U-shaped relationship between mortality and admission blood pressure in patients with acute stroke

Initial blood pressure and adverse cardiac events following acute ischaemic stroke: An individual patient data pooled analysis from the VISTA database

BACKGROUND

Adverse cardiac events following ischaemic stroke (stroke-heart syndrome, SHS) pose a clinical challenge. We investigated the association between initial blood pressure at stroke presentation and the risk of SHS.

METHODS

We utilised data from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA). We defined SHS as the incidence of cardiac complications within 30 days post-ischaemic stroke. These presentations included acute coronary syndrome encompassing myocardial injury, heart failure/left ventricular dysfunction, atrial fibrillation/flutter, other arrhythmia/electrocardiogram abnormalities, and cardiorespiratory arrest. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the risk trajectories for developing SHS and its presentations associated with initial blood pressure. We also explored the risk trajectories for 90-day mortality related to initial blood pressure.

RESULTS

From 16,095 patients with acute ischaemic stroke, 14,965 (mean age 69 ± 12 years; 55% male) were analysed. Of these, 1774 (11.8%) developed SHS. The risk of SHS and initial blood pressure showed a U-shaped relationship. The lowest blood pressures (⩽130 mmHg systolic and ⩽55 mmHg diastolic) were associated with the highest risks (adjusted hazard ratio [95%confidence interval]: 1.40 [1.21-1.63]; p < 0.001, 1.71 [1.39-2.10]; p < 0.001, respectively, compared to referential blood pressure range).Cardiorespiratory arrest posed the greatest risk at higher blood pressure levels (2.34 [1.16-4.73]; p = 0.017 for systolic blood pressure >190 mmHg), whereas other presentations exhibited the highest risk at lower pressures. The 90-day mortality risk also followed a U-shaped distribution, with greater risks observed at high blood pressure thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a U-shaped relationship between initial blood pressure at ischaemic stroke presentation and the risk of subsequent SHS.

Association of intraprocedural near admission-level blood pressure with functional outcome in stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

Optimal blood pressure management during endovascular stroke treatment is not certain. We hypothesized that time or proportion of intraprocedural systolic blood pressure spent in a range around admission blood pressure might be associated with better clinical outcome.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study at a single center at a university hospital, which included patients from August 2018 to September 2020 suffering from acute ischemic stroke with anterior circulation vessel occlusion and treated with endovascular therapy. Time and proportion of procedure time where systolic blood pressure (SBP) was near the baseline SBP on admission (bSBP) were used as exposure variables. The primary outcome was the occurrence of mRS score 0-2 three months after stroke. The primary analysis was performed by fitting a logistic regression model adjusted for baseline NIHSS, pre-stroke mRS, mTICI score, intubation, age and sex.

RESULTS

We included 589 patients in the analysis. Mean (SD) age was 76 (12) years, 315 were women (53%) and mean (SD) NIHSS score at admission was 15 (7.5). Mean (SD) bSBP was 167 (28) mmHg and mean (SD) intraprocedural SBP was 147 (21) mmHg. The proportion of time where intraprocedural SBP was in range of bSBP ± 20% was associated with a slightly higher odds of achieving favorable outcome (adjusted OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.0003-1.013).

CONCLUSION

A higher proportion of intraprocedural time with systolic blood pressure in range of ± 20% of the admission level is associated with higher odds of favorable functional outcome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Dementia after Ischemic Stroke, from Molecular Biomarkers to Therapeutic Options

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While much of post-stroke recovery is focused on physical rehabilitation, post-stroke dementia (PSD) is also a significant contributor to poor functional outcomes. Predictive tools to identify stroke survivors at risk for the development of PSD are limited to brief screening cognitive tests. Emerging biochemical, genetic, and neuroimaging biomarkers are being investigated in an effort to unveil better indicators of PSD. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, dopamine receptor agonists, antidepressants, and cognitive rehabilitation are current therapeutic options for PSD. Focusing on the chronic sequelae of stroke that impair neuroplasticity highlights the need for continued investigative trials to better assess functional outcomes in treatments targeted for PSD.

Development of a Nomogram Model Based on Lactate-To-Albumin Ratio for Prognostic Prediction in Hospitalized Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a nomogram model incorporating lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) to predict the prognosis of hospitalized patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and demonstrate its excellent predictive performance.

METHODS

A total of 226 patients with ICH from the Medical information mart for intensive care III (MIMIC Ⅲ) database were randomly split into 8:2 ratio training and experimental groups, and 38 patients from the eICU-CRD for external validation. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with ICH, and multivariate Cox regression was used to construct nomograms for 7-day and 14-day overall survival (OS). The performance of nomogram was verified by the calibration curves, decision curves, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Our study identified LAR, glucose, mean blood pressure, sodium, and ethnicity as independent factors influencing in-hospital prognosis. The predictive performance of our nomogram model for predicting 7-day and 14 -day OS (AUCs: 0.845 and 0.830 respectively) are both superior to Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score, Simplified acute physiology score II, and SIRS (AUCs: 0.617, 0.620 and 0.591 and AUCs: 0.709, 0.715 and 0.640, respectively) in internal validation, and also demonstrate favorable predictive performance in external validation (AUCs: 0.778 and 0.778 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

LAR as a novel biomarker is closely associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality of patients with ICH. The nomogram model incorporating LAR along with glucose, mean blood pressure, sodium, and ethnicity demonstrate excellent predictive performance for predicting the prognosis of 7- and 14-day OS of hospitalized patients with ICH.

Effects of an Early Intensive Blood Pressure-lowering Strategy Using Remifentanil and Dexmedetomidine in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Multicenter, Prospective, Superiority, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Although it has been established that elevated blood pressure and its variability worsen outcomes in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, antihypertensives use during the acute phase still lacks robust evidence. A blood pressure-lowering regimen using remifentanil and dexmedetomidine might be a reasonable therapeutic option given their analgesic and antisympathetic effects. The objective of this superiority trial was to validate the efficacy and safety of this blood pressure-lowering strategy that uses remifentanil and dexmedetomidine in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

