Very low quality of life after acute stroke: data from the Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke trial

Differences in kinetic factors affecting gait speed between lesion sides in patients with stroke

The differences in kinetic mechanisms of decreased gait speed across brain lesion sides have not been elucidated, including the arrangement of motor modules reflected by kinetic interjoint coordination. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the differences in the kinetic factors of slow gait speed in patients with stroke on the lesion sides. A three-dimensional motion analysis system was employed to assess joint moment in the lower limb and representative gait parameters in 32 patients with right hemisphere brain damage (RHD) and 38 patients with left hemisphere brain damage (LHD) following stroke as well as 20 healthy controls. Motor module composition and timing were determined using principal component analysis based on the three joint moments in the lower limb in the stance phase, which were the variances accounted for principal components (PCs) and the peak timing in the time series of PCs. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the most significant joint moment and PC-associated parameter in explaining gait speed. A negligible difference was observed in age, weight, height, and gait speed among patients with RHD and LHD and controls. The following factors contributed to gait speed: in patients with RHD, larger ankle plantarflexion moment on the paretic (p = 0.001) and nonparetic (p = 0.002) sides and ankle dorsiflexion moment on the nonparetic side (p = 0.004); in patients with LHD, larger ankle plantarflexion moment (p < 0.001) and delayed peak timing of the first PC (p = 0.012) on the paretic side as well as ankle dorsiflexion moment on the nonparetic side (p < 0.001); in the controls, delayed peak timing of the first PC (p = 0.002) on the right side and larger ankle dorsiflexion moment (p = 0.001) as well as larger hip flexion moment on the left side (p = 0.023). The findings suggest that the kinetic mechanisms of gait speed may differ among patients with RHD following patients with stroke with LHD, and controls.

The Role of Cilostazol, a Phosphodiesterase-3 Inhibitor, in the Development of Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology: A Review with Meta-Analysis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) stands as the leading global cause of mortality. Addressing this vital and pervasive condition requires a multifaceted approach, in which antiplatelet intervention plays a pivotal role, together with antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and lipid-lowering therapies. Among the antiplatelet agents available currently, cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, offers a spectrum of pharmacological effects. These encompass vasodilation, the impediment of platelet activation and aggregation, thrombosis inhibition, limb blood flow augmentation, lipid profile enhancement through triglyceride reduction and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol elevation, and the suppression of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. However, the role of cilostazol has not been clearly documented in many guidelines for ASCVD. We comprehensively reviewed the cardiovascular effects of cilostazol within randomized clinical trials that compared it to control or active agents and involved individuals with previous coronary artery disease or stroke, as well as those with no previous history of such conditions. Our approach demonstrated that the administration of cilostazol effectively reduced adverse cardiovascular events, although there was less evidence regarding its impact on myocardial infarction. Most studies have consistently reported its favorable effects in reducing intermittent claudication and enhancing ambulatory capacity in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Furthermore, cilostazol has shown promise in mitigating restenosis following coronary stent implantation in patients with acute coronary syndrome. While research from more diverse regions is still needed, our findings shed light on the broader implications of cilostazol in the context of atherosclerosis and vascular biology, particularly for individuals at high risk of ASCVD.

Identifying the characteristics of patients with stroke who have difficulty benefiting from gait training with the hybrid assistive limb: a retrospective cohort study

Robot-assisted gait training is effective for walking independence in stroke rehabilitation, the hybrid assistive limb (HAL) is an example. However, gait training with HAL may not be effective for everyone, and it is not clear who is not expected to benefit. Therefore, we aimed to identify the characteristics of stroke patients who have difficulty gaining benefits from gait training with HAL. We conducted a single-institutional retrospective cohort study. The participants were 82 stroke patients who had received gait training with HAL during hospitalization. The dependent variable was the functional ambulation category (FAC) that a measure of gait independence in stroke patients, and five independent [age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS), days from stroke onset, and functional independence measure total score (cognitive items)] variables were selected from previous studies and analyzed by logistic regression analysis. We evaluated the validity of logistic regression analysis by using several indicators, such as the area under the curve (AUC), and a confusion matrix. Age, days from stroke onset to HAL initiation, and BRS were identified as factors that significantly influenced walking independence through gait training with HAL. The AUC was 0.86. Furthermore, after building a confusion matrix, the calculated binary accuracy, sensitivity (recall), and specificity were 0.80, 0.80, and 0.81, respectively, indicated high accuracy. Our findings confirmed that older age, greater degree of paralysis, and delayed initiation of HAL-assisted training after stroke onset were associated with increased likelihood of walking dependence upon hospital discharge.

Life satisfaction and its influencing factors for bedridden patients with stroke

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the life satisfaction of bedridden patients with stroke and explore its relationship with demographic, social, and medical factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in two steps. The Longshi scale was used to select the study population and assess patients' ability to perform activities of daily living. Subsequently, a multidimensional questionnaire was used to obtain the participants' information and evaluate their level of life satisfaction. The chi-squared test and binary logistic regression methods were employed to analyze the factors influencing the life satisfaction of bedridden patients with stroke.

