pre-hospital delay, primary hospital admission, and acute reperfusion treatment among early comers with acute ischemic stroke. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:2355-2365. [PMID: 37369888 PMCID: PMC10635938 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03349-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the association between the Emergency Medical Service dispatcher's initial stroke triage and prehospital stroke management, primary admission to hospitals offering revascularization treatment, prehospital time delay, and rate of acute revascularization. In an observational cohort study, patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in Denmark (2017-2018) were included if the emergency call to the Emergency Medical Dispatch Center (EMDC) was made within three hours after symptom onset. Among 3546 included AIS patients, the EMS dispatcher identified 74.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 73.1-76.0) correctly as stroke. EMS dispatcher stroke recognition was associated with a higher rate of primary admission to a hospital offering revascularization treatment (85.8 versus 74.5%); producing an adjusted risk difference (RD) of 11.1% (95% CI 7.8; 14.3) and a higher rate of revascularization treatment (49.6 versus 41.6%) with an adjusted RD of 8.4% (95% CI 4.6; 12.2). We adjusted for sex, age, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, and stroke severity. EMDC stroke recognition was associated with shorter prehospital delay. For all AIS patients, the adjusted difference was - 33.2 min (95% CI - 44.4; - 22.0). Among patients receiving acute revascularization treatment (n = 1687), the adjusted difference was -12.6 min (95% CI - 18.9; - 6.3). Stroke recognition by the EMS dispatcher was associated with a higher probability of primary admission to a hospital offering acute stroke treatment, and subsequently with a higher rate of acute revascularization treatment, and with an overall reduction in prehospital delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Gude
- Research and Development, Prehospital Emergency Medical Services, Central Denmark Region and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jan B Valentin
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Helle C Christensen
- Copenhagen Emergency Medical Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Clinical Quality Program (RKKP), National Clinical Registries, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Mikkelsen
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten B Søvsø
- Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Grethe Andersen
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hans Kirkegaard
- Research and Development, Prehospital Emergency Medical Services, Central Denmark Region and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren P Johnsen
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Astasio-Picado Á, Chueca YC, López-Sánchez M, Lozano RR, González-Chapado MT, Ortega-Trancón V. Analysis of the Factors Intervening in the Prehospital Time in a Stroke Code. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1519. [PMID: 37888130 PMCID: PMC10608425 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101519] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Strokes continue to be considered public health problems due to the great social and health impact they entail. They are the second cause of death in the world, with a high incidence and prevalence. They are time-dependent diseases, and more than 80% of cases could be avoidable with greater management of risk factors. OBJECTIVE to analyze the factors that influence prehospital time in a stroke code. Assess the population's knowledge of stroke symptoms and teach them how to act when a case is suspected. Document the continued training of health professionals for the early identification of patients with a suspected stroke. Demonstrate the importance of calling EMS as the first contact to reduce delays in prehospital time in a stroke. METHODOLOGY A bibliographic review was carried out focusing on articles published between December 2014 and August 2023. The following databases were consulted: Pubmed (Medline), Dialnet, Google Scholar, Web of Science (WOS), Scielo, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. RESULTS After applying the article selection criteria and evaluating the quality of the methodology, a total of 18 articles were obtained. The results affirm that the importance of achieving a reduction in prehospital time is based mainly on knowledge of the symptoms and the use of new technologies. CONCLUSIONS The evidence supports that the prehospital time of action in the stroke code is affected by numerous factors. These factors are determining factors in the time of action to achieve good effectiveness in the treatment of the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Astasio-Picado
- Physiotherapy, Nursing and Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45600 Toledo, Spain;
| | - Yolanda Cruz Chueca
- Physiotherapy, Nursing and Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45600 Toledo, Spain;
| | | | - Rocio Ruiz Lozano
- Extremadura Health Service, 10300 Cáceres, Spain; (M.L.-S.); (R.R.L.)
| | | | - Vanesa Ortega-Trancón
- Nursing Department, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (M.T.G.-C.); (V.O.-T.)
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Brown GG, Foroughi R, Bandela S, Cardentey A, Clark KL, Dula AN. A tale of two cities: A retrospective observational cohort study of the impact of COVID-19 on acute stroke presentation, timing, and outcomes. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107274. [PMID: 37506542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107274] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of COVID-19-related "shelter in place" restrictions on stroke metrics in two metropolitan Texas cities, Austin and San Antonio. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data was derived from stroke quality metric registries and compared between two treatment periods: (1) during the state's COVID-19 "shelter in place" restriction period, and (2) the corresponding period during the previous year for Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Primary outcomes include the dichotomized process measures of time last known well (TLKW) to arrival, arrival to brain imaging initiation, and arrival to administration of thrombolytic therapy. Secondary outcomes are clinical endpoints: independent ambulation at discharge, discharge to home, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Austin patients were older and presented with less-severe strokes. San Antonio patients were more likely to be Hispanic, suffer from a large vessel occlusion, and have independent ambulation at discharge (adjusted odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence intervals, (1.25-3.37). Within-city analyses revealed a trend toward increased TLKW to arrival in Austin and San Antonio during COVID-19. During COVID, Austin patients had decreased length of stay (LOS) while a higher proportion of San Antonio patients had a favorable outcome (discharged home & independent ambulation). CONCLUSIONS Longer TLKW to hospital arrival during COVID did not impact arrival-to-imaging, arrival-to-treatment times nor patient outcomes, even in patients at higher risk for stroke. Future studies should continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 on stroke care and outcomes pre- and post-introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine, and as infectivity rates spike or recede.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Razieh Foroughi
- Departments of Neurology and Diagnostic Medicine, Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, USA; Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sujani Bandela
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA
| | - Agnelio Cardentey
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA
| | - Kal L Clark
- Department of Radiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA
| | - Adrienne N Dula
- Departments of Neurology and Diagnostic Medicine, Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, USA.
