Dehydration is an independent predictor of discharge outcome and admission cost in acute ischaemic stroke

Prevalence and risk factors associated with dehydration of patients with dysphagia in eastern China: A cross-sectional study

AIMS

Dehydration is one of the common complications of dysphagia and poses significant risks including hospitalization and mortality, but the relationship between dysphagia and dehydration has received little attention. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors for dehydration of patients with dysphagia in eastern China, and to provide reference for early identification and prevention of dehydration.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional design was conducted. Three hundred and thirty-seven (n = 337) patients with dysphagia participated in the study between August and December 2022. Information relating to participants' demographic variables, nutrition, cognition, functional, hydration status and fluid intake was collected. Univariate analysis was used to examine related impact factors, and then binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine reliable impact factors.

RESULTS

Among 337 patients with dysphagia, the average age was 63.47 ± 16.96, most participants were male (72.1%) and married (91.7%). The prevalence of dehydration was calculated to be 43.9%, the mean plasma osmolality score was 293.53 mmol/L. Diseases with the highest prevalence were stroke (78.3%), followed by hypertension (63.5%). The risk for dehydration increased with older age, usage of more medicines such as diuretics and beta-blockers, worse functional status and lower fluid intake.

CONCLUSION

This study found a high percentage of dehydration in patients with dysphagia. Findings can provide a basis for targeted nursing interventions for clinical prevention and treatment of dehydration.

An observational study on salivary conductivity for fluid status assessment and clinical relevance in acute ischemic stroke during intravenous fluid hydration

The body fluid status in acute stroke is a crucial determinant in early stroke recovery but a real-time method to monitor body fluid status is not available. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between salivary conductivity and body fluid status during the period of intravenous fluid hydration. Between June 2020 to August 2022, patients presenting with clinical signs of stroke at the emergency department were enrolled. Salivary conductivities were measured before and 3 h after intravenous hydration. Patients were considered responsive if their salivary conductivities at 3 h decreased by more than 20% compared to their baseline values. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and early neurological improvement was defined as a decrease of ≥ 2 points within 72 h of admission. Among 108 recruited patients, there were 35 of stroke mimics, 6 of transient ischemic attack and 67 of acute ischemic stroke. Salivary conductivity was significantly decreased after hydration in all patients (9008 versus 8118 µs/cm, p = 0.030). Among patients with acute ischemic stroke, the responsive group, showed a higher rate of early neurological improvement within 3 days compared to the non-responsive group (37% versus 10%, p = 0.009). In a multivariate logistic regression model, a decrease in salivary conductivity of 20% or more was found to be an independent factor associated with early neurological improvement (odds ratio 5.42, 95% confidence interval 1.31-22.5, p = 0.020). Real-time salivary conductivity might be a potential indicator of hydration status of the patient with acute ischemic stroke.

Implementing a Screen-Clean-Hydrate bundle of care for improving swallow screening, oral health, and hydration in acute stroke: Protocol for a Type 2 hybrid-effectiveness pre-post study

Stroke clinical guidelines recommend care processes that optimize patient outcomes and minimize hospital-acquired complications. However, audits and surveys illustrate that recommended care is not always consistently or thoroughly implemented. This paper outlines the methods for implementing and evaluating a new bundle of care. Screen-Clean-Hydrate bundles together recommendations from the Australian Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management and supplements these with evidence-informed best practice from the literature for: swallow screening within 4 h of presentation to hospital (Screen); oral health assessment and delivery of oral care (Clean); and hydration assessment and management (Hydrate). The study is a pre-post Type 2 hybrid effectiveness/implementation design with an embedded process evaluation, which will be conducted in two acute stroke units in a capital city of Australia. The integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (iPARIHS) framework will be used to guide study design, conduct, and evaluation. Clinical effectiveness will be measured by rates of hospital-acquired complications and proxy measures of cost (length of stay, procedure costs) for 60 patient participants pre- and postimplementation. Implementation outcomes will focus on acceptability, feasibility, uptake and fidelity, and identification of barriers and enablers to implementation through staff interviews, medical record audits, and researcher field notes. Due to its design as a hybrid effectiveness/implementation study, once completed, the study will provide information on both intervention and implementation effectiveness, including details of successful and unsuccessful multidisciplinary implementation strategies. This will inform a larger multisite effectiveness/implementation trial for future upscale, leading to improved compliance with stroke guidelines and therefore stroke outcomes.

Diagnosis and treatment of dehydration after stroke: A synthesis of existing evidence

Dehydration after stroke is associated with poor health outcomes, increased mortality, and poses a significant economic burden to health services. Yet research suggests that monitoring and assessment of hydration status is not routinely undertaken. In this commentary, we critically appraise a systematic review which aimed to synthesise the existing evidence regarding diagnosis and treatment of dehydration after stroke. The review discusses common measures of dehydration, describes studies evaluating rehydration treatments, and highlights the link between dehydration and poorer health outcomes in both human and animal studies. The reviewers suggest, future research should focus on determining a single, validated, objective measure to clinically diagnose dehydration in stroke patients. Research designs should include clearly defined patient characteristics, type and severity of stroke, and type and time point of dehydration measurement, to enable comparison between studies. Management of hydration status is a crucial element of acute stroke care which should be routinely practiced.

Dysphagia-related acute stroke complications: A retrospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Post-stroke dysphagia is associated with aspiration pneumonia, but strategies intended to mitigate this complication, such as oral intake modifications, may unintentionally lead to dehydration-related complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and constipation. This study aimed to determine the rates of aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, UTI and constipation in a large cohort of acute stroke patients and the independent predictors of each complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were extracted retrospectively for 31,953 acute stroke patients admitted to six hospitals in Adelaide, South Australia over a 20-year period. Tests of difference compared rates of complications between patients with and without dysphagia. Multiple logistic regression modelling explored variables that significantly predicted each complication.

RESULTS

In this consecutive cohort of acute stroke patients, with a mean (SD) age of 73.8 (13.8) years and 70.2% presenting with ischaemic stroke, rates of complications were: aspiration pneumonia (6.5%); dehydration (6.7%); UTI (10.1%); and constipation (4.4%). Each complication was significantly more prevalent for patients with dysphagia compared to those without. Controlling for demographic and other clinical variables, the presence of dysphagia independently predicted aspiration pneumonia (OR=2.61, 95% CI 2.21-3.07; p<.001), dehydration (OR=2.05, 95% CI 1.76-2.38; p<.001), UTI (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.16-1.56; p<.001), and constipation (OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.07-1.59; p=.009). Additional predictive factors were increased age and prolonged hospitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, UTI, and constipation are common acute sequelae of stroke and independently associated with dysphagia. Future dysphagia intervention initiatives may utilise these reported complication rates to evaluate their impact on all four adverse health complications.