RESULTS

A total of 3,639 bedridden patients with stroke were included in this study, of them, only 27.2% reported satisfaction with their current lives. Factors associated with higher life satisfaction include female sex, older age, and primary school education or lower (P<0.05). Patients who had experienced a single stroke episode had chronic diseases, and rated their health as good were more satisfied with their lives than those who did not. The results of the binary logistic regression confirmed that age, education, religion, household income, cohabitation, social participation, number of chronic diseases, self-rated health status, and disability level significantly influenced the life satisfaction of bedridden patients with stroke (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the overall life satisfaction of bedridden patients with stroke was low, with several factors influencing their life satisfaction. Therefore, effective measures should be implemented to improve life satisfaction and quality of life.

Social and Health Determinants of Quality of Life of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Malaysia

Quality of life (QOL) of older adults is a complex issue that requires an understanding of the intersection between socioeconomic and health factors. A poor quality of life (QOL) is frequently reported as sub-optimal among older adults whereby concerted and collective actions are required through an evidence-based approach. Hence, this cross-sectional study aims to determine the social and health predictors of the QOL of a community-dwelling older adult Malaysian population through a quantitative household survey using multi-stage sampling. A total of 698 respondents aged 60 years old and older were recruited and the majority of them had a good quality of life. Risk of depression, disability, living with stroke, low household income, and lack of social network were identified as the predictors of a poor QOL among the community-dwelling older Malaysians. The identified predictors for QOL provided a list of priorities for the development of policies, strategies, programmes, and interventions to enhance the QOL of the community-dwelling older Malaysians. Multisectoral approaches, especially collective efforts from both social and health sectors, are required to address the complexities of the ageing issues.

What are the Outcomes After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Prior Cerebrovascular Accidents?

BACKGROUND

For patients who have a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with neurological sequelae undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), we sought to determine mortality rate, implant survivorship, complications, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Our total joint registry identified CVA sequelae patients undergoing primary THA (n = 42 with 25 on affected hip) and TKA (n = 56 with 34 on affected knee). Patients were 1:2 matched based upon age, sex, body mass index, and surgical year to a non-CVA cohort. Mortality and implant survivorship were evaluated via Kaplan-Meier methods. Clinical outcomes were assessed via Harris Hip scores or Knee Society scores . Mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 2-12).

RESULTS

For CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients, respectively, the 5-year patient survivorship was 69 versus 89% after THA (HR = 2.5; P = .006) and 56 versus 90% after TKA (HR = 2.4, P = .003). No significant difference was noted between groups in implant survivorship free from any reoperation after THA (P > .2) and TKA (P > .6). Postoperative CVA occurred at an equal rate in CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients after TKA (1.8%); none after THA in either group. The magnitude of change in Harris Hip scores (P = .7) and Knee Society scores (P = .7) were similar for CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients.

CONCLUSION

Complications, including the risk of postoperative CVA, implant survivorship, and outcome score improvement are similar for CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients. A 2.5-fold increased risk of death at a mean of 5 years after primary THA or TKA exist for CVA sequelae patients.

Higher rates of mortality and perioperative complications in patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty and a history of previous stroke

BACKGROUND

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), or strokes, are the second most common cause of mortality and third most common cause of disability worldwide. Although advances in the treatment of strokes have improved survivorship following these events, there remains a limited understanding of the effect of a prior stroke and sequelae on patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (SA). This study aimed to determine the outcomes of patients with a history of stroke with sequela undergoing primary SA.

METHODS

Over a 30-year time period (1990-2020), 205 primary SAs (32 hemiarthroplasties [HAs], 56 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties [aTSAs], and 117 reverse shoulder arthroplasties [RSAs]) were performed in patients who sustained a previous stroke with sequela and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. This cohort was matched (1:2) according to age, sex, body mass index, implant, and year of surgery with patients who had undergone HA or aTSA for osteoarthritis or RSA for cuff tear arthropathy. Mortality after primary SA was individually calculated through a cumulative incidence analysis. Implant survivorship was analyzed with a competing risk model selecting death as the competing risk.

RESULTS

The stroke cohort sustained 38 (18.5%) surgical and 42 (20.5%) medical perioperative complications. Compared with the control group, the stroke cohort demonstrated higher rates of any surgical complication (18.5% vs 10.7%; P = .007), instability (6.3 % vs 1.7%; P = .002), venous thromboembolism (3.4% vs 0.5%; P = .004), pulmonary embolus (2.0% vs 0%; P = .005), postoperative stroke (2.4% vs 0%; P = .004), respiratory failure (1.0% vs 0%; P = .045), any medical complication (20.5% vs 7.3%; P < .001), and 90-day readmission (16.6% vs 4.9%; P < .001). Additionally, RSA in the stroke cohort was associated with higher reoperation (8.5% vs 2.6%; P = .011) and revision rates (6.8% vs 1.7%; P = .013) compared with the matched cohort. Subsequent cumulative incidences of death at 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 4.4% vs 3.4%, 10.7% vs 5.1%, 25.6% vs 14.7%, 51.6% vs 39.3%, 74.3% vs 58.6%, and 92.6% vs 58.6% between the stroke and matched cohorts, respectively (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative diagnosis of a stroke in patients undergoing primary SA is associated with higher rates of perioperative complications and mortality when compared to a matched cohort. This information should be considered to counsel patients and surgeons to optimize care and help mitigate risks associated with the perioperative period.

