Smoking-Thrombolysis Paradox

Predictors of 30-day mortality following the first episode of stroke among patients admitted at referral hospitals in Dodoma, central Tanzania: A prospective longitudinal observational study

Background and Aims

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease worldwide. Understanding predictors of early poststroke mortality provides opportunities for interventions and favorable outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of 30-day mortality among patients admitted with the first stroke at referral hospitals in Dodoma.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal observational design enrolled patients with acute stroke confirmed by CT scan or MRI admitted at referral hospitals in Dodoma. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was used to assess stroke severity at baseline. A comparison of risk factors, clinical profiles, and mortality was done using the Chi-square test. A logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of 30-day mortality in patients with the stroke while the 30-day probability of survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

Out of 226 patients with first-ever stroke, 121(54%) were males, and the population mean age was 63(15) years. The 140(62%) had Ischemic stroke, and 154(68%) survived at the 30th day. Patients with a history of smoking 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) (1.0-5.6), p = 0.048], loss of consciousness 2.7 [95% CI (1.2-6.4; p = 0.019] and unequal pupil size 13.7 [95% CI (4.1-58.1, p < 0.001 were significantly more associated with mortality within 30 days. The median survival was 7 (3-9) days, whereas alcohol drinkers and those aged above 60 years had a shorter time to mortality compared to non-alcohol drinkers and those aged <60 years.

Conclusion

The study showed a high incidence of mortality within 30 days after the first stroke episode, with the highest proportion dying within 7 days of being hospitalized. Advanced age of ≥60 years, smoking, alcohol use, and severe stroke at admission warrant special attention.

Effect of smoking status on clinical outcomes after reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke

Smoking has detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system; however, some studies have reported better clinical outcomes after thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in smokers than in nonsmokers, a phenomenon known as the smoking paradox. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the smoking paradox in patients with ischemic stroke receiving reperfusion therapy. Data were collected from a multicenter hospital-based acute stroke registry in Fukuoka, Japan. The 1148 study patients were categorized into current and noncurrent smokers. The association between smoking and clinical outcomes, including neurological improvement (≥ 4-point decrease in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale during hospitalization or 0 points at discharge) and good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) at 3 months, was evaluated using logistic regression analysis and propensity score-matched analysis. Among the participants, 231 (20.1%) were current smokers. The odds ratios (ORs) of favorable outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders were not significantly increased in current smokers (OR 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-1.22 for neurological improvement; OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.65-1.38 for good functional outcome). No significant association was found in the propensity score-matched cohorts. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended since current smoking was not associated with better outcomes after reperfusion therapy.

Comparison of pharmacokinetic properties of alteplase and tenecteplase. The future of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

The drug most frequently used for thrombolysis in cases of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is alteplase. However, there is moderate-to-high-quality evidence that tenecteplase has similar or higher efficacy and safety. With improved pharmacokinetic properties over alteplase, tenecteplase could be a significant advantage in treating AIS.

AREAS COVERED

After conducting an extensive search on Scopus and PubMed, this manuscript reviews and compares the pharmacokinetic properties of alteplase and tenecteplase. Additionally, it provides information on pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, and drug-drug interactions.

EXPERT OPINION

The pharmacokinetic profile of alteplase and tenecteplase is derived from studies in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Thanks to its pharmacokinetic properties, tenecteplase is the drug closest to being the ideal fibrinolytic for AIS. Its longer half-life enables a single-bolus administration, which is particularly useful in emergencies. Tenecteplase has proven to have a good efficacy and safety profile in randomized clinical trials. Although we are awaiting the results of the ongoing phase 3 randomized clinical trials, we believe that tenecteplase has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of AIS through thrombolysis.

Impact of smoking on one year functional outcomes after thrombectomy for young stroke patients

BACKGROUND

The incidence of stroke in young patients (20-50 years old) has increased in recent decades. Unlike the use of good functional outcomes to evaluate prognosis, excellent functional outcomes are a better indicator of return to work among younger patients. The rate of return to work increases with time after stroke. This study investigated the short term (3 months) and long term (1 year) predictors of excellent functional outcomes in young patients after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

METHODS

We included young patients who underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion within 6 hours after stroke onset between 2015 and 2021. Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage on pretreatment CT were excluded. The associations between clinical, imaging, and procedure variables, and excellent functional outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. An excellent functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤1.

RESULTS

Of the 361 patients with AIS eligible for EVT, 55 young patients (aged 24-50 years) were included. Of these, 36.4% and 41.8% achieved excellent functional outcomes at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking was the independent negative predictor of both 3 month (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.232, 95% CI 0.058 to 0.928; p=0.039) and 12 month (aOR 0.180, 95% CI 0.044 to 0.741; p=0.018) excellent functional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Current or former smoking habit was an independent negative predictor of both short term and long term excellent functional outcomes in young adults with AIS.

Impact of smoking on outcomes following endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Smoking represents a leading risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Previous literature has described a "smoking paradox", wherein smokers experience better outcomes following intravenous thrombolysis for AIS. It is unclear whether such a phenomenon exists in smokers undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT) for AIS. To assess outcomes in smokers following EVT for AIS, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of the English language literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase Web of Science, and Scopus. Outcomes of interest included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score 2b-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality. We calculated mean difference (MD), pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Eight studies with 2633 patients comprised our analysis. On average, smokers were 10.14 years (MD  =  10.14, [95% CI  =  -14.49 to -5.79], P-value < 0.001) younger than non-smokers. Smokers achieved mRS 0-2 (OR =  1.82, [95% CI, 1.34-2.48], P-value < 0.001) and TICI 2b-3 (OR =  1.61, [95% CI, 1.19-2.19], P-value  =  0.002) at a higher rate than non-smokers. sICH rates were comparable between smokers and non-smokers (OR =  1.07, [95% CI, 0.62-1.85], P-value  =  0.81). Smokers had a lower rate of 90-day mortality than non-smokers (OR =  0.54, [95% CI, 0.41-0.71], P-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis of eight studies, we found that smokers with AIS undergoing EVT experienced better 90-day outcomes and higher rates of TICI 2b-3. This may be due to baseline differences between smokers and non-smokers, but future studies should explore alternative reasons that could explain this relationship between smoking and AIS treated with EVT.

Resolving the Smoking Paradox: No Evidence for Smoking-Induced Preconditioning in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

INTRODUCTION

Smoking is an established risk factor for stroke. However, several studies have reported a better outcome after stroke for patients who smoke. According to this "smoking paradox" hypothesis, smoking might promote less severe strokes, higher collateral scores, and smaller infarct cores.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we screened data of 2,980 acute ischemic stroke patients with MCA-M1 occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Patients were categorized according to smoking status (current, former, or never). We assessed univariate associations between clinical characteristics and smoking status. Subsequently, we used adjusted regression analysis to evaluate associations of smoking with stroke severity on admission (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]; primary endpoint), infarct core volume, and collateral status (secondary endpoints).

RESULTS

Out of 320 patients, 19.7% (n = 63) were current smokers and 18.8% (n = 60) were former smokers. Admission NIHSS, reperfusion success, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 3-6 months were similar in all groups. Current smokers were younger, more often male and less likely to have atrial fibrillation compared to former and never smokers. In regression analyses, smoking status was neither associated with admission NIHSS (estimate 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.27-2.35, p = 0.557) nor with collateral status (estimate 0.79, 95% CI: 0.44-1.44, p = 0.447) or infarct core volume (estimate -0.69, 95% CI: -15.15-13.77, p = 0.925 for current vs. never smokers).

CONCLUSION

We could not confirm the smoking paradox. Our results support the fact that smoking causes stroke at a younger age, highlighting the role of smoking as a modifiable vascular risk factor.

