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Silva GS, Rocha E. Developing Systems of Care for Stroke in Resource-limited Settings. Semin Neurol 2024; 44:119-129. [PMID: 38513704 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Although stroke prevention and treatment strategies have significantly advanced in recent years, implementation of these care elements in resource-limited settings can be challenging, since the burden of stroke is higher and access to stroke care is lower. Barriers to stroke care in resource-limited settings include insufficient prevention, reduced awareness of stroke symptoms, limited prehospital care and lack of triage systems, limited access to comprehensive stroke centers, inadequate personnel education, lack of staff and resources, as well as limited access to neuroimaging, thrombolytics, mechanical thrombectomy, neurosurgical care, and rehabilitation. Here, we suggest strategies to improve stroke care in these settings, including public health campaigns, protocols for prehospital notification, organized flow to specialized stroke centers, development of dedicated stroke units, and utilization of telemedicine and telerehabilitation. We also highlight the role of international organizations and governments in reducing the global burden of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Sampaio Silva
- Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eva Rocha
- Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Kim J, Olaiya MT, De Silva DA, Norrving B, Bosch J, De Sousa DA, Christensen HK, Ranta A, Donnan GA, Feigin V, Martins S, Schwamm LH, Werring DJ, Howard G, Owolabi M, Pandian J, Mikulik R, Thayabaranathan T, Cadilhac DA. Global stroke statistics 2023: Availability of reperfusion services around the world. Int J Stroke 2024; 19:253-270. [PMID: 37853529 PMCID: PMC10903148 DOI: 10.1177/17474930231210448] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in the availability of reperfusion services for acute ischemic stroke are considerable globally and require urgent attention. Contemporary data on the availability of reperfusion services in different countries are used to provide the necessary evidence to prioritize where access to acute stroke treatment is needed. AIMS To provide a snapshot of published literature on the provision of reperfusion services globally, including when facilitated by telemedicine or mobile stroke unit services. METHODS We searched PubMed to identify original articles, published up to January 2023 for the most recent, representative, and relevant patient-level data for each country. Keywords included thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy and telemedicine. We also screened reference lists of review articles, citation history of articles, and the gray literature. The information is provided as a narrative summary. RESULTS Of 11,222 potentially eligible articles retrieved, 148 were included for review following de-duplications and full-text review. Data were also obtained from national stroke clinical registry reports, Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) and PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization (PRESTO) repositories, and other national sources. Overall, we found evidence of the provision of intravenous thrombolysis services in 70 countries (63% high-income countries (HICs)) and endovascular thrombectomy services in 33 countries (68% HICs), corresponding to far less than half of the countries in the world. Recent data (from 2019 or later) were lacking for 35 of 67 countries with known year of data (52%). We found published data on 74 different stroke telemedicine programs (93% in HICs) and 14 active mobile stroke unit pre-hospital ambulance services (80% in HICs) around the world. CONCLUSION Despite remarkable advancements in reperfusion therapies for stroke, it is evident from available patient-level data that their availability remains unevenly distributed globally. Contemporary published data on availability of reperfusion services remain scarce, even in HICs, thereby making it difficult to reliably ascertain current gaps in the provision of this vital acute stroke treatment around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joosup Kim
- Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Muideen T Olaiya
- Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Deidre A De Silva
- Department of Neurology, Singapore General Hospital Campus, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Bo Norrving
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Neurology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jackie Bosch
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Diana A De Sousa
- Department of Neurosciences (Neurology), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hanne K Christensen
- Department of Neurology, University of Copenhagen and Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Ranta
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Geoffrey A Donnan
- Melbourne Brain Centre, The University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Valery Feigin
- National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sheila Martins
