High-Sensitive C-Reactive Protein Predicts Recurrent Stroke and Poor Functional Outcome: Subanalysis of the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events Trial

Colchicine in patients with acute ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (CHANCE-3): multicentre, double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of colchicine versus placebo on reducing the risk of subsequent stroke after high risk non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack within the first three months of symptom onset (CHANCE-3).

DESIGN

Multicentre, double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial.

SETTING

244 hospitals in China between 11 August 2022 and 13 April 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

8343 patients aged 40 years of age or older with a minor-to-moderate ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack and a high sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥2 mg/L were enrolled.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 within 24 h of symptom onset to receive colchicine (0.5 mg twice daily on days 1-3, followed by 0.5 mg daily thereafter) or placebo for 90 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary efficacy outcome was any new stroke within 90 days after randomisation. The primary safety outcome was any serious adverse event during the treatment period. All efficacy and safety analyses were by intention to treat.

RESULTS

4176 patients were assigned to the colchicine group and 4167 were assigned to the placebo group. Stroke occurred within 90 days in 264 patients (6.3%) in the colchicine group and 270 patients (6.5%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.83 to 1.16); P=0.79). Any serious adverse event was observed in 91 (2.2%) patients in the colchicine group and 88 (2.1%) in the placebo group (P=0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

The study did not provide evidence that low-dose colchicine could reduce the risk of subsequent stroke within 90 days as compared with placebo among patients with acute non-cardioembolic minor-to-moderate ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack and a high sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥2 mg/L.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05439356.

Systemic immune-inflammation index is associated with cardiac complications following acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND

Stroke-induced heart syndrome is a feared complication of ischemic stroke, that is commonly encountered and has a strong association with unfavorable prognosis. More research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and inform clinical decision making. This study aims to explore the relationship between the early systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index and the cardiac complications after acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke were prospectively collected from January 2020 to August 2022 and retrospectively analyzed. We included subjects who presented within 24 hours after symptom onset and were free of detectable infections or cancer on admission. SII index [(neutrophils × platelets/ lymphocytes)/1000] was calculated from laboratory data at admission.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients were included in our study, of which 24 (19.8 %) developed cardiac complications within 14 days following acute ischemic stroke. The SII level was found higher in patients with stroke-heart syndrome (p<.001), which was an independent predictor of stroke-heart syndrome (adjusted odds ratio 5.089, p=.002).

CONCLUSION

New-onset cardiovascular complications diagnosed following a stroke are very common and are associated with early SII index.

Impact of remote ischemic postconditioning on acute ischemic stroke in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant health burden in China, affecting a sizable portion of the population. Conventional pharmacological treatments frequently fall short of desirable outcomes. Therefore, exploring alternative therapies is crucial. Remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC) is a noninvasive and cost-effective adjunctive therapy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of RIPostC as an adjunctive therapy for AIS to inform clinical practice.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted across the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, Weipu (VIP), and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM) databases up to October 2023. All included studies underwent bias risk assessment using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. The primary outcome measure was the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), with secondary outcomes including the Barthel index (BI), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), modified Rankin scale (mRS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. The data were analyzed using fixed-effects and random-effects models in Review Manager, with mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated for each outcome. The grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the level of evidence for each outcome measure.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 38 studies, encompassing 4334 patients. Compared with the control group, the RIPostC group had significantly lower NIHSS scores, serum CRP, D-dimer, IL-6, TNF-α, and FIB levels, and increased BDNF levels. Moreover, it improved the patient's BI and mRS scores. According to the GRADE approach, the quality of evidence for mRS was deemed "moderate," while the NIHSS, BI, and CRP were rated as "low" quality. IL-6, TNF-α, FIB, D-dimer, and BDNF received "very low" quality ratings.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that RIPostC activates endogenous protective mechanisms, providing benefits to patients with AIS.

Associations between admission levels of multiple biomarkers and subsequent worse outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients

The modified Rankin Scale change score (ΔmRS) is useful for evaluating acute poststroke functional improvement or deterioration. We investigated the relationship between multiple biomarkers and ΔmRS by analyzing data on 6931 patients with acute ischemic stroke (average age 62.3 ± 11.3 years, 2174 (31.4%) female) enrolled from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III) and 15 available biomarkers. Worse outcomes at 3 months were defined as ΔmRS3m-discharge ≥1 (ΔmRS3m-discharge = mRS3m-mRSdischarge). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from logistic regression models. At 3-months poststroke, 1026 (14.8%) patients experienced worse outcomes. The highest quartiles of white blood cells (WBCs) (aOR [95%CI],1.37 [1.12-1.66]), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (1.37 [1.12-1.67]), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (1.43 [1.16-1.76]), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) (1.46 [1.20-1.78]) and YKL-40 (1.31 [1.06-1.63]) were associated with an increased risk of worse outcomes at 3 months. Results remained stable except for YKL-40 when simultaneously adding multiple biomarkers to the basic traditional-risk-factor model. Similar results were observed at 6 and 12 months after stroke. This study indicated that WBCs, hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-1Ra, and YKL-40 were significantly associated with worse outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients, and all inflammatory biomarkers except YKL-40 were independent predictors of worse outcomes at 3 months.

High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein and Intracranial Arterial Stenosis Predicted Recurrent Stroke and Dependence or Death in Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

AIMS

Inflammation is associated with vascular events. We aimed to investigate the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels with and without intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) and the prognosis of patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack.

METHODS

We used data from the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events trial (derivation cohort) and the Third China National Stroke Registry (validation cohort). Patients were divided into four groups according to the dichotomy of hsCRP level and ICAS status. The primary outcome was new ischemic stroke within 90 days, and the secondary outcome was dependence or death (Modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6) at 90 days. The associations between hsCRP level with and without ICAS and risk of outcomes were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In the derivation cohort, compared with patients with nonelevated hsCRP levels and no ICAS, those with both elevated hsCRP levels and ICAS had increased risk of recurrent stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-5.34; p=0.008) and dependence or death (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.58; 95% CI, 1.30-44.13; p=0.02). Consistent relationships of elevated hsCRP levels and presence of ICAS with recurrent stroke (adjusted HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.13-2.45; p=0.009) and dependence or death (adjusted OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.23-2.84; p=0.003) were observed in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant presence of increased hsCRP levels and ICAS was associated with increased risk of stroke recurrence and dependence or death in patients with minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Predictive Performance of Machine Learning-Based Models for Poststroke Clinical Outcomes in Comparison With Conventional Prognostic Scores: Multicenter, Hospital-Based Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Although machine learning is a promising tool for making prognoses, the performance of machine learning in predicting outcomes after stroke remains to be examined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine how much data-driven models with machine learning improve predictive performance for poststroke outcomes compared with conventional stroke prognostic scores and to elucidate how explanatory variables in machine learning-based models differ from the items of the stroke prognostic scores.

METHODS

We used data from 10,513 patients who were registered in a multicenter prospective stroke registry in Japan between 2007 and 2017. The outcomes were poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2) and death at 3 months after stroke. Machine learning-based models were developed using all variables with regularization methods, random forests, or boosted trees. We selected 3 stroke prognostic scores, namely, ASTRAL (Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne), PLAN (preadmission comorbidities, level of consciousness, age, neurologic deficit), and iScore (Ischemic Stroke Predictive Risk Score) for comparison. Item-based regression models were developed using the items of these 3 scores. The model performance was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration. To compare the predictive performance of the data-driven model with that of the item-based model, we performed internal validation after random splits of identical populations into 80% of patients as a training set and 20% of patients as a test set; the models were developed in the training set and were validated in the test set. We evaluated the contribution of each variable to the models and compared the predictors used in the machine learning-based models with the items of the stroke prognostic scores.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study patients was 73.0 (SD 12.5) years, and 59.1% (6209/10,513) of them were men. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under the precision-recall curves for predicting poststroke outcomes were higher for machine learning-based models than for item-based models in identical populations after random splits. Machine learning-based models also performed better than item-based models in terms of the Brier score. Machine learning-based models used different explanatory variables, such as laboratory data, from the items of the conventional stroke prognostic scores. Including these data in the machine learning-based models as explanatory variables improved performance in predicting outcomes after stroke, especially poststroke death.

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning-based models performed better in predicting poststroke outcomes than regression models using the items of conventional stroke prognostic scores, although they required additional variables, such as laboratory data, to attain improved performance. Further studies are warranted to validate the usefulness of machine learning in clinical settings.

