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Liao Y, Qi W, Li S, Shi X, Wu X, Chi F, Xia R, Qin L, Cao L, Ren L. Analysis of onset-to-door time and its influencing factors in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke during the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic: a preliminary, prospective, multicenter study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:615. [PMID: 38730381 PMCID: PMC11084012 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11088-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-hospital delay in China is a serious issue with unclear relevant reasons, seriously impeding the adoption of appropriate measures. Herein, we analyzed the onset-to-door time (ODT) in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and its influencing factors. METHODS We prospectively recruited 3,459 patients with AIS from nine representative tertiary general hospitals in China between January and June 2022. Patients were divided into ODT ≤ 3 h and ODT > 3 h groups. Following single-factor analysis, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors leading to pre-hospital delay. RESULTS In total, 763 (21.83%) patients arrived at the hospital within 3 h of onset. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk factors for ODT were residence in rural areas (odds ratio [OR]: 1.478, 95% credibility interval [CI]: 1.024-2.146) and hospital transfer (OR: 7.479, 95% CI: 2.548-32.337). The protective factors for ODT were location of onset ≤ 20 km from the first-visit hospital (OR: 0.355, 95% CI: 0.236-0.530), transportation by emergency medical services (OR: 0.346, 95% CI: 0.216-0.555), history of atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.375, 95% CI: 0.207-0.679), moderate stroke (OR: 0.644, 95% CI: 0.462-0.901), and severe stroke (OR: 0.506, 95% CI: 0.285-0.908). CONCLUSIONS Most patients with AIS fail to reach a hospital within the critical 3-h window. The following measures are recommended to reduce pre-hospital delays: reasonable distribution of hospitals accessible to nearby residents, minimizing interhospital transfer, paying attention to patients with mild stroke, and encouraging patients to use ambulance services. Pre-hospital delays for patients can be reduced by implementing these measures, ultimately improving the timeliness of treatment and enhancing patient prognosis. This study was carried out amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented challenges and constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Liao
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenwei Qi
- National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuting Li
- School of Statistics, Shandong Technology and Business University, Yantai, China
| | - Xin Shi
- School of Statistics, Shandong Technology and Business University, Yantai, China
- School of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaohong Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen City, 518000, China
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Chi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen City, 518000, China
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Runyu Xia
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Limin Qin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen City, 518000, China
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liming Cao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen City, 518000, China.
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China.
| | - Lijie Ren
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen City, 518000, China
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Kharbach A, Obtel M, Achbani A, Aasfara J, Hassouni K, Lahlou L, Razine R. Ischemic stroke in Morocco: Prehospital delay and associated factors. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2021; 69:345-359. [PMID: 34148762 DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to estimate prehospital delay and to identify the factors associated with the late arrival of patients with ischemic stroke at the Souss Massa Regional Hospital Center in Morocco. PATIENTS AND METHODS An observational, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2019 to September 2019 in the Souss Massa regional hospital center, which is a public hospital structure. A questionnaire was administered to patients with ischemic stroke and to bystanders (family or others), while clinical and paraclinical data were collected from medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with delayed arrival at emergency department. RESULTS A total of 197 patients and 197 bystanders who fulfilled the criteria for the study were included. The median time from symptom onset to hospital arrival was 6hours (IQR, 4-16). Multiple regression analysis showed that illiteracy (OR 38.58; CI95%: 3.40-437.27), waiting for symptoms to disappear (patient behavior) (OR 11.24; CI95%: 1.57-80.45), deciding to go directly to the hospital (patient behavior) (OR 