Serum erythropoietin in acute ischemic stroke: preliminary findings

Ischemic stroke is the most common stroke, caused by occlusion of cerebral vessels and leading causes of disability. Erythropoietin (EPO) has non-hematopoietic effects as a neuroprotectant after ischemic event. This study aimed to learn the serum level of EPO in acute ischemic stroke. This cross-sectional study of ischemic stroke patients with onset < 24 h and consecutive sampling was used to collect the data from medical records review, physical examinations, head CT, 24-h EPO, 24-h and seventh-day NIHSS. A total of 47 patients consisting of 59.6% women, with a median age of 53 years old (21-70). The median 24 h EPO level was 808.6 pg/mL (134.2-2988.9). The relationship between 24 h-EPO and 24-h NIHSS were not significant (r = 0.101; p = 0.250), nor to 7th day NIHSS (r =  - 0.0174; p = 0.121) and to delta NIHSS (r = 0.186; p = 0.106). The relationship of blood collection time (hour) and EPO was significant (r =  - 0.260; p = 0.039). There was a statistically significant difference between serum EPO levels in ischemic stroke patients with lacunar stroke compared to non-lacunar stroke (288.5 vs. 855.4 ng/mL; p = 0.021). There was a relationship between the time of collection of blood and the level of EPO and also there was difference EPO level in lacunar stroke subtype compared with non-lacunar. The relationship between EPO and NIHSS lost significance after analysis. There is a need for a future study comparing each stroke risk factor and the same blood collection time.

Increasing of Cortisol Level and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte-Ratio are Associated with Severity Level and Sleep Disturbances in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Acute ischemic stroke can cause sleep disturbances. These complaints involve various factors, such as disturbances of the hormone cortisol and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte-Ratio (NLR) that can cause increasing severity levels in acute ischemic stroke patients. This study aimed to determine the relationship between cortisol levels and NLR with severity levels and sleep disturbances in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytic observational study was conducted on acute ischemic stroke patients during Agustus - December 2022. Examine cortisol levels using the ELISA method, NLR from blood test, asses severity levels using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and The Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Index (PSQI) is used as a measure for the initial screening of sleep disturbances-statistical analysis using Spearman correlation.

Results

Total study subjects were 48 patients, with the majority 62.5% women; the mean age of study subjects was above 60 years (56.3%), and the most common type of stroke was large artery atherosclerotic stroke (77.1%), the highest NIHSS score was in the moderate category (85.4%), the most common risk factor is hypertension (64.4%), and basal ganglia area is the most common ischemic stroke location (52.1%). There was a positive correlation between cortisol levels with NIHSS (r=0.874; p-value <0.001), NLR with sleep disturbances (r=0.829; p-value<0.001), NLR with NIHSS (r=0.893; p-value<0.001), and NIHSS with PSQI (r=0.836; p-value<0.001).

Conclusion

There were a positive correlation between cortisol level, NLR level, and NIHSS score with sleep quality disturbances based on PSQI in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Correlation Between Hypercoagulable State and Severity Level of Ischemic Stroke With Covid-19 Infection

Background

Hypercoagulable state in acute ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19, was found to occur in most cases, may affect the severity and clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke with COVID-19. Ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19 infection have worsen prognosis in mortality regarding hypercoagulable state condition.

Objective

The study aims to determine the relationship between the hypercoagulable state and the severity of acute ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analytic study using a cross-sectional method in acute ischemic stroke who meet the criteria must have focal clinical symptoms or global dysfunction lasting more than 24 hours, be caused by vascular factors, be confirmed positive for COVID-19, NIHSS (admission and discharge), and have an examination of D-dimer and/or fibrinogen. Chi-Square is used for data processing relationship analysis.

Results

A total of 32 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. Elevated D-dimer and/or fibrinogen were found in 28 patients (87.5%), confirming a hypercoagulable state. In this study, the average value of D-dimer was 5.3 mg/mL, and fibrinogen was 479 mg/dL. Based on the admission NIHSS score, it was found that most of the patients had moderate strokes with an average NIHSS score of 12. The chi-square test results showed no relationship between the hypercoagulable state and the severity of acute ischemic stroke as measured by NIHSS admission (p=0.333), but it was closely related to NIHSS exit (p=0.02). The finding supports that 40.62% of acute ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19 confirmed to have a hypercoagulable state had a death discharge status.

Conclusion

There is no significant relationship between hypercoagulable state and stroke severity on admission, but it closely related to NIHSS on discharge and high mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19.

Platelet Selectin Levels in Patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: Preliminary Findings

Background

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) is a cerebrovascular disease with an estimated annual incidence of 3-4 cases per 1 million population with an 8% mortality rate caused by hypercoagulable conditions and hyper aggregation and also Platelet Selectin (P-Selectin) as one of coagulation biomarker for both of them. This study aimed to describe the levels of P-selectin in CVST patients at RSHS Bandung.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the levels of P-selectin in CVST patients at RSHS Bandung.