In this multicenter, prospective, single-blinded, superiority randomized controlled trial, patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and systolic blood pressure (SBP) 150 mmHg or greater were randomly allocated to the intervention group (a preset protocol with a standard guideline management using remifentanil and dexmedetomidine) or the control group (standard guideline-based management) to receive blood pressure-lowering treatment. The primary outcome was the SBP control rate (less than 140 mmHg) at 1 h posttreatment initiation. Secondary outcomes included blood pressure variability, neurologic function, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 338 patients were allocated to the intervention (n = 167) or control group (n = 171). The SBP control rate at 1 h posttreatment initiation in the intervention group was higher than that in controls (101 of 161, 62.7% vs. 66 of 166, 39.8%; difference, 23.2%; 95% CI, 12.4 to 34.1%; P < 0.001). Analysis of secondary outcomes indicated that patients in the intervention group could effectively reduce agitation while achieving lighter sedation, but no improvement in clinical outcomes was observed. Regarding safety, the incidence of bradycardia and respiratory depression was higher in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among intracerebral hemorrhage patients with a SBP 150 mmHg or greater, a preset protocol using a remifentanil and dexmedetomidine-based standard guideline management significantly increased the SBP control rate at 1 h posttreatment compared with the standard guideline-based management.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Neurological hypertensive emergencies: Correlation of blood pressure values with in-hospital outcomes in ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Few certainties exist regarding optimal management of Blood Pressure (BP) in the very first hours after an ischemic stroke and many questions remain still unanswered. Our work aimed to evaluate the role of BP and its trend as possible determinants of in-hospital mortality (primary outcome), discharge disabilities and hospitalization length (secondary outcomes) in ischemic stroke patients presented with Hypertensive Emergencies (HE).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients presented to Niguarda Hospital, Emergency Department (ED), from 2015 to 2017 with a neurological ischemic HE. BP at ED presentation (T0), its management in ED (T1) and its values at the stroke unit admission (T2) were evaluated.

RESULTS

267 patients were included (0.13 % of all ED accesses and 17.9 % of all ischemic strokes). In the whole population, BP values were not associated with in-hospital mortality while T0 and T2 SBP result were associated to discharge disability and hospitalization length. In pre-specified subgroup analysis these associations were confirmed only in untreated subjects (not anti-hypertensive nor thrombolysis). In fact, no significant relationship can be found between BP values and any secondary outcome in thrombolysis and anti-hypertensive treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

BP values and its management can not be related to in-hospital mortality in stroke patients, presented with HE, while they are associated to discharge disability and hospitalization length. In subgroup analysis, results were confirmed only in untreated (not anti-hypertensive therapies nor thrombolytic).

Deviation From Personalized Blood Pressure Targets Correlates With Worse Outcome After Successful Recanalization

BACKGROUND

Personalized blood pressure (BP) management for patients with acute ischemic stroke after successful endovascular thrombectomy lacks evidence. We aimed to investigate whether the deviation of BP from cerebral autoregulation limits is associated with worse outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We determined autoregulation by measuring mean velocity index and calculated the percentage of time and the burden (defined as the time-BP area) with BP outside the autoregulatory limits of each subject within 48 hours after endovascular thrombectomy. In total, 91 patients with large vessel occlusion stroke who had achieved successful recanalization were prospectively enrolled between May 2020 and February 2022. The burden with BP outside the autoregulatory limits was associated with poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3-6) at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.03-1.59]). The percentage of time with BP out of the autoregulatory limits was correlated with early neurological deterioration (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores increased ≥2 at 7 days) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.04-1.83]). The burden of BP that decreased below the autoregulatory lower limit was associated with significant infarct growth (volume of infarct growth >11.6 mL) at 7 days (adjusted odds ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.01-1.44]). The percentage of time that BP exceeded the autoregulatory upper limit was associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 48 hours (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.02-2.34]).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the percentage of time and the burden of BP that deviates from the autoregulation-preserved range are associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. This study highlights the potential benefits of autoregulation-guided BP management strategy after successful recanalization.

Acute Respiratory Failure in Severe Acute Brain Injury

Acute respiratory failure is commonly encountered in severe acute brain injury due to a multitude of factors related to the sequelae of the primary injury. The interaction between pulmonary and neurologic systems in this population is complex, often with competing priorities. Many treatment modalities for acute respiratory failure can result in deleterious effects on cerebral physiology, and secondary brain injury due to elevations in intracranial pressure or impaired cerebral perfusion. High-quality literature is lacking to guide clinical decision-making in this population, and deliberate considerations of individual patient factors must be considered to optimize each patient's care.

Blood Pressure Variability in Acute Stroke: A Narrative Review

The management of blood pressure variability (BPV) in acute stroke presents a complex challenge with profound implications for patient outcomes. This narrative review examines the role of BPV across various stages of acute stroke care, highlighting its impact on treatment strategies and prognostic considerations. In the prehospital setting, while guidelines lack specific recommendations for BP management, emerging evidence suggests a potential link between BPV and outcomes. Among ischaemic stroke patients who are ineligible for reperfusion therapies, BPV independently influences functional outcomes, emphasising the need for individualised approaches to BP control. During intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy, the intricate interplay between BP levels, recanalisation status, and BPV is evident. Striking a balance between aggressive BP lowering and avoiding hypoperfusion-related complications is essential. Intracerebral haemorrhage management is further complicated by BPV, which emerges as a predictor of mortality and disability, necessitating nuanced BP management strategies. Finally, among patients with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage, increased BPV may be correlated with a rebleeding risk and worse outcomes, emphasizing the need for BPV monitoring in this population. Integration of BPV assessment into clinical practice and research protocols is crucial for refining treatment strategies that are tailored to individual patient needs. Future studies should explore novel interventions targeting BPV modulation to optimise stroke care outcomes.

Factors predicting functional outcome after rtPA for patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background

Accurate outcome prediction for patients with acute ischemic stroke after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) treatment is essential for optimizing patients’ management. We aimed to identify factors associated with unfavorable outcomes following intravenous rtPA treatment. This study was carried out on 162 patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke within 4.5 h from onset of neurological symptoms and were eligible for intravenous rtPA. After exclusion of 48 patients, 114 patients were finally eligible for follow-up. After complete medical and neurological history, complete medical and neurological examination and brain image (CT and or MRI brain) were collected from the patients. patients eligible were included in the study. NIHS scale was assessed for all patients at time of admission, after 24 h, and follow-up for 3 months.

Results

After a 90-day follow-up period for 114 patients with acute ischemic stroke after rtPA, 35.8% had good outcome (MRS; 0–2), 18.5% had partial outcome (MRS; 3–4) and 12.5% had poor outcome (MRS; 5–6). Atrial fibrillation (AF), PH of stroke, stroke severity, and severity of symptom (NIHSS) score were significantly (P: 0.004, 0.001, 0.007 and 0.001) correlated with poor outcome after rtPA. Similarly, old age, high blood pressure at time of presentation, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were showed to carry poor outcome.

Conclusions

AF, high NIHSS score, PH of stroke, previous stroke, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure on presentation were significantly correlated with poor functional outcome.

Neuroprotection during Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Future Therapies

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Endovascular thrombectomy has been impactful in decreasing mortality. However, many clinical results continue to show suboptimal functional outcomes despite high recanalization rates. This gap in recanalization and symptomatic improvement suggests a need for adjunctive therapies in post-thrombectomy care. With greater insight into ischemia-reperfusion injury, recent preclinical testing of neuroprotective agents has shifted towards preventing oxidative stress through upregulation of antioxidants and downstream effectors, with positive results. Advances in multiple neuroprotective therapies, including uric acid, activated protein C, nerinetide, otaplimastat, imatinib, verapamil, butylphthalide, edaravone, nelonemdaz, ApTOLL, regional hypothermia, remote ischemic conditioning, normobaric oxygen, and especially nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, have promising evidence for improving stroke care. Sedation and blood pressure management in endovascular thrombectomy also play crucial roles in improved stroke outcomes. A hand-in-hand approach with both endovascular therapy and neuroprotection may be the key to targeting disability due to stroke.

