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Long B, Marcolini E, Gottlieb M. Emergency medicine updates: Transient ischemic attack. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 83:82-90. [PMID: 38986211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a condition commonly evaluated for in the emergency department (ED). Therefore, it is important for emergency clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of this disease. OBJECTIVE This paper evaluates key evidence-based updates concerning TIA for the emergency clinician. DISCUSSION TIA is a harbinger of ischemic stroke and can result from a variety of pathologic causes. While prior definitions incorporated symptoms resolving within 24 h, modern definitions recommend a tissue-based definition utilizing advanced imaging to evaluate for neurologic injury and the etiology. In the ED, emergent evaluation includes assessing for current signs and symptoms of neurologic dysfunction, appropriate imaging to investigate for minor stroke or stroke risk, and arranging appropriate disposition and follow up to mitigate risk of subsequent ischemic stroke. Imaging should include evaluation of great vessels and intracranial arteries, as well as advanced cerebral imaging to evaluate for minor or subclinical stroke. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) has limited utility for this situation; it can rule out hemorrhage or a large mass causing symptoms but should not be relied on for any definitive diagnosis. Noninvasive imaging of the cervical vessels can also be used (CT angiography or Doppler ultrasound). Treatment includes antithrombotic medications if there are no contraindications. Dual antiplatelet therapy may reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic events in higher risk patients, while anticoagulation is recommended in patients with a cardioembolic source. A variety of scoring systems or tools are available that seek to predict stroke risk after a TIA. The Canadian TIA risk score appears to have the best diagnostic accuracy. However, these scores should not be used in isolation. Disposition may include admission, management in an ED-based observation unit with rapid diagnostic protocol, or expedited follow-up in a specialty clinic. CONCLUSIONS An understanding of literature updates concerning TIA can improve the ED care of patients with TIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Long
- SAUSHEC, Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Evie Marcolini
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Michael Gottlieb
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Barone V, Foschi M, Pavolucci L, Rondelli F, Rinaldi R, Nicodemo M, D’Angelo R, Favaretto E, Brusi C, Cosmi B, Degli Esposti D, D’Addato S, Bacchelli S, Giostra F, Pomata DP, Spinardi L, Faccioli L, Faggioli G, Donti A, Borghi C, Cortelli P, Guarino M. Enhancing stroke risk prediction in patients with transient ischemic attack: insights from a prospective cohort study implementing fast-track care. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1407598. [PMID: 38859972 PMCID: PMC11163114 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1407598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Fast-track care have been proved to reduce the short-term risk of stroke after transient ischemic attack (TIA). We aimed to investigate stroke risk and to characterize short- and long-term stroke predictors in a large cohort of TIA patients undergoing fast-track management. Methods Prospective study, enrolling consecutive TIA patients admitted to a Northern Italy emergency department from August 2010 to December 2017. All patients underwent fast-track care within 24 h of admission. The primary outcome was defined as the first stroke recurrence at 90 days, 12 and 60 months after TIA. Stroke incidence with 95% confidence interval (CI) at each timepoint was calculated using Poisson regression. Predictors of stroke recurrence were evaluated with Cox regression analysis. The number needed to treat (NNT) of fast-track care in preventing 90-day stroke recurrence in respect to the estimates based on baseline ABCD2 score was also calculated. Results We enrolled 1,035 patients (54.2% males). Stroke incidence was low throughout the follow-up with rates of 2.2% [95% CI 1.4-3.3%] at 90 days, 2.9% [95% CI 1.9-4.2%] at 12 months and 7.1% [95% CI 5.4-9.0%] at 60 months. Multiple TIA, speech disturbances and presence of ischemic lesion at neuroimaging predicted stroke recurrence at each timepoint. Male sex and increasing age predicted 90-day and 60-month stroke risk, respectively. Hypertension was associated with higher 12-month and 60-month stroke risk. No specific TIA etiology predicted higher stroke risk throughout the follow-up. The NNT for fast-track care in preventing 90-day stroke was 14.5 [95% CI 11.3-20.4] in the overall cohort and 6.8 [95% CI 4.6-13.5] in patients with baseline ABCD2 of 6 to 7. Conclusion Our findings support the effectiveness of fast-track care in preventing both short- and long-term stroke recurrence after TIA. Particular effort should be made to identify and monitor patients with baseline predictors of higher stroke risk, which may vary according to follow-up duration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Lucia Pavolucci
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | - Rita Rinaldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisabetta Favaretto
- Angiology and Blood Coagulation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Brusi
- Angiology and Blood Coagulation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Benilde Cosmi
- Angiology and Blood Coagulation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Degli Esposti
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sergio D’Addato
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Bacchelli
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Giostra
- Emergency Department, Medicina d’Urgenza e Pronto Soccorso, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Paola Pomata
- Emergency Department, Medicina d’Urgenza e Pronto Soccorso, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Spinardi
- Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Faccioli
- Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluca Faggioli
- Department of Vascular Surgery, DIMEC – University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Donti
- Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Borghi
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Guarino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
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Cannizzaro F, Izquierdo A, Cocho D. Rate of atrial fibrillation by Holter-Stroke Risk Analysis in undetermined TIA/rapidly improving stroke symptoms patients. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1353812. [PMID: 38742045 PMCID: PMC11089105 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1353812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Holter-SRA (Stroke Risk Analysis) is an automated analysis of ECG monitoring for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of AF in undetermined TIA/Rapidly improving stroke symptoms (RISS) patients. Methods Prospective study of undetermined TIA/RISS patients who presented to the emergency department. Early vascular studies (angio CT, transthoracic echocardiography and ECG) were performed in emergency department. The Holter-SRA device was placed for 2 h and the patients were classified into: confirmed AF, high risk of AF or low risk of AF. Prolonged ambulatory monitoring (7 days) was carried out every month for patients with a high-risk pattern. The results were evaluated until definitive detection of AF or low-risk pattern. The endpoints were rate of AF and vascular recurrence at 90 days. Results Over a period of 24 months, 83 undetermined TIA/RISS patients were enrolled. The mean age was 70 ± 10 years and 61% were men. The median ABCD2 score was 4 points (1-7). After 2 h of monitoring in the emergency department, AF was detected in one patient (1.2%), 51 patients with a low-risk pattern and 31 patients (37.3%) showed a high-risk pattern of AF. During the ambulatory monitoring, of the 31 patients high risk pattern patients, AF was diagnosed to 17 cases and of the 51 patients with a low-risk pattern, one case experienced a recurrent vascular due to undetected AF (1.9% false negative). Three patients (3.6%) suffered a vascular recurrence within the first 90 days, before AF diagnosis. Conclusions In our study, AF was detected in 22.9% of the 83 patients with indeterminate TIA/RISS. Holter-SRA has allowed us to increase the detection of AF, especially those patients with a high-risk pattern in the first 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cannizzaro
- Family Medicine Department, Hospital General de Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Izquierdo
- Neurology Department, Hospital General de Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Cocho
- Neurology Department, Hospital General de Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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Rossi LP, Granger BB, Bruckel JT, Crabbe DL, Graven LJ, Newlin KS, Streur MM, Vadiveloo MK, Walton-Moss BJ, Warden BA, Volgman AS, Lydston M. Person-Centered Models for Cardiovascular Care: A Review of the Evidence: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2023; 148:512-542. [PMID: 37427418 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability in the United States and globally. Disease burden continues to escalate despite technological advances associated with improved life expectancy and quality of life. As a result, longer life is associated with multiple chronic cardiovascular conditions. Clinical guidelines provide recommendations without considering prevalent scenarios of multimorbidity and health system complexities that affect practical adoption. The diversity of personal preferences, cultures, and lifestyles that make up one's social and environmental context is often overlooked in ongoing care planning for symptom management and health behavior support, hindering adoption and compromising patient outcomes, particularly in groups at high risk. The purpose of this scientific statement was to describe the characteristics and reported outcomes in existing person-centered care delivery models for selected cardiovascular conditions. We conducted a scoping review using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase.com, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through Ovid, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2010 to 2022. A range of study designs with a defined aim to systematically evaluate care delivery models for selected cardiovascular conditions were included. Models were selected on the basis of their stated use of evidence-based guidelines, clinical decision support tools, systematic evaluation processes, and inclusion of the patient's perspective in defining the plan of care. Findings reflected variation in methodological approach, outcome measures, and care processes used across models. Evidence to support optimal care delivery models remains limited by inconsistencies in approach, variation in reimbursement, and inability of health systems to meet the needs of patients with chronic, complex cardiovascular conditions.
