Severe Renal Impairment Is Associated With Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage After Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke

Kidney impairment and outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased risk of stroke and mortality.

AIMS

To evaluate the clinical and imaging features and outcomes of patients with and without kidney impairment among t admitted for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

AIS patients with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the study. Kidney impairment was defined by an admission estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) were evaluated using the Microbleed Anatomical Rating Scale and Fazekas scales, respectively. Primary outcomes were defined by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and discharge disposition. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with the presence of kidney impairment and poor discharge outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 285 patients with AIS, 80 had kidney impairment on admission. Patients with kidney impairment were older (mean age ± standard deviation: 74.7 ± 12.9 vs 64.4 ± 13.8 years, P < 0.0001) and had more neurological deficits on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (median 8.5 vs 5, P = 0.02). In unadjusted analysis, patients with kidney impairment were less likely to have a good functional outcome (mRS 0-2: 36% vs 57%, P = 0.002) and good discharge outcome (home or inpatient rehabilitation: 68% vs 82%, P = 0.008). On multivariate analysis, kidney impairment was associated with higher NIHSS score (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.002-1.08) and severe WMH (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.06-3.77) suggestive of small vessel disease, but kidney impairment was not associated with poor discharge outcome (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 0.75-3.53).

CONCLUSION

Presence of kidney impairment at the time of stroke presentation, regardless of previous renal function, is associated with more neurological deficits and severe WMH on MRI.

Risk factors of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischaemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) following reperfusion therapies for acute ischaemic stroke often predicts a poor prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify risk factors for HT, and how these vary with hyperacute treatment [intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT)].

Methods

Electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE were used to search relevant studies. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated.

Results

A total of 120 studies were included. Atrial fibrillation and NIHSS score were common predictors for any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after reperfusion therapies (both IVT and EVT), while a hyperdense artery sign (OR = 2.605, 95% CI 1.212-5.599, I ² = 0.0%) and number of thrombectomy passes (OR = 1.151, 95% CI 1.041-1.272, I ² = 54.3%) were predictors of any ICH after IVT and EVT, respectively. Common predictors for symptomatic ICH (sICH) after reperfusion therapies were age and serum glucose level. Atrial fibrillation (OR = 3.867, 95% CI 1.970-7.591, I ² = 29.1%), NIHSS score (OR = 1.082, 95% CI 1.060-1.105, I ² = 54.5%) and onset-to-treatment time (OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.005, I ² = 0.0%) were predictors of sICH after IVT. Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) (OR = 0.686, 95% CI 0.565-0.833, I ² =77.6%) and number of thrombectomy passes (OR = 1.374, 95% CI 1.012-1.866, I ² = 86.4%) were predictors of sICH after EVT.

Conclusion

Several predictors of ICH were identified, which varied by treatment type. Studies based on larger and multi-center data sets should be prioritized to confirm the results.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=268927, identifier: CRD42021268927.

Intravenous Thrombolysis With Alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg in Patients With Ischemic Stroke Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Background

We elucidated the safety of treatment with alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg within 24 hours for patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) before ischemic stroke onset.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent intravenous thrombolysis using alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg from 2011 to 2021 were enrolled from our single‐center prospective stroke registry. We compared outcomes between patients taking DOACs and those not taking oral anticoagulants within 48 hours of stroke onset. The primary safety outcome was the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage with a ≥4‐point increase on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score from baseline. The efficacy outcome was defined as 3‐month modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 after stroke onset. Of 915 patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis (358 women; median age, 76 years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 10), 40 patients took DOACs (6 took dabigatran, 8 took rivaroxaban, 16 took apixaban, and 10 took edoxaban) within 24 hours of onset and 753 patients did not take any oral anticoagulants. The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was comparable between patients on DOACs and those not on oral anticoagulants (2.5% versus 2.4%, P=0.95). The rate of favorable outcomes was comparable between the 2 groups (59.4% versus 58.2%, P=0.46), although the admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was higher in patients on DOACs. No significant differences showed in any intracranial hemorrhage within 36 hours or mortality at 3 months.

Conclusions

Intravenous thrombolysis would be safely performed for patients on DOACs following the recommendations of the Japanese guidelines.

Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02251665.

Levels and Dynamics of estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Recurrent Vascular Events and Death in Patients with Minor Stroke or TIA

BACKGROUND

Impaired kidney function is associated with an increased risk of vascular events in acute stroke patients, when assessed by single measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). It is unknown whether repeated measurements provide additional information for risk prediction.

METHODS

The Systematic Monitoring for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (MonDAFIS) study randomly assigned 3,465 acute ischemic-stroke patients to either standard procedures or an additive Holter-ECG. Baseline eGFR (CKD-epi formula) were dichotomized into values <vs.≥60ml/min/1.73m² . eGFR dynamics were classified based on two in-hospital values: "stable normal" (≥60ml/min/1.73m² ), "increasing" (by at least 15% from baseline, 2nd value ≥60ml/min/1.73m² ), "decreasing" (by at least 15% from baseline ≥60ml/min/1.73m² ), and "stable decreased" (<60ml/min/1.73m² ). The composite endpoint (stroke, major-bleeding, myocardial-infarction, all-cause death) was assessed after 24 months. We estimated hazard ratios in confounder adjusted models.