Intraoperative Blood Pressure Variability and Early Postoperative Stroke: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the association of postoperative stroke with intraoperative hemodynamic variability and transfusion management.

METHODS

In this case-control study, adult patients (≥ 18 years) who had a stroke within 72 hours of a surgical procedure were matched to 2 control patients according to age, sex, and procedure type. Primary risk factors assessed were intraoperative fluid administration, blood product transfusion, vasopressor use, and measures of variability in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate: maximum, minimum, range, SD, and average real variability. The variables were analyzed with conditional logistic regression, which accounted for the 1:2 matched case-control study design.

RESULTS

Among 687 581 procedures, we identified 64 postoperative strokes (incidence, 9.3 [95% CI, 7.2-11.9] strokes per 100 000 procedures). These cases were matched with 128 controls. Stroke cases had higher Charlson cmorbidity index scores than did controls (P = .046). Blood pressure and heart rate variability measures were not associated with stroke. The risk of stroke was increased with red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 14.82; 95% CI, 3.40-64.66; P < .001), vasopressor use (OR, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.59-9.60; P = .003), and longer procedure duration (OR, 1.23/h; 95% CI, 1.01-1.51; P = .04). Multivariable analysis of procedure duration, RBC transfusion, and vasopressor use showed that only RBC transfusion was independently associated with an increased risk of stroke (OR, 10.10; 95% CI, 2.14-47.72; P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Blood pressure variability was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative stroke; however, RBC transfusion was an independent risk factor.

The association between blood pressure at admission and in-hospital mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to examine the association between mean arterial pressure (MAP) at admission and in-hospital mortality among patients diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

In this cohort study, 1420 SAH patients were categorized into four groups based on quartiles of MAP: <82 mmHg group, 82-93 mmHg group, 93-103 mmHg group, and >103 mmHg group. Furthermore, the X-tile program was used to divide all patients into four groups: < 81.7 mmHg group, 81.7-92.3 mmHg group, 92.3-103.7 mmHg group, and > 103.7 mmHg group. The association between MAP and in-hospital mortality of SAH patients was evaluated using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was plotted to explore the association between MAP at admission and in-hospital mortality in patients with SAH.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 7.87 days, during which, 1219 (85.85%) patients survived. After adjusting for confounding factors, MAP <82 mmHg (hazard ratio (HR)=1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-2.57) or MAP >103 mmHg (HR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.38-3.29) was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality of SAH patients. Subgroup analysis depicted that MAP <82 mmHg or MAP >103 mmHg was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality in male patients or those aged ≥ 65 years. MAP >103 mmHg was linked with elevated risk of in-hospital mortality in patients aged <65 years; individuals with normal and underweight, overweight, and obesity; or people with hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The findings may offer a preliminary estimate of the optimum range for SAH patients for future randomized trials.

Persistent High Pulse Pressure in Acute Non-Cardiogenic Ischemic Stroke as a Predictor of Neurological Deterioration and Recurrence of Ischemic Stroke: ADS Post-Hoc Analysis

AIM

Studies investigating the relationship between pulse pressure (PP) and prognosis in acute ischemic stroke remain limited. Thus, in this study, we aim to determine whether changes in PP in the early phase of ischemic stroke are associated with neurological deterioration or stroke recurrence.

METHODS

Patients who participated in the Acute Aspirin Plus Cilostazol Dual Therapy for Non-cardiogenic Stroke Patients Within 48 Hours of Symptom Onset (ADS) trial were included in this study. We then divided the patients into four groups (low-low, low-high, high-low, high-high) according to low or high PP both on admission and 24 h after admission. The threshold PP calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of PP on admission for neurological deterioration within 14 days and recurrent ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 3 months was 69 mmHg.

RESULTS

Neurological deterioration within 14 days was observed in 118 patients (10.6%), whereas recurrent ischemic stroke/TIA within 3 months was noted in 34 patients (3.2%). Among these four groups, both neurological deterioration within 14 days (odds ratio [OR] 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-3.91; p=0.0209) and recurrent ischemic stroke/TIA within 3 months (OR 4.80; 95% CI 1.62-14.86; p=0.0064) were significantly more frequent in the high-high group than in the low-low group as per the results of our multivariate analysis. In addition, neurological deterioration within 14 days was significantly higher in the high-low group than that in the low-low group (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.44-5.05; p=0.0019).

CONCLUSIONS

High PP during the acute phase of ischemic stroke appears to be associated with ischemic stroke recurrence and neurological deterioration, particularly if PP is elevated both on admission and 24 h later after admission.

From Admission to Discharge: Predicting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Progression in Stroke Patients Using Biomarkers and Explainable Machine Learning

As a result of social progress and improved living conditions, which have contributed to a prolonged life expectancy, the prevalence of strokes has increased and has become a significant phenomenon. Despite the available stroke treatment options, patients frequently suffer from significant disability after a stroke. Initial stroke severity is a significant predictor of functional dependence and mortality following an acute stroke. The current study aims to collect and analyze data from the hyperacute and acute phases of stroke, as well as from the medical history of the patients, in order to develop an explainable machine learning model for predicting stroke-related neurological deficits at discharge, as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). More specifically, we approached the data as a binary task problem: improvement of NIHSS progression vs. worsening of NIHSS progression at discharge, using baseline data within the first 72 h. For feature selection, a genetic algorithm was applied. Using various classifiers, we found that the best scores were achieved from the Random Forest (RF) classifier at the 15 most informative biomarkers and parameters for the binary task of the prediction of NIHSS score progression. RF achieved 91.13% accuracy, 91.13% recall, 90.89% precision, 91.00% f1-score, 8.87% FNrate and 4.59% FPrate. Those biomarkers are: age, gender, NIHSS upon admission, intubation, history of hypertension and smoking, the initial diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and atrial fibrillation, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, stroke localization, systolic blood pressure levels, as well as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels upon admission and the onset of respiratory infection. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) model interpreted the impact of the selected features on the model output. Our findings suggest that the aforementioned variables may play a significant role in determining stroke patients' NIHSS progression from the time of admission until their discharge.

Association of Blood Pressure Variability With Death and Discharge Destination Among Critically Ill Patients With and Without Stroke

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

It is unclear whether blood pressure variability's (BPV) association with worse outcomes is unique to patients with stroke or a risk factor among all critically ill patients. We (1) determined whether BPV differed between patients with stroke and nonstroke patients, (2) examined BPV's associations with in-hospital death and favorable discharge destination in patients with stroke and nonstroke patients, and (3) assessed how minimum mean arterial pressure (MAP)-a correlate of illness severity and cerebral perfusion-affects these associations.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of adult intensive care unit patients hospitalized between 2001 and 2012 from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. Confounder-adjusted logistic regressions determined associations between BPV, measured as SD and average real variability (ARV), and (1) in-hospital death and (2) favorable discharge, with testing of minimum MAP for effect modification.