Age Stratification in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Heart Failure

Background and Purpose. Heart failure (HF) is considered one of the major risk factors associated with the severity of acute ischemic stroke(AIS). The risk factors associated with stroke severity in AIS with a history of HF is not fully understood. Methods. A prospectively maintained database from comprehensive stroke centers in PRISMA Health Upstate Sc, was analyzed for patients with AIS and a history of HF from January 2010 to 30 June 2016. The primary outcome was risk factors associated with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) < 7 indicating lower severity and a score ≥ 7 indicating high severity for 65−74 age category and ≥75 years age category for AIS-HF patients. Univariate analysis was used to determine risk factors based on age categories and stroke severities, while multivariable analysis was used to adjust for the effect of confounding variables. Results: A total 367 AIS-HF patients were identified in this study, 113 patients were between 65−74 years old, while 254 patients were in the ≥75 years old age category. In the adjusted analysis for 65−74 age category, history of smoking (OR = 0.105, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.018−0.614, p = 0.012), triglycerides (Odd ratio(OR) = 0.993, 95% (CI): 0.987−0.999, p = 0.019), and International Normalized Ratio (INR) (OR = 0.454, 95% CI: 0.196−1.050, p = 0.045), and direct admission treatment (OR = 0.355, 95% CI: 0.137−0.920, p = 0.033) were associated with a lower stroke severity, elevated heart rate (OR = 1.032, 95% CI: 1.009−1.057, p = 0.007) was associated with a higher stroke severity. For the ≥75 years old age category, previous stroke (OR = 2.297, 95% CI: 1.171−9.852, p = 0.024), peripheral vascular disease (OR = 6.784, 95% CI: 1.242−37.065, p = 0.027), heart rate (OR = 1.035, 95% CI: 1.008−1.063, p = 0.012), and systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.023, 95% CI: 1.005−1.041, p = 0.012) were associated with a higher severe stroke severity. Conclusions: After adjusting for the effect of potential confounders, more risk factors were associated with a high severity of stroke among ≥75 years old compared with 65−74 years old AIS-HF patients. Elevated heart rate was an independent risk factor associated with stroke severity in 65−74 and ≥75 years old AIS-HF patients. Elevated heart rate and other identified risk factors should be managed to reduce stroke severity among elderly AIS-HF patients.

Impact of Stroke Severity on the Smoking Paradox in Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis

OBJECTIVE

To our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated the impact of stroke severity on the smoking paradox after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). We aimed to explore the contribution of stroke severity to the association between smoking and stroke prognosis after IVT.

METHODS

We enrolled consecutive patients who received IVT within 4.5 hours from stroke onset. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for poor functional outcome and mortality at 3 months.

RESULTS

Among patients with moderate stroke, smokers experienced a lower risk of 3-month poor outcomes than non-smokers (33.0% vs. 44.4%, unadjusted OR: 0.616; 95% CI: 0.402-0.945). However, among those with severe stroke, smokers had a higher risk of 3-month poor outcomes than non-smokers (81.6% vs. 55.9%, unadjusted OR: 3.496; 95% CI: 1.207-10.127). After adjustment, the negative correlation between smoking and 3-month poor outcome following IVT lost statistical significance in patients with moderate stroke (OR: 0.677 [95% CI: 0.418-1.097]). However, smoking remained a risk factor for 3-month poor outcomes in patients with severe stroke (OR: 4.216 [95% CI: 1.236-14.385]). We also observed a significant interaction between smoking and stroke severity with regard to the risk of poor functional outcomes (p=0.023). However, no such interaction influenced mortality (p=0.901).

CONCLUSION

Stroke severity affects the association between smoking and 3-month clinical functional outcomes following IVT.

The Smoking Paradox in Stroke Patients Under Reperfusion Treatment Is Associated With Endothelial Dysfunction

Objective

This study aimed to explore the association between smoking habit and the serum levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK), in relation with the functional outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing reperfusion treatment.

Methods

Observational and retrospective study of a series of patients with acute ischemic stroke subjected to reperfusion treatments. Clinical, analytical, and neuroimaging parameters were analyzed. The main endpoint was the functional outcome at 3 months, measured by the modified Ranking Scale (mRS). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between smoking and sTWEAK levels with functional outcome and leukoaraiosis.

Results

The results showed that smoking habit was associated with a good functional outcome at 3 months in patients with stroke (OR: 3.52; 95% CI: 1.03–11.9; p = 0.044). However, this independent association was lost after adjusting by sTWEAK levels (OR 1.73; 95% CI: 0.86–13.28; p = 0.116). sTWEAK levels were significantly lower in smoker patients [4015.5 (973.66–7921.83) pg/ml vs. 5,628 (2,848–10,202) pg/ml, p < 0.0001], while sTWEAK levels were significantly higher in patients with poor functional outcomes at 3 months [10,284 (7,388–13.247) pg/ml vs. 3,405 (2,329–6,629) pg/ml, p < 0.0001].

Conclusion

The decrease in sTWEAK levels was associated with a good functional outcome in smoker patients with stroke undergoing reperfusion therapy.

Clinical outcomes of rescue stenting for failed endovascular thrombectomy: a multicenter prospective registry

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a primary endovascular modality for acute intracranial large vessel occlusion. However, further treatment, such as rescue stenting, is occasionally necessary for refractory cases. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of rescue stenting in first-line MT failure and to identify the clinical factors affecting its clinical outcome.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective registry was designed for this study. We enrolled consecutive patients who underwent rescue stenting for first-line MT failure. Endovascular details and outcomes, follow-up patency of the stented artery, and clinical outcomes were summarized and compared between the favorable and unfavorable outcome groups.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were included. Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis was the most common etiology for rescue stenting (97.4%). Seventy-seven patients (98.7%) were successfully recanalized by rescue stenting. A favorable outcome was observed in 66.7% of patients. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality were observed in 5.1% and 4.0% of patients, respectively. The stented artery was patent in 82.1% of patients on follow-up angiography. In a multivariable analysis, a patent stent on follow-up angiography was an independent factor for a favorable outcome (OR 87.6; 95% CI 4.77 to 1608.9; p=0.003). Postprocedural intravenous maintenance of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was significantly associated with the follow-up patency of the stented artery (OR 5.72; 95% CI 1.45 to 22.6; p=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter prospective registry, rescue stenting for first-line MT failure was effective and safe. For a favorable outcome, follow-up patency of the stented artery was important, which was significantly associated with postprocedural maintenance of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

Smoking Status and Functional Outcomes in Young Stroke

Objective: Stroke in young adults is uncommon, and the etiologies and risk factors of stroke in young adults differ from those in older populations. Smoker's paradox is an unexpected favorable outcome, and age difference is used to explain the association between smoking and the favorable functional outcome. This study aimed to investigate the existence of this phenomenon in young stroke patients. Methods: We analyzed a total of 9,087 young stroke cases registered in the nationwide stroke registry system of Taiwan between 2006 and 2016. Smoking criteria included having a current history of smoking more than one cigarette per day for more than 6 months. After matching for sex and age, a Cox model was used to compare mortality and function outcomes between smokers and non-smokers. Results: Compared with the non-smoker group, smoking was associated with older age, higher comorbidities, and higher alcohol consumption. Patients who report smoking with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores of 11-15 had a worse functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.76 - 0.87). Conclusion: Smokers had a higher risk of unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months after stroke, and therefore, we continue to strongly advocate the importance of smoking cessation.

Comparison of three FLAIR vascular hyperintensities methodologies in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Multiple methods have been used to analyze fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVHs) which may represent collaterals in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, there is no consensus between methods.

PURPOSE

To compare three frequently used FVH methods for predicting early infarct volume and clinical outcome in patients with AIS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with AIS in middle cerebral artery territory were recruited. FVHs were evaluated using extensive FVHs, FVH-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch, and FVH-in/out-DWI. Infarct volume at baseline and day 7 were measured. Early neurological improvement (ENI) was assessed. Good outcomes were defined by modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-2 at 90 days.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included. ENI was 55.6% in patients with extensive FVHs and 23.3% in those without (P = 0.024). Patients with extensive FVHs had smaller infarct volume growth at seven days than those without (P = 0.041). ENI was 48.3% in patients with FVH-DWI mismatch and 15.8% in those without (P = 0.021). Patients with FVH-DWI mismatch had smaller infarct volumes at seven days than those without (P = 0.038). Patients with FVH-out-DWI had smaller baseline infarct volumes, smaller seven-day volumes, and smaller infarct growth than those with FVH-in-DWI (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P = 0.031, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the infarct growth at seven days negatively independently predicted ENI (OR = 0.737, 95% CI 0.593-0.915, P = 0.006). However, none of the FVH classifications could predict a good 90-day outcome.

