Survival differences after stroke in a multiethnic population: follow-up study with the South London stroke register

Survival of Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic Stroke: Analysis of the Malaysian National Stroke Registry Data from 2009 to 2013

Background

Stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death globally, contributing to 15.2 million deaths in 2016. In Malaysia, stroke has emerged as a significant cause of mortality and disability. This study aims to evaluate the survival time and rate of stroke patients in Malaysia.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed secondary data from the National Stroke Registry (NSR) of Malaysia. The study included all Malaysian residents over the age of 12 years old diagnosed with either ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013. Patients with a transient ischaemic attack were excluded. We updated the death status up to 31 December 2018 using mortality data from the Malaysian National Registry Department. We used Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis to determine the overall median survival time and log-rank test to compare the median time by ethnicity, sex and stroke type. The survival rates at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years were obtained using the life-table method.

Results

The analysis included a total of 5,777 stroke patients. The mean age at diagnosis was 63.15 years old (with a standard deviation of 12.46 years old). The overall median survival time was 51 months (95% CI: 47.4, 54.6). Non-Malay patients and those with ischaemic strokes experienced a longer median survival time (65.2 months [95% CI: 56.6, 73.7] and 56.3 months [95% CI: 52.2, 60.3]), respectively. The survival rates at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years were 66.7% (95% CI: 65.5%, 68.0%), 55.6% (95% CI: 54.3%, 56.9%) and 46.9% (95% CI: 45.6%, 48.2%), respectively.

Conclusion

There are significant differences in median survival time in relation to ethnicity and stroke types. Compared to other developed countries, Malaysia's 5-year survival rate is notably lower.

Temporal Trends in Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction

Endovascular therapy (EVT) use increased following clinical trials publication in 2015, but limited data suggest there may be persistent race and ethnicity differences.

Methods and Results

We included all patients with acute ischemic stroke arriving within 6 hours of last known well and with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥6 between April 2012 and June 2019 in the Get With The Guidelines‐Stroke database and evaluated the association between race and ethnicity and EVT use and outcomes, comparing the era before versus after 2015. Of 302 965 potentially eligible patients; 42 422 (14%) underwent EVT. Although EVT use increased over time in all racial and ethnic groups, Black patients had reduced odds of EVT use compared with non‐Hispanic White (NHW) patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] before 2015, 0.68 [0.58‒0.78]; aOR after 2015, 0.83 [0.76‒0.90]). In‐hospital mortality/discharge to hospice was less frequent in Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients compared with NHW. Conversely discharge home was more frequent in Hispanic (29.7%; aOR, 1.28 [1.16‒1.42]), Asian (28.2%; aOR, 1.23 [1.05‒1.44]), and Black (29.1%; aOR, 1.08 [1.00‒1.18]) patients compared with NHW (24%). However, at 3 months, functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2) occurred less frequently in Black (37.5%; aOR, 0.84 [0.75‒0.95]) and Asian (33%; aOR, 0.79 [0.65‒0.98]) patients compared with NHW patients (38.1%).

Conclusions

In a large cohort of patients treated with EVT, Black versus NHW patient disparities in EVT use have narrowed over time but still exist. Discharge related outcomes were slightly more favorable in racial and ethnic underrepresented groups; 3‐month functional outcomes were worse but improved across all groups with time.

Social Characteristics, Health, and Mortality Among Male Centenarians Using Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care

We studied male centenarian Veterans using VA health care to understand the impact of social characteristics on their annual mortality rate, adjusting for prevalent health conditions. This longitudinal study used VA Electronic Health Record data from 1997 to 2012 (n = 1,858). Covariates included age, race, marital status, and periods of military service. The mean age was 100.4 ± 1.4 years, 76% were white, and 49% were married. The average annual mortality rate was 32 per 100 person-years. The annual mortality rate was stable and not affected by race but did vary by marital status. Divorced or separated centenarians had a 21% higher rate of death than married centenarians. A diagnosis of dementia or of congestive heart failure each increased the mortality risk by 37%. Providers should consider prevalent health conditions, as well as marital status, in managing care of centenarian Veterans.

Long-Term Outcomes in Stroke Patients with Cognitive Impairment: A Population-Based Study

This study assesses five year outcomes of patients with cognitive deficits within the first three months after stroke. Population-based data from the South London Stroke Register between 1995 and 2018 were studied. Cognitive function was assessed using the Abbreviated-Mental-Test or Mini-Mental-State-Examination. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were constructed, to evaluate relative risks (RRs) and associations between post-stroke deterioration in cognitive function during the first three months on dependency, mortality, depression and institutionalisation. A total of 6504 patients with first-ever strokes were registered with a mean age of 73 (SD: 13.2). During the first three months post-stoke, approximately one-third of these stroke survivors either cognitively improved (37%), deteriorated (30%) or remained unchanged (33%). Post-stroke cognitive impairment was associated with increases, in five years, of the risks of mortality, dependency, depression and being institutionalised by RRs 30% (95% confidence interval: 1.1–1.5), 90% (1.3–2.6), 60% (1.1–2.4) and 50% (1.1–2.3), respectively. Deterioration in cognitive function by 10% or more between seven days and three months was associated with an approximate two-fold increased risk in mortality, dependency, and being institutionalised after one year, compared to stable cognitive function; RRs 80% (1.1–3.0), 70% (1.2–2.4) and two-fold (1.3–3.2), respectively. Monitoring further change to maintain cognitive abilities should be a focus to improve outcomes.

Association of prestroke medicine use and health outcomes after ischaemic stroke in Sweden: a registry-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate if there is a relationship between preischaemic stroke medicine use and health outcomes after stroke.

SETTING

This registry-based study covered Swedish stroke care, both primary and secondary care, including approximately 60% of the Swedish stroke cases from seven Swedish regions.

PARTICIPANTS

The Sveus research database was used, including 35 913 patients (33 943 with full information on confounding factors) with an ischaemic stroke (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) I63*) between 2009 and 2011 registered both in the regions' patient administrative systems and in the Swedish Stroke Register. Patients with haemorrhagic stroke (ICD-10 I61*) were excluded.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

The primary outcome was the association, expressed in ORs, of prestroke medicine use (oral anticoagulants, statins, antihypertensives, antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antidiabetic drugs) and health outcomes 1 and 2 years poststroke (survival, activities of daily living dependency and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2), adjusted for patient characteristics and stroke severity at stroke onset.

RESULTS

The multivariate analysis indicated that patients on drugs for hypertension, diabetes, oral anticoagulants and antidepressants prestroke had worse odds for health outcomes in both survival (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.69; OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.83; OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.80; OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.98, respectively, for survival at 2 years) and functional outcome (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.89; OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.68; OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.95; OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.65, respectively, for mRS 0-2 at 1 year), whereas patients on statins and NSAIDS had significantly better odds for survival (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.25 and OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.25 for 1-year survival, respectively), compared with patients without these treatments prior to stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that there are differences in health outcomes between patients who had different common prestroke treatments, patients on drugs for hypertension, diabetes, oral anticoagulants and antidepressants had worse health outcomes, whereas patients on statins and NSAIDS had significantly better survival, compared with patients without these treatments prior to stroke.

