Telemedicine for the acute management of stroke in Burgundy, France: an evaluation of effectiveness and safety

Global stroke statistics 2023: Availability of reperfusion services around the world

BACKGROUND

Disparities in the availability of reperfusion services for acute ischemic stroke are considerable globally and require urgent attention. Contemporary data on the availability of reperfusion services in different countries are used to provide the necessary evidence to prioritize where access to acute stroke treatment is needed.

AIMS

To provide a snapshot of published literature on the provision of reperfusion services globally, including when facilitated by telemedicine or mobile stroke unit services.

METHODS

We searched PubMed to identify original articles, published up to January 2023 for the most recent, representative, and relevant patient-level data for each country. Keywords included thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy and telemedicine. We also screened reference lists of review articles, citation history of articles, and the gray literature. The information is provided as a narrative summary.

RESULTS

Of 11,222 potentially eligible articles retrieved, 148 were included for review following de-duplications and full-text review. Data were also obtained from national stroke clinical registry reports, Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) and PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization (PRESTO) repositories, and other national sources. Overall, we found evidence of the provision of intravenous thrombolysis services in 70 countries (63% high-income countries (HICs)) and endovascular thrombectomy services in 33 countries (68% HICs), corresponding to far less than half of the countries in the world. Recent data (from 2019 or later) were lacking for 35 of 67 countries with known year of data (52%). We found published data on 74 different stroke telemedicine programs (93% in HICs) and 14 active mobile stroke unit pre-hospital ambulance services (80% in HICs) around the world.

CONCLUSION

Despite remarkable advancements in reperfusion therapies for stroke, it is evident from available patient-level data that their availability remains unevenly distributed globally. Contemporary published data on availability of reperfusion services remain scarce, even in HICs, thereby making it difficult to reliably ascertain current gaps in the provision of this vital acute stroke treatment around the world.

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage after Ischemic Stroke Treated with Bridging Revascularization Therapy

(1) Background: bridging revascularization therapy is now the standard of care in patients with ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. This study aimed to determine the frequency of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) related to this treatment, and to assess contributing factors and patients' outcomes. (2) Methods: consecutive ischemic stroke patients treated with bridging therapy were prospectively enrolled. sICH (intracranial hemorrhage with an increase in NIHSS score of ≥4 points) was assessed on imaging at 24 h. The functional status of patients was measured at 6 months using the mRS score; (3) Results: 176 patients were included (mean age 68.7 ± 1.2 years, 52.3% women), among whom 15 (8.5%) had sICH. Patients with sICH had more frequent alcohol abuse (30.1% versus 9.7%, p = 0.023), prestroke use of dual antiplatelet therapy (14.3% versus 1.3%, p = 0.002), higher NIHSS scores at admission (median score 20.5 versus 15, p = 0.01), greater systolic blood pressure upon admission, more frequent vascular intracranial calcifications (p = 0.004), leukoaraiosis (p = 0.001), and intracranial atheroma (p = 0.02), and higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (p = 0.02) and neutrophil-to-platelet ratios (p = 0.04). At 6-month follow-up, 9 (60%) patients with sICH died, versus 18% of patients without sICH (p < 0.001). Only 1 (7%) patient with sICH had a good functional outcome, defined as an mRS score of 0 to 2, versus 51% of patients without sICH. (4) Conclusions: one in twelve ischemic stroke patients treated with bridging therapy suffered sICH. Given the observed poor outcomes after sICH, further studies are required to better identify patients at risk to help clinicians in guiding therapeutic strategies.

Economic Evaluation Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan for the Cost-Effectiveness of a Novel Australian Stroke Telemedicine Program; the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine (VST) program

Introduction: Telemedicine can address limited access to medical specialists in rural hospitals. Stroke provides an important case study because: it is a major cause of disease burden; effective treatments to reduce disability (e.g., thrombolysis) can be provided within the initial hours of stroke onset; careful selection of patients is needed by skilled doctors to minimize adverse events from thrombolysis; and there are major treatment gaps (only about half of regional hospitals in Australia provide thrombolysis for stroke). Few economic analyses have been undertaken on telestroke and the majority have been simulation models. The aim of this protocol and statistical analysis plan is to outline the methods for the cost-effectiveness evaluation of a large, multicentre acute stroke telemedicine program being conducted in Victoria, Australia.