CONCLUSION

Patients with extensive FVHs or FVH-DWI mismatch tend to have early favorable clinical outcome. FVH-out-DWI being associated with smaller infarct growth may also indicate early favorable clinical outcome.

Clinical Risk Factors Associated with Ambulatory Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Smokers Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy

BACKGROUND

Patients who have suffered an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and are smokers may have a better outcome following thrombolytic therapy when compared with non-smokers. While this finding is controversial, data on baseline clinical risk factors to predict treatment efficacy of thrombolytic therapy using ambulatory status in patients who suffered AIS and are smokers is not common.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2016, retrospective data on patients who have suffered an AIS and received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) were obtained from Greenville health system registry. Assessment of clinical risk factors and the likelihood of an improvement in post-stroke ambulation among smokers and non-smokers was carried out using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 1001 patients, 70.8% were smokers and 29.2% non-smokers. Among the smokers and non-smokers, 74.6% and 84.6% improvement in ambulation respectively at discharge. The odds of improved ambulation decrease among smokers as age group increases compared to those below 50 [(60-69 years, aOR, 0.30, 95% C.I, 0.108-0.850, p < 0.05), (70-79 years aOR, 0.27, 95% C.I, 0.096-0.734, p < 0.05), (80+ years aOR, 0.16, 95% C.I, 0.057-0.430, P < 0.01). Patients with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) score > 7 (reference <7) were 91% less likely to have improved ambulation among smokers and non-smokers (aOR, 0.09, 95% C.I, 0.055-0.155, P = 0.01), and (aOR, 0.08, 95% C.I, 0.027-0.214, P = 0.01) respectively. Atrial fibrillation was an independent predictor of decreased improvement in ambulation only among smokers (aOR, 0.58, 95% C.I, 0.356-0.928 P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that elderly smokers with atrial fibrillation would benefit more from aggressive management of atrial fibrillation than non-smokers.

The smoking paradox in ischemic stroke patients treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis in combination with mechanical thrombectomy-VISTA-Endovascular

BACKGROUND

The smoking-paradox of a better outcome in ischemic stroke patients who smoke may be due to increased efficacy of thrombolysis. We investigated the effect of smoking on outcome following endovascular therapy (EVT) with mechanical thrombectomy alone versus in combination with intra-arterial (IA-) thrombolysis.

METHODS

The primary endpoint was defined by three-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We performed a generalized linear model and reported relative risks (RR) for smoking (adjustment for age, sex, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, stroke severity, time to EVT) in patient data stemming from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive-Endovascular database.

RESULTS

Among 1,497 patients, 740(49.4%) were randomized to EVT; among EVT patients, 524(35.0%) received mechanical thrombectomy alone and 216(14.4%) received it in combination with IA-thrombolysis. Smokers (N = 396) had lower mRS scores (mean 2.9 vs. 3.2; p = 0.02) and mortality rates (10% vs. 17.3%; p<0.001) in univariate analysis. In all patients and in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy alone, smoking had no effect on outcome in regression analyses. In patients who received IA-thrombolysis (N = 216;14%), smoking had an adjusted RR of 1.65 for an mRS≤1 (95%CI 0.77-3.55). Treatment with IA-thrombolysis itself led to reduced RR for favorable outcome (adjusted RR 0.30); interaction analysis of IA-thrombolysis and smoking revealed that non-smokers with IA-thrombolysis had mRS≤2 in 47 cases (30%, adjusted RR 0.53 [0.41-0.69]) while smokers with IA-thrombolysis had mRS≤2 in 23 cases (38%, adjusted RR 0.61 [0.42-0.87]).

CONCLUSIONS

Smokers had no clear clinical benefit from EVT that incorporates IA-thrombolysis.

Are prominent medullary veins better than prominent cortical veins as predictors of early clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke?

PURPOSE

The prominent vessel sign (PVS) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) can be dichotomized into prominent cortical veins (PCV) and prominent medullary veins (PMV). This study was designed to compare the predictive value of PCV and PMV in the evaluation of the severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients within the reperfusion window.

METHODS

Forty-seven consecutive patients with AIS within the middle cerebral artery territory were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 8 hours of symptom onset and at 7 days after stroke onset. Infarct volume was measured, and the early clinical outcome at 7 days was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. PVS was dichotomized into cases with both PCV and PMV and cases with only PCV according to location.

RESULTS

Patients with both PCV and PMV (n=32) had higher admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (p = 0.020), larger infarct volumes at baseline (p = 0.026) and 7 days (p = 0.007), and larger infarct growth at 7 days (p = 0.050) than those with PCV only. Multivariate regression analysis showed that both the time of onset at baseline (p = 0.013) and infarct growth at 7 days (p = 0.014) could independently predict poor early clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

PMV may predict poor early clinical outcome in AIS patients, and reperfusion therapy may, therefore, be required more urgently in patients with PMV.

Smoking influences outcome in patients who had thrombolysed ischaemic stroke: the ENCHANTED study

Background and purpose

As studies vary in defining the prognostic significance of smoking in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), we aimed to determine the relation of smoking and key outcomes in patient participants who had thrombolysed AIS of the international quasi-factorial randomised Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED).

Methods

Post-hoc analyses of ENCHANTED, an international quasi-factorial randomised evaluation of intravenous alteplase-dose comparison and levels of blood pressure control in patients who had thrombolysed AIS. Multivariable logistic regression models with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity scores were used to determine associations of self-reported smoking status and clinical outcomes, according to 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores and symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH).

Results

Of 4540 patients who had an AIS, there were 1008 (22.2%) current smokers who were younger and predominantly male, with more comorbidities of hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus, and greater baseline neurological impairment, compared with non-smokers. In univariate analysis, current smokers had a higher likelihood of a favourable shift in mRS scores (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99; p=0.038) but this association reversed in a fully adjusted model with IPTW (adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.28; p=0.009). A similar trend was also apparent for dichotomised poor outcome (mRS scores 2–6: OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.33; p=0.007), but not with the risk of sICH across standard criteria.

Conclusion

Smoking predicts poor functional recovery in patients who had thrombolysed AIS.

Trial registration number

NCT01422616.

Smoking Does Not Alter Treatment Effect of Intravenous Thrombolysis in Mild to Moderate Acute Ischemic Stroke-A Dutch String-of-Pearls Institute (PSI) Stroke Study

Background: The smoking-thrombolysis paradox refers to a better outcome in smokers who suffer from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) following treatment with thrombolysis. However, studies on this subject have yielded contradictory results and an interaction analysis of exposure to smoking and thrombolysis in a large, multicenter database is lacking.

Methods: Consecutive AIS patients admitted within 12 h of symptom onset between 2009 and 2014 from the prospective, multicenter stroke registry (Dutch String-of-Pearls Stroke Study) were included for this analysis. We performed a generalized linear model for functional outcome 3 months post-stroke depending on risk of the exposure variables (smoking yes/no, thrombolysis yes/no). The following confounders were adjusted for: age, smoking, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, stroke severity, and stroke etiology.

Results: Out of 468 patients, 30.6% (N = 143) were smokers and median baseline NIHSS was 3 (interquartile range 1–6). Smoking alone had a crude and adjusted relative risk (RR) of 0.99 (95% CI 0.89–1.10) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.86–1.01) for good outcome (modified Rankin Score ≤ 2), respectively. A combination of exposure variables (smoking and thrombolysis) did not change the results significantly [crude RR 0.87 (95% CI 0.74–1.03], adjusted RR 1.1 (95%CI 0.90–1.30)]. Smoking alone had an adjusted RR of 1.2 (95% CI 0.6–2.7) for recanalization following thrombolysis (N = 88).

Conclusions: In patients with mild to moderate AIS admitted within 12 h of symptom onset, smoking did not modify treatment effect of thrombolysis.

Patient characteristics with negative diffusion-weighted imaging findings in acute lateral medullary infarction

BACKGROUND

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows limited sensitivity in the acute-phase brainstem infarctions, including lateral medullary infarction (LMI), and the detailed characteristics of acute LMI patients with initially negative DWI-MRI findings have not been reported previously. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the differences in the backgrounds or symptoms of acute LMI patients with initially negative findings in standard axial DWI-MRI and those with positive findings.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we collected the data for 35 consecutive acute LMI patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2018. Initial standard axial DWI-MRI was assessed, and the patients were divided into positive and negative groups. The characteristics of the two groups were compared, and the usefulness of additional thin-slice coronal DWI-MRI was also investigated.