RESULTS

BPV was higher in patients with stroke (N = 2,248) compared with nonstroke patients (N = 9,085) (SD mean difference 2.3, 95% CI 2.1-2.6, p < 0.01). After adjusting for minimum tertile of MAP and other confounders, higher SD remained significantly associated (p < 0.05) with higher odds of in-hospital death for patients with acute ischemic strokes (AISs, odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% CI 1.5-4.8), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6-4.3), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH, OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2-9.3), and pneumonia (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3) and lower odds of favorable discharge destination in patients with ischemic stroke (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.6) and ICH (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.6). No interaction was found between minimum MAP tertile with SD (p > 0.05). Higher ARV was not significantly associated with increased risk of death in any condition when adjusting for illness severity but portended worse discharge destination in those with AIS (OR favorable discharge 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.7), ICH (OR favorable discharge 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7), sepsis (OR favorable discharge 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-1.0), and pneumonia (OR favorable discharge 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.8).

DISCUSSION

BPV is higher and generally associated with worse outcomes among patients with stroke compared with nonstroke patients. BPV in patients with AIS and patients with ICH may be a marker of central autonomic network injury, although clinician-driven blood pressure goals likely contribute to the association between BPV and outcomes.

Admission blood pressure and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke treated with intravenous alteplase and endovascular treatment versus endovascular treatment alone: A MR CLEAN-NO IV substudy

INTRODUCTION

High systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with poor functional outcome. We analysed whether the association of SBP with outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) is modified by prior intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a post-hoc analysis of MR CLEAN-NO IV, a randomised trial of IVT with alteplase followed by EVT versus EVT alone, within 4.5 h from stroke onset. SBP was recorded on hospital admission. The primary outcome was 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score and secondary outcomes included symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) and successful reperfusion (eTICI 2b-3), analysed with (ordinal) logistic regression. Estimates were calculated per 10 mmHg change in SBP. We assessed whether IVT modified the associations of SBP with these outcomes using multiplicative interaction terms.

RESULTS

Of 539 randomised patients, 266 received IVT. The association of SBP with mRS score was J-shaped, with an inflection point at 150 mmHg. Using 150 mmHg as a reference point, SBPs higher than 150 mmHg were associated with poor functional outcome (acOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09-1.38), but lower SBPs were not (acOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.99-1.30). Higher SBP was not associated with the risk of sICH (aOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.93-1.27) nor with the probability of successful reperfusion (aOR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.91-1.10). Our main result was that we found no effect modification by IVT (p-values for interaction, mRS = 0.94; sICH = 0.26; successful reperfusion = 0.58).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

There was no effect modification of IVT with SBP for any of the clinical outcomes. Therefore, the level of SBP (if ⩽185/110 mmHg) should not guide IVT decisions in patients otherwise eligible for both IVT and EVT within the 4.5-h time window.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN80619088, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN80619088.

Prevalence of Electrolyte Imbalance in Patients With Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review

Electrolyte abnormalities are common in acute stroke patients and have a substantial impact on the course and prognosis of the disease. Electrolyte imbalances such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and phosphate abnormalities are frequently seen in this patient population. The incidence, root causes, and medical ramifications of electrolyte abnormalities in acute stroke patients are investigated in this comprehensive study. According to our research, hyponatremia is the most prevalent electrolyte imbalance. The most common reason for hyponatremia in stroke patients is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Higher mortality rates, longer hospital admissions, and less favorable functional outcomes are all linked to hyponatremia. Acute stroke patients also typically experience hypokalemia, which affects the severity of the stroke and the recovery of functional abilities. The review furthermore emphasizes the incidence and clinical consequences of hypercalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypocalcemia in patients with acute stroke. The results highlight the significance of early electrolyte imbalance detection and treatment in acute stroke patients. To better comprehend therapeutic approaches, evaluate their influence on stroke outcomes, and analyze prognostic implications, more research is required.

A Multi-modal Teacher-student Framework for Improved Blood Pressure Estimation

Blood pressure (BP) is a critical vital sign that hypertensive patients regularly measure. In this study, we propose a novel BP estimation framework to distill the knowledge from a multi-modal model to a uni-modal BP estimation model through teacher-student training. The multi-modal BP estimation model consists of three components: first, a gated recurrent unit network that generates features from photoplethysmogram, electrocardiogram, age, height, and weight; second, an attention mechanism that integrates each feature into joint embeddings; and third, a regression layer that estimates BP from the joint embeddings. The uni-modal BP estimation model has similar components to the multi-modal model but uses only PPG signal. BP is predicted by the embeddings extracted from the uni-modal model, and these embeddings are trained to be as similar as possible to the joint embeddings extracted from the multi-modal model. The proposed method demonstrates absolute prediction errors of 5.24±6.41 and 3.49±3.85 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the MIMIC-III dataset, satisfying the AAMI standard.

Early mobilisation is associated with lower subacute blood pressure and variability in ICH: A retrospective cohort study✰

BACKGROUND

Very early rehabilitation after stroke appears to worsen outcome, particularly in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Plausible mechanisms include increased mean blood pressure (BP) and BP variability.

AIMS

To test associations between early mobilisation, subacute BP and survival, in observational data of ICH patients during routine clinical care.

METHODS

We collected demographic, clinical and imaging data from 1372 consecutive spontaneous ICH patients admitted between 2 June 2013 and 28 September 2018. Time to first mobilisation (defined as walking, standing, or sitting out-of-bed) was extracted from electronic records. We evaluated associations between early mobilisation (within 24 h of onset) and both subacute BP and death by 30 days using multifactorial linear and logistic regression analyses respectively.

RESULTS

Mobilisation at 24 h was not associated with increased odds of death by 30 days when adjusting for key prognostic factors (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.1, p = 0.07). Mobilisation at 24 h was independently associated with both lower mean systolic BP (-4.5 mmHg, 95% CI -7.5 to -1.5 mmHg, p = 0.003) and lower diastolic BP variability (-1.3 mmHg, 95% CI -2.4 to -0.2 mg, p = 0.02) during the first 72 h after admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjusted analysis in this observational dataset did not find an association between early mobilisation and death by 30 days. We found early mobilisation at 24 h to be independently associated with lower mean systolic BP and lower diastolic BP variability over 72 h. Further work is needed to establish mechanisms for the possible detrimental effect of early mobilisation in ICH.

Relationship between mean blood pressure during hospitalization and clinical outcome after acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

The optimal blood pressure (BP) targets for acute ischemic stroke are unclear. We aimed to assess the relationship between Mean BP and clinical outcomes during hospitalization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 649 patients with Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from December 2020 to July 2021. BP was measured daily, and mean blood pressure was calculated. Clinical events recorded within 90 days of randomization were: recurrent ischemic stroke, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and death. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to measure primary outcomes 3 months after AIS. Logistic multiple regression analysis was performed by statistical software R.