Residual inflammatory risk predicts long-term outcomes following stenting for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Residual inflammatory risk (RIR) can predict the unfavourable outcomes in patients with minor ischaemic stroke. However, the impact of preprocedural RIR on long-term outcomes in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) who underwent stenting remains understudied.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-centre cohort study evaluated consecutive patients with severe sICAS who underwent intracranial stenting. Patients were categorised into four groups based on preprocedural high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L) and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). The long-term clinical outcomes included recurrent ischaemic stroke and death. The long-term imaging outcomes consisted of in-stent restenosis (ISR) and symptomatic ISR (sISR) after stenting.

RESULTS

In this study, 952 patients were included, with 751 (78.9%) being male. Forty-six cases were categorised into the RCIR group, 211 into the RIR group, 107 into the RCR group and 588 into the NRR group. Patients with RCIR (adjusted HR 6.163; 95% CI 2.603 to 14.589; p<0.001) and RIR (adjusted HR 2.205; 95% CI 1.294 to 3.757; p=0.004) had higher risks of recurrent ischaemic stroke than those with NRR during the 54 months of median follow-up time. Patients with RCIR (adjusted HR 3.604; 95% CI 1.431 to 9.072; p=0.007) were more likely to occur ISR, and patients in the RIR group showed a significant increase in the risk of sISR (adjusted HR 2.402; 95% CI 1.078 to 5.351; p=0.032) compared with those in the NRR group with a median follow-up time of 11.9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with sICAS, preprocedural RIR may predict long-term recurrent ischaemic stroke, ISR and sISR following intracranial stenting.

HS-CRP Modifies the Prognostic Value of Platelet Count for Clinical Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke

Background We examined whether the relationship between baseline platelet count and clinical outcomes is modulated by HS-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods and Results A total of 3267 patients with ischemic stroke were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was a combination of death and major disability at 1 year after ischemic stroke. Secondary outcomes included major disability, death, vascular events, composite outcome of vascular events or death, and an ordered 7-level categorical score of the modified Rankin Scale at 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between the baseline platelet count and clinical outcomes stratified by HS-CRP levels when appropriate. There was an interaction effect of platelet count and HS-CRP on the adverse clinical outcomes after ischemic stroke (all P_interaction<0.05). The elevated platelet count was significantly associated with the primary outcome (odds ratio [OR], 3.14 [95% CI, 1.77-5.58]), major disability (OR, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.15-3.71]), death (hazard ratio [HR], 2.75 [95% CI, 1.31-5.79]), and composite outcome of vascular events or death (HR, 2.57 [95% CI, 1.38-4.87]) among patients with high HS-CRP levels (all P_trend<0.05). Conclusions The HS-CRP levels had a modifying effect on the association between platelet count and clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. Elevated platelet count was significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke with high HS-CRP levels, but not in those with low HS-CRP levels. These findings suggest that strategies for anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet therapy should be developed according to the results of both platelet and HS-CRP testing.

The role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein serum levels in the prognosis for patients with stroke: a meta-analysis

Background

The impact of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a biomarker of inflammation on the prognosis of stroke patients remains controversial, this study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of hs-CRP levels for patients with stroke.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to October 28, 2022. Outcome measures were all-cause mortality, recurrent stroke, and poor prognosis. The relationship between the highest versus lowest levels of hs-CRP or per unit increment and outcomes as measured by risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 39 articles were eligible for meta-analysis. High hs-CRP levels at admission were associated with mortality among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) [RR = 3.84, 95% CI (2.41 ~ 6.111); p < 0.001], risk of recurrent stroke [RR = 1.88, 95%CI (1.41 ~ 2.52); p < 0.001], and poor prognosis [RR = 1.77, 95% CI (1.59 ~ 1.97); p < 0.001]. The risk ratios for the association of per unit increase in hs-CRP levels with mortality, risk of recurrent stroke, and poor prognosis were as follows, respectively: 1.42 [95% CI (1.19-1.69); p < 0.001], 1.03 [95% CI (1.01-1.04); p = 0.003], and 1.27 [95% CI (1.10-1.47); p = 0.001]. For hemorrhagic stroke (HS), the risk ratios (RR) for the highest versus the lowest (reference) category of hsCRP or per unit increment to all-cause mortality were 4.36 [95% CI (1.38-13.73); p = 0.012] and 1.03 [95% CI (0.98-1.08); p = 0.238].

Conclusion

Hs-CRP levels are strongly associated with mortality, risk of stroke recurrence and poor prognosis in stroke patients. Therefore, hs-CRP levels may contribute to the prognosis prediction of these patients.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Modifies P-Wave Terminal Force in Lead V1-Associated Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke or TIA Patients

Little is known about the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the relationship between P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) and stroke prognosis. We aimed to investigate how hsCRP influences the effect of PTFV1 on ischemic stroke recurrence and mortality. In this study, patients enrolled in the Third China National Stroke Registry, which enrolled consecutive patients who had suffered an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in China, were analyzed. After excluding patients with atrial fibrillation, 8271 patients with PTFV1 and hsCRP measurements were included in this analysis. Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between PTFV1 and stroke prognosis according to different inflammation statuses stratified by an hsCRP level of 3 mg/L. A total of 216 (2.6%) patients died, and 715 (8.6%) patients experienced ischemic stroke recurrence within 1 year. In patients with hsCRP levels ≥ 3 mg/L, elevated PTFV1 was significantly associated with mortality (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.05-2.92; p = 0.03), while in those with hsCRP levels < 3 mg/L, such an association did not exist. In contrast, in patients with hsCRP levels < 3 mg/L and those with hsCRP levels ≥ 3 mg/L, elevated PTFV1 remained significantly associated with ischemic stroke recurrence. The predictive role of PTFV1 towards mortality but not ischemic stroke recurrence differed in terms of hsCRP levels.

Mediation of Systemic Inflammation on Insulin Resistance and Prognosis of Nondiabetic Patients With Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance is associated with stroke recurrence and poor functional outcomes of nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke. The study aimed to investigate whether the association between insulin resistance and the prognosis of nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke was mediated by systematic inflammation.

METHODS

Patients with ischemic stroke but without a history of diabetes who were enrolled in CNSR-III (Third China National Stroke Registry) were included in the study and followed up for 1 year after stroke onset. Insulin resistance was determined by using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and Lp-PLA₂ (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂) activity were measured at baseline. The primary outcome was stroke recurrence, and other outcomes included composite vascular events, mortality, and poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 3-6). Multivariable Cox or logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between HOMA-IR and the study outcomes. A mediation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between insulin resistance and the study outcomes mediated by systemic inflammation.

RESULTS

Among a total of 3808 nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke who were included in the study, the median HOMA-IR was 1.79 (interquartile range, 1.05-2.97). After adjustments for potential confounders, higher HOMA-IR quartiles were associated with higher risks of stroke recurrence, ischemic stroke, and composite vascular events, especially in the large artery atherosclerosis subtype. hs-CRP partially mediated the association between the HOMA-IR index and the prognosis of ischemic stroke (mediation proportion, 5.9% for stroke recurrence and 7.5% for composite vascular events). No evidence of Lp-PLA₂ activity mediating the association of insulin resistance with stroke outcomes was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that insulin resistance was associated with poor clinical outcomes in nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke, which was partially mediated by hs-CRP with a modest amount.

Role of plaque inflammation in symptomatic carotid stenosis

Objective

Prior studies have shown that plaque inflammation on FDG-PET and the symptomatic carotid atheroma inflammation lumen-stenosis (SCAIL) score were associated with recurrent ischemic events, but the findings have thus far not been widely validated. Therefore, we aimed to validate the findings of prior studies.

Methods

A single-center prospective cohort study that recruited patients with (1) recent TIA or ischemic stroke within the past 30 days, (2) ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis of ≥50%, and (3) were not considered for early carotid revascularization. The (1) maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the symptomatic carotid plaque, (2) the SCAIL score, and (3) stenosis severity of the symptomatic carotid artery were measured for all patients. The outcomes were (1) a 90-day ipsilateral ischemic stroke and (2) a 90-day ipsilateral symptomatic TIA or major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE).