- Neurology Department, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - David J Werring
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - George Howard
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mayowa Owolabi
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Jeyaraj Pandian
- Department of Neurology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India
| | - Robert Mikulik
- Health Management Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
- Neurology Department, Bata Hospital, Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Tharshanah Thayabaranathan
- Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Dominique A Cadilhac
- Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
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Almubaslat F, Sanchez-Boluarte SS, Diaz MM. A review of neurological health disparities in Peru. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1210238. [PMID: 37744515 PMCID: PMC10513391 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1210238] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Peru is a historically unique and culturally diverse Latin American country. As a low-to-middle-income country (LMIC), Peru faces health implications from the spread of communicable diseases as well as a growing rate of noncommunicable diseases, both of which have been worsened by the recent COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the national health system. Over the past two decades, the country has aimed to improve health access for its population through various efforts described in this review. Despite this, there are notable neurological health disparities that exist today. This narrative review investigates such disparities through the leading neurological contributors to the national burden of disease in the country, including migraine headaches, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia. Public health disparities that contribute to other major neurological diseases in the country, including epilepsy, neurocysticercosis, Chagas disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries are also investigated. We also explore potential solutions for overcoming the various neurological health disparities covered in this review that may be applied through public policies, as well as in similar LMICs in Latin America. By overcoming such disparities, the country may be able to successfully address the major contributors of neurological disease burden and create a healthcare environment that can sustainably and equitably improve health outcomes for Peruvian people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faris Almubaslat
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Monica M. Diaz
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Kharel S, Nepal G, Joshi PR, Yadav JK, Shrestha TM. Safety and efficacy of low-cost alternative urokinase in acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Neurosci 2022; 106:103-109. [PMID: 36274296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.09.015] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Use of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) varies greatly between countries, ranging from 10% to 15% in high-income countries to less than 2% in low- and middle income countries (LMICs). This is because alteplase is expensive and has been cited as one of the most common barriers to IVT in LMICs. Urokinase (UK) is a thrombolytic agent which is almost 50 times cheaper with easier production and purification than alteplase. UK may become a cost-effective option for IVT in LMICs if it is found to be safe and effective. We conducted this study to assess the existing evidence on the safety and efficacy of UK vs alteplase for IVT in AIS. METHODS The study was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-Analyses) guideline. Systematic literature search was done in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for English literature published from 2010 to 2021. RESULTS A total of 4061 participants in the alteplase and 2062 participants in the UK group were included in the final statistical analysis. After IVT, a good functional outcome at last follow-up was found among 80.57 % of patients in the alteplase group compared to 73.79 % of patients in the UK group (OR: 1.11; 95 % CI: 0.95- 1.31; I2 = 0 %; P = 0.18). Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage (sICH) was found among 1.77 % of patients in the alteplase group compared to 2.83 % of patients in the UK group (OR: 0.84; 95 % CI: 0.56- 1.26; I2 = 0 %; P = 0.41). Similarly, mortality was found among 5.03 % of patients in the alteplase group compared to 5.42 % of patients in the UK group (OR: 0.87; 95 % CI: 0.66-1.14; I2 = 0 %; P = 0.30). CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis found that intravenous UK is not inferior to alteplase in terms of safety and efficacy and can be a viable alternative for IVT in AIS patients in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Kharel
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Gaurav Nepal
- Rani Primary Health Care Centre, Biratnagar, Nepal.