Stroke Outcome Related to Initial Volume Status and Diuretic Use

Background We hypothesized that stroke outcome is related to multiple baseline hydration-related factors including volume contracted state (VCS) and diuretic use. Methods and Results We analyzed a prospective cohort of subjects with ischemic stroke <24 hours of onset enrolled in acute treatment trials within VISTA (Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive). A VCS was defined based on blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio. The primary end point was modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. Primary analysis used generalized ordinal logistic regression over the mRS range, adjusted for Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events score, onset-to-enrollment time, and thrombolytic use. Of 5971 eligible patients with stroke, 42% were taking diuretics at the time of hospitalization, and 44% were in a VCS. Patients in a VCS were older, had more vascular risk factors, were more likely taking diuretics, and had more severe strokes. Diuretic use was associated with both reduced chance of achieving a good functional outcome (odds ratio [OR], 0.57 [95% CI, 0.52-0.63]) and increased mortality at 90 days (OR, 2.30 [95% CI, 2.04-2.61]). VCS was associated with greater mortality 90 days after stroke (OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.33-1.76]). There was no evidence of effect modification among the 3 exposures of VCS, diuretic use, or hypokalemia in relation to outcome. Conclusions A VCS at the time of hospitalization was associated with more severe stroke and odds of death but not associated with worse functional outcome when accounting for relevant characteristics. Diuretic use and low serum potassium at the time of stroke onset were associated with worse outcome and may be worthy of further investigation.

Enteral Nutrition and Hydration in Patients with Acute Stroke: Efficacy of an Automatic Pump System for Water Administration and Flushes-A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Enteral nutrition is often prescribed in acute stroke to meet energy and fluid needs in patients with dysphagia. Tubes clogging represent a common complication of enteral formula delivery, requiring substitution and influencing nutrition administration. Frequent water flushes are recommended as one of the most effective procedures to prevent tube occlusion, but it might be time demanding and not consistently performed by the healthcare staff. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an automatic flush pump, compared to a manual flush system, to prevent tubes' occlusions in acute-stroke patients, as this might affect nutrition and hydration.

METHODS

Gastrointestinal symptoms, nutrition and hydration biomarkers were also monitored to determine the different devices' safety. Sixty-two patients were included in the study and allocated to the "manual" or "automatic" flushes device.

RESULTS

The mean duration of data collection was 7 ± 2 days. Tube occlusions occurred in 22.6% of the patients in the "manual" group, whereas only one tube clogging was reported in the "automatic" group (p = 0.023). No significant differences between groups were reported for constipation and diarrhea frequency nor nutrition and hydration status. When the nurses were asked to simulate manual flush administration at the same frequency of the automatic device, they were able to meet the recommendations only 10% of the time.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study suggests the efficacy of automatic flush systems to prevent enteral tube clogging, without affecting health status compared to standard manual flush systems.

The Impact of Mean Arterial Pressure and Volume Contraction in With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose

Hydration at the time of stroke may impact functional outcomes. We sought to investigate the relationship between blood pressure, hydration status, and stroke severity in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

We evaluated hydration status, determined by blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio, in consecutive patients with AIS from a single comprehensive stroke center. Baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) was analyzed using a linear spline with a knot at 90 mmHg. Baseline stroke severity was defined based on admission NIH Stroke Scale scores (NIHSSS) and MRI diffusion-weighted imaging.

Results

Among 108 eligible subjects, 55 (51%) presented in a volume contracted state. In adjusted models, in the total sample, for every 10 mmHg higher MAP up to 90 mmHg, NIHSSS was 2.8 points lower (p = 0.053), without further statistically significant association between MAP above 90 and NIHSSS. This relationship was entirely driven by the individuals in a volume contracted state: MAP was not associated with NIHSSS in individuals who were euvolemic. For individuals in a volume contracted state, each 10 mmHg higher MAP, up to 90 mmHg, was associated with 6.9 points lower NIHSSS (95% CI −11.1, −2.6). MAP values above 90 mmHg were not related to NIHSSS in either dehydrated or euvolemic patients.

Conclusions

Lower MAP contributes to more severe stroke in patients who are volume contracted, but not those who are euvolemic, suggesting that hydration status and blood pressure may jointly contribute to the outcome. Hydration status should be considered when setting blood pressure goals for patients with AIS.

Admission Dehydration Status Portends Adverse Short-Term Mortality in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

The impact of dehydration at admission of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on short-term mortality remains ambiguous due to scarce data. All of the consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH, who were referred to our neurovascular center in 2018/19, were assessed for hydration status on admission. Dehydration was defined by a blood urea-to-creatinine ratio > 80. In a cohort of 249 patients, 76 patients (31%) were dehydrated at the time of admission. The following factors were significantly and independently associated with increased 30-day mortality in multivariate analysis: “signs of cerebral herniation” (p = 0.008), “initial midline shift > 5 mm” (p < 0.001), “ICH score > 3” (p = 0.007), and “admission dehydration status” (p = 0.007). The results of the present study suggest that an admission dehydration status might constitute a significant and independent predictor of short-term mortality in patients with spontaneous ICH.

Factors associated with early improvement after intravenous thrombolytic treatment in acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

: The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with early neurological improvement (ENI) in patients who experienced acute ischemic stroke and were treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA), and determine the relationship with the outcome at the first control.

METHOD

: This study included 377 patients who were treated with IV rt-PA in Izmir Dokuz Eylül University Hospital between January 2010 and October 2018. ENI was defined as a 4 or more improvement in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in the first hour, the twenty-fourth hour and the seventh day when compared to the pretreatment phase. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-1 score was defined as 'very good outcome'.

RESULTS

: The basal NIHSS (p=0.003, p=0.003, p=0.022) was high in the first hour, twenty-fourth hour, and seventh day ENI groups. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was low in the first- and twenty-fourth-hour ENI groups (p=0.007, p=0.020). Furthermore, admission glucose was low at the twenty-fourth hour and on the seventh day ENI groups (p=0.005, p=0.048). A high infarct volume was observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the twenty-fourth hour and on the seventh day non-ENI groups (p= <0.001, p= <0.001).

CONCLUSION

: Management of factors associated with ENI and determination of treatment strategies accordingly are important for obtaining a better clinical outcome. It can help quickly select patients, who, even though they will not respond to rt-PA, may be appropriate candidates for bridging therapy.