Long-term trends in death and dependence after ischaemic strokes: A retrospective cohort study using the South London Stroke Register (SLSR)

BACKGROUND

There have been reductions in stroke mortality over recent decades, but estimates by aetiological subtypes are limited. This study estimates time trends in mortality and functional dependence by ischaemic stroke (IS) aetiological subtype over a 16-year period.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The study population was 357,308 in 2011; 50.4% were males, 56% were white, and 25% were of black ethnic backgrounds. Population-based case ascertainment of stroke was conducted, and all participants who had their first-ever IS between 2000 and 2015 were identified. Further classification was concluded according to the underlying mechanism into large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardio-embolism (CE), small-vessel occlusion (SVO), other determined aetiologies (OTH), and undetermined aetiologies (UND). Temporal trends in survival rates were examined using proportional-hazards survival modelling, adjusted for demography, prestroke risk factors, case mix variables, and processes of care. We carried out additional regression analyses to explore patterns in case-fatality rates (CFRs) at 30 days and 1 year and to explore whether these trends occurred at the expense of greater functional dependence (Barthel Index [BI] < 15) among survivors. A total of 3,128 patients with first-ever ISs were registered. The median age was 70.7 years; 50.9% were males; and 66.2% were white, 25.5% were black, and 8.3% were of other ethnic groups. Between 2000-2003 and 2012-2015, the adjusted overall mortality decreased by 24% (hazard ratio [HR] per year 0.976; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.959-0.993). Mortality reductions were equally noted in both sexes and in the white and black populations but were only significant in CE strokes (HR per year 0.972; 95% CI 0.945‒0.998) and in patients aged ≥55 years (HR per year 0.975; 95% CI 0.959‒0.992). CFRs within 30 days and 1 year after an IS declined by 38% (rate ratio [RR] per year 0.962; 95% CI 0.941‒0.984) and 37% (RR per year 0.963; 95% CI 0.949‒0.976), respectively. Recent IS was independently associated with a 23% reduced risk of functional dependence at 3 months after onset (RR per year 0.983; 95% CI 0.968-0.998; p = 0.002 for trend). The study is limited by small number of events in certain subgroups (e.g., LAA), which could have led to insufficient power to detect significant trends.

CONCLUSIONS

Both mortality and 3-month functional dependence after IS decreased by an annual average of around 2.4% and 1.7%, respectively, during 2000‒2015. Such reductions were particularly evident in strokes of CE origins and in those aged ≥55 years.

Sociodemographic Disparities in Long-Term Mortality Among Stroke Survivors in the United States

Background and Purpose- It is unclear whether disparities in mortality among stroke survivors exist long term. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to describe rates of longer term mortality among stroke survivors (ie, beyond 30 days) and to determine whether socioeconomic disparities exist. Methods- This analysis included 1329 black and white participants, aged ≥45 years, enrolled between 2003 and 2007 in the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) who suffered a first stroke and survived at least 30 days after the event. Long-term mortality among stroke survivors was defined in person-years as time from 30 days after a first stroke to date of death or censoring. Mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were used to compare rates of poststroke mortality by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Results- Among adults who survived ≥30 days poststroke, the age-adjusted rate of mortality was 82.3 per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 75.4-89.2). Long-term mortality among stroke survivors was higher in older individuals (MRR for 75+ versus <65, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.6-4.1) and among men than women (MRR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6). It was also higher among those with less educational attainment (MRR for less than high-school versus college graduate, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9), lower income (MRR for <$20k versus >50k, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9), and lower neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES; MRR for low versus high neighborhood SES, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7). There were no differences in age-adjusted rates of long-term poststroke mortality by race, rurality, or US region. Conclusions- Rates of long-term mortality among stroke survivors were higher among individuals with lower SES and among those residing in neighborhoods of lower SES. These results emphasize the need for improvements in long-term care poststroke, especially among individuals of lower SES.

Health Inequalities Associated with Post-Stroke Visual Impairment in the United Kingdom and Ireland: A Systematic Review

The aim of this study was to report on the health inequalities facing stroke survivors with visual impairments as described in the current literature. A systemic review of the literature was conducted to investigate the potential health inequalities facing stroke survivors with subsequent visual impairments. A quality-of-evidence and risk-of-bias assessment was conducted for each of the included articles using the appropriate tool dependent on the type of article. Only four articles discussed health inequalities affecting stroke survivors with visual impairment specifically. A further 23 articles identified health inequalities after stroke, and 38 reported on health inequalities within the visually impaired UK or Irish population. Stroke survivors with visual impairment face inconsistency in eye care provision nationally, along with variability in the assessment and management of visual disorders. The subgroups identified as most at risk were females; black ethnicity; lower socioeconomic status; older age; and those with lower education attainment. The issue of inconsistent service provision for this population must be addressed in future research. Further research must be conducted in order to firmly establish whether or not stroke survivors are at risk of the aforementioned sociodemographic and economic inequalities.

Racial-ethnic disparities in acute blood pressure after intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To assess race-ethnic differences in acute blood pressure (BP) following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the contribution to disparities in ICH outcome.

METHODS

BPs in the field (emergency medical services [EMS]), emergency department (ED), and at 24 hours were compared and adjusted for group differences between non-Hispanic black (black), non-Hispanic white (white), and Hispanic participants in the Ethnic Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage case-control study. Outcome was obtained by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months. We analyzed race-ethnic differences in good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) and mortality after adjusting for baseline differences and included BP recordings in this model.

RESULTS

Of 2,069 ICH cases enrolled, 30% were white, 37% black, and 33% Hispanic. Black and Hispanic patients had higher EMS and ED systolic and diastolic BPs compared with white patients (p = 0.0001). Although attenuated, at 24 hours after admission, black patients had higher systolic and diastolic BPs. After adjusting for baseline differences, significant race/ethnic differences persisted for EMS systolic, ED systolic and diastolic, and 24-hours diastolic BP. Only ED systolic and diastolic BP was associated with poor functional outcome, and no BP predicted mortality. We found no race-ethnic differences in 3-month functional outcome or mortality after adjusting for group differences, including acute BPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although black and Hispanic patients had higher BPs than white patients at presentation, we did not find race-ethnic disparities in 3-month functional outcome or mortality. ED systolic and diastolic BP was associated with poor functional outcome, but not mortality, in this race-ethnically diverse population.

Variations in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and survival 1 year after stroke: five European population-based registers

OBJECTIVE

There were two main objectives: to describe and compare clinical outcomes and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) collected using standardised procedures across the European Registers of Stroke (EROS) at 3 and 12 months after stroke; and to examine the relationship between patients' Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) at 3 months after stroke and survival up to 1 year across the 5 populations.

DESIGN

Analysis of data from population-based stroke registers.

SETTING

European populations in Dijon (France); Kaunas (Lithuania); London (UK); Warsaw (Poland) and Sesto Fiorentino (Italy).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with ischaemic or intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) stroke, registered between 2004 and 2006.

OUTCOME MEASURES

(1) HRQoL, assessed by the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), mapped into the EQ-5D to estimate responses on 5 dimensions (mobility, activity, pain, anxiety and depression, and self-care) and utility scores. (2) Mortality within 3 months and within 1 year of stroke.

RESULTS

Of 1848 patients, 325 were lost to follow-up and 500 died within a year of stroke. Significant differences in mortality, HRQoL and utility scores were found, and remained after adjustments. Kaunas had an increased risk of death; OR 2.34, 95% CI (1.32 to 4.14) at 3 months after stroke in Kaunas, compared with London. Sesto Fiorentino had the highest adjusted PCS: 43.54 (SD=0.96), and Dijon had the lowest adjusted

MCS

38.67 (SD=0.67). There are strong associations between levels of the EQ-5D at 3 months and survival within the year. The trend across levels suggests a dose-response relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated significant variations in survival, HRQoL and utilities across populations that could not be explained by stroke severity and sociodemographic factors. Strong associations between HRQoL at 3 months and survival to 1 year after stroke were identified.