Results

Among the 131 patients included in the study, the commonest cardiovascular risk factor was hypertension (95 patients, 72.5%), followed by diabetes mellitus (77 patients, 58.8%) and being a current smoker (64 patients, 48.9%). The median (IQR) duration between the index cerebral ischemic event and recruitment to the study was 1 (0, 2.5) days. The median (IQR) duration between the index cerebral ischemic event and FDG-PET was 5 (4, 7) days. A total of 14 (10.7%) patients had a 90-day stroke, and 41 (31.3%) patients had a 90-day TIA or MACE. On comparison of the predictive performances of the SCAIL score and SUVmax, SUVmax was found to be superior to the SCAIL score for predicting both 90-day ipsilateral ischemic stroke (AUC: SCAIL = 0.79, SUVmax = 0.92; p < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.072, 0.229) and 90-day TIA or MACE (AUC: SCAIL = 0.76, SUVmax = 0.84; p = 0.009; 95% CI = 0.020, 0.143).

Conclusion

Plaque inflammation as quantified on FDG-PET may serve as a reliable biomarker for risk stratification among patients with ECAD and recent TIA or ischemic stroke. Future studies should evaluate whether patients with significant plaque inflammation as quantified on FDG-PET benefit from carotid revascularization and/or anti-inflammatory therapy.

CRP as a potential predictor of outcome in acute ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is one of the major causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. C-reactive protein (CRP) as a potential biomarker for functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the level of CRP and functional outcome of stroke. A total of 218 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke within 24 h after onset were recruited for the study. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of >2 at 3 months after stroke. The retrospective analysis was performed to investigate whether CRP within 24 h after stroke is associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the CRP level (odds ratio=1.146, 95%CI: 1.012-1.297, P=0.031) was an independent risk factor for poor outcome. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value of CRP to distinguish favorable from poor outcome was 6.34 (area under the curve=0.829, 95%CI: 0.772-0.887, P<0.001), with 68.2% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the CRP level was positively related to the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (r=0.551, P<0.001), fasting glucose (r=0.301, P<0.001) and age (r=0.252, P<0.001). In conclusion, a high level of CRP within 24 h after onset was associated with a poor functional outcome after the acute ischemic event. The elevation of CRP may be correlated with the baseline NIHSS score, fasting glucose and age.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Short-Term Functional Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a systemic inflammatory biomarker, has been associated with poorer outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. The present study was designed to expand these findings by investigating the association between NLR and short-term functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients within 7 days after the onset of acute ischemic stroke. Stroke severity on admission was measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The functional outcomes were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Manual Function Test (MFT), the Korean version of the modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), and the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) within 2 weeks of stroke onset. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was evaluated at discharge. Results: This study included 201 patients, who were grouped into three NLR tertiles (<1.84, 1.84−2.71, and >2.71) on admission. A multivariate analysis showed that the top tertile group (NLR > 2.71) had significantly higher risks of unfavorable outcomes on the K-MBI (p = 0.010) and K-MMSE (p = 0.029) than the bottom tertile group (NLR < 1.84). Based on the optimal cut-off values from a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a higher NLR was significantly associated with higher NIHSS scores (p = 0.011) and unfavorable outcomes on the K-MBI (p = 0.002) and K-MMSE (p = 0.001). Conclusions: A higher NLR is associated with poorer short-term functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Peri-therapeutic multi-modal hemodynamic assessment and detection of predictors for symptomatic in-stent restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting

Backgrounds

This study performed multi-modal hemodynamic analysis including quantitative color-coded digital subtraction angiography (QDSA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to delineate peri-therapeutic hemodynamic changes and explore the risk factors for in-stent restenosis (ISR) and symptomatic ISR (sISR).

Methods

Forty patients were retrospectively reviewed. Time to peak (TTP), full width at half maximum (FWHM), cerebral circulation time (CCT), angiographic mean transit time (aMTT), arterial stenosis index (ASI), wash-in gradient (WI), wash-out gradient (WO) and stasis index were calculated with QDSA and translesional pressure ratio (PR) and wall shear stress ratio (WSSR) were quantified from CFD analysis. These hemodynamic parameters were compared between before and after stent deployment and multivariate logistic regression model was established to detect predictors for ISR and sISR at follow-up.

Results

It was found that stenting generally reduced TTP, stasis index, CCT, aMTT and translesional WSSR while significantly increased translesional PR. ASI decreased after stenting, and during the mean follow-up time of 6.48 ± 2.86 months, lower ASI (<0.636) as well as larger stasis index were corroborated to be independently associated with sISR. aMTT showed a linear correlation with CCT before and after stenting.

Conclusion

PTAS not only improved cerebral circulation and blood flow perfusion but also changed local hemodynamics significantly. ASI and stasis index derived from QDSA were proved to play a prominent role in risk stratification for sISR. Multi-modal hemodynamic analysis could facilitate intraoperative real-time hemodynamic monitoring and help the determination of the end point of intervention.

Joint High Level of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein are Associated With Recurrent Stroke and Poor Functional Outcome in Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

Background

Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and hs‐CRP (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases though inflammation and oxidative stress, etc. However, evidence on their combined effects on stroke prognosis is still limited. We aimed to explore the joint association of oxLDL and hs‐CRP with outcomes of minor stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods and Results

A subgroup of 3019 patients from the CHANCE trial (Clopidogrel in High‐Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events) were analyzed. Baseline oxLDL and hs‐CRP levels were measured. The primary outcome was any stroke within 90 days. The secondary outcomes included any stroke within 1 year, and ischemic stroke, combined vascular events, and poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 2–6 or 3–6) at 90 days and 1 year. Vascular events outcomes were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards and poor functional outcomes with logistic models. Elevated oxLDL (>28.81 μg/dL) and hs‐CRP (>4.20 mg/L) was observed in 624 (20.67%) of the 3019 patients. Patients with oxLDL >28.81 μg/dL and hs‐CRP >4.20 mg/L had a higher risk of recurrent stroke within 90 days (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.17–1.97), compared with those with oxLDL ≤28.81 μg/dL and hs‐CRP ≤4.20 mg/L, after adjusting relevant confounding factors (P=0.002). Similar results were observed for secondary outcomes (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusions

In patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack, joint high levels of oxLDL and hs‐CRP was associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke, combined vascular events, and poor functional outcome.

Somatic mutation contributing to clonal haematopoiesis is a risk factor of recurrent stroke in first-ever acute ischaemic stroke: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Somatic mutation contributes to clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is related to age and associated with a higher risk of stroke and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the prognostic significance of CHIP in a large first-ever acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) cohort and explored the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We studied a prospective cohort of 6016 patients who had a first-ever AIS in China. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify CHIP. High-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels above 3 mg/L at baseline were defined as hyperinflammation. Recurrent stroke during the 3-month follow-up was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Among the 6016 patients who had a first-ever AIS, with a median age was 62 years (IQR, 54.0‒70.0), 3.70% were identified as CHIP carriers. The most common mutations occurred in the DNMT3A (30.0%) and TET2 (11.4%) genes. During a follow-up of 3 months, the presence of CHIP was associated with recurrent stroke (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.51, p=0.03), recurrent ischaemic stroke (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.58, p=0.03) and combined vascular events (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.44, p=0.04) after adjusting for hsCRP levels at baseline in patients who had a first-ever AIS. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that CHIP was only associated with recurrent stroke when patients under hyperinflammation (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.92 to 5.00, p<0.001) but not in those without hyperinflammation (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.04, p=0.06, P_interaction=0.002).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that somatic mutations contributing to CHIP increase the risk of short-term recurrent stroke in patients who had a first-ever AIS. Hyperinflammation may be important in the relationship between CHIP and recurrent stroke.

Glycerol monolaurate (GML), a medium-chain fatty acid derivative, ameliorate growth performance, immune function, disease resistance and intestinal microbiota in juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♂)

In order to evaluate the effects of glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the growth performance, immunology function, disease resistance and intestinal microbiota for hybrid groupers. Seven levels of GML (0, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 3000 and 3600 mg/kg) were added to diets and were noted as the G1 (control group), G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 and G7, respectively. Each experimental diet was fed to triplicate groups of 30 juvenile groupers for 8 weeks. The FBW, WGR and SGR were significantly higher and FCR was significantly lower in the G4 group compared to the G1 group (P < 0.05). Serum immune enzyme activities (ACP, AKP and LZM) rose and then fell and had the highest values in the G4 group (P < 0.05). The expression of TNF-α and IL6 in head kidney was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05), while the expression of TLR22 was increased (P < 0.05). After the Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge test, ACP and AKP activities were increased in the G4 and G5 groups, while mortality was lower than in the G1 group (P < 0.05). GML significantly modulated the abundance of intestinal microbiota, with the G4 and G5 groups increasing the relative abundance of the Firmicutes and Bacillus, respectively (P < 0.05). The alpha diversity of the G5 group (Sob, Chao1 and ACE) was significantly higher than that of the G1 group (P < 0.05). In summary, the optimal level of GML was 1700 mg/kg according to the regression equation model fitted by the WGR index.