RESULTS

eGFR at baseline was available in 2,947 and a 2nd value in 1,623 patients. After adjusting for age, stroke severity, cardiovascular risk factors, and randomization, eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m² at baseline (HR 2.2; 95%CI 1.40-3.54) as well as "decreasing" (HR 1.79; 95%CI: 1.07-2.99) and "stable decreased" eGFR (HR 1.64; 95%CI: 1.20-2.24) were independently associated with the composite endpoint. In addition, eGFR<60ml/min/1.73² at baseline (HR 3.02; 95%CI: 1.51-6.10) and "decreasing" eGFR were associated with all-cause death (HR 3.12; 95%CI: 1.63-5.98).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to patients with low eGFR levels at baseline also those with decreasing eGFR have an increased risk for vascular events and death, hence, repeated estimates of eGFR might add relevant information to risk prediction. Trial registration number Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02204267.

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke in patients with renal dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

This study used the Taiwan Stroke Registry data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in treating acute ischemic stroke in patients with renal dysfunction.

DESIGN

We identified 3525 ischemic stroke patients and classified them into two groups according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the emergency department: ≥60, and <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or on dialysis and by the propensity score from August 2006 to May 2015. The odds ratio of poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥2) was calculated for patients with tPA treatment (N = 705), compared to those without tPA treatment (N = 2820), by eGFR levels, at 1, 3 and 6 months after ischemic stroke. We also evaluated the risks of intracerebral hemorrhage, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, mortality, between the two groups by eGFR levels.

RESULTS

Among patients with eGFR levels of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, tPA therapy reduced the odds ratio of poor functional outcome to 0.60 (95% confidence interval = 0.42-0.87) at 6 months after ischemic stroke. The tPA therapy was not associated with increased overall risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but with increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. The low eGFR was not a significant risk factor of intracerebral hemorrhage among ischemic stroke patients receiving tPA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

tPA for acute ischemic stroke could improve functional outcomes without increasing the risks of upper gastrointestinal bleeding for patients with or without renal dysfunction. The low eGFR was not a significant risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage among patients receiving tPA treatment.

Outcomes of stroke patients undergoing thrombolysis in Sri Lanka; an observational prospective study from a low-middle income country

BACKGROUND

Stroke related deaths are relatively higher in low- and middle-income countries where only a fraction of eligible patients undergo thrombolysis. There is also limited evidence on post-thrombolysis outcomes of patients from Asian countries in these income bands.

METHODS

This is a single center prospective observational study of a patient cohort with acute ischaemic stroke, undergoing thrombolysis with alteplase (low and standard dose), over a 24-month period in 2019/2020. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) for dependency at 3 months (primary outcome), duration of hospital stay, incidence of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages and all-cause mortality at 3 months (secondary outcomes) were recorded. Demographic, clinical and treatment related factors associated with these outcomes were explored.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients (males - 61, 69%, mean age: 60 years ±12.18) were recruited. Time from symptom onset to reperfusion was 174 min ± 56.50. Fifty-one patients were independent according to mRS, 11 (12.4%) patients died, and 11 (12.5%) developed symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages by 3 months. Functional independence at 3 months was independently associated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission (p < 0.05). Thrombolysis with low dose alteplase did not lead to better or worse outcomes compared to standard dose.

CONCLUSIONS

On admission NIHSS is predictive of functional independence at 3 months post-thrombolysis. Low dose alteplase may be as efficacious as standard dose alteplase with associated cost savings, but this needs to be confirmed by a prospective clinical trial for the Sri Lankan population.

Epidemiology, thrombolytic management, and outcomes of acute stroke among patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The relative frequency of ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been clearly described. Moreover, no recent meta-analysis has investigated the outcomes of patients with CKD treated with thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the proportion of stroke subtypes and the outcomes of thrombolysis in CKD.

METHODS

A PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane literature research was conducted. The primary outcome was the proportion and incidence of ischemic versus hemorrhagic strokes among patients with CKD. In addition, we assessed the impact of CKD on disability, mortality, and bleeding among patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with thrombolysis. The pooled proportion and the risk ratio (RR) were estimated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine observational studies were included: 22 on the epidemiology of stroke types and 17 on the outcomes of thrombolysis in this population. In the main analysis (> 99,281 patients), ischemic stroke was more frequent than hemorrhagic among patients with CKD (78.3%, 95% confidence interval 73.3%-82.5%). However, among patients with kidney failure, the proportion of ischemic stroke decreased and was closer to that of hemorrhagic stroke: 59.8% (95% confidence interval 49.4%-69.4%). CKD was associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke compared with patients with preserved kidney function.

CONCLUSIONS

The relative frequency of hemorrhagic stroke seems to increase as kidney function declines. Among patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with thrombolysis, presence of CKD is associated with higher disability, mortality, and bleeding, compared with patients with preserved kidney function.

Chronic and End-Stage Kidney Disease in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit

Patients with renal disease have increased rates of admission to the neurological intensive care unit related to overlapping risk factors for renal and cerebrovascular disease as well as unique risks associated with renal dysfunction alone. Management of acute neurological injury in these patients requires individualized attention to diagnostic and management factors as they relate to coagulopathy, disorders of immune function, encephalopathy and renal replacement modalities. Careful consideration of these brain-kidney interactions is necessary to optimize care for this special patient population and improve neurological and renal outcomes.