0.07; CI95%: 0.01-0.57), bystander's knowledge that stroke is a disease requiring urgent care within a limited therapeutic window (OR 0.005; CI95%: 0.00-0.36), and direct admission without reference (OR 0.005; CI95%: 0.00-0.07), were independently associated with late arrival (>4.5hours) of patients with acute ischemic stroke. In addition, illiteracy (OR 24.62; CI95%: 4.37-138.69), vertigo and disturbance of balance or coordination (OR 0.14; CI95%: 0.03-0.73), the relative's knowledge that stroke is a disease requiring urgent care and within a limited therapeutic window (OR 0.03; CI95%: 0.00-0.22), calling for an ambulance (relative's behavior) (OR 0.16; CI95%: 0.03-0.80), distance between 50 and 100km (OR 10.16; CI95%: 1.16-89.33), and direct admission without reference (OR 0.03; CI95%: 0.00-0.14), were independently associated with late arrival (>6hours) of patients with acute ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION Patient behavior, bystander knowledge and direct admission to the competent hospital for stroke care are modifiable factors potentially useful for reducing onset-to-door time, and thereby increasing the implementation rates of acute stroke therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kharbach
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - M Obtel
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Social Medicine (Public Health, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - A Achbani
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (LBCGM), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr Agadir, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - J Aasfara
- Department of Neurology, International Cheikh Khalifa University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS) Casablanca, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - K Hassouni
- International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS) Casablanca, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - L Lahlou
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Agadir, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - R Razine
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Social Medicine (Public Health, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
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Gonzalez-Aquines A, Cordero-Pérez AC, Cristobal-Niño M, Pérez-Vázquez G, Góngora-Rivera F. Contribution of Onset-to-Alarm Time to Prehospital Delay in Patients with Ischemic Stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 28:104331. [PMID: 31519457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) improves the clinical outcome when administered properly; however, the most important factor to receive tPA is time. The main reason for late hospital arrival is a considerable delay in onset-to-alarm time (OAT), comprising more than 50% of the onset-to-door time. AIMS To identify the factors associated with a delay in OAT and evaluate its contribution to onset-to-door time in ischemic stroke patients. METHODS Prospective cohort of stroke patients admitted to the UANL University Hospital. OAT was defined as the time from identification of stroke symptoms to the decision to seek medical attention. RESULTS A total of 189 patients were included. Mean age was 61 ± 13 years, 62% were men. One-hundred and one patients had a short OAT, but only 20.9% arrived during the first 3 hours after stroke onset. Being employed (P = 0032; odds ratio [OR] 2.784, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.091-7.104), attributing symptoms to stroke (P = 0016; OR 3.348, 95% CI 1.254-8.936), and perceiving stroke symptoms as severe (P = 0031;OR 2.428, 95% CI 1.083-5.445) were associated with a shorter OAT. CONCLUSIONS OAT consumes a considerable amount of the onset-to-door time. It is necessary to increase stroke knowledge and emphasize the severity of stroke, regardless of the severity of its clinical manifestations to reduce the prehospital delay, especially in countries with limited access to treatment with an extended time frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gonzalez-Aquines
- Department of Neurology, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez", Av. Franciso Madero y Av. Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Adolfo C Cordero-Pérez
- Department of Neurology, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez", Av. Franciso Madero y Av. Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Mario Cristobal-Niño
- Department of Neurology, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez", Av. Franciso Madero y Av. Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Gil Pérez-Vázquez
- Department of Neurology, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez", Av. Franciso Madero y Av. Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
| | - Fernando Góngora-Rivera
- Department of Neurology, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez", Av. Franciso Madero y Av. Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico.