Effect of different doses of colchicine on high sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with acute minor stroke or transient ischemic attack: A pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are at increased risk of recurrent stroke. Colchicine is a unique anti-inflammatory medication that has shown promise in reducing cardiovascular event. The current study mainly tested the ability of colchicine at different doses to reduce hsCRP levels after stroke.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled and open label trial. Eligible patients with acute minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were randomized within 24 hours after symptom onset in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to four groups with different doses of colchicine. Group 1: 0.5 mg of colchicine per day for 14 days; groups 2: starting with 1mg of colchicine on days 1 through 7, and maintaining with 0.5 mg per day on days 8 through 14; group 3 and 4: respectively 2 mg and 3 mg of colchicine on day 1, following with 1mg per day on days 2 through 7 and continuing with 0.5 mg per day on days 8 through 14. Blood specimens were collected at randomization, 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days and 14 days after index event for hsCRP measurements. The primary outcome was the change of hsCRP levels between baseline and 14 days.

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients were enrolled. Patients in group 2 had reduced level of hsCRP at 14-day compared with baseline value (p=0.005). Time-course analyses showed that patients in groups of 1 and 2 had lower hsCRP level at 7-day than that at baseline, and patients in groups of 1, 2 and 3 had lower ratios of hsCRP levels at 72 hours to those at baseline. Low dose of colchicine was well tolerated without discontinuation of drug.

CONCLUSION

Early treatment with low dose of colchicine reduced hsCRP levels in the patients with acute minor ischemic stroke and TIA.

Elevated hs-CRP and Symptomatic Intracranial/Extracranial Artery Stenosis Predict Stroke Recurrence after Acute Ischemic Stroke or TIA

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between symptomatic or asymptomatic intracranial/extracranial artery stenosis and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

This study included 10404 patients from the Third China National Stroke Registry. Patients were divided into four or six groups according to patterns of intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis and hs-CRP levels. The outcomes were recurrence of ischemic stroke, stroke, and combined vascular events (CVE) at 1 year. The associations between different combinations of hsCRP levels and patterns of artery stenosis and recurrent events were analyzed by multivariable Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Patients in Group III (hs-CRP ＜3＋symptomatic intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis) had higher risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-2.48,p=0.003). Those in Group VI (hs-CRP ≥ 3＋symptomatic intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis) had the highest risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.42-2.92, p=0.0001) within 1 year compared with Group I (hs-CRP ＜3＋no artery stenosis). Asymptomatic intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis did not increase the risk of ischemic events compared with no artery stenosis regardless of hs-CRP levels.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis was associated with increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, stroke, and CVE at 1 year in patients with AIS or TIA, especially in patients with elevated hs-CRP levels. Asymptomatic intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis did not increase the risk of ischemic events compared with no artery stenosis regardless of hs-CRP levels.

Association Between High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Prognosis in Different Periods After Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hsCRP (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) and prognosis over time after stroke onset.

Methods and Results

In this prespecified prospective substudy of the Third China National Stroke Registry, a total of 9438 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and measured hsCRP were included. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the sampling time after index onset (<24 hours, 24–72 hours, 72 hours–8 days). The outcomes consisted of stroke recurrence and combined vascular events within 1 year, and dependence or death defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 3 to 6 at 1 year. The associations between hsCRP and outcomes in different groups were analyzed by using Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models. The median levels of hsCRP within 24 hours, between 24 and 72 hours and between 72 hours and 8 days were 2.01, 1.72, and 1.72 mg/L, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with the bottom quartile, patients in the top quartile measured within 72 hours were at increased risk of recurrent stroke (<24 hours: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.57 [95% CI, 1.05–2.35], P = 0.03; 24–72 hours: adjusted HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.18–2.17], P = 0.003). Association was attenuated after further adjusting for the Org 10 172 test in the Treatment of Acute Stroke classification (<24 hours: adjusted HR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.01–2.27]; P = 0.05; 24–72 hours: adjusted HR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.14–2.10]; P = 0.01). The association only existed in patients with large‐artery atherosclerosis (adjusted HR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.06–2.64]; P = 0.03). However, the association was not found in the hsCRP level measured between 72 hours and 8 days. Similar results were found for the outcome of combined vascular events. Additionally, hsCRP levels measured between 24 and 72 hours were associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of hsCRP measured in the first 72 hours after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack but not 72 hours to 8 days, were associated with an increased risk of 1‐year stroke recurrence.

Interleukin-6 and YKL-40 predicted recurrent stroke after ischemic stroke or TIA: analysis of 6 inflammation biomarkers in a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Contribution of individual and combined inflammatory markers in prognosis after stroke was still undefined. We aimed to investigate the association of systemic and local vascular inflammatory markers and recurrent stroke as well as impact on poor functional outcome.

METHODS

In this pre-specified substudy of the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III), 10,472 consecutive acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients with available centralized-measured levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ mass (Lp-PLA₂) and activity (Lp-PLA₂-A), and YKL-40 from 171 sites were enrolled. The primary outcomes consisted of stroke recurrence and poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 2-6 within 1 year.

RESULTS

There were 1026 (9.8%) and 2395 (23.4%) patients with recurrent stroke and poor functional outcome within 1 year. The highest quartiles of IL-6 (adjusted HR, 1.36; 95% CI 1.13-1.64; P = 0.001), hsCRP (adjusted HR, 1.41; 95% CI 1.17-1.69; P = 0.0003) and YKL-40 (adjusted HR, 1.28; 95% CI 1.06-1.56; P = 0.01) were associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke; and the highest quartiles of IL-6 (adjusted OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.64-2.27; P < 0.0001), IL-1Ra (adjusted OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.37-1.87; P < 0.0001), hsCRP (adjusted OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.37-1.86; P < 0.0001) and YKL-40 (adjusted OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.03-1.42; P = 0.02) were correlated with increased risk of poor functional outcome. In the multivariate stepwise regression analysis including all markers with backward selection, elevated levels of IL-6 or YKL-40 were associated with recurrent stroke (IL6: OR, 1.34; 95% CI 1.19-1.52; P < 0.0001; YKL-40: OR, 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P = 0.004) and poor functional outcome (IL6: OR, 1.68; 95% CI 1.46-1.93; P < 0.0001; YKL-40: OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P = 0.0001). Adding IL-6 and YKL-40 significantly increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the prediction models of Essen Stroke Risk Score (0.03, P < 0.0001) and Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events Score (0.07, P < 0.0001), and yielded continuous net reclassification improvement (19.0%, P < 0.0001; 33.0, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the patients with ischemic stroke or TIA, IL-6 and YKL-40 were independently associated with recurrent stroke and poor functional outcome, and improved risk classification of clinical risk algorithms.

Association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, functional disability, and stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischaemic stroke: A mediation analysis

Background

Post-stroke inflammation biomarker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) increases cerebral infarct size and results in functional disability directly, it also contributes to the formation and maturation of atherosclerotic plaques, which increase the risk of stroke recurrence and results in functional disability indirectly. However, no study has quantified how much functional disability was mediated by stroke recurrence.

Methods

Patients with acute ischaemic stroke within 7 days and admitted to 169 hospitals in the Third China National Stroke Registry were analyzed. Blood samples were collected within 24 h of admission. Stroke recurrence and functional disability (defined as a modified Rankin scale score ≥ 2) were assessed via face-to-face interviews at three months. Mediation analysis under the counterfactual framework was performed to examine the potential causal chain in which stroke recurrence may mediate the relationship between hsCRP and functional outcome. Sensitivity analyses were performed across different subgroups and on different scales of hsCRP measurement.