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Shahjouei S, Seyedmirzaei H, Abedi V, Zand R. Transient Ischemic Attack Outpatient Clinic: Past Journey and Future Adventure. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4511. [PMID: 37445546 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), a constellation of temporary neurological symptoms, precedes stroke in one-fifth of patients. Thus far, many clinical models have been introduced to optimize the quality, time to treatment, and cost of acute TIA care, either in an inpatient or outpatient setting. In this article, we aim to review the characteristics and outcomes of outpatient TIA clinics across the globe. In addition, we discussed the main challenges for outpatient management of TIA, including triage and diagnosis, and the system dynamics of the clinics. We further reviewed the potential developments in TIA care, such as telemedicine, predictive analytics, personalized medicine, and advanced imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahjouei
- Department of Neurology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Translational Medicine, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Homa Seyedmirzaei
- School of Medicine, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St., Tehran 14155-34793, Iran
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Program (INRP), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran 14166-34793, Iran
| | - Vida Abedi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Ramin Zand
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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Jeerakathil TJ, Yu AYX, Choi PMC, Fang S, Shuaib A, Majumdar SR, Demchuk AM, Butcher K, Watson TJ, Dean N, Gordon D, Hill MD, Edmond C, Coutts SB. Effects of a Province-wide Triaging System for TIA: The ASPIRE Intervention. Neurology 2023; 100:e2093-e2102. [PMID: 36977597 PMCID: PMC10186240 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Urgent transient ischemic attack (TIA) management to reduce stroke recurrence is challenging, particularly in rural and remote areas. In Alberta, Canada, despite an organized stroke system, data from 1999 to 2000 suggested that stroke recurrence after TIA was as high as 9.5% at 90 days. Our objective was to determine whether a multifaceted population-based intervention resulted in a reduction in recurrent stroke after TIA. METHODS In this quasi-experimental health services research intervention study, we implemented a TIA management algorithm across the entire province, centered around a 24-hour physician's TIA hotline and public and health provider education on TIA. From administrative databases, we linked emergency department discharge abstracts to hospital discharge abstracts to identify incident TIAs and recurrent strokes at 90 days across a single payer system with validation of recurrent stroke events. The primary outcome was recurrent stroke; with a secondary composite outcome of recurrent stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and all-cause death. We used an interrupted time series regression analysis of age-adjusted and sex-adjusted stroke recurrence rates after TIA, incorporating a 2-year preimplementation period (2007-2009), a 15-month implementation period, and a 2-year postimplementation period (2010-2012). Logistic regression was used to examine outcomes that did not fit the time series model. RESULTS We assessed 6,715 patients preimplementation and 6,956 patients postimplementation. The 90-day stroke recurrence rate in the pre-Alberta Stroke Prevention in TIA and mild Strokes (ASPIRE) period was 4.5% compared with 5.3% during the post-ASPIRE period. There was neither a step change (estimate 0.38; p = 0.65) nor slope change (parameter estimate 0.30; p = 0.12) in recurrent stroke rates associated with the ASPIRE intervention implementation period. Adjusted all-cause mortality (odds ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.56-0.89) was significantly lower after the ASPIRE intervention. DISCUSSION The ASPIRE TIA triaging and management interventions did not further reduce stroke recurrence in the context of an organized stroke system. The apparent lower mortality postintervention may be related to improved surveillance after events identified as TIAs, but secular trends cannot be excluded. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class III evidence that a standardized population-wide algorithmic triage system for patients with TIA did not reduce recurrent stroke rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Jeerakathil
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Amy Ying Xin Yu
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip M C Choi
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shoufan Fang
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sumit R Majumdar
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew M Demchuk
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kenneth Butcher
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim J Watson
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Naeem Dean
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Deb Gordon
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael D Hill
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cathy Edmond
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shelagh B Coutts
- From the Department of Medicine (Neurology) (T.J.J., A.S.), and Division of General Internal Medicine (S.R.M., N.D.), University of Alberta (S.F), Edmonton; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton (T.J.J., A.S., D.G.) and Alberta Health Services, Calgary (C.E.); Department of Medicine (Neurology) (A.Y.X.Y.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neurosciences (P.M.C.C.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (A.M.D., T.J.W., M.D.H., S.B.C.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Neurology (K.B.), Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Alonso de Leciñana M, Morales A, Martínez-Zabaleta M, Ayo-Martín Ó, Lizán L, Castellanos M. Characteristics of stroke units and stroke teams in Spain in 2018. Pre2Ictus project. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2022; 38:173-180. [PMID: 35780047 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this work is to describe the characteristics of stroke units and stroke teams in Spain. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study based on an ad-hoc questionnaire designed by 5 experts and addressed to neurologists leading stroke units/teams that had been operational for ≥ 1 year. RESULTS The survey was completed by 43 stroke units (61% of units in Spain) and 14 stroke teams. A mean (standard deviation) of 4 (3) neurologists were assigned to each stroke unit/team; 98% of stroke units (and 38% of stroke teams) have an on-call neurologist available 24 hours a day, 98% of units (79% of stroke teams) included specialised nurses, 86% of units (71% of stroke teams) included a social worker, and 81% of units (71% of stroke teams) included a rehabilitation physician. Most stroke units (80%) had 4--6 beds with continuous non-invasive monitoring. The mean number of unmonitored beds was 14 (8) for stroke units and 12 (7) for stroke teams. The mean duration of non-invasive monitoring was 3 (1) days. All stroke units and 86% of stroke teams had intravenous thrombolysis available, and 81% of stroke units and 21% of stroke teams were able to perform mechanical thrombectomy, whereas the remaining centres had referral pathways in place. Telestroke systems were in place at 44% of stroke units, providing support to a mean of 4 (3) centres. Activity is recorded in clinical registries by 77% of stroke units and 50% of stroke teams, but less than 75% of data is completed in 25% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Most stroke units/teams comply with the current recommendations. The systematic use of clinical registries should be improved to further improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alonso de Leciñana
- Servicio de Neurología, Centro de Ictus, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - A Morales
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Martínez-Zabaleta
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Ó Ayo-Martín
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | - L Lizán
- Outcomes'10 SLU, Castellón, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - M Castellanos
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario e Instituto de Investigación Biomédica, La Coruña, Spain
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8
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Practice Variation among Canadian Stroke Prevention Clinics: Pre, During and Post-COVID-19. Can J Neurol Sci 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35707914 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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9
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Hermanson S, Vora N, Blackmore CC, Williams B, Isenberg N. Feasibility and safety of a rapid-access transient ischemic attack clinic. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2022; 34:550-556. [PMID: 34107503 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are commonly admitted to the hospital despite evidence that low-risk TIA patients achieve improved outcomes at lower costs at specialized rapid-access TIA clinics (RATCs). LOCAL PROBLEM All patients experiencing TIAs at a hospital system in the Pacific Northwest were being admitted to the hospital. This project aimed to implement an RATC to relocate care for low-risk TIA patients, showing feasibility and safety. METHODS Following implementation of the RATC, a retrospective chart review was performed. Outcomes included days to RATC; days to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); final diagnosis; stroke-related admissions and deaths within 90 days of the RATC visit. INTERVENTIONS From 2016 to 2018, implementation of an RATC included patient triage tools; multidisciplinary collaboration between departments; a direct scheduling pathway; and emphasis on stroke prevention. RESULTS Ninety-nine patients were evaluated in the RATC, 69% (69/99) were referred from the emergency department. Sixty-six percent of patients were seen in the TIA clinic in 2 days or less, 19% at 3 days, and 15% at 4 days or more. Mean days to TIA clinic was 2.5 days (SD 2.4). Mean days (SD) to MRI was 2.1 days (SD 2.3). Forty-eight percent (48/99) had a final diagnosis of probable TIA, followed by 32% (32/99) who had other diagnoses; 15% (15/99) migraine variant; 4% (4/99) with stroke. Two percent (2/99) of patients had a stroke-related admission within 90 days, another 2% (2/99) died of non-stroke-related causes within 90 days of the RATC visit. CONCLUSIONS Utilization of RATCs is feasible and safe. Nurse practitioners are integral in delivering this innovative, cost-effective model of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hermanson
- Center for Health Care Improvement Science, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - C Craig Blackmore
- Center for Health Care Improvement Science, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, Washington
| | - Barbara Williams
- Center for Health Care Improvement Science, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, Washington
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10
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Shahjouei S, Li J, Koza E, Abedi V, Sadr AV, Chen Q, Mowla A, Griffin P, Ranta A, Zand R. Risk of Subsequent Stroke Among Patients Receiving Outpatient vs Inpatient Care for Transient Ischemic Attack: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2136644. [PMID: 34985520 PMCID: PMC8733831 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.36644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Transient ischemic attack (TIA) often indicates a high risk of subsequent cerebral ischemic events. Timely preventive measures improve the outcome. OBJECTIVE To estimate and compare the risk of subsequent ischemic stroke among patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke (mIS) by care setting. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, Trip Medical Database, CINAHL, and all Evidence-Based Medicine review series were searched from the inception of each database until October 1, 2020. STUDY SELECTION Studies evaluating the occurrence of ischemic stroke after TIA or mIS were included. Cohorts without data on evaluation time for reporting subsequent stroke, with retrospective diagnosis of the index event after stroke occurrence, and with a report of outcomes that were not limited to patients with TIA or mIS were excluded. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts and provided the list of candidate studies for full-text review; discrepancies and disagreements in all steps of the review were addressed by input from a third reviewer. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The study was prepared and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses, Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology, Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews, and Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines. The Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies-of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool was used for critical appraisal of cohorts, and funnel plots, Begg-Mazumdar rank correlation, Kendall τ2, and the Egger bias test were used for evaluating the publication bias. All meta-analyses were conducted under random-effects models. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Risk of subsequent ischemic stroke among patients with TIA or mIS who received care at rapid-access TIA or neurology clinics, inpatient units, emergency departments (EDs), and unspecified or multiple settings within 4 evaluation intervals (ie, 2, 7, 30, and 90 days). RESULTS The analysis included 226 683 patients from 71 articles recruited between 1981 and 2018; 5636 patients received care at TIA clinics (mean [SD] age, 65.7 [3.9] years; 2291 of 4513 [50.8%] men), 130 139 as inpatients (mean [SD] age, 78.3 [4.0] years; 49 458 of 128 745 [38.4%] men), 3605 at EDs (mean [SD] age, 68.9 [3.9] years; 1596 of 3046 [52.4%] men), and 87 303 patients received care in an unspecified setting (mean [SD] age, 70.8 [3.8] years, 43 495 of 87 303 [49.8%] men). Among the patients who were treated at a TIA clinic, the risk of subsequent stroke following a TIA or mIS was 0.3% (95% CI, 0.0%-1.2%) within 2 days, 1.0% (95% CI, 0.3%-2.0%) within 7 days, 1.3% (95% CI, 0.4%-2.6%) within 30 days, and 2.1% (95% CI, 1.4%-2.8%) within 90 days. Among the patients who were treated as inpatients, the risk of subsequent stroke was to 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%-1.1%) within 2 days, 1.2% (95% CI, 0.4%-2.2%) within 7 days, 1.6% (95% CI, 0.6%-3.1%) within 30 days, and 2.8% (95% CI, 2.1%-3.5%) within 90 days. The risk of stroke among patients treated at TIA clinics was not significantly different from those hospitalized. Compared with the inpatient cohort, TIA clinic patients were younger and had had lower ABCD2 (age, blood pressure, clinical features, duration of TIA, diabetes) scores (inpatients with ABCD2 score >3, 1101 of 1806 [61.0%]; TIA clinic patients with ABCD2 score >3, 1933 of 3703 [52.2%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the risk of subsequent stroke among patients who were evaluated in a TIA clinic was not higher than those hospitalized. Patients who received treatment in EDs without further follow-up had a higher risk of subsequent stroke. These findings suggest that TIA clinics can be an effective component of the TIA care component pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahjouei
- Neurology Department, Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Eric Koza
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania
| | - Vida Abedi
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
- Biocomplexity Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Alireza Vafaei Sadr
- Department de Physique Theorique and Center for Astroparticle Physics, University Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Qiushi Chen
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Ashkan Mowla
- Division of Stroke and Endovascular Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Paul Griffin
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Annemarei Ranta
- Department of Neurology, Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ramin Zand
- Neurology Department, Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
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11