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Phuyal S, Paudel R, Lamsal R, Thapa L, Maharjan AMS, Gajurel BP. Initial Results of a Direct Aspiration First-Pass Technique to Treat Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in Nepal. Asian J Neurosurg 2023; 18:75-79. [PMID: 37056878 PMCID: PMC10089751 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective Endovascular therapy has become the mainstay of treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion. A direct aspiration first-pass technique (ADAPT) using large bore aspiration catheters has been introduced as a rapid, simple method for achieving good revascularization and good clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of ADAPT in the treatment of AIS due to large-vessel occlusion in the Nepali patient population.
Materials and Methods Retrospective data were collected for all consecutive patients treated for AIS with ADAPT from March 2019 through January 2021 at two hospitals. Outcomes were successful revascularization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2b-3), time to revascularization, procedural complications, and good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2) and mortality at 90 days.
Statistical Analysis Retrospective data were collected and descriptive statistics were calculated.
Results Sixty-eight patients treated for AIS with ADAPT were included. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at presentation was 13 (IQR 10–13.25). The median time from arterial puncture to revascularization was 40 minutes (IQR 30–45). Successful revascularization was achieved in 54 patients (79.4%). No cases of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred. At 90-day follow-up, good clinical outcome was achieved in 57 patients (83.8%), and 4 patients died (5.9%).
Conclusion A direct aspiration first pass technique appears to be a fast, simple, safe, and effective method for the management of AIS in the Nepali patient population.
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Getu RA, Aga F, Badada T, Workie SG, Belew MA, MekonnenRN K. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: an institution-Based cross-sectional study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:21. [PMID: 36646999 PMCID: PMC9841697 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-03031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a global public health concern with type 2 diabetes being one of the common risk factors. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among type 2 diabetes patients is largely unknown in developing countries like Ethiopia. The inability to recognize stroke warning symptoms accurately is an important cause of delay in seeking medical attention. We investigated knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes and the factors associated with these variables. METHODS This was an institution-based cross-sectional study. We enrolled 470 adult type 2 diabetes patients using a systematic random sampling method from four government-managed hospitals in Addis Ababa from 1 to 30 February 2021. The Stroke Recognition Questionnaire was adapted to measure the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms. Sociodemographic characteristics, source of information, and reaction to stroke were also measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and linear regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms. RESULT The mean age of the participants was 50.6 ± 12.9 years. The mean score of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms was 67.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Higher educational level (B = 2.007, 95% CI = 1.101, 2.914, P < 0.001), knowing someone diagnosed with stroke (B = 3.328, 95% CI = 2.734, 3.922, P < 0.001), and living with others (B = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.606, 2.954, P < 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors. Younger age (B = - 0.021, 95% CI= -0.038, 0.005, P = 0.01), higher educational level (B = 1.873, 95% CI = 1.017, 2.730, P < 0.001), and knowing someone diagnosed with stroke (B = 3.64, 95% CI = 3.079, 4.200, P < 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge of warning symptoms of stroke. CONCLUSION The mean score of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms was 67.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Younger age, higher educational level, and living with other people are predictors of better knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms in this study. Future educational interventions should target type 2 diabetes adults with advancing age and the involvement of their family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rediet Akele Getu
- grid.464565.00000 0004 0455 7818Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Fekadu Aga
- grid.7123.70000 0001 1250 5688School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Badada
- grid.7123.70000 0001 1250 5688School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sewnet Getaye Workie
- grid.464565.00000 0004 0455 7818Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Makda Abate Belew
- grid.464565.00000 0004 0455 7818Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Kalkidan MekonnenRN
- grid.464565.00000 0004 0455 7818Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
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Potisopha W, Vuckovic KM, DeVon HA, Park CG, Phutthikhamin N, Hershberger PE. Decision Delay Is a Significant Contributor to Prehospital Delay for Stroke Symptoms. West J Nurs Res 2023; 45:55-66. [PMID: 35711105 DOI: 10.1177/01939459221105827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prehospital delay after stroke symptom onset is a primary barrier to eligibility for reperfusion therapies. Decision delay is an understudied contributor to prehospital delay. We aimed to explore decision delay as a component of prehospital delay. For this correlational study, 170 Thai acute stroke patients were interviewed to explore their treatment-seeking decision factors: prior stroke knowledge, onset context, and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors. Participants' mean age was 61.2 years, and 46% were women. Median decision delay and prehospital delay times were 120 and 372 minutes. Decision delay represented 49% of prehospital delays. Factors shortening decision delay were atrial fibrillation, prior stroke knowledge, perceived cause of symptoms as stroke, perceived severity of symptoms, and advice from bystanders to seek treatment. In contrast, seeking support from others and self-treatment affected prolonged decision delay. Shortening decision delay, often under the patient or bystander control, can reduce overall prehospital delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiphawadee Potisopha
- Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,North-Eastern Stroke Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Karen M Vuckovic
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Holli A DeVon
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chang G Park
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Patricia E Hershberger
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Botelho A, Rios J, Fidalgo AP, Ferreira E, Nzwalo H. Organizational Factors Determining Access to Reperfusion Therapies in Ischemic Stroke-Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192316357. [PMID: 36498429 PMCID: PMC9735885 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After onset of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), there is a limited time window for delivering acute reperfusion therapies (ART) aiming to restore normal brain circulation. Despite its unequivocal benefits, the proportion of AIS patients receiving both types of ART, thrombolysis and thrombectomy, remains very low. The organization of a stroke care pathway is one of the main factors that determine timely access to ART. The knowledge on organizational factors influencing access to ART is sparce. Hence, we sought to systematize the existing data on the type and frequency of pre-hospital and in-hospital organizational factors that determine timely access to ART in patients with AIS. METHODOLOGY Literature review on the frequency and type of organizational factors that determine access to ART after AIS. Pubmed and Scopus databases were the primary source of data. OpenGrey and Google Scholar were used for searching grey literature. Study quality analysis was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS A total of 128 studies were included. The main pre-hospital factors associated with delay or access to ART were medical emergency activation practices, pre-notification routines, ambulance use and existence of local/regional-specific strategies to mitigate the impact of geographic distance between patient locations and Stroke Unit (SU). The most common intra-hospital factors studied were specific location of SU and brain imaging room within the hospital, and the existence and promotion of specific stroke treatment protocols. Most frequent factors associated with increased access ART were periodic public education, promotion of hospital pre-notification and specific pre- and intra-hospital stroke pathways. In specific urban areas, mobile stroke units were found to be valid options to increase timely access to ART. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of different organizational factors and strategies can reduce time delays and increase the number of AIS patients receiving ART, with most of them being replicable in any context, and some in only very specific contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Botelho
- Faculty of Economy, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Algarve Hospital University Center-Faro, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
- Stroke Unit, Algarve Hospital University Center-Faro, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
| | - Jonathan Rios
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Algarve Hospital University Center-Faro, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Fidalgo
- Stroke Unit, Algarve Hospital University Center-Faro, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Ferreira
- Faculty of Economy, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Hipólito Nzwalo
- Stroke Unit, Algarve Hospital University Center-Faro, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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11
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Kuang J, Zhu X, Yang L, Gao Z, Wei X, Zhou K, Xu M. Factors influencing alertness to premonitory symptoms in stroke patients with pre-hospital delay. Public Health Nurs 2022; 39:1204-1212. [PMID: 35714655 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13108] [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: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose was to explore the alertness of premonitory symptoms in stroke patients with prehospital delay, and to analyze the influencing factors. DESIGN AND SAMPLE A cross-sectional study using the convenience sampling method was conducted in the neurology department of a general hospital between November 2018 and July 2019. A total of 352 stroke patients were participated in the survey. MEASURES A hierarchical multiple regression was performed to analyze the factors related to the alertness of premonitory symptoms (0-9 scores) in stroke patients with prehospital delay. RESULTS The alertness score was 6.53 ± 2.377. The lowest score of 0.55 ± 0.498 was for "Continuous yawning occurs continuously despite no tiredness or lack of sleep is okay, and need not be treated." The hierarchical regression results revealed that symptom onset, symptom change before admission, knowledge, social support were the influencing factors delaying the alertness of premonitory symptoms. Knowledge and support from friends could improve the alertness, while support from family and other support had a notable negative impact. CONCLUSIONS Stroke patients need to be more alert toward premonitory symptoms. This alertness is related to stroke knowledge and social support. Nurses should formulate interventions and advise stroke patients to improve their stroke knowledge and expand their social network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinke Kuang
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- School of Nursing, Harbin Medical University/The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zihan Gao
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Kexin Zhou
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mengfan Xu
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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Stroke prevention and therapy awareness in a large sample of high school students: results of an educational campaign in the Northern-Western Italy. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:6847-6854. [PMID: 36087147 PMCID: PMC9463663 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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NOUR MAHMED, MRABET S, MAIDAL MALI, GHARBI A, ABIDA Y, SOUISSI A, GARGOURI A, KACEM I, NASRI A, GOUIDER R. Stroke in Djibouti. Afr J Emerg Med 2022; 12:141-147. [PMID: 35462861 PMCID: PMC9020134 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an increasing burden of stroke, with current prevalence as high as 1.46 per 1000 population. Limited cohort studies exist to profile the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of stroke in this setting. Identifying the most at-risk population for ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke can improve approaches for prevention in this setting.