Intracranial Bleeding After Reperfusion Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Intracranial hemorrhage is one of the most feared complications following brain infarct. Ischemic tissues have a natural tendency to bleed. Moreover, the first recanalization trials using intravenous thrombolysis have shown an increase in mild to severe intracranial hemorrhage. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage is strongly associated with poor outcomes and is an important factor in recanalization decisions. Stroke physicians have to weigh the potential benefit of recanalization therapies, first, with different risks of intracranial hemorrhage described in randomized controlled trials, and second with numerous risk markers that have been found to be associated with intracranial hemorrhage in retrospective series. These decisions have become quite complex with different intravenous thrombolytics and mechanical thrombectomy. This review aims to outline some elements of the pathophysiological mechanisms and classifications, describe most of the risk factors identified for each reperfusion therapy, and finally suggest future research directions that could help physicians dealing with these complications.

Association of chronic kidney disease with in-hospital outcomes of endovascular stroke interventions

BACKGROUND

Data on the differential impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the outcomes of endovascular stroke interventions (ESI) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are limited.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent ESI for AIS between October 1st, 2015 and September 30th, 2019, were identified in a national multicenter database. The primary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and poor functional outcomes. Secondary endpoints included intracranial hemorrhage, mechanical ventilation, pneumonia, myocardial infarction, blood transfusion, length of stay, and cost. A multilevel mixed-effects regression model was used to derive adjusted outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 22,193 AIS patients who underwent ESI at 99 centers were included. Among those, 18,881 (85%) had no CKD, and 3312 (15%) had CKD. Patients with CKD were older and had a higher prevalence of key comorbidities. After multivariable risk adjustment, patients with CKD had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.55 [95% Confidence Interval] [CI] 1.40-1.73, p < 0.01), and poor functional outcomes (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.26-1.50, p < 0.01). Major complications, including mechanical ventilation, pneumonia, blood transfusion, and myocardial infarction, were more common among CKD patients, who also had longer hospitalizations and accrued higher cost.

CONCLUSION

The presence of CKD in patients with AIS treated with ESI is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and poor functional outcomes at discharge.

Does Body Mass Index Impact the Outcome of Stroke Patients Who Received Intravenous Thrombolysis?

BACKGROUND

We sought to investigate the effect of obesity and BMI on functional outcome and rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in a large sample of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).

METHODS

In a single-center retrospective, but prospectively collected data, study of patients with AIS treated with IVT in a 10-year period, patients were placed into groups based on their BMI defined as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), or obese (<30 kg/m2). The rate of sICH and discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were compared between the groups using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In a total of 834 patients who received IVT for AIS during a 10-year period, 224 (27.0%) were obese. Obese patients did not have a higher rate of sICH after IVT for AIS on the unadjusted or adjusted analysis (adjusted OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.48-1.88). We did not find an association between obesity and poor functional outcome at discharge (adjusted OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.53-1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and comorbidities, obesity was not associated with an unfavorable functional outcome at discharge nor with a higher risk of sICH in patients with AIS treated with IVT.

Laboratory factors associated with symptomatic hemorrhagic conversion of acute stroke after systemic thrombolysis

BACKGROUND

Laboratory factors associated with hemorrhagic conversion (HC) after Intravenous thrombolysis with rtPA (IVT) for Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) remain nebulous despite advances in our knowledge of AIS. This study aimed to investigate the laboratory factors predisposing to HC in AIS patients receiving IVT.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who received IV tPA for AIS at our comprehensive stroke center over a 9.6-year period. Besides age, gender, NIHSS, history of diabetes mellitus (DM), history of atrial fibrillation (Afib), we gathered their laboratory data including International Normalized Ratio (INR), lipid panel, serum albumin, serum creatinine, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and admission blood glucose. Post-thrombolysis brain imagings were reviewed to evaluate for symptomatic ICH (sICH). The mean values of above mentioned laboratory data were compared between the group with sICH and patients with no sICH. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate the association of the laboratory findings with presence of sICH. sICH was defined as ICH causing an increase in NIHSS ≥4.

RESULTS

Of the 794 subjects in this study 51 (6.4%) had sICH. In the univariate analysis, patients who developed sICH had significantly higher NIHSS on admission (14.2 ± 5.4 vs 11.2 ± 6.5, p < .001), LDL-cholesterol (113.3 mg/dl ±36.9 vs. 101.8 mg/dl ± 38.2, p = .032), HbA1c (6.9% ± 2.3 vs. 6.1 ± 1.3, p = .003) and lower levels of Albumin (3.5 g/dl ±0.4 vs. 3.9 g/dl ± 0.5, p < .001). Furthermore, a higher prevalence of history of DM (45% vs. 21.6%, p = .020) and Afib (25.4% vs. 10.4%, p = .028) was found in subjects who developed sICH. There were no significant group differences regarding age, sex, total cholesterol, blood glucose on admission, serum creatinine or INR levels (p > .05). After adjusting for multiple covariates, lower Albumin level and and higher HbA1c were significantly associated with an increased risk for sICH development (p < .05). Chances of sICH increased by 33% for every 1 g/dl below a normal albumin level of 4.0 g/dl (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Lower endogenous albumin level and higher HbA1c have shown to predispose to a higher risk of sICH after IVT for AIS and might be good predictors of sICH post IVT.

