[Clinical profile and non-recreational methamphetamine abuse (shabu) among stroke patients in the Philippine population]

INTRODUCTION

Chronic non-recreational use of methamphetamine (shabu) is increasing among the Filipino population in Barcelona. The Asian population presents a different stroke pattern, with a higher incidence of haemorrhage, and different vascular risk factors and health behaviours. The objective of this study is to describe the stroke profile and incidence of methamphetamine use in patients of Filipino origin admitted to our centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Demographic data, vascular risk factors, clinical data and prognosis were recorded. Methamphetamine exposure was analysed in plasma samples collected on admission, which were then analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Of a total of 6,418 stroke patients, 73 (1.1%) were identified as being of Filipino origin. The mean age was 54.4 ± 12.1 years, 54% were male and the stroke was ischaemic in 64.4% of cases. Arterial hypertension was the main risk factor. Ten (13.7%) patients tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. These results confirm recent substance use prior to the stroke, mostly in men (80%). In patients who were consumers, 60% had a haemorrhagic stroke, with a poor functional prognosis at three months in 55.6% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In our setting, patients of Filipino ethnicity admitted for stroke related to the consumption of shabu belonged a younger age bracket, with a lower prevalence of vascular risk factors and a predominance of the haemorrhagic subtype. Methamphetamine testing in Filipino stroke patients is recommended due to the high prevalence of methamphetamine use in our country.

Sex and gender differences in acute stroke care: metrics, access to treatment and outcome. A territorial analysis of the Stroke Code System of Catalonia

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have reported differences in the management and outcome of women stroke patients in comparison with men. We aim to analyze sex and gender differences in the medical assistance, access to treatment and outcome of acute stroke patients in Catalonia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from a prospective population-based registry of stroke code activations in Catalonia (CICAT) from January/2016 to December/2019. The registry includes demographic data, stroke severity, stroke subtype, reperfusion therapy, and time workflow. Centralized clinical outcome at 90 days was assessed in patients receiving reperfusion therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 23,371 stroke code activations were registered (54% men, 46% women). No differences in prehospital time metrics were observed. Women more frequently had a final diagnosis of stroke mimic, were older and had a previous worse functional situation. Among ischemic stroke patients, women had higher stroke severity and more frequently presented proximal large vessel occlusion. Women received more frequently reperfusion therapy (48.2% vs 43.1%, p < 0.001). Women tended to present a worse outcome at 90 days, especially for the group receiving only IVT (good outcome 56.7% vs 63.8%; p < 0.001), but not for the group of patients treated with IVT + MT or MT alone, although sex was not independently associated with clinical outcome in logistic regression analysis (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.94-1.23; p = 0.27) nor in the analysis after matching using the propensity score (OR 1.09; 95% CI, 0.97-1.22).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

We found some differences by sex in that acute stroke was more frequent in older women and the stroke severity was higher. We found no differences in medical assistance times, access to reperfusion treatment and early complications. Worse clinical outcome at 90 days in women was conditioned by stroke severity and older age, but not by sex itself.

Factors associated with migraine aura mimicking stroke in code stroke

INTRODUCTION

Migraine with aura (MA) is a frequent stroke simulator that can lead to erroneous diagnosis and subsequent unnecessary acute or secondary prevention treatments. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data of migraine with aura and ischemic stroke patients to detect differences that could help in the diagnosis.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a consecutive register of code strokes between January 2005 and June 2020. Diagnosis of ischemic stroke or MA was collected. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to test associations between clinical and blood data with ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

Of 3140 code strokes, 2424 (77.2%) were ischemic strokes and 34 (1.1%) were MA. Migraine cases were younger, more frequently females and with lower prevalence of vascular risk factors. Initial NIHSS was lower in MA cases, but no differences were seen in fibrinolysis rate (30%). Blood test showed lower levels of glucose, D-dimer, and fibrinogen in MA cases. Multivariable model showed and independent association for ischemic stroke with age [OR, (95%CI): 1.09, (1.07-1.12, p < 0.001], male sex [OR, (95%CI): 4.47, (3.80-5.13), p < 0.001], initial NIHSS [OR, (95%CI): 1.21, (1.07-1.34), p < 0.01], and fibrinogen levels [OR, (95%CI): 1.01, (1.00-1.01), p < 0.05]. A model including sex male OR: 3.55 [2.882; 4.598], p < 0.001, and cutoff points (age > 65, OR: 7.953 [7.256; 8.649], p < 0.001, NIHSS > 6, OR: 3.740 [2.882; 4.598], p < 0.01, and fibrinogen > 400 mg/dL, OR: 2.988 [2.290; 3.686], p < 0.01) showed a good global discrimination capability AUC = 0.89 (95%CI: 0.88-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

In code stroke, a model including age, sex, NIHSS, and fibrinogen showed a good discrimination capability to differentiate between MA and Ischemic stroke. Whether these variables can be implemented in a diagnostic rule should be tested in future studies.

Machine Learning Approximations to Predict Epigenetic Age Acceleration in Stroke Patients

Age acceleration (Age-A) is a useful tool that is able to predict a broad range of health outcomes. It is necessary to determine DNA methylation levels to estimate it, and it is known that Age-A is influenced by environmental, lifestyle, and vascular risk factors (VRF). The aim of this study is to estimate the contribution of these easily measurable factors to Age-A in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), using different machine learning (ML) approximations, and try to find a more accessible model able to predict Age-A. We studied a CVD cohort of 952 patients with information about VRF, lifestyle habits, and target organ damage. We estimated Age-A using Hannum's epigenetic clock, and trained six different models to predict Age-A: a conventional linear regression model, four ML models (elastic net regression (EN), K-Nearest neighbors, random forest, and support vector machine models), and one deep learning approximation (multilayer perceptron (MLP) model). The best-performing models were EN and MLP; although, the predictive capability was modest (R² 0.358 and 0.378, respectively). In conclusion, our results support the influence of these factors on Age-A; although, they were not enough to explain most of its variability.

First pass effect in posterior circulation occlusions: Analysis from the CICAT registry

BACKGROUND

The first pass effect (FPE) is an independent predictor of functional independence in patients with large vessel occlusion in anterior circulation ischemic strokes. However, whether it predicts outcome in posterior circulation large vessel occlusion (PC-LVO) is uncertain. We aimed to study the frequency, characteristics, and predictors of FPE and its association with clinical outcomes in PC-LVO.

METHOD

We performed an analysis from the prospective CICAT Registry. All patients with PC-LVO who underwent endovascular therapy between January 2016 and January 2020 were included. A centrally assessed clinical follow-up was performed at 3 months by blinded investigators. FPE was defined as the achievement of modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction 3 in a single pass of the endovascular thrombectomy device, and multi-pass effect (MPE) if it was achieved in more than one pass. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify whether FPE is an independent predictor of functional independence defined as a modified Rankin Score of 0-2.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 265 patients in who FPE was achieved in 105 (39.6%). Patients with FPE were more likely to achieve functional independence compared to the non-FPE group (52.4% vs 25.1%, p < .001) and the MPE group (52.4% vs 26.7%, p < .001). FPE was independently associated with functional independence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-4.37) but MPE was not (aOR: 0.92, 95% CI 0.40-2.13). Independent predictors of FPE were the use of direct aspiration, embolic mechanism of stroke, and the absence of general anesthesia (GA) use.

CONCLUSIONS

FPE is an independent predictor of functional independence in PC-LVO and was associated with a significantly better outcome than MPE.

Evolution of quality indicators in acute stroke during the RACECAT Trial: Impact in the general population

BACKGROUND

Acute ischemic stroke patients not referred directly to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) have reduced access to endovascular treatment (EVT). The RACECAT trial is a population-based cluster-randomized trial, designed to compare mothership and drip-and-ship strategies in acute ischemic stroke patients outside the catchment area of a CSC.

AIMS

To analyze the evolution of performance indicators in the regions that participated in RACECAT.

METHODS

This retrospective longitudinal observational study included all stroke alerts evaluated by emergency medical services in Catalonia between February 2016 and February 2020. Cases were classified geographically according to the nearest SC: local SC (Local-SC) and CSC catchment areas. We analyzed the evolution of EVT rates and relevant workflow times in Local-SC versus CSC catchment areas over three study periods: P1 (February 2016 to April 2017: before RACECAT initiation), P2 (May 2017 to September 2018), and P3 (October 2018 to February 2020).

RESULTS

We included 20603 stroke alerts, 10,694 (51.9%) of which were activated within Local-SC catchment areas. The proportion of patients receiving EVT within Local-SC catchment areas increased (P1 vs. P3: 7.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.4-8.7) to 22.5% (95% CI, 20.8-24.4) p < 0.001). Inequalities in the odds of receiving EVT were reduced for patients from CSC versus Local-SC catchment areas (P1: odds ratio (OR) 3.9 (95% CI, 3.2-5) vs. P3: OR 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3-1.7) In Local-SC, door-to-image (P1: 24 (interquartile range (IQR) 15-36), P2: 24 (15-35), P3: 21 (13-32) min, p < 0.001) and door-to-needle times (P1: 42 (31-60), P2: 41 (29-58), P3: 35 (25-50) p < 0.001) reduced. Time from Local-SC arrival to groin puncture also decreased over time (P1: 188 [151-229], P2: 190 (157-233), P3: 168 (127-215) min, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

An increase in EVT rates in Local-SC regions with a significant decrease in workflow times occurred during the period of the RACECAT trial.