RESULTS

Nine (26%) acute LMI patients were initially negative on standard axial DWI-MRI. The patients were independently associated with smoking history (78% vs. 23%, p = 0.021) and headache (78% vs. 31%, p = 0.046). Thin-slice coronal DWI-MRI showed positive findings in 50% of the patients with negative findings in standard axial DWI-MRI. All four patients with negative findings in both standard axial and thin-slice coronal DWI-MRI had smoking history and headache.

CONCLUSION

Smoking history and headache were associated with initial negative results in standard axial DWI-MRI in acute LMI. Additional thin-slice coronal DWI-MRI was sometimes useful in detecting acute LMI. Follow-up MRI is important for patients showing negative findings in initial DWI-MRI.

The association between smoking and unfavorable outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with mechanical thrombectomy

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the relationship between smoking and clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The outcomes could depend on different stroke subtypes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether smoking affected differently the outcomes in patients with different stroke subtypes who received MT.

METHODS

AIS patients who underwent MT were prospectively enrolled from three hospitals between January 2014 and December 2018. Smokers were defined as current users of cigarettes. The stroke subtypes were classified according to TOAST criteria. Outcome measurements included treatment effects, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and functional outcomes at 3 months. The effects of smoking on outcomes were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 128 AIS patients with MT were enrolled, including 64 smokers and 64 non-smokers. Logistic regression analysis indicated that smoking was related to higher risk of In-hospital ICH (OR=4.31; 95% CI: 1.10–16.96; p=0.036) in patients with cardioembolism subtype. Furthermore, smoking was also associated with lower rates of mild stroke at discharge (OR=0.07; 95% CI: 0.02–0.31; p<0.001) and functional independence (OR=0.13; 95% CI: 0.03–0.56; p=0.006) in patients with cardioembolism subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

In AIS patients undergoing MT, smoking could be related to a higher risk of In-hospital ICH and lower rates of mild stroke at discharge and functional independence if their stroke subtype is cardioembolism.

Current Smoking Does Not Modify the Treatment Effect of Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients-A Post-hoc Analysis of the WAKE-UP Trial

Background: The “smoking paradox” indicates that patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who smoke at the time of their stroke may have a better prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis than non-smokers. However, findings are inconsistent and data analyzing the effect of smoking on treatment efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis are scarce.

Methods: We performed a pre-specified post-hoc subgroup analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of MRI-Based Thrombolysis in Wake-Up Stroke (WAKE-UP) trial that randomized AIS patients with unknown time of symptom onset who had diffusion-weighted imaging-fluid attenuation inversion recovery (DWI-FLAIR) mismatch to either alteplase or placebo. Patients were categorized as current smokers or non-smokers (including former smokers and never-smokers). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as clinical and imaging follow-up data were analyzed according to smoking status.

Results: Four hundred and eighty six patients were included in the analysis. Current smokers (133, 27.4%) were younger (60.1 ± 13.0 vs. 67.2 ± 10.3 years; p < 0.001) and less often had arterial hypertension (45.0% vs. 56.8%; p = 0.02) or atrial fibrillation (3.8% vs. 15.3%; p < 0.001). The acute stroke presentation was more often due to large vessel occlusion among current smokers (27.1 vs. 16.2%; p = 0.01), and smokers had a trend towards more severe strokes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score>10 in 27.1% vs. 19.5%; p = 0.08). The treatment effect of alteplase, quantified as odds ratio for a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score at 90 days of 0 or 1), did not differ between current smokers and non-smokers (p-value for interaction: 0.59). After adjustment for age and stroke severity, neither the proportion of patients with favorable outcome, nor the median mRS score at 90 days differed between current smokers and non-smokers. When additional potential confounders were included in the model, the median mRS score was higher in current smokers than in non-smokers (cOR of better outcome for current smokers vs. non-smokers: 0.664 [0.451–0.978], p = 0.04).

Conclusions: In patients with mild to moderate MRI-proven AIS and unknown time of symptom onset with DWI-FLAIR mismatch, current smokers had worse functional outcome as compared to non-smokers. Current smoking did not modify the treatment effect of alteplase.

Clinical Trial registration: Main trial (WAKE-UP): ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01525290; and EudraCT, 2011-005906-32. Registered 02 February 2012.

Predictors of Outcome After Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion and the 6hr Time Window to Recanalization

Background and Purpose: Decision algorithms for large vessel occlusions in the anterior circulation remain unconfirmed for acute basilar artery occlusion (aBAO). The aim of this study was to investigate procedural parameters, patient characteristics, functional outcome, and survival in dependency of the time window to recanalization from symptom onset. Furthermore predictors of outcome were identified.

Materials and Methods: Retrospectively 231 patients with aBAO treated with endovascular treatment (EVT) between November 2008 and February 2019 were identified in a prospectively maintained single center stroke database. Baseline characteristics such as age, cardiovascular risk factors, NIHSS at admission, pre-interventional PC-ASPECTS, periprocedural parameters such as time to recanalization, duration of treatment, extent of reperfusion, collateral status, and occlusion patterns, as well as post-interventional 24 h NIHSS and post-interventional ICH were evaluated. Target variables were mRS at 90 days and mortality over 90 days.

Results: Good outcome (mRS 0–2) was attained in 29.5% (n = 68) of patients, overall mortality was 36.8% (n = 85). In mulitivariate analyses patients with time to reperfusion beyond 6 h had a more than half fold decreased chance of good outcome [OR 0.47 95% CI (0.23–0.95) p < 0.05]. The odds for good outcome were reduced by almost 2/3 if post-interventional imaging revealed intracerebral hemorrhage [OR 0.28 95% CI (0.08–0.98)]. Unfavorable outcome was noted in 100% (n = 14) of patients with symptomatic ICH. Risk for death was reduced by more than 80% if collaterals were present [0.16 95% CI (0.03–0.87)] and if recanalization was successful (TICI 2b-3) [OR 0.19 95% CI (0.05–0.78)]. The odds for survival were 5-fold higher in patients with no post-interventional hemorrhages present [OR 5.35 95% CI (2.2–1.58)].

Conclusion: This study might contribute to explaining the ambiguous findings regarding the validity of the 6 h time window in aBAO, suggesting that collateral status impacts the odds of survival in the time window to recanalization beyond 6 h. In our study recanalization within 6 h from symptom onset was associated with good outcome. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b-3a) was necessary for good outcome and survival, post-interventional ICH was highly associated with unfavorable outcome. This might ease the decision making for EVT.

Peri-procedural stroke or death in stenting of symptomatic severe intracranial stenosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are limited data on predictors of 30-day stroke or death in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis (sICAS) undergoing stenting. We aim to determine the factors associated with stroke or death at 30 days in the stenting arm of the SAMMPRIS trial.

METHODS

This is a post-hoc analysis of the SAMMPRIS trial including patients who underwent angioplasty/stenting. We compared patient-specific variables, lesion-specific variables, procedure-specific variables, and FDA-approved indications between patients with and without the primary outcome (stroke or death at 30 days). Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations with the primary outcome.

RESULTS

We identified 213 patients, 30 of whom (14.1%) met the primary outcome. Smoking status and lesion length were associated with the primary outcome: the odds of stroke or death for non-smokers versus smokers (adjusted OR 4.46, 95% CI 1.79 to 11.1, p=0.001) and for increasing lesion length in millimeters (adjusted OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.39, p=0.029). These had a modest predictive value: absence of smoking history (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 65.4%) and lesion length (area under curve 0.606). Furthermore, event rates were not significantly different between patients with and without the FDA-approved indication for stenting (15.9% vs 12%, p=0.437).

CONCLUSION

In SAMMPRIS patients who underwent angioplasty/stenting, neither clinical and neuroimaging variables nor the FDA indication for stenting reliably predicted the primary outcome. Further work in identifying reliable biomarkers of stroke/death in patients with sICAS is needed before considering new clinical trials of stenting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

SAMMPRIS NCT00576693; Results.