Quality of Life in the First Year after Ischemic Stroke Treated with Acute Revascularization Therapy

(1) Background: we aimed to describe the disease-specific quality of life (QoL) of ischemic stroke patients treated with acute revascularization therapy, its evolution from 6 months to 12 months, and associated factors. (2) Methods: QoL was assessed with the SS-QoL in consecutive patients treated with either intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Variables associated with QoL scores and its evolution were studied using multivariate mixed models, and interaction with time. Analyses were performed in four domains of SS-QoL: self-care, mobility, mood, and social roles. (3) Results: Among the 501 included patients (mean (sd) age 68.9 (14.5), 49% women), lower post-stroke QoL was independently related to lower level of school education, prestroke mRS > 2, and 24 h NIHSS score > 4. Independent predictors of unfavorable evolution of QoL over time were age <75 years (Mobility p = 0.0194 and Mood p = 0.0015), NIHSS score ≤ 4, (Self-care p = 0.0053 and Mood p = 0.0048), and modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2 (Social roles, p = 0.0006). Revascularization therapy had no significant effect on the QoL scores, but patients treated with MT (alone or as bridging therapy) had significantly greater improvement in mobility score between 6 and 12 months than patients treated with IVT alone (p = 0.0072). (4) Conclusion: QoL evolution over one year had only slight variation and was associated with the modalities of acute treatment, age, and stroke severity.

Risk factors for poor outcomes of spontaneous supratentorial cerebral hemorrhage after surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the outcomes of spontaneous supratentorial cerebral hemorrhage 90 days after surgery.

METHODS

A total of 256 patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage underwent craniotomy evacuation of hematoma. The control group included 120 patients who received conservative treatment. The patients were divided into two subgroups based on a bifurcation of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 days after clinical therapeutics: good outcome (mRS score 0-3) and poor outcome (mRS score 4-6). The differences in clinical and imaging data between the two subgroups were analyzed. Based on difference analysis results, a binary logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors related to poor outcomes.

RESULTS

The difference analysis results in the surgery group showed statistically significant differences in age, sex, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on admission, coronary atherosclerosis, smoking, stroke history, blood glucose, D-dimer, hematoma size, deep cerebral hemorrhage, midline shift, hematoma burst into the ventricle, vortex sign, island sign, and black hole sign. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that deep cerebral hemorrhage, midline shift, and age > 58 years independently correlated with the poor outcomes of patients after surgery. The binary logistic regression results of the control group showed that age > 58 years and GCS ≤ 8 independently correlated with the poor outcomes of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Deep cerebral hemorrhage, midline shift, and age > 58 years significantly increased the risk of adverse prognosis in patients after surgery. The findings might help select the clinical treatment plan and evaluate the postoperative prognosis of patients.

Benefits and safety of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in acute stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) has potential beneficial properties in acute stroke including intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and possible clinical benefits suggested in ultra-early stroke (≤6 h). Our meta-analysis updated the evidence on its safety and benefits in acute stroke.

METHODS

We searched major electronic databases for randomized trials comparing transdermal GTN versus placebo/control in acute stroke. Primary outcomes were mortality, 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and blood pressure (BP) effects. Secondary outcomes included early, late, resource utilization, and surrogate outcomes. Safety outcomes were adverse events. Reviewers identified studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (RoB) using a modified Cochrane RoB instrument and quality of evidence (QoE) using GRADE. We also performed a priori subgroup and trial sequential analyses (TSA) on primary outcomes. These subgroup analyses were ICH versus ischemic stroke, minor (NIHSS ≤5) versus major (NIHSS >5) ischemic stroke, ischemic stroke with versus without thrombolysis, prehospital versus non prehospital settings, time from stroke to randomization ≤6 h versus >6 h, and high versus low overall RoB studies.

RESULTS

Seven eligible primary trials enrolled 5363 patients. GTN reduced BP (mean difference [MD] = -4.74 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -6.03 to -3.45 mm Hg] and diastolic BP (MD = -2.94 mm Hg, 95% CI = -3.74 to -2.13 mm Hg) 24 h posttreatment but did not affect 4- to 10-day mortality (relative risk [RR] = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.49), 90-day mortality (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.77 to 1.19), and 90-day mRS >2 (RR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.93 to 1.03) compared to control/placebo. The QoE was high for primary outcomes with no subgroup effects detected. GTN did not affect secondary outcomes and increased risk of headache and hypotension. TSA generally supported our conclusions regarding primary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Transdermal GTN reduces BP in acute stroke but does not alter clinical outcomes even in ultra-early stroke (≤6 h).

Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Large Vessel Occlusion in the ESCAPE Trial

[Figure: see text].