Plasma levels of miRNA-1-3p are associated with subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Identifying biomarkers of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) is of most interest in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CrS). We sought to evaluate the circulating microRNA (miRNA) profile of patients with CrS and AF compared with those in persistent sinus rhythm.

METHODS

Among 64 consecutive patients with CrS under continuous monitoring by a predischarge insertable monitor, 18 patients (9 with AF and 9 in persistent sinus rhythm) were selected for high-throughput determination of 754 miRNAs. Nine patients with concomitant stroke and AF were also screened to improve the yield of miRNA selection. Differentially expressed miRNAs were replicated in an independent cohort (n=46). Biological markers were stratified by the median and included in logistic regression analyses to evaluate their association with AF at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Eight miRNAs were differentially expressed between patients with and without AF. In the replication cohort, miR-1-3p, a gene regulator involved in cardiac arrhythmogenesis, was the only miRNA to remain significantly higher in patients with CrS and AF vs those in sinus rhythm and showed a modest association with AF burden. High (= above the median) miR-1-3p plasma values, together with a low left atrial ejection fraction, were independently associated with the presence of AF at 6 and 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, plasma levels of miR-1-3p were elevated in CrS patients with subsequent AF. Our results preliminarily suggest that miR-1-3p could be a novel biomarker that, together with clinical parameters, could help identify patients with CrS and a high risk of occult AF.

Determinants and Trends of the Use of Intravenous Thrombolysis for Minor Stroke: A Population-Based Study, 2016 to 2020

BACKGROUND

We analyzed the main factors associated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with minor ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a prospective, government-mandated, population-based registry of stroke code patients in Catalonia (6 Comprehensive Stroke Centers, 8 Primary Stroke Centers, and 14 TeleStroke Centers). We selected patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≤5 at hospital admission from January 2016 to December 2020. We excluded patients with a baseline modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3, absolute contraindication for IVT, unknown stroke onset, or admitted to hospital beyond 4.5 after stroke onset. The main outcome was treatment with IVT. We performed univariable and binary logistic regression analyses to identify the most important factors associated with IVT.

RESULTS

We included 2975 code strokes; 1433 (48.2%) received IVT of which 30 (2.1%) had a symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. Patients treated with IVT as compared to patients who did not receive IVT were more frequently women, had higher NIHSS, arrived earlier to hospital, were admitted to a Comprehensive Stroke Centers, and had large vessel occlusion. After binary logistic regression, NIHSS score 4 to 5 (odds ratio, 40.62 [95% CI, 31.73-57.22]; P<0.001) and large vessel occlusion (odds ratio, 16.39 [95% CI, 7.25-37.04]; P<0.001) were the strongest predictors of IVT. Younger age, female sex, baseline modified Rankin Scale score of 0, earlier arrival to hospital (<120 minutes after stroke onset), and the type of stroke center were also independently associated with IVT. The weight of large vessel occlusion on IVT was higher in patients with lower NIHSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Minor stroke female patients, with higher NIHSS, arriving earlier to the hospital, presenting with large vessel occlusion and admitted to a Comprehensive Stroke Centers were more likely to receive intravenous thrombolysis.

Long-term vascular events after subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) long-term risk is not well known. Our aims are: describing long-term vascular event (VE) incidence rates in SAH survivors; describing VE: ischemic and/or hemorrhagic; identifying independent association of factors related to VE; and analyzing the usefulness of factors to increase predictive ability.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of consecutive patients admitted to Hospital del Mar with a diagnosis of SAH (n = 566) between January 2007 and January 2020 was carried out. They were followed up until January 2021. The study endpoint was a new VE in the follow-up. We calculated both incidence rates and cumulative rates at 5 years. Cox regression survival models including vascular risk factors with and without specific data of SAH disease were developed. We analyzed ROC curves of all multivariate models.

RESULTS

The analyzed cohort included 423 non-fatal SAH cases. Total patient-years were 2468.16 years. The average follow-up was 70.03 ± 43.14; range: 1-180 months. There were 49 VE detected in 47 patients, as 2 of them had more than 1 VE. Incidence rate was 0.020 events_per_patient/year, cumulative incidence at 5 years was 11.11%. The more frequent VE that we found were cerebrovascular (28/49), mainly ischemic (21/28). Disability after SAH and the presence of multiple aneurysms were independently associated with a VE risk and improved the predictive capacity of multivariate models (AUC 0.679 vs 0.764; p = 0.0062).

CONCLUSIONS

We reported a low vascular risk after SAH. We have shown the usefulness of SAH factors to identify patients with a higher risk of VE.

[Cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish of the Signs of Depression Scale (SODS) to the early assessment of mood in patients admitted to a Stroke Unit]

INTRODUCTION

Stroke hospitalization negatively affects mood. Clinical guidelines recommend early evaluation of mood disorders. However, there is no consensus on the most appropriate scale in Spanish language.

AIM

The objective of the study is the cross-cultural adaptation of the Signs of Depression Scale (SODS) in patients admitted to the stroke unit of the Hospital del Mar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The work scheme for transcultural adaptation into Spanish was: a) direct translation; b) reconciliation and synthesis of translations; c) reverse translation into English; d) consensus of the back-translated version with original author; e) cognitive interrogation; f) revision and consensus version in Spanish; g) reading test, spelling, and grammar check; h) final version. Analysis and descriptive summary of the adaptation process was performed.

RESULTS

There were no differences between direct translation versions. The back-translation version was accepted by the author of the original questionnaire. A convenience sample of patients with/without aphasia (n = 22) was included for cognitive interview from which no major problems were identified in the implementation of the questionnaire. Inclusive language was used in the final version.

CONCLUSION

The transcultural adaptation of the scale allows in a simple and early way the evaluation mood in patients admitted to the stroke unit. The Spanish version is equivalent to the original instrument. This adaptation can be incorporated into care in the Stroke Unit and is extrapolated to other Spanish-speaking centres.

High prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with a first episode of acute ischemic stroke. Impact on disability and death

INTRODUCTION

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, and it is associated with an increased risk of overall mortality being cardiovascular disease the most common cause of mortality. Strategies are needed to identify high risk groups for NAFLD to improve screening approaches. Moreover, there is a lack of information about the prevalence of NAFLD on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and the influence of NAFLD on the prognosis of the stroke. The aim of the study was to define the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with a first episode of AIS and the secondary aims were to evaluate the prevalence of NAFLD at different ages and its impact on the severity and prognosis of the AIS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observational study including consecutive patients admitted for the first AIS from January 2005 to May 2018. Patients with harmful alcohol intake, other liver diseases and malignancies were excluded. Sociodemographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, and blood test at admission were reviewed. NAFLD and liver fibrosis were assessed with the serological scores Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Fibrosis-4 respectively. NAFLD was defined by a FLI>60. Stroke severity and prognosis were evaluated with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale respectively in patients aged from 40 to 79 years old.

RESULTS

We included 1601 patients, 52.4% were female and median (IQR) age of 77 (66 - 83) years. The 41% of the total cohort had a FLI>60 with different prevalence according to age in decades: in 30-39 years: 35.7%; in 40-49: 47.5%; in 50-59: 51.1%, in 60-69: 56%, in 70-79: 41.4%; in 80-89: 34.9% (p<0.001). The presence of NAFLD did not impact on the severity or the prognosis of stroke. However, patients with NAFLD were younger than those without NAFLD (74 vs. 78; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Presence of NAFLD did not impact on disability and death after the stroke. However, patients with a first episode of stroke showed a high prevalence of NAFLD, especially at intermediate ages, and therefore, screening for NAFLD should be advisable.

Increased COVID-19 Mortality in People With Previous Cerebrovascular Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to determine the association between previous stroke and mortality after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) according to sex, age groups, and stroke subtypes.

METHODS

Prospective population-based cohort study including all COVID-19 positive cases between February 1 and July 31, 2020. Comorbidities and mortality were extracted using linked health administration databases. Previous stroke included transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, and combined stroke for cases with more than one category. Other comorbidities were obesity, diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, dementia, individual socioeconomic index, and deprivation index. Cases were followed up until December 31, 2020. Primary outcome was mortality of any cause after COVID-19 positivity. Cox proportional regression analysis adjusted for comorbidities was used. Stratified analyses were performed for sex and age (<60, 60-79, and ≥80 years).