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- Department of Neurology, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez", Av. Franciso Madero y Av. Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico
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Pulvers JN, Watson JDG. If Time Is Brain Where Is the Improvement in Prehospital Time after Stroke? Front Neurol 2017. [PMID: 29209269 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00617/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of thrombolytic and endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke, many patients are ineligible due to delayed hospital arrival. The identification of factors related to either early or delayed hospital arrival may reveal potential targets of intervention to reduce prehospital delay and improve access to time-critical thrombolysis and clot retrieval therapy. Here, we have reviewed studies reporting on factors associated with either early or delayed hospital arrival after stroke, together with an analysis of stroke onset to hospital arrival times. Much effort in the stroke treatment community has been devoted to reducing door-to-needle times with encouraging improvements. However, this review has revealed that the median onset-to-door times and the percentage of stroke patients arriving before the logistically critical 3 h have shown little improvement in the past two decades. Major factors affecting prehospital time were related to emergency medical pathways, stroke symptomatology, patient and bystander behavior, patient health characteristics, and stroke treatment awareness. Interventions addressing these factors may prove effective in reducing prehospital delay, allowing prompt diagnosis, which in turn may increase the rates and/or efficacy of acute treatments such as thrombolysis and clot retrieval therapy and thereby improve stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy N Pulvers
- Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
| | - John D G Watson
- Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
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5
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Pulvers JN, Watson JDG. If Time Is Brain Where Is the Improvement in Prehospital Time after Stroke? Front Neurol 2017; 8:617. [PMID: 29209269 PMCID: PMC5701972 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of thrombolytic and endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke, many patients are ineligible due to delayed hospital arrival. The identification of factors related to either early or delayed hospital arrival may reveal potential targets of intervention to reduce prehospital delay and improve access to time-critical thrombolysis and clot retrieval therapy. Here, we have reviewed studies reporting on factors associated with either early or delayed hospital arrival after stroke, together with an analysis of stroke onset to hospital arrival times. Much effort in the stroke treatment community has been devoted to reducing door-to-needle times with encouraging improvements. However, this review has revealed that the median onset-to-door times and the percentage of stroke patients arriving before the logistically critical 3 h have shown little improvement in the past two decades. Major factors affecting prehospital time were related to emergency medical pathways, stroke symptomatology, patient and bystander behavior, patient health characteristics, and stroke treatment awareness. Interventions addressing these factors may prove effective in reducing prehospital delay, allowing prompt diagnosis, which in turn may increase the rates and/or efficacy of acute treatments such as thrombolysis and clot retrieval therapy and thereby improve stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy N Pulvers
- Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
| | - John D G Watson
- Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
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6
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Length of stay in emergency department and cerebral intravenous thrombolysis in community hospitals. Eur J Emerg Med 2017; 24:208-216. [DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Jiang B, Ru X, Sun H, Liu H, Sun D, Liu Y, Huang J, He L, Wang W. Pre-hospital delay and its associated factors in first-ever stroke registered in communities from three cities in China. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29795. [PMID: 27411494 PMCID: PMC4944187 DOI: 10.1038/srep29795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore pre-hospital delay and its associated factors in first-ever stroke registered in communities from three cities in China. The rates of delay greater than or equal to 2 hours were calculated and factors associated with delays were determined by non-conditional binary logistic regression, after adjusting for different explanatory factors. Among the 403 cases of stroke with an accurate documented time of prehospital delay, the median time (interquartile range) was 4.00 (1.50–14.00) hours. Among the 544 cases of stroke with an estimated time range of prehospital delay, 24.8% of patients were transferred to the emergency department or hospital within 2 hours, only 16.9% of patients with stroke were aware that the initial symptom represented a stroke, only 18.8% used the emergency medical service and one-third of the stroke cases were not identified by ambulance doctors. In the multivariate analyses, 8 variables or sub-variables were identified. In conclusion, prehospital delay of stroke was common in communities. Thus, intervention measures in communities should focus on education about the early identification of stroke and appropriate emergency medical service (EMS) use, as well as the development of organized stroke care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jiang