Background Stroke is a neurological emergency affecting both developed and developing countries. In Djibouti, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death. Our objective was to describe the demographic, clinical, paraclinical profile of stroke in Djibouti and identify the possible underlying risk factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional multicentre study carried out over a period of 6 months in the medical services of the Soudano-Djibouti military hospital, the General Peltier hospital and the emergency department of the National fund for social security health centre. Results A total of seventy patients were included. The mean age was 59.61 years with a male predominance (sex ratio: 2.5) and a statistically significant female-related difference beyond the age of 60 years (p <10−3). Cardiovascular risk factors were mainly hypertension (73%), khat chewing (64%) and tobacco use (50%). Khat chewing and tobacco use were associated with a younger age of occurrence of stroke (p=0.020 and p=0.004, respectively). Diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia were found respectively in 30% and 19% of cases, and were more associated with ischemic stroke. Coronary disease (11%), heart failure (3%) and obesity (4%) (significantly associated with the female gender; p= 0,021) were less common. Motor deficits (94%) were the most common clinical manifestations, followed by sensory deficits (51%) and alteration of consciousness (37%). Stroke was ischemic in 61.5% of patients. The most affected territory in ischemic stroke was the territory of the middle cerebral artery, and capsulo-thalamic involvement in haemorrhagic stroke which was significantly associated with the alteration of consciousness(p=0,003). Discussion Stroke had primarily modifiable risk factors in Djiboutian patients dominated by high blood pressure, tobacco use and khat chewing especially in the male population under the age of 60 years. These findings could have implications on future preventive measures and a better approach to public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed AHMED NOUR
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC), Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Neurology consultation, National fund for social security health center, Djibouti
| | - Saloua MRABET
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC), Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
| | - Mouled ALI MAIDAL
- Neurology consultation, National fund for social security health center, Djibouti
| | - Alya GHARBI
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC), Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
| | - Youssef ABIDA
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
| | - Amira SOUISSI
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC), Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
| | - Amina GARGOURI
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC), Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
| | - Imen KACEM
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC), Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
| | - Amina NASRI
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC), Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Riadh GOUIDER
- Neurology Department, Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC), Razi University Hospital, Manouba, TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Corresponding authors.
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14
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Identification and analysis of key risk factors for prehospital delay in patients with stroke. Int Emerg Nurs 2022; 62:101156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Bull Iversen A, Paaske Johnsen S, Christensen B, Bondo Christensen M, Andersen G. The impact of a Danish stroke campaign: A cross-sectional study. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 145:102-110. [PMID: 34523120 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of the Danish stroke campaign, 1 year after initiation. MATERIALS & METHODS The campaign ran in various media during 2019-2020. We performed a two-centre, repeated cross-sectional study in 2018 (before campaign) and again in 2020 based on data from structured interviews of patients and bystanders, medical records and the Danish Stroke Registry. Primary outcomes were patient delay and system delay. Patient delay is defined as the time from symptom onset until the first contact to a healthcare professional, whereas system delay is the time from this contact until arrival at the stroke centre. Secondary outcomes were primary emergency medical services (EMS) contact, arrival at a stroke centre within 3 h of symptom onset, initiation of reperfusion therapy and knowledge of ≥2 core symptoms of stroke. RESULTS We included 852 patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack. Patient delay and system delay were a median of 166 min and 96 min before the campaign and were non-significantly reduced by 16 min (95% CI -128 to 97) and 7 min (95% CI -21 to 6) in the second period. We found no significant differences in the clinical outcomes. The knowledge of ≥2 core symptoms increased from 22% to 30% (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.30) in patients and from 53% to 65% (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.24 to 2.64) in bystanders. CONCLUSION Patient delay, system delay and clinical outcomes remained relatively unchanged. However, the knowledge of core symptoms had improved 1 year after campaign initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Bull Iversen
- Department of Clinical Medicine—Neurology Aarhus University Aarhus N Denmark
- Research Unit for General Practice Aarhus C Denmark
- Department of Public Health Aarhus University Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Søren Paaske Johnsen
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research Department of Clinical Medicine Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital Aalborg Denmark
| | - Bo Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice Aarhus C Denmark
- Department of Public Health Aarhus University Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Morten Bondo Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice Aarhus C Denmark
- Department of Public Health Aarhus University Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Grethe Andersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine—Neurology Aarhus University Aarhus N Denmark
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Tong X, King SMC, Asaithambi G, Odom E, Yang Q, Yin X, Merritt RK. COVID-19 Pandemic and Quality of Care and Outcomes of Acute Stroke Hospitalizations: the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program. Prev Chronic Dis 2021; 18:E82. [PMID: 34410906 PMCID: PMC8388201 DOI: 10.5888/pcd18.210130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies documented significant reductions in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for acute stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic. A limited number of studies assessed the adherence to stroke performance measures during the pandemic. We examined rates of stroke hospitalization and adherence to stroke quality-of-care measures before and during the early phase of pandemic. METHODS We identified hospitalizations with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke or transient ischemic attack among 406 hospitals who contributed data to the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program. We used 10 performance measures to examine the effect of the pandemic on stroke quality of care. We compared data from 2 periods: pre-COVID-19 (week 11-24 in 2019) and COVID-19 (week 11-24 in 2020). We used χ2 tests for differences in categorical variables and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank test or Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. RESULTS We identified 64,461 hospitalizations. We observed a 20.2% reduction in stroke hospitalizations (from 35,851 to 28,610) from the pre-COVID-19 period to the COVID-19 period. Hospitalizations among patients aged 85 or older, women, and non-Hispanic White patients declined the most. A greater percentage of patients aged 18 to 64 were hospitalized with ischemic stroke during COVID-19 than during pre-COVID-19 (34.4% vs 32.5%, P < .001). Stroke severity was higher during COVID-19 than during pre-COVID-19 for both hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke, and in-hospital death among patients with ischemic stroke increased from 4.3% to 5.0% (P = .003) during the study period. We found no differences in rates of receiving care across stroke type during the study period. CONCLUSION Despite a significant reduction in stroke hospitalizations, more severe stroke among hospitalized patients, and an increase in in-hospital death during the pandemic period, we found no differences in adherence to quality of stroke care measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tong
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS S107-1, Atlanta, GA 30341.