Effects of Exoskeletal Lower Limb Robot Training on the Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Patients: Retrospective Pre-Post Comparison Using Propensity Score Matched Analysis

PURPOSE

There is limited evidence of gait training using newly developed exoskeletal lower limb robot called Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) on the function and ability to perform ADL in stroke patients. In clinical settings, we frequently find it challenging to conduct a randomized controlled trial; thus, a large-scale observational study using propensity score analysis methods is a feasible alternative. The present study aimed to determine whether exoskeletal lower limb robot training improved the ability to perform ADL in stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute stroke patients who were admitted to our facility from April 2016 to March 2017 were evaluated in the conventional rehabilitation period (CRP) and those admitted from April 2017 to June 2019 were evaluated in the HAL rehabilitation period (HRP). We started a new gait rehabilitation program using HAL at the midpoint of these two periods. The functional outcomes or ADL ability outcomes of the patients in the CRP and the subsequent HRP were compared using propensity score matched analyses.

RESULTS

Propensity score matching analysis was performed for 108 stroke patients (63 from the CRP and 45 from the HRP), and 36 pairs were matched. The ADL ability, defined by the FIM scores and FIM score change, was significantly higher in patients admitted during the HRP. In addition, more stroke patients obtained practical walking ability during hospitalization in the HRP.

CONCLUSION

Gait training using HAL affects the ADL ability and obtaining of practical walking ability of stroke patients.

Methodologies for pragmatic and efficient assessment of benefits and harms: Application to the SOCRATES trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Standard approaches to trial design and analyses can be inefficient and non-pragmatic. Failure to consider a range of outcomes impedes evidence-based interpretation and reduces power. Traditional approaches synthesizing information obtained from separate analysis of each outcome fail to incorporate associations between outcomes and recognize the cumulative nature of outcomes in individual patients, suffer from competing risk complexities during interpretation, and since efficacy and safety analyses are often conducted on different populations, generalizability is unclear. Pragmatic and efficient approaches to trial design and analyses are needed.

METHODS

Approaches providing a pragmatic assessment of benefits and harms of interventions, summarizing outcomes experienced by patients, and providing sample size efficiencies are described. Ordinal outcomes recognize finer gradations of patient responses. Desirability of outcome ranking is an ordinal outcome combining benefits and harms within patients. Analysis of desirability of outcome ranking can be based on rank-based methodologies including the desirability of outcome ranking probability, the win ratio, and the proportion in favor of treatment. Partial credit analyses, involving grading the levels of the desirability of outcome ranking outcome similar to an academic test, provides an alternative approach. The methodologies are demonstrated using the acute stroke or transient ischemic attack treated with aspirin or ticagrelor and patient outcomes study (SOCRATES; NCT01994720), a randomized clinical trial.

RESULTS

Two 5-level ordinal outcomes were developed for SOCRATES. The first was based on a modified Rankin scale. The odds ratio is 0.86 (95% confidence interval = 0.75, 0.99; p = 0.04) indicating that the odds of worse stroke categorization for a trial participant assigned to ticagrelor is 0.86 times that of a trial participant assigned to aspirin. The 5-level desirability of outcome ranking outcome incorporated and prioritized survival; the number of strokes, myocardial infarction, and major bleeding events; and whether a stroke event was disabling. The desirability of outcome ranking probability and win ratio are 0.504 (95% confidence interval = 0.499, 0.508; p = 0.10) and 1.11 (95% confidence interval = 0.98, 1.26; p = 0.10), respectively, implying that the probability of a more desirable result with ticagrelor is 50.4% and that a more desirable result occurs 1.11 times more frequently on ticagrelor versus aspirin.

CONCLUSION

Ordinal outcomes can improve efficiency through required pre-specification, careful construction, and analyses. Greater pragmatism can be obtained by composing outcomes within patients. Desirability of outcome ranking provides a global assessment of the benefits and harms that more closely reflect the experience of patients. The desirability of outcome ranking probability, the proportion in favor of treatment, the win ratio, and partial credit can more optimally inform patient treatment, enhance the understanding of the totality of intervention effects on patients, and potentially provide efficiencies over standard analyses. The methods provide the infrastructure for incorporating patient values and estimating personalized effects.

A Systematic Review of International Clinical Guidelines for Rehabilitation of People With Neurological Conditions: What Recommendations Are Made for Upper Limb Assessment?

Background: Upper limb impairment is a common problem for people with neurological disabilities, affecting activity, performance, quality of life, and independence. Accurate, timely assessments are required for effective rehabilitation, and development of novel interventions. International consensus on upper limb assessment is needed to make research findings more meaningful, provide a benchmark for quality in clinical practice, more cost-effective neurorehabilitation and improved outcomes for neurological patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Aim: To conduct a systematic review, as part of the output of a European COST Action, to identify what recommendations are made for upper limb assessment.

Methods: We systematically reviewed published guidance on measures and protocols for assessment of upper limb function in neurological rehabilitation via electronic databases from January 2007–December 2017. Additional records were then identified through other sources. Records were selected for inclusion based on scanning of titles, abstracts and full text by two authors working independently, and a third author if there was disagreement. Records were included if they referred to “rehabilitation” and “assessment” or “measurement”. Reasons for exclusion were documented.

Results: From the initial 552 records identified (after duplicates were removed), 34 satisfied our criteria for inclusion, and only six recommended specific outcome measures and /or protocols. Records were divided into National Guidelines and other practice guidelines published in peer reviewed Journals. There was agreement that assessment is critical, should be conducted early and at regular intervals and that there is a need for standardized measures. Assessments should be conducted by a healthcare professional trained in using the measure and should encompass body function and structure, activity and participation.