Meta-analysis of the Smoker’s Paradox in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Receiving Intravenous Thrombolysis or Endovascular Treatment

Introduction

The existence of the smoker’s paradox is controversial and potential mechanisms have not been explained. We aimed to explore the association between cigarette smoking and functional outcome at 3 months in patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies exploring the association between smoking and good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2) following IVT or EVT were searched via the databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to August 8, 2018. Information on the characteristics of included studies was independently extracted by two investigators. Data were pooled using a random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analysis according to the heterogeneity of included studies.

Results

Among 20 identified studies, 15 reported functional outcomes following IVT, and five reported functional outcomes following EVT. Unadjusted analyses showed that smoking increased the odds of good functional outcomes with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36–1.60) after IVT and 2.10 (95% CI: 1.47–3.20) after EVT. Of IVT studies, only eight reported outcomes adjusted for covariates and none of the EVT studies reported adjusted outcomes. After adjustment, the relation between smoking and good functional outcome following IVT lost statistical significance (OR 1.14 [95% CI: 0.81–1.59]).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggested that smoking was not associated with good functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at 3 months in patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with intravenous thrombolysis.

Implications

The existence of the smoker’s paradox is controversial. A previous letter by Plas et al. published in 2013 reported a positive result for the association between smoking and good functional outcome at 3 months in acute ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). However, a major limitation of their meta-analysis was that the process of data synthesis was based on unadjusted data. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association based on adjusted data and a larger sample size. Our meta-analysis suggested that smoking was not associated with good functional outcome after adjusting for covariates.

Effect of glycated hemoglobin index and mean arterial pressure on acute ischemic stroke prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator

To determine whether glycated hemoglobin and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during thrombolysis are prognostic factors of intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).A total of 125 AIS patients, who received rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in our hospital, were included into the present study, and divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the prognostic factors of AIS treated by rt-PA thrombolysis, Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of the accumulated cigarette consumption in the smoking subgroup and glycated hemoglobin in the diabetic subgroup with the prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis and the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).Univariate analysis revealed that the interval from onset to thrombolysis, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, MAP during thrombolysis and DRAGON score were prognostic factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline NIHSS score and MAP during thrombolysis were independent prognostic factors for rt-PA thrombolysis. Furthermore, the glycated hemoglobin index was positively correlated with the incidence of sICH.The NIHSS score before thrombolysis and MAP during thrombolysis were independent factors for the prognosis of AIS treated by thrombolysis. The higher the glycated hemoglobin index of diabetic patients, the more likely they are to develop sICH, the glycated hemoglobin index was negatively correlated with the prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis. The accumulated cigarette consumption was negatively correlated with the prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis.

Impact of smoking on stroke outcome after endovascular treatment

Background

Recent studies suggest a paradoxical association between smoking status and clinical outcome after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Little is known about relationship between smoking and stroke outcome after endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods

We analyzed data of all stroke patients treated with EVT at the tertiary stroke centre of Berne between January 2005 and December 2015. Using uni- and multivariate modeling, we assessed whether smoking was independently associated with excellent clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–1) and mortality at 3 months. In addition, we also measured the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and recanalization.

Results

Of 935 patients, 204 (21.8%) were smokers. They were younger (60.5 vs. 70.1 years of age, p<0.001), more often male (60.8% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.036), had less often from hypertension (56.4% vs. 69.6%, p<0.001) and were less often treated with antithrombotics (35.3% vs. 47.7%, p = 0.004) as compared to nonsmokers. In univariate analyses, smokers had higher rates of excellent clinical outcome (39.1% vs. 23.1%, p<0.001) and arterial recanalization (85.6% vs. 79.4%, p = 0.048), whereas mortality was lower (15.6% vs. 25%, p = 0.006) and frequency of sICH similar (4.4% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.86). After correcting for confounders, smoking still independently predicted excellent clinical outcome (OR 1.758, 95% CI 1.206–2.562; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Smoking in stroke patients may be a predictor of excellent clinical outcome after EVT. However, these data must not be misinterpreted as beneficial effect of smoking due to the observational study design. In view of deleterious effects of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular health, cessation of smoking should still be strongly recommended for stroke prevention.

Impact of Smoking on Clinical Outcome and Recanalization After Intravenous Thrombolysis for Stroke

Background and Purpose—

The impact of smoking on prognosis after stroke is controversial. We aimed to assess the relationship between smoking status and stroke outcome after intravenous thrombolysis in a large cohort study by adjusting for potential confounders and incorporating recanalization rates.

Methods—

In a prospective observational multicenter study, we analyzed baseline and outcome data of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Using uni- and multivariable modeling, we assessed whether smoking was associated with favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1) and mortality. In addition, we also measured the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and recanalization of middle cerebral artery. Patients reporting active cigarette use were classified as smokers.

Results—

Of 1865 patients, 19.8% were smokers (n=369). They were younger (mean 63.5 versus 71.3 years), less often women (56% versus 72.1%), and suffered less often from hypertension (61.3% versus 70.1%) and atrial fibrillation (22.7% versus 35.6%) when compared with nonsmokers. Favorable outcome and 3-month mortality were in favor of smokers in unadjusted analyses (45.8% versus 39.5% and 9.3% versus 15.8%, respectively), whereas symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was comparable in both cohorts. Smoking was not associated with clinical outcome and mortality after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.61; P =0.197 and odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–1.71; P =0.755, respectively). However, smoking still independently predicted recanalization of middle cerebral artery in multivariable analyses (odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–6.43; P =0.028).

Conclusions—

Our study suggests that good outcome in smokers is mainly related to differences in baseline characteristics and not to biological effects of smoking. The higher recanalization rates in smokers, however, call for further studies.

Pharmacological thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke treatment: Gender differences in clinical risk factors

BACKGROUND

In a stroke population, women have a worse outcome than men when untreated. In contrast, there is no significant difference in treated patients. In this study, we determined whether clinical variables represent a promising approach to assist in the evaluation of gender differences in a stroke population.

METHODS

We analyzed data from ischemic stroke patients' ≥18 years-old from the stroke registry on rtPA administration and identified gender differences in clinical factors within inclusion and exclusion criteria in a stroke population that received rtPA. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for patient demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Of the 241 eligible stroke patients' thrombolytic therapy, 49.4% were females and 50.6% were males. Of the 422 patients that did not receive rtPA, more women (235) were excluded from rtPA than men (187) (P<0.05). In the male population, exclusion from rtPA was associated with history of a previous stroke (P<0.05, OR=2.028), hypertension (P<0.05, OR=0.519), and NIH stroke score (P<0.0001, OR=0.893). In female stroke patients, exclusion from rtPA was associated with previous history of stroke (P<0.05, OR=2.332), diabetes (P<0.05, OR=1.88) and NIH stroke score (P<0.05, OR=0.916).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similarities in different areas of stroke care for both men and women, more women with diabetes, previous history of stroke and higher NIH scores are more likely to be excluded from thrombolytic therapy. Men with a previous history of stroke, hypertension and higher NIH scores are more likely to be excluded rtPA even after adjustment for confounding variables.

Impact of smoking in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Background

The paradox that smokers have better clinical outcomes in cardiovascular diseases remains controversial. No literature exists studying impact of smoking on outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

We performed an electronic search of the 2011-2012 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify all TAVR hospitalizations. Outcomes were measured comparing smokers to non-smokers.

Results

A total of 8,345 TAVR hospitalizations were identified with 24% being smokers. Compared to non-smokers, smokers were younger (80.4±8.8 vs. 81.4±9.2 years, P<0.001), were more often men (63.6% vs. 47.8%, P<0.001), and had a higher disease burden. Despite a higher disease burden, smokers had lower post procedure stroke (2.8% vs. 3.1%), hemorrhage events (28.2% vs. 32.0%, P<0.05) and lower all cause in-hospital mortality (1.2% vs. 5.7%, adjusted odds ratio 0.21, 95% CI: 0.13-0.32, P<0.001) compared to non-smokers.

Conclusions

Despite having a higher cardiovascular disease burden, smokers had better outcomes compared to non-smokers. Therefore the smoker's paradox is applicable in the TAVR cohort.

Alpha-2-antiplasmin Arg407Lys polymorphism and cryptogenic ischemic cerebrovascular events: Association with neurological deficit

OBJECTIVE

Genetic background of cryptogenic ischemic stroke (IS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) remains uncertain. Alpha-2-antiplasmin (α2AP) Arg407Lys polymorphism has been shown to be less common in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) compared with healthy controls. We investigated associations of α2AP Arg407Lys polymorphism with cryptogenic IS and TIA.