Findings

Of the 7603 analyzed patients (mean [SD] age, 62.3 [11.3] years; 2392 [31.5%] women), the median (interquartile range [IQR]) of NIHSS score was 3.0 (1.0–6.0). The median (IQR) level of hsCRP was 1.73 (0.81–4.38) mg/L. A total of 496 (6.5%) cases of stroke recurrence and 1884 (24.8%) cases of functional disability were observed at the 90-day follow-up. Each SD increase in the concentration of hsCRP was associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04–1.18) and disability (aOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08–1.20) within 90 days. Of 1884 functionally disabled patients, only 16.0 % (n = 302) of patients experienced stroke recurrence before functional disability. Stroke recurrence during follow-up explained 16.52% (95% CI, 5.79%–27.25%) of the relationship between hsCRP and functional disability. Sensitivity analyses in different subgroups and on different scales of hsCRP measurement showed comparable results.

Interpretation

Stroke recurrence mediates less than 20% of the association between hsCRP and functional disability at 90 days among patients with acute ischaemic stroke. In addition to typical secondary prevention strategies for preventing stroke recurrence, more attention should be paid to novel anti-inflammatory therapy to improve functional outcomes.

Funding

Beijing Natural Science Foundation, the National Key R&D Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission.

Association of Residual Inflammatory Risk with Stroke Recurrence in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke or TIA

BACKGROUND

To explore the association of residual inflammatory risk (RIR) with stroke recurrence after an index acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transit ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

This study was based on the Third China National Stroke Registry. A total of 5,840 patients with two high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) measurements at baseline and at 3-month were included in the analysis. High RIR was defined as a hsCRP≥3 mg/L. Patients were divided into four groups: persistent high RIR (first high then high hsCRP), attenuated RIR (first high then low hsCRP), increased RIR (first low then high hsCRP), and persistent low RIR (first low then low hsCRP). The primary outcome was new stroke onset during the 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included composite vascular events, all-cause mortality, and poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3-6).

RESULTS

During the 1-year follow-up, 523 (9.0%) patients had stroke recurrence. Patients with persistent high RIR had an increased risk of stroke recurrence (hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval: 1.39 [1.08-1.78]), compared with those with persistent low RIR. Similar results were found for the outcome of composite vascular events, mortality, and poor functional outcome. An increased risk of stroke recurrence was further found in patients with persistent high RIR and intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) or large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AIS or TIA, persistent high RIR increased the risks of 1-year stroke recurrence, especially in those with ICAS or LAA subtype; composite vascular events; mortality, and poor functional outcome.

Atherosclerosis and multi-organ-associated pathologies

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vascular system that is characterized by the deposition of modified lipoproteins, accumulation of immune cells, and formation of fibrous tissue within the vessel wall. The disease occurs in vessels throughout the body and affects the functions of almost all organs including the lymphoid system, bone marrow, heart, brain, pancreas, adipose tissue, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Atherosclerosis and associated factors influence these tissues via the modulation of local vascular functions, induction of cholesterol-associated pathologies, and regulation of local immune responses. In this review, we discuss how atherosclerosis interferers with functions of different organs via several common pathways and how the disturbance of immunity in atherosclerosis can result in disease-provoking dysfunctions in multiple tissues. Our growing appreciation of the implication of atherosclerosis and associated microenvironmental conditions in the multi-organ pathology promises to influence our understanding of CVD-associated disease pathologies and to provide new therapeutic opportunities.

Antiplatelet agents for chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Antiplatelet agents are widely used to prevent cardiovascular events. The risks and benefits of antiplatelet agents may be different in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for whom occlusive atherosclerotic events are less prevalent, and bleeding hazards might be increased. This is an update of a review first published in 2013.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of antiplatelet agents in people with any form of CKD, including those with CKD not receiving renal replacement therapy, patients receiving any form of dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 13 July 2021 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials of any antiplatelet agents versus placebo or no treatment, or direct head-to-head antiplatelet agent studies in people with CKD. Studies were included if they enrolled participants with CKD, or included people in broader at-risk populations in which data for subgroups with CKD could be disaggregated.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Four authors independently extracted data from primary study reports and any available supplementary information for study population, interventions, outcomes, and risks of bias. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated from numbers of events and numbers of participants at risk which were extracted from each included study. The reported RRs were extracted where crude event rates were not provided. Data were pooled using the random-effects model. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 113 studies, enrolling 51,959 participants; 90 studies (40,597 CKD participants) compared an antiplatelet agent with placebo or no treatment, and 29 studies (11,805 CKD participants) directly compared one antiplatelet agent with another. Fifty-six new studies were added to this 2021 update. Seven studies originally excluded from the 2013 review were included, although they had a follow-up lower than two months. Random sequence generation and allocation concealment were at low risk of bias in 16 and 22 studies, respectively. Sixty-four studies reported low-risk methods for blinding of participants and investigators; outcome assessment was blinded in 41 studies. Forty-one studies were at low risk of attrition bias, 50 studies were at low risk of selective reporting bias, and 57 studies were at low risk of other potential sources of bias. Compared to placebo or no treatment, antiplatelet agents probably reduces myocardial infarction (18 studies, 15,289 participants: RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.99, I² = 0%; moderate certainty). Antiplatelet agents has uncertain effects on fatal or nonfatal stroke (12 studies, 10.382 participants: RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.59, I² = 37%; very low certainty) and may have little or no effect on death from any cause (35 studies, 18,241 participants: RR 0.94, 95 % CI 0.84 to 1.06, I² = 14%; low certainty). Antiplatelet therapy probably increases major bleeding in people with CKD and those treated with haemodialysis (HD) (29 studies, 16,194 participants: RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.65, I² = 12%; moderate certainty). In addition, antiplatelet therapy may increase minor bleeding in people with CKD and those treated with HD (21 studies, 13,218 participants: RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.90, I² = 58%; low certainty). Antiplatelet treatment may reduce early dialysis vascular access thrombosis (8 studies, 1525 participants) RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.70; low certainty). Antiplatelet agents may reduce doubling of serum creatinine in CKD (3 studies, 217 participants: RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.86, I² = 8%; low certainty). The treatment effects of antiplatelet agents on stroke, cardiovascular death, kidney failure, kidney transplant graft loss, transplant rejection, creatinine clearance, proteinuria, dialysis access failure, loss of primary unassisted patency, failure to attain suitability for dialysis, need of intervention and cardiovascular hospitalisation were uncertain. Limited data were available for direct head-to-head comparisons of antiplatelet drugs, including prasugrel, ticagrelor, different doses of clopidogrel, abciximab, defibrotide, sarpogrelate and beraprost.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Antiplatelet agents probably reduced myocardial infarction and increased major bleeding, but do not appear to reduce all-cause and cardiovascular death among people with CKD and those treated with dialysis. The treatment effects of antiplatelet agents compared with each other are uncertain.

Association Between Plasma Trimethyllysine and Prognosis of Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Background

Trimethyllysine, a trimethylamine N‐oxide precursor, has been identified as an independent cardiovascular risk factor in acute coronary syndrome. However, limited data are available to examine the role of trimethyllysine in the population with stroke. We aimed to examine the relationship between plasma trimethyllysine levels and stroke outcomes in patients presenting with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods and Results

Data of 10 027 patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack from the CNSR‐III (Third China National Stroke Registry) and 1‐year follow‐up data for stroke outcomes were analyzed. Plasma levels of trimethyllysine were measured with mass spectrometry. The association between trimethyllysine and stroke outcomes was analyzed using Cox regression models. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the mediation effects of risk factors on the associations of trimethyllysine and stroke outcomes. Elevated trimethyllysine levels were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death (quartile 4 versus quartile 1: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.72; 95% CI, 1.03–2.86) and all‐cause mortality (quartile 4 versus quartile 1: HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.40–2.78) in multivariate Cox regression model. However, no associations were found between trimethyllysine and nonfatal stroke recurrence or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Trimethyllysine was associated with cardiovascular death independent of trimethylamine N‐oxide. Both estimated glomerular filtration rate and hs‐CRP (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) had significant mediation effects on the association of trimethyllysine with cardiovascular death, with a mediation effect of 37.8% and 13.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Elevated trimethyllysine level is associated with cardiovascular death among patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack. Mediation analyses propose that trimethyllysine contributes to cardiovascular death through inflammation and renal function, suggesting a possible pathomechanistic link.

Traumatic events and mental health: The amplifying effects of pre-trauma systemic inflammation

BACKGROUND

Traumatic experiences are strongly predictive of adverse mental health outcomes. Experimental studies have demonstrated that systemic inflammation can increase reactivity to threatening stimuli. It is not known whether naturally occurring inflammation amplifies the impact of traumatic experiences on mental health. Here we test whether incident traumatic events are more predictive of adverse mental health outcomes for individuals with greater pre-trauma systemic inflammation in a racially and ethnically diverse cohort study of youth assigned male at birth who identify as sexual or gender minorities (ages 16-29, n = 518), a group at high risk for trauma exposure.