Methods

This is a descriptive observational study on patients ≥18 years old diagnosed with CVST at the Neurology outpatient polyclinic of RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung for March-May 2022. All samples that meet the inclusion criteria will be included as research subjects.

Results

There were 55 research subjects with a median age of 48 (range 22-69 years), the majority were women (80%), the most complaints were headaches (92.7%), the majority onset was chronic (96.4%) with a length of treatment ≥12 months (61.8%). P-selectin levels were found to increase in the group of subjects with subacute onset (mean 5.20 ± 2.977), infectious etiology (mean 5.26 ± 3.561), duration of treatment <3 Months (mean 3.79 ± 3.065), history of hyper aggregation (mean 3.89±2.805), hypercoagulation (mean 3.50±2.719), increased D-dimer (mean 3.93±2.710), normal fibrinogen (mean 3.38±2.693), and in the group with multiple affected sinuses (mean 6.08±2.681).

Conclusion

P-selectin could be a diagnostic marker for hyper aggregation and hypercoagulable state in patients with CVST, but it still needs further research to prove it.

Factors Affecting the Delay of intravenous Thrombolysis in Hyperacute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Single Centre Study

Introduction

Intravenous thrombolysis with r-tPA is the gold standard procedure in managing acute ischemic stroke recommended by the World Stroke Association, which is performed by injecting the drug r-tPA (Alteplase) intravenously. Generally, the preparation time to achieve thrombolysis is divided into pre-hospital and in-hospital. If this time can be shortened, the efficacy of thrombolysis can be increased. This study aims to determine the factors that can affect the delay in thrombolysis.

Methods

This is an analytic observational study with a retrospective cohort design in ischemic stroke confirmed by a neurologist at the neurology emergency unit of Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS) from January 2021 to December 2021 and divided into two groups, delay and non-delay thrombolysis. A logistic regression test was performed to determine the independent predictor of delayed thrombolysis.

Results

There were 141 patients with an ischemic stroke diagnosis confirmed by a neurologist at the neurological emergency unit at Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS) from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 118 (83.69%) patients were included in the "delay" category, while 23 (16.31%) patients were included in the "non-delay" category. Patients included in the "delay" category had an average age of 58.29+11.19 years with a male-to-female sex ratio of 57%, while patients included in the "non-delay" category had an average age of 55.57+15.55 years with a male-to-female sex ratio of 66%. The NIHSS admission score was a significant risk factor for delayed thrombolysis. Through multiple logistic regression, it was found that age, onset, female gender, NIHSS admission score, and NIHSS discharge score were independent predictors of delayed thrombolysis. However, all of them were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Gender, risk factors for dyslipidemia, and arrival onset are independent predictors of delayed thrombolysis. Prehospital factors contribute relatively more to the delay in thrombolytic action.

Does the Implementation of a National Health Insurance Program Result in Rationing Care for Ischemic Stroke Management? Analysis of the Indonesian National Health Insurance Program

Background

There are 2.2 million stroke patients in Indonesia, and ischemic stroke represents 87% of all strokes. Ischemic stroke is one of the covered diseases (INA-CBGs) in the National Health Insurance (JKN). Based on the Indonesian Ministry of Health's data, stroke uses up 1% of the yearly budget. This study compares clinical outcomes and treatment patterns before and during the JKN era.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study of ischemic stroke medical records treated at Hasan Sadikin Hospital in 2013 and 2015 as representatives of the before and during JKN era. Chi-Square is used for data processing relationship analysis.

Results

164 ischemic stroke patients were treated, 75 before implementing the JKN program and 89 after implementing the JKN program. There was a significant difference between treatment patterns (p<0.001) and clinical outcomes (p=0.046) of ischemic stroke patients before and after implementing The Indonesian National Health Insurance. There was no significant difference in length of stay (LOS).

Conclusion

There is significant different between treatment pattern and clinical outcome of ischemic stroke patients before and after implementing The Indonesian National Health Insurance. This program has improved clinical outcomes concerning the purpose of the JKN program to provide social protection and welfare in terms of health.

Characteristic of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on TOAST Classification During COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Single Centre Study

Introduction

The categorization system used in the Trial Org 10172 classification in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) provided more insight into the causal process. The aims of this study were to characterize individuals with acute ischemic stroke using the TOAST criteria and to determine risk variables for patients with acute ischemic stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was done on the medical records of acute ischemic stroke patients at Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS) Bandung, Indonesia, who were hospitalized in the Neurology Department of Hasan Sadikin Hospital from January to December 2021. Eligible patients were divided into 2 groups, with and without COVID-19 infection.