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ru
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Haixin Sun
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,National Office for Cerebrovascular Diseases (CVD) Prevention and Control in China, Beijing, China
| | - Dongling Sun
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunhai Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiuyi Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Cerebral Vascular Diseases Prevention and Cure, Shanghai, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenzhi Wang
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,National Office for Cerebrovascular Diseases (CVD) Prevention and Control in China, Beijing, China
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Masztalewicz M, Nowacki P, Kotlęga D, Bajer-Czajkowska A. Early Emergency Medical Service Calls for Stroke: Was the Long-Term Education Program Based on the Experience of West Pomerania Successful? J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2015; 25:254-8. [PMID: 26706444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objectives are to investigate whether the percentage of early emergency calls for stroke had increased and to assess current factors determining the time of deciding to seek medical help in the event of early stroke symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed data concerning the decision to call for medical help in relation to observed stroke symptoms. Group I comprised 287 people who made the decision to call emergency medical service (EMS) in the first 10 minutes after observing stroke symptoms. Group II included 275 people who called EMS after that time. Data from the current database (2013-2014) were compared with relevant data from the period 2003-2005. RESULTS In 2013-2014, awareness of stroke signs was 2.5 times greater than in 2003-2005. Among the groups of early and delayed EMS calls during 2003-2005 and 2013-2014, there were no significant differences in the number of people who suspected stroke. Advanced patient age, young caller age, hemiparesis, facial weakness, and the severity of neurological deficit were independent factors that correlated strongly with an early EMS call, whereas feelings of numbness and dizziness correlated significantly with delayed EMS calls. CONCLUSIONS In the West Pomeranian community, general knowledge of stroke is not a significant factor when making appropriate decisions at the onset of stroke symptoms. The education campaign regarding the initial symptoms of stroke and the possible fatal consequences appears to have been ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Masztalewicz
- Department of Neurology, Pomeranian Medical Unversity in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Nowacki
- Department of Neurology, Pomeranian Medical Unversity in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kotlęga
- Department of Neurology, Pomeranian Medical Unversity in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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Sobolewski P, Kozera G, Kaźmierski R, Michalak S, Szczuchniak W, Nyka W. Efficacy of cerebral thrombolysis in an extended 'time window'. J Clin Pharm Ther 2015; 40:472-6. [PMID: 26059848 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Cerebral systemic thrombolysis (i.v. thrombolysis) with tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the only proven medical therapy for ischaemic stroke. The use of i.v. thrombolysis up to 4·5 h from stroke onset was approved in certain countries in 2008, but its safety and efficacy have not been fully determined to date. OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term outcome and complication rate of i.v. thrombolysis performed in the extended 'time window'. METHODS The study included 403 ischaemic stroke patients consecutively treated with i.v. thrombolysis from 2006 to 2012 at three comprehensive stroke centres in Poland. The long-term outcome and the haemorrhagic complications' (HC) rate were compared between subgroups of patients treated within 3 vs. 3-4·5 h from stroke onset. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION About 132 (32·75%) patients were treated between 3 and 4·5 h from stroke onset. Neurological deficits tended to be more severe in patients treated ≤3 than in those treated 3-4·5 h (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS 12 vs.10 points; P = 0·053); however, the ratio of patients with a favourable outcome (mRS 0-2 points) and mortality did not differ between the two groups (53·9 vs. 58·3, P = 0·39 and 17·7 vs. 21·2, P = 0·39, respectively). The rate of HC also did not differ between the two groups (18·8% vs. 15·1%, P = 0·46). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION The efficacy of i.v. thrombolysis routinely performed in an extended 'time window' is not reduced when compared to procedures performed within 3 h from symptom onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sobolewski
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Holy Spirit Specialist Hospital in Sandomierz, Sandomierz, Poland
| | - G Kozera
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - R Kaźmierski
- Department of Neurology and Cerebrovascular Disorders, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - S Michalak
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropathology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - W Szczuchniak
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Holy Spirit Specialist Hospital in Sandomierz, Sandomierz, Poland
| | - W Nyka