| | - Padam Raj Joshi
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jayant Kumar Yadav
- Department of Neurology, Annapurna Neurological Institute and Allied Sciences, Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Tirtha Man Shrestha
- Department of General Practice, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Zafra-Tanaka JH, Portocarrero J, Abanto C, Zunt JR, Miranda JJ. Managing Post-Stroke Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Tertiary Care Level Hospital in Peru. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 31:106275. [PMID: 35121533 PMCID: PMC8702405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand the hospital-to-outpatient care transition and how the discharge process of stroke patients is managed; and to identify potential opportunities to improve these processes, while contrasting pre- and during COVID-19 experiences in Peru. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted between February and March 2021 consisting of in-depth interviews of patients with stroke, their caregivers and healthcare personnel regarding stroke care at a national tertiary referral center for stroke care in Lima, Peru. We explored the following phases of the patients' journeys: pre-hospitalization, emergency room, hospitalization, discharge process and post-discharge. For each phase, we explored experiences, feelings and expectations using thematic analysis. RESULTS We conducted a total of 11 interviews with patients or caregivers and 7 with health care personnel and found disruption in the continuity of care for patients with stroke. Mainly, caregivers and patients referred to problems related to communication with healthcare personnel and an absence of training to provide post-discharge care at home. Potential solutions included increasing human resources and caregiver participation in care, implementation of electronic healthcare records, improving the referral system and reinforcing telemedicine services. CONCLUSION The continuity of care of patients with stroke was negatively affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. In LMICs, the impact was likely greater due to the already weak and fragmented healthcare systems. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to improve post-stroke care services, and address patients' experiences and feelings by developing solutions in a participatory manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hanae Zafra-Tanaka
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 445, Miraflores, Lima 15074, Lima, Peru.
| | - Jill Portocarrero
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 445, Miraflores, Lima 15074, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Abanto
- Departamento de Enfermedades Neurovasculares, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Joseph R Zunt
- Departments of Neurology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - J Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Armendáriz 445, Miraflores, Lima 15074, Lima, Peru; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Furlan NE, Luvizutto GJ, Hamamoto Filho PT, Zanati Bazan SG, Modolo GP, Ferreira NC, Miranda LA, de Souza JT, Winckler FC, Vidal EIDO, de Freitas CCM, Martin LC, Bazan R. The Impact of Age on Mortality and Disability in Patients With Ischemic Stroke Who Underwent Cerebral Reperfusion Therapy: A Brazilian Cohort Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:649902. [PMID: 34295238 PMCID: PMC8291127 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.649902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The main driver for increased stroke prevalence is the aging of the population; however, the best evidenced-based strategies for stroke treatment and prevention are not always followed for older patients. Therefore, the aim was studying the association of age with clinical outcomes (mortality and functional disability) in stroke patients who underwent cerebral reperfusion therapy at hospital discharge and 90 days after ictus. Methods: This was a retrospective (stroke databank analysis) cohort study of participants who had been diagnosed with ischemic stroke and undergone intravenous cerebral reperfusion therapy or mechanical thrombectomy. The variable of interest was patient age, which was categorized into four groups: (1) up to 59 years; (2) 60 to 69 years; (3) 70 to 79 years old; and (4) above 79 years. The primary outcome was mortality at hospital discharge and 90 days after stroke, and the secondary outcome was functional capacity at hospital discharge and 90 days after stroke. Results: A total of 281 patients was included in the study (235 treated by thrombolysis alone, and 46 treated with mechanical thrombectomy). The mean age of the total sample was 67 ± 13.1 years. The oldest patients had the most unfavorable outcomes, except for mortality rate, at hospital discharge (mRS > 2; OR: 1.028; 95% CI 1.005 to 1.051; p = 0.017; mRS > 3; OR: 1.043, 95% CI 1.018 to 1.069; p = 0.001) and 90 days after stroke (mRS > 2; OR: 1.028; 95% CI 1.005 to 1.051; p = 0.017; mRS > 3; OR: 1.043, 95% CI 1.018 to 1.069; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Cerebral reperfusion was a viable treatment for ischemic stroke in both elderly and very elderly patients, as it did not increase mortality. However, it was observed that older individuals had worse functional outcomes at hospital discharge and 90 days after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Eduarda Furlan
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Gustavo José Luvizutto
- Departamento de Fisioterapia Aplicada, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Silméia Garcia Zanati Bazan
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Pinheiro Modolo
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Natalia Cristina Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Luana Aparecida Miranda
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Juli Thomaz de Souza
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cristina Winckler
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luis Cuadrado Martin
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Bazan
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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