Cardiovascular disease incidence and survival: Are migrants always worse off?

Studies on cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and survival show varying results between different ethnic groups. Our aim was to add a new dimension by exploring the role of migrant status in combination with ethnic background on incidence of-and survival from-CVD and more specifically acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke. We conducted a historically prospective cohort study comprising all newly-arrived migrants to Denmark between 1.1.1993 and 31.12.2010 (n = 114,331), matched 1:6 to Danish-born by age and sex. CVD incidence was retrieved from the National Patient Registry and differences in incidence were assessed by Poisson regression and stratified by sex. Survival differences were assessed by Cox regression using all-cause and cause-specific mortality as outcome. Male refugees had significantly lower incidence of CVD (RR = 0.89; 95 % CI 0.85-0.93) and stroke (IRR = 0.62; 95 % CI 0.56-0.69) compared to Danish-born, but significantly higher incidence of AMI (IRR = 1.12; 95 % CI 1.02-1.24). Female refugees had similar rates of CVD and AMI, but significantly lower incidence of stroke (RR = 0.76; 95 % CI 0.67-0.85). Both male and female family-reunified immigrants had significantly lower incidence of CVD, AMI and stroke. All-cause and cause-specific survival after CVD, AMI and stroke was similar or significantly better for migrants compared to Danish-born, regardless of type of migrant (refugee vs. family-reunified) or country of origin. Refugees are disadvantaged in terms of some types of cardiovascular disease compared to Danish-born. Family-reunified migrants on the other hand had lower rates of CVD. All migrants had better survival than Danish-born indicating that migrants may not always be disadvantaged in health.

Outdoor air pollution, subtypes and severity of ischemic stroke--a small-area level ecological study

Background

Evidence linking outdoor air pollution and incidence of ischemic stroke subtypes and severity is limited. We examined associations between outdoor PM₁₀ and NO₂ concentrations modeled at a fine spatial resolution and etiological and clinical ischemic stroke subtypes and severity of ischemic stroke.

Methods

We used a small-area level ecological study design and a stroke register set up to capture all incident cases of first ever stroke (1995–2007) occurring in a defined geographical area in South London (948 census output areas; population of 267839). Modeled PM₁₀ and NO₂ concentrations were available at a very fine spatial scale (20 meter by 20 meter grid point resolution) and were aggregated to output area level using postcode population weighted averages. Ischemic stroke was classified using the Oxford clinical classification, the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) etiological classification, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and a pragmatic clinical severity classification based on Glasgow coma score, ability to swallow, urinary continence and death <2 days of stroke onset.

Results

Mean (SD) concentrations were 25.1 (1.2) ug/m³ (range 23.3-36.4) for PM₁₀ and 41.4 (3.0) ug/m³ (range 35.4-68.0) for NO₂. There were 2492 incident cases of ischemic stroke. We found no evidence of association between these pollutants and the incidence of ischemic stroke subtypes classified using the Oxford and TOAST classifications. We found no significant association with stroke severity using NIHSS severity categories. However, we found that outdoor concentrations of both PM₁₀ and NO₂ appeared to be associated with increased incidence of mild but not severe ischemic stroke, classified using the pragmatic clinical severity classification. For mild ischemic stroke, the rate ratio in the highest PM₁₀ category by tertile was 1.20 (1.05-1.38) relative to the lowest category. The rate ratio in the highest NO₂ category was 1.22 (1.06-1.40) relative to the lowest category.

Conclusions

We found no evidence of association between outdoor PM₁₀ and NO₂ concentrations and ischemic stroke subtypes but there was a suggestion that living in areas with elevated outdoor PM₁₀ and NO₂ concentrations might be associated with increased incidence of mild, but not severe, ischemic stroke.

The long-term outcomes of depression up to 10 years after stroke; the South London Stroke Register

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke depression is a frequent chronic and recurrent problem that starts shortly after stroke and affects patients in the long term. The health outcomes of depression after stroke are unclear.

AIMS

(1) To investigate the associations between depression at 3 months and mortality, stroke recurrence, disability, cognitive impairment, anxiety and quality of life (QoL), up to 5 years post-stroke. (2) To investigate these associations in patients recovering from depression by year 1. (3) To investigate associations between depression at 5 years and these outcomes up to 10 years.

METHODS

Data from the South London Stroke Register (1997-2010) were used. Patients (n at registration=3240) were assessed at stroke onset, 3 months after stroke and annually thereafter. Baseline data included sociodemographics and stroke severity measures. Follow-up assessments included anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), disability, QoL and stroke recurrence. Multivariable regression models adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, stroke severity and disability were used to investigate the association between depression and outcomes at follow-up.

RESULTS

Depression at 3 months was associated with: increased mortality (HR: 1.27 (1.04 to 1.55)), disability (RRs up to 4.71 (2.96 to 7.48)), anxiety (ORs up to 3.49 (1.71 to 7.12)) and lower QoL (coefficients up to -8.16 (-10.23-6.15)) up to year 5. Recovery from depression by 1 year did not alter these risks to 5 years. Depression in year 5 was associated with anxiety (ORs up to 4.06 (1.92 to 8.58)) and QoL (coefficients up to -11.36 (-14.86 to -7.85)) up to year 10.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is independently associated with poor health outcomes.

The influence of neighborhood unemployment on mortality after stroke

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the impact of neighborhood characteristics on mortality after stroke. Aim of our study was to analyze the influence of district unemployment as indicator of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES-NH) on poststroke mortality, and to compare these results with the mortality in the underlying general population.

METHODS

Our analyses involve 2 prospective cohort studies from the city of Dortmund, Germany. In the Dortmund Stroke Register (DOST), consecutive stroke patients (N=1883) were recruited from acute care hospitals. In the Dortmund Health Study (DHS), a random general population sample was drawn (n=2291; response rate 66.9%). Vital status was ascertained in the city's registration office and information on district unemployment was obtained from the city's statistical office. We performed multilevel survival analyses to examine the association between district unemployment and mortality.

RESULTS

The association between neighborhood unemployment and mortality was weak and not statistically significant in the stroke cohort. Only stroke patients exposed to the highest district unemployment (fourth quartile) had slightly higher mortality risks. In the general population sample, higher district unemployment was significantly associated with higher mortality following a social gradient. After adjustment for education, health-related behavior and morbidity was made the strength of this association decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of SES-NH on mortality was different for stroke patients and the general population. Differences in the association between SES-NH and mortality may be partly explained by disease-related characteristics of the stroke cohort such as homogeneous lifestyles, similar morbidity profiles, medical factors, and old age.

Smoking and mortality in stroke survivors: can we eliminate the paradox?

BACKGROUND

Many studies have suggested that smoking does not increase mortality in stroke survivors. Index event bias, a sample selection bias, potentially explains this paradoxical finding. Therefore, we compared all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality by cigarette smoking status among stroke survivors using methods to account for index event bias.