METHODS

Measures of inflammation, depression symptom severity, and perceived stress were measured at baseline. One year later, depression symptom severity and perceived stress were measured again, and participants reported the traumatic events they had experienced in the intervening year.

RESULTS

In a model adjusted for baseline depression symptom severity and other key covariates, we found that higher baseline levels of interleukin-1β amplified the effect of incident trauma exposure on depression symptom severity at follow-up (β = 0.234, SE = 0.080, P = 0.004). In a model adjusted for baseline perceived stress and other key covariates, we found that higher baseline scores on a multi-marker inflammatory index amplified the effect of incident trauma exposure on perceived stress at follow-up (β = 0.243, SE = 0.083, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that greater pre-trauma inflammation may predict poorer mental health following trauma exposure. Understanding how inflammation interacts with trauma to shape mental health may generate novel insights for preventing and treating the debilitating psychological consequences of trauma.

Multiple predictors of in-stent restenosis after stent implantation in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify predictors of intracranial in-stent restenosis (ISR) after stent placement in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).

METHODS

The authors retrospectively collected data from consecutive patients who suffered from symptomatic ICAS and underwent successful stent placement in Beijing Tiantan hospital. Eligible patients were classified into "ISR," "indeterminate ISR," or "no-ISR" groups by follow-up digital subtraction angiography or CT angiography. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the predictors of intracranial ISR after adjustments for age and sex. In addition, ISR and no-ISR patients were divided into two groups based on the strongest predictor, and the incidence of ISR, recurrent stroke, and symptomatic ISR was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 511 eligible patients were included in the study: 80 ISR, 232 indeterminate ISR, and 199 no-ISR patients. Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; odds ratio [OR] 4.747, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.253-10.01, p < 0.001), Mori type B and C (Mori type B vs Mori type A, OR 3.119, 95% CI 1.093-8.896, p = 0.033; Mori type C vs Mori type A, OR 4.780, 95% CI 1.244-18.37, p = 0.023), coronary artery disease (CAD; OR 2.721, 95% CI 1.192-6.212, p = 0.017), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR; OR 1.474 95% CI 1.064-2.042, p = 0.020), residual stenosis (OR 1.050, 95% CI 1.022-1.080, p = 0.001) and concurrent intracranial tandem stenosis (OR 2.276, 95% CI 1.039-4.986, p = 0.040) synergistically contributed to the occurrence of intracranial ISR. Elevated hs-CRP (hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/L) was the strongest predictor for ISR, and the incidence of ISR in the elevated hs-CRP group and normal hs-CRP group (hs-CRP < 3 mg/L) was 57.14% versus 21.52%, respectively, with recurrent stroke 44.64% versus 16.59%, and symptomatic ISR 41.07% versus 8.52%.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated hs-CRP level, NLR, residual stenosis, Mori type B and C, CAD, and concurrent intracranial tandem stenosis are the main predictors of intracranial ISR, and elevated hs-CRP is crucially associated with recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic ICAS after intracranial stent implantation.

Elevated Serum Inflammatory Markers in Subacute Stroke Are Associated With Clinical Outcome but Not Modified by Aerobic Fitness Training: Results of the Randomized Controlled PHYS-STROKE Trial

Background: Inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and fibrinogen, are upregulated following acute stroke. Studies have shown associations of these biomarkers with increased mortality, recurrent vascular risk, and poor functional outcome. It is suggested that physical fitness training may play a role in decreasing long-term inflammatory activity and supports tissue recovery.

Aim: We investigated the dynamics of selected inflammatory markers in the subacute phase following stroke and determined if fluctuations are associated with functional recovery up to 6 months. Further, we examined whether exposure to aerobic physical fitness training in the subacute phase influenced serum inflammatory markers over time.

Methods: This is an exploratory analysis of patients enrolled in the multicenter randomized-controlled PHYS-STROKE trial. Patients within 45 days of stroke onset were randomized to receive either four weeks of aerobic physical fitness training or relaxation sessions. Generalized estimating equation models were used to investigate the dynamics of inflammatory markers and the associations of exposure to fitness training with serum inflammatory markers over time. Multiple logistic regression models were used to explore associations between inflammatory marker levels at baseline and three months after stroke and outcome at 3- or 6-months.

Results: Irrespective of the intervention group, high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), IL-6, and fibrinogen (but not TNF-alpha) were significantly lower at follow-up visits when compared to baseline (p all ≤ 0.01). In our cohort, exposure to aerobic physical fitness training did not influence levels of inflammatory markers over time. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, increased baseline IL-6 and fibrinogen levels were inversely associated with worse outcome at 3 and 6 months. Increased levels of hs-CRP at 3 months after stroke were associated with impaired outcome at 6 months. We found no independent associations of TNF-alpha levels with investigated outcome parameters.

Conclusion: Serum markers of inflammation were elevated after stroke and decreased within 6 months. In our cohort, exposure to aerobic physical fitness training did not modify the dynamics of inflammatory markers over time. Elevated IL-6 and fibrinogen levels in early subacute stroke were associated with worse outcome up to 6-months after stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01953549.

Exploring potential serum levels of Homocysteine, interleukin-1 beta, and apolipoprotein B 48 as new biomarkers for patients with ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide with heterogeneous characteristics. The subtypes of stroke are due to different pathophysiological regulations and causes. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin-1β and Homocysteine with BMI in patients with ischemic stroke (IS).

METHODS

Over one hundred controls (120) and an equal number of IS patients, including 31 women and 89 men, were recruited to participate in the case-control study conducted at Imam Reza Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) from February 2019 to March 2020. We measured serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin-1β, and Homocysteine. Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these indices in patients and control groups.

RESULTS

The mean serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin-1β, and Homocysteine, were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group with a p-value of 0.001. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for apo B48, IL -1β, hs-CRP, and Homocysteine serum levels were 0.94, 0.98, 0.99, and 1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our current study show that the determination of serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin-1β, and Homocysteine can potentially be used to monitor and diagnose IS patients. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin 1β and Homocysteine and BMI in the patient group. However, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and BMI in the patient group.

Residual Inflammatory Risk Predicts Poor Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Patients

[Figure: see text].

Serum Interleukin-37 Increases in Patients after Ischemic Stroke and Is Associated with Stroke Recurrence

Background

This study seeks to assess interleukin-37 (IL-37) serum level in acute ischemic stroke and the value of predicting 3-month stroke recurrence and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

From January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, all consecutive first-ever acute ischemic stroke patients from our hospital, China, were included. Serum samples, clinical information, and stroke severity (defined by the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score) were collected at baseline. Serum IL-37 level was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Functional impairment (defined by the modified Rankin scale (mRS)) and recurrent stroke were assessed 3 months after admission. The relation of IL-37 with either clinical severity at baseline, unfavorable functional outcome, or stroke recurrence at follow-up was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, and the results were presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Three hundred and ten stroke patients were included. The median IL-37 serum level in those patients was 344.1 pg/ml (interquartile range (IQR), 284.4-405.3 vs. control cases: 122.3 pg/ml (IQR, 104.4-1444.0); P < 0.001). At 3 months, a total of 36 (11.6%) patients had a stroke recurrence. IL-37 serum levels in those patients were higher than in those patients without stroke recurrence (417.0 pg/ml (IQR, 359.3-436.1) vs. 333.3 pg/ml (279.0-391.0)). In a logistic model adjusted for other factors, IL-37 in the highest quartile (>405.3 pg/ml) was still associated with recurrent stroke (OR = 3.32; 95%CI = 2.03–6.13; P < 0.001). IL-37 could promote the NIHSS score (area under the curve (AUC) of the IL-37/NIHSS, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67–0.83; P < 0.001), corresponding to a difference of 0.085 (0.005). Serum IL-37 increases in patients with poor outcome, and an IL-37 in the highest quartile is related to poor outcome (OR = 4.85; 95%CI = 3.11 − 8.22; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Serum IL-37 increased in patients after ischemic stroke and was associated with stroke recurrence events and poor stroke outcomes. Large randomized controlled trials should be carried out to confirm whether IL-37 lowering treatment improves stroke prognosis.

Effect of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis on the prognosis of patients with minor ischemic stroke

AIMS

The evidence of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in patients with minor ischemic stroke (MIS) is still controversial. This study aims to investigate the effect of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis on the prognosis of patients with MIS.