RESULTS

There were 91 629 COVID-19 cases. Previous strokes were 5752 (6.27%), of which 3887 (67.57%) were ischemic, 1237 (21.50%) transient ischemic attack, 255 (4.43%) combined, 203 (3.53%) hemorrhagic, and 170 (2.96%) subarachnoid hemorrhage. There were 9512 deaths (10.38%). Mortality was associated with previous stroke (hazard ratio [HR]=1.12 [95% CI, 1.06-1.18], P<0.001), in both sexes separately (men=1.13 [1.05-1.22], P=0.001; women=1.09 [1.01-1.18], P=0.023), in people <60 years (HR=2.97 [1.97-4.48], P<0.001) and 60 to 79 years (HR=1.32 [1.19-1.48], P<0.001) but not in people ≥80 years (HR=1.02 [0.96-1.09], P=0.437). Ischemic (HR=1.11 [1.05-1.18], P=0.001), hemorrhagic (HR=1.53 [1.20-1.96], P=0.001) and combined (HR=1.31 [1.05-1.63], P=0.016) strokes were associated but not transient ischemic attack. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was associated only in people <60 years (HR=5.73 [1.82-18.06], P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous stroke was associated with a higher mortality in people younger than 80 years. The association occurred for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke but not for transient ischemic attack. These data might help healthcare authorities to establish prioritization strategies for COVID-19 vaccination.

Effectiveness of Thrombectomy in Stroke According to Baseline Prognostic Factors: Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Analysis of a Population-Based Registry

Background and Purpose

 In real-world practice, the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is uncertain in stroke patients with very favorable or poor prognostic profiles at baseline. We studied the effectiveness of MT versus medical treatment stratifying by different baseline prognostic factors.

Methods

 Retrospective analysis of 2,588 patients with an ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion nested in the population-based registry of stroke code activations in Catalonia from January 2017 to June 2019. The effect of MT on good functional outcome (modified Rankin Score ≤2) and survival at 3 months was studied using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis in three pre-defined baseline prognostic groups: poor (if pre-stroke disability, age >85 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] >25, time from onset >6 hours, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <6, proximal vertebrobasilar occlusion, supratherapeutic international normalized ratio >3), good (if NIHSS <6 or distal occlusion, in the absence of poor prognostic factors), or reference (not meeting other groups’ criteria).

Results

 Patients receiving MT (n=1,996, 77%) were younger, had less pre-stroke disability, and received systemic thrombolysis less frequently. These differences were balanced after the IPTW stratified by prognosis. MT was associated with good functional outcome in the reference (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0 to 4.4), and especially in the poor baseline prognostic stratum (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.6 to 5.9), but not in the good prognostic stratum. MT was associated with survival only in the poor prognostic stratum (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.0 to 3.3).

Conclusions

 Despite their worse overall outcomes, the impact of thrombectomy over medical management was more substantial in patients with poorer baseline prognostic factors than patients with good prognostic factors.

Impact of general anesthesia on posterior circulation large vessel occlusions after endovascular thrombectomy

Background

The impact of general anesthesia on functional outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion remains unclear. Most studies have focused on anterior circulation large vessel occlusion; however, little is known about the effect of general anesthesia in patients with posterior circulation—large vessel occlusion.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis from the prospective CICAT registry. All patients with posterior circulation—large vessel occlusion—and undergoing endovascular therapy between January 2016 and January 2020 were included. Demographics, baseline characteristics, procedural data, and anesthesia modality (general anesthesia or conscious sedation) were evaluated. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) at three months.

Results

298 patients underwent endovascular treatment with posterior circulation—large vessel occlusion—were included. Age, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, puncture to recanalization length, ≥3 device passes, absent of successful recanalization (defined as treatment in cerebral ischemia of 3), and general anesthesia were statistically associated with poor outcome (mRS: 3-6). In the multivariable regression, general anesthesia and ≥3 device passes were independently associated with poor outcome (aOR: 3.11, (95% CI: 1.34–7.2); P = 0.01 and 3.77, (95% CI: 1.29–11.01); P = 0.02, respectively). Patients treated with general anesthesia were less likely to have a good outcome at three months compared to conscious sedation (19.7% vs. 45.1%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In our study population, general anesthesia use is associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with posterior circulation—large vessel occlusion—treated endovascularly.

Impact of COVID-19 Infection on the Outcome of Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

We evaluated whether stroke severity, functional outcome, and mortality are different in patients with ischemic stroke with or without coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

Reasons for Not Performing Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Population-Based Study of Stroke Codes

[Figure: see text].

Risk factors analysis according to regional distribution of white matter hyperintensities in a stroke cohort

OBJECTIVES

The spectrum of distribution of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) may reflect different functional, histopathological, and etiological features. We examined the relationships between cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRF) and different patterns of WMH in MRI using a qualitative visual scale in ischemic stroke (IS) patients.

METHODS

We assembled clinical data and imaging findings from patients of two independent cohorts with recent IS. MRI scans were evaluated using a modified visual scale from Fazekas, Wahlund, and Van Swieten. WMH distributions were analyzed separately in periventricular (PV-WMH) and deep (D-WMH) white matter, basal ganglia (BG-WMH), and brainstem (B-WMH). Presence of confluence of PV-WMH and D-WMH and anterior-versus-posterior WMH predominance were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software.

RESULTS

We included 618 patients, with a mean age of 72 years (standard deviation [SD] 11 years). The most frequent WMH pattern was D-WMH (73%). In a multivariable analysis, hypertension was associated with PV-WMH (odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-2.50, p = 0.001) and BG-WMH (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.19-3.83, p = 0.012). Diabetes mellitus was significantly related to PV-WMH (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.24-2.30, p = 0.001), D-WMH (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07-1.49, p = 0.017), and confluence patterns of D-WMH and PV-WMH (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.07-2.47, p = 0.024). Hyperlipidemia was found to be independently related to brainstem distribution (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.08-2.69, p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Different CVRF profiles were significantly related to specific WMH spatial distribution patterns in a large IS cohort.

KEY POINTS

• An observational study of WMH in a large IS cohort was assessed by a modified visual evaluation. • Different CVRF profiles were significantly related to specific WMH spatial distribution patterns. • Distinct WMH anatomical patterns could be related to different pathophysiological mechanisms.

Defining Minor Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The minor stroke concept has not been analyzed in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Our purpose was to determine the optimal cut point on the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for defining a minor ICH (mICH) in patients with primary ICH.

METHODS

An ICH was considered minor if associated with a favorable 3-month outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2). For supratentorial ICH, the discovery cohort consisted of 478 patients prospectively admitted at University Hospital del Mar. Association between NIHSS at admission and 3-month outcome was evaluated with area under the curve-receiver operating characteristics (AUC-ROC) and Youden's index to identify the optimal NIHSS cutoff point to define mICH. External validation was performed in a cohort of 242 supratentorial ICH patients from University Hospital Sant Pau. For infratentorial location, patients from both hospitals (n = 85) were analyzed together.

RESULTS

The best -NIHSS cutoff point defining supratentorial-mICH was 6 (AUC-ROC = 0.815 [0.774-0.857] in the discovery cohort and AUC-ROC = 0.819 [0.756-0.882] in the external validation cohort). For infratentorial ICH, the best cutoff point was 4 (AUC-ROC = 0.771 [0.664-0.877]). Using these cutoff points, 40.5% of all primary ICH cases were mICH. Of these, 70.2% were living independently at 3-month follow-up (72% for supratentorial ICH and 56.1% for infratentorial ICH) and 6.5% had died (5.3% for supratentorial ICH, and 14.6% for infratentorial ICH). For patients identified as non-mICH, good 3-month outcome was observed in 11.3% of cases; mortality was 51%.

CONCLUSIONS

The definition of mICH using the NIHSS cutoff point of 6 for supratentorial ICH and 4 for infratentorial ICH is useful to identify good outcome in ICH patients.

Genome-wide transcriptome study in skin biopsies reveals an association of E2F4 with cadasil and cognitive impairment

CADASIL is a small vessel disease caused by mutations in NOTCH3 that lead to an odd number of cysteines in the EGF-like repeat domain, causing protein misfolding and aggregation. The main symptoms are migraine, psychiatric disturbances, recurrent strokes and dementia, being executive function characteristically impaired. The molecular pathways altered by this receptor aggregation need to be studied further. A genome-wide transcriptome study (four cases paired with three healthy siblings) was carried out, in addition to a qRT-PCR for validation purposes (ten new cases and eight new controls). To study the expression profile by cell type of the significant mRNAs found, we performed an in situ hybridization (ISH) (nine cases and eight controls) and a research in the Single-nuclei Brain RNA-seq expression browser (SNBREB). Pathway analysis enrichment was carried out with Gene Ontology and Reactome. Neuropsychological tests were performed in five of the qRT-PCR cases. The two most significant differentially expressed mRNAs (BANP, p-value = 7.23 × 10-4 and PDCD6IP, p-value = 8.36 × 10-4) were selected for the validation study by qRT-PCR. Additionally, we selected two more mRNAs (CAMK2G, p-value = 4.52 × 10-3 and E2F4, p-value = 4.77 × 10-3) due to their association with ischemic neuronal death. E2F4 showed differential expression in the genome-wide transcriptome study and in the qRT-PCR (p = 1.23 × 10-3), and it was upregulated in CADASIL cases. Furthermore, higher E2F4 expression was associated with worse executive function (p = 2.04 × 10-2) and attention and information processing speed (IPS) (p = 8.73 × 10-2). In situ hibridization showed E2F4 expression in endothelial and vascular smooth vessel cells. In silico studies indicated that E2F4 is also expressed in brain endothelial cells. Among the most significant pathways analyzed, there was an enrichment of vascular development, cell adhesion and vesicular machinery terms and autophagy process. E2F4 is more highly expressed in the skin biopsy of CADASIL patients compared to controls, and its expression is present in endothelial cells and VSMCs. Further studies are needed to understand whether E2F4 could be useful as a biomarker, to monitor the disease or be used as a therapeutic target.