METHODS

Among 5797 stroke survivors of 45 years or older who responded to the National Health Interview Survey years 1997-2004, an annual, population-based survey of community-dwelling US adults, linked to the National Death Index, we estimated all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality by smoking status using Cox proportional regression and propensity score analysis to account for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Mean follow-up was 4.5 years.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2004, 18.7% of stroke survivors smoked. There were 1988 deaths in this stroke survivor cohort, with 50% of deaths because of CVD and 15% because of cancer. Current smokers had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.63) and cancer mortality (HR, 3.83; 95% CI, 2.48-5.91) compared with never smokers, after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Current smokers had an increased risk of CVD mortality controlling for age and sex (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.01-1.64), but this risk did not persist after controlling for socioeconomic and clinical factors (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, .88-1.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke survivors who smoke have an increased risk of all-cause mortality, which is largely because of cancer mortality. Socioeconomic and clinical factors explain stroke survivors' higher risk of CVD mortality associated with smoking.

5-year survival and rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence among patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes in Singapore

Background

Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death and 1st leading cause of disability in Singapore. However the information on long-term post stroke outcomes for Singaporean patients was limited. This study aimed to investigate the post stroke outcomes of 5-year survival and rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients in Singapore. The outcomes were stratified by age, ethnic group, gender and stroke types. The causes of death and stroke recurrence were also explored in the study.

Methods

A multi-site retrospective cohort study. Patients admitted for stroke at any of the three hospitals in the National Healthcare Group of Singapore were included in the study. All study patients were followed up to 5 years. Kaplan-Meier was applied to study the time to first event, death or rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to study the time to death with adjustment for stroke type, age, sex, ethnic group, and admission year. Cumulative incidence model with competing risk was applied for comparing the risks of rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence with death as the competing risk.

Results

Totally 12,559 stroke patients were included in the study. Among them, 59.3% survived for 5 years; 18.4% were rehospitalized due to stroke recurrence in 5 years. The risk of stroke recurrence and mortality increased with age in all stroke types. Gender, ethnic group and admitting year were not significantly associated with the risk of mortality or stroke recurrence in hemorrhagic stroke. Male or Malay patient had higher risk of stroke recurrence and mortality in ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke had higher early mortality while ischemic stroke had higher recurrence and late mortality. The top cause of death among died stroke patients was cerebrovascular diseases, followed by pneumonia and ischemic heart diseases. The recurrent stroke was most likely to be the same type as the initial stroke among rehospitalized stroke patients.

Conclusions

Five year post-stroke survival and rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence as well as their associations with patient demographics were studied for different stroke types in Singapore. Specific preventive strategies are needed to target the high risk groups to improve their long-term outcomes after acute stroke.

Smoking cessation treatment and outcomes patterns simulation: a new framework for evaluating the potential health and economic impact of smoking cessation interventions

BACKGROUND

Most existing models of smoking cessation treatments have considered a single quit attempt when modelling long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a model to simulate smokers over their lifetimes accounting for multiple quit attempts and relapses which will allow for prediction of the long-term health and economic impact of smoking cessation strategies.

METHODS

A discrete event simulation (DES) that models individuals' life course of smoking behaviours, attempts to quit, and the cumulative impact on health and economic outcomes was developed. Each individual is assigned one of the available strategies used to support each quit attempt; the outcome of each attempt, time to relapses if abstinence is achieved, and time between quit attempts is tracked. Based on each individual's smoking or abstinence patterns, the risk of developing diseases associated with smoking (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, myocardial infarction and stroke) is determined and the corresponding costs, changes to mortality, and quality of life assigned. Direct costs are assessed from the perspective of a comprehensive US healthcare payer ($US, 2012 values). Quit attempt strategies that can be evaluated in the current simulation include unassisted quit attempts, brief counselling, behavioural modification therapy, nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline, with the selection of strategies and time between quit attempts based on equations derived from survey data. Equations predicting the success of quit attempts as well as the short-term probability of relapse were derived from five varenicline clinical trials.

RESULTS

Concordance between the five trials and predictions from the simulation on abstinence at 12 months was high, indicating that the equations predicting success and relapse in the first year following a quit attempt were reliable. Predictions allowing for only a single quit attempt versus unrestricted attempts demonstrate important differences, with the single quit attempt simulation predicting 19 % more smoking-related diseases and 10 % higher costs associated with smoking-related diseases. Differences are most prominent in predictions of the time that individuals abstain from smoking: 13.2 years on average over a lifetime allowing for multiple quit attempts, versus only 1.2 years with single quit attempts. Differences in abstinence time estimates become substantial only 5 years into the simulation. In the multiple quit attempt simulations, younger individuals survived longer, yet had lower lifetime smoking-related disease and total costs, while the opposite was true for those with high levels of nicotine dependence.

CONCLUSION

By allowing for multiple quit attempts over the course of individuals' lives, the simulation can provide more reliable estimates on the health and economic impact of interventions designed to increase abstinence from smoking. Furthermore, the individual nature of the simulation allows for evaluation of outcomes in populations with different baseline profiles. DES provides a framework for comprehensive and appropriate predictions when applied to smoking cessation over smoker lifetimes.

Trends in stroke survival incidence rates in older Australians in the new millennium and forecasts into the future

AIMS

The objective of this study is (i) to evaluate trends in the incidence rates of stroke survivors aged 60 years and older over a 11-year period in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and (ii) to forecast future trends in Australia until 2051.

METHODS

Analysis of age- and sex-specific standardized incidence rates of older first-ever stroke survivors in ACT from 1999-2000 to 2009-2010 and projections of number of stroke survivors (NSS) in 2021 and 2051 using 2 models based only on (i) demographic changes and (ii) assuming changing of both incidence rates and demography.

RESULTS

In the ACT in the first decade of the 21st century, the absolute numbers and age-adjusted standardized incidence rates of stroke survivors (measured as a function of age and period) increased among both men and women aged 60 years or older. The trend toward increased survival rates in both sexes was driven mainly by population aging, whereas the effect of stroke year was more pronounced in men compared with women. The absolute NSS (and the financial burden to the society) in Australia is predicted to increase by 35.5%-59.3% in 2021 compared with 2011 and by 1.6- to 4.6-fold in 2051 if current only demographic (first number) or both demographic and incidence trends (second number) continue.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates favorable trends in stroke survivor rates in Australia in the first decade of the new millennium and projects in the foreseeable future significant increases in the absolute numbers of older stroke survivors, especially among those aged 70 years or older and men.

Racial and ethnic differences in outcomes in older patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Little is known as to whether long-term outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) vary by race/ethnicity. Using the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Stroke registry linked with Medicare claims data set, we examined whether 30-day and 1-year outcomes differed by race/ethnicity among older patients with AIS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed 200 900 patients with AIS >65 years of age (170 694 non-Hispanic whites, 85.0%; 20 514 non-Hispanic blacks, 10.2%; 6632 Hispanics, 3.3%; 3060 non-Hispanic Asian Americans, 1.5%) from 926 US centers participating in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program from April 2003 through December 2008. Compared with whites, other racial and ethnic groups were on average younger and had a higher median score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Whites had higher 30-day unadjusted mortality than other groups (white versus black versus Hispanic versus Asian=15.0% versus 9.9% versus 11.9% versus 11.1%, respectively). Whites also had higher 1-year unadjusted mortality (31.7% versus 28.6% versus 28.1% versus 23.9%, respectively) but lower 1-year unadjusted all-cause rehospitalization (54.7% versus 62.5% versus 60.0% versus 48.6%, respectively). After risk adjustment, Asian American patients with AIS had lower 30-day and 1-year mortality than white, black, and Hispanic patients. Relative to whites, black and Hispanic patients had higher adjusted 1-year all-cause rehospitalization (black: adjusted odds ratio, 1.28 [95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.37]; Hispanic: adjusted odds ratio, 1.22 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.35]), whereas Asian patients had lower odds (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83 [95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.94]).