METHODS

We studied 165 consecutive Caucasian patients who experienced cryptogenic IS (n=123) or TIA (n=42). Neurological outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia and 8 (6-12) months after the index episode. Patients were genotyped for α2AP Arg407Lys polymorphism (rs1057335) using real time PCR technique.

RESULTS

The allele frequency of Arg407Lys polymorphism was: 0.82/0.18. The 407Lys allele was more frequent in TIA patients compared to the IS group (0.29 vs. 0.14, p=0.003). In the whole group, as well as in IS and TIA patients analyzed separately, possession of the 407Lys allele was associated with excellent outcome (mRS 0-1) during follow-up (p<0.05) but not in the acute phase of ischemic events both in thrombolyzed and nonthrombolyzed IS patients. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the excellent outcome (mRS 0-1) assessed after 8 (6-12) months since the index cerebral ischemia was predicted by the occurrence of Lys407 allele (OR 6.18, 95% CI, 2.01-18.98, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

The presence of 407Lys allele is associated with better prognosis in cryptogenic cerebrovascular events. Our findings suggest that the α2AP Arg407Lys polymorphism could be involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia and its outcomes.

Neutrophil extracellular traps are increased in patients with acute ischemic stroke: prognostic significance

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of DNA, histones, and proteolytic enzymes produced by activated neutrophils through different mechanisms. NET formation is promoted by activated platelets and can in turn activate platelets, thus favoring thrombotic processes. NETs have been detected in venous and arterial thrombosis, but data in stroke are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate NETs in the plasma of patients with acute ischemic stroke and their potential association with baseline clinical characteristics, stroke severity, and one-year clinical outcomes. The study included 243 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Clinical and demographic data and scores of stroke severity (NIHSS and mRs) at onset and discharge were recorded. Markers of NETs (cell-free DNA, nucleosomes, and citrullinated histone 3 (citH3)), were determined in plasma. Patients were followed-up for 12 months after the ischemic event. NETs were significantly elevated in the plasma of patients with acute ischemic stroke when compared to healthy subjects. NETs were increased in patients who were over 65 years of age and in those with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF), cardioembolic stroke, high glucose levels, and severe stroke scores at admission and discharge. In multivariate analysis, elevated levels of citH3, the most specific marker of NETs, at onset were independently associated with AF and all-cause mortality at oneyear follow-up. NETs play a role in the pathophysiology of stroke and are associated with severity and mortality. In conclusion, citH3 may constitute a useful prognostic marker and therapeutic target in patients with acute stroke.

ASTRAL-R score predicts non-recanalisation after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) as treatment in acute ischaemic strokes may be insufficient to achieve recanalisation in certain patients. Predicting probability of non-recanalisation after IVT may have the potential to influence patient selection to more aggressive management strategies. We aimed at deriving and internally validating a predictive score for post-thrombolytic non-recanalisation, using clinical and radiological variables. In thrombolysis registries from four Swiss academic stroke centres (Lausanne, Bern, Basel and Geneva), patients were selected with large arterial occlusion on acute imaging and with repeated arterial assessment at 24 hours. Based on a logistic regression analysis, an integer-based score for each covariate of the fitted multivariate model was generated. Performance of integerbased predictive model was assessed by bootstrapping available data and cross validation (delete-d method). In 599 thrombolysed strokes, five variables were identified as independent predictors of absence of recanalisation: Acute glucose > 7 mmol/l (A), significant extracranial vessel STenosis (ST), decreased Range of visual fields (R), large Arterial occlusion (A) and decreased Level of consciousness (L). All variables were weighted 1, except for (L) which obtained 2 points based on β-coefficients on the logistic scale. ASTRAL-R scores 0, 3 and 6 corresponded to non-recanalisation probabilities of 18, 44 and 74 % respectively. Predictive ability showed AUC of 0.66 (95 %CI, 0.61–0.70) when using bootstrap and 0.66 (0.63–0.68) when using delete-d cross validation. In conclusion, the 5-item ASTRAL-R score moderately predicts non-recanalisation at 24 hours in thrombolysed ischaemic strokes. If its performance can be confirmed by external validation and its clinical usefulness can be proven, the score may influence patient selection for more aggressive revascularisation strategies in routine clinical practice.

Predictors of Good Outcome After Endovascular Therapy for Vertebrobasilar Occlusion Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular therapy is increasingly used in acute ischemic stroke treatment and is now considered the gold standard approach for selected patient populations. Prior studies have demonstrated that eventual patient outcomes depend on both patient-specific factors and procedural considerations. However, these factors remain unclear for acute basilar artery occlusion stroke. We sought to determine prognostic factors of good outcome in acute posterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes treated with endovascular therapy.

METHODS

We reviewed our prospectively collected endovascular databases at 2 US tertiary care academic institutions for patients with acute posterior circulation strokes from September 2005 to September 2015 who had 3-month modified Rankin Scale documented. Baseline characteristics, procedural data, and outcomes were evaluated. A good outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2. The association between clinical and procedural parameters and functional outcome was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients qualified for the study. Smoking status, creatinine levels, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, anesthesia modality (conscious sedation versus general anesthesia), procedural length, and reperfusion status were significantly associated with good outcomes in the univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that only smoking (odds ratio=2.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-5.56; P=0.013), low baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio=1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.13; P<0.0001), and successful reperfusion status (odds ratio=10.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-85.96; P=0.025) were associated with good outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In our retrospective case series, only smoking, low baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and successful reperfusion status were associated with good outcome in patients with posterior circulation stroke treated with endovascular therapy.

Preceding Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients Receiving Endovascular Therapy

Background: The beneficial effects of endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke have been demonstrated in recent clinical trials using new-generation thrombectomy devices. However, the comparative effectiveness and safety of preceding intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in this population has rarely been evaluated. Methods: From a prospective multicenter stroke registry database in Korea, we identified patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with EVT within 8 h of onset and admitted to 14 participating centers during 2008-2013. The primary outcome was a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months. Major secondary outcomes were successful recanalization defined as a modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia score of 2b-3, functional independence (mRS score 0-2), mortality at 3 months, and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (SHT) during hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression analyses using generalized linear mixed models were performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of preceding IVT. Results: Of the 639 patients (male, 61%; age 69 ± 12; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 15 [11-19]) who met the eligibility criteria, 458 received preceding IVT. These patients showed lower mRS scores (adjusted common OR, 1.38 [95% CI 0.98-1.96]). Preceding IVT was associated with successful recanalization (1.96 [1.23-3.11]) and reduced 3-month mortality (0.58 [0.35-0.97]) but not with SHT (0.96 [0.48-1.93]). Conclusion: In patients treated with EVT within 8 of acute ischemic stroke onset, preceding IVT may enhance survival and successful recanalization without additional risk of SHT, and mitigate disability at 3 months.

Clinical Effectiveness of Lifestyle Health Coaching: Case Study of an Evidence-Based Program

We have developed, tested, and successfully implemented an affordable, evidence-based, technology-enabled, data-driven, outcomes-oriented, comprehensive lifestyle health coaching (LHC) program. The LHC program has been used primarily to provide services to employees of larger employers (ie, with at least 3000 employees) but has also been implemented in a variety of other settings, including hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, physician practices, and as part of multicenter clinical trials. The program is delivered mainly using the telephone and Internet. Health coaches are guided by a Web-based participant management and tracking system. Lifestyle management interventions are based on several behavior change models and strategies, especially adult learning theory, social learning theory, the stages of change model, single concept learning theory, and motivational interviewing. The program is administered by nonphysician health professionals whose services are integrated with the care provided by participants' physicians. Outcomes data from published studies, including randomized clinical trials and independent third-party conducted research, have documented the clinical effectiveness of this evidence-based approach in terms of modification of multiple risk factors in healthy persons as well as those with certain common chronic diseases.

Lifestyle modification for stroke prevention: facts and fiction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose is to summarize recent evidence on lifestyle modifications and first or recurrent stroke risk.