| | - Sallyann M Coleman King
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- US Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Erika Odom
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- US Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Quanhe Yang
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Robert K Merritt
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Ghadimi N, Hanifi N, Dinmohammadi M. Factors Affecting Pre-Hospital and In-Hospital Delays in Treatment of Ischemic Stroke; a Prospective Cohort Study. ARCHIVES OF ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2021; 9:e52. [PMID: 34405150 PMCID: PMC8366459 DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v9i1.1267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introducion: The outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are highly affected by time-to-treatment. The present study aimed to determine the factors affecting in-hospital and pre-hospital delays in treatmentof AIS. Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 204 AIS patients referring to the stroke care unit in Zanjan (Iran) in 2019. The required data were collected by interviewing the patients and families and using patients’ records and observations. Results: The maximum delay was related to onset-to-arrival time (288.19 ± 339.02 minutes). The logistic regression analysis indicated a statistically significant decline in the treatment delay via consultation after the initiation of symptoms (p< 0.001), transferring the patient through emergency medical service to the hospital (p<0.001), and patients’ perception regarding AIS symptoms (P< 0.001). Conclusion: It is essential to inform people regarding AIS symptoms and referring to AIS treatment units to reduce the treatment time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Ghadimi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Nasrin Hanifi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Melak AD, Wondimsigegn D, Kifle ZD. Knowledge, Prevention Practice and Associated Factors of Stroke Among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients - A Systematic Review. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:3295-3310. [PMID: 34408515 PMCID: PMC8364969 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s324960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Because of the inadequate level of public awareness of the disease, the incidence of stroke has been sharply rising. Eventually, due to the prehospital delay, many stroke cases could not be eligible for thrombolysis thereby poor rehabilitative outcome has been tremendously increased. Thus, this study aimed to review the level of knowledge, prevention practice, and associated factors of stroke among hypertensive and diabetic patients. METHODS A systematic review of primarily published articles (2010-2020) related to knowledge and prevention practices of stroke was performed by searching online electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Refseek, Science direct, ResearchGate, and manual Google search by using the keywords and MeSH terms. Studies conducted on knowledge and prevention practices amongst hypertensive and/or diabetic patients were included. RESULTS Out of 531 searched studies, 42 articles were identified to be reviewed. The reported overall knowledge of stroke was ranging from 4.4% to 79%. Knowledge to the signs/symptoms of stroke was 23.6% to 87%. However, 15% to 77% of subjects were also reported that they did not know any sign of stroke. The range of risk factor knowledge was 10.5% to 86.6%. The reported level of stroke prevention practice was 2.4% to 72% but physical activity and weight reduction practice were relatively low. Inadequate level of knowledge and prevention practice of stroke was related to elderly, female gender, uneducated, unmarried, rural residents, economically low, comorbidity and unemployed individuals. CONCLUSION The current finding revealed that the level of knowledge and prevention practice of stroke was inadequate. Hence, the finding highlights health educational programs should be planned as an important avenue to enhance stroke awareness among the high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abreham Degu Melak
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Wondimsigegn
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zemene Demelash Kifle
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Yang Q, Tong X, Coleman King S, Olivari BS, Merritt RK. Stroke Hospitalizations Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Medicare Beneficiaries in the United States. Stroke 2021; 52:3586-3601. [PMID: 34320816 PMCID: PMC8547589 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.034562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose: Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for stroke declined significantly following declaration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a national emergency on March 13, 2020, in the United States. This study examined trends in hospitalizations for stroke among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged ≥65 years and compared characteristics of stroke patients during COVID-19 pandemic to comparable weeks in the preceding year (2019). Methods: For trend analysis, we examined stroke hospitalizations from week 1 in 2019 through week 44 in 2020. For comparison of patient characteristics, we estimated percent reduction in weekly stroke hospitalizations from 2019 to 2020 during weeks 10 through 23 and during weeks 24 through 44 by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and state. Results: Compared to weekly numbers of hospitalizations for stroke reported during 2019, stroke hospitalizations in 2020 decreased sharply during weeks 10 through 15 (March 1–April 11), began increasing during weeks 16 through 23, and remained at a level lower than the same weeks in 2019 from weeks 24 through 44 (June 7–October 31). During weeks 10 through 23, stroke hospitalizations decreased by 22.3% (95% CI, 21.4%–23.1%) in 2020 compared with same period in 2019; during weeks 24 through 44, they decreased by 12.1% (95% CI, 11.2%–12.9%). The magnitude of reduction increased with age but similar between men and women and among different race/ethnicity groups. Reductions in stroke hospitalizations between weeks 10 through 23 varied by state ranging from 0.0% (95% CI, −16.0%–1.7%) in New Hampshire to 36.2% (95% CI, 24.8%–46.7%) in Montana. Conclusions: One-in-5 fewer stroke hospitalizations among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries occurred during initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1–June 6) and weekly stroke hospitalizations remained at a lower than expected level from June 7 to October 31 in 2020 compared with 2019. Changes in stroke hospitalizations varied substantially by state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanhe Yang
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. (Q.Y., X.T., S.C.K., R.K.M.)