Results

There were 136 participants with acute ischemic stroke. Thirty-one percent of strokes were caused by atherosclerosis in the large arteries (LAA), followed by small-vessel occlusion (SVO) (25%), cardioembolism (CE) (22.1%), an undetermined cause (21.3%), and an other etiology (1.5%). CE risk factor was atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001), while hypertension, diabetes, and smoking were significant for LAA (p < 0.05). However, in patients with COVID-19 who had an acute ischemic stroke, most of the subtypes were stroke of undetermined etiology (76%), and hypercoagulation was the main risk factor (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with and without COVID-19 show varied distributions of stroke subtypes according to the TOAST categorization. Hypercoagulation is a major risk factor for stroke of undetermined etiology in individuals with COVID-19 who suffer from acute ischemic stroke. Increased viral-mediated endothelial inflammation leading to aberrant coagulopathy may explain the correlation between COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis induced By Hypercoagulation in Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) are autoimmune diseases and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is coincidence regarding hypercoagulable condition of both diseases. The presence of both diseases in the same patient is rare, which suggests a relative incompatibility between these diseases.

Case Presentation

I report a female case with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus history, aged 27 years, with blurred vision, diplopia, severe headache, numbness and progressive right hemiparesis in 2 weeks. There was narrowing caliber at left transversus and right sigmoid sinus in magnetic resonance venography. She showed improvement in vision, numbness, headache and motor strength in right extremities after receiving pulse dose of corticosteroid for three days.

Conclusion

The distinction between SLE and CVST is a diagnostic challenge for the neurologist, and the presence of both diseases should be considered in patients with clinical neurologic manifestations who present with typical systemic manifestations of SLE and CVST. Neurogenic inflammation can induce disorders of the blood vessel wall (endothelium) that cause hypercoagulability and changes in acute vascular conditions can occur consisting of intraluminal platelet aggregation, thrombosis and also can cause total cerebral thrombotic venous or venular occlusion in SLE patients.

D-Dimer Level Associated with Amount of Sinus involvement Using Digital Subtraction Angiography on Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Patients

Background

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a form of the cerebrovascular disease characterized by varying degrees of obstruction of veins and cerebral sinuses caused by thrombus. Diagnosis is incredibly challenging due to the wide variety of symptoms and the distinct radiological aspects of affected vessels. In patients with venous thrombosis, the presence of D-Dimer is used as an indicator of the presence of endogenous fibrinolysis. D-Dimer is a by-product of fibrin polymer fragmentation.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between the level of D-Dimer and the number of sinuses in CVST by Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA).

Methods

Retrospective data from September 2021 to September 2022 were used in this analytical observational with a cross-sectional study design. Chi-Square is used for data processing relationship analysis.

Results

Out of the 54 subjects with elevated levels of D-Dimer, 38 (70.4%) are females, whereas 16 (29.6%) are males. High levels of D-Dimer have been related to a greater risk of sinus thrombosis (p < 0.001). D-Dimer levels were similarly shown to rise in conjunction with the number of sinuses most severely damaged by thrombosis. The most common site for thrombosis to develop in this study were the left sigmoid and left transverse sinuses. Most risk factors were hormonal.

Conclusion

There is a statistically significant relationship between an increase in the D-Dimer level and the greater number of sinuses involved as determined by DSA in individuals diagnosed with CVST.

Characteristics and Risk Factors of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung, Indonesia

Background: Stroke is the second most common cause of death globally and the third most common cause of disability. The prevalence of stroke is increasing despite managing various stroke risk factors that have improved considerably. Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent type, and about 90% of stroke events are attributable to modifiable risk factors. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and risk factors of patients with acute ischemic stroke in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted retrospectively in October 2020, using a total sampling method on medical records of acute ischemic stroke patients in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital year 2019. Medical records with incomplete and missing data were excluded. Demographic and known risk factors data were collected and presented in the table.Results: Of the 355 subjects, male patients (n=69, 76.7%) were predominant, with the age range of 55–64 years old (36.1%). The majority of the subjects had an ischemic stroke of large-artery atherosclerosis (68.2%) with carotid system involvement (93.2%). As much as 305 subjects (85.9%) had hypertension as the risk factor, followed by dyslipidemia (47.3%), heart disease (39.4%), previous stroke history (33.8%), smoking (25.6%), diabetes mellitus (24.5%), hyperuricemia (12.1%), and blood disorders (2.3%).Conclusions: Males in the older age group have a higher risk of getting acute ischemic stroke with ischemic stroke of large-artery atherosclerosis and carotid system involvement, and hypertension has the highest prevalence.