Nutrition and hydration management among stroke patients in inpatient rehabilitation: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION

In 2012 in Australia, stroke was the cause of 11 791 deaths and affected the lives of over 420 000 survivors. Survivors experience significant physical and cognitive deficits; and accumulate a 43% risk of subsequent stroke. Effective evidence-based management of stroke is essential. The Stroke Foundation released Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management in 2017. Within these guidelines, nutrition and hydration are recognized as important aspects of poststroke management. Audit criteria drawn from the guidelines focussed on the role of multidisciplinary screening, assessment, monitoring and treatment of dehydration and malnutrition; as well as provision of nutrition education and counselling relating to secondary prevention of stroke. The implementation team included dietetics, medical and nursing staff. The project was completed in the stroke unit at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre (Adelaide, South Australia).

OBJECTIVES

To determine current compliance with Australian Clinical Guidelines of Stroke Management 2017, specifically those relating to nutrition, hydration and secondary prevention. To engage a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement strategies promoting best practice care for stroke survivors.

METHODS

The project utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System audit tool for baseline and follow-up audit, and the Getting Research into Practice feedback tool to facilitate practice change.

RESULTS

Postimplementation audit results demonstrated improvement in four criteria: Criterion 3 - Nondysphagic stroke patients with confirmed malnutrition or at risk for malnutrition are offered oral nutrition supplements, Criterion 4 - Stroke patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition are referred to a Dietitian for individualized medical nutrition therapy, Criterion 5 - The hydration status of stroke patients is assessed, monitored and managed throughout their hospital admission, Criterion 6 - Stroke survivors are referred to a Dietitian for the provision of individualized dietary advice which incorporates secondary prevention strategies. Criterion 7 (A collaborative goal setting approach which includes the stroke survivor, their families and carers and the rehabilitation care team is implemented) remained consistent at 100% compliance. Although Criteria 5 and 6 improved during the project, they remained below 75% compliance therefore, offer ongoing opportunity for development. Criterion 1 (Stroke patients are screened for malnutrition upon admission using a validated malnutrition screening tool) and Criterion 2 (Stroke patients are rescreened for malnutrition weekly using a validated malnutrition screening tool) were affected by a change from written to electronic medical records therefore, the results did not accurately reflect the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The current project successfully increased knowledge of nutrition and hydration management for stroke survivors and more closely aligned inpatient management with best practice guidelines to improve health outcomes. It highlighted areas of focus moving forward and has prompted ongoing work for sustaining evidence-based practice change.

Admission Hydration Status and Ischemic Stroke Outcome-Experience from a National Registry of Hospitalized Stroke Patients

Reduced intravascular volume upon ischemic stroke (IS) admission has been associated with in-hospital complications, disability, and reduced survival. We aimed to evaluate the association of the urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) with disability or death at discharge, length of stay, in-hospital complications, and mortality during the first year. Using a national registry, we identified hospitalized IS patients without renal failure. Disability or death at discharge, length of stay, in-hospital complications, and mortality during the first year were studied by UCR, and associations between UCR levels and each outcome were assessed adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, comorbidities, use of statins, and use of diuretics. In total, 2212 patients were included. Levels (median (25-75%)) for the main study variables were: urea 5.16 (3.66-6.83) mmol/L; creatinine 80 (64-92) µmol/L; and UCR 65 (58-74). Levels of UCR were significantly higher in patients with disability or death at discharge (p < 0.0001), those with complications during hospitalization (p = 0.03), those with infection during hospitalization (p = 0.0003), and those dead at 1 year (p < 0.0001). Analysis by UCR quartile showed that rates of disability or death at discharge, infections, complications overall, and death at 1 year in patients with UCR in the 4th quartile were significantly higher than in others. Risk-factor-adjusted analysis by UCR quartiles demonstrated an inconsistent independent association between UCR and disability or death after ischemic stroke. A high 1-year mortality rate was observed in IS patients with elevated UCR, yet this finding was not statistically significant after controlling for risk factors. Our study shows inconsistent associations between hydration status and poor functional status at discharge, and no association with length of stay, in-hospital complications (infectious and overall), and 1-year mortality.

Admission Dehydration Is Associated With Significantly Lower In-Hospital Mortality After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose: Our aim was to investigate the frequency of dehydration at admission and associations with in-hospital mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: Data of consecutive patients with ICH between August 2015 and July 2019 from the China Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) registry were analyzed. The patients were stratified based on the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine (CR) ratio (BUN/CR) on admission into dehydrated (BUN/CR ≥ 15) or non-dehydrated (BUN/CR < 15) groups. Data were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression models to investigate admission dehydration status and the risks of death at hospital. Results: A total number of 84,043 patients with ICH were included in the study. The median age of patients on admission was 63.0 years, and 37.5% of them were women. Based on the baseline BUN/CR, 59,153 (70.4%) patients were classified into dehydration group. Patients with admission dehydration (BUN/CR ≥ 15) had 13% lower risks of in-hospital mortality than those without dehydration (BUN/CR < 15, adjusted OR = 0.87, 95%CI 0.78-0.96). In patients aged <65 years, admission dehydration was associated with 19% lower risks of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR = 0.81, 95%CI 0.70-0.94. adjusted p = 0.0049) than non-dehydrated patients. Conclusion: Admission dehydration is associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality after ICH, in particular, in patients <65 years old.

A physiological perspective of the associations between hydration status and CTP neuroimaging parameters in hyper-acute ischaemic stroke patients

Hypohydration may be associated with vascular diseases, poor prognosis and worse outcomes in stroke. The underlying mechanisms have not yet been completely investigated, although some studies suggested potential associations with brain perfusion and collaterals status. Despite the potentially different mechanisms promoting serum or urine biomarkers of hypohydration, few studies have investigated both markers separately. A prospective descriptive study was conducted in stroke patients admitted to a stroke unit <4.5 h from symptoms onset. All patients underwent neurological evaluation and whole-brain computed tomography perfusion (CTP) upon admission. Blood and urine samples were immediately collected at admission, and patients were defined as "hypohydrated" (HYP) if blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio was >15 and "underhydrated" (UND) if urine osmolality was >500 mOsm/kg. CTP images were processed to calculate core, penumbra, their mismatch and total hypoperfused volume. Forty-six patients were included and were grouped according to hydration status. Despite no different NIHSS at baseline, at CTP HYP was independently associated with core-penumbra mismatch (β: -0.157, 95% CI: -0.305 to -0.009; p = .04), while UND was independently associated with the total hypoperfused volume (β: 31.502, 95% CI: 8.522-54.481; p = .01). Using CTP imaging, this study proposes a physiological insight of some possible mechanisms associated with the better outcomes observed in acute stroke patients when properly hydrated. These results suggest different associations between hydration status and CTP parameters depending on serum or urine biomarkers in the hyper-acute phase and encourage the association between hydration status and stroke characteristics.