CONCLUSIONS

Among older Medicare beneficiaries with AIS, there were significant differences in long-term outcomes by race/ethnicity, even after adjustment for stroke severity, other prognostic variables, and hospital characteristics.

Trends and survival between ethnic groups after stroke: the South London Stroke Register

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To identify trends and differences between ethnic groups in survival after first-ever stroke and examine factors influencing survival.

METHODS

Population-based stroke register of first in a lifetime strokes between 1995 and 2010. Baseline data were collection of sociodemographic factors, stroke subtype, case mix, risk factors before stroke, and receipt of effective acute stroke processes. Survival curves were estimated with Kaplan-Meier methods, and survival analyses were undertaken using Cox Proportional-hazards models.

RESULTS

Survival improved significantly over this 16-year period (P<0.0001). Black Caribbean and black African had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality compared with white patients (hazard ratio, 0.85 [95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.98] and 0.61 [0.49-0.77], respectively) after adjustment for confounders. This survival advantage of black Caribbean/black African over white mainly existed in older patients (over 65). Recent stroke, being black Caribbean/black African, and stroke unit admission were associated with better survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival has improved in a multiethnic population over time. The independent survival advantage of black Caribbean and black African over White group in those aged over 65 may be a healthy migrant effect of first generation migrants. The increase in admission to a stroke unit may contribute to the improvement in survival after stroke.

Comparison of ischemic stroke outcomes and patient and hospital characteristics by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current literature provides mixed evidence on disparities by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status in discharge outcomes after hospitalization for acute ischemic stroke. Using comprehensive data from 8 states, we sought to compare inpatient mortality and length of stay by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

METHODS

We examined all 2007 hospitalizations for acute ischemic stroke in all nonfederal acute care hospitals in Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Population was stratified by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics) and socioeconomic status, measured by median income of patient zip code. For each stratum, we estimated risk-adjusted rates of inpatient mortality and longer length of stay (greater than median length of stay). We also compared the hospitals where these subpopulations received care.

RESULTS

Hispanic and black patients accounted for 14% and 12% of all ischemic stroke admissions (N=147 780), respectively, and had lower crude inpatient mortality rates (Hispanic=4.5%, blacks=4.4%; all P<0.001) compared with white patients (5.8%). Hispanic and black patients were younger and fewer had any form of atrial fibrillation. Adjusted for patient risk, inpatient mortality was similar by race/ethnicity, but was significantly higher for low-income area patients than that for high-income area patients (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.15). Risk-adjusted rates of longer length of stay were higher among minority and low-income area populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk-adjusted inpatient mortality was similar among patients by race/ethnicity but higher among patients from lower income areas. However, this pattern was not evident in sensitivity analyses, including the use of mechanical ventilation as a partial surrogate for stroke severity.

Stroke in Ashanti region of Ghana

OBJECTIVE

To determine the morbidity and mortality in adult in-patients with stroke admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

METHODS

A retrospective study of in-patients with stroke admitted to the KATH, from January 2006 to december 2007 was undertaken. Data from admission and discharge registers were analysed to determine stroke morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Stroke constituted 9.1% of total medical adult admissions and 13.2% of all medical adult deaths within the period under review. The mean age of stroke patients was 63.7 (95% ci=62.8, 64.57) years. Males were younger than females. The overall male to female ratio was 1:0.96, and the age-adjusted risk of death from stroke was slightly lower for females than males (relative risk= 0.88; 95% ci=0.79, 1.02, p=0.08). The stroke case fatality rate was 5.7% at 24 hours, 32.7% at 7 days, and 43.2% at 28 days.

CONCLUSION

Stroke constitutes a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana. Major efforts are needed in the prevention and treatment of stroke. Population-based health education programs and appropriate public health policy need to be developed. This will require a multidisciplinary approach of key players with a strong political commitment. There is also a clear need for further studies on this topic including, for example, an assessment of care and quality of life after discharge from hospital. The outcomes of these studies will provide important information for the prevention efforts.

Comparison of 2 extended activities of daily living scales with the Barthel Index and predictors of their outcomes: cohort study within the South London Stroke Register (SLSR)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Basic activities of daily living measures are often supplemented by extended activities of daily living. We compared the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) with the Barthel Index (BI) in terms of distribution of scores, concurrent validity, reliability, and their agreement and investigated the predictors of scales outcomes.

METHODS

Two hundred thirty-eight patients from the population-based South London Stroke Register were assessed with the BI, FAI, and NEADL 3 months after a first-ever stroke. The pairwise relationship was studied using correlations, fractional polynomial regression, and Bland and Altman plot; the baseline predictors, for example, sociodemography, case severity: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and 7-day Abbreviated Memory Test, comorbidities, and acute treatments by negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

The BI was highly affected by a ceiling effect (33% had the highest score), FAI was only affected by floor effect (19%), but NEADL was symmetrical with only 4% highest and lowest score. Despite high concurrent validity of the scales (r ≥0.80, P<0.001), they agreed poorly only for the highest and the lowest level of activities. The association and agreement of NEADL with BI was higher than that of FAI with BI. Severe stroke patients (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale >13) had 28% lower BI (79% lower FAI and 62% lower NEADL) score than nonsevere patients (P≤0.001). Cognitively intact patients (Abbreviated Memory Test: 8-10) had 2.3 times greater FAI values (65% higher NEADL) compared with impaired patients (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The NEADL scale was symmetrical, concurrently valid with no floor and ceiling effects. It corresponded better with BI than FAI did confirming its basic activities of daily living properties, yet it is a more sensitive tool for extended activities of daily living without the floor and ceiling effects. Future functional status could be predicted by the acute stage National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, whereas only extended activities of daily living status could be predicted by the Abbreviated Memory Test score. Predicting future functional status at the acute stage may decrease unnecessary length of stay in acute care settings.

Socioeconomic status and stroke: an updated review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Rates of stroke incidence and mortality vary across populations with important differences between socioeconomic groups worldwide. Knowledge of existing disparities in stroke risk is important for effective stroke prevention and management strategies. This review updates the evidence for associations between socioeconomic status and stroke. Summary of Review- Studies were identified with electronic searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (January 2006 to July 2011) and reference lists from identified studies were searched manually. Articles reporting the association between any measure of socioeconomic status and stroke were included.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of stroke as measured by disability-adjusted life-years lost and mortality rates is >3-fold higher in low-income compared with high- and middle-income countries. The number of stroke deaths is projected to increase by >30% in the next 20 years with the majority occurring in low-income countries. Higher incidence of stroke, stroke risk factors, and rates of stroke mortality are generally observed in low compared with high socioeconomic groups within and between populations worldwide. There is less available evidence of an association between socioeconomic status and stroke recurrence or temporal trends in inequalities. Those with a lower socioeconomic status have more severe deficits and are less likely to receive evidence-based stroke services, although the results are inconsistent. Poorer people within a population and poorer countries globally are most affected in terms of incidence and poor outcomes of stroke. Innovative prevention strategies targeting people in low socioeconomic groups are required along with effective measures to promote access to effective stroke interventions worldwide.

Ethnicity and functional outcome after stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is limited information on the influence of ethnicity on functional outcome after stroke. We examined functional outcomes among European New Zealanders, Māori, Pacific, and Asian people 6 months after stroke in a population-based context.