RESULT

There is a nonlinear U-shaped relationship between SBP and poor outcomes. This means higher SBP and lower SBP will increase the incidence of poor outcomes. The optimal mean SBP during hospitalization was 135-150 mmHg, and patients with SBP < 135mmhg OR 2.4 [95% Cl, (1.16 ~ 4.97)], P = 0.018; and > 150mmhg OR 2.04 [95% Cl, 1.02 ~ 4.08], p = 0.045 had a higher probability of poor outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the optimal SBP of patients with AIS during hospitalization was 135-150 mmHg. The findings suggest that the relationship between mean SBP and 3-month functional outcome after AIS was U-shaped. Both higher SBP and lower SBP lead to poor prognosis in AIS patients.

Blood pressure management in ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy

The relationship between presenting blood pressure in acute ischemic stroke patients and outcome is complex. Several studies have demonstrated a U-shaped curve with worse outcomes when blood pressure is high or low. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines recommend values of blood pressure < 185/110 mmHg in patients treated with intravenous t-PA and "permissive hypertension" up to 220/120 mmHg in those not treated with intravenous t-PA. The optimal blood pressure target is less clear in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Before thrombectomy, the guidelines recommend a blood pressure < 185/110 mmHg though patients with even lower systolic blood pressures may have better outcomes. During and after thrombectomy, the guidelines recommend a blood pressure < 180/105 mmHg. However, several studies have suggested that during thrombectomy the primary goal should be to prevent significant low blood pressure (e.g., target systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or MAP > 70 mmHg). After thrombectomy, the primary goal should be to prevent high blood pressure (e.g., target systolic blood pressure < 160 mmHg or MAP < 90 mmHg). To make more specific recommendations, large, randomized-control studies are needed that address factors such as the baseline blood pressure, timing and degree of revascularization, status of collaterals, and estimated risk of reperfusion injury.

Significance of pulse pressure variability in predicting functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study

This study aimed to determine the association between pulse pressure variability (PPV) and short- and long-term outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. We studied 203 tertiary stroke center patients with AIS. PPV during 72 h after admission was analyzed using different variability parameters including standard deviation (SD). Patients' outcome was assessed after 30 and 90 days post-stroke with modified Rankin Scale. The association between PPV and outcome was investigated using logistic regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounders. The predictive significance of PPV parameters was determined using area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics. In the unadjusted logistic regression analysis, all PPV indicators were independently associated with unfavorable outcome at 30 days (i.a. Odds ratio (OR) = 4.817, 95%CI 2.283-10.162 per 10 mmHg increase in SD, p = 0.000) and 90 days (i.a. OR = 4.248, 95%CI 2.044-8.831 per 10 mmHg increase in SD, p = 0.000). After adjustment for confounders, ORs for all PPV indicators remained statistically significant. On the basis of AUC values, all PPV parameters were found relevant outcome predictors (p < 0.01). In conclusion, elevated PPV during first 72 h after admission due to AIS is associated with unfavorable outcome at 30 and 90 days, independent of mean blood pressure levels.

Association between hypertension and stroke in US adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2007 to 2018

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is associated with stroke events. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between hypertension and stroke in American adults from 2007 to 2018 in National health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.

METHODS

28528 individuals in the NHANES from 2007 to 2018 were included in the cross-sectional analysis. The independent variable was blood pressure (BP) and the outcome variable was stroke. Multivariate linear regression model was used to study the correlation between BP and stroke.

RESULTS

In each multivariate linear regression model, BP level was positively correlated with stroke, and this positive correlation was stable in both men and women (man OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.69; woman OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.78).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that there is a significant positive correlation between BP and stroke. When the systolic blood pressure (SBP) is about 140 mmHg, the risk of stroke is the lowest; Male patients with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of about 80 mmHg have a lower risk of stroke.

Association between Mean Arterial Pressure during the First 24 Hours and Clinical Outcome in Critically Ill Stroke Patients: An Analysis of the MIMIC-III Database

Abnormal blood pressure is common in critically ill stroke patients. However, the association between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and mortality of critically ill stroke patients remains unclear. We extracted eligible acute stroke patients from the MIMIC-III database. The patients were divided into three groups: a low MAP group (MAP ≤ 70 mmHg), a normal MAP group (70 mmHg < MAP ≤ 90 mmHg), and a high MAP group (MAP > 90 mmHg). The Cox proportional hazards model and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the association between MAP and mortality. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate whether MAP had different effects on mortality in different subpopulations. A total of 2885 stroke patients were included in this study. The crude 7-day and 28-day mortality was significantly higher in the low MAP group than that in the normal MAP group. By contrast, patients in the high MAP group did not have higher crude 7-day and 28-day mortality than those in the normal MAP group. After multiple adjustments using the Cox regression model, patients with low MAP were consistently associated with higher 7-day and 28-day mortality than those with normal MAP in the following subgroups: age > 60 years, male, those with or without hypertension, those without diabetes, and those without CHD (p < 0.05), but patients with high MAP were not necessarily associated with higher 7-day and 28-day mortality after adjustments (most p > 0.05). Using the restricted cubic splines, an approximately L-shaped relationship was established between MAP and the 7-day and 28-day mortality in acute stroke patients. The findings were robust to multiple sensitivity analyses in stroke patients. In critically ill stroke patients, a low MAP significantly increased the 7-day and 28-day mortality, while a high MAP did not, suggesting that a low MAP is more harmful than a high MAP in critically ill stroke patients.

Brain-Lung Crosstalk: Management of Concomitant Severe Acute Brain Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Purpose of Review

To summarize pathophysiology, key conflicts, and therapeutic approaches in managing concomitant severe acute brain injury (SABI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Recent Findings

ARDS is common in SABI and independently associated with worse outcomes in all SABI subtypes. Most landmark ARDS trials excluded patients with SABI, and evidence to guide decisions is limited in this population. Potential areas of conflict in the management of patients with both SABI and ARDS are (1) risk of intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation with high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), permissive hypercapnia due to lung protective ventilation (LPV), or prone ventilation; (2) balancing a conservative fluid management strategy with ensuring adequate cerebral perfusion, particularly in patients with symptomatic vasospasm or impaired cerebrovascular blood flow; and (3) uncertainty about the benefit and harm of corticosteroids in this population, with a mortality benefit in ARDS, increased mortality shown in TBI, and conflicting data in other SABI subtypes. Also, the widely adapted partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) target of > 55 mmHg for ARDS may exacerbate secondary brain injury, and recent guidelines recommend higher goals of 80-120 mmHg in SABI. Distinct pathophysiology and trajectories among different SABI subtypes need to be considered.