Acute Neurological Deterioration in Large Vessel Occlusions and Mild Symptoms Managed Medically

Background and Purpose—

It is unclear which factors predict acute neurological deterioration in patients with large vessel occlusion and mild symptoms. We aim to evaluate the frequency, timing, and potential predictors of acute neurological deterioration ≥4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) points in medically managed patients with large vessel occlusion and mild presentation.

Methods—

Single-center retrospective study of patients with consecutive minor stroke (defined as NIHSS score of ≤5 on presentation) and large vessel occlusion from January 2014 to December 2017. Primary outcome was acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points during the hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included ΔNIHSS (defined as discharge minus admission NIHSS score).

Results—

Among 1133 patients with acute minor strokes, 122 (10.6%) had visible occlusions on computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography. Twenty-four (19.7%) patients had ≥4 points deterioration on NIHSS at a median of 3.6 (1–16) hours from arrival. No clinical or radiological predictors of acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points were observed on multivariable analysis. Rescue endovascular thrombectomy was performed more often in the ones with acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points compared with patients with no deterioration (54% versus 0%; P <0.001). Acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points was associated with ΔNIHSS ≥4 points (33% versus 4.9%; P <0.01) and a trend toward lower independence rates at discharge (50% versus 70%; P =0.06) compared with the group with no deterioration. In patients with any degree of neurological worsening, patients who underwent rescue thrombectomy were more likely to be independent at discharge (73% versus 38%; P =0.02) and to have a favorable ΔNIHSS (−2 [−3 to 0] versus 0 [−1 to 6]; P =0.05) compared with the ones not offered rescue thrombectomy.

Conclusions—

Acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points was observed in a fifth of patients with large vessel occlusion and mild symptoms, occurred very early in the hospital course, impacted functional outcomes, and could not be predicted by any of the studied clinical and radiological variables. Rescue thrombectomy was associated with improved clinical outcomes at discharge in patients with neurological deterioration.

Prevalence of hypohydration and its association with stroke severity and independence outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients

Hypohydration has been suggested increasing the risk of vascular diseases, and it is associated with poor prognosis and worse functional outcome in stroke. Most studies have used blood parameters to determine patients' hydration status. The aim of this study was to measure urine osmolality (uOsm) and its influence on stroke severity and independence. A prospective descriptive study was conducted in stroke patients admitted to a stroke unit. All patients underwent neurological evaluation at admission and discharge using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Independence at discharge was evaluated with the Barthel Index (BI) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). uOsm was measured at admission. Patients were grouped in "poor fluid intake" (PF) and "euhydration" (EU), the latter if uOsm ≤ 500 mOsm/kg. Among 119 included patients, the prevalence of PF was 52%, with no difference observed between groups in demographics or blood samples analyses. PF had higher chances of NIHSS > 8 at admission (OR: 4.7 95% CI: 1.3-17.0; p = 0.02), lower BI at discharge (β: -15.3 95% CI: -26.7 to -3.8; p = 0.01), and worse mRS at discharge (OR: 4.01 95% CI: 1.2-14.0; p = 0.02). These findings are consistent with previous results, suggesting that uOsm may be a factor significantly associated with stroke severity and independence outcome after acute ischemic stroke.

Factors affecting dural sinus density in non-contrast computed tomography of brain

The possibility of changing the intracranial vasculature computed tomography (CT) attenuation under the influence of variable factors is a long-held unestablished belief. The purpose of this study is to evaluate factors affecting dural sinus density in non-contrast computed tomography of the brain. Patients presented with acute neurologic symptoms to the emergency department were candidates to be enrolled in this study. A region of interest (ROI) measuring 1-2-mm² recorder (base on sinus size) used to measure the attenuation of each sinus in Hounsfield Unit (HU) and then mean density calculated. CBC, BUN and Cr were extracted from patients' records. Chi-square test, correlation analyze, independent sample unpaired student t-test and one-way ANOVA test and Multivariate logistic regression were used. Positive significant correlation (0.48) was found between the hematocrit level (HCT) and average attenuation in the four sinus segments (P value < 0.0001) and between the HCT and basilar artery attenuation (P value < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between the age and average attenuation. There was a significant and negative correlation between the BUN/Cr and average attenuation. Using a multivariate analysis on a large sample volume, we conclude that Hgb and HCT are the only factors that have a significant correlation with average sinus attenuation. This correlation is relatively stronger for Hgb in comparison to HCT.

Fluid Balance Variations During the Early Phase of Large Hemispheric Stroke Are Associated With Patients' Functional Outcome

Background: From the variety of factors underlying the ischemia-associated edema formation in large hemispheric stroke (LHS), an increased brain water content during the early phase seems to have a pivotal role for long-lasting tissue damage. However, the importance of the fluid management during the acute phase of LHS has so far not been adequately studied. Therefore, this study explored the association between the fluid balance and functional outcome in patients suffering from LHS. Methods: We analyzed hospital-based medical records of 39 consecutive patients with LHS and decompressive hemicraniectomy. Over the first 10 days after admission, the volumes of all administered fluids were assessed daily and corrected for daily urinary output and insensible loss. Functional outcome at 3 months was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and dichotomized into an acceptable (mRS ≤ 4) vs. a poor outcome (mRS ≥ 5). Results: Compared to patients with a poor functional outcome (n = 19), those with an acceptable outcome (n = 20) were characterized by a significantly lower cumulative net fluid balance at day 5 (1.6 ± 2.5 vs. 3.4 ± 4.4 l), day 7 (2.0 ± 2.9 vs. 4.6 ± 5.2 l), and day 10 (0 ± 2.5 vs. 5.6 ± 6.2 l). In addition to age, only the cumulative net fluid balance at day 10 served as an independent factor for poor functional outcome in multiple regression analyses. Conclusion: These data provide evidence for a critical role of the early phase net fluid balance with respect to the functional outcome after LHS. This observation leads to the hypothesis that patients with LHS might benefit from a more restrictive volume therapy. However, prospective studies are warranted to establish a causal relationship and recommendations for treatment strategies.