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Chabbert P, Lamboley L, Souquet O, Haesebaert J, Termoz A, Schott AM, Lecoanet A, Douplat M, Benhamed A, Nighoghossian N, Mechtouff L. Effect of the Implementation of a Local Care Pathway on the Transient Ischemic Attack Management in Emergency Departments. Neurologist 2021; 27:46-50. [PMID: 34842566 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that urgent care decreases the risk of subsequent stroke after transient ischemic attack (TIA). In response to heterogeneous TIA management observed in our area, we developed a structured pathway, in accordance with current guidelines and adapted to local resources. We aim to assess the effect of local implementation of this care pathway on TIA management in emergency departments (EDs) in the Rhône area (France). PATIENTS AND METHODS EDs of 5 centers that had a minimum of 30 TIA/year in Lyon and Bourgoin-Jallieu participated. The first 30 consecutive patients who had a TIA as main diagnosis admitted to one of these EDs from January 1 to December 31, 2013 and from January 1 to December 31, 2016, that is, before-and-after care pathway implementation, respectively, were retrospectively included in the study. The primary outcome was the adequate management of TIA defined as having had appropriate workup and antithrombotic treatment within 24 hours. RESULTS A total of 141 patients were included in 2013 and 150 in 2016. There was a significant increase of complete (intracrania and extracranial) vessel imaging from 2013 to 2016 (n=42, 29.8% in 2013 vs. n=118, 78.7% in 2016; P<0.001). Computed tomography angiography was more often performed to assess intracranial and/or extracranial vessel imaging in 2016 compared with 2013 (n=54, 34.8% in 2013 vs. n=116, 77.3% in 2016; P<0.001). Overall, the rate of patients receiving adequate management significantly increased from 2013 to 2016 (n=36, 25.5% in 2013 vs. n=101, 67.3% in 2016; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a local care pathway, in accordance with current guidelines and adapted to local resources, improved TIA management in EDs, mostly by increasing the rate of vessel imaging by computed tomography angiography.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julie Haesebaert
- Pôle de santé publique, Service de recherche et épidémiologie clinique
- HESPER EA 7425, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
| | - Anne Termoz
- Pôle de santé publique, Service de recherche et épidémiologie clinique
- HESPER EA 7425, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
| | - Anne-Marie Schott
- Pôle de santé publique, Service de recherche et épidémiologie clinique
- HESPER EA 7425, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
| | | | | | | | - Norbert Nighoghossian
- Stroke Unit, Hôpital Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon
- CarMeN Laboratory, University Lyon 1, INSERM U1060, Lyon, France
| | - Laura Mechtouff
- Stroke Unit, Hôpital Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon
- CarMeN Laboratory, University Lyon 1, INSERM U1060, Lyon, France
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12
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Multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative to optimize acute neurovascular imaging for transient ischemic attack or minor stroke. CAN J EMERG MED 2021; 23:820-827. [PMID: 34515979 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-021-00180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurovascular imaging for patients with high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke in the emergency department (ED) with computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the head and neck is the guideline-recommended standard of care, but it is underutilized in routine practice. We conducted a quality initiative to improve adherence to guidelines. METHODS Between January 2017 and March 2019, we implemented a decision support tool integrated into the electronic ordering system to guide ED physicians to order a CTA on patients with high-risk TIA or minor stroke defined as ongoing neurological deficits in the ED or resolved motor or speech deficits in the preceding 48 h. Data were collected retrospectively pre-intervention and prospectively post-intervention. We used an interrupted time-series analysis for the before-after comparison of the use of CTA among patients who met criteria (main process measure) and those who did not meet criteria (balancing measure). RESULTS Among 861 patients with TIA or minor stroke, the proportion of patients with high-risk events imaged with a CTA in the ED increased from 12.0% pre-intervention to 77.0% post-intervention and this shift was sustained over 11 months. CTA use in those without high-risk events increased to a lesser extent (15.3% versus 42.9%). The interrupted time-series analysis showed a step change immediately post-intervention where the increase in CTA use in patients with high-risk events was 51.7% higher than its use in those without high-risk events (p < 0.001). Compared to pre-intervention, the median ED length of stay increased by 2 h and neurology consultation in the ED was more frequent (5.8% versus 19.5%) post-intervention. CONCLUSION We provide a detailed framework that improved adherence to acute imaging guidelines for patients with TIA or minor stroke and anticipate that our approach could improve acute imaging for such patients in most EDs.
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13
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Shahjouei S, Sadighi A, Chaudhary D, Li J, Abedi V, Holland N, Phipps M, Zand R. A 5-Decade Analysis of Incidence Trends of Ischemic Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:77-87. [PMID: 33044505 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.3627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Importance Management of transient ischemic attack (TIA) has gained significant attention during the past 25 years after several landmark studies indicated the high incidence of a subsequent stroke. Objective To calculate the pooled event rate of subsequent ischemic stroke within 2, 7, 30, and 90 days of a TIA and compare this incidence among the population with TIA recruited before 1999 (group A), from 1999 to 2007 (group B), and after 2007 (group C). Data Sources All published studies of TIA outcomes were obtained by searching PubMed from 1996, to the last update on January 31, 2020, irrespective of the study design, document type, or language. Study Selection Of 11 516 identified citations, 175 articles were relevant to this review. Both the classic time-based definition of TIA and the new tissue-based definition were accepted. Studies with a combined record of patients with TIA and ischemic stroke, without clinical evaluation for the index TIA, with diagnosis of index TIA event after ischemic stroke occurrence, with low suspicion for TIA, or duplicate reports of the same database were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis The study was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA, MOOSE, and EQUATOR guidelines. Critical appraisal and methodological quality assessment used the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Publication bias was visualized by funnel plots and measured by the Begg-Mazumdar rank correlation Kendall τ2 statistic and Egger bias test. Data were pooled using double arcsine transformations, DerSimonian-Laird estimator, and random-effects models. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportion of the early ischemic stroke after TIA within 4 evaluation intervals (2, 7, 30, and 90 days) was considered as effect size. Results Systematic review yielded 68 unique studies with 223 866 unique patients from 1971 to 2019. The meta-analysis included 206 455 patients (58% women) during a span of 4 decades. The overall subsequent ischemic stroke incidence rates were estimated as 2.4% (95% CI, 1.8%-3.2%) within 2 days, 3.8% (95% CI, 2.5%-5.4%) within 7 days, 4.1% (95% CI, 2.4%-6.3%) within 30 days, and 4.7% (95% CI, 3.3%-6.4%) within 90 days. There was a recurrence risk of 3.4% among group A in comparison with 2.1% in group B or 2.1% in group C within 2 days; 5.5% in group A vs 2.9% in group B or 3.2% in group C within 7 days; 6.3% in group A vs 2.9% in group B or 3.4% in group C within 30 days, and 7.4% in group A vs 3.9% in group B or 3.9% in group C within 90 days. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that TIA continues to be associated with a high risk of early stroke; however, the rate of post-TIA stroke might have decreased slightly during the past 2 decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahjouei
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Alireza Sadighi
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Durgesh Chaudhary
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Vida Abedi
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania.,Biocomplexity Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Neil Holland
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Phipps
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland, Baltimore
| | - Ramin Zand
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
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14
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Shah S, Liang L, Bhandary D, Johansson S, Smith EE, Bhatt DL, Fonarow GC, Khan ND, Peterson E, Bettger JP. Outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalised with transient ischaemic attack and stratification using the ABCD 2 score. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2020; 6:314-318. [PMID: 33148542 PMCID: PMC8258092 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2020-000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries hospitalised with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and role of ABCD2 score in identifying high-risk individuals are not studied. METHODS We identified 40 825 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalised from 2011 to 2014 for a TIA to a Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke hospital and classified them using ABCD2 score. Proportional hazards models were used to assess 1-year event rates of mortality and rehospitalisation (all-cause, ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, and gastrointestinal and intracranial haemorrhage) for high-risk versus low-risk groups adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics. RESULTS Of the 40 825 patients, 35 118 (86%) were high risk (ABCD2 ≥4) and 5707 (14%) were low risk (ABCD2=0-3). Overall rate of mortality during 1-year follow-up after hospital discharge for the index TIA was 11.7%, 44.3% were rehospitalised for any reason and 3.6% were readmitted due to stroke. Patients with ABCD2 score ≥4 had higher mortality at 1 year than not (adjusted HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.30). Adjusted risks for ischaemic stroke, all-cause readmission and mortality/all-cause readmission at 1 year were also significantly higher for patients with ABCD2 score ≥4 vs 0-3. In contrast, haemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage risk were not significantly different by ABCD2 score. CONCLUSIONS This study validates the use of ABCD2 score for long-term risk assessment after TIA in patients aged 65 years and older. Attentive efforts for community-based follow-up care after TIA are needed for ongoing prevention in Medicare beneficiaries who were hospitalised for TIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyansh Shah
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Li Liang
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Eric E Smith
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Division of Cardiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregg C Fonarow
- Division of Cardiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Naeem D Khan
- AstraZeneca UK Ltd, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Eric Peterson
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Lim A, Singhal S, Lavallee P, Amarenco P, Rothwell PM, Albers G, Sharma M, Brown R, Ranta A, Maddula M, Kleinig T, Dawson J, Elkind MSV, Guarino M, Coutts SB, Clissold B, Ma H, Phan T. An International Report on the Adaptations of Rapid Transient Ischaemic Attack Pathways During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:105228. [PMID: 33066882 PMCID: PMC7434484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This report aims to describe changes that centres providing transient ischaemic attack (TIA) pathway services have made to stay operational in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS An international cross-sectional description of the adaptions of TIA pathways between 30th March and 6th May 2020. Experience was reported from 18 centres with rapid TIA pathways in seven countries (Australia, France, UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Italy, Canada) from three continents. RESULTS All pathways remained active (n = 18). Sixteen (89%) had TIA clinics. Six of these clinics (38%) continued to provide in-person assessment while the majority (63%) used telehealth exclusively. Of these, three reported PPE use and three did not. Five centres with clinics (31%) had adopted a different vascular imaging strategy. CONCLUSION The COVID pandemic has led TIA clinics around the world to adapt and move to the use of telemedicine for outpatient clinic review and modified investigation pathways. Despite the pandemic, all have remained operational.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Lim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shaloo Singhal
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philippa Lavallee
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Bichat University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Amarenco
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Bichat University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Peter M Rothwell
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences. Level 6, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory Albers
- Department of Neurology and Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mukul Sharma
- Division of Neurology, McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Brown
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Annemarei Ranta
- Department of Neurology, Wellington Hospital and University of Otago, Wellington
| | - Mohana Maddula
- Tauranga Hospital, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Timothy Kleinig
- Department of Neurology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jesse Dawson
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Mitchell S V Elkind
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Maria Guarino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Interaziendale Clinica Neurologica Metropolitana (NeuroMet), Neurologia AOU S.Orsola, Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Shelagh B Coutts
- Calgary Stroke Program, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Radiology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Benjamin Clissold
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Henry Ma
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thanh Phan
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
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16
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Reduction in Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack in a Province-Wide Cohort Between 2003 and 2015. Can J Neurol Sci 2020; 48:335-343. [PMID: 32959741 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2020.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improvements in management of transient ischemic attack (TIA) have decreased stroke and mortality post-TIA. Studies examining trends over time on a provincial level are limited. We analyzed whether efforts to improve management have decreased the rate of stroke and mortality after TIA from 2003 to 2015 across an entire province. METHODS Using administrative data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information's (CIHI) databases from 2003 to 2015, we identified a cohort of patients with a diagnosis of TIA upon discharge from the emergency department (ED). We examined stroke rates at Day 1, 2, 7, 30, 90, 180, and 365 post-TIA and 1-year mortality rates and compared trends over time between 2003 and 2015. RESULTS From 2003 to 2015 in Ontario, there were 61,710 patients with an ED diagnosis of TIA. Linear regressions of stroke after the index TIA showed a significant decline between 2003 and 2015, decreasing by 25% at Day 180 and 32% at 1 year (p < 0.01). The 1-year stroke rate decreased from 6.0% in 2003 to 3.4% in 2015. Early (within 48 h) stroke after TIA continued to represent approximately half of the 1-year event rates. The 1-year mortality rate after ED discharge following a TIA decreased from 1.3% in 2003 to 0.3% in 2015 (p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION At a province-wide level, 1-year rates of stroke and mortality after TIA have declined significantly between 2003 and 2015, suggesting that efforts to improve management may have contributed toward the decline in long-term risk of stroke and mortality. Continued efforts are needed to further reduce the immediate risk of stroke following a TIA.