Predictors of intracranial hemorrhage in patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis for deep vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Although acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a rare complication of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), it remains a major concern associated with the use of CDT. The incidence and clinical predictors of developing ICH in the setting of CDT are not known.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample database was used to identify all patients with proximal lower extremity or caval deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from January 2005 to December 2013 in the United States. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the clinical predictors of ICH between patients with DVT who had received anticoagulation therapy alone and those who had been treated with CDT plus anticoagulation therapy.

RESULTS

Of 138,049 patients with proximal lower extremity or caval DVT, 7119 (5.2%) had received anticoagulation therapy and CDT. Of the patients treated with anticoagulation alone, ICH had occurred in 0.2% compared with 0.7% for those treated with CDT (P < .01). The independent predictors of ICH in the CDT cohort were a history of stroke (odds ratio [OR], 19.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.8-42.8; P < .01), chronic kidney disease (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.7; P = .03), age >74 years (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.3; P = .02), male sex (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.01-3.3; P = .048). Of those patients treated with anticoagulation alone, the risk factors for the development of ICH were a history of stroke, hospital teaching status, and age >74 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the present nationwide observational study showed that of patients with DVT treated with CDT, the independent predictors for developing ICH were a history of stroke, chronic kidney disease, male sex, and age >74 years.

Intravenous thrombolysis in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the safety and efficacy of IV thrombolysis (IVT) among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

A systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis of studies involving patients with CKD undergoing IVT for AIS were conducted to evaluate the following outcomes: symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), asymptomatic and any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), in-hospital and 3-month mortality, 3-month favorable functional outcome (FFO; modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-1), and 3-month functional independence (FI, mRS score 0-2). CKD was defined with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ranging from mild (eGFR 60-89 mL/min) to moderate (eGFR 30-59 mL/min) to severe (eGFR 15-29 mL/min).

RESULTS

We identified 20 studies comprising 60,486 patients with AIS treated with IVT. In unadjusted analyses, CKD was associated with sICH according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (7 studies; odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.67) and European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) II (9 studies; OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.85) definitions, any ICH (8 studies; OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.18-1.70), 3-month mortality (9 studies; OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.72-2.81), 3-month FFO (8 studies; OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47-0.72), and 3-month FI (8 studies; OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.46-0.71). In adjusted analyses, CKD was associated with sICH according to NINDS (4 studies; OR_adj 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.79) and ECASS II (3 studies; OR_adj 2.08, 95% CI 1.27-3.43) definitions, any ICH (6 studies; OR_adj 1.41, 95% CI 1.01-1.97), in-hospital mortality (2 studies; OR_adj 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.30), and 3-month FFO (6 studies; OR_adj 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjustment for confounders in this pairwise meta-analysis, moderate to severe CKD is associated with increased risks of ICH and worse functional outcomes among patients with AIS treated with IVT.

Renal Dysfunction and In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke After Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy

Background

The impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on clinical short‐term outcomes after stroke thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator remains controversial.

Methods and Results

We analyzed 18 320 ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator at participating hospitals in the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance between June 2015 and November 2017. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between eGFR (<45, 45–59, 60–89, and ≥90 mL/min per 1.73 m²) and in‐hospital mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics and the hospital clustering effect. Of the 18 320 patients receiving tissue plasminogen activator, 601 (3.3%) had an eGFR <45, 625 (3.4%) had an eGFR 45 to 59, 3679 (20.1%) had an eGFR 60 to 89, and 13 415 (73.2%) had an eGFR ≥90. As compared with eGFR ≥90, eGFR values <45 (6.7% versus 0.9%, adjusted odds ratio, 3.59; 95% CI, 2.18–5.91), 45 to 59 (4.0% versus 0.9%, adjusted odds ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.18–3.38), and 60 to 89 (2.5% versus 0.9%, adjusted odds ratio, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.20–2.34) were independently associated with increased odds of in‐hospital mortality. However, there was no statistically significant association between eGFR and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusions

eGFR was associated with an increased risk of in‐hospital mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients after treatment with tissue plasminogen activator. eGFR is an important predictor of poststroke short‐term death but not of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

Glomerular Filtration Rate is Associated with Hemorrhagic Transformation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients without Thrombolytic Therapy

Background:

Whether there is a relationship between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is still under debate. The aim of our study was to determine whether the GFR level is a predictor of HT in AIS patients without thrombolytic therapy (TT).

Methods:

Consecutive AIS patients without TT were included in this prospective study from January 2014 to December 2016 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. We divided them into two groups (HT and non-HT group) and meticulously collected baseline characteristics and laboratory and imaging data of interested individuals. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between GFR and HT in stroke patients without TT.

Results:

Among 426 consecutive patients, 74 (17.3%) presented HT (mean age: 65 ± 12 years, number of male patients: 47) on the follow-up scans. In multivariate regression analysis, HT was significantly associated with low GFR (odds ratio [OR] = 3.708, confidence interval [CI] = 1.326–10.693, P = 0.013), atrial fibrillation (AF; OR = 2.444, CI = 1.087–5.356, P = 0.027), large cerebral infarction (OR = 2.583, CI = 1.236–5.262, P = 0.010), and hypoalbuminemia (HA; OR = 4.814, CI = 1.054–22.153, P = 0.037) for AIS patients without TT.

Conclusions:

The present study strongly showed that lower GFR is an independently predictor of HT; in addition, large infarct volume, AF, and HA are also important risks of HT for AIS patients without TT, which offered a practical information that risk factors should be paid attention or eliminated to prevent HT for stroke patients though the level of evidence seems to be unstable.