REMOTE Ischemic Perconditioning Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in Catalonia: REMOTE-CAT PROJECT

Rationale: Remote ischemic perconditioning during cerebral ischemia (RIPerC) refers to the application of brief episodes of transient limb ischemia commonly to a limb, it represents a new safe, simple and low-cost paradigm in neuroprotection.

Aim and/or Hypothesis: To evaluate the effects of RIPerC on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, applied in the ambulance, to improve functional outcomes compared with standard of care.

Sample Size Estimates: A sample size of 286 patients in each arm achieves 80% power to detect treatment differences of 14% in the outcome, using a two-sided binomial test at significance level of 0.05, assuming that 40% of the control patients will experience good outcome and an initial misdiagnosis rate of 29%.

Methods and Design: We aim to conduct a multicentre study of pre-hospital RIPerC application in AIS patients. A total of 572 adult patients diagnosed of suspected clinical stroke within 8 h of symptom onset and clinical deficit >0 according to prehospital rapid arterial occlusion evaluation (RACE) scale score will be randomized, in blocks of size 4, to RIPerC or sham. Patients will be stratified by RACE score scale. RIPerC will be started in the ambulance before hospital admission and continued in the hospital if necessary. It will consist of five cycles of electronic tourniquet inflation and deflation (5 min each). The cuff pressure for RIPerC will be 200 mmHg during inflation. Sham will only simulate vibration of the device.

Study Outcome(s): The primary outcome will be the difference in the proportion of patients with good outcomes as defined by a mRS score of 2 or less at 90 days. Secondary outcomes to be monitored will include early neurological improvement rate, treatment related serious adverse event rates, size of the infarct volume, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, metabolomic and lipidomic response to RIPerC and Neuropsychological evaluation at 90 days.

Discussion: Neuroprotective therapies could not only increase the benefits of available reperfusion therapies among AIS patients but also provide an option for patients who are not candidates for these treatments. REMOTE-CAT will investigate the clinical benefit of RIC as a new neuroprotective strategy in AIS.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03375762.

Short- and long-term outcome of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To describe short-term and 5-year rates of mortality and poor outcome in patients with spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) who received repair treatment.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, mortality and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3-6) were analyzed in 311 patients with aSAH at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years follow-up. Sensitivity analysis was performed according to treatment modality. In-hospital and 5-year complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 476 consecutive patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, 347 patients (72.9%) had aSAH. Of these, 311 (89.6%) were treated (242 endovascular, 69 neurosurgical), with a mean follow-up of 43.4 months (range, 1 to 145). Three-month, 1-year, and 5-year mortality was 18.4%, 22.9%, and 29.0%, and poor outcome was observed in 42.3%, 36.0%, and 36.0%, respectively. Adjusted poor outcome was lower in endovascular than in neurosurgical treatment at 3 months (odds ratio [OR] 0.36 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.74]), with an absolute difference of 15.8% (number needed to treat = 6.3), and at 1 year (OR = 0.40 [95% CI 0.20-0.81]), with an absolute difference of 15.9% (number needed to treat = 6.3). Complications did not differ between the 2 procedures. However, mechanical ventilation was less frequent with the endovascular technique (OR 0.67 [95% CI 0.54-0.84]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with aSAH treated according to current guidelines had a short-term mortality of 18.4% and 5-year mortality of 29%. The majority (64.0%) of patients remained alive without disabilities at 5-year follow-up. Patients prioritized to endovascular treatment had better outcomes than those referred to neurosurgery because endovascular coiling was not feasible.

Identification of 20 novel loci associated with ischaemic stroke. Epigenome-wide association study

DNA methylation is dynamic, varies throughout the life course, and its levels are influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors, as well as by genetic variation. The leading genetic variants at stroke risk loci identified to date explain roughly 1-2% of stroke heritability. Most of these single nucleotide polymorphisms are situated within a regulatory sequence marked by DNase I hypersensitivity sites, which would indicate involvement of an epigenetic mechanism. To detect epigenetic variants associated with stroke occurrence and stroke subtypes. A two-stage case-control epigenome-wide association study was designed. The discovery sample with 401 samples included 218 ischaemic stroke (IS) patients, assessed at Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, Spain) and 183 controls from the REGICOR cohort. In two independent samples (N = 226 and N = 166), we replicated 22 CpG sites differentially methylated in IS in 21 loci, including 2 CpGs in locus ZFHX3, which includes known genetic variants associated with stroke. The pathways associated with these loci are inflammation and angiogenesis. The meta-analysis identified 384 differentially methylated CpGs, including loci of known stroke and vascular risk genetic variants, enriched by loci involved in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, circadian clock, and glycolysis pathways. We identified a set of 22 CpGs in 21 loci associated with IS. Our analysis suggests that DNA methylation changes may contribute to orchestrating gene expression that contributes to IS.

Biological age is a novel biomarker to predict stroke recurrence

BACKGROUND

Stroke recurrence (SR) after an ischemic stroke is an important cause of death and disability. We conducted a hospital-based study to evaluate the role of biological age (b-Age: age-related DNA-methylation changes) as a risk factor for SR.

METHODS

We included 587 patients in the acute phase of stroke, assessed at one tertiary stroke center (Hospital del Mar: Barcelona, Spain). B-Age was estimated with 5 different methods based on DNA methylation, and Hannum's method was the one that better performed. We analyzed the relationships between b-Age, chronological age, sex, vascular risk factors, coronary and peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, initial neurological severity assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the 7 days preceding the index stroke, and symptomatic atherosclerosis. Stroke recurrence definition include: new symptoms that suggest a new ischemic event had occurred within 3 months after stroke onset and worsening by four points in the initial neurological severity (measured by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score).

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis associated b-Age with SR [p = 0.003; OR = 1.06 (95% CI: 1.02-1.09)], independently of chronological age [p = 0.022; OR = 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-1.00)], symptomatic atherosclerosis (stenosis > 50% in the symptomatic territory), transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the 7 days preceding the index stroke, and initial NIHSS. The b-Age of patients with SR was 2.7 years older than patients without SR.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SR were biologically older than those without SR. B-Age was independently associated with high risk of developing SR.

Influence of time to admission to a comprehensive stroke centre on the outcome of patients with intracerebral haemorrhage

Introduction

In patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage, it is uncertain if diagnostic and therapeutic measures are time-sensitive on their impact on the outcome. We sought to determine the influence of the time to admission to a comprehensive stroke centre on the outcome of patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage.

Patients and methods

We studied a prospective database of consecutive patients with intracerebral haemorrhage attended at two comprehensive stroke centres (2005-2017). We excluded patients with an unwitnessed time of onset of the intracerebral haemorrhage, or previous modified Rankin Scale >3 or in those in whom withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions were decided <24 h from admission. We recorded the time from the intracerebral haemorrhage onset to admission, demographic, clinical, radiological data, the functional outcome (favourable when modified Rankin Scale ≤3) and mortality at 90 days. We conducted a propensity score-matching analysis to evaluate functional outcome and mortality.

Results

We included 487 patients (mean age 72.3 ± 13.9 years), and 53.2% were men. Compared to patients with an admission >110 min, patients who were admitted ≤110 min were significantly younger, and had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores. Moreover, patients admitted ≤110 min were more likely to have basal ganglia intracerebral haemorrhage, and to show neurological deterioration. The propensity score groups were well matched. We did not find an association between time to admission and the favourable outcome (OR: 1.42 (95% CI: 0.93-2.16)) or mortality (OR: 0.64 (0.41-0.99)) at 90 days.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage and known symptom onset who are admitted to a comprehensive stroke centre, an early admission (≤110 min) does not influence the outcome at 90 days.

Abstract WP101: Remote Ischemic Perconditioning Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in Catalonia: Remote-Cat Project

Rationale: Remote ischemic perconditioning (RIPerC), consisting of brief episodes of transient limb ischemia, represents a new paradigm in neuroprotection with interesting results in ischemic heart disease patients.

Aim: We aim to conduct a multicentre study of pre-hospital RIPerC application in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.Sample size estimates: To detect a treatment difference of 14% in the outcome, 286 patients will be included for 5% significance and 80% power.