Summary

The management of SABI with ARDS is highly complex, and conventional ARDS management strategies may result in increased ICP and decreased cerebral perfusion. A crucial aspect of concurrent management is to recognize the risk of secondary brain injury in the individual patient, monitor with vigilance, and adjust management during critical time windows. The care of these patients requires meticulous attention to oxygenation and ventilation, hemodynamics, temperature management, and the neurological exam. LPV and prone ventilation should be utilized, and supplemented with invasive ICP monitoring if there is concern for cerebral edema and increased ICP. PEEP titration should be deliberate, involving measures of hemodynamic, pulmonary, and brain physiology. Serial volume status assessments should be performed in SABI and ARDS, and fluid management should be individualized based on measures of brain perfusion, the neurological exam, and cardiopulmonary status. More research is needed to define risks and benefits in corticosteroids in this population.

Systolic blood pressure trajectories after acute ischemic strokes and clinical outcomes: A systematic review

Blood pressure(BP) varies drastically during the acute phase after stroke onset. BP level and BP variability may have a major impact on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) prognosis. However, the association between trajectories of blood pressure over time and clinical outcomes have not been established. This review sought out existing evidences for associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories on outcomes after stroke to determine the connection between SBP trajectories and stroke prognosis. According to a pre‐designed search strategy, literature search was carried out in Embase, Pubmed and Web of Science. Two authors independently evaluated study eligibility and quality, and literature data were extracted. When the literature was eligible, we perform meta‐analysis to determine associations of SBP trajectories with clinical outcomes. Seven studies were finally screened out of 52 studies retrieved. Seven studies received a good risk of bias rating and reported BP measurement methods and intervals, BP trajectories modeling methods, outcome measures, but it was found that final systolic BP trajectories in various papers were significantly different. All studies reported statistically significant associations between systolic blood pressure trajectories and prognosis. Methodological heterogeneity is observed in studies. However, this systematic review suggests that the high SBP group after AIS is related to poor clinical outcomes, while the rapid decline or medium‐to‐low or low SBP group is associated with relatively better clinical outcomes at different period after stroke. More prospective studies are needed to report the full methodology according to standardized criteria and explore relationships between SBP trajectories and prognosis of stroke.

Acute Neurointervention for Ischemic Stroke

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is one of the major causes of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. Until recently treatment of AIS was supportive, and in a minority of patients intravenous thrombolysis was available but with marginal clinical benefit. With the advent of stent retrievers, distal aspiration catheters as well as improved patient selection neurologic outcomes have greatly improved. However, the care of patients with AIS is still challenging and requires the early recognition of stroke symptoms, extensive diagnostic testing, early intervention, and advanced nursing and critical care.

Blood Pressure Management for Ischemic Stroke in the First 24 Hours

High blood pressure (BP) is common after ischemic stroke and associated with a poor functional outcome and increased mortality. The conundrum then arises on whether to lower BP to improve outcome or whether this will worsen cerebral perfusion due to aberrant cerebral autoregulation. A number of large trials of BP lowering have failed to change outcome whether treatment was started prehospital in the community or hospital. Hence, nuances on how to manage high BP are likely, including whether different interventions are needed for different causes, the type and timing of the drug, how quickly BP is lowered, and the collateral effects of the drug, including on cerebral perfusion and platelets. Specific scenarios are also important, including when to lower BP before, during, and after intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy/thrombectomy, when it may be necessary to raise BP, and when antihypertensive drugs taken before stroke should be restarted. This narrative review addresses these and other questions. Although further large trials are ongoing, it is increasingly likely that there is no simple answer. Different subgroups of patients may need to have their BP lowered (eg, before or after thrombolysis), left alone, or elevated.

Blood Pressure in Acute Stroke and Secondary Stroke Prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertension is common in patients presenting with stroke and is independently associated with unfavorable outcomes. This article reviews current guidelines for early management of blood pressure (BP) and highlights the findings of recent investigative works.

RECENT FINDINGS

Intensive blood pressure reduction after receiving alteplase has not been shown to improve outcomes. Patients with large vessel occlusions may benefit from lower blood pressure targets post-intervention. Retrospective analyses of large intracerebral hemorrhage trials suggest that specific subgroups of patients may disproportionately benefit from or be harmed by intensive BP reduction. Robust data for management of blood pressure in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients is lacking and expert consensus continues to guide decision-making. Despite the impact of hypertension on outcomes, most prospective trials assessing efficacy of blood pressure reduction have yielded neutral or inconclusive results. Further trials are necessary to determine which patient populations are most likely to benefit from blood pressure control.

Blood Pressure Goals in Acute Stroke

Antihypertensive treatment is highly effective in both primary and secondary prevention of stroke. However, current guideline recommendations on the blood pressure goals in acute stroke are clinically empirical and generally conservative. Antihypertensive treatment is only recommended for severe hypertension. Several recent observational studies showed that the relationship between blood pressure and unfavorable clinical outcomes was probably positive in acute hemorrhagic stroke but J- or U-shaped in acute ischemic stroke with undetermined nadir blood pressure. The results of randomized controlled trials are promising for blood pressure management in hemorrhagic stroke but less so in ischemic stroke. A systolic blood pressure goal of 140 mm Hg is probably appropriate for acute hemorrhagic stroke. The blood pressure goal in acute ischemic stroke, however, is uncertain, and probably depends on the time window of treatment and the use of revascularization therapy. Further research is required to investigate the potential benefit of antihypertensive treatment in acute stroke, especially with regard to the possible reduction of blood pressure variability and more intensive blood pressure lowering in the acute and subacute phases of a stroke, respectively.

Pressor therapy in acute ischaemic stroke: an updated systematic review

Background

Low blood pressure (BP) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is associated with poor functional outcome, death, or severe disability. Increasing BP might benefit patients with post-stroke hypotension including those with potentially salvageable ischaemic penumbra. This updated systematic review considers the present evidence regarding the use of vasopressors in AIS.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE and trial databases using a structured search strategy. We examined reference lists of relevant publications for additional studies examining BP elevation in AIS.

Results

We included 27 studies involving 1886 patients. Nine studies assessed increasing BP during acute reperfusion therapy (intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, intra-arterial thrombolysis or combined). Eighteen studies tested BP elevation alone. Phenylephrine was the most commonly used agent to increase BP (n = 16 studies), followed by norepinephrine (n = 6), epinephrine (n = 3) and dopamine (n = 2). Because of small patient numbers and study heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not possible. Overall, BP elevation was feasible in patients with fluctuating or worsening neurological symptoms, large vessel occlusion with labile BP, sustained post-stroke hypotension and ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis or after acute reperfusion therapy. The effects on functional outcomes were largely unknown and close monitoring is advised if such intervention is undertaken.

Conclusion

Although theoretical arguments support increasing BP to improve cerebral blood flow and sustain the ischaemic penumbra in selected AIS patients, the data are limited and results largely inconclusive. Large, randomised controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal BP target, agent, duration of treatment and effects on clinical outcomes.