A case of cerebral infarction during a hemodialysis procedure successfully treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator

Thrombolytic therapy is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke and provides benefits and improvements that lead to better neurological outcomes. However, thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) in hemodialysis (HD) patients is limited because HD patients have a higher risk of bleeding. We report a case of a 75-year-old HD patient who presented with sudden aphasia during HD treatment. She was brought to the hospital for treatment for infarction. Following thrombolytic therapy, we achieved re-opening without complications. To our knowledge, no report has been published describing the patients who had a stroke during a maintenance HD session and were treated with r-tPA successfully. Although the number of HD patients treated with r-tPA is small and requires further investigation, thrombolytic therapy can be an alternative option. After weighing the risks and benefits and assessing each patient carefully, the use of r-tPA should be considered, even in HD patients.

Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: a bridge between two centuries

INTRODUCTION

Intravenous tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the only approved systemic reperfusion therapy suitable for most patients presenting timely with acute ischemic stroke. Accumulating real-word experience for over 20 years regarding tPA safety and effectiveness led to re-appraisal of original contraindications for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Areas covered: This narrative review focuses on fast yet appropriate selection of patients for safe administration of tPA per recently expanded indications. Novel strategies for rapid patient assessment will be discussed. The potential for mobile stroke units (MSU) that shorten onset-to-needle time and increase tPA treatment rates is addressed. The use of IVT in the era of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is highlighted. The continuing role of IVT in large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is discussed with regards to 'drip and ship' vs. 'mothership' treatment paradigms. Promising studies of penumbral imaging to extend IVT beyond the 4.5-hour window and in wake-up strokes are summarized. Expert commentary: This review provides an update on the role of IVT in specific conditions originally considered tPA contraindications. Novel practice challenges including NOAC's, MSU proliferation and bridging therapy (IVT&MT) for LVO patients, and the potential extension of IVT time-window using penumbral imaging are emerging as safe and potentially effective IVT applications.

Effects of Prehospital Thrombolysis in Stroke Patients With Prestroke Dependency

Background and Purpose—

Data on effects of intravenous thrombolysis on outcome of patients with ischemic stroke who are dependent on assistance in activities of daily living prestroke are scarce. Recent registry based analyses in activities of daily –independent patients suggest that earlier start of intravenous thrombolysis in the prehospital setting leads to better outcomes when compared with the treatment start in hospital. We evaluated whether these observations can be corroborated in patients with prestroke dependency.

Methods—

This observational, retrospective analysis included all patients with acute ischemic stroke depending on assistance before stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis either on the Stroke Emergency Mobile (STEMO) or through conventional in-hospital care (CC) in a tertiary stroke center (Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin) during routine care. Prespecified outcomes were modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 3 and survival at 3 months, as well as symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Outcomes were adjusted in multivariable logistic regression.

Results—

Between February 2011 and March 2015, 122 of 427 patients (28%) treated on STEMO and 142 of 505 patients (28%) treated via CC needed assistance before stroke. Median onset-to-treatment times were 97 (interquartile range, 69–159; STEMO) and 135 (interquartile range, 98–184; CC; P <0.001) minutes. After 3 months, modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 3 was observed in 48 STEMO patients (39%) versus 35 CC patients (25%; P =0.01) and 86 (70%, STEMO) versus 85 (60%, CC) patients were alive ( P =0.07). After adjustment, STEMO care was favorable with respect to modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 3 (odds ratio, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–3.87; P =0.042) with a nonsignificant result for survival (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.95–3.16; P =0.07). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 5 STEMO versus 12 CC patients (4.2% versus 8.5%; P =0.167).

Conclusions—

The results of this study suggest that earlier, prehospital (as compared with in-hospital) start of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke may translate into better clinical outcome in patients with prestroke dependency.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02358772.

A Score for Risk of Thrombolysis-Associated Hemorrhage Including Pretreatment with Statins

Background

Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute ischemic stroke is associated with a poor functional outcome. We aimed to develop a score assessing risk of sICH including novel putative predictors-namely, pretreatment with statins and severe renal impairment.

Methods

We analyzed our local cohort (Berlin) of patients receiving rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke between 2006 and 2016. Outcome was sICH according to ECASS-III criteria. A multiple regression model identified variables associated with sICH and receiver operating characteristics were calculated for the best discriminatory model for sICH. The model was validated in an independent thrombolysis cohort (Basel).

Results

sICH occurred in 53 (4.0%) of 1,336 patients in the derivation cohort. Age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, systolic blood pressure on admission, blood glucose on admission, and prior medication with medium- or high-dose statins were associated with sICH and included into the risk of intracranial hemorrhage score. The validation cohort included 983 patients of whom 33 (3.4%) had a sICH. c-Statistics for sICH was 0.72 (95% CI 0.66-0.79) in the derivation cohort and 0.69 (95% CI 0.60-0.77) in the independent validation cohort. Inclusion of severe renal impairment did not improve the score.

Conclusion

We developed a simple score with fair discriminating capability to predict rt-PA-related sICH by adding prior statin use to known prognostic factors of sICH. This score may help clinicians to identify patients with higher risk of sICH requiring intensive monitoring.