Methods: Using a historical- and prospective-controlled design, we will compare patient-level data obtained in the 12 months prior to the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine (VST) program implementation and during the first 12 months of VST to determine the incremental difference in costs and patient outcomes at 3 and 12 months. Secondary aims include assessing the cost per additional patient receiving intravenous thrombolysis and the cost per additional patient receiving intravenous thrombolysis within 60 min. Tertiary aims include assessing the potential longer-term cost-effectiveness in the second year of the program at the hospitals to determine whether any program benefits are sustained once site coordinators are no longer employed; and modeling the potential net life-time costs and benefits from a societal perspective. Multivariable uncertainty and one-way sensitivity analyses will be performed to assess the robustness of results.

Results: Sixteen hospitals participated. Patient-level data collection including 12-month outcomes for the cohorts obtained in the first and second year of the program for each hospital was completed in January 2020.

Conclusion: The results from this real-world study with patient-level data will provide high quality evidence of the costs, health benefits and policy implications of telestroke programs, including the potential for application in other locations within Australia or other countries with similar health system delivery and financing.

Acute telestroke in France: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Acute telestroke is the use of telemedicine to improve acute stroke care. It has demonstrated to be a safe and effective medical practice. Since 2011, acute telestroke has been promoted by the Ministry of Health in France, and in 2018 many regions were in the process or completion of implementing telestroke. The objective of this study was to describe acute telestroke implementation in France.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Articles and abstracts in English and French, published between January 1st, 2000 to April 30th, 2018 were used. Studies conducted in France and that had presented an outcome evaluation of a regional acute telestroke activity were included. No meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies (14 in French, 10 in English) were included, with 13 published articles (7 indexed on PubMed) and 11 abstracts. Among the 13 published articles, there were seven observational retrospective studies, one quasi-experimental before-after study, one experimental randomised controlled trial, and four medico-economic studies. All telestroke network models of care were drip-and-ship with hub and spoke organisation. The case-control studies did not show a difference with or without telemedicine. The territorial thrombolysis rate was measured in two regions, with an increase in Franche-Comté from 0.2% (2004) to 9.9% (2015), and a relative increase of 76% in Nord-Pas-de-Calais between 2009-2010 and 2012.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of acute telestroke in France had a positive clinical and public health impact but the evaluation remained limited and needs to be supported.

Efficiency of telemedicine for acute stroke: a cost-effectiveness analysis from a French pilot study

OBJECTIVES

Telestroke is an effective way to improve care and health outcomes for stroke patients. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a French telestroke network.

METHODS

A decision analysis model was built using population-based data. We compared short-term clinical outcomes and costs for the management of acute ischemic stroke patients before and after the implementation of a telestroke network from the point of view of the national health insurance system. Three effectiveness endpoints were used: hospital death, death at 3 months, and severe disability 3 months after stroke (assessed with the modified Rankin scale). Most clinical and economic parameters were estimated from the medical files of 742 retrospectively included patients. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The analyses revealed that the telestroke strategy was more effective and slightly more costly than the reference strategy (25 disability cases avoided per 1,000 at 3 months, 6.7 avoided hospital deaths, and 13 avoided deaths at 3 months for an extra cost of EUR 97, EUR 138, and EUR 154, respectively). The results remained robust in the sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In France, telestroke is an effective strategy for improving patient outcomes and, despite the extra cost, it has a legitimate place in the national health care system.

Contribution of a synchronic teleneurology program to decrease the patient number waiting for a first consultation and their waiting time in Chile

Abstract

Backround

There is a shortage of medical specialists in Chile, including neurologists; currently, there are 56,614 patients waiting for a first adult Neurology appointment in the country. The Teleneurology Program at the Hospital Las Higueras de Talcahuano (HHT) was implemented in 2015 to help reduce both the number of patients waiting for a first consultation and their waiting times.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed a cohort of 8269 patients referred to the HHT Neurology clinic between 2013 and 2018, from primary, secondary, and tertiary health centers. Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the factors influencing each outcome (number of patients waiting for a consultation and waiting time), such as age, gender, referral health establishment and the type of consultation (whether in situ at the HHT or by synchronic telepresence through the Teleneurology Program).