METHODS

This was a prospective incidence and 6-month outcomes study of all new stroke patients (excluding subarachnoid hemorrhage) that occurred over 1 year in a defined geographical area in Auckland, New Zealand, during 2002 to 2003. Ethnicity was self-defined. Outcome measures included the Frenchay Activities Index, 36-item Short Form questionnaire, independence, death, composite of death and dependence, and living situation.

RESULTS

Functional measures were available in 1127 patients 6 months after stroke. Frenchay Activities Index scores were associated with ethnicity on both univariable and multivariable analysis, with Asian and Pacific people having worse scores. Physical Component Summary score of the 36-item Short Form was associated with ethnicity on univariable (scores for Pacific, Māori, and Asian people were higher than those for Europeans) but not multivariable analysis. Asian people were less likely to be dead compared to Europeans, and Pacific people were more likely to be dependent on others for help than Europeans. Pacific people were more likely to be dead or dependent than Europeans. Asian and Pacific people were more likely to be living at home than Europeans.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethnicity was associated independently with functional outcomes. The association was attenuated when adjusted for stroke severity and other covariates. The direction of the relationship was not consistent between measures for individual ethnic groups.

Racial differences in mortality among patients with acute ischemic stroke: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Black patients are commonly believed to have higher stroke mortality. However, several recent studies have reported better survival in black patients with stroke.

OBJECTIVE

To examine racial differences in stroke mortality and explore potential reasons for these differences.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

164 hospitals in New York.

PARTICIPANTS

5319 black and 18 340 white patients aged 18 years or older who were hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke between January 2005 and December 2006.

MEASUREMENTS

Influence of race on mortality, examined by using propensity score analysis. Secondary outcomes were selected aspects of end-of-life treatment, use of tissue plasminogen activator, hospital spending, and length of stay. Patients were followed for mortality for 1 year after admission.

RESULTS

Overall in-hospital mortality was lower for black patients than for white patients (5.0% vs. 7.4%; P < 0.001), as was all-cause mortality at 30 days (6.1% vs. 11.4%; P < 0.001) and 1 year (16.5% vs. 24.4%; P < 0.001). After propensity score adjustment, black race was independently associated with lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.61 to 0.98]) and all-cause mortality up to 1 year (OR, 0.86 [CI, 0.77 to 0.96]). The adjusted hazard ratio was 0.87 (CI, 0.79 to 0.96). After adjustment for the probability of dying in the hospital, black patients with stroke were more likely to receive life-sustaining interventions (OR, 1.22 [CI, 1.09 to 1.38]) but less likely to be discharged to hospice (OR, 0.25 [CI, 0.14 to 0.46]).

LIMITATIONS

The study used hospital administrative data that lacked a stroke severity measure. The study design precluded determination of causality.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with acute ischemic stroke, black patients had lower mortality than white patients. This could be the result of differences in receipt of life-sustaining interventions and end-of-life care.

The incidence of all stroke and stroke subtype in the United Kingdom, 1985 to 2008: a systematic review

Background

There is considerable geographic variation in stroke mortality around the United Kingdom (UK). Whether this is due to geographical differences in incidence or case-fatality is unclear. We conducted a systematic review of high-quality studies documenting the incidence of any stroke and stroke subtypes, between 1985 and 2008 in the UK. We aimed to study geographic and temporal trends in relation to equivalent mortality trends.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched, reference lists inspected and authors of included papers were contacted. All rates were standardised to the European Standard Population for those over 45, and between 45 and 74 years. Stroke mortality rates for the included areas were then calculated to produce rate ratios of stroke mortality to incidence for each location.

Results

Five papers were included in this review. Geographic variation was narrow but incidence appeared to largely mirror mortality rates for all stroke. For men over 45, incidence (and confidence intervals) per 100,000 ranged from 124 (109-141) in South London, to 185 (164-208) in Scotland. For men, premature (45-74 years) stroke incidence per 100,000 ranged from 79 (67-94) in the North West, to 112 (95-132) in Scotland. Stroke subtype data was more geographically restricted, but did suggest there is no sizeable variation in incidence by subtype around the country. Only one paper, based in South London, had data on temporal trends. This showed that there has been a decline in stroke incidence since the mid 1990 s. This could not be compared to any other locations in this review.

Conclusions

Geographic variations in stroke incidence appear to mirror variations in mortality rates. This suggests policies to reduce inequalities in stroke mortality should be directed at risk factor profiles rather than treatment after a first incident event. More high quality stroke incidence data from around the UK are needed before this can be confirmed.

A cross-national comparative study of blood pressure and hypertension between English and Dutch South-Asian- and African-origin populations: the role of national context

BACKGROUND

We compare patterns of blood pressure (BP) and prevalence of hypertension between white-Dutch and their South-Asian and African minority groups with their corresponding white-English and their South-Asian and African ethnic minority groups; and the contribution of physical activity, body sizes, and socioeconomic position (SEP); and the quality of BP treatment that may underlie differences in mean BP.

METHODS

Secondary analyses of population-based studies of 13,999 participants from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

RESULTS

Compared with Dutch South-Asians, all English South-Asian men and women had lower BP and prevalence of hypertension except for systolic BP in English-Indian men. Among Africans, the systolic BP did not differ, but the diastolic BP levels were lower in English-Caribbean and English- (sub-Sahara) African men and women than in their Dutch-African counterparts. English-Caribbeans had a lower prevalence of hypertension than Dutch-Africans. Compared with white-Dutch, white-English men and women had higher systolic BP levels, but lower diastolic BP levels. There were no differences in the prevalence of hypertension between the white groups. Most differences remained unchanged after adjustment for SEP, lifestyle, and body sizes in all ethnic groups. BP control rates were substantially lower among Dutch-African and Dutch South-Asian hypertensives than among their English counterparts (except Indians).

CONCLUSIONS

We found marked variations in BP and hypertension prevalence between comparable ethnic groups in England and the Netherlands. Poor BP control among Dutch South-Asians and Africans contributed to their disadvantage of the relatively high BP levels.

Increased Risk of Stroke After Adhesive Capsulitis

Background and Purpose— No previous study has described the association between stroke and previous adhesive capsulitis (AC). This study aims to investigate the risk of stroke after AC with a population-based database.

Method— Records for 10 935 with a principal diagnosis of AC and 32 805 randomly selected controls were collected between 2000 and 2003. The log-rank test was performed to analyze the differences in accumulated stroke-free survival rates between the 2 groups. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to calculate the longitudinal hazard of stroke.

Results— During the follow-up period, 575 patients from the study group (5.3%) and 1201 from the comparison group (3.7%) had strokes. The crude hazard ratio for stroke for patients with AC was 1.46-times greater than for controls (95% CI, 1.32–1.62; P <0.001), and the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.22 (95% CI, 1.06–1.40; P =0.002).

Conclusions— Our study demonstrates increased prevalence and risk of stroke after AC. Further study is needed to confirm our findings and explore underlying mechanisms.

Impact of Outdoor Air Pollution on Survival After Stroke

Background and Purpose— The impact of air pollution on survival after stroke is unknown. We examined the impact of outdoor air pollution on stroke survival by studying a population-based cohort.

Methods— All patients who experienced their first-ever stroke between 1995 and 2005 in a geographically defined part of London, where road traffic contributes to spatial variation in air pollution, were followed up to mid-2006. Outdoor concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter <10 μm in diameter modeled at a 20-m grid point resolution for 2002 were linked to residential postal codes. Hazard ratios were adjusted for age, sex, social class, ethnicity, smoking, alcohol consumption, prestroke functional ability, pre-existing medical conditions, stroke subtype and severity, hospital admission, and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation.