Influence of Renal Function on Treatment Results after Stroke Thrombectomy

Background: Renal dysfunction (RD) may be associated with poor outcome in ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT), but data concerning this important and emerging comorbidity do not exist so far. Here, we investigated the influence of RD on postprocedural intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), clinical outcome, and mortality in a large prospectively collected cohort of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with MT. Methods: Consecutive patients with anterior-circulation stroke treated with MT between October 2010 and January 2016 were included. RD was defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. In a prospective database, clinical characteristics were recorded and brain images were analyzed for the presence of ICH after treatment in all patients. Clinical outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 3 months. To evaluate associations between clinical factors and outcomes uni- and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Results: In total, 505 patients fulfilled all inclusion criteria (female: 49.7%, mean age: 71.0 years). RD at admission was present in 20.2%. RD patients were older and had cardiovascular risk factors more often. Multivariate regression analysis after adjustment for age, stroke severity, diabetes, hypertension, GFR, previous stroke, MT alone, or additional thrombolysis and recanalization results revealed that lower GFR was not independently associated with poor outcome (mRS 3-6; OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.99-1.28; p = 0.072) or ICH. However, lower GFR at admission was associated with a higher risk of mortality (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.31; p = 0.038). Compared to admission, GFR values were higher at discharge (mean: 77.9 vs. 80.8 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.046). Conclusions: We did not find evidence for an association of lower GFR with an increased risk of poor outcome and ICH, but lower GFR was a determinant of 90-day mortality after endovascular stroke treatment. Our findings encourage also performing MT in this relevant subgroup of acute ischemic stroke patients.

Berlin prehospital or usual delivery of acute stroke care - Study protocol

Rationale Prehospital stroke care in specialized ambulances increases thrombolysis rates, reduces alarm-to-treatment times, and improves the prehospital triage. Preliminary analyses suggest cost-effectiveness. However, scientific proof of better functional outcome compared to usual care is still lacking. Aim To prove better functional outcomes after deployment of the Stroke Emergency Mobile compared to regular ambulances. Sample size estimates A sample size of 686 patients will be required in each arm (Stroke Emergency Mobile group vs. regular care) to detect a difference regarding the primary outcome with 80% power at a two-sided significance level of 0.05. Methods and design This is a pragmatic, prospective study with blinded outcome assessment. Primary outcome will be functional status as defined by modified Rankin Scale score three months after the incident event. We will include cerebral ischemia patients within a predefined catchment area in Berlin, Germany. The study population consists of patients who might be candidates for acute recanalizing treatments, with onset-to-alarm time ≤4 h, symptoms not resolved at time of ambulance arrival, and able to walk without assistance prior to the qualifying incident. About 45% of Stroke Emergency Mobile dispatches are expected to be handled by regular ambulances, since Stroke Emergency Mobile will be already in operation creating the control group. Primary outcome Functional outcome after three months measured by the modified Rankin Scale over the entire range. Discussion The results will inform decision makers on the effectiveness of Stroke Emergency Mobile.

Chronic kidney disease and intravenous thrombolysis in acute stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemorrhagic complications or clinical outcomes in patients treated with intravenous (IV) thrombolytic agents is controversial.

METHODS

We searched multiple databases for studies on the association between CKD and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and/or clinical outcomes in acute stroke patients treated with IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Observational studies that evaluated the association between CKD and outcomes after adjusting for other confounding factors were eligible. We assessed study quality and performed a meta-analysis. The main outcome was symptomatic ICH. The secondary outcomes were poor functional status at 3 months using the modified Rankin Scale, mortality at 3 months, and any ICH.

RESULTS

Seven studies were selected based on our eligibility criteria. Of 7168 patients treated with IV tPA, 2001 (27.9%) had CKD. Patients with CKD had a higher risk of symptomatic ICH and mortality [pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.33 and pooled OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.03-2.81, respectively]. Patients with CKD were likely to have an increased risk of poor outcome at 3 months. There was no significant association between CKD and any ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic kidney disease may significantly affect symptomatic hemorrhagic complications and poor clinical outcomes following administration of IV tPA.

Thrombolysis in chinese ischemic stroke patients with renal dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Current data concerning the relationship between renal function and clinical outcome among stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolytic therapy are conflicting. Our aim is to analyze whether the clinical outcome of Chinese ischemic stroke patients treated with thrombolytic therapy is affected by the presence of renal dysfunction.

METHODS

Chinese patients who received intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke were recruited. Renal dysfunction was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 ml/min/1.73 m(2). The primary outcome was independent function (modified Rankin Scale, mRS, 0-2) at 3 months, while secondary outcomes included early improvement of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≥4 points at 24 h, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) within 36 h of treatment and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 199 patients were recruited, of whom 51.3% had renal dysfunction. There were no significant differences in functional independence at 3 months, NIHSS improvement at 24 h post-thrombolysis and 30-day mortality between patients with or without renal dysfunction. Multivariate analysis showed that eGFR as a continuous variable was not an independent risk factor for symptomatic ICH.

CONCLUSION

Chinese ischemic stroke patients with renal dysfunction who received thrombolytic therapy had clinical outcomes similar to those without renal dysfunction.

Iodinated contrast prior to thrombolysis was not associated with worse intracranial hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to assess relative incidence of clinical adverse effects between patients receiving, and not receiving, iodinated contrast prior to thrombolysis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective registry review of patients presenting to the emergency department treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute ischemic stroke between 2004 and 2012. The authors compared the occurrence of all grades of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and in-hospital deaths between patients undergoing computed tomographic angiography (CTA) prior to thrombolysis and those who did not.