Results

Out of the 8269 patients included in the study, 1743 consulted the neurologist through the Teleneurology Program, while 6526 received a consultation in situ at the HHT. Since its implementation (2015) until the end of 2018, the Teleneurology program contributed to decrease the number of patients waiting for their first appointment from 3084 to 298. Waiting time for the first consultation was 60% shorter for patients enrolled in the Teleneurology program than those with consultation in situ at HHT (6.23 ± 6.82 and 10.47 ± 8.70 months, respectively). Similar differences were observed when sorting patient data according to the referral health center. Cox regression analysis showed that patients waiting for a traditional in situ first adult Neurology consultation at the HHT had a higher risk (OR = 6.74) of waiting 90% longer than patients enrolled in the Teleneurology Program, without significant differences due to gender or age.

Conclusions

Data from this study show a significant contribution of the Teleneurology Program at the HHT to decrease the number of patients waiting for a first consultation with a neurologist, as well as shorter waiting times, when derived from primary and secondary health centers.

Determinants of Case Fatality After Hospitalization for Stroke in France 2010 to 2015

Background and Purpose- The aims of this study were to (1) describe early and late case fatality rates after stroke in France, (2) evaluate whether their determinants differed, and (3) analyze time trends between 2010 and 2015. Methods- Data were extracted from the Système National des données de santé database. Patients hospitalized for stroke each year from 2010 to 2015, aged ≥18 years, and affiliated to the general insurance scheme were selected. Cox regressions were used to separately analyze determinants of 30-day and 31- to 365-day case fatality rates for each stroke type (ischemic, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage). Results- In 2015, of the 73 124 persons hospitalized for stroke, 26.8% died in the following year, with the majority of deaths occurring within the first 30 days (56.9%). Nonadmission to a stroke unit, older age, and having comorbidities were all associated with a poorer 30-day and 31- to 365-day prognosis. Female sex was associated with a lower 31- to 365-day case fatality rate for all patients with stroke. Living in an area with a high deprivation index was associated with both higher 30-day and 31- to 365-day case fatality rates for all stroke types. Between 2010 and 2015, significant decreases in both 30-day and 31- to 365-day case fatality rates for ischemic patients were observed. Conclusions- Case fatality rates after stroke remained high in 2015 in France, despite major improvements in stroke care and organization. Improvement in stroke awareness and preparedness, particularly in the most deprived areas, together with better follow-up after the acute phase are urgently needed.

Correlation between pre-admission blood pressure and outcome in a large telestroke cohort

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine rapidly connects patients, with acute ischemic stroke symptoms, with neurovascular specialists for assessment to reduce chemical thrombolysis delivery times. Management of AIS includes maintaining target systolic blood pressures (SBP). In this retrospective study, we assess the efficacy of the telestroke (TS) system at a primary stroke center and the prognostic value of SBP throughout the transportation process.

METHODS

Patients presenting with acute-onset neurological symptoms to the TS hospitals network, over a 5-year period, were assessed. Those with a confirmed diagnosis of AIS were included. We examined demographics, presenting-NIHSS, last SBP before transfer from the network hospital and continuous BP during transport, stroke risk factors, hospital-course, door-to-needle (DTN) time, treatments, and modified Rankin Scale(mRS). Multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of SBP on stroke outcome.

RESULTS

Of 2,928 patients identified, 1,353 were diagnosed with AIS. Mean age was 66.6 years (SD = 15.4), 47.6% female. Most cases affected the MCA(44.5%). Mean presenting-NIHSS was 8.67(SD = 8.38) and mean SBP was 148 mmHg(SD = 25.39). 73.2% treated using a standard protocol, 23.7% given IVrt-PA, and 6.8% received mechanical thrombectomy(MT). Mean DTN was 96 min(SD = 46; 27.3% <60 min). Age, presenting-NIHSS and pre-existing hypertension were associated with higher mortality and/or higher mRS. SBP was not associated with higher mortality and morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study displays better clinical outcomes at latest follow-up when compared to current international TS studies. SBP during transportation to the hub hospital did not prove to be a useful prognostic metric. However, future studies should address the limitations of this study to confirm these findings.