RECENT FINDINGS

Weight reduction, low-risk diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and low-to-moderate alcohol consumption may reduce stroke risk up to 50% or more, but level one evidence is still lacking for several interventions. Appropriate food ingredients can significantly decrease stroke risk as recently confirmed for Mediterranean diet. The optimal intensity and amount of physical exercise is still not well established before and after stroke, although modest levels of activity already show benefits. Passive smoking represents an important health hazard. The impact of tobacco withdrawal using e-cigarette is currently uncertain. Alcohol and stroke risk relation is probably J-shaped for ischaemic stroke and linear for intracranial haemorrhage. Coffee consumption is J-shaped for overall stroke. Several interventions have failed to show significant effects, including regular intake of 'healthy' forms of fatty acids, various vitamin supplements, and other antioxidants. Both individualized and public educational programmes are likely needed on a repetitive basis to induce and maintain a healthy lifestyle before or after a stroke.

Smoking-Thrombolysis Relationship Depends on Ischemic Stroke Subtype

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The relationship between smoking and the outcome in patients received thrombolysis is undetermined. The outcome could be influenced by different stroke subtypes. This study aimed to explore whether smoking had any impact on the outcome in patients with stroke of different subtypes who received intravenous thrombolysis.

METHODS

All patients who received intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 hours after symptom onset from the Thrombolysis Implementation and Monitor of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China (TIMS-China) database were eligible to be entered into this analysis. Smokers were considered if they smoked at least 1 cigarette/d for >6 months before stroke. Ischemic stroke subtype was classified by using the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria. Outcome measurements included post-intravenous thrombolysis symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 7 days, mortality, and functional independence at 90 days. The relationship between smoking and thrombolysis was analyzed by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of 1118 patients enrolled, we identified 454 smokers and 664 nonsmokers. After stratifying for ischemic stroke subtypes, multivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between smoking and functional independence in patients with noncardioembolism stroke subtypes (large artery atherosclerosis: odds ratio [OR], 1.452; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.053-2.264; small artery occlusion: OR, 4.275; 95% CI, 1.098-16.649; other: OR, 3.120; 95% CI, 1.162-8.373). Furthermore, smoking was specially related to lower rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR, 0.316; 95% CI, 0.120-0.832) and mortality (OR, 0.272; 95% CI, 0.128-0.577) in patients with large artery atherosclerosis subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis, smoking could be related to a better chance of functional independence if their subtype of stroke was noncardioembolic, and a lower risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality in those with large artery atherosclerosis.

Early Endovascular Treatment in Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator–Ineligible Patients

Background and Purpose—

Intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment in acute stroke has many exclusion criteria. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy (ET) in intravenous (IV) tPA-ineligible patients.

Methods—

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients treated with ET within 6 hours of stroke onset between September 2010 and April 2015. Patients treated with IV-tPA followed by ET were compared with those treated with ET alone because of IV-tPA ineligibility. Efficacy and safety end points included the rates of good outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale score ≤2), successful reperfusion (modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia 2b-3), parenchymal hematoma (PH-1 and PH-2), and 90-day mortality. Univariate and logistic regression were performed to identify the predictors of outcomes.

Results—

A total of 422 patients were included. Two hundred and fifty-three (59%) patients received IV-tPA+ET, and 169 (41%), ET alone. Combined IV-tPA+ET patients were slightly younger (64.9±15.2 versus 67.9±14.9 years; P =0.05), more often males (56% versus 44%; P =0.01), and had less hypertension (70% versus 81%; P =0.02) and vertebrobasilar occlusions (3% versus 8%; P =0.02). The remaining baseline characteristics, including National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (20 [15–23] versus 19 [15–24]; P =0.85), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS; 8 [7–9] versus 8 [7–9]; P =0.24), and stroke onset to puncture times (235±70 versus 240±81 minutes; P =0.27), were similar across both groups. There were no significant differences in the rates of modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia 2b-3 (83% versus 80%; P =0.52), 90-day modified Rankin scale score ≤2 (45% versus 38%; P =0.21), or any PH (3% versus 5%; P =0.21). Unadjusted 90-day mortality was higher with ET alone (21% versus 34%; P <0.01); however, IV-tPA ineligibility was not associated with modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia 2b-3, any PH, good outcome, or 90-day mortality on logistic regression.

Conclusions—

IV-tPA-eligible and -ineligible patients seem to have similar outcomes after early ET.

Factors Associated with Thrombolysis Outcome in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

The outcome of early intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is worse than that without thrombosis. How to increase the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis for AF-related ischemic stroke remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated factors that influence the effect of intravenous thrombolysis in these patients. Our results showed that thrombolysis was independently associated with a favorable outcome (P < 0.001) and did not influence the mortality of AF-related ischemic stroke, although it increased the risk of hemorrhage within 24 h after treatment. Risk factors for a poor outcome at admission were: heart failure (P = 0.045); high systolic pressure (P = 0.039); high blood glucose (P = 0.030); and a high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (P < 0.001). Moreover, high systolic pressure at admission (P = 0.007), high blood glucose (P = 0.027), and a high NIHSS score (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for mortality at 3 months. Besides thrombolysis, a high NIHSS score (P = 0.006) and warfarin taken within 48 h before stroke onset (P = 0.032) were also independent risk factors for symptomatic hemorrhage within 24 h after treatment. Ischemic stroke patients with AF benefited from intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 h after stroke.

Plasma Biomarkers of Inflammation, Endothelial Function and Hemostasis in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Background

The cause of lacunar ischemic stroke, a clinical feature of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), is largely unknown. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction have been implicated. Plasma biomarkers could provide mechanistic insights but current data are conflicting. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are an important imaging biomarker of SVD. It is unknown if plasma biomarkers add predictive capacity beyond age and vascular risk factors in explaining WMH.

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients presenting with non-disabling ischemic stroke, classifying them clinically and with the help of MRI as lacunar or cortical. We measured biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and hemostasis for >1 month after stroke and compared biomarker levels between stroke subtypes. We quantitatively calculated WMH. We used multiple linear regression analysis to model WMH as a function of age, sex, hypertension and smoking (the baseline model). We fitted exploratory models using plasma biomarkers as predictor variables to assess model improvement over baseline.

Results

We recruited 125 patients. The lacunar group (n = 65) had lower tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) levels in unadjusted (7.39 vs. 8.59 ng/ml, p = 0.029) and adjusted (p = 0.035) analyses compared with the cortical group (n = 60). There were no significant differences in the other plasma biomarkers. The results for t-PA were consistent with an updated meta-analysis, although the effect remains non-significant (standardized mean difference −0.08 (95% CI −0.25 to 0.09)). The baseline regression model explained 29% of the variance in quantitative WMH (R² 0.289). Inflammatory biomarkers showed minor improvement over baseline (R² 0.291), but the other plasma biomarkers did not improve the baseline model.

Conclusion

Plasma t-PA levels appear to differ between lacunar and cortical stroke subtypes, late after stroke, independent of age, sex and vascular risk factors and may reflect endothelial dysfunction. Except for a minor additional predictive effect of inflammatory markers, plasma biomarkers do not relate to WMH severity in this small stroke population.

Smoking is Not a Good Prognostic Factor following First-Ever Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose

There is evidence that smoking increases stroke risk; however, the effect of smoking on functional outcome after stroke is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of smoking status on outcome following acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We assessed 1,117 patients with first-ever acute cerebral infarction and no prestroke disability whose functional outcome was measured after three months. A poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥2. Smoking within one month prior to admission was defined as current smoking. Our analysis included demographics, vascular risk factors, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, stroke subtype, onset-to-admission time, thrombolytic therapy, initial blood pressure, and prognostic blood parameters as covariates.

Results

At baseline, current smokers were predominantly male, approximately 10 years younger than non-smokers (mean age, 58.6 vs. 68.3 years), and less likely to have hypertension and atrial fibrillation (53.9% vs. 65.4% and 8.7% vs. 25.9%, respectively), with a lower mean NIHSS score (4.6 vs. 5.7). The univariate analyses revealed that current smokers had a better functional outcome and significantly fewer deaths at three months follow-up when compared with non-smokers (functional outcome: 64.0% vs. 58.4%, P=0.082; deaths: 3.0% vs. 8.4%, P=0.001); however, these effects disappeared after adjusting for covariates (P=0.168 and P=0.627, respectively).