Integrative cerebral blood flow regulation in ischemic stroke

Optimizing cerebral perfusion is key to rescuing salvageable ischemic brain tissue. Despite being an important determinant of cerebral perfusion, there are no effective guidelines for blood pressure (BP) management in acute stroke. The control of cerebral blood flow (CBF) involves a myriad of complex pathways which are largely unaccounted for in stroke management. Due to its unique anatomy and physiology, the cerebrovascular circulation is often treated as a stand-alone system rather than an integral component of the cardiovascular system. In order to optimize the strategies for BP management in acute ischemic stroke, a critical reappraisal of the mechanisms involved in CBF control is needed. In this review, we highlight the important role of collateral circulation and re-examine the pathophysiology of CBF control, namely the determinants of cerebral perfusion pressure gradient and resistance, in the context of stroke. Finally, we summarize the state of our knowledge regarding cardiovascular and cerebrovascular interaction and explore some potential avenues for future research in ischemic stroke.

Low Blood Pressure, Comorbidities, and Ischemic Stroke Mortality in US Veterans

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Low blood pressure (BP) is associated with higher stroke mortality, although the factors underlying this association have not been fully explored. We investigated prestroke BP and long-term mortality after ischemic stroke in a national sample of US veterans.

METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort study design of veterans hospitalized between 2002 and 2007 with a first ischemic stroke and with ≥1 outpatient BP measurements 1 to 18 months before admission, we defined 6 categories each of average prestroke systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP, and 7 categories of pulse pressure. Patients were followed-up to 12 years for primary outcomes of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. We used Cox models to relate prestroke BP indices to mortality and stratified analyses by the presence of preexisting comorbidities (smoking, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation/flutter, cancer, and dementia), race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Of 29 690 eligible veterans with stroke (mean±SD age 67±12 years, 98% men, 67% White), 2989 (10%) had average prestroke SBP<120 mm Hg. During a follow-up of 4.1±3.3 years, patients with SBP<120 mm Hg experienced 61% all-cause and 27% cardiovascular mortality. In multivariable analyses, patients with the lowest SBP, lowest diastolic BP, and highest pulse pressure had the highest mortality risk: SBP<120 versus 130 to 139 mm Hg (hazard ratio=1.26 [95% CI, 1.19-1.34]); diastolic BP <60 versus 70 to 79 mm Hg (hazard ratio=1.35 [95% CI, 1.23-1.49]); and pulse pressure ≥90 versus 60 to 69 mm Hg (hazard ratio=1.24 [95% CI, 1.15-1.35]). Patients with average SBP<120 mm Hg and at least one comorbidity (smoking, heart disease, cancer, or dementia) had the highest mortality risk (hazard ratio=1.45 [95% CI, 1.37-1.53]).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with normotension, low prestroke BP was associated with mortality after stroke, particularly among patients with at least one comorbidity.

Inpatient Management of Acute Stroke of Unknown Type in Resource-Limited Settings

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with a disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income countries. Critical elements of guideline-based stroke care developed in high-income countries are not applicable to resource-limited settings, where lack of access to neuroimaging prevents clinicians from distinguishing between ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage, requiring challenging clinical decision-making, particularly in the acute setting. We discuss strategies for acute inpatient management of stroke of unknown type with a focus on blood pressure management and antiplatelet therapy when neuroimaging is unavailable, and review some of the challenges and strategies for successfully implementing stroke unit care in resource-limited health care settings.

Insights into a personalized management of blood pressure in acute stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Blood pressure management in acute stroke has long been a matter of debate. Epidemiological data show that high blood pressure is associated with death, disability and early stroke recurrence, whereas the pathophysiological rationale for ensuring elevated blood pressure in order maintain adequate cerebral perfusion remains a pertinent argument, especially in ischaemic stroke.

RECENT FINDINGS

The European Stroke Organisation Guidelines on blood pressure management in acute ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage provide recommendations for the appropriate management of blood pressure in various clinical acute stroke settings.

SUMMARY

In this narrative review, we provide specific updates on blood pressure management in ICH, blood pressure management in the setting of reperfusion therapies for ischaemic stroke, and the evidence for the use of induced hypertension in patients with acute ischaemic stroke in the light of the recent guidelines.

Early lowering of blood pressure after acute intracerebral haemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data

OBJECTIVE

To summarise evidence of the effects of blood pressure (BP)-lowering interventions after acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

A prespecified systematic review of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception to 23 June 2020 to identify randomised controlled trials that compared active BP-lowering agents versus placebo or intensive versus guideline BP-lowering targets for adults <7 days after ICH onset. The primary outcome was function (distribution of scores on the modified Rankin scale) 90 days after randomisation. Radiological outcomes were absolute (>6 mL) and proportional (>33%) haematoma growth at 24 hours. Meta-analysis used a one-stage approach, adjusted using generalised linear mixed models with prespecified covariables and trial as a random effect.

RESULTS

Of 7094 studies identified, 50 trials involving 11 494 patients were eligible and 16 (32.0%) shared patient-level data from 6221 (54.1%) patients (mean age 64.2 [SD 12.9], 2266 [36.4%] females) with a median time from symptom onset to randomisation of 3.8 hours (IQR 2.6-5.3). Active/intensive BP-lowering interventions had no effect on the primary outcome compared with placebo/guideline treatment (adjusted OR for unfavourable shift in modified Rankin scale scores: 0.97, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.06; p=0.50), but there was significant heterogeneity by strategy (p_interaction=0.031) and agent (p_interaction<0.0001). Active/intensive BP-lowering interventions clearly reduced absolute (>6 ml, adjusted OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.60 to 0.92; p=0.0077) and relative (≥33%, adjusted OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.68 to 0.99; p=0.034) haematoma growth.

INTERPRETATION

Overall, a broad range of interventions to lower BP within 7 days of ICH onset had no overall benefit on functional recovery, despite reducing bleeding. The treatment effect appeared to vary according to strategy and agent.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019141136.

Hypertension management in elderly with severe intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective

To explore the effect of individualized blood pressure (BP)‐lowering treatment on the outcomes of elderly patients with severe intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

We performed an exploratory analysis of Controlling Hypertension After Severe Cerebrovascular Event (CHASE) trial, which was a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Patients with severe ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (defined as GCS ≤ 12 or NIHSS ≥ 11) were randomized into individualized versus standard BP‐lowering treatment in CHASE trial. In this exploratory analysis, patients with severe ICH were included. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with 90‐day functional independence defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2.

Results

We included 242 patients with severe ICH in the present analysis, consisting of 142 patients aged <65 years and 100 patients aged ≥65 years. There were significant differences between patients aged ≥65 years and <65 years in the proportion of functional independence (47.9% vs. 15.0%, P < 0.001) and good outcome (73.9% vs. 50.0%, P < 0.001) at day 90. In patients aged ≥65 years, the adjusted individualized BP‐lowering treatment had an unequivocal effect on the functional independence at day 90 (21.6% vs. 8.2%, odds ratio [OR]: 4.309, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.040‐17.859, P = 0.044) and improved the neurological deficits at discharge (∆ NIHSS ≥ 4: 64.7% vs. 34.7%, OR: 4.300, 95% CI: 1.599‐11.563, P = 0.004).