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Koksal EK, Gazioglu S, Boz C, Can G, Alioglu Z. Factors associated with early hospital arrival in acute ischemic stroke patients. Neurol Sci 2014; 35:1567-72. [PMID: 24744194 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-014-1796-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis and treatment in acute ischemic stroke are crucial in terms of survival and disability. Many stroke patients remain disabled because of the treatment delay. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the early hospital arrival in acute ischemic stroke patients. 113 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke were included in this prospective study performed at the Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty Hospital. Patients' characteristics and patients' and relatives' emotional and behavioral reactions were compared between early (within 3 h) and late (after 3 h) arrival groups. 72.6 % of patients arrived at hospital within 3 h from symptoms onset. Univariate analysis revealed that history of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.04) and coronary heart disease (p = 0.02), sudden onset of symptoms (p = 0.001), loss of consciousness (p = 0.03), recognizing symptoms as stroke (p = 0.01), seeking immediate medical attention (p < 0.001), feelings of fear and panic (p = 0.001), arriving at hospital by ambulance having called the emergency medical services (p = 0.04) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p = 0.001) were associated with hospital arrival within 3 h. A multivariate regression model demonstrated that recognizing symptoms as stroke (OR, 3.4; 95 % CI, 1.2-9.3) and atrial fibrillation (OR, 4.3; 95 % CI, 1.1-15.7) were independent factors associated with early arrival. The role in early arrival at hospital of recognizing symptoms as stroke and seeking immediate medical attention with transportation by ambulance emphasize the importance of public awareness concerning recognizing the symptoms of stroke and accessing emergency medical assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esin Kulein Koksal
- Department of Neurology, Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey
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Vidale S, Beghi E, Gerardi F, De Piazza C, Proserpio S, Arnaboldi M, Bezzi G, Bono G, Grampa G, Guidotti M, Perrone P, Porazzi D, Zarcone D, Zoli A, Agostoni E. Time to hospital admission and start of treatment in patients with ischemic stroke in northern Italy and predictors of delay. Eur Neurol 2013; 70:349-55. [PMID: 24296825 DOI: 10.1159/000353300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Early treatment (i.e. thrombolysis) is crucial for a successful care of ischemic stroke. In the management of stroke, two phases are crucial: the pre-hospital and the in-hospital interval. This work investigated factors influencing pre- and in-hospital delay in a large geographic area of Northern Italy. METHODS Enrolled were patients presenting with ischemic stroke in four administrative districts of Northern Italy (Como, Lecco, Sondrio and Varese) over a 4-month period. Pre-hospital time and in-hospital time with single management steps were recorded prospectively. Age, gender, recruiting hospital, EMS transport and triage codes, clinical severity and thrombolytic treatment were also recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors predicting pre- and in-hospital delay were performed. RESULTS Median pre-hospital time and in-hospital time were, respectively, 120 min (interquartile range, IQR 62-271) and 150 min (IQR 80-214). Pre-hospital time was halved in patients hospitalized via EMS (p<0.001) and clinically more severe (p<0.001). At multivariate analysis, transport code was associated with delay at any time (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS EMS use and transport code predicted treatment delay in patients with ischemic stroke. A more intensive use of EMS and high urgency codes could help increase the number of stroke patients treated appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Vidale
- Neurological Department, Sant'Anna Hospital, Como, Italy
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Kozera G, Chwojnicki K, Gójska-Grymajło A, Gąsecki D, Schminke U, Nyka WM. Pre-hospital delays and intravenous thrombolysis in urban and rural areas. Acta Neurol Scand 2012; 126:171-7. [PMID: 22077692 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2011.01616.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is crucial to understand the reasons behind pre- and in-hospital delays to improve nationwide access to effective treatment for acute stroke. AIMS To evaluate the pre- and in-hospital delays and to compare the intravenous (IV) thrombolysis rates in the urban and rural areas of the Province of Pomerania, Poland. MATERIALS & METHODS We evaluated the medical records of 2134 patients treated in the stroke units (SUs) and consecutively reported to the Pomeranian Stroke Register from June 2006-December 2007. RESULTS The time of ischaemic stroke onset was known in 488 (59%) of the 834 urban patients and in 744 (70%) of the 1063 rural patients (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients who called the emergency medical services with a delay of >45 min was similar in both locations: urban, 314/488 (64.3%) vs rural, 490/744 (65.8%). Although the proportion of patients who reached the emergency room within 3 h was higher in the rural areas (29.0% vs 24.3%; P = 0.02), only 4.2% of these patients received IV thrombolysis compared with 23.1% in the urban areas (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients who did not seek any kind of professional medical help prior to admission was lower in the rural areas (29/744 (3.9%) vs urban 50/488 (10.2%)) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pre-hospital delays reduced the number of patients eligible for IV thrombolysis in both rural and urban areas. The low proportion of patients treated with IV thrombolysis in rural SUs may be attributed to ineffective in-hospital procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kozera
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.