Methods: A total of 572 adult patients diagnosed of suspected clinical stroke within 8 hours of symptom onset and clinical deficit >0 according to prehospital RACE scale will be randomized, in blocks of size 4, to RIC or sham. Patients will be stratified by RACE score scale. RIC will be started in the ambulance before hospital admission. RIPerC will consist of five cycles of electronic tourniquet inflation and deflation (5 min each). Study outcomes: The primary outcome will be the difference in clinical benefit measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score <3 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes to be monitored will include early neurological improvement rate, treatment related serious adverse event rates, size of the infarct volume, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and metabolomic and lipidomic response to RIPerC.

Discussion: Neuroprotective therapies could not only increase the benefits of available reperfusion therapies among AIS patients but also provide an option for patients who are not candidates for these treatments. REMOTE-CAT will investigate the clinical benefit of RIC as a new neuroprotective strategy in AIS. Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT03375762. Status: Active

Stroke Risk Analysis, a System With a High Detection Rate of Atrial Fibrillation in Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack

Background and Purpose- Stroke Risk Analysis (SRA) comprises an algorithm for automated analysis of ECG monitoring, enabling the detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pxAF) and identifying patterns indicating a high risk of atrial fibrillation (R_AF). We compared Holter-enabled continuous ECG monitoring in combination with SRA (hSRA) with standard continuous ECG monitoring for pxAF detection in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Also, we sought to identify whether the detection of R_AF patterns during the first cycle (first 2 hours) of hSRA recording was associated with the detection of pxAF during the Stroke Unit stay. Methods- We enrolled 524 consecutive patients admitted in the Stroke Unit with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with neither history of AF nor AF at admission into a prospective multicentric observational analytic clinical study with intrapatient comparison, who received both continuous ECG monitoring as well as hSRA up to 7 days. Investigators were blinded to hSRA results unless pxAF was detected on SRA. Results- Of the 524 consecutive acute stroke patients (median age, 70.0 years; 60% male; acute ischemic stroke 93%, transient ischemic attack 7%), 462 were eligible and included in the study. Among 462 patients with hSRA available for 66 hours, AF was documented by hSRA in 79 patients (17.1%). From this group, 45 AF cases (9.7%) were confirmed after review by an independent and blinded cardiologist. continuous ECG monitoring detected 21 AF cases (4.3%; P<0.0001). hSRA detected R_AF patterns in 92 patients. 35 out of the 92 R_AF patients showed an episode of AF during the Stroke Unit stay. Predictive values of R_AF patterns within the first cycle of hSRA were: sensitivity 71%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value 38%, and negative predictive value 96%. Conclusions- Automated analysis using SRA technology strongly improves pxAF detection in acute ischemic stroke patients compared with continuous ECG monitoring. The predictive value of a R_AF pattern, as detected by hSRA during the first few hours after admission, deserves further investigation.

A tool to identify patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source at high recurrence risk

OBJECTIVE

A tool to stratify the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) could be useful in research and clinical practice. We aimed to determine whether a score can be developed and externally validated for the identification of patients with ESUS at high risk for stroke recurrence.

METHODS

We pooled the data of all consecutive patients with ESUS from 11 prospective stroke registries. We performed multivariable Cox regression analysis to identify predictors of stroke recurrence. Based on the coefficient of each covariate of the fitted multivariable model, we generated an integer-based point scoring system. We validated the score externally assessing its discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

In 3 registries (884 patients) that were used as the derivation cohort, age, leukoaraiosis, and multiterritorial infarct were identified as independent predictors of stroke recurrence and were included in the final score, which assigns 1 point per every decade after 35 years of age, 2 points for leukoaraiosis, and 3 points for multiterritorial infarcts (acute or old nonlacunar). The rate of stroke recurrence was 2.1 per 100 patient-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-3.06) in patients with a score of 0-4 (low risk), 3.74 (95% CI 2.77-5.04) in patients with a score of 5-6 (intermediate risk), and 8.23 (95% CI 5.99-11.3) in patients with a score of 7-12 (high risk). Compared to low-risk patients, the risk of stroke recurrence was significantly higher in intermediate-risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.1-2.88) and high-risk patients (HR 4.67, 95% CI 2.83-7.7). The score was well-calibrated in both derivation and external validation cohorts (8 registries, 820 patients) (Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ²: 12.1 [p = 0.357] and χ²: 21.7 [p = 0.753], respectively). The area under the curve of the score was 0.63 (95% CI 0.58-0.68) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.54-0.66), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed score can assist in the identification of patients with ESUS at high risk for stroke recurrence.

Efficacy and safety of the dual-layer flow-diverting stent (FRED) for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Purpose

To describe the efficacy and complications of treating cerebral aneurysms with the Flow Re-direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) and to identify predictors for aneurysm occlusion.

Methods

A prospective observational registry including all consecutive aneurysms treated with FRED between December 2015 and July 2018 was designed in one therapeutic neuroangiography department. The primary endpoint for treatment efficacy was complete or near-complete occlusion (O’Kelly–Marotta (OKM) C–D), assessed by three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography. Major (all symptomatics) and minor complications were described and those with modified Rankin Scale scores 3–6 were considered clinically relevant. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of efficacy.

Results

A total of 185 aneurysms were analyzed in 150 patients (mean age 54.3±11.5 years). Mean follow-up was 18.99±11.32 months (range 0–43). Efficacy was evaluated in 156 (84.32%) cases: 132 (84.6%) had OKM C–D occlusion, 31/47 (66%) within the first year and 101/109 (92.7%) later on. Major complications were observed in 12 (6.5%) cases: three strokes (one transient ischemic accident, two minor strokes), six intra-stent thrombosis, and three with bleeding, but only one (0.5%) was clinically relevant. Minor complications (all asymptomatic) were observed in 10 (5.4%) cases: three shortening/repositioning of stent; two arterial dissection, two arterial occlusion, and three intra-stent stenosis. Independent predictors of occlusion were immediate OKM grade B–C–D (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.51 to 10.62), single aneurysm (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.05 to 10.32), and small size aneurysm (OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.57 to 14.30).

Conclusion

The FRED stent fully complied with efficacy and safety requirements for treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Three predictors of aneurysm occlusion were identified.

PATJ Low Frequency Variants Are Associated With Worse Ischemic Stroke Functional Outcome

RATIONALE

Ischemic stroke is among the leading causes of adult disability. Part of the variability in functional outcome after stroke has been attributed to genetic factors but no locus has been consistently associated with stroke outcome.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to identify genetic loci influencing the recovery process using accurate phenotyping to produce the largest GWAS (genome-wide association study) in ischemic stroke recovery to date.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 12-cohort, 2-phase (discovery-replication and joint) meta-analysis of GWAS included anterior-territory and previously independent ischemic stroke cases. Functional outcome was recorded using 3-month modified Rankin Scale. Analyses were adjusted for confounders such as discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. A gene-based burden test was performed. The discovery phase (n=1225) was followed by open (n=2482) and stringent joint-analyses (n=1791). Those cohorts with modified Rankin Scale recorded at time points other than 3-month or incomplete data on previous functional status were excluded in the stringent analyses. Novel variants in PATJ (Pals1-associated tight junction) gene were associated with worse functional outcome at 3-month after stroke. The top variant was rs76221407 (G allele, β=0.40, P=1.70×10^-9).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results identify a set of common variants in PATJ gene associated with 3-month functional outcome at genome-wide significance level. Future studies should examine the role of PATJ in stroke recovery and consider stringent phenotyping to enrich the information captured to unveil additional stroke outcome loci.

Renal Function and Risk Stratification of Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

Background and Purpose- We aimed to assess if renal function can aid in risk stratification for ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) recurrence and death in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Methods- We pooled 12 ESUS datasets from Europe and America. Renal function was evaluated using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and analyzed in continuous, binary, and categorical way. Cox-regression analyses assessed if renal function was independently associated with the risk for ischemic stroke/TIA recurrence and death. The Kaplan-Meier product limit method estimated the cumulative probability of ischemic stroke/TIA recurrence and death. Results- In 1530 patients with ESUS followed for 3260 patient-years, there were 237 recurrences (15.9%) and 201 deaths (13.4%), corresponding to 7.3 ischemic stroke/TIA recurrences and 5.6 deaths per 100 patient-years, respectively. Renal function was not associated with the risk for ischemic stroke/TIA recurrence when forced into the final multivariate model, regardless if it was analyzed as continuous (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.00 for every 1 mL/min), binary (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.87-1.73) or categorical covariate (likelihood-ratio test 2.59, P=0.63 for stroke recurrence). The probability of ischemic stroke/TIA recurrence across stages of renal function was 11.9% for eGFR ≥90, 16.6% for eGFR 60-89, 21.7% for eGFR 45-59, 19.2% for eGFR 30-44, and 24.9% for eGFR <30 (likelihood-ratio test 2.59, P=0.63). The results were similar for the outcome of death. Conclusions- The present study is the largest pooled individual patient-level ESUS dataset, and does not provide evidence that renal function can be used to stratify the risk of ischemic stroke/TIA recurrence or death in patients with ESUS.