Geographic Variations of Stroke Hospitalization across France: A Diachronic Cluster Analysis

Background

This study evaluates the clustering of hospitalization rates for stroke and compares this clustering with two different time intervals 2009-2010 and 2012-2013, corresponding to the beginning of the French National Stroke Plan 2010–2014. In addition, these data will be compared with the deployment of stroke units as well as socioeconomic and healthcare characteristics at zip code level.

Methods

We used the PMSI data from 2009 to 2013, which lists all hospitalizations for stroke between 2009 and 2013, identified on the most detailed geographic scale allowed by this database. We identify statistically significant clusters with high or low rates in the zip code level using the Getis-Ord statistics. Each of the significant clusters is monitored over time and evaluated according to the nearest stroke unit distance and the socioeconomic profile.

Results

We identified clusters of low and high rate of stroke hospitalization (23.7% of all geographic codes). Most of these clusters are maintained over time (81%) but we also observed clusters in transition. Geographic codes with persistent high rates of stroke hospitalizations were mainly rural (78% versus 17%, P < .0001) and had a least favorable socioeconomic and healthcare profile.

Conclusion

Our study reveals that high-stroke hospitalization rates cluster remains the same during our study period. While access to the stroke unit has increased overall, it remains low for these clusters. The socioeconomic and healthcare profile of these clusters are poor but variations were observed. These results are valuable tools to implement more targeted strategies to improve stroke care accessibility and reduce geographic disparities.

A comparison of two stroke cohorts cared for by two different specialties in a practice-based tele-stroke population

OBJECTIVES

Neurologists have continually led the assessment and management of Acute Ischemic Stroke(AIS) by use of IV-rtPA, anti-platelet therapy, antihypertensives, and other pharmacologic agents. Since the advent of mechanical thrombectomy(MT) and its proven efficacy, neurovascular surgeons(NS) are playing an increasingly important role in the management and overall care of AIS. We assessed outcomes of AIS patients managed by NS, who have been traditionally managed by neurologists.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Outcomes of AIS patients who presented to the telestroke system, over a 5-year period, were assessed. NIHSS and mRS stroke scales were used as outcome metrics. Multivariate analysis was conducted to compare outcomes of patients treated by neurovascular surgeons and those treated by neurologists.

RESULTS

1353 AIS patients were identified. 21.6% received care from neurosurgeons and 78.4% received care from neurologists. Of the neurologist-managed group: 7.8% received MT and were followed by NS, 34% received IVrt-PA, average discharge NIHSS = 9.0 (SD = 8.42), latest follow-up mRS < 2 = 57.5% and mortality rate = 9.4%. Of the neurovascular surgeon-managed group: 7.4% patients received MT, 20% received IVrt-PA, average discharge NIHSS = 0.14(SD = 0.72), latest follow-up mRS ≤2 = 98.6% and mortality rate = 8.3%. There were no significant differences between groups in MT use (OR 1.22; CI95%, 0.971-2.09; p = 0.464), IVrt-PA administration (OR 0.98; CI95%, 0.70-1.38; p = 0.924), mortality rate (OR 1.21; 0.71-2.03; p = 0.483) and patients' latest mRS, p = 0.873.

CONCLUSIONS

AIS requires multidisciplinary management. Care provided by neurosurgeons has similar efficacy and patient outcomes as the care provided by neurologists. These findings support the role and ability of neurosurgeons to manage and care for these patients.

[Acute management of ischemic stroke in 2017]

Acute management of ischemic stroke is a burning topic in 2017 since stroke represents the leading cause of acquired handicap in adults. Over the last past years, major improvement took place, especially with the demonstration of the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy, thus needing to better organize care pathways, and optimize access to neurologists and interventional neuroradiology platforms. Intensive care stroke units remain the pivotal place of patients' management. A multidisciplinary coordination is required, with continuous teaching of all the actors involved in stroke management, so as to increase the number of patients who could benefit from available active treatments.

The progress of telestroke in China

Stroke remains the leading cause of death in China. The disparity of distribution in specialists and hospitals affects access to timely stroke care. Telestroke, the use of telemedicine for stroke, may be the solution to access to stroke care. Telestroke can improve the rate of successful intravenous thrombolysis and shorten the time to treatment. Here we review the progress of telestroke in China.