Contribution of dehydration to END in acute ischemic stroke not mediated via coagulation activation

OBJECTIVE

Dehydration is a risk factor for early neurological deterioration (END) after ischemic stroke, yet the underlying mechanism is unclear. Outbalanced coagulation activation may contribute to ischemia progression, concurrently with dehydration-induced blood viscosity change. We aimed to investigate whether the contribution of dehydration to END was mediated by blood coagulation activation.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients presenting with mild or moderate stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤14) within 24 hr of onset between Jan 2016 and Dec 2017. Dehydration was defined by a serum nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) of ≥15 and blood coagulation activity was assessed with thromboelastography (TEG). The correlations between BUN/Cr and TEG parameters were assessed and their relationship in the development of END was analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 244 patients, 64 (26.2%) developed END within 3 days after admission. Patients with END had significantly higher BUN/Cr (19.2 ± 5.7 vs. 15.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.008), shorter R and K on TEG test (R: 3.9 ± 1.0 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1, p = 0.001; K: 1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4, p = 0.005). Comparison between patients with and without dehydration revealed no significant differences in TEG parameters. Multivariate regression suggested that dehydration status (OR 3.91, 95%CI 2.17-8.67, p = 0.008) and shorter R tercile on TEG (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.23-7.90, p = 0.016) were independently associated with END; however, the odds ratio of R for END remained unchanged after adjustment for dehydration status.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that the contribution of dehydration to END after ischemic stroke was mediated by blood coagulation activation.

A multidisciplinary consensus on dehydration: definitions, diagnostic methods and clinical implications

Background: Dehydration appears prevalent, costly and associated with adverse outcomes. We sought to generate consensus on such key issues and elucidate need for further scientific enquiry. Materials and methods: A modified Delphi process combined expert opinion and evidence appraisal. Twelve relevant experts addressed dehydration's definition, objective markers and impact on physiology and outcome. Results: Fifteen consensus statements and seven research recommendations were generated. Key findings, evidenced in detail, were that there is no universally accepted definition for dehydration; hydration assessment is complex and requires combining physiological and laboratory variables; "dehydration" and "hypovolaemia" are incorrectly used interchangeably; abnormal hydration status includes relative and/or absolute abnormalities in body water and serum/plasma osmolality (pOsm); raised pOsm usually indicates dehydration; direct measurement of pOsm is the gold standard for determining dehydration; pOsm >300 and ≤280 mOsm/kg classifies a person as hyper or hypo-osmolar; outside extremes, signs of adult dehydration are subtle and unreliable; dehydration is common in hospitals and care homes and associated with poorer outcomes. Discussion: Dehydration poses risk to public health. Dehydration is under-recognized and poorly managed in hospital and community-based care. Further research is required to improve assessment and management of dehydration and the authors have made recommendations to focus academic endeavours. Key messages Dehydration assessment is a major clinical challenge due to a complex, varying pathophysiology, non-specific clinical presentations and the lack of international consensus on definition and diagnosis. Plasma osmolality represents a valuable, objective surrogate marker of hypertonic dehydration which is underutilized in clinical practice. Dehydration is prevalent within the healthcare setting and in the community, and appears associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Management of Blood Pressure After Acute Ischemic Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present manuscript examines the significance of blood pressure elevation in patients with acute ischemic stroke, the physiologic principles worthy of consideration during its treatment, and the recent empirical evidence that should guide management protocols. It also provides a sound and practical approach to treatment along the time continuum, with particular relevance to reperfusion strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The existing evidence shows that both insufficient and excessive blood pressures are detrimental to the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke. This "U-shaped" relation, however, relates to measurements at the time of presentation, and clinical studies lack detail and specificity relative to differential measurements along the time continuum, particularly prior to and following reperfusion. Extrapolating from recent series, it is possible to construct treatment protocols balanced for effectiveness and safety. The management of blood pressure after acute ischemic stroke is an important, complex, and challenging aspect of care, requiring a thorough understanding of cerebrovascular physiology. Along the time continuum, the therapeutic priorities start with the preservation of penumbral tissue prior to reperfusion and then follow with the limitation of the damaging effects of excessive blood pressure readings after reperfusion, optimizing the chances of improved outcomes.

Effects of the blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio on haemorrhagic transformation in AIS patients with diabetes mellitus

Background

The effect of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine (Cr) ratio (henceforth BUN/Cr) on haemorrhagic transformation (HT) of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients is unclear.

Methods

AIS patients in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China, admitted within seven days from stroke onset (2012–2016) were included in the study. Baseline data, including BUN and Cr levels, were collected. The outcome was defined as HT during hospitalization.

Results

In this study, 1738 participants with an average age of 62.7 ± 14.0 years were included. After adjusting potential confounders (age, blood platelet, albumin, stroke severity, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein [LDL]), multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that BUN/Cr is independently associated with HT. The nonlinear relation between BUN/Cr and HT was explored in a dose-dependent manner, with an apparent inflection point of 30.71. On the left and right sides of the inflection point, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 1.05 (1.02–1.08) and 0.96 (0.88–1.05), respectively. Interaction between BUN/Cr and diabetes mellitus (DM) and HT (P for interaction = 0.0395) was noted. BUN/Cr showed positive correlation with HT in DM patients (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: [1.02, 1.12]) but no significant relationship with HT in patients without DM.

Conclusion

BUN/Cr is significantly associated with HT in AIS patients in a linear fashion, with an apparent cut point demarcating the HT difference. When the patients have DM, BUN/Cr is positively correlated with HT. These results support a revision in how we anticipate the prognosis for AIS patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-019-1290-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Frequency, Risk Factors, and Prognosis of Dehydration in Acute Stroke

Objective: To determine the frequency, risk factors, and impact on the outcome of dehydration after stroke. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, we included prospectively and consecutively patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The serum Urea/Creatinine ratio (U/C) was calculated at admission and 3 days after the stroke. Dehydration was defined as U/C>80. Patients were treated in accordance with the standard local hydration protocol. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Neurological severity was evaluated at admission according to the NIHSS score; functional outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin scale score (mRS) at discharge and 3 months after the stroke. Unfavorable outcome was defined as mRS > 2. Results: We evaluated 203 patients; 78.8% presented an ischemic stroke and 21.2% a hemorrhagic stroke. The mean age was 73.4 years ±12.9; 51.7% were men. Dehydration was detected in 18 patients (8.9%), nine patients at admission (4.5%), and nine patients (4.5%) at 3 days after the stroke. Female sex (OR 3.62, 95%CI 1.13-11.58, p = 0.03) and older age (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1-1.11, p = 0.048) were associated with a higher risk of dehydration. Dehydration was significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome at discharge (OR 5.16, 95%CI 1.45-18.25, p = 0.011), but the association was not significant at 3 months (OR 2.95, 95%CI 0.83-10.48, p = 0.095). Conclusion: Dehydration is a treatable risk factor of a poor functional outcome after stroke that is present in 9% of patients. Females and elders present a higher risk of dehydration.