Conclusions

In this study, smoking was not associated with a good functional outcome, which does not support the paradoxical benefit of smoking on functional outcome following acute ischemic stroke.

Improving the Prediction of Spontaneous and Post-thrombolytic Recanalization in Ischemic Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients was recently shown to improve recanalization rates and clinical outcome in a well-defined study population. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) alone is insufficiently effective to recanalize in certain patients or of little value in others. Accordingly, we aimed at identifying predictors of recanalization in patients treated with or without IVT.

METHODS

In the observational Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne (ASTRAL) registry, we selected those stroke patients (1) with an arterial occlusion on computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging, (2) who had an arterial patency assessment at 24 hours (CTA/magnetic resonance angiography/transcranial Doppler), and (3) who were treated with IVT or had no revascularization treatment. Based on 2 separate logistic regression analyses, predictors of spontaneous and post-thrombolytic recanalization were generated.

RESULTS

Partial or complete recanalization was achieved in 121 of 210 (58%) thrombolyzed patients. Recanalization was associated with atrial fibrillation (odds ratio , 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.0) and absence of early ischemic changes on CT (1.1, 1.1-1.2) and inversely correlated with the presence of a significant extracranial (EC) stenosis or occlusion (.6, .3-.9). In nonthrombolyzed patients, partial or complete recanalization was significantly less frequent (37%, P < .01). The recanalization was independently associated with a history of hypercholesterolemia (2.6, 1.2-5.6) and the proximal site of the intracranial occlusion (2.5, 1.2-5.4), and inversely correlated with a decreased level of consciousness (.3, .1-.8), and EC (.3, .1-.6) and basilar artery pathology (.1, .0-.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Various clinical findings, cardiovascular risk factors, and arterial pathology on acute CTA-based imaging are moderately associated with spontaneous and post-thrombolytic arterial recanalization at 24 hours. If confirmed in other studies, this information may influence patient selection toward the most appropriate revascularization strategy.

Hyperintense Vessels on FLAIR: Hemodynamic Correlates and Response to Thrombolysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hyperintense vessels on baseline FLAIR MR imaging of patients with ischemic stroke have been linked to leptomeningeal collateralization, yet the ability of these to maintain viable ischemic tissue remains unclear. We investigated whether hyperintense vessels on FLAIR are associated with the severity of hypoperfusion and response to thrombolysis in patients treated with intravenous tissue-plasminogen activator.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with ischemic stroke with an MR imaging before and within 24 hours of treatment, with proved vessel occlusion and available time-to-maximum maps were included (n = 62). The severity of hypoperfusion was characterized on the basis of the hypoperfusion intensity ratio (volume with severe/mild hypoperfusion [time-to-maximum ≥ 8 seconds / time-to-maximum ≥ 2 seconds]). The hypoperfusion intensity ratio was dichotomized at the median to differentiate moderate (hypoperfusion intensity ratio ≤ 0.447) and severe (hypoperfusion intensity ratio > 0.447) hypoperfusion. Good outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2.

RESULTS

Hyperintense vessels on FLAIR were identified in 54 patients (87%). Patients with extensive hyperintense vessels on FLAIR (>4 sections) had higher NIHSS scores, larger baseline lesion volumes, higher rates of perfusion-diffusion mismatch, and more severe hypoperfusion (hypoperfusion intensity ratio). In stepwise backward multivariate regression analysis for the dichotomized hypoperfusion intensity ratio (including stroke etiology, age, perfusion deficit, baseline lesion volume, smoking, and extent of hyperintense vessels on FLAIR), extensive hyperintense vessels on FLAIR were independently associated with severe hypoperfusion (OR, 6.8; 95% CI, 1.1-42.7; P = .04). The hypoperfusion intensity ratio was an independent predictor of a worse functional outcome at 3 months poststroke (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.5-0.6; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperintense vessels on FLAIR are associated with larger perfusion deficits, larger infarct growth, and more severe hypoperfusion, suggesting that hyperintense vessels on FLAIR most likely indicate severe ischemia as a result of insufficient collateralization.

Higher Left Ventricle Mass Indices Predict Favorable Outcome in Stroke Patients with Thrombolysis

BACKGROUND

We sought to assess the association of left ventricle mass (LVM) indices with the functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA).

METHODS

Consecutive AIS patients with IV-tPA were recruited. LVM indices including LVM/weight, LVM/surface, and LVM/heightˆ(2.7) on echocardiogram during hospitalization were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome was 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the association of LVM indices with outcome.

RESULTS

Between August 2010 and May 2014, 55 AIS patients (age range from 27 to 78 years, 69.1% men) with echocardiogram after thrombolysis were recruited. Lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; P = .009) and higher LVM indices (LVM/weight [P = .012], LVM/surface [P = .039], and LVM/heightˆ(2.7) [P = .045]) were significantly associated with 90-day favorable outcome (mRS, 0-2). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, LVM/weight independently predicted good outcome with an odds ratio of 3.89 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-14.42, P = .042) after adjustment for baseline NIHSS, onset-to-treatment time, hypertension, hemorrhagic transformation, and systolic left ventricle inner diameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher LVM indices on echocardiogram are significantly associated with favorable outcome in stroke patients with IV-tPA, among which LVM/weight seems to be the most effective.

Is smoking associated with favourable outcome in tPA-treated stroke patients?

BACKGROUND

Smoking has been associated with improved outcome in thrombolysed patients with myocardial infarction and higher recanalization rates in stroke patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). We hypothesized a positive association between smoking and favourable outcome in stroke patients treated with tPA and no such association in acute stroke patients not treated with tPA, suggesting a beneficial effect of smoking on thrombolysis with tPA.

METHODS

Stroke patients treated with tPA and stroke patients not treated with tPA, but presenting within 6 h after stroke onset, were included in two separate groups. Three groups were defined according to smoking habits: current smoking, previous smoking and no smoking. Functional outcome by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was assessed after 1 week or at discharge, if discharged earlier. Favourable outcome was defined as mRS 0 or 1.

RESULTS

A total of 399 patients were treated with tPA (94 current smokers, 148 previous smokers and 157 non-smokers), whereas 424 patients were not treated with tPA (90 current smokers, 164 previous smokers and 170 non-smokers). Current smoking was independently associated with favourable outcome in patients treated with tPA when adjusted for confounders (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.09-3.95, P = 0.025). There was no such association in acute stroke patients not treated with tPA (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.67-2.36, P = 0.472).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed an association between current smoking and favourable short-term outcome in stroke patients treated with tPA, but not in acute stroke patients not treated with tPA. This may indicate a more effective thrombolysis with tPA in smokers.

Smoking is a negative predictor of arteriovenous malformation posttreatment obliteration: analysis of vascular risk factors in 774 patients

OBJECT

Cigarette smoking has been well established as a risk factor in vascular pathology, such as cerebral aneurysms. However, tobacco's implications for patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are controversial. The object of this study was to identify predictors of AVM obliteration and risk factors for complications.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database for all patients with AVMs treated using surgical excision, staged endovascular embolization (with N-butyl-cyanoacrylate or Onyx), stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife or Linear Accelerator), or a combination thereof between 1994 and 2010. Medical risk factors, such as smoking, abuse of alcohol or intravenous recreational drugs, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, were documented. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to detect predictors of periprocedural complications, obliteration, and posttreatment hemorrhage.

RESULTS

Of 774 patients treated at a single tertiary care cerebrovascular center, 35% initially presented with symptomatic hemorrhage and 57.6% achieved complete obliteration according to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or MRI. In a multivariate analysis a negative smoking history (OR 1.9, p = 0.006) was a strong independent predictor of AVM obliteration. Of the patients with obliterated AVMs, 31.9% were smokers, whereas 45% were not (p = 0.05). Multivariate analysis of obliteration, after controlling for AVM size and location (eloquent vs noneloquent tissue), revealed that nonsmokers were more likely (0.082) to have obliterated AVMs through radiosurgery. Smoking was not predictive of treatment complications or posttreatment hemorrhage. Abuse of alcohol or intravenous recreational drugs, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease had no discernible effect on AVM obliteration, periprocedural complications, or posttreatment hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral AVM patients with a history of smoking are significantly less likely than those without a smoking history to have complete AVM obliteration on follow-up DSA or MRI. Therefore, patients with AVMs should be strongly advised to quit smoking.