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Alonso de Leciñana M, Morales A, Martínez-Zabaleta M, Ayo-Martín Ó, Lizán L, Castellanos M. Characteristics of stroke units and stroke teams in Spain in 2018. Pre2Ictus project. Neurologia 2020; 38:S0213-4853(20)30222-X. [PMID: 32917435 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this work is to describe the characteristics of stroke units and stroke teams in Spain. METHOD We performed a cross-sectional study based on an ad hoc questionnaire designed by 5 experts and addressed to neurologists leading stroke units/teams that had been operational for ≥ 1 year. RESULTS The survey was completed by 43 stroke units (61% of units in Spain) and 14 stroke teams. The mean (SD) number of neurologists assigned to each unit/team is 4±3. 98% of stroke units (and 38% of stroke teams) have a neurologist on-call available 24hours, 365 days. 98% of stroke units (79% of stroke teams) have specialised nurse, 95% of units (71% of stroke teams) auxiliary personnel, 86% of units (71% of stroke teams) social worker, 81% of stroke units (71% of stroke teams) have a rehabilitation physician and 81% of stroke units (86% of stroke teams) a physiotherapist. Most stroke units (80%) have 4-6 beds with continuous non-invasive monitoring. The mean number of unmonitored beds is 14 (8) for stroke units and 12 (7) for stroke teams. The mean duration of non-invasive monitoring is 3 (1) days. All stroke units and 86% of stroke teams have intravenous thrombolysis available, and 81% of stroke units and 21% of stroke teams are able to perform mechanical thrombectomy, whereas the remaining centres have referral pathways in place. Telestroke systems are available at 44% of stroke units, providing support to a mean of 4 (3) centres. Activity is recorded in clinical registries by 77% of stroke units and 50% of stroke teams, but less than 75% of data is completed in 25% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Most stroke units/teams comply with the current recommendations. The systematic use of clinical registries should be improved to further improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alonso de Leciñana
- Servicio de Neurología, Centro de Ictus, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España.
| | - A Morales
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, España
| | - M Martínez-Zabaleta
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de Donostia, San Sebastián, España
| | - Ó Ayo-Martín
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, España
| | - L Lizán
- Outcomes'10 SLU, Castellón, España; Departamento de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, España
| | - M Castellanos
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario e Instituto de Investigación Biomédica, La Coruña, España
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Gocan S, Bourgoin A, Shamloul R, Sivakumar B, Dowlatshahi D, Stotts G. Early vascular imaging and key system strategies expedite carotid revascularization after transient ischemic attack and stroke. J Vasc Surg 2020; 72:1728-1734. [PMID: 32273220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International guidelines recommend carotid revascularization within 14 days for patients with a symptomatic transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke event. However, significant delays in care persist, with only 9% of outpatients and 36% of inpatients in Ontario meeting this target. The study objective was to explore the influence of health system factors on carotid revascularization timelines. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of all symptomatic TIA/stroke patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy or stenting at The Ottawa Hospital (2015-2016). The primary outcome was time from TIA/stroke to carotid revascularization. Health system variables of interest included location and timing of patient presentation, timelines to vascular imaging, and same-day collaboration between key services such as emergency, neurology, and surgery. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were used to determine statistically significant differences between groups. RESULTS A total of 228 records met the inclusion criteria. The median time from TIA/stroke to carotid revascularization was 10 days, with 58% of patients meeting the 14-day guideline. Prompt patient presentation to emergency demonstrated significantly shorter timelines to surgery (7 days; P < .001). Early vascular imaging was strongly correlated with early revascularization (4-5 days; P < .001). In addition, collaboration from two or more care services enhanced timelines to surgery ranging from 2.0 to 6.5 days (P < .001-.008). CONCLUSIONS Early/emergency response to stroke symptoms was pivotal in achieving best practice recommendations for rapid carotid revascularization, emphasizing the need for ongoing public awareness. Emergency and ambulatory strategies to facilitate urgent vascular imaging, as well as mechanisms for same-day communication between teams require optimization to promote early revascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Gocan
- Champlain Regional Stroke Network, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Neuroscience, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Aline Bourgoin
- Champlain Regional Stroke Network, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Neuroscience, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rany Shamloul
- Division of Neuroscience, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brammiya Sivakumar
- Champlain Regional Stroke Network, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Neuroscience, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dar Dowlatshahi
- Division of Neuroscience, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grant Stotts
- Champlain Regional Stroke Network, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Neuroscience, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Current aspects of TIA management. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 72:20-25. [PMID: 31911111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) if untreated carries a high risk of early stroke and is associated with poorer long-term survival [1]. There is emerging evidence of a reduction in stroke risk following TIA. Time critical investigations and management, as well as service organisation remain key to achieving good outcomes. Patients are diagnosed with TIA if they have transient, sudden-onset focal neurological symptoms which usually completely and rapidly resolve by presentation. The tissue based definition of TIA guides the fact that patients with residual symptoms should be considered as potentially having a stroke, with urgent evaluation regarding eligibility for thrombolysis and/or endovascular clot retrieval (ECR). Essential investigations for all patients with TIA should include early brain imaging, ECG, and carotid imaging in patients with anterior circulation symptoms. After brain imaging, exclusion of high risk indicators and immediate administration of an antiplatelet agent, subsequent attention to other mechanistic factors can be managed safely as part of a structured clinical pathway supervised by stroke specialists. This is in line with the recently revised Stroke Foundation Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management (2017).
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Ren XM, Qiu SW, Liu RY, Wu WB, Xu Y, Zhou H. White Matter Lesions Predict Recurrent Vascular Events in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attacks. Chin Med J (Engl) 2018; 131:130-136. [PMID: 29336359 PMCID: PMC5776841 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.222341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: White matter lesions (WMLs) are common findings in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are strongly associated with stroke incidence, recurrence, and prognosis. However, the relationship between WMLs and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) is not well established. This study aimed to determine the clinical significance of WMLs in patients with TIA. Methods: A total of 181 consecutive inpatients with first-ever TIA were enrolled. Brain MRIs within 2 days of symptom onset were used to measure WML volumes. Recurrent vascular events within 1 year of TIA onset were assessed. The relationship between WMLs and recurrent risk of vascular events was determined by a multivariate logistic regression. Results: WMLs were identified in 104 patients (57.5%). Age and ratio of hypertension were significantly different between patients with and without WMLs. The incidence of vascular events in patients with WMLs significantly increased in comparison to those without WMLs (21.15% vs. 5.19%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–15.20, P = 0.027) after controlling for confounders. Furthermore, distributions of WML loads were found to be different between patients who developed vascular events and those who did not. WML volumes were demonstrated to be correlated with recurrent risks, and the fourth quartile of WML volumes led to an 8.5-fold elevation of recurrent risk of vascular events compared with the first quartile (95% CI: 1.52–47.65, P = 0.015) after adjusting for hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: WMLs occur frequently in patients with TIA and are associated with the high risk of recurrent vascular events, suggesting a predictive neuroimaging marker for TIA outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Mei Ren
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008; Department of Neurology, Yizheng People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 211400, China
| | - Shu-Wei Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Ren-Yuan Liu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Wen-Bo Wu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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Yu A, Coutts S. Role of Brain and Vessel Imaging for the Evaluation of Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke. Stroke 2018; 49:1791-1795. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.118.016618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A.Y.X. Yu
- From the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.Y.X.Y.)