METHODS

We continuously enrolled and analyzed patients with MIS admitted into our hospital within 24 h after symptom onset between January 2016 and December 2018, including 96 patients received intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 h after symptom onset and 84 patients not received intravenous thrombolysis. A favorable long-term outcome was a 90-day mRS score of 0-1. Good short-term outcome was a 7-day NIHSS score of 0 or less than NIHSS onset.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences between two groups of patients' age, gender, history of hypertension, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, smoking, drinking, and baseline NIHSS score. Patients with history of stroke (22.62% vs. 10.42%, p < 0.05) and diabetes (46.43% vs. 22.92%, p = 0.01) were higher in group of non-thrombolysis. The difference of NIHSS score after 7 days was statistically different between the two groups (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in 90-day mRS score. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the prognosis of patients was correlated with neutrophil ratio and CRP at admission.

CONCLUSION

Patients with MIS received intravenous thrombolysis may be associated with earlier neurological improvement, but might has no significant effect on long-term prognosis. The level of neutrophil ratio and CRP at admission are risk factors determining the prognosis, which requires further research.

Stress hyperglycemia may have higher risk of stroke recurrence than previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus

We aim to evaluate the risk of stroke recurrence among non-diabetes mellitus (non-DM), previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus (PDDM), newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus-related hyperglycemia (NDDM-RH) and stress hyperglycemia after minor stroke or TIA. Totally, 3026 patients with baseline fasting glucose and glycated albumin from the CHANCE trial (Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events) were included. Patients were classified as non-DM, PDDM, NDDM-RH and stress hyperglycemia according to the status of glucose metabolism. The primary outcome was stroke recurrence during 90-day follow up. Cox regression was performed to estimate the relationship between the status of glucose metabolism and risk of 90-day stroke recurrence. Compared with PDDM, NDDM-RH had a similar risk of 90-day stroke recurrence (hazard ratios [HR]1.39, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.94-2.04), while stress hyperglycemia had approximately a 5.3-fold increased risk of 90-day stroke recurrence after adjusted for confounding covariates (HR 5.32, 95% CI 3.43-8.26). Parallel results were found for 90-day recurrent ischemic stroke and composite events. Compared with PDDM in minor stroke or TIA, a parallel risk of 90-day stroke recurrence were observed for NDDM-RH, while stress hyperglycemia might relate to higher risk of 90-day stroke recurrence.

Residual Risk and Its Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke with Adherence to Guideline-Based Secondary Stroke Prevention

Background and Purpose

Despite administration of evidence-based therapies, residual risk of stroke recurrence persists. This study aimed to evaluate the residual risk of recurrent stroke in acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) with adherence to guideline-based secondary stroke prevention and identify the risk factors of the residual risk.

Methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA within 7 hours were enrolled from 169 hospitals in Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III) in China. Adherence to guideline-based secondary stroke prevention was defined as persistently receiving all of the five secondary prevention medications (antithrombotic, antidiabetic and antihypertensive agents, statin and anticoagulants) during hospitalization, at discharge, at 3, 6, and 12 months if eligible. The primary outcome was a new stroke at 12 months.

Results

Among 9,022 included patients (median age 63.0 years and 31.7% female), 3,146 (34.9%) were identified as adherence to guideline-based secondary prevention. Of all, 864 (9.6%) patients had recurrent stroke at 12 months, and the residual risk in patients with adherence to guidelinebased secondary prevention was 8.3%. Compared with those without adherence, patients with adherence to guideline-based secondary prevention had lower rate of recurrent stroke (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 0.99; P=0.04) at 12 months. Female, history of stroke, interleukin-6 ≥5.63 ng/L, and relevant intracranial artery stenosis were independent risk factors of the residual risk.

Conclusions

There was still a substantial residual risk of 12-month recurrent stroke even in patients with persistent adherence to guideline-based secondary stroke prevention. Future research should focus on efforts to reduce the residual risk.

Association of Level and Increase in D-Dimer With All-Cause Death and Poor Functional Outcome After Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

Background

D‐dimer is involved in poor outcomes of stroke as a coagulation biomarker. We aimed to investigate the associations of the level and increase in D‐dimer between baseline and 90 days with all‐cause death or poor functional outcome in patients after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods and Results

We collected data from the CNSRIII (Third China National Stroke Registry) study. The present substudy included 10 518 patients within 7 days (baseline) of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and 6268 patients at 90 days. Poor functional outcome at 1 year was assessed on the basis of the modified Rankin Scale (≥3). Multivariable Cox regression or logistic regression was used to assess the association of D‐dimer levels with all‐cause death or poor functional outcome. D‐dimer levels at 90 days were lower than those at baseline (1.4 µg/mL versus 1.7 µg/mL; P<0.001). Higher baseline D‐dimer level was associated with all‐cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.77; 95% CI, 1.25–2.52; P=0.001) and poor functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% CI, 1.23–1.80; P<0.001) during 1‐year follow‐up. Higher D‐dimer level at 90 days was also associated with poor outcomes independently. Furthermore, an increase in D‐dimer levels between baseline and 90 days was associated with all‐cause death (since 90 days to 1 year after index event) (adjusted HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.12–3.53; P=0.019) but not with poor functional outcome (adjusted OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.82–1.41).

Conclusions

Our study shows that high level and an increase in D‐dimer between baseline and 90 days are associated with poor outcomes in patients after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and risk of recurrence after ischaemic stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Recent randomised trials showed benefit for anti-inflammatory therapies in coronary disease but excluded stroke. The prognostic value of blood inflammatory markers after stroke is uncertain and guidelines do not recommend their routine measurement for risk stratification.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the association of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen and risk of recurrent stroke or major vascular events (MVEs). We searched EMBASE and Ovid Medline until 10/1/19. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting comparable effect measures.

Results

Of 2,515 reports identified, 39 met eligibility criteria (IL-6, n = 10; CRP, n = 33; fibrinogen, n = 16). An association with recurrent stroke was reported in 12/26 studies (CRP), 2/11 (fibrinogen) and 3/6 (IL-6). On random-effects meta-analysis of comparable studies, CRP was associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke [pooled hazard ratio (HR) per 1 standard-deviation (SD) increase in log_e-CRP (1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.22, p < 0.01)] and MVEs (pooled HR 1.21, CI 1.10-1.34, p < 0.01). Fibrinogen was also associated with recurrent stroke (HR 1.26, CI 1.07-1.47, p < 0.01) and MVEs (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15-1.49, p < 0.01). Trends were identified for IL-6 for recurrent stroke (HR per 1-SD increase 1.17, CI 0.97-1.41, p = 0.10) and MVEs (HR 1.22, CI 0.96-1.55, p = 0.10).

Conclusion

Despite evidence suggesting an association between inflammatory markers and post-stroke vascular recurrence, substantial methodological heterogeneity was apparent between studies. Individual-patient pooled analysis and standardisation of methods are needed to determine the prognostic role of blood inflammatory markers and to improve patient selection for randomised trials of inflammatory therapies.

Neuroinflammation in hemorrhagic transformation after tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis: Potential mechanisms, targets, therapeutic drugs and biomarkers

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a common and serious complication following ischemic stroke, especially after tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) thrombolysis, which is associated with increased mortality and disability. Due to the unknown mechanisms and targets of HT, there are no effective therapeutic drugs to decrease the incidence of HT. In recent years, many studies have found that neuroinflammation is closely related to the occurrence and development of HT after t-PA thrombolysis, including glial cell activation in the brain, peripheral inflammatory cell infiltration and the release of inflammatory factors, involving inflammation-related targets such as NF-κB, MAPK, HMGB1, TLR4 and NLRP3. Some drugs with anti-inflammatory activity have been shown to protect the BBB and reduce the risk of HT in preclinical experiments and clinical trials, including minocycline, fingolimod, tacrolimus, statins and some natural products. In addition, the changes in MMP-9, VAP-1, NLR, sICAM-1 and other inflammatory factors are closely related to the occurrence of HT, which may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of HT. In this review, we summarize the potential inflammation-related mechanisms, targets, therapeutic drugs, and biomarkers associated with HT after t-PA thrombolysis and discuss the relationship between neuroinflammation and HT, which provides a reference for research on the mechanisms, prevention and treatment drugs, diagnosis and prognosis of HT.