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Curran C, Henry C, O'Connor KA, Cotter PE. Predictors of early arrival at the emergency department in acute ischaemic stroke. Ir J Med Sci 2011; 180:401-5. [PMID: 21298491 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-011-0686-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A requirement of an effective acute stroke service is the early arrival of patients to the hospital emergency department (ED). This will allow the possible use of thrombolytic therapy or other acute interventions within a limited time window. AIMS We investigated the predictors of early arrival in a single hospital serving a mixed urban and rural catchment area. METHODS A retrospective review of all case notes for 1 year was performed. RESULTS Of 105 acute strokes, 91 were cerebral infarcts and a total of 71 cases presenting initially to the ED had timing available for analysis. 39.4% presented within 3 h, and 12.7% were potentially suitable for thrombolysis. Those living closer to the hospital were not more likely to arrive within 3 h (Z = -0.411, p = 0.68). Presenting directly to the hospital by emergency services (or private transport) was significantly associated with early arrival in a univariate comparison (p < 0.001), and in a multivariate model. CONCLUSION The only independent predictor of early arrival to the ED is direct presentation. Improved public education of the importance of recognition of stroke symptoms and rapid contact with the emergency services will improve the early attendance following acute stroke, allowing increased use of acute stroke treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Curran
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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Fang J, Yan W, Jiang GX, Li W, Cheng Q. Time interval between stroke onset and hospital arrival in acute ischemic stroke patients in Shanghai, China. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2011; 113:85-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2009] [Revised: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Herlitz J, Wireklintsundström B, Bång A, Berglund A, Svensson L, Blomstrand C. Early identification and delay to treatment in myocardial infarction and stroke: differences and similarities. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2010; 18:48. [PMID: 20815939 PMCID: PMC2944143 DOI: 10.1186/1757-7241-18-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The two major complications of atherosclerosis are acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke. Both are life-threatening conditions characterised by the abrupt cessation of blood flow to respective organs, resulting in an infarction. Depending on the extent of the infarction, loss of organ function varies considerably. In both conditions, it is possible to limit the extent of infarction with early intervention. In both conditions, minutes count. This article aims to describe differences and similarities with regard to the way patients, bystanders and health care providers act in the acute phase of the two diseases with the emphasis on the pre-hospital phase. Method A literature search was performed on the PubMed, Embase (Ovid SP) and Cochrane Library databases. Results In both conditions, symptoms vary considerably. Patients appear to suspect AMI more frequently than stroke and, in the former, there is a gender gap (men suspect AMI more frequently than women). With regard to detection of AMI and stroke at dispatch centre and in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) there is room for improvement in both conditions. The use of EMS appears to be higher in stroke but the overall delay to hospital admission is shorter in AMI. In both conditions, the fast track concept has been shown to influence the delay to treatment considerably. In terms of diagnostic evaluation by the EMS, more supported instruments are available in AMI than in stroke. Knowledge of the importance of early treatment has been reported to influence delays in both AMI and stroke. Conclusion Both in AMI and stroke minutes count and therefore the fast track concept has been introduced. Time to treatment still appears to be longer in stroke than in AMI. In the future improvement in the early detection as well as further shortening to start of treatment will be in focus in both conditions. A collaboration between cardiologists and neurologists and also between pre-hospital and in-hospital care might be fruitful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Herlitz
- Institute of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden.
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Evenson KR, Foraker RE, Morris DL, Rosamond WD. A comprehensive review of prehospital and in-hospital delay times in acute stroke care. Int J Stroke 2009; 4:187-99. [PMID: 19659821 PMCID: PMC2825147 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2009.00276.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to systematically review and summarize prehospital and in-hospital stroke evaluation and treatment delay times. We identified 123 unique peer-reviewed studies published from 1981 to 2007 of prehospital and in-hospital delay time for evaluation and treatment of patients with stroke, transient ischemic attack, or stroke-like symptoms. Based on studies of 65 different population groups, the weighted Poisson regression indicated a 6.0% annual decline (P<0.001) in hours/year for prehospital delay, defined from symptom onset to emergency department arrival. For in-hospital delay, the weighted Poisson regression models indicated no meaningful changes in delay time from emergency department arrival to emergency department evaluation (3.1%, P=0.49 based on 12 population groups). There was a 10.2% annual decline in hours/year from emergency department arrival to neurology evaluation or notification (P=0.23 based on 16 population groups) and a 10.7% annual decline in hours/year for delay time from emergency department arrival to initiation of computed tomography (P=0.11 based on 23 population groups). Only one study reported on times from arrival to computed tomography scan interpretation, two studies on arrival to drug administration, and no studies on arrival to transfer to an in-patient setting, precluding generalizations. Prehospital delay continues to contribute the largest proportion of delay time. The next decade provides opportunities to establish more effective community-based interventions worldwide. It will be crucial to have effective stroke surveillance systems in place to better understand and improve both prehospital and in-hospital delays for acute stroke care.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Evenson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
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