| | - S.B. Coutts
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (S.B.C.) and Department of Radiology (S.B.C.), Community Health Sciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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George BP, Doyle SJ, Albert GP, Busza A, Holloway RG, Sheth KN, Kelly AG. Interfacility transfers for US ischemic stroke and TIA, 2006-2014. Neurology 2018; 90:e1561-e1569. [PMID: 29618623 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000005419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate changes in emergency department (ED) transfers for ischemic stroke (IS) and TIA. METHODS We performed a retrospective observational study using the US Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to identify changes in interfacility ED transfers for IS and TIA from the perspective of the transferring ED (2006-2014). We calculated nationwide transfer rates and individual ED transfer rates for IS/TIA by diagnosis and hospital characteristics. Hospital-level fractional logistic regression examined changes in transfer rates over time. RESULTS The population-estimated number of transfers for IS/TIA increased from 22,576 patient visits in 2006 to 54,485 patient visits in 2014 (p trend < 0.001). The rate of IS/TIA transfer increased from 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-3.8) in 2006 to 7.6 (95% CI 7.2-7.9) in 2014 per 100 ED visits. Among individual EDs, mean transfer rates for IS/TIA increased from 8.2 per 100 ED visits (median 2.0, interquartile range [IQR] 0-10.2) to 19.4 per 100 ED visits (median 8.1, IQR 1.1-33.3) (2006-2014) (p trend < 0.001). Transfers were more common among IS. Transfer rates were greatest among rural (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.05, 95% CI 2.56-3.64) vs urban/teaching and low-volume EDs (AOR 7.49, 95% CI 6.58-8.53, 1st vs 4th quartile). The adjusted odds of transfer for IS/TIA increased threefold (2006-2014). CONCLUSIONS Interfacility ED transfers for IS/TIA more than doubled from 2006 to 2014. Further work should determine the necessity of IS/TIA transfers and seek to optimize the US stroke care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P George
- From the Department of Neurology (B.P.G., A.B., R.G.H., A.G.K.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.J.D.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; College of Arts & Sciences (G.P.A.), University of Rochester, NY; and Division of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, Department of Neurology (K.N.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
| | - Sara J Doyle
- From the Department of Neurology (B.P.G., A.B., R.G.H., A.G.K.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.J.D.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; College of Arts & Sciences (G.P.A.), University of Rochester, NY; and Division of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, Department of Neurology (K.N.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - George P Albert
- From the Department of Neurology (B.P.G., A.B., R.G.H., A.G.K.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.J.D.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; College of Arts & Sciences (G.P.A.), University of Rochester, NY; and Division of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, Department of Neurology (K.N.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Ania Busza
- From the Department of Neurology (B.P.G., A.B., R.G.H., A.G.K.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.J.D.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; College of Arts & Sciences (G.P.A.), University of Rochester, NY; and Division of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, Department of Neurology (K.N.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Robert G Holloway
- From the Department of Neurology (B.P.G., A.B., R.G.H., A.G.K.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.J.D.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; College of Arts & Sciences (G.P.A.), University of Rochester, NY; and Division of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, Department of Neurology (K.N.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Kevin N Sheth
- From the Department of Neurology (B.P.G., A.B., R.G.H., A.G.K.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.J.D.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; College of Arts & Sciences (G.P.A.), University of Rochester, NY; and Division of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, Department of Neurology (K.N.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Adam G Kelly
- From the Department of Neurology (B.P.G., A.B., R.G.H., A.G.K.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.J.D.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; College of Arts & Sciences (G.P.A.), University of Rochester, NY; and Division of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, Department of Neurology (K.N.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Fang H, Zhao L, Pei L, Song B, Gao Y, Liu K, Xu Y, Li Y, Wu J, Xu Y. Severity of White Matter Lesions Correlates with Subcortical Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Abnormalities and Predicts Stroke Risk. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2017; 26:2964-2970. [PMID: 28867524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The severity of white matter lesions (WMLs) has been strongly linked to small-vessel diseases or lacunar infarction. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between severity of WMLs and distribution of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensities, and to explore whether the severity of WMLs is an independent neuroimaging predictor of stroke risk after transient symptoms with infarction (TSI). METHODS We evaluated the presence and severity of WMLs on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences using the age-related white matter changes scale and the location and size of hyperintensities on DWI sequences, respectively, in a prospective cohort study of TSI patients. The primary end point was recurrent stroke within 90 days. RESULTS A total of 191 consecutive TSI patients were eligible for inclusion in the present analysis. The average age of the patients was 57.3 ± 12.8 years. DWI abnormalities occurred more often in the deep white matter with increasing severity of WMLs (P < .001). During 90-day follow-up, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that recurrent stroke was correlated to the severity of WMLs (P = .01). The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that WMLs were predictive of recurrent stroke (hazard ratio, 1.748; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.634; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS Severe WMLs were correlated with DWI hyperintensities in the deep white matter in TSI patients and contributed to an increased risk of recurrent stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lulu Pei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yafang Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yusheng Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Acedillo RR, Wald R, McArthur E, Nash DM, Silver SA, James MT, Schull MJ, Siew ED, Matheny ME, House AA, Garg AX. Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Discharged Home from an Emergency Department with AKI. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 12:1215-1225. [PMID: 28729384 PMCID: PMC5544515 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.10431016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Patients discharged home from an emergency department with AKI are not well described. This study describes their characteristics and outcomes and compares these outcomes to two referent groups. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada from 2003 to 2012 of 6346 patients aged ≥40 years who were discharged from the emergency department with AKI (defined using serum creatinine values). We analyzed the risk of all-cause mortality, receipt of acute dialysis, and hospitalization within 30 days after discharge. We used propensity score methods to compare all-cause mortality to two referent groups. We matched 4379 discharged patients to 4379 patients who were hospitalized from the emergency department with similar AKI stage. We also matched 6188 discharged patients to 6188 patients who were discharged home from the emergency department with no AKI. RESULTS There were 6346 emergency department discharges with AKI. The mean age was 69 years and 6012 (95%) had stage 1, 290 (5%) had stage 2, and 44 (0.7%) had stage 3 AKI. Within 30 days, 149 (2%) (AKI stage 1: 127 [2%]; stage 2: 15 [5%]; stage 3: seven [16%]) died, 22 (0.3%) received acute dialysis, and 1032 (16%) were hospitalized. An emergency department discharge versus hospitalization with AKI was associated with lower mortality (3% versus 12%; relative risk, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 0.3). An emergency department discharge with AKI versus no AKI was associated with higher mortality (2% versus 1%; relative risk, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 2.0). CONCLUSIONS Patients discharged home from the emergency department with AKI are at risk of poor 30-day outcomes. A better understanding of care in this at-risk population is warranted, as are testing strategies to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rey R. Acedillo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ron Wald
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric McArthur
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Samuel A. Silver
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew T. James
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Edward D. Siew
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease and Integrated Program for AKI Research
- Tennessee Valley Health Services Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Michael E. Matheny
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease and Integrated Program for AKI Research
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
- Tennessee Valley Health Services Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Andrew A. House
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit X. Garg
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ontario, Canada
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Long B, Koyfman A. Best Clinical Practice: Controversies in Transient Ischemic Attack Evaluation and Disposition in the Emergency Department. J Emerg Med 2017; 52:299-310. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Evans BA, Ali K, Bulger J, Ford GA, Jones M, Moore C, Porter A, Pryce AD, Quinn T, Seagrove AC, Snooks H, Whitman S, Rees N. Referral pathways for patients with TIA avoiding hospital admission: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013443. [PMID: 28196949 PMCID: PMC5318551 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the features and effects of a pathway for emergency assessment and referral of patients with suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in order to avoid admission to hospital. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL Web of Science, Scopus. STUDY SELECTION Reports of primary research on referral of patients with suspected TIA directly to specialist outpatient services. DATA EXTRACTION We screened studies for eligibility and extracted data from relevant studies. Data were analysed to describe setting, assessment and referral processes, treatment, implementation and outcomes. RESULTS 8 international studies were identified, mostly cohort designs. 4 pathways were used by family doctors and 3 pathways by emergency department physicians. No pathways used by paramedics were found. Referrals were made to specialist clinic either directly or via a 24-hour helpline. Practitioners identified TIA symptoms and risk of further events using a checklist including the ABCD2 tool or clinical assessment. Antiplatelet medication was often given, usually aspirin unless contraindicated. Some patients underwent tests before referral and discharge. 5 studies reported reduced incident of stroke at 90 days, from 6-10% predicted rate to 1.3-2.1% actual rate. Between 44% and 83% of suspected TIA cases in these studies were referred through the pathways. CONCLUSIONS Research literature has focused on assessment and referral by family doctors and ED physicians to reduce hospitalisation of patients with TIA. No pathways for paramedical use were reported. We will use results of this scoping review to inform development of a paramedical referral pathway to be tested in a feasibility trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN85516498. Stage: pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khalid Ali
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Gary A Ford
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Chris Moore
- Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Alan David Pryce
- Lay Contributor c/o Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Tom Quinn
- Kingston University and St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Shirley Whitman
- Lay Contributor c/o Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Nigel Rees
- Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Swansea, UK
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Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Evaluation of Adult Patients With Suspected Transient Ischemic Attack in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med 2016; 68:354-370.e29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lesenskyj AM, Maxwell CR, Veznedaroglu E, Liebman K, Hakma Z, Binning MJ. An Analysis of Transient Ischemic Attack Practices: Does Hospital Admission Improve Patient Outcomes? J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2016; 25:2122-5. [PMID: 27450386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immediate treatment has been shown to decrease the recurrence of cerebrovascular accidents following transient ischemic attacks (TIA), prompting the use of a specialized neurologic emergency department (Neuro ED) to triage patients. Despite these findings, there is little evidence supporting the notion that hospital admission improves post-TIA outcomes. Through the lens of a Neuro ED, this retrospective chart review of TIA patients examines whether hospital admission improves 90-day outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred sixty charts of patients discharged with TIA diagnosis were reviewed. These charts encompassed patients with TIA who presented to a main emergency department (ED) or Neuro ED from January 2014 to April 2015. Demographic information, admission ABCD(2) scores, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, and admission Modified Rankin Scale, and reason for any return visits within 90 days were collected. RESULTS This review shows that patients triaged by the Neuro ED were admitted at a lower rate than those seen by the standard ED. Further, patients triaged by the Neuro ED experienced lower readmission and recurrence of stroke or TIA within 90 days. CONCLUSIONS These results provide preliminary support for the notion that discharging appropriate TIA patients, with adequate follow-up, will not adversely affect the recurrence of TIA or stroke within 90 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Lesenskyj
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Drexel Neurosciences Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christina R Maxwell
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Drexel Neurosciences Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erol Veznedaroglu
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Drexel Neurosciences Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth Liebman
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Drexel Neurosciences Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zakaria Hakma
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Drexel Neurosciences Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mandy J Binning
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Drexel Neurosciences Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Silver B, Adeoye O. Management of patients with transient ischemic attack in the emergency department. Neurology 2016; 86:1568-9. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Predictors of Hospitalization in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Ischemic Stroke. Can J Neurol Sci 2016; 43:523-8. [PMID: 27025846 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2016.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke are associated with a substantial risk of subsequent stroke; however, there is uncertainty about whether such patients require admission to hospital for their initial management. We used data from a clinical stroke registry to determine the frequency and predictors of hospitalization for TIA or minor stroke across the province of Ontario, Canada. METHODS The Ontario Stroke Registry collects information on a population-based sample of all patients seen in the emergency department with acute stroke or TIA in Ontario. We identified patients with minor ischemic stroke or TIA included in the registry between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2011, and used multivariable analyses to evaluate predictors of hospitalization. RESULTS Our study sample included 8540 patients with minor ischemic stroke or TIA, 47.2% of whom were admitted to hospital, with a range of 37.6% to 70.3% across Ontario's 14 local health integration network regions. Key predictors of admission were preadmission disability, vascular risk factors, presentation with weakness, speech disturbance or prolonged/persistent symptoms, arrival by ambulance, and presentation on a weekend or during periods of emergency department overcrowding. CONCLUSIONS More than one-half of patients with minor stroke or TIA were not admitted to the hospital, and there were wide regional variations in admission patterns. Additional work is needed to provide guidance to health care workers around when to admit such patients and to determine whether discharged patients are receiving appropriate follow-up care.