Fluid and energy intake in stroke patients during acute hospitalization in a stroke unit

Proper hydration and nutrition have been found to be contributing factors to a better recovery in patients after stroke. A better knowledge of factors influencing fluid and energy intake may contribute to a better care of the acute stroke patient. Aim of this study was to describe hydration status, fluid intake, and energy intake of stroke patients during acute hospitalization in a stroke unit. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in stroke patients admitted to a stroke unit. All patients received neurological evaluation and urinary osmolality (uOsm) measure at admission and discharge. During stroke unit stay patients received a day-by-day diary to record data about beverages, food, and therapy. Water and energy content were then reported based on a national nutritional database. Ninety-five patients were included in the analysis. uOsm did not differ between patients with or without dysphagia, with uOsm > 500 mosm/kg in 58.1% at admission and 57.8% at discharge. Inadequate fluid intake was found in 41.2% of the sample with no difference between groups. Insufficient energy intake was found in 95.6% of the sample, with no patients with dysphagia reaching the minimum suggested amount. Our results suggest that a relevant proportion of stroke patients with and without dysphagia may not improve their hydration status during the first days after admission. Diet and therapy were insufficient to achieve recommended fluid intake and energy intake in a large proportion of patients, suggesting a more careful monitoring of hydration and nutrition needs.

Impact of hydration status on haemodynamics, effects of acute blood pressure-lowering treatment, and prognosis after stroke

Aims

Although high blood pressure (BP) is common in acute stroke and associated with poor outcome, the Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial showed no beneficial effect of antihypertensive treatment in this situation. Antihypertensive agents have accentuated effects in dehydrated patients. We assessed the impact of dehydration on haemodynamics, the effects of antihypertensive treatment, and prognosis in the ENOS trial.

Methods

ENOS randomized 4011 patients with acute stroke and raised systolic BP to a glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) patch or no GTN patch, and to continue or to stop existing antihypertensive treatment within 48 h of onset. The primary outcome was functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS) at day 90. Blood markers of dehydration at baseline were collected at two sites (n = 310) and their relationship with haemodynamics and outcome was assessed.

Results

There were no significant associations between dehydration markers and fall in blood pressure from baseline to day 1, and no significant interaction with allocated treatment. Overall, increasing urea was associated with an unfavourable shift in mRS [odds ratio 3.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42, 8.32; P = 0.006] and increased risk of death at day 90 (hazard ratio 4.55, 95% CI 1.51, 13.66; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Blood pressure‐lowering treatment was safe in dehydrated patients, with no precipitous changes in BP, thus supporting its use in acute stroke prior to blood markers of dehydration becoming available. Increased baseline urea was associated with poor prognosis after stroke.

Effects of Dehydration on Brain Perfusion and Infarct Core After Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats: Evidence From High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Dehydration is common among ischemic stroke patients and is associated with early neurological deterioration and poor outcome. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that dehydration status is associated with decreased cerebral perfusion and aggravation of ischemic brain injury. Methods: Diffusion-weighted imaging and arterial spin labeling perfusion MR imaging were performed on rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by using a 9.4T MR imaging scanner to measure the volume of infarction and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) after infarction. Twenty-five rats were assigned to either a dehydration group or normal hydration group, and dehydration status was achieved by water deprivation for 48 h prior to MCAO. Results: The volume of the infarction was significantly larger for the dehydration group at the 4th h after MCAO (p = 0.040). The progression in the infarct volume between the 1st and 4th h was also larger in the dehydration group (p = 0.021). The average rCBF values of the contralateral normal hemispheres at the 1st and the 4th h were significantly lower in the dehydration group (p = 0.027 and 0.040, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that dehydration status is associated with the progression of infarct volume and decreases in cerebral blood flow during the acute stage of ischemic stroke. This preliminary study provided an imaging clue that more intensive hydration therapies and reperfusion strategies are necessary for the management of acute ischemic stroke patients with dehydration status.

Primary 'dehydration' and acute stroke: a systematic research review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hydration status at the time of stroke has been acknowledged as an important determinant in early stroke recovery. However, the diagnosis of dehydration, or more accurately, a volume-contracted state, at the time of stroke is challenging since there are currently no consensus diagnostic criteria. In this systematic review, we gather the available evidence about diagnosis and treatment of dehydration after stroke.

METHODS

Studies of hospitalized ischemic stroke patients that reported rates of dehydration from January 1997 to March 2017 were screened for inclusion via a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus using keywords hydration, dehydration, hemodilution, viscosity, volume status, and thirst.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies of 8699 acute stroke patients were included. Nineteen studies reported on the diagnostic approach to dehydration. Findings are synthesized into four main categories of available research including studies that specify: (1) biological mechanisms using animal models to investigate the relationship between dehydration and stroke; (2) measures of dehydration in the acute human stroke population; (3) rehydration therapies after stroke; and (4) outcomes after stroke in dehydrated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We found considerable variation in terminology specific to hydration status, diagnostic approach to dehydration, and few prospective studies of treatment strategies with varying results. This review supports the need for consensus development of operational diagnostic criteria, standardization of language, and the opportunity for prospective study of rehydration strategies to impact outcome after stroke.

Pilot study of volume contracted state and hospital outcome after stroke

BACKGROUND

An increasing body of research suggests that acute stroke patients who are dehydrated may have worsened functional outcomes. We sought to explore the relationship between a volume contracted state (VCS) at the time of ischemic stroke and hospital outcomes as compared with euvolemic patients.

METHODS

We enrolled a consecutive series of ischemic stroke patients from a single academic stroke center within 12 hours from stroke onset. VCS was defined via surrogate markers (blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio >15 and urine specific gravity >1.010). The primary outcome was change in NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from admission to discharge. Multivariable analyses included adjustment for demographics and infarct size.

RESULTS

Over an 11-month study period, 168 patients were eligible for inclusion. Of the126 with complete laboratory and MRI data, 44% were in a VCS at the time of admission. Demographics were similar in both the VCS and euvolemic groups, as were baseline NIHSS scores (6.7 vs 7.3; p = 0.63) and infarct volumes (12 vs 16 mL; p = 0.48). However, 42% of patients in a VCS demonstrated early clinical worsening, compared with 17% of the euvolemic group (p = 0.02). A VCS remained a significant predictor of worsening NIHSS in adjusted models (odds ratio 4.34; 95% confidence interval 1.75-10.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute stroke patients in a VCS demonstrate worse short-term outcomes compared to euvolemic patients, independent of infarct size. Results suggest an opportunity to explore current hydration practices.