Association of elevated hs-CRP and multiple infarctions with outcomes of minor stroke or TIA: subgroup analysis of CHANCE randomised clinical trial

Background and purpose

The relationship of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and infarction numbers with the prognosis of stroke is uncertain. This study evaluated the association of different hs-CRP levels and infarction numbers with the prognosis of acute minor ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Methods

A subset of 807 patients with both hs-CRP measurement and baseline MRI was included from the Clopidogrel in High-risk Patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events trial. The primary efficacy outcome was the occurrence of an ischaemic stroke at the 1-year follow-up. Infarction numbers were classified as multiple acute infarctions (MAIs), single acute infarction and no acute infarction (NAI). The association between different hs-CRP levels with different infarction numbers and the risk of any outcome was analysed using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

Among the 807 patients, 84 (10.4%) patients had a recurrent ischaemic stroke within 1 year. After adjustment for conventional confounding factors, patients with both elevated hs-CRP levels and MAIs were associated with approximately 4.7-fold of risk of ischaemic stroke within 1 year (16.7% vs 3.5%, HR 4.68, 95% CI 1.54 to 14.23, p=0.007), compared with those with non-elevated hs-CRP levels and NAI. Similar results were observed for the composite events.

Conclusions

Combined elevated hs-CRP levels and MAIs may increase 1-year stroke risk stratification efficiency in patients with minor ischaemic stroke or TIA compared with using those markers alone, which indicated that the combination of inflammatory and imaging markers might improve the effectiveness of risk stratification concerning minor ischaemic stroke or TIA.

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT00979589).

Cohort profile: BIOVASC-late, a prospective multicentred study of imaging and blood biomarkers of carotid plaque inflammation and risk of late vascular recurrence after non-severe stroke in Ireland

PURPOSE

Inflammation is important in stroke. Anti-inflammatory therapy reduces vascular events in coronary patients. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) identifies plaque inflammation-related metabolism. However, long-term prospective cohort studies investigating the association between carotid plaque inflammation, identified on ¹⁸F-FDG PET and the risk of recurrent vascular events, have not yet been undertaken in patients with stroke.

PARTICIPANTS

The Biomarkers Imaging Vulnerable Atherosclerosis in Symptomatic Carotid disease (BIOVASC) study and Dublin Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (DUCASS) are two prospective multicentred observational cohort studies, employing near-identical methodologies, which recruited 285 patients between 2008 and 2016 with non-severe stroke/transient ischaemic attack and ipsilateral carotid stenosis (50%-99%). Patients underwent coregistered carotid ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT angiography and phlebotomy for measurement of inflammatory cytokines. Plaque ¹⁸F-FDG-uptake is expressed as maximum standardised uptake value (SUV_max) and tissue-to-background ratio. The BIOVASC-Late study is a follow-up study (median 7 years) of patients recruited to the DUCASS/BIOVASC cohorts.

FINDINGS TO DATE

We have reported that ¹⁸F-FDG-uptake in atherosclerotic plaques of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis predicts early recurrent stroke, independent of luminal narrowing. The incorporation of ¹⁸F-FDG plaque uptake into a clinical prediction model also improves discrimination of early recurrent stroke, when compared with risk stratification by luminal stenosis alone. However, the relationship between ¹⁸F-FDG-uptake and late vascular events has not been investigated to date.

FUTURE PLANS

The primary aim of BIOVASC-Late is to investigate the association between SUV_max in symptomatic 'culprit' carotid plaque (as a marker of systemic inflammatory atherosclerosis) and the composite outcome of any late major vascular event (recurrent ischaemic stroke, coronary event or vascular death). Secondary aims are to investigate associations between: (1) SUV_max in symptomatic plaque, and individual vascular endpoints (2) SUV_max in asymptomatic contralateral carotid plaque and SUV_max in ipsilateral symptomatic plaque (3) SUV_max in asymptomatic carotid plaque and major vascular events (4) inflammatory cytokines and vascular events.

Triiodothyronine levels were positively correlated with opening of collateral circulation in cerebral infarction patients with large artery atherosclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is one of the signs for poor prognosis of cerebral infarction (CI), but its risk factors had never been explored. In this study, we analyzed the potential effect of collateral circulation on prognosis prediction of triiodothyronine for large artery atherosclerosis cerebral infarction (LAA-CI) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical data of CI patients between 2012 and 2014 were collected. Imaging inspection was used for determining TOAST classification and evaluating collateral circulation. One-year follow-up was conducted for mRS score by telephone.

RESULTS

T3 level in the NTIS group (p = 0.001) was significantly decreased while TSH level (p < 0.001) was increased. Patients in the NTIS group had a poorer prognosis (p = 0.008) and the main reason was the high mortality (p = 0.002). NTIS predicted poor collateral circulation (p = 0.026) and good collateral circulation tended to be less likely concomitant with NTIS (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that triiodothyronine concentrations (OR = 4.760, 95% CI: 1.981-11.456, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with but advanced age (OR = 0.756, 95% CI: 0.645-0.886, p = 0.001) negatively with opening of collateral circulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor opening of collateral circulation was likely to mediate the prediction of NTIS for prognosis of LAA-CI patients.

Blood Biomarkers for Stroke Diagnosis and Management

Biomarkers are objective indicators used to assess normal or pathological processes, evaluate responses to treatment and predict outcomes. Many blood biomarkers already guide decision-making in clinical practice. In stroke, the number of candidate biomarkers is constantly increasing. These biomarkers include proteins, ribonucleic acids, lipids or metabolites. Although biomarkers have the potential to improve the diagnosis and the management of patients with stroke, there is currently no marker that has demonstrated sufficient sensitivity, specificity, rapidity, precision, and cost-effectiveness to be used in the routine management of stroke, thus highlighting the need for additional work. A better standardization of clinical, laboratory and statistical procedures between centers is indispensable to optimize biomarker performance. This review focuses on blood biomarkers that have shown promise for translation into clinical practice and describes some newly reported markers that could add to routine stroke care. Avenues for the discovery of new stroke biomarkers and future research are discussed. The description of the biomarkers is organized according to their expected application in clinical practice: diagnosis, treatment decision, and outcome prediction.

Effects of dl-3-n-butylphthalide on serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels in acute cerebral infarction

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the curative effect of dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) on patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and its effects on serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels.

METHODS

A total of 136 ACI patients treated in our hospital, who met the criteria, were selected and randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 60, including 28 males and 32 females) and treatment group (n = 76, including 32 males and 44 females). Patients in the control group were treated with routine drug therapy, while patients in the treatment group were treated with NBP on this basis. A dose of 100 ml was administered by intravenous injection for 2 times/day, for 14 days. The curative effect was evaluated using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel index (BI) self-care ability. The levels of the two factors in serum were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the changes in levels of these two factors in serum at different time points before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

(a) Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP levels in the treatment group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment and those in the control group after treatment (p < .05). (b) The NIHSS and BI scores in the treatment group were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment and those in the control group after treatment (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Dl-3-n-butylphthalide can improve the expression of Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP in serum in ACI patients. Furthermore, NBP has significant efficacy in inhibiting inflammation and improving neurological symptoms.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as an indicator of ischemic stroke in patients with isolated acute vestibular syndrome: Retrospective observational study

Ischemic strokes presenting with isolated acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) are not rare and still are challenging for diagnosis. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with stroke in patients with isolated AVS. A total of 217 patients with isolated AVS within 3 days of symptom onset were included. Serum hs-CRP levels were assessed within 24 hours of admission. The relationship between hs-CRP levels and stroke in patients with AVS were analyzed using univariate and multivariate models. The results showed that hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in infarction patients than that in noninfarction group. The stroke occurrence was increased with increasing quartile levels of hs-CRP. The highest quartile level of hs-CRP was associated with a higher occurrence of stroke compared with the lowest quartile group (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.099; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.272-13.216; P = .018). We also found that male gender (adjusted OR, 5.635; 95% CI, 2.212-14.352; P < .001) and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (adjusted OR, 2.543; 95% CI, 1.175-5.505; P = .018) were independently associated with stroke in patients with AVS. In addition, using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, our study yielded a threshold value of hs-CRP at 1.82 mg/L, and demonstrated that combining hs-CRP with LDL-C improved the discriminatory ability to identify stroke patients with AVS (area under the curve of the combined model: 0.753; 95% CI = 0.684-0.821; P < .001). Hs-CRP may be a useful indicator of stroke in patients with AVS. More attention should be paid to the patients with elevated hs-CRP level.