Conclusions: We present a comprehensive, critical, and original summary of current recommendations. Defining a core set of measures and agreed protocols requires international consensus between experts representing the diverse and multi-disciplinary field of neurorehabilitation including clinical researchers and practitioners, rehabilitation technology researchers, and commercial developers. Current lack of guidance may hold-back progress in understanding function and recovery. Together with a Delphi consensus study and an overview of systematic reviews of outcome measures it will contribute to the development of international guidelines for upper limb assessment in neurological conditions.

Enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with health-related quality of life in patients with acute ischemic stroke

AIMS

This study explored the association between enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

This was an observational study of consecutively screened patients with acute ischemic stroke from March 2010 to March 2015. EPVS were rated in the basal ganglia and the centrum semiovale with a validated scale. The HRQoL was assessed 3 months after the stroke onset using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL). Linear regression models were used to study the association between EPVS and HRQoL.

RESULTS

The study included 648 patients (mean age 65.8 years; 40.0% women) with mild to moderately severe stroke (median NIHSS score 2), of whom 640 (98.8%) exhibited signs of small vessel disease. The median EPVS scores in the basal ganglia and the centrum semiovale were 1 each. In linear regression analysis, EPVS in the basal ganglia were associated with a lower total SSQoL score (P = 0.02) and lower mobility (P = 0.01), mood (P = 0.03), and self-care (P < 0.01). EPVS in the centrum semiovale were associated only with a lower SSQoL work/productivity subscore (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

EPVS are associated with lower HRQoL in patients with mild to moderate acute ischemic stroke. Early identification and intervention of EPVS may improve HRQoL in stroke survivors.

Association of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life after Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is associated with increased mortality, disability and cognitive decline, depression in stroke survivors. This study examined the association between SVD burden, defined by a combination of SVD markers, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke of any etiology were prospectively screened between January 2010 to December 2014 and enrolled in the study if they met study entry criteria. HRQoL was evaluated with the 12-item Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL) at 3 months after the onset of acute ischemic stroke. SVD was ascertained by the presence of any of the SVD markers including lacune, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), cerebral microbleeds (CMB) and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) in the basal ganglia or their combinations on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The presence of each individual marker scored 1 point and was summed up to generate an ordinal "SVD score" (0-4) capturing total SVD burden. Linear regression was used to determine the associations between SVD burden and HRQoL. Results: Of the743 acute ischemic stroke patients that formed he study sample (mean age: 66.3 ± 10.6 years; 41.7% women), 49.3%, 22.5%, 16.0%, 9.2% and 3.1% had SVD scores of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. After adjusting for demographic, clinical and imaging variables, the SVD score was independently associated with lower overall score of SSQoL (B = -1.39, SE = 0.56, p = 0.01), and its domains of mobility (B = -0.41, SE = 0.10, p < 0.001) and vision (B = -0.12, SE = 0.06, p = 0.03). Acute infract volume (B = -1.44, SE = 0.54, p = 0.01), functional independence (B = 5.69, SE = 0.34, p < 0.001) and anxious (B = -1.13, SE = 0.23, p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (B = -3.41, SE = 0.22, p < 0.001) were also the significant predictors of the overall score of SSQoL. Conclusion: The brain's SVD burden predicts lower HRQoL, predominantly in domains of mobility and vision at 3 months after acute ischemic stroke. The evaluation of SVD burden could facilitate developing individual treatment strategies.

Intracerebral hemorrhage as a manifestation of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid revascularization: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the context of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication after carotid revascularization for carotid occlusive disease. Information about its incidence, risk factors and fatality is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of ICH in the context of CHS after carotid revascularization.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and EBSCO hosts for all studies published in English about CHS in the context of carotid revascularization. Two reviewers independently assessed each study for eligibility based on predefined criteria. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the PROSPERO register was made (register no. CRD42016033190), including the pre-specified protocol.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies involving 28,956 participants were deemed eligible and included in our analysis. The overall quality of the included studies was fair. The pooled frequency of ICH in the context of CHS was 38% (95% CI: 26% to 51%, I2 = 84%, 24 studies), and the pooled case fatality of ICH after CHS was 51% (95% CI: 32% to 71%, I2 = 77%, 17 studies). When comparing carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), post-procedural ICH in the context of CHS was less frequent in CEA. ICH following CHS occurred less often in large series and was rare in asymptomatic patients. The most common risk factors were periprocedural hypertension and ipsilateral severe stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

ICH as a manifestation of CHS is rare, more frequent after CAS and associated with poor prognosis. Periprocedural control of hypertension can reduce its occurrence.

The Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors Age 40 and Older

Objective

To evaluate the association between clinical and socio-demographic status and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in stroke survivors age 40 and older in the Korean population.

Methods

The relationship between stroke and HR-QoL was investigated using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), conducted from 2007-2012. The total number of respondents was 24,050 and 757 stroke survivors were included. Specifically, we investigated factors associated with the lowering of HR-QoL in a group of Korean adult stroke patients age 40 and older after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, anthropometric measurements, and clinical comorbidities. Adjusted effects of covariates on EuroQol-visual analog scales (EQ-VAS) scores were estimated with a complex-samples general linear model and multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of the lowest quintile versus highest quintile of the EQ-VAS scores in the stroke group were estimated with a complex-samples logistic regression model.