Misdiagnosis Worsens Prognosis in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage With Good Hunt and Hess Score

Background and Purpose- Our aim was to describe variables associated with initial misdiagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We also analyzed the relationship of misdiagnosis with poor outcome and complications in good Hunt and Hess (HH) cases. Methods- In a prospective cohort of 401 patients with SAH, misdiagnosis was defined as failure to correctly identify, at first physician contact, a subsequently documented SAH; this meant no urgent radiological study and lumbar puncture was performed. Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score 3 to 6 at 3-month follow-up. We recorded age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, current smoking, previous antithrombotic treatment, initial HH and radiological severity, presence of aneurysm, first therapeutic procedure, hydrocephalus, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), rebleeding, and procedure-related complications. Results- Misdiagnosis was confirmed in 104/401 (25.9%) patients, who also had a longer time-to-admission to hospital. Misdiagnosis was associated with less clinical and radiological severity, compared with a correct diagnosis; the 2 groups did not differ in age or cardiovascular risk factor profile. Poor outcome was registered in 167/401 patients (41.6%). Age, misdiagnosis, and greater clinical and radiological initial severity were independent predictors of poor outcome. In the 236 patients (58.8% of cohort) with HH 1-2, misdiagnosis was associated with poor outcome in univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively (odds ratio=3.89; 95% CI, 1.89-8.01). Delayed cerebral ischemia (odds ratio=2.47; 95% CI, 1.2-5.09) and procedure-related complications (odds ratio=2.27; 95% CI, 1.07-4.82) were independently associated with misdiagnosis. Conclusions- Misdiagnosis is an unresolved problem in SAH, and it is a missed opportunity for good outcome in patients with HH 1-2. The poor outcome is partially explained by a higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia and procedure-related complications in misdiagnosed patients. There is a need to improve the diagnostic strategy in patients reporting only a headache (HH 1-2) after SAH.

Interaction of atrial fibrillation and antithrombotics on outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical differences between patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) and assess whether the effect of the antithrombotic pretreatment on outcome is modified by the presence of AF.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, researchers from 2 university hospitals included 1,106 consecutive patients with ICH. Clinical characteristics were described and stratified by presence of AF. In-hospital and 3-month mortality and 3-month disability were analyzed, considering antithrombotic pretreatment (none, antiplatelets, or oral anticoagulants) and AF (yes/no).

RESULTS

AF was present in 21.9% of primary ICH cases. Patients with AF-ICH were older, with more vascular risk factors, more antithrombotic pretreatment, higher clinical severity, higher hematoma volume, and higher in-hospital and 3-month mortality. Do-not-resuscitate orders were applied more frequently in AF-ICH cases. After 2 different adjustment models, mortality remained significantly higher in patients with AF-ICH. However, after introducing previous antithrombotic treatment in the model, the adjusted odds ratio for 3-month mortality was 1.45 (95% confidence interval 0.74-2.85, p = 0.284) for patients with AF-ICH compared with non-AF cases. AF modified the effect of antithrombotic pretreatment on in-hospital (p _int = 0.077) and 3-month mortality (p _int = 0.008). Among patients without AF, antithrombotic pretreatment increased mortality; no effect was observed in patients with AF-ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AF and ICH had increased mortality; however, AF had no independent effect on mortality after adjustment for antithrombotic pretreatment. Conversely, antithrombotic pretreatment had a deleterious effect on outcome in patients with ICH without AF, but no detectable effect in patients with AF with ICH.

Ultra-early continuous cardiac monitoring improves atrial fibrillation detection and prognosis of patients with cryptogenic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to underlie a number of cases of cryptogenic stroke (CrS). However, there is need to define the most effective strategy for AF detection. The diagnostic usefulness was analysed of a strategy based on ultra-early continuous monitoring in patients with CrS in terms of AF detection, oral anticoagulation treatment and stroke recurrence, in comparison to a standard outpatient strategy.

METHODS

Patients with ischaemic stroke of undetermined origin and confirmed to be cryptogenic after extensive work-up were searched for AF with (i) a conventional strategy (historical cohort, n = 101) with serial electrocardiograms and 24-h Holter monitoring or (ii) an ultra-early monitoring strategy with insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) implanted before discharge (prospective cohort, n = 90). AF episodes lasting >1 min, anticoagulant treatment and stroke recurrence were recorded.

RESULTS

During admission, AF was similarly detected in both cohorts (24% of patients). After discharge (mean follow-up 30 ± 10 months), AF detection rates were 17/80 (21.3%) and 38/65 (58.5%) for patients in the conventional versus the ultra-early ICM group (P < 0.001). Up to 41% of AF cases in the ICM cohort were detected within the first month. Oral anticoagulation was initiated in 37.6% versus 65.5% (P < 0.001) and stroke recurrence was recorded in 10.9% versus 3.3% (P 0.04) in the conventional versus the ICM cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-discharge ICM implant allows detection of AF during follow-up in up to 58% of selected patients with CrS. Compared to a conventional strategy, ultra-early ICM implant results in higher anticoagulation rates and a decrease in stroke recurrence.

MRI predicts intracranial hemorrhage in patients who receive long-term oral anticoagulation

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with cardioembolic ischemic stroke who are treated with oral anticoagulants (OAs) can be predicted by evaluating surrogate markers of hemorrhagic-prone cerebral angiopathies using a baseline MRI.

METHODS

Patients were participants in a multicenter and prospective observational study. They were older than 64 years, had a recent cardioembolic ischemic stroke, and were new users of OAs. They underwent a baseline MRI analysis to evaluate microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and cortical superficial siderosis. We collected demographic variables, clinical characteristics, risk scores, and therapeutic data. The primary endpoint was ICH that occurred during follow-up. We performed bivariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

We recruited 937 patients (aged 77.6 ± 6.5 years; 47.9% were men). Microbleeds were detected in 207 patients (22.5%), moderate/severe white matter hyperintensities in 419 (45.1%), and superficial siderosis in 28 patients (3%). After a mean follow-up of 23.1 ± 6.8 months, 18 patients (1.9%) experienced an ICH. In multivariable analysis, microbleeds (hazard ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-7, p = 0.034) and moderate/severe white matter hyperintensities (hazard ratio 5.7, 95% CI 1.6-20, p = 0.006) were associated with ICH (C index 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.85). Rate of ICH was highest in patients with both microbleed and moderate/severe WMH (3.76 per 100 patient-years, 95% CI 1.62-7.4).

CONCLUSION

Patients taking OAs who have advanced cerebral small vessel disease, evidenced by microbleeds and moderate to severe white matter hyperintensities, had an increased risk of ICH. Our results should help to determine the risk of prescribing OA for a patient with cardioembolic stroke.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02238470.

Long-Term Stroke Recurrence after Transient Ischemic Attack: Implications of Etiology

Background and Purpose

To analyze long-term stroke recurrence (SR) characteristics after transient ischemic attack (TIA) according to initial etiological classification.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 706 TIA patients was followed up in a single tertiary stroke center. Endpoint was SR. Etiologic subgroup was determined according to the evidence-based causative classification system. Location of TIA and SR was recorded as right, left, or posterior territory. Disability stroke recurrence (DSR) was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score >1 or a onepoint increase in those with previous mRS >1 at 3-month follow-up.

Results

During a follow-up of 3,493 patient-years (mean follow-up of 58.9±35.9 months), total SR was 125 (17.7%), corresponding to 3.6 recurrences per 100 patient-years. The etiology subgroups with a higher risk of SR were the unclassified (more than one cause) and large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) categories. Of the SR cases, 88 (70.4%) had the same etiology as the index TIA; again, LAA etiology was the most frequent (83.9%). Notably, cardioaortic embolism was the most frequent cause (62.5%) of SR in the subgroup of 24 patients with undetermined TIA. Overall, SR occurred in the same territory in 74 of 125 patients (59.2%), with significant differences between etiological TIA subgroups (P=0.015). Eighty-two of 125 (65.6%) with SR had DSR, without differences between etiologies (P=0.453).

Conclusions

SR occurred mainly with the same etiology and location as initial TIA, although undetermined TIA was associated with a high proportion of cardioaortic embolism SR. More than half of the recurrences caused some disability, regardless of etiology.

Revalidation of the RACE scale after its regional implementation in Catalonia: a triage tool for large vessel occlusion

Background and purpose

Our aim was to revalidate the RACE scale, a prehospital tool that aims to identify patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), after its region-wide implementation in Catalonia, and to analyze geographical differences in access to endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods

We used data from the prospective CICAT registry (Stroke Code Catalan registry) that includes all stroke code activations. The RACE score evaluated by emergency medical services, time metrics, final diagnosis, presence of LVO, and type of revascularization treatment were registered. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) for the RACE cut-off value ≥5 for identification of both LVO and eligibility for EVT were calculated. We compared the rate of EVT and time to EVT of patients transferred from referral centers compared with those directly presenting to comprehensive stroke centers (CSC).