Results— There were 1856 deaths among 3320 patients. Median survival was 3.7 years (interquartile range, 0.1 to 10.8). Mean exposure levels were 41 μg/m 3 (SD, 3.3; range, 32.2 to 103.2) for nitrogen dioxide and 25 μg/m 3 (SD, 1.3; range, 22.7 to 52) for particulate matter <10 μm in diameter. A 10-μg/m 3 increase in nitrogen dioxide was associated with a 28% (95% CI, 11% to 48%) increase in risk of death. A 10-μg/m 3 increase in particulate matter <10 μm in diameter was associated with a 52% (6% to 118%) increase in risk of death. Reduced survival was apparent throughout the follow-up period, ruling out short-term mortality displacement.

Conclusions— Survival after stroke was lower among patients living in areas with higher levels of outdoor air pollution. If causal, a 10-μg/m 3 reduction in nitrogen dioxide exposure might be associated with a reduction in mortality comparable to that for stroke units. Improvements in outdoor air quality might contribute to better survival after stroke.

Race/ethnicity, quality of care, and outcomes in ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Prior studies suggest differences in stroke care associated with race/ethnicity. We sought to determine whether such differences existed in a population of black, Hispanic, and white patients hospitalized with stroke among hospitals participating in a quality-improvement program.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed in-hospital mortality and 7 stroke performance measures among 397,257 patients admitted with ischemic stroke to 1181 hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program 2003 through 2008. Relative to white patients, black and Hispanic patients were younger and more often had diabetes mellitus and hypertension. After adjustment for both patient- and hospital-level variables, black patients had lower odds relative to white patients of receiving intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 0.91), deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.92), smoking cessation (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.91), discharge antithrombotics (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.92), anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.94), and lipid therapy (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.96), and of dying in-hospital (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.95). Hispanic patients received similar care as their white counterparts on all 7 measures and had similar in-hospital mortality. Black (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.35) and Hispanic (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.20) patients had higher odds of exceeding the median length of hospital stay relative to whites. During the study, quality of care improved in all 3 race/ethnicity groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients with stroke received fewer evidence-based care processes than Hispanic or white patients. These differences could lead to increased risk of recurrent stroke. Quality of care improved substantially in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Program over time for all 3 racial/ethnic groups.

Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and established risk factors among populations of sub-Saharan African descent in Europe: a literature review

Background

Most European countries are ethnically and culturally diverse. Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. The major risk factors for CVD have been well established. This picture holds true for all regions of the world and in different ethnic groups. However, the prevalence of CVD and related risk factors vary among ethnic groups.

Methods

This article provides a review of current understanding of the epidemiology of vascular disease, principally coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and related risk factors among populations of Sub-Sahara African descent (henceforth, African descent) in comparison with the European populations in Europe.

Results

Compared with European populations, populations of African descent have an increased risk of stroke, whereas CHD is less common. They also have higher rates of hypertension and diabetes than European populations. Obesity is highly prevalent, but smoking rate is lower among African descent women. Older people of African descent have more favourable lipid profile and dietary habits than their European counterparts. Alcohol consumption is less common among populations of African descent. The rate of physical activity differs between European countries. Dutch African-Suriname men and women are less physically active than the White-Dutch whereas British African women are more physically active than women in the general population. Literature on psychosocial stress shows inconsistent results.

Conclusion

Hypertension and diabetes are highly prevalent among African populations, which may explain their high rate of stroke in Europe. The relatively low rate of CHD may be explained by the low rates of other risk factors including a more favourable lipid profile and the low prevalence of smoking. The risk factors are changing, and on the whole, getting worse especially among African women. Cohort studies and clinical trials are therefore needed among these groups to determine the relative contribution of vascular risk factors, and to help guide the prevention efforts. There is a clear need for intervention studies among these populations in Europe.

Age- and sex-specific trends in fatal incidence and hospitalized incidence of stroke in Scotland, 1986 to 2005

BACKGROUND

Temporal trends in stroke incidence are unclear. We aimed to examine age- and sex-specific temporal trends in incidence of fatal and nonfatal hospitalized stroke in Scotland from 1986 to 2005.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mean age at the time of first stroke was 70.8 (SD, 12.9) years in men and 76.4 (12.9) years in women. Between 1986 and 2005, rates fell in men from 235 (95% CI, 229 to 242) to 149 (144 to 154) and in women from 299 (292 to 306) to 182 (177 to 188). Poisson modeling showed that temporal trends were influenced by age with declines in incidence of hospitalized stroke starting later in younger than older age groups. In both men and women aged under 55 years, the overall incidence rate of stroke was significantly higher in 2005 than in 1986.

CONCLUSIONS

We report in a whole country that the overall incidence of stroke declined steadily and substantially between 1986 and 2005, with a relative reduction in the risk of stroke of 31% in men and 42% in women. Reductions in rates of both hospitalized and nonhospitalized fatal stroke contributed to this overall decline. The increase in incident stroke rates in young people is of concern.

Ethnic disparities in coronary heart disease management and pay for performance in the UK

BACKGROUND

Few pay for performance schemes have been subject to rigorous evaluation, and their impact on disparities in chronic disease management is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To examine disparities in coronary heart disease management and intermediate clinical outcomes within a multiethnic population before and after the introduction of a major pay for performance initiative in April 2004.

DESIGN

Comparison of two cross-sectional surveys using electronic general practice records.

SETTING

Thirty-two family practices in south London, United Kingdom (UK).

PATIENTS

Two thousand eight hundred and ninety-one individuals with coronary heart disease registered with participating practices in 2003 and 3,101 in 2005.

MEASUREMENTS

Percentage achievement by ethnic group of quality indicators in the management of coronary heart disease

RESULTS

The proportion of patients reaching national treatment targets increased significantly for blood pressure (51.2% to 58.9%) and total cholesterol (65.7% to 73.8%) after the implementation of a major pay for performance initiative in April 2004. Improvements in blood pressure control were greater in the black group compared to whites, with disparities evident at baseline being attenuated (black 54.8% vs. white 58.3% reaching target in 2005). Lower recording of blood pressure in the south Asian group evident in 2003 was attenuated in 2005. Statin prescribing remained significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the black group compared with the south Asian and white groups after the implementation of pay for performance (black 74.8%, south Asian 83.8%, white 80.2% in 2005).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of pay for performance incentives in UK primary care has been associated with better and more equitable management of coronary heart disease across ethnic groups.

Patterns of smoking cessation in the first 3 years after stroke: the South London Stroke Register

BACKGROUND

Stroke survivors are at high risk of recurrent strokes and other vascular events. Smoking is an established risk factor for stroke, with cessation recommended for secondary prevention. Little is known about patterns of smoking cessation after stroke.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort of patients was identified.

METHODS

Data were derived from the population-based South London Stroke Register. Self-reported smoking status was measured at the time of stroke, at 3 months, and at 1 and 3 years after stroke. Stroke survivors, who were smoking at the time of stroke and were alive 3 years later, were included. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, risk factors, stroke subtype, disability, and probability of attempting and maintaining smoking cessation.