Results

Socio-demographic, anthropometric factors, and clinical comorbidities significantly differed between the stroke and non-stroke groups, except regarding gender and residential area. The EQ-VAS was significantly lower in the stroke than non-stroke group. Anxiety/depression problems significantly lowered EQ-VAS, as did low education level, smoking, mobility and usual activities problems. Also, aging in 1-year increments and cardiovascular disease had a significant effect on lower EQ-VAS in stroke survivors.

Conclusion

People with a stroke have significantly lower HR-QoL than healthy subjects. Therefore, managing depression, smoking, or cardiovascular disease and maintenance of physical function may be priority goals in improving HR-QoL after a stroke.

Stroke in women - from evidence to inequalities

Stroke is the second largest cause of disability-adjusted life-years lost worldwide. The prevalence of stroke in women is predicted to rise rapidly, owing to the increasing average age of the global female population. Vascular risk factors differ between women and men in terms of prevalence, and evidence increasingly supports the clinical importance of sex differences in stroke. The influence of some risk factors for stroke - including diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation - are stronger in women, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy also affect the risk of stroke decades after pregnancy. However, in an era of evidence-based medicine, women are notably under-represented in clinical trials - despite governmental actions highlighting the need to include both men and women in clinical trials - resulting in a reduced generalizability of study results to women. The aim of this Review is to highlight new insights into specificities of stroke in women, to plan future research priorities, and to influence public health policies to decrease the worldwide burden of stroke in women.

Analysis of Circulating miR-1, miR-23a, and miR-26a in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Coronary Bypass Artery Grafting Surgery

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery. From a pathophysiological point of view, a myriad of factors such as trauma, atrial dilation, ischemia, mechanical myopericarditis, autonomic imbalance, loss of connexins, AF nest remodeling, inflammation, sutures, and dysfunction caused by postextracorporeal circulation can contribute to postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) resulting in a longer hospital stay and consequently higher cost. Recent studies showed that short fragments of RNA, called microRNA (miRNA), can contribute to the development of several cardiovascular diseases, including AF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of circulating miRNAs (miR-1, -23a, and -26a) that can be involved in POAF. Patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft surgery were grouped in POAF (24 patients) and without POAF (24 patients). Results showed older age, longer clamp-time, and more days in the intensive care unit as well as a longer total hospital stay in the POAF group. Preoperative levels of circulating miRNAs were similar. Analysis of miRNAs revealed significantly lower circulating levels of miRNA-23a (P  =  0.02) and -26a (P  =  0.01) in the POAF group during the postoperative period. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the area under the ROC curve of miR-23a and miR-26a for predicting FA was 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-0.74; P  =  0.02) and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.55-0.77; P  =  0.01), respectively. Our data suggests that circulating miRNA-23a and -26a may be involved in the underlying biology of postoperative AF development.

Dependency and health utilities in stroke: Data to inform cost-effectiveness analyses

Introduction

Health utilities (HU) assign preference weights to specific health states and are required for cost-effectiveness analyses. Existing HU for stroke inadequately reflect the spectrum of post-stroke disability. Using international stroke trial data, we calculated HU stratified by disability to improve precision in future cost-effectiveness analyses.

Materials and methods

We used European Quality of Life Score (EQ-5D-3L) data from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) to calculate HU, stratified by modified Rankin Scale scores (mRS) at 3 months. We applied published value sets to generate HU, and validated these using ordinary least squares regression, adjusting for age and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores.

Results

We included 3858 patients with acute ischemic stroke in our analysis (mean age: 67.5 ± 12.5, baseline NIHSS: 12 ± 5). We derived HU using value sets from 13 countries and observed significant international variation in HU distributions (Wilcoxon signed-rank test p < 0.0001, compared with UK values). For mRS = 0, mean HU ranged from 0.88 to 0.95; for mRS = 5, mean HU ranged from -0.48 to 0.22. OLS regression generated comparable HU (for mRS = 0, HU ranged from 0.9 to 0.95; for mRS = 5, HU ranged from -0.33 to 0.15). Patients' mRS scores at 3 months accounted for 65-71% of variation in the generated HU.

Conclusion

We have generated HU stratified by dependency level, using a common trial endpoint, and describing expected variability when applying diverse value sets to an international population. These will improve future cost-effectiveness analyses. However, care should be taken to select appropriate value sets.

Associations with health-related quality of life after intracerebral haemorrhage: pooled analysis of INTERACT studies

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Limited data exist on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). We aimed to determine baseline factors associated with HRQoL among participants of the pilot and main phases of the Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Haemorrhage Trials (INTERACT 1 and 2).

METHODS

The INTERACT studies were randomised controlled trials of early intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering in patients with ICH (<6 hours) and elevated systolic BP (150-220 mm Hg). HRQoL was determined using the European Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D) at 90 days, completed by patients or proxy responders. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with poor overall HRQoL.