Results

The RACE scale was evaluated in the field in 1822 patients, showing a strong correlation with the subsequent in-hospital evaluation of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale evaluated at hospital (r=0.74, P<0.001). A RACE score ≥5 detected LVO with a sensitivity 0.84 and specificity 0.60 (AUC 0.77). Patients with RACE ≥5 harbored a LVO and received EVT more frequently than RACE <5 patients (LVO 35% vs 6%; EVT 20% vs 6%; all P<0.001). Direct admission at a CSC was independently associated with higher odds of receiving EVT compared with admission at a referral center (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.66 to 3.46), and symtoms onset to groin puncture was 133 min shorter.

Conclusions

This large validation study confirms RACE accuracy to identify stroke patients eligible for EVT, and provides evidence of geographical imbalances in the access to EVT to the detriment of patients located in remote areas.

Underdiagnosis of Unilateral Spatial Neglect in stroke unit

OBJECTIVES

Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is the incapacity to respond to stimuli presented opposite to a dysfunctional cerebral hemisphere. It is usually caused by non-dominant hemisphere lesions, leads to poorer prognosis and might be underdiagnosed. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the presence of USN in acute stroke patients and analyze the possible degree of underdiagnosis in a Stroke Unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective study of consecutive non-dominant hemisphere stroke patients within a period of 21 months. "Line Bisection" and "Triangles Cancellation" tests were used for USN screening and "Circle Gap Detection Task" to confirm the USN. The results were compared with routine Stroke Unit assessment using the NIHSS to determine the possible degree of underdiagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 62 subjects, 38 women (61.29%), mean age of 74.05 (SD 10.5) years, were included. USN was diagnosed in 25 cases (40.3%) but 56% of them were not detected in routine evaluation using the NIHSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral spatial neglect, a common cognitive deficit after acute stroke, is greatly underdiagnosed in routine Stroke Unit assessment. The use of simple USN-specific screening tools would improve diagnosis and therefore the possibility of implementing appropriate rehabilitation strategies.

Alcohol overuse and intracerebral hemorrhage: characteristics and long-term outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Alcohol overuse (AOu) is considered an important risk factor for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The clinical and outcome characteristics of these patients (AOu-ICH) are not well known.

METHODS

All patients with ICH admitted to a single university tertiary stroke center were prospectively studied from May 2005 to May 2015. Demographic profiles, radiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with acute ICH and previous AOu (>40 g/day or >300 g/week) were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 555 patients with spontaneous primary ICH met the inclusion criteria. A total of 81 patients (14.6%) reported AOu (24.3% of men vs. 3.1% of women; P < 0.0001; mean age, 63 years old for AOu vs. 74 years old for non-AOu; P < 0.0001). Of the classic cardiovascular risk factors, only smoking was associated with AOu (63% vs. 12.2% of non-AOu; P < 0.0001). Initial severity and hematoma volume were similar in both groups, with no observed differences in stroke care or in-hospital medical complications. Patients with AOu had worse outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 3-6 points) than patients without AOu at 3 months [odds ratio (OR), 2.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.32-4.75; P = 0.005] and 12 months (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.23-5.00; P = 0.011). A similar trend was observed at 5 years (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 0.96-6.39; P = 0.059).

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol overuse was present in 14.6% of patients with ICH, who were predominantly male, smokers and a mean of 11 years younger than the non-AOu group. Despite a lack of differences in initial clinical severity, stroke care and early medical complications, patients with AOu had worse short- and long-term outcomes.

Brainstem leukoaraiosis independently predicts poor outcome after ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Increased supratentorial white matter hyperintensities volume (S-WMHV) has been reported to be a predictor of worse outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, few studies have focused on less common locations, such as brainstem white matter hyperintensities (B-WMH), and their relationship to S-WMHV. This study aimed to examine whether B-WMH affect clinical outcome after AIS or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

Based on magnetic resonance imaging evidence, B-WMH were evaluated in 313 prospectively identified patients with AIS/TIA and registered as absent or present. Standardized S-WMHV was quantified using a validated volumetric image analysis and natural log-transformed (Log_S-WMHV). Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 3 months after the index event.

RESULTS

Brainstem white matter hyperintensities were detected in 57 (18.2%) patients. In unadjusted analyses for outcome, the presence of B-WMH was associated with worse outcome, compared with patients without B-WMH (P = 0.034). In multivariate analysis controlling for age, atrial fibrillation, stroke severity, reperfusion therapies and Log_S-WMHV, only B-WMH [odds ratio (OR), 2.46; P = 0.021] and stroke severity (OR, 1.23; P < 0.001) remained independently associated with unfavourable 90-day modified Rankin Scale score. Patients with B-WMH were older (OR, 1.06; P < 0.001) and tended to have more hyperlipidaemia (OR, 2.21; P = 0.023) and peripheral arterial disease (OR, 2.57; P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Brainstem white matter hyperintensities are an independent predictor of poor outcome after AIS/TIA and this relationship persists after adjustment for important prognostic factors. Our results also show that leukoaraiosis in this location identifies patients with a specific risk factor profile, suggesting differences in the underlying pathogenesis.

Interaction of Sex and Diabetes on Outcome After Ischemic Stroke

Background

The relationship between ischemic stroke (IS), diabetes mellitus (DM), and sex is intriguing. The aim of this study was to assess the effect modification of sex in the association between DM and short- and long-term disability and mortality in first-ever IS patients.

Methods

In a retrospective, observational, hospital-based study of a prospective series including first-ever IS patients from January 2006 until July 2011, differences in 3-month and 5-year mortality, and disability between diabetic and non-diabetic patients [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) from 3 to 5] were analyzed by sex.

Results

In total, 933 patients (36.3% with DM, 50.5% women) were included. Overall 3-month and 5-year mortality were 150 (16.1%) and 407 (44.1%), respectively. Adjusted for age, previous mRS, and stroke severity, patients with DM had significantly higher 3-month disability [hazard ratio (HR): 1.49 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39–1.70), p < 0.0001], 5-year disability [HR: 1.41 (95% CI: 1.07–1.86), p = 0.015], and 5-year mortality [HR: 1.48 (95% CI: 1.20–1.81), p < 0.0001], compared with the non-DM group. Compared with non-DM women, women with diabetes had worse 3-month disability [HR: 1.81 (95% CI: 1.33–2.46), p < 0.0001] and 5-year mortality [HR: 1.72 (95% CI: 1.30–2.20), p < 0.0001], and a trend for 5-year disability [HR: 1.40 (95% CI: 0.99–2.09), p = 0.057]. In men, DM had an effect on 3-month disability [HR: 1.45 (95% CI: 1.07–1.96), p = 0.018], a trend for 5-year disability [HR: 1.43 (95% CI: 0.94–2.19), p = 0.096], but no clear effect on 5-year mortality [HR: 1.22 (95% CI: 0.91–1.65), p = 0.186].

Conclusion

Sex has a modifier effect on mortality in first-ever IS diabetic patients. Long-term mortality is increased in diabetic women compared with non-diabetic women, a difference not observed in men.

Biological Age is a predictor of mortality in Ischemic Stroke

Age and stroke severity are the main mortality predictors after ischemic stroke. However, chronological age and biological age are not exactly concordant. Age-related changes in DNA methylation in multiple CpG sites across the genome can be used to estimate biological age, which is influenced by lifestyle, environmental factors, and genetic variation. We analyzed the impact of biological age on 3-month mortality in ischemic stroke. We assessed 594 patients with acute ischemic stroke in a cohort from Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) and validated the results in an independent cohort. Demographic and clinical data, including chronological age, vascular risk factors, initial stroke severity (NIHSS score), recanalization treatment, and previous modified Rankin scale were registered. Biological age was estimated with an algorithm based on DNA methylation in 71 CpGs. Biological age was predictive of 3-month mortality (p = 0.041; OR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.10), independently of NIHSS score, chronological age, TOAST, vascular risk factors, and blood cell composition. Stratified by TOAST classification, biological age was associated with mortality only in large-artery atherosclerosis etiology (p = 0.004; OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25). As estimated by DNA methylation, biological age is an independent predictor of 3-month mortality in ischemic stroke regardless of chronological age, NIHSS, previous modified Rankin scale, and vascular risk factors.

Statins do not increase Markers of Cerebral Angiopathies in patients with Cardioembolic Stroke

We investigated whether pre-treatment with statins is associated with surrogate markers of amyloid and hypertensive angiopathies in patients who need to start long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. A prospective multicenter study of patients naive for oral anticoagulants, who had an acute cardioembolic stroke. MRI was performed at admission to evaluate microbleeds, leukoaraiosis and superficial siderosis. We collected data on the specific statin compound, the dose and the statin intensity. We performed bivariate analyses and a logistic regression to investigate variables associated with microbleeds. We studied 470 patients (age 77.5 ± 6.4 years, 43.7% were men), and 193 (41.1%) of them received prior treatment with a statin. Microbleeds were detected in 140 (29.8%), leukoaraiosis in 388 (82.5%) and superficial siderosis in 20 (4.3%) patients. The presence of microbleeds, leukoaraiosis or superficial siderosis was not related to pre-treatment with statins. Microbleeds were more frequent in patients with prior intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 9.7, 95% CI 1.06–90.9) and in those pre-treated antiplatelets (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.09–2.53). Prior treatment with statins was not associated with markers of bleeding-prone cerebral angiopathies in patients with cardioembolic stroke. Therefore, previous statin treatment should not influence the decision to initiate or withhold oral anticoagulation if these neuroimaging markers are detected.