Causes of Death in Different Subtypes of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke

Causes of death in both ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) subtypes are not comprehensively studied. Between 2008 and 2011, we enrolled 11 215 first-ever stroke patients from the Stroke Registry of Chang-Gung Healthcare System and linked these data to the national death registry. The main causes of death in each stroke subtype were assessed. Patients with HS had higher overall mortality than IS (32.0% vs 18.1%, P < .001). In IS subtypes, large-artery atherosclerosis plus cardioembolism had the worst mortality (40.7%, P < .001). Stroke was the leading cause of death in both IS and HS within the first year. Stroke remained the major cause of death in HS, but cancer was the leading cause of death in IS after the first year. After excluding the patients with previous cancer history, cancer was still an important cause of death in IS and HS, particularly in the IS subtypes of small vessel occlusion, stroke of undetermined etiology, and transient ischemic attack.

Recent advances in the management of transient ischemic attacks

Significant advances in our understanding of transient ischemic attack (TIA) have taken place since it was first recognized as a major risk factor for stroke during the late 1950's. Recently, numerous studies have consistently shown that patients who have experienced a TIA constitute a heterogeneous population, with multiple causative factors as well as an average 5–10% risk of suffering a stroke during the 30 days that follow the index event. These two attributes have driven the most important changes in the management of TIA patients over the last decade, with particular attention paid to effective stroke risk stratification, efficient and comprehensive diagnostic assessment, and a sound therapeutic approach, destined to reduce the risk of subsequent ischemic stroke. This review is an outline of these changes, including a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages, and references to how new trends are likely to influence the future care of these patients.

Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen/Creatinine Ratio Is Associated with Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective

Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is frequently related to dehydration, the impact of dehydration on VTE in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is not clear. This study investigated whether dehydration, as measured by blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine (Cr) ratio, influences the occurrence of VTE in patients with AIS.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients with AIS between January 2012 and December 2013. Patients with newly diagnosed AIS who experienced prolonged hospitalization for at least 4 weeks were included in this study.

Results

Of 182 patients included in this study, 17 (9.3%) suffered VTE during the follow-up period; in two cases, VTE was accompanied by deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Patients with VTE were more frequently female and had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, more lower limb weakness, and elevated blood urea nitrogen BUN/Cr ratio on admission. In a multivariate analysis, BUN/Cr ratio >15 (odds ratio [OR] 8.75) and severe lower limb weakness (OR 4.38) were independent risk factors for VTE.

Conclusion

Dehydration on admission in cases of AIS might be a significant independent risk factor for VTE.

The influence of dehydration on the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke for patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator

Background

Many studies have determined that dehydration is an independent predictor of outcome after ischemic stroke (IS); however, none have determined if the use of thrombolytic therapy modifies the negative impact of poor hydration. To inform the stroke registry established at our institution, we conducted a retrospective study to determine if dehydration remains a negative prognostic factor after IS patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).

Methods

Between 2007 and 2012, we recruited 382 subjects; 346 had data available and were divided into 2 groups on the basis of their blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio. Dehydrated subjects had a BUN/Cr ratio ≥ 15; hydrated subjects had a BUN/Cr < 15. The primary outcome was impairment at discharge as graded by the Barthel Index (BI) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

The dehydration group had a greater mean age; more women; lower mean levels of hemoglobin, triglycerides, and sodium; and higher mean potassium and glucose levels. A favorable outcome as assessed by the mRS (≤2) was significantly less frequent among dehydrated subjects, but a favorable outcome by the BI (≥60) was not. Logistic regression and multivariate models confirmed that dehydration is an independent predictor of poor outcome by both the mRS and the BI; however, it was not predictive when patients were stratified by Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment subtype.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that use of thrombolytic therapy does not eliminate the need to closely monitor hydration status in patients with IS.

Therapeutic Potential of Transdermal Glyceryl Trinitrate in the Management of Acute Stroke

The nitric oxide donor, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), is a candidate treatment for the management of acute stroke with haemodynamic and potential reperfusion and neuroprotective effects. When administered as a transdermal patch during the acute and subacute phases after stroke, GTN was safe, lowered blood pressure, maintained cerebral blood flow, and did not induce cerebral steal or alter functional outcome. However, when given within 6 h of stroke onset, GTN reduced death and dependency (odds ratio 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.78), death, disability, cognitive impairment and mood disturbance, and improved quality of life (data from two trials, n = 312). In a pooled analysis of four studies (n = 186), GTN reduced between-visit systolic blood pressure variability over days 1-7 compared with no GTN (mean difference -2.09; 95% confidence interval -3.83 to -0.35; p = 0.019). The efficacy of GTN given in the ultra-acute/pre-hospital setting is currently being assessed and, if found to be beneficial, the implications for hyperacute stroke practice are significant. Here, we discuss the evidence to date, potential mechanisms of action and future possibilities, including unanswered questions, for the therapeutic potential of GTN in acute stroke.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis May Follow a Seasonal Pattern

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated seasonal and temporal variations in the incidence of arterial stroke; however, for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), such study seems lacking. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether there is any seasonal variation for CVST, and association between CVST occurrence and temperature.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted from January 2004 to July 2015 in 2 referral centers for the patients with cerebrovascular disorders. One hundred and sixty-six consecutive patients with a hospital admission or discharge diagnosis of definite CVST were included. The incidence of CVST was compared between high-temperature and low-temperature months.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 36.71 ± 12.44 and 130 (78.31%) subjects were female. The highest frequency of CVST was seen in 3 months of July to September (1.69/month per year); and the lowest frequency of CVST was seen from December to April (.83/month per year). Additionally, there was a significant correlation between the mean average of temperature in each month and the frequency of CVST occurrence (r = .60, P = .03). Moreover, we found a cluster of patients, mostly females, in whom CVST occurred in cold months and accompanied visible cerebral infarct with higher occurrence of seizure, focal neurological deficit, and loss of consciousness.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that the incidence of CVST increases in high-temperature months of the year and dehydration and ensuing consequences may play an important role in such augmentation; however, the visible cerebral infarct is again more observed in low-temperature months.

Factors Affecting Attenuation of Dural Sinuses on Noncontrasted Computed Tomography Scan

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Noncontrasted computed tomography (NCCT) is used as the initial neuroimaging test of choice for patients who present with new-onset neurological symptoms. An apparently hyperattenuated venous sinus may lead to the suspicion of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Improved understanding of all factors that can affect attenuation of dural sinuses can guide triage of patients to or from further investigations of suspected CVST. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of different factors including hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb), age, BUN/Cr ratio (blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio), and gender on the attenuation of dural sinuses on brain NCCT.