Interpretation

Compared with the younger counterparts, the elderly patients (≥65 years) with acute severe ICH might benefit more from individualized BP‐lowering treatment.

Perioperative Care of Patients at High Risk for Stroke During or After Non-cardiac, Non-neurological Surgery: 2020 Guidelines From the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care

Perioperative stroke is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Stroke recognition and diagnosis are challenging perioperatively, and surgical patients receive therapeutic interventions less frequently compared with stroke patients in the outpatient setting. These updated guidelines from the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care provide evidence-based recommendations regarding perioperative care of patients at high risk for stroke. Recommended areas for future investigation are also proposed.

The Neuroinflammasome in Alzheimer's Disease and Cerebral Stroke

Aim/Background

This review investigated a patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) treated with 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) as a neuroinflammasome competitor.

Methods

We monitored AD's progression through numeric clinical staging (NCS) with a new biomarker. NCS was determined by the presence of AD symptoms and neuropsychiatric (NP) symptoms caused by anti-AD (AAD) drugs (D) as a biomarker. We also monitored the function of DDS for stroke in a no-intake emergency state.

Results

By introducing (D), AD's progression was monitored through NCS staging. AAD side effects and neuropsychiatric symptoms were identified. DDS was stopped in patients with stroke with NCS 6 caused by AAD, and it rapidly proceeded to cerebral infarct.

Conclusions

AAD can occasionally exacerbate AD and stroke. DDS can alleviate mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early AD and stroke. We clinically confirmed the role of DDS as a neuroinflammasome competitor after stroke. DDS preserved neuronal survival within 24–55 h in the Seoul Study cohort.

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on blood pressure management in acute ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage

The optimal blood pressure (BP) management in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) remains controversial. These European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to assist physicians in their clinical decisions regarding BP management in acute stroke.The guidelines were developed according to the ESO standard operating procedure and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The working group identified relevant clinical questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and made specific recommendations. Expert consensus statements were provided where insufficient evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach. Despite several large randomised-controlled clinical trials, quality of evidence is generally low due to inconsistent results of the effect of blood pressure lowering in AIS. We recommend early and modest blood pressure control (avoiding blood pressure levels >180/105 mm Hg) in AIS patients undergoing reperfusion therapies. There is more high-quality randomised evidence for BP lowering in acute ICH, where intensive blood pressure lowering is recommended rapidly after hospital presentation with the intent to improve recovery by reducing haematoma expansion. These guidelines provide further recommendations on blood pressure thresholds and for specific patient subgroups. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the most appropriate blood pressure management in AIS and ICH. Future randomised-controlled clinical trials are needed to inform decision making on thresholds, timing and strategy of blood pressure lowering in different acute stroke patient subgroups.

Evaluation of Systolic Blood Pressure, Use of Aspirin and Clopidogrel, and Stroke Recurrence in the Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke Trial

IMPORTANCE

Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) after acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) is associated with future stroke risk.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with stroke recurrence among patients with acute ischemic stroke and TIA with or without elevated baseline SBP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study performed a post hoc subgroup analysis of the Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke (POINT) trial, which was a multicenter trial conducted from 2010 to 2018 at 269 sites in 10 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Patients enrolled in POINT with available blood pressure and outcome data were included in this cohort. Statistical analysis was performed from November 2020 to January 2021.

EXPOSURES

Baseline SBP less than 140 mm Hg vs greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and the interaction term of SBP (<140 mm Hg vs ≥140 mm Hg) × treatment group (aspirin vs DAPT).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was ischemic stroke during 90 days of follow-up. The statistical analysis fit Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for patient age, race, premorbid hypertension, diabetes, and final diagnosis of the qualifying event (stroke vs TIA).

RESULTS

Among 4781 patients in the cohort, the mean (SD) age was 64.6 (13.1) years; 2142 (44.8%) were male individuals, 3487 (72.9%) were White individuals, and 266 (5.6%) had a primary outcome of ischemic stroke during follow-up. There were 946 patients (19.8%) with baseline SBP less than 140 mm Hg and 3835 (80.2%) with SBP greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg. The interaction term (SBP × treatment) was significant (P for interaction = .03). In the subgroup of patients with SBP less than 140 mm Hg, the hazard ratio (HR) of DAPT vs aspirin alone for ischemic stroke was 0.36 (95% CI, 0.18-0.72; P = .004), whereas the HR in the subgroup with SBP greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.60-1.02; P = .08). When evaluating the outcome of ischemic stroke within 7 days of randomization, the interaction term was significant (P for interaction = .02), and the HR for patients with DAPT with SBP less than 140 mm Hg was 0.19 (95% CI, 0.07-0.55; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In the POINT trial, patients with SBP less than 140 mm Hg at presentation received a greater benefit from 90 days of DAPT than those with higher baseline SBP, particularly for reduction of early ischemic stroke recurrence. Additional research is needed to replicate these findings and potentially test whether mild SBP reduction and DAPT within 12 hours of stroke onset lowers early risk of stroke recurrence.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Use in Intracranial Hemorrhage Patients With Cirrhosis Not on Prior Anticoagulation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) have a 30-day mortality rate up to 52%, and the risk of mortality is increased in patients with disease-induced coagulopathy such as cirrhosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether 4F-PCC administration mitigates hematoma expansion in ICH patients with cirrhosis not currently receiving anticoagulation therapy compared to standard of care therapies.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study comparing adult patients with ICH and history of cirrhosis who received 4F-PCC versus standard of care therapies. The primary outcome was rate of ICH expansion within 24 hours after admission.

RESULTS

A total of 58 patients were included with 21 who received 4FPCC vs 37 who received standard of care therapies. The 4F-PCC group had a significantly higher number of patients with Child Pugh Class C cirrhosis (85.7% vs. 48.6%, P = 0.006), higher baseline INR (1.7 vs. 1.4, P = 0.001) and more patients with a spontaneous cause of hemorrhage (61.9% vs. 29.7%, P = 0.01). Stable follow-up head CT was achieved in 68.4% of patients who received 4F-PCC versus 72.7% of patients treated with standard of care therapies (P = 0.11). Patients who received 4F-PCC had a significantly greater change in INR within 24 hours (-0.2 vs. 0, P = 0.02) and higher rate of mortality (61.9% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.001). Baseline INR > 2 and surgical evacuation for ICH were associated with decreased odds of stable follow-up head CT in the multivariate logistic regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of 4F-PCC did not significantly improve the rate of stable head CT at 24 hours in patients with ICH and cirrhosis. Randomized clinical trials with larger patient populations are warranted to fully determine the role of 4F-PCC in this unique population.