Long-term cardiovascular prognosis after transient ischemic attack: Associated predictors

OBJECTIVE

To determine long-term cardiovascular risk after TIA and to identify the factors associated with increased risk.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational registry of TIA patients admitted to the emergency room of our tertiary stroke center from June 2006 to January 2016. New vascular events (NVEs) were recorded from 3 months after TIA onset until June 2017, including both stroke and nonstroke events (coronary and peripheral disease). We registered TIA etiology, age, sex, vascular risk factors, radiologic data, and clinical TIA features and analyzed these variables in relation to NVE long-term risk.

RESULTS

In total, 676 patients 71.7 ± 13.7 years of age were included, with a mean follow-up of 48.8 ± 32.7 months. An NVE was detected in 173 patients (25.6%) without significant differences between event types (p = 0.84). Univariate analysis associated NVEs with etiologic subgroup, male sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, previous vascular disease, duration and clinical features of TIA, and signs of acute infarction. Multivariable analysis showed an independent association of NVEs with etiologic TIA subgroup, signs of acute infarction, and duration of TIA symptoms. Large artery atherosclerosis and cardioaortic embolism had the highest NVE risk, with a slightly higher percentage of nonstroke events. The small artery disease subgroup had the lowest NVE risk, with a higher percentage of stroke events.

CONCLUSIONS

Etiology subgroup was the main factor determining high long-term risk of vascular events in patients with TIA. Large artery atherosclerosis carried the highest vascular risk, both nonstroke and stroke, followed by cardioaortic embolism.

Ischemic stroke patients are biologically older than their chronological age

Ischemic stroke is associated with aging. It is possible to predict chronological age by measuring age-related changes in DNA methylation from multiple CpG sites across the genome, known as biological age. The difference between biological age and actual chronological age would indicate an individual's level of aging. Our aim was to determine the biological age of ischemic stroke patients and compare their aging with controls of the same chronological age. A total of 123 individuals, 41 controls and 82 patients with ischemic stroke were paired by chronological age, ranging from 39 to 82 years. Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array was used to measure DNA methylation in CpG sites in both groups, and biological age was estimated using methylation values of specific CpGs. Ischemic stroke patients were biologically an average 2.5 years older than healthy controls (p-value=0.010). Stratified by age tertiles, younger stroke patients (≤57 years old) were biologically older than controls (OR=1.19; 95%CI 1.00-1.41, p-value=0.046). The older groups showed no biological age differences between cases and controls, but were close to reaching the significance level. Ischemic stroke patients are biologically older than controls. Biological age should be considered as a potential new biomarker of stroke risk.

Biological age is better than chronological as predictor of 3-month outcome in ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of age-related DNA methylation changes in multiple cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites (biological age [b-age]) on patient outcomes at 3 months after an ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We included 511 patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke assessed at Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, Spain) as the discovery cohort. Demographic and clinical data, including chronological age (c-age), vascular risk factors, initial stroke severity, recanalization treatment, and previous and 3-month modified Rankin Scale (p-mRS and 3-mRS, respectively) were registered. B-age was estimated with an algorithm, based on DNA methylation in 71 CpGs. Bivariate analysis determined variables associated with 3-mRS for inclusion in ordinal multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

After ordinal regressions for 3-month ischemic stroke outcome (3-mRS), b-age was associated with outcome (odds ratio 1.04 [95% confidence interval 1.01-1.07]), nullifying c-age. Stepwise regression kept b-age, basal NIH Stroke Scale, sex, p-mRS, and recanalization treatment as better explanatory variables, instead of c-age. These results were successfully replicated in an independent cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

B-age, estimated by DNA methylation, is an independent predictor of ischemic stroke outcome regardless of chronological years.

Age- and sex-specific analysis of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the correlation of age and sex with the risk of recurrence and death seen in patients with previous ischemic stroke is also evident in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).

METHODS

We pooled datasets of 11 stroke registries from Europe and America. ESUS was defined according to the Cryptogenic Stroke/ESUS International Working Group. We performed Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier product limit analyses to investigate whether age (<60, 60-80, >80 years) and sex were independently associated with the risk for ischemic stroke/TIA recurrence or death.

RESULTS

Ischemic stroke/TIA recurrences and deaths per 100 patient-years were 2.46 and 1.01 in patients <60 years old, 5.76 and 5.23 in patients 60 to 80 years old, 7.88 and 11.58 in those >80 years old, 3.53 and 3.48 in women, and 4.49 and 3.98 in men, respectively. Female sex was not associated with increased risk for recurrent ischemic stroke/TIA (hazard ratio [HR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.58) or death (HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.97-1.86). Compared with the group <60 years old, the 60- to 80- and >80-year groups had higher 10-year cumulative probability of recurrent ischemic stroke/TIA (14.0%, 47.9%, and 37.0%, respectively, p < 0.001) and death (6.4%, 40.6%, and 100%, respectively, p < 0.001) and higher risk for recurrent ischemic stroke/TIA (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.21-2.98 and HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.57-4.70, respectively) and death (HR 4.43, 95% CI 2.32-8.44 and HR 8.01, 95% CI 3.98-16.10, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, but not sex, is a strong predictor of stroke recurrence and death in ESUS. The risk is ≈3- and 8-fold higher in patients >80 years compared with those <60 years of age, respectively. The age distribution in the ongoing ESUS trials may potentially influence their power to detect a significant treatment association.

Outcomes After Direct Thrombectomy or Combined Intravenous and Endovascular Treatment Are Not Different

Background and Purpose—

Whether intravenous thrombolysis adds a further benefit when given before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is unknown. Furthermore, intravenous thrombolysis delays time to groin puncture, mainly among drip and ship patients.

Methods—

Using region-wide registry data, we selected cases that received direct EVT or combined intravenous thrombolysis+EVT for anterior circulation strokes between January 2011 and October 2015. Treatment effect was estimated by stratification on a propensity score. The average odds ratios for the association of treatment with good outcome and death at 3 months and symptomatic bleedings at 24 hours were calculated with the Mantel–Haenszel test statistic.

Results—

We included 599 direct EVT patients and 567 patients with combined treatment. Stratification through propensity score achieved balance of baseline characteristics across treatment groups. There was no association between treatment modality and good outcome (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.27), death (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.54), or symptomatic bleedings (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–1.27).

Conclusions—

This observational study suggests that outcomes after direct EVT or combined intravenous thrombolysis+EVT are not different. If confirmed by a randomized controlled trial, it may have a significant impact on organization of stroke systems of care.

Abstract 18: External Validation of the RACE Scale After Its Implementation in the Stroke Code Protocol in Catalonia

Introduction: We aimed to revalidate the RACE scale as a pre-hospital tool to identify patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT) after its implementation in the Stroke Code protocol of Catalonia (7.5 M inhabitants).

Methods: We used data from the CICAT registry (Feb to Jun 2016), a government-mandated, prospective, hospital-based dataset that includes all Stroke Code activations. CICAT is linked to the EMS database to capture information about the pre-hospital care. RACE score, pre-hospital and in-hospital delays, final diagnostic, presence of LVO (TICA, MCA M1 or M2, tandem or basilar occlusion) and revascularization treatment were registered. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) to identify LVO and patients receiving EVT were calculated for the pre-established cut off RACE≥5.

Results: From the 1600 stroke code activations we included in the study the 962 patients in which the RACE scale was available (60%). The RACE scale showed a strong correlation with the NIHSS evaluated at hospital arrival (r=0.74, p<0.001). Distribution of final diagnosis and median RACE scores were: ischemic with LVO (22.1%), RACE 7 [5-8], ischemic without LVO (29.3%), RACE 3 [2-5], hemorrhagic(17.8%), RACE 6 [4-7], mimic(21.0%), RACE 2 [1-4] and transient ischemic attack(9.7%), RACE 3 [1-5]. A RACE cut-off score ≥5 showed sensitivity 0.80 and specificity 0.63 to detect LVO (AUC 0.78, Youden index 0.45), similar to results obtained in the validation study. In patients with RACE≥5 the rates of LVO (42% Vs 9%;p<0.001) and EVT (21% Vs 6%;p<0.001) were significantly higher than in patients with RACE<5.

Conclusion: This large validation study performed after implementation of the RACE scale in the real clinical practice in the region of Catalonia confirms RACE accuracy to identify candidates to EVT. A RACE score ≥5 detected 77% of patients that finally underwent EVT confirming the scale as a valuable tool at the prehospital level.