METHODS

A total of 1293 patients with neurological symptoms who presented to the emergency department were included in this study. For each patient, clinical assessment, laboratory investigations, and brain NCCT were reviewed. For each brain NCCT, the average attenuation of superior sagittal sinus and both right and left sigmoid sinuses was measured.

RESULTS

Positive significant correlations were found between average attenuation of dural sinuses on one hand and each of age, Hb, and HCT on the other hand. No significant correlation was found between average attenuation and BUN/Cr ratio. Gender discrepancy was also significant as higher attenuation was found in men.

CONCLUSION

Age, gender, and Hb levels are the main factors that should be taken into account upon the assessment of dural sinuses on brain NCCT. The highest normal attenuation is predicted in an elderly polycythemic man and the lowest is predicted in a young anemic woman.

Prediction of in-hospital stroke mortality in critical care unit

BACKGROUND

Critical stroke causes high morbidity and mortality. We examined if variables in the early stage of critical stroke could predict in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

We recruited 611 ischemic and 805 hemorrhagic stroke patients who were admitted within 24 h after the symptom onset. Data were analyzed with independent t test and Chi square test, and then with multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In ischemic stroke, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR 1.08; 95 % CI 1.06-1.11; P < 0.01), white blood cell count (OR 1.11; 95 % CI 1.05-1.18; P < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (BP) (OR 0.49; 95 % CI 0.26-0.90; P = 0.02) and age (OR 1.03; 95 % CI 1.00-1.05; P = 0.03) were associated with in-hospital mortality. In hemorrhagic stroke, NIHSS score (OR 1.12; 95 % CI 1.09-1.14; P < 0.01), systolic BP (OR 0.25; 95 % CI 0.15-0.41; P < 0.01), heart disease (OR 1.94; 95 % CI 1.11-3.39; P = 0.02) and creatinine (OR 1.16; 95 % CI 1.01-1.34; P = 0.04) were related to in-hospital mortality. Nomograms using these significant predictors were constructed for easy and quick evaluation of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Variables in acute stroke can predict in-hospital mortality and help decision-making in clinical practice using nomogram.

Initial blood pressure is associated with stroke severity and is predictive of admission cost and one-year outcome in different stroke subtypes: a SRICHS registry study

Background

To investigate if initial blood pressure (BP) on admission is associated with stroke severity and predictive of admission costs and one-year-outcome in acute ischemic (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS).

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. Stroke patients admitted within 3 days after onset between January 1^st and December 31^st in 2009 were recruited. The initial BP on admission was subdivided into high (systolic BP ≥ 211 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 111 mmHg), medium (systolic BP 111–210 mmHg or diastolic BP 71–110 mmHg), and low (systolic BP ≤ 110 mmHg or diastolic BP ≤ 70 mmHg) groups and further subgrouped with 25 mmHg difference in systole and 10 mmHg difference in diastole for the correlation analysis with demographics, admission cost and one-year modified Rankin scale (mRS).

Results

In 1173 IS patients (mean age: 67.8 ± 12.8 years old, 61.4 % male), low diastolic BP group had higher frequency of heart disease (p =0.001), dehydration (p =0.03) and lower hemoglobin level (p <0.001). The extremely high and low systolic BP subgroups had worse National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p =0.03), higher admission cost (p <0.001), and worse one-year mRS (p =0.03), while extremely high and low diastolic BP subgroups had higher admission cost (p <0.01). In 282 HS patients (mean age: 62.4 ± 15.4 years old, 60.6 % male), both low systolic and diastolic BP groups had lower hemoglobin level (systole: p =0.05; diastole: p <0.001). The extremely high and low BP subgroups had worse NIHSS score (p =0.01 and p <0.001, respectively), worse one-year mRS (p =0.002 and p =0.001, respectively), and higher admission cost (diastole: p <0.002).

Conclusions

Stroke patients with extremely high and low BP on admission have not only worse stroke severity but also higher admission cost and/or worse one-year outcome. In those patients with low BP, low admission hemoglobin might be a contributing factor.

Effect of dehydration on the development of collaterals in acute middle cerebral artery occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent large series studies have demonstrated that dehydration is common amongst stroke subjects and is associated with poor outcome. However, the effects of hydration status on the development of collaterals have never been discussed. In this study, the hypothesis that hydration status is an important factor for developing collaterals after acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction was tested.

METHODS

Eighty-seven patients with acute infarction due to occlusion of the MCA were enrolled. Two collateral markers, posterior cerebral artery (PCA) laterality and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense vessels (HVs) were assessed from magnetic resonance imaging. Dehydration status was defined by a nitrogen to creatinine ratio ≧ of 15. The associations between dehydration status and the development of collaterals were estimated.

RESULTS

Sixty-one of 87 patients (70.1%) were identified as dehydrated. The development of PCA laterality and HVs shows a significant difference between dehydrated and euhydrated patients. A serum nitrogen to creatinine ratio <15, diastolic blood pressure and the presence of a dense MCA on computed tomography were significantly associated with the development of PCA laterality. A serum nitrogen to creatinine ratio <15, the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, the presence of a dense MCA and calcifications of the internal carotid artery on computed tomography were significantly associated with the development of HVs. Dehydration remained an independent negative predictor for the development of PCA laterality and HVs in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydration status is associated with the development of collateral flow after acute MCA occlusion. This preliminary study provides an imaging clue that hydration status and early hydration therapy could be important for acute stroke management.

Preliminary Prospective Study to Assess the Effect of Early Blood Urea Nitrogen/Creatinine Ratio-Based Hydration Therapy on Poststroke Infection Rate and Length of Stay in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine whether blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine (Cr)-based hydration therapy can decrease the rate of poststroke infection and length of stay (LOS) in the neurology ward.

METHODS

This was a nonblinded, phase II single-arm prospective study with a historical control group of patients with acute ischemic stroke and a BUN/Cr ratio of 15 or higher. The study group (n = 134) received an intravenous saline bolus (300-500 mL) followed by maintenance saline (40-80 mL/hour) for the first 72 hours. The control group (n = 103) received maintenance saline infusions (40-60 mL/hour for the first 24 hours and 0-60 mL/hour for the next 24-72 hours).

RESULTS

The hydration group had a significantly lower poststroke infection rate than did the control group (7.5% versus 17.5%, P = .018) and significantly shorter LOS in the neurology ward (13.5 ± 11.6 versus 19.6 ± 14.6 days, P < .01). With regard to adverse events, two patients in each group had cerebral edema.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the BUN/Cr ratio needs to be corrected in a timely manner in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Providing prompt saline hydration therapy based on the daily BUN/Cr ratio might decrease the poststroke infection rate and shorten LOS.