| | - Xin Tong
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. (Q.Y., X.T., S.C.K., R.K.M.)
| | - Sallyann Coleman King
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. (Q.Y., X.T., S.C.K., R.K.M.)
| | - Benjamin S Olivari
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. (B.S.O.)
| | - Robert K Merritt
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. (Q.Y., X.T., S.C.K., R.K.M.)
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Kharbach A, Obtel M, Achbani A, Aasfara J, Hassouni K, Lahlou L, Razine R. Ischemic stroke in Morocco: Prehospital delay and associated factors. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2021; 69:345-359. [PMID: 34148762 DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2021.03.010] [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: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to estimate prehospital delay and to identify the factors associated with the late arrival of patients with ischemic stroke at the Souss Massa Regional Hospital Center in Morocco. PATIENTS AND METHODS An observational, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2019 to September 2019 in the Souss Massa regional hospital center, which is a public hospital structure. A questionnaire was administered to patients with ischemic stroke and to bystanders (family or others), while clinical and paraclinical data were collected from medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with delayed arrival at emergency department. RESULTS A total of 197 patients and 197 bystanders who fulfilled the criteria for the study were included. The median time from symptom onset to hospital arrival was 6hours (IQR, 4-16). Multiple regression analysis showed that illiteracy (OR 38.58; CI95%: 3.40-437.27), waiting for symptoms to disappear (patient behavior) (OR 11.24; CI95%: 1.57-80.45), deciding to go directly to the hospital (patient behavior) (OR 0.07; CI95%: 0.01-0.57), bystander's knowledge that stroke is a disease requiring urgent care within a limited therapeutic window (OR 0.005; CI95%: 0.00-0.36), and direct admission without reference (OR 0.005; CI95%: 0.00-0.07), were independently associated with late arrival (>4.5hours) of patients with acute ischemic stroke. In addition, illiteracy (OR 24.62; CI95%: 4.37-138.69), vertigo and disturbance of balance or coordination (OR 0.14; CI95%: 0.03-0.73), the relative's knowledge that stroke is a disease requiring urgent care and within a limited therapeutic window (OR 0.03; CI95%: 0.00-0.22), calling for an ambulance (relative's behavior) (OR 0.16; CI95%: 0.03-0.80), distance between 50 and 100km (OR 10.16; CI95%: 1.16-89.33), and direct admission without reference (OR 0.03; CI95%: 0.00-0.14), were independently associated with late arrival (>6hours) of patients with acute ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION Patient behavior, bystander knowledge and direct admission to the competent hospital for stroke care are modifiable factors potentially useful for reducing onset-to-door time, and thereby increasing the implementation rates of acute stroke therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kharbach
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - M Obtel
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Social Medicine (Public Health, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - A Achbani
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (LBCGM), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr Agadir, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - J Aasfara
- Department of Neurology, International Cheikh Khalifa University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS) Casablanca, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - K Hassouni
- International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS) Casablanca, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - L Lahlou
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Agadir, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - R Razine
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Social Medicine (Public Health, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
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Ungerer MN, Busetto L, Begli NH, Riehle K, Regula J, Gumbinger C. Factors affecting prehospital delay in rural and urban patients with stroke: a prospective survey-based study in Southwest Germany. BMC Neurol 2020; 20:441. [PMID: 33276739 PMCID: PMC7718652 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01999-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reducing prehospital delay plays an important role in increasing the thrombolysis rate in patients with stroke. Several studies have identified predictors for presentation ≤4.5 h, but few compared these predictors in urban and rural communities. We aimed to identify predictors of timely presentation to the hospital and identify possible differences between the urban and rural populations. Methods From January to June 2017, we conducted a prospective survey of patients with stroke admitted to an urban comprehensive stroke centre (CSC) and a rural primary care centre (PCC). Predictors were identified using binary logistical regression. Predictors and patient characteristics were then compared between the CSC and PCC. Results Overall, 459 patients were included in our study. We identified hesitation before seeking help, awareness of the existence of a time-window, type of admission and having talked about stroke symptoms with friends/relatives who had previously had a stroke as the strongest predictors for presentation to the emergency room ≤4.5 h. Patients admitted to the rural PCC were more hesitant to seek help and less likely to contact emergency services, even though patients had comparable knowledge pertaining to stroke care concepts. Conclusions Patients from rural areas were more likely to be hesitant to seek help and contacted the EMS less frequently, despite similar self-awareness of having a stroke. Educational campaigns should focus on addressing these disparities in rural populations. Affected patients should also be encouraged to talk about their symptoms and take part in educational campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias N Ungerer