RESULTS

A total of 1,014 patients were available for analysis meeting inclusion criteria. A total of 473 patients underwent CTA prior to rt-PA administration. Baseline characteristics were generally similar across groups, excepting fewer signs of acute infarct and old stroke in the CTA group (28.8% vs. 8.5% and 9.9% vs. 3.7%, respectively) and creatinine. Adverse event outcomes were not consistently distributed across the groups. Patients in the CTA group had a similar incidence of any ICH (11.0% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.120), but fewer type II parenchymal hemorrhages (2.1% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.025) and fewer in-hospital deaths (7.2% vs. 12.6%, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

No consistent harms were observed in association with intravenous iodinated contrast prior to rt-PA administration. It is reasonable to continue CTA prior to thrombolysis as clinically indicated.

Renal dysfunction and thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Renal dysfunction is a prevalent comorbidity in acute ischemic stroke patients requiring thrombolytic therapy. However, the effect of renal dysfunction on the clinical outcome of this population remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy in acute stroke patients with renal dysfunction using a meta-analysis. We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE for studies that evaluated the relationship between renal dysfunction and intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale≥2), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and any ICH were analyzed. Fourteen studies were included (N=53,553 patients). The mean age ranged from 66 to 75 years. The proportion of male participants was 49% to 74%. The proportion of renal dysfunction varied from 21.9% to 83% according to different definitions. Based on 9 studies with a total of 7796 patients, the meta-analysis did not identify a significant difference in the odds of poor outcome (odds ratio [OR]=1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96-1.16; I=44.5) between patients with renal dysfunction and those without renal dysfunction. Patients with renal dysfunction were more likely to die after intravenous thrombolysis (OR=1.13; 95% CI: 1.05-1.21; I=70.3). No association was observed between symptomatic ICH (OR=1.02; 95% CI: 0.94-1.10; I=0) and any ICH (OR=1.07; 95% CI: 0.96-1.18; I=25.8). Renal dysfunction does not increase the risk of poor outcome and ICH after stroke thrombolysis. Renal dysfunction should not be a contraindication for administration of intravenous thrombolysis to eligible patients.

Number of Cerebral Microbleeds and Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage After Intravenous Thrombolysis

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are found in a substantial proportion of patients with ischemic stroke eligible for treatment with intravenous thrombolysis. Until now, there is limited data on the impact of multiple CMBs on occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after intravenous thrombolysis.

Methods—

Between 2008 and 2013, all patients receiving MRI-based intravenous thrombolysis were identified within our prospective thrombolysis register. Number of CMBs was rated on pretreatment T2*-weighted MRI by a rater blinded to clinical data and follow-up. Outcomes of interest were occurrence of symptomatic ICH (sICH) and parenchymal hemorrhage (PH).

Results—

Among 326 included patients, 52 patients had a single CMB (16.0%), 19 had 2 to 4 CMBs (5.8%), and 10 had ≥5 CMBs (3.1%). Frequency of sICH/PH was 1.2%/5.7% in patients without CMBs, 3.8%/3.8% in patients with a single CMB, 10.5%/21.1% in patients with 2 to 4 CMBs, and 30.0%/30.0% in patients with ≥5 CMBs, respectively (each P for trend <0.01). The unadjusted odds ratio per additional CMB for sICH was 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.33; P <0.01) and for PH was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.24; P =0.01). Compared with patients without CMBs, both patients with 2 to 4 CMBs ( P =0.02/ P =0.02) and patients with ≥5 CMBs ( P <0.01/ P <0.01) had significantly increased odds ratios for sICH and PH, whereas in patients with a single CMB, odds ratios were not significantly increased ( P =0.21/ P =0.59). The association of CMB burden with sICH/PH remained significant after adjustment for possible confounders (age, age-related white matter changes score, atrial fibrillation, onset-to-treatment time, prior statin use, and systolic blood pressure on admission).

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate a higher risk of sICH and PH after intravenous thrombolysis when multiple CMBs are present, with a graded relationship to increasing baseline CMB number.

Chronic kidney disease and bleeding complications after intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

The safety of intravenous thrombolysis in ischemic stroke (IS) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain. We assessed whether CKD is associated with bleeding complications after intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator administration to patients with IS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were analyzed from 44 410 patients with IS treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Program. Glomerular filtration rate based on admission serum creatinine was categorized as dichotomous (presence of CKD as <60) or as distinct categories: normal (≥90), mild (≥60-<90), moderate (≥30-< 60), severe (≥15-<30), and kidney failure (<15 or dialysis). Primary outcomes evaluated were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and serious systemic hemorrhage; secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, independent functional status. There were 15 191 of 44 410 (34%) intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator-treated IS patients with CKD. Presence of CKD (versus no CKD) was not associated with risk-adjusted symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval: 0.91-1.10) or serious systemic hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.80-1.18) and did not significantly vary by kidney dysfunction stage for either of these primary end points in multivariable analyses. Compared with patients with normal kidney function, those with CKD were more likely to die in the hospital (adjusted odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.32) and have an unfavorable discharge functional status (adjusted odds ratio, 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of CKD among patients with IS treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator is associated with higher unadjusted odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or serious systemic hemorrhage, but this is explained by non-CKD related factors.