RESULTS

2756 patients were included. Demographic, clinical and radiological factors associated with lower EQ-5D utility score were age, randomisation outside of China, antithrombotic use, high baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, larger ICH, presence of intraventricular extension and use of proxy responders. High (≥14) NIHSS score, larger ICH and proxy responders were associated with low scores in all five dimensions of the EQ-5D. The NIHSS score had a strong association with poor HRQoL (p<0.001). Female gender and antithrombotic use were associated with decreased scores in dimensions of pain/discomfort and usual activity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor HRQoL was associated with age, comorbidities, proxy source of assessment, clinical severity and ICH characteristics. The strongest association was with initial clinical severity defined by high NIHSS score.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT00226096 and NCT00716079; Post-results.

Life after Stroke: Coping mechanisms among African Caribbean Women

In the UK, stroke is the third most common cause of death for women and the incidence in African Caribbean women is higher than that in the general population. Stroke burden has major consequences for the physical, mental and social health of African Caribbean women. In order to adjust to life after stroke, individuals affected employ a range of strategies which may include personal, religious (church) or spiritual support (i.e. prayer), individual motivation or resignation to life with a disability. This study explored these areas through the coping mechanisms that African Caribbean women utilised post stroke in the context of stroke recovery and lifestyle modification efforts needed to promote healthy living post stroke. A qualitative approach using interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted. Seven women were recruited into the study. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were audio recorded and were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a four-stage framework: familiarisation, sense making, developing themes, and data refinement and analysis. Three main themes on coping emerged: the need to follow medical rules to manage stroke, strength and determination, and the use of religion and faith to cope with life after stroke. These findings illustrate both a tension between religious beliefs and the medical approach to stroke and highlight the potential benefits that religion and the church can play in stroke recovery. Implications for practice include acknowledgement and inclusion of religion- and church-based health promotion in post-stroke recovery.

Prevalence and impact of disability and sexual dysfunction on Health-Related Quality of Life of Nigerian stroke survivors

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of disability and sexual dysfunction on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among Nigerian stroke survivors (SSv) and to determine their association using sexual functioning (SF), Global Disability Measure and Function (GDMF), and demographic profiles.

METHODS

This study involved 121 consecutive SSv attending healthcare services in two tertiary health facilities in Nigeria. Demographic details were obtained through interview while HRQoL, SF, and Global Disability (GD) were assessed using Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL-12), Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14), and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-2.0), respectively. Determinants of HRQoL were explored using the Poisson regression analysis.

RESULTS

Most of the SSv had moderate/severe GD (95%) and low SF (86.8%). Their HRQoL decreased with increase in their age (p = 0.005) and with increase in GD (p = 0.001). This association remained unchanged even when adjusted for SF (p = 0.001). Those with low SF but with mild GD had relatively better HRQoL than those with moderate/severe GD even when they had higher SF. Their HRQoL was negatively impacted by their GD but not by their SF despite direct correlation between SF and HRQoL. With a unit increase in level of GD, there was 8% decrease in HRQoL scores in psychosocial and 17% decrease in physical domains.

CONCLUSION

Although sexual dysfunction and global disability are prevalent among Nigerian SSv, their low HRQoL is determined by their disability and not by SF. Hence, effort at reducing global disability should be the focus of rehabilitation after stroke. Implication for Rehabilitation Global functional and sexual deficiencies abound in stroke survivors and they impact negatively on their overall quality of life. Sexual dysfunction correlates negatively on physical and psychosocial wellbeing of stroke survivors. Rehabilitation goal(s) should focus disability reduction and improvement of sexual functioning to enhance quality of life. Rehabilitation professionals should equip themselves with tools to counsel stroke survivors on sex issue since sexual dysfunction is common post stroke.

Long-Term Treatment with Citicoline Prevents Cognitive Decline and Predicts a Better Quality of Life after a First Ischemic Stroke

Stroke, as the leading cause of physical disability and cognitive impairment, has a very significant impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL). The objective of this study is to know the effect of citicoline treatment in Qol and cognitive performance in the long-term in patients with a first ischemic stroke. This is an open-label, randomized, parallel study of citicoline vs. usual treatment. All subjects were selected 6 weeks after suffering a first ischemic stroke and randomized into parallel arms. Neuropsychological evaluation was performed at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after stroke, and QoL was measured using the EuroQoL-5D questionnaire at 2 years. 163 patients were followed during 2 years. The mean age was 67.5 years-old, and 50.9% were women. Age and absence of citicoline treatment were independent predictors of both utility and poor quality of life. Patients with cognitive impairment had a poorer QoL at 2 years (0.55 vs. 0.66 in utility, p = 0.015). Citicoline treatment improved significantly cognitive status during follow-up (p = 0.005). In conclusion, treatment with long-term citicoline is associated with a better QoL and improves cognitive status 2 years after a first ischemic stroke.