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Loraine Busetto
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nima H Begli
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Riehle
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Regula
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Gumbinger
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Iversen AB, Blauenfeldt RA, Johnsen SP, Sandal BF, Christensen B, Andersen G, Christensen MB. Understanding the seriousness of a stroke is essential for appropriate help-seeking and early arrival at a stroke centre: A cross-sectional study of stroke patients and their bystanders. Eur Stroke J 2020; 5:351-361. [PMID: 33598553 DOI: 10.1177/2396987320945834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Only a minority of patients with acute ischaemic stroke receive reperfusion treatment, primarily due to prehospital delay. We aimed to investigate predictors of a primary contact to the emergency medical services, arrival at stroke centre within 3 h of symptom onset and initiation of reperfusion therapy in patients with acute stroke. Patients and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage or transient ischaemic attack. Structured interviews of patients and bystanders were performed and combined with clinical information from the Danish Stroke Registry. Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years and were independent in activities of daily living before the stroke. Results We included 435 patients. Presence of a bystander at symptom onset and knowledge of ≥2 core symptoms of stroke were associated with a primary emergency medical services contact. Higher stroke severity and patients or bystanders perceiving the situation as very serious were associated with a primary emergency medical services contact (ORpatients 2.10; 95% CI 1.12-3.95 and ORbystanders 22.60; 95% CI 4.98-102.67), <3 h from onset to arrival (ORpatients 3.01; 95% CI 1.46-6.21 and ORbystanders 4.44; 95% CI 1.37-14.39) and initiation of reperfusion therapy (ORpatients 3.08; 95% CI 1.23-7.75 and ORbystanders 4.70; 95% CI 1.14-19.5).Conclusion: Having a bystander, knowledge of ≥2 core symptoms and understanding that stroke is a serious event are associated with appropriate help-seeking behaviour, shorter prehospital delay and higher chance of reperfusion therapy in acute stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Bull Iversen
- Department of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Søren Paaske Johnsen
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Birgitte F Sandal
- Department of Neurology, Regional Hospital of West Jutland, Holstebro, Denmark
| | - Bo Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Grethe Andersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Morten Bondo Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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23
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Wake-up Stroke: New Opportunities for Acute Stroke Treatment. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40138-020-00205-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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24
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Abstract
Background The aim of this systematic review is to determine the epidemiological and etiological profiles, the influential factors of the prehospital delay, thrombolysis management, the acute and 3-month mortality rate and the genetic aspect of ischemic stroke in Morocco. Methods The present work is a systematic review that was conducted according to the recommendations of the “Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis”. We used Pubmed, Sciencedirect, Scopus, Clinicalkey, and Google scholar databases for the raking of the gray literature during the time frame 2009 and 2018. The protocol of the review was registered in the PROSPERO register (CRD42018115206). These studies were analyzed based on: Age, sex ratio, risk factors, etiological profile according to Trial of ORG classification 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment, prehospital delay average and its influential factors, thrombolyzed patients’ proportion, acute and 3-month mortality and the genetic factors of ischemic stroke in Morocco. Results Twenty-nine (n = 29) studies were selected. The average age ranged from 49 ± 15.2 to 67.3 ± 9.9 years old. Moreover, we reported male predominance within all ages in 13 studies. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and heart disease were the four identified main risk factors by the prementioned studies. Atherosclerosis and cardioembolic were the main described etiologies of cerebral ischemia, and the average prehospital time ranged from 26 to 61.9 h. The proportion of thrombolysed patients ranged from 1.8% to 2.9%, the mortality rate varied in the acute phase from 3 to 13%, and the 3-month mortality ranged from 4.3 to 32.5%. It is also important to highlight that most of these studies, which were conducted in hospital environment, have a reduced sample size and no confidence interval. Conclusions Ischemic stroke is affecting more likely the young population with male predominance. Moreover, the long prehospital delay and the low proportion of thrombolysed patients are alarming. This indicates the need to investigate in depth the key factors influencing the access to care for Moroccan patients in order to improve the management of this neurologic deficit in Morocco.