RESULTS

Complete smoking data were available for 363 survivors with strokes between 1995 and 2003. In all, 71% of the smokers had attempted to quit within 3 years; 30% had quit and maintained cessation at 1 and 3 years; 10% had quit immediately after stroke, but had subsequently relapsed (smoking again at 1 and 3 years); and 25% of the smokers had quit after 3 months. Black ethnicity [odds ratio (OR): 6.20; confidence interval (CI): 2.39-16.10] and more severe disability (P=0.035) were predictors of attempts to quit. Older age (OR: 0.30; CI: 0.13-0.71) and black ethnicity (OR: 0.30; CI: 0.15-0.60) reduced the likelihood of smoking at 3 years. Among those attempting cessation, being older predicted maintenance (OR: 4.50; CI: 1.50-13.51).

CONCLUSION

The majority of smokers had attempted to quit after stroke; however, a minority achieved sustained cessation in the longer term. Cessation patterns are complex, and interventions should be targeted at multiple time points.

Methodological challenges in causal research on racial and ethnic patterns of cognitive trajectories: measurement, selection, and bias

Research focused on understanding how and why cognitive trajectories differ across racial and ethnic groups can be compromised by several possible methodological challenges. These difficulties are especially relevant in research on racial and ethnic disparities and neuropsychological outcomes because of the particular influence of selection and measurement in these contexts. In this article, we review the counterfactual framework for thinking about causal effects versus statistical associations. We emphasize that causal inferences are key to predicting the likely consequences of possible interventions, for example in clinical settings. We summarize a number of common biases that can obscure causal relationships, including confounding, measurement ceilings/floors, baseline adjustment bias, practice or retest effects, differential measurement error, conditioning on common effects in direct and indirect effects decompositions, and differential survival. For each, we describe how to recognize when such biases may be relevant and some possible analytic or design approaches to remediating these biases.

[Comparison between German and Turkish descent in ischemic stroke. Risk factors, initial findings, rehabilitative therapy, and social consequences]

BACKGROUND

Until now no data has been available on possible specific features of the Turkish minority in Germany with respect to stroke.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared 20 Turkish stroke patients with matched German controls analyzing risk factors, findings at admission, rehabilitative treatments, and psychosocial aspects.

RESULTS

In the Turkish group the interval between onset of symptoms and admission was longer (532 min vs 255 min, P < 0.01). All other findings during acute treatment and rehabilitation were comparable. At follow-up after 22 months, the Barthel index was 90 for the Turks and 100 for the Germans. The Turkish patients reported more consultations with physicians than their German counterparts (68 vs 12 per year, P < 0.01). Scores for quality of life and outcome did not differ. The Turkish patients more frequently required care and had a higher degree of disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Turkish stroke patients have a longer time to admission. Risk factors, findings at admission, and treatment in the acute phase and rehabilitation are comparable. Several findings point towards a different health behavior. These results highlight the need for specific education of the Turkish population in Germany.

Ethnicity and quality of diabetes care in a health system with universal coverage: population-based cross-sectional survey in primary care

BACKGROUND

The UK has a universal health care system that is free at the point of access. Over the past decade, the UK government has implemented an ambitious agenda of quality improvement initiatives in chronic disease management.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of diabetes care and intermediate clinical outcomes within a multiethnic population after a sustained period of investment in quality improvement.

DESIGN

Population based cross-sectional survey, using electronic general practice records, carried out between November 2005 and January 2006.

PATIENTS

Seven thousand six hundred five adults (>or=18 years) with diabetes registered with 32 primary care practices.

MEASUREMENTS

Percentage achievement by ethnic group (black, south Asian, or white) of the quality indicators for diabetes in a new pay-for performance contract.

RESULTS

There were only modest variations in recording of process measures of care between ethnic groups, with no significant differences in recent measurement of blood pressure, HbA1c, cholesterol, micro-albuminuria, creatinine, or retinopathy screening attendance. Blacks and south Asians were significantly less likely to meet all three national treatment targets for diabetes (HbA1c <or= 7.4%, blood pressure <or= 145/85 mmHg, total cholesterol <or= 5 mmol/L [193 mg/dL]) than whites (25.3%, 24.8% , and 32.0%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that substantial investment in quality improvement initiatives in the UK may have led to more systematic and equitable processes of care for diabetes but have not addressed ethnic disparities in intermediate clinical outcomes.

One-year outcome after first-ever stroke according to stroke subtype, severity, risk factors and pre-stroke treatment. A population-based study from Tartu, Estonia

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the outcome at 1 year following a first-ever stroke based on a population-based registry from 2001 to 2003 in Tartu, Estonia. The outcome of first-ever stroke was assessed in 433 patients by stroke risk factors, demographic data and stroke severity at onset using the Barthel Index (BI) score and the modified Rankin Score (mRS) at seventh day, 6 months and 1 year. Female sex, older age, blood glucose value >10 mmol/l on admission and more severe stroke on admission were the best predictors of dependency 1 year following the first-ever stroke. At 1 year, the percentage of functionally dependent patients was 20% and the survival rate was 56%. The use of antihypertensive/antithrombotic medication prior to stroke did not significantly affect the outcome. The survival rate of stroke patients in Tartu is lower compared with other studied populations. The outcome of stroke was mainly determined by the initial severity of stroke and by elevated blood glucose value on admission. Patients with untreated hypertension had more severe stroke and trend for unfavourable outcome compared with those who were on treatment.

[Issues involved with supply of medical and hygienic materials to home care patients]

Questionnaires were mailed to doctors and nurses who are involved in home care to survey their observations on medical and hygienic materials and its supply to home care patients. Some of the survey items, such as problems encountered frequently, areas where an improvement was needed most and concerns that are often raised in suppling of medical and hygienic materials for home care patients, were analyzed by the Berelson's content analysis method to observe problems in suppling adequate medical and hygienic materials. As a result, 5 categories and 17 subcategories were formed. The recognized future issues were: policies concerning support extended to medical organizations and disseminate information of the system, which medical and hygienic materials supplied to home care patients.

Poststroke Survival for Black-Caribbean Populations in Barbados and South London

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are variations in mortality rates for stroke in black communities, but the factors associated with survival remain unclear.

METHODS

The authors studied population-based stroke registers with follow up in South London (270 participants, 1995 to 2002) and Barbados (578 participants, 2001 to 2003). Differences in sociodemographic factors, stroke risk factors and their management, case severity, and acute management between London and Barbados were studied. Survival analysis used Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards model with stratification.

RESULTS

There were 1411 person-years of follow-up. Patients in Barbados had poorer survival (log-rank test P=0.037), particularly those with a prestroke Barthel index scores between 15 and 20 (1-year survival, 56.4% versus 74.3%; P<0.001). This disadvantage remained significant (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99; 95% CI, 1.23 to 3.21, P=0.005) after adjustment for age and year of stroke and stratification for stroke subtype and socioeconomic status (SES). After stratification by SES, clinical stroke subtype, and Glasgow Coma Score, and adjustment for other potential confounders, additional factors reducing survival were untreated atrial fibrillation (AF; HR, 8.54; 95% CI, 2.14 to 34.08, P=0.002), incontinence after stroke (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.79 to 3.89), and dysphagia (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.57 to 3.24). Patients not admitted to the hospital had improved survival (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.58). Interaction terms between location and Barthel score, location and AF, and location and transient ischemic attack were included in the final model to reflect the greater difference in survival with a high Barthel score of 15 or more, absence of untreated AF, and having untreated transient ischemic attack.

CONCLUSIONS

Black-Caribbean people with stroke living in Barbados have worse survival than similar patients in South London, particularly if they have good mobility before the stroke. Further exploration and refinement of measurement of confounding factors such as SES and poststroke management along with exploring the cultural/environmental differences between the communities is required to understand these stark differences.