Validity of Diagnostic Codes for Acute Stroke in Administrative Databases: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of studies reporting on the validity of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for identifying stroke in administrative data.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (inception to February 2015) for studies: (a) Using administrative data to identify stroke; or (b) Evaluating the validity of stroke codes in administrative data; and (c) Reporting validation statistics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), or Kappa scores) for stroke, or data sufficient for their calculation. Additional articles were located by hand search (up to February 2015) of original papers. Studies solely evaluating codes for transient ischaemic attack were excluded. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers; article quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven studies published from 1976-2015 were included. The sensitivity of ICD-9 430-438/ICD-10 I60-I69 for any cerebrovascular disease was ≥ 82% in most [≥ 50%] studies, and specificity and NPV were both ≥ 95%. The PPV of these codes for any cerebrovascular disease was ≥ 81% in most studies, while the PPV specifically for acute stroke was ≤ 68%. In at least 50% of studies, PPVs were ≥ 93% for subarachnoid haemorrhage (ICD-9 430/ICD-10 I60), 89% for intracerebral haemorrhage (ICD-9 431/ICD-10 I61), and 82% for ischaemic stroke (ICD-9 434/ICD-10 I63 or ICD-9 434&436). For in-hospital deaths, sensitivity was 55%. For cerebrovascular disease or acute stroke as a cause-of-death on death certificates, sensitivity was ≤ 71% in most studies while PPV was ≥ 87%.

CONCLUSIONS

While most cases of prevalent cerebrovascular disease can be detected using 430-438/I60-I69 collectively, acute stroke must be defined using more specific codes. Most in-hospital deaths and death certificates with stroke as a cause-of-death correspond to true stroke deaths. Linking vital statistics and hospitalization data may improve the ascertainment of fatal stroke.

Older age is a strong predictor for poor outcome in intracerebral haemorrhage: the INTERACT2 study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Global ageing contributes greatly to the burden of stroke. We investigated the influence of age on the baseline profile and on outcomes in acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) among participants of the INTERACT2 study.

METHODS

INTERACT2 was an international, randomised controlled trial in 2839 patients with spontaneous ICH within 6 h of onset and elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP; 150-220 mmHg) who were allocated to receive intensive (target SBP <140 mmHg within 1 h) or guideline-recommended (target SBP <180 mmHg) blood pressure lowering treatment. Stroke severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Poor outcome was defined as death or major disability ('dependency', modified Rankin Scale scores 3-6) at 90 days. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Associations between age and outcomes were analysed in multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Stroke severity increased in categories of older age (P-trend 0.002). Stroke patients over 75 years old were four times more likely to die or be disabled at 90 days than those <52 years when other confounders were accounted for (odds ratio 4.36, 95% confidence interval 3.12-6.08). Older age was also associated with decreasing HRQoL, across mobility, self-care, usual activities and depression (all P-trend <0.001), and pain or discomfort (P-trend 0.022).

CONCLUSION

In the INTERACT2 cohort, older people had more severe ICH and worse outcomes (death, major disability and HRQoL). These data will help guide clinicians manage older people with haemorrhagic stroke.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00716079).

Recurrent stroke was associated with poor quality of life in patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke: finding from the CHANCE trial

AIMS

To examine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke and assess the impact of recurrent stroke on HRQOL.

METHODS

Health-related quality of life data on patients participated in the Clopidogrel in High-risk patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial were analyzed. The available 90-day EuroQoL data (EQ-5D) were used to calculate EQ-5D index score. Poor HRQOL was defined as an EQ-5D index score ≤0.5. The characteristics of HRQOL and factors predicting poor HRQOL in these patients were then explored.

RESULTS

Among the total 5170 patients enrolled, 90-day HRQOL data were obtained from 5104 patients for analysis. The mean EQ-5D index score at day 90 was 0.88 ± 0.21 for all patients, but only 0.42 ± 0.35 for those with recurrent strokes. Poor 90-day HRQOL was found in 294 (5.8%) patients. Patients with poor HRQOL had more strokes during follow-up than patients with good HRQOL (94.9 vs. 4.7%, P < 0.001). Age, history of hypertension and diabetes, and NIHSS at baseline were independent risk factors for predicting poor HRQOL. Stroke recurrence, NIHSS at baseline, age, and minor stroke on admission became independent risk factors once stroke recurrence was added into the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke recurrence was associated with poor HRQOL in patients with TIA or minor strokes. Interventions focusing on controlling risk factors and prevention of worsening of neurological function may prevent poor HRQOL in these patients.

Management strategies in cardiac surgery for postoperative atrial fibrillation: contemporary prophylaxis and futuristic anticoagulant possibilities

With more than a third of patients expected to endure the arrhythmia at any given time point, atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery becomes a vexing problem in the postoperative care of cardiac surgery patients. The impact on patient care covers a spectrum from the more common clinically insignificant sequelae to debilitating embolic events. Despite this, postoperative atrial fibrillation generally masquerades as being insignificant, or at most as an anticipated inherent risk, merely extending one's hospital stay by a few days. As an independent risk factor for stroke, early and late mortality, and being a multibillion dollar strain on the healthcare system annually, postoperative atrial fibrillation is far more flagrant than a mere inherent risk. It is a serious medical quandary, which is not recognized as such. Though complete prevention is unrealistic, a step-wise treatment strategy that incorporates multiple preventative modalities can significantly reduce the impact of postoperative atrial fibrillation on patient care. The aims of this review are to present a brief overview of the arrhythmia's etiology, risk factors, and preventative strategies to reduce associated morbidities. Newer anticoagulants and the potential role of these drugs on future treatment paradigms are also discussed.