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Kapral MK, Hall R, Fang J, Austin PC, Silver FL, Gladstone DJ, Casaubon LK, Stamplecoski M, Tu JV. Association between hospitalization and care after transient ischemic attack or minor stroke. Neurology 2016; 86:1582-9. [PMID: 27016521 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the care and outcomes of patients with TIA or minor stroke admitted to the hospital vs discharged from the emergency department (ED). METHODS We used the Ontario Stroke Registry to create a cohort of patients with minor ischemic stroke/TIA who presented to the hospital April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2009, or April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2011, in the province of Ontario, Canada. We compared processes of care and outcomes (death or recurrent stroke/TIA) in patients admitted to the hospital and discharged with and without stroke prevention clinic follow-up. RESULTS In our sample of 8,540 patients, the use of recommended interventions was highest in admitted patients, followed by discharged patients referred to prevention clinics, followed by those discharged without clinic referral. Eight percent of nonadmitted patients returned to the hospital with recurrent stroke/TIA within 1 week of the index event. One-year stroke case-fatality was similar in admitted and discharged patients (adjusted hazard ratio 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.34). Among patients discharged from EDs, referral to a stroke prevention clinic was associated with a markedly lower risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.49; 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.64). CONCLUSIONS Patients with minor ischemic stroke or TIA discharged from the ED are less likely than admitted patients to receive timely stroke care interventions. Among discharged patients, referral to a stroke prevention clinic is associated with improved processes of care and lower mortality. Additional strategies are needed to improve access to high-quality outpatient TIA care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira K Kapral
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ruth Hall
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jiming Fang
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter C Austin
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Frank L Silver
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - David J Gladstone
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Leanne K Casaubon
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Melissa Stamplecoski
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jack V Tu
- From the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (M.K.K., R.H., J.F., P.C.A., F.L.S., D.J.G., M.S., J.V.T.), Toronto; Department of Medicine (M.K.K., F.L.S., D.J.G., L.K.C., J.V.T.), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (M.K.K., R.H., P.C.A., J.V.T.), Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine and Toronto General Research Institute (M.K.K.) and Division of Neurology (F.L.S.), University Health Network, Toronto; Sunnybrook Research Institute (M.K.K., D.J.G., J.V.T.), Toronto; and Divisions of Neurology (D.J.G.) and Cardiology (J.V.T.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
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Ranta A, Barber PA. Transient ischemic attack service provision. Neurology 2016; 86:947-53. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Computed tomography perfusion imaging may predict cognitive impairment in patients with first-time anterior circulation transient ischemic attack. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 32:671-7. [PMID: 26721459 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-015-0828-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To determine whether computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTPI)-derived parameters are associated with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). Patients with first-time anterior circulation TIA (diagnosed within 24 h of onset) and normal cognition, treated between August 2009 and August 2014 at the Department of Neurology of Chengdu Military General Hospital, China, were analyzed retrospectively. Patients underwent whole-brain CTPI within 1 week of TIA to detect cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT) and time to peak (TTP) in the ischemic region. Based on cognitive function assessment 4 weeks after TIA, using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and mini mental state examination, the patients were divided into control and VCI groups. CTPI parameters and other clinical data were compared between groups, and Spearman's correlation analysis used to identify associations between cognitive scores and CTPI parameters in the VCI group. 50 patients (25 per group; aged 55-72 years) were included. Patient age, gender, smoking status, alcohol consumption, educational level, time from TIA onset to admission, time from TIA onset to CTPI, and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation and hyperhomocysteinemia did not differ between groups. Both groups showed TTP and MTT prolongation, CBF reduction, but no change in CBV in the ischemic region; these changes were significantly larger in the VCI group (P < 0.05). MTT correlated negatively with MoCA score (r = -0.51, P = 0.009). CTPI could facilitate early diagnosis of VCI in patients with anterior circulation TIA.
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Cocho D, Monell J, Planells G, Ricciardi A, Pons J, Boltes A, Espinosa J, Ayats M, Garcia N, Otermin P. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of TIA results in low rates of stroke, myocardial infarction and vascular death. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Phan T, Srikanth V. Cluster randomized controlled trial of TIA electronic decision support in primary care. Neurology 2015; 85:1636-7. [PMID: 26527797 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000473486.17913.c0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Ben-Yakov M, Kapral MK, Fang J, Li S, Vermeulen MJ, Schull MJ. The Association Between Emergency Department Crowding and the Disposition of Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:1145-54. [PMID: 26398233 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency department (ED) crowding has been associated with adverse events, including short-term death and hospitalization among discharged patients. The mechanisms are poorly understood, but may include altered physician decision-making about ED discharge of higher-risk patients. One example is patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, who are at high risk of subsequent stroke. While hospitalization is frequently recommended, little consensus exists on which patients require admission. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to determine the association of ED crowding with the disposition of patients with minor stroke or TIA. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network at 12 EDs in Ontario, Canada, between 2003 and 2008, linked to administrative health databases. A hierarchical logistic regression model was used to determine the association between crowding at the time the patient was seen in the ED (defined as mean ED length of stay) and patient disposition (admission/discharge), after adjusting for patient and hospital-level variables. RESULTS The study cohort included 9,759 patients (4,607 with TIA and 5,152 with minor stroke); 49.5% were discharged from the ED. The mean (±SD) age of study patients was 70.78 (±13.40) years, with 52.9% being male, 37.3% arriving by emergency medical services, and 92.3% triaged as emergent or urgent. Greater severity of ED crowding was associated with a lower likelihood of discharge, regardless of ED size. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that crowding may influence clinical decision-making in the disposition of patients with TIA or minor stroke and that, as crowding worsens, the likelihood of hospitalization increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Ben-Yakov
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine Sick Kids Hospital; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Moira K. Kapral
- Division of General Internal Medicine; University Health Network; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation; Department of Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Canadian Stroke Network; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jiming Fang
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Shudong Li
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Marian J. Vermeulen
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Michael J. Schull
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Toronto Ontario Canada
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Mijalski C, Silver B. TIA Management: Should TIA Patients be Admitted? Should TIA Patients Get Combination Antiplatelet Therapy? Neurohospitalist 2015; 5:151-60. [PMID: 26288673 DOI: 10.1177/1941874415580598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) has gained increasing attention over the last 2 decades with the realization that the condition is common, portends potentially serious consequences, and, when identified early, can be evaluated and treated to modify future risk. In this review, we examine the issues of whether all TIA patients need admission and whether such patients should receive short-term dual antiplatelet therapy. Not all patients require admission if evaluation and treatment are done promptly. There may be a role for dual antiplatelet therapy, but the results of further clinical trials will help provide better clarity on which patients are the best candidates for this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mijalski
- Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brian Silver
- Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Wardlaw JM, Brazzelli M, Chappell FM, Miranda H, Shuler K, Sandercock PAG, Dennis MS. ABCD2 score and secondary stroke prevention: meta-analysis and effect per 1,000 patients triaged. Neurology 2015; 85:373-80. [PMID: 26136519 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000001780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with TIA have high risk of recurrent stroke and require rapid assessment and treatment. The ABCD2 clinical risk prediction score is recommended for patient triage by stroke risk, but its ability to stratify by known risk factors and effect on clinic workload are unknown. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all studies published between January 2005 and September 2014 that reported proportions of true TIA/minor stroke or mimics, risk factors, and recurrent stroke rates, dichotomized to ABCD2 score </≥4. We calculated the effect per 1,000 patients triaged on stroke prevention services. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies, 13,766 TIA patients (range 69-1,679), were relevant: 48% calculated the ABCD2 score retrospectively; few reported on the ABCD2 score's ability to identify TIA mimics or use by nonspecialists. Meta-analysis showed that ABCD2 ≥4 was sensitive (86.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 81.4%-90.7%) but not specific (35.4%, 95% CI 33.3%-37.6%) for recurrent stroke within 7 days. Additionally, 20% of patients with ABCD2 <4 had >50% carotid stenosis or atrial fibrillation (AF); 35%-41% of TIA mimics, and 66% of true TIAs, had ABCD2 score ≥4. Among 1,000 patients attending stroke prevention services, including the 45% with mimics, 52% of patients would have an ABCD2 score ≥4. CONCLUSION The ABCD2 score does not reliably discriminate those at low and high risk of early recurrent stroke, identify patients with carotid stenosis or AF needing urgent intervention, or streamline clinic workload. Stroke prevention services need adequate capacity for prompt specialist clinical assessment of all suspected TIA patients for correct patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Wardlaw
- From the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S., M.S.D.), University of Edinburgh; the Health Services Research Unit (M.B.), University of Aberdeen, UK; the Department of Neurology (H.M.), Santiago, Chile; and the Scottish Imaging Network (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S.), A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Inverness, Scotland.