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25
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Soto-Cámara R, González-Santos J, González-Bernal J, Martín-Santidrian A, Cubo E, Trejo-Gabriel-Galán JM. Factors Associated with Shortening of Prehospital Delay among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8101712. [PMID: 31627368 PMCID: PMC6832968 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite recent advances in acute stroke care, only 1–8% of patients can receive reperfusion therapies, mainly because of prehospital delay (PHD). Objective: This study aimed to identify factors associated with PHD from the onset of acute stroke symptoms until arrival at the hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including all patients consecutively admitted with stroke symptoms to Burgos University Hospital (Burgos, Spain). Socio-demographic, clinical, behavioral, cognitive, and contextualized characteristics were recorded, and their possible associations with PHD were studied using univariate and multivariable regression analyses. Results: The median PHD of 322 patients was 138.50 min. The following factors decreased the PHD and time until reperfusion treatment where applicable: asking for help immediately after the onset of symptoms (OR 10.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.47–23.99), onset of stroke during the daytime (OR 7.73; 95% CI 3.09–19.34) and the weekend (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.19–5.85), occurrence of stroke outside the home (OR 7.09; 95% CI 1.97–25.55), using a prenotification system (OR 6.46; 95% CI 1.71–8.39), patient’s perception of being unable to control symptoms without assistance (OR 5.14; 95% CI 2.60–10.16), previous knowledge of stroke as a medical emergency (OR 3.20; 95% CI 1.38–7.40), call to emergency medical services as the first medical contact (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.32–5.88), speech/language difficulties experienced by the patient (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.16–4.36), and the identification of stroke symptoms by the patient (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.03–3.82). Conclusions: The interval between the onset of symptoms and arrival at the hospital depends on certain contextual, cognitive, and behavioral factors, all of which should be considered when planning future public awareness campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Soto-Cámara
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain.
- Emergency Medical Service, 09200 Burgos, Spain.
| | | | | | | | - Esther Cubo
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain.
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Ravenhill G, Gkanasouli L, Lawrence M. Experiences of transient ischaemic attack diagnosis and secondary prevention: a qualitative review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.12968/bjnn.2019.15.sup5.s14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) diagnosis is a serious, early sign that a person is at high risk of stroke. However, little is known about patients' experiences, perceptions and behaviours regarding TIA symptoms, diagnosis and secondary prevention. Aim: To explore patients' experiences of TIA symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and secondary prevention. Methods: A qualitative review was conducted using a meta-aggregation approach. Five major databases were searched to identify eligible papers. Findings were extracted and grouped into categories to generate synthesised findings. Findings: Four papers (69 participants) were included. Three synthesised findings were developed: The first 24 hours; Impact and effect on quality of life; and Reducing the risk. Following TIA diagnosis, patients may experience persistent anxiety and fatigue, and many patients do not understand the importance of secondary prevention. Conclusion: There is a lack of awareness of TIA symptoms and of the importance of seeking immediate help and engaging with secondary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Ravenhill
- Respiratory Research Nurse, Respiratory Research Department, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
| | | | - Maggie Lawrence
- Reader, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University
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27
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Late Hospital Arrival for Thrombolysis after Stroke in Southern Portugal: Who Is at Risk? J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 28:900-905. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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28
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Bahnasy WS, Ragab OAA, Elhassanien ME. Stroke onset to needle delay: Where these golden hours are lost? An Egyptian center experience. eNeurologicalSci 2019; 14:68-71. [PMID: 30671551 PMCID: PMC6330381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The use of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV r-tPA) in early acute ischemic stroke (AIS) management faces a lot of difficulties in developing countries due to lessened guideline development with consecutive pre- and intra-hospital delay. Objectives The objective was to identify the barriers facing proper utilization of IV r-tPA for AIS in Tanta University Hospitals. Methods The study was conducted on 4124 AIS patients eligible to use IV r-tPA divided to group-I consisting of 442 patients who arrived the hospital within <3.5 h from the stroke onset and group-II consisting of 3682 patients who arrived >3.5 h from the stroke onset. The former group was further subdivided to 238 patients who received IV r-tPA (group-Ia) and 204 patients who did not receive IV r-tPA (group-Ib) due to different obstacles. Results The main causes of pre-hospital onset to arrival delay were stroke unawareness, long travel time, incorrect beliefs, non-available neurologists, stroke onset during sleep and multiple causes (18.2%, 20.5%, 12.7%, 9.1%, 16% and 23.5% of cases, respectively). Causes of non-administration of IV r-tPA in eligible patients includes prolonged door-to-needle time, financial restraints, minor strokes, unavailable beds and fear of complications (41.2%, 26%, 12.7%, 11.3% and 8.8%, respectively). Conclusion Increasing the chance of utilizing IV r-tPA for AIS patients' needs regular updating of the stroke chain of survival system to get the highest benefits from the available resources. Stroke management faces a lot of difficulties in developing countries. Only 5.8% of those were eligible for received IV thrombolysis. Studied patients relatives were not aware about the therapeutic window despite their recognition of stroke symptoms. Minor and non-motor strokes defects may mislead the on-duty doctor to withhold IV r-tPA in indicated cases.
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