Predictors of 30-day acute kidney injury following radical and partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Patients with renal cell carcinoma who were treated with radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) are at risk of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), and in consequence, short- and long-term adverse outcomes. We sought to identify independent predictors of 30-day AKI in patients undergoing RN or PN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2005 and 2011, patients who underwent RN or PN for renal cell carcinoma within the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set were identified. Patients with preexisting severe renal failure, defined as a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate<30 ml/min/1.73 m(2), were excluded from the analyses. AKI was defined as an elevation of serum creatinine>2mg/dl above baseline or the need for dialysis within 30 days of surgery. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between preoperative factors and the risk of postoperative AKI.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,944 (58.6%) and 1,376 (41.4%) patients underwent RN and PN, respectively. Overall, 1.8% of the patients included in the study experienced AKI within an average of 5.4 days after RN or PN. Independent predictors for AKI included obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, P = 0.04), history of neurovascular disease (OR = 5.29, P<0.001), and a preoperative chronic kidney disease stage II (OR = 10.00, P = 0.03) or stage III (OR = 26.49, P = 0.02). Furthermore, RN (OR = 2.87, P = 0.02) or the open approach (OR = 2.18, P = 0.04) was significantly associated with postoperative AKI. AKI was significantly associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, such as prolonged length of stay, occurrence of any complication, and mortality (all P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of preoperative kidney function and comorbidity status is essential to identify patients at risk of postoperative AKI. In addition to preoperative chronic kidney disease stages II and III, neurovascular disease, obesity, and surgical approach (RN or open) represent predictors of 30-day AKI. Careful patient selection as well as preoperative planning may help reduce this unfavorable postoperative outcome.

Endovascular procedures versus intravenous thrombolysis in stroke with tandem occlusion of the anterior circulation

PURPOSE

Stroke with tandem occlusion within the anterior circulation presents a lower probability of recanalization and good clinical outcome after intravenous (IV) thrombolysis than stroke with single occlusion. The present study describes the impact of endovascular procedures (EPs) compared with IV thrombolysis alone on recanalization and clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with symptom onset less than 4.5 hours and tandem occlusion within the anterior circulation were analyzed retrospectively. Recanalization was assessed per Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) classification on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or digital subtraction angiography within 24 hours. Infarct size was detected on follow-up imaging as a dichotomized variable, ie, more than one third of the territory of the middle cerebral artery. Clinical outcomes were major neurologic improvement, independent outcome (90-d modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH; per European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study criteria), and death within 7 days.

RESULTS

Patients treated with EPs (n = 14) were significantly younger and had a history of arterial hypertension more frequently than patients treated with IV thrombolysis alone (n = 16). Recanalization (ie, TICI score 2b/3; EP, 64%; IV, 19%; P = .01), major neurologic improvement (EP, 64%; IV, 19%; P = .01), and independent outcome (mRS score ≤ 2; EP, 54% IV, 13%; P = .02) occurred more often in the EP group, whereas infarct sizes greater than one third of the MCA territory (EP, 43%; IV, 81%; P = .03) were observed less often. Rates of sICH (P = .12) and death within 7 days (P = .74) did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher recanalization rate, smaller infarct volume, and better clinical outcome in the EP group should encourage researchers to include this subgroup of patients in prospective randomized trials comparing IV thrombolysis versus EP in stroke.

Is renal dysfunction associated with adverse stroke outcome after thrombolytic therapy?

BACKGROUND

Renal dysfunction is a prevalent comorbidity in acute stroke patients requiring thrombolytic therapy. Reports studying the relationship between renal dysfunction and risk of postthrombolytic symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) are contradictory. We aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy in acute stroke patients with and without renal dysfunction.

METHODS

Based on the prospective stroke registries of 4 hospitals in Taiwan from 2007-2012, we identified acute stroke patients who received thrombolytic therapy. Clinically significant renal dysfunction was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Renal dysfunction was further defined as stage 3 (30 ≤ eGFR < 60 ml/min/ 1.73 m(2)), stage 4 (15 ≤ eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and stage 5 (<15 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). The rates of SICH and poor outcome (defined as modified Rankin scale score ≥4) at 3 months after thrombolytic therapy were compared in patients with and without renal dysfunction. SICH was determined according to the definition of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the effect of renal dysfunction on outcome. Patients with different stages of renal dysfunction were further analyzed to determine the effect of disease severity on outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 657 stroke patients with thrombolysis, 239 (36%) had renal dysfunction, including 212 patients in stage 3, 17 patients in stage 4 and 10 patients in stage 5 of renal dysfunction. Patients with renal dysfunction were older and more likely to have hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure and prior antiplatelet use than those without. There were no differences in SICH (8 vs. 7%, p = 0.580) and poor outcome (41 vs. 39%, p = 0.758) between patients with and without renal dysfunction. After multivariable analysis, renal dysfunction was not associated with SICH (odds ratio: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 0.55-1.92) and poor outcome. Pretreatment stroke severity was the only factor significantly associated with both SICH and poor outcome at 3 months. When stratifying renal dysfunction into stage 3 and stage ≥4, there was no significant increase in SICH as the severity of renal dysfunction increased after multivariable adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal dysfunction did not increase the risk of SICH and poor outcome at 3 months after stroke thrombolysis. Further study comparing directly the risk and benefit of thrombolytic therapy versus no therapy in stroke patients with renal dysfunction is warranted.