| | - Miriam Brazzelli
- From the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S., M.S.D.), University of Edinburgh; the Health Services Research Unit (M.B.), University of Aberdeen, UK; the Department of Neurology (H.M.), Santiago, Chile; and the Scottish Imaging Network (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S.), A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Inverness, Scotland
| | - Francesca M Chappell
- From the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S., M.S.D.), University of Edinburgh; the Health Services Research Unit (M.B.), University of Aberdeen, UK; the Department of Neurology (H.M.), Santiago, Chile; and the Scottish Imaging Network (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S.), A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Inverness, Scotland
| | - Hector Miranda
- From the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S., M.S.D.), University of Edinburgh; the Health Services Research Unit (M.B.), University of Aberdeen, UK; the Department of Neurology (H.M.), Santiago, Chile; and the Scottish Imaging Network (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S.), A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Inverness, Scotland
| | - Kirsten Shuler
- From the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S., M.S.D.), University of Edinburgh; the Health Services Research Unit (M.B.), University of Aberdeen, UK; the Department of Neurology (H.M.), Santiago, Chile; and the Scottish Imaging Network (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S.), A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Inverness, Scotland
| | - Peter A G Sandercock
- From the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S., M.S.D.), University of Edinburgh; the Health Services Research Unit (M.B.), University of Aberdeen, UK; the Department of Neurology (H.M.), Santiago, Chile; and the Scottish Imaging Network (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S.), A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Inverness, Scotland
| | - Martin S Dennis
- From the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S., M.S.D.), University of Edinburgh; the Health Services Research Unit (M.B.), University of Aberdeen, UK; the Department of Neurology (H.M.), Santiago, Chile; and the Scottish Imaging Network (J.M.W., F.M.C., K.S., P.A.G.S.), A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Inverness, Scotland
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Palomeras Soler E, Fossas Felip P, Cano Orgaz A, Sanz Cartagena P, Casado Ruiz V, Muriana Batista D. Evaluación rápida del ataque isquémico transitorio en un hospital sin guardias de neurología. Neurologia 2015; 30:325-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2013.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Palomeras Soler E, Fossas Felip P, Cano Orgaz A, Sanz Cartagena P, Casado Ruiz V, Muriana Batista D. Rapid assessment of transient ischaemic attack in a hospital with no on-call neurologist. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Isolated transient aphasia at emergency presentation is associated with a high rate of cardioembolic embolism. CAN J EMERG MED 2015; 17:624-30. [PMID: 25782453 DOI: 10.1017/cem.2014.63] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A cardiac source is often implicated in strokes where the deficit includes aphasia. However, less is known about the etiology of isolated aphasia during transient ischemic attack (TIA). Our objective was to determine whether patients with isolated aphasia are likely to have a cardioembolic etiology for their TIA. METHODS We prospectively studied a cohort of TIA patients in eight tertiary-care emergency departments. Patients with isolated aphasia were identified by the treating physician at the time of emergency department presentation. Patients with dysarthria (i.e., a phonation disturbance) were not included. Potential cardiac sources for embolism were defined as atrial fibrillation on history, electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, atrial fibrillation on echocardiography, or thrombus on echocardiography. RESULTS Of the 2,360 TIA patients identified, 1,155 had neurological deficits at the time of the emergency physician assessment and were included in this analysis, and 41 had isolated aphasia as their only neurological deficit. Patients with isolated aphasia were older (73.9±10.0 v. 67.2±14.5 years; p=0.003), more likely to have a history of heart failure (9.8% v. 2.6%; p=0.027), and were twice as likely to have any cardiac source of embolism (22.0% v. 10.6%; p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS Isolated aphasia is associated with a high rate of cardioembolic sources of embolism after TIA. Emergency patients with isolated aphasia diagnosed with a TIA warrant a rapid and thorough assessment for a cardioembolic source.
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Wasserman JK, Perry JJ, Sivilotti ML, Sutherland J, Worster A, Émond M, Jin AY, Oczkowski WJ, Sahlas DJ, Murray H, MacKey A, Verreault S, Wells GA, Dowlatshahi D, Stotts G, Stiell IG, Sharma M. Computed Tomography Identifies Patients at High Risk for Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack/Nondisabling Stroke. Stroke 2015; 46:114-9. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.114.006768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose—
Ischemia on computed tomography (CT) is associated with subsequent stroke after transient ischemic attack. This study assessed CT findings of acute ischemia, chronic ischemia, or microangiopathy for predicting subsequent stroke after transient ischemic attack.
Methods—
This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with transient ischemic attack or nondisabling stroke that had CT scanning within 24 hours. Primary outcome was subsequent stroke within 90 days. Secondary outcomes were stroke at ≤2 or >2 days. CT findings were classified as ischemia present or absent and acute or chronic or microangiopathy. Analysis used Fisher exact test and multivariate logistic regression.
Results—
A total of 2028 patients were included; 814 had ischemic changes on CT. Subsequent stroke rate was 3.4% at 90 days and 1.5% at ≤2 days. Stroke risk was greater if baseline CT showed acute ischemia alone (10.6%;
P
=0.002), acute+chronic ischemia (17.4%;
P
=0.007), acute ischemia+microangiopathy (17.6%;
P
=0.019), or acute+chronic ischemia+microangiopathy (25.0%;
P
=0.029). Logistic regression found acute ischemia alone (odds ratio [OR], 2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI[, 1.22–5.57), acute+chronic ischemia (OR, 5.35; 95% CI, 1.71–16.70), acute ischemia+microangiopathy (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 1.33–18.07), or acute+chronic ischemia+microangiopathy (OR, 8.04; 95% CI, 1.52–42.63) was associated with a greater risk at 90 days, whereas acute+chronic ischemia (OR, 10.78; 95% CI, 2.93–36.68), acute ischemia+microangiopathy (OR, 8.90; 95% CI, 1.90–41.60), and acute+chronic ischemia+microangiopathy (OR, 23.66; 95% CI, 4.34–129.03) had greater risk at ≤2 days. Only acute ischemia (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.01–7.18;
P
=0.047) was associated with a greater risk at >2 days.
Conclusions—
In patients with transient ischemic attack/nondisabling stroke, CT evidence of acute ischemia alone or acute ischemia with chronic ischemia or microangiopathy was associated with increased subsequent stroke risk within 90 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason K. Wasserman
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Jeffrey J. Perry
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Marco L.A. Sivilotti
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Jane Sutherland
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Andrew Worster
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Marcel Émond
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Albert Y. Jin
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Wieslaw J. Oczkowski
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Demetrios J. Sahlas
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Heather Murray
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Ariane MacKey
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Steve Verreault
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - George A. Wells
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Dar Dowlatshahi
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Grant Stotts
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Ian G. Stiell
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
| | - Mukul Sharma
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.K.W.), Ottawa Hospital Health Research Institute (J.K.W., J.J.P., D.D., I.G.S.), Department of Emergency Medicine (J.J.P., I.G.S.), Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine (G.A.W.), and Division of Neurology (D.D., G.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine and of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.L.A.S.), Department of Neurology (A.Y.J.), and Department of Emergency Medicine (H.M.),
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Wardlaw J, Brazzelli M, Miranda H, Chappell F, McNamee P, Scotland G, Quayyum Z, Martin D, Shuler K, Sandercock P, Dennis M. An assessment of the cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance, including diffusion-weighted imaging, in patients with transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke: a systematic review, meta-analysis and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2014; 18:1-368, v-vi. [PMID: 24791949 DOI: 10.3310/hta18270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke need rapid treatment of risk factors to prevent recurrent stroke. ABCD2 score or magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted brain imaging (MR DWI) may help assessment and treatment. OBJECTIVES Is MR with DWI cost-effective in stroke prevention compared with computed tomography (CT) brain scanning in all patients, in specific subgroups or as 'one-stop' brain-carotid imaging? What is the current UK availability of services for stroke prevention? DATA SOURCES Published literature; stroke registries, audit and randomised clinical trials; national databases; survey of UK clinical and imaging services for stroke; expert opinion. REVIEW METHODS Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published/unpublished data. Decision-analytic model of stroke prevention including on a 20-year time horizon including nine representative imaging scenarios. RESULTS The pooled recurrent stroke rate after TIA (53 studies, 30,558 patients) is 5.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9% to 5.9%] by 7 days, and 6.7% (5.2% to 8.7%) at 90 days. ABCD2 score does not identify patients with key stroke causes or identify mimics: 66% of specialist-diagnosed true TIAs and 35-41% of mimics had an ABCD2 score of ≥ 4; 20% of true TIAs with ABCD2 score of < 4 had key risk factors. MR DWI (45 studies, 9078 patients) showed an acute ischaemic lesion in 34.3% (95% CI 30.5% to 38.4%) of TIA, 69% of minor stroke patients, i.e. two-thirds of TIA patients are DWI negative. TIA mimics (16 studies, 14,542 patients) make up 40-45% of patients attending clinics. UK survey (45% response) showed most secondary prevention started prior to clinic, 85% of primary brain imaging was same-day CT; 51-54% of patients had MR, mostly additional to CT, on average 1 week later; 55% omitted blood-sensitive MR sequences. Compared with 'CT scan all patients' MR was more expensive and no more cost-effective, except for patients presenting at > 1 week after symptoms to diagnose haemorrhage; strategies that triaged patients with low ABCD2 scores for slow investigation or treated DWI-negative patients as non-TIA/minor stroke prevented fewer strokes and increased costs. 'One-stop' CT/MR angiographic-plus-brain imaging was not cost-effective. LIMITATIONS Data on sensitivity/specificity of MR in TIA/minor stroke, stroke costs, prognosis of TIA mimics and accuracy of ABCD2 score by non-specialists are sparse or absent; all analysis had substantial heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance with DWI is not cost-effective for secondary stroke prevention. MR was most helpful in patients presenting at > 1 week after symptoms if blood-sensitive sequences were used. ABCD2 score is unlikely to facilitate patient triage by non-stroke specialists. Rapid specialist assessment, CT brain scanning and identification of serious underlying stroke causes is the most cost-effective stroke prevention strategy. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Miriam Brazzelli
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hector Miranda
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Francesca Chappell
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul McNamee
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Graham Scotland
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Zahid Quayyum
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Duncan Martin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kirsten Shuler
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter Sandercock
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Martin Dennis
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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45
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Sanders LM, Cadilhac DA, Srikanth VK, Chong CP, Phan TG. Is nonadmission-based care for TIA patients cost-effective?: A microcosting study. Neurol Clin Pract 2014; 5:58-66. [PMID: 29443173 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a nonadmission-based model for TIA care (Monash TIA Triaging Treatment [M3T]). In this microcosting study, we used a pre-post cohort design with multivariable uncertainty analyses to compare actual resource utilization costs between M3T (years 2004-2007) and the previous admission-based model (2003). Average total episode costs per patient were significantly less for M3T (Australian dollars [AUD] 1,927.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] AUD 1,829.00-1,037.00) compared with the admission-based model (AUD 4,841.00, 95% CI AUD 4,178.00-5,590.00). Nonadmission care in M3T was substantially cost-saving with a median 3 (95% uncertainty interval 0.7-6.0) additional strokes averted per 100 patients treated, based on an observed 90-day stroke rate of 1.50% (95% CI 0.73%-3.05%) and 4.67% (95% CI 2.28%-9.32%) in the admission-based model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Sanders
- Stroke & Ageing Research Centre (LMS, DAC, VKS, CPC, TGP), Department of Medicine, Southern Clinical School, Monash University; Stroke Unit (LMS, VKS, CPC, TGP), Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre; Stroke Division (DAC), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and Health Economics (DAC), Deakin Population Health SRC, Faculty of Health, Deakin University Melbourne Burwood Campus, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dominique A Cadilhac
- Stroke & Ageing Research Centre (LMS, DAC, VKS, CPC, TGP), Department of Medicine, Southern Clinical School, Monash University; Stroke Unit (LMS, VKS, CPC, TGP), Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre; Stroke Division (DAC), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and Health Economics (DAC), Deakin Population Health SRC, Faculty of Health, Deakin University Melbourne Burwood Campus, Victoria, Australia
| | - Velandai K Srikanth
- Stroke & Ageing Research Centre (LMS, DAC, VKS, CPC, TGP), Department of Medicine, Southern Clinical School, Monash University; Stroke Unit (LMS, VKS, CPC, TGP), Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre; Stroke Division (DAC), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and Health Economics (DAC), Deakin Population Health SRC, Faculty of Health, Deakin University Melbourne Burwood Campus, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chia Pei Chong
- Stroke & Ageing Research Centre (LMS, DAC, VKS, CPC, TGP), Department of Medicine, Southern Clinical School, Monash University; Stroke Unit (LMS, VKS, CPC, TGP), Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre; Stroke Division (DAC), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and Health Economics (DAC), Deakin Population Health SRC, Faculty of Health, Deakin University Melbourne Burwood Campus, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thanh G Phan
- Stroke & Ageing Research Centre (LMS, DAC, VKS, CPC, TGP), Department of Medicine, Southern Clinical School, Monash University; Stroke Unit (LMS, VKS, CPC, TGP), Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre; Stroke Division (DAC), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and Health Economics (DAC), Deakin Population Health SRC, Faculty of Health, Deakin University Melbourne Burwood Campus, Victoria, Australia
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46
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Cocho D, Monell J, Planells G, Ricciardi AC, Pons J, Boltes A, Espinosa J, Ayats M, Garcia N, Otermin P. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of TIA results in low rates of stroke, myocardial infarction and vascular death. Neurologia 2014; 31:18-23. [PMID: 25261166 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 90-day risk of cerebral infarction in patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is estimated at between 8% and 20%. There is little consensus as to which diagnostic strategy is most effective. This study evaluates the benefits of early transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with carotid and transcranial Doppler ultrasound in patients with TIA. METHODS Prospective study of patients with TIA in an emergency department setting. Demographic data, vascular risk factors, and ABCD(2) score were analysed. TIA aetiology was classified according to TOAST criteria. All patients underwent early vascular studies (<72hours), including TTE, carotid ultrasound, and transcranial Doppler. Primary endpoints were recurrence of stroke or TIA, myocardial infarction (MI), or vascular death during the first year. RESULTS We evaluated 92 patients enrolled over 24 months. Mean age was 68.3±13 years and 61% were male. The mean ABCD(2) score was 3 points (≥5 in 30%). The distribution of TIA subtypes was as follows: 12% large-artery atherosclerosis; 30% cardioembolism; 10% small-vessel occlusion; 40% undetermined cause; and 8% rare causes. Findings from the early TTE led to a change in treatment strategy in 6 patients (6.5%) who displayed normal physical examination and ECG findings. At one year of follow-up, 3 patients had experienced stroke (3.2%) and 1 patient experienced MI (1%); no vascular deaths were identified. CONCLUSIONS In our TIA patients, early vascular study and detecting patients with silent cardiomyopathy may have contributed to the low rate of vascular disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Cocho
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España.
| | - J Monell
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - G Planells
- Servicio de Urgencias Médicas, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - A C Ricciardi
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - J Pons
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - A Boltes
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - J Espinosa
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - M Ayats
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - N Garcia
- Servicio de Urgencias Médicas, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - P Otermin
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Granollers, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
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47
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Beliavsky A, Perry JJ, Dowlatshahi D, Wasserman J, Sivilotti MLA, Sutherland J, Worster A, Emond M, Stotts G, Jin AY, Oczkowski WJ, Sahlas DJ, Murray HE, MacKey A, Verreault S, Wells GA, Stiell IG, Sharma M. Acute isolated dysarthria is associated with a high risk of stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis Extra 2014; 4:182-5. [PMID: 25298772 PMCID: PMC4176400 DOI: 10.1159/000365169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Isolated dysarthria is an uncommon presentation of transient ischemic attack (TIA)/minor stroke and has a broad differential diagnosis. There is little information in the literature about how often this presentation is confirmed to be a TIA/stroke, and therefore there is debate about the risk of subsequent vascular events. Given the uncertain prognosis, it is unclear how to best manage patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with isolated dysarthria. The objective of this study was to prospectively identify and follow a cohort of patients presenting to EDs with isolated dysarthria in order to explore their natural history and risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events. Specifically, we sought to determine early outcomes of individuals with this nonspecific and atypical presentation in order to appropriately expedite their management. Methods Patients with isolated dysarthria having presented to 8 Canadian EDs between October 2006 and April 2009 were analyzed as part of a prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with acute neurological symptoms as assessed by emergency physicians. The study inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, a normal level of consciousness, and a symptom onset <1 week prior to presentation without an established nonvascular etiology. The primary outcome was a subsequent stroke within 90 days of the index visit. The secondary outcomes were the rate of TIA, myocardial infarction, and death. Isolated dysarthria was defined as slurring with imprecise articulation but without evidence of language dysfunction. The overall rate of stroke in this cohort was compared with that predicted by the median ABCD2 score for this group. Results Between 2006 and 2009, 1,528 patients were enrolled and had a 90-day follow-up. Of these, 43 patients presented with isolated acute-onset dysarthria (2.8%). Recurrent stroke occurred in 6/43 (14.0%) within 90 days of enrollment. The predicted maximal 90-day stroke rate was 9.8% (based on a median ABCD2 score of 5 for the isolated dysarthria cohort). After adjusting for covariates, isolated dysarthria independently predicted stroke within 90 days (aOR: 3.96; 95% CI: 1.3-11.9; p = 0.014). Conclusions The isolated dysarthria cohort carried a recurrent stroke risk comparable to that predicted by the median ABCD2 scores. Although isolated dysarthria is a nonspecific and uncommon clinical presentation of TIA, these findings support the need to view it first and foremost as a vascular presentation until proven otherwise and to manage such patients as if they were at high risk of stroke in accordance with established high-risk TIA guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Beliavsky
- Division of Neurology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Jeffrey J Perry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada ; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Dar Dowlatshahi
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada ; Division of Neurology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada ; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Jason Wasserman
- Division of Neurology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada ; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada
| | - Jane Sutherland
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Andrew Worster
- Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada
| | - Marcel Emond
- Department of Emergency and Family Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Que., Canada
| | - Grant Stotts
- Division of Neurology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Albert Y Jin
- Division of Neurology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada
| | | | | | - Heather E Murray
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada
| | - Ariane MacKey
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, Quebec City, Quebec, Que., Canada
| | - Steve Verreault
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, Quebec City, Quebec, Que., Canada
| | - George A Wells
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada ; Division of Neurology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada ; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Mukul Sharma
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Canada ; Division of Neurology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- Vince Vacca
- Vince Vacca is a clinical nurse educator in the neuroscience intensive care unit at Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass
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Brazzelli M, Shuler K, Quayyum Z, Hadley D, Muir K, McNamee P, De Wilde J, Dennis M, Sandercock P, Wardlaw JM. Clinical and imaging services for TIA and minor stroke: results of two surveys of practice across the UK. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2013-003359. [PMID: 23929917 PMCID: PMC3740248 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a medical emergency requiring rapid access to effective, organised, stroke prevention. There are about 90 000 TIAs per year in the UK. We assessed whether stroke-prevention services in the UK meet Government targets. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING All UK clinical and imaging stroke-prevention services. INTERVENTION Electronic structured survey delivered over the web with automatic recording of responses into a database; reminders to non-respondents. The survey sought information on clinic frequency, staff, case-mix, details of brain and carotid artery imaging, medical and surgical treatments. RESULTS 114 stroke clinical and 146 imaging surveys were completed (both response rates 45%). Stroke-prevention services were available in most (97%) centres but only 31% operated 7 days/week. Half of the clinic referrals were TIA mimics, most patients (75%) were prescribed secondary prevention prior to clinic referral, and nurses performed the medical assessment in 28% of centres. CT was the most common and fastest first-line investigation; MR, used in 51% of centres, mostly after CT, was delayed up to 2 weeks in 26%; 51% of centres omitted blood-sensitive (GRE/T2*) MR sequences. Carotid imaging was with ultrasound in 95% of centres and 59% performed endarterectomy within 1 week of deciding to operate. CONCLUSIONS Stroke-prevention services are widely available in the UK. Delays to MRI, its use in addition to CT while omitting key sequences to diagnose haemorrhage, limit the potential benefit of MRI in stroke prevention, but inflate costs. Assessing TIA mimics requires clinical neurology expertise yet nurses run 28% of clinics. Further improvements are still required for optimal stroke prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Brazzelli
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kirsten Shuler
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zahid Quayyum
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Donald Hadley
- Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Edinburgh, UK
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Keith Muir
- Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Edinburgh, UK
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul McNamee
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Janet De Wilde
- Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Edinburgh, UK
- The Higher Education Academy, Innovation Way , York Science Park, York, UK
| | - Martin Dennis
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter Sandercock
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE), Edinburgh, UK
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Does Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Predict Short-Term Risk of Stroke in Emergency Department Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack? Ann Emerg Med 2013; 61:62-71.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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