THE DISEASE PATTERN OF ELDERLY PATIENTS ADMITTED IN THE NEUROLOGY WARD OF HASAN SADIKIN GENERAL HOSPITAL

Background: As life expectancy continues to increase, the elderly population in Indonesia has significantly doubled in the last five decades, making Indonesia a home to 4th largest population of elderly people in Asia. Unlike other age group, there are more challenges in handling older persons due to their increased mortality, morbidity, and disability risks. Objective: We performed this study to understand the disease pattern in elderly patients admitted in the neurology ward of Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using data from medical resume. We included medical resume of elderly patients admitted in the neurology ward of Hasan Sadikin General Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019. All incomplete, lost, or inaccessible medical resumes were excluded. Results: Among a total of 400 subjects, 210 (52.5%) were males and 190 (47.5%) were females. Young old (59,5%) presented to be the most observed age group. The most frequent diseases of elderly patients seen in this study were ischemic stroke (55.3%), followed by hemorrhagic stroke (19.5%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (5.3%), and tetanus (4.5%). Atherothrombotic subtype (50,6%) of ischemic stroke was seen to be the most frequent. Conclusion: Noncommunicable diseases were the majority of all cases in the elderly with cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke and subarachnoid haemorrhage, as the most common conditions. It is important to develop efficient hospital-based management strategies particularly for these diseases and intensify early detection and management of risk factors.

CLINICAL OUTCOME OF STROKE PATIENTS BASED ON THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH STROKE SCALE (NIHSS) IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third cause of disability globally. Clinical outcomes caused by stroke are varied and influenced by various factors. Objective: This study aims to describe the clinical outcome of stroke patients based on neurological deficit using NIHSS at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung. Methods: This study is a retrospective descriptive, cross-sectional study using secondary data from medical records recruited between January 2019 – December 2019 at the Department of Neurology Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung with the total sampling method. Variables include demographic data, risk factors, and clinical characteristics. Neurological deficit was assessed using NIHSS. Data were analyzed and presented in the form of tables. Results: There were 202 subjects eligible for this study, including ischemic (71.8%) and intracerebral hemorrhage (28.2%) stroke patients. Most of the subjects were male (53%), aged ≥60 years (50,5%), presenting with onset >6 hours (72.3%), and had hypertension (92,1%). Most of the subjects have a moderate stroke (n=102;50.5%) based on the NIHSS score at admission and mild stroke (n=117;57.9%) based on the NIHSS score at discharge, with a motor deficit as the most common neurological deficit found. Conclusion: The majority of stroke patients presented with a moderate stroke on admission and had a clinical improvement during hospital treatment, with most of the patients experiencing a mild stroke on discharge based on NIHSS score. The motor deficit is the most common neurological deficit that affects clinical outcomes.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Patients with Tetanus at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung 2015–2019

Background: Tetanus is a disease characterized by painful muscle spasms all over the body, which still becomes an important health issue worldwide, particularly in developing countries due to the high mortality rate. The clinical features also affect the mortality rate of adult tetanus patients. Tetanus severity score (TSS) is a prognostic scoring system developed in Vietnam that uses clinical features to predict the mortality rate in adult tetanus patients. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and outcomes of adult tetanus patients using TSS.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study with a total sampling method was conducted between 2015 and 2019. A total of 71 medical records of adult generalized tetanus patients in the Department of Neurology Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung were collected to analyze the clinical features and outcomes using TSS. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software ver. 25.0.Results: Among seventy-one tetanus patients, 62 (87.3%) were male, and the average age was 55.2±11.2 years. More than half of the patients (71%) were having grade III or worse and experienced dysautonomia complications (57.7%). The mortality rate was 38% and those who survived at discharge, 88.64% had TSS score <8, whereas 37.04% who died had TSS score ≥8.Conclusions: Tetanus in Bandung has a high mortality rate. Those who have died have high TSS scores, while the survivors have low TSS scores, suggesting that the TSS is a prospective scoring to predict the mortality rate in patients with tetanus in Indonesia.

The Role of Platelet-Selectin as a Marker of Thrombocyte Aggregation on Cerebral Sinus Venous Thrombosis

Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CVST) is a disease caused by occlusion of intracranial venous structures, including the cerebral sinuses, cortical veins, and the proximal jugular vein. Delay in diagnosis and therapy can lead to complications such as bleeding infarction and even death. Thrombosis that causes CVST is the process of forming a blood clot in a blood vessel. Thrombosis occurs when the balance between thrombogenic factors and the protective mechanisms of thrombogenesis is disturbed. Platelet function abnormalities in CVST cases can be in the form of impaired adhesion function, impaired release or secretion reactions, and impaired aggregation function. Dysfunction and disruption of endothelial structure due to inflammation causes platelet adhesion so that platelets stick together with collagen in endothelial cells. Platelet-selectin is a type 1 transmembrane protein in platelet granules and megakaryocytes and plays a role in mediating interactions between leukocytes and ligands that help the adhesion process of leukocytes and platelets so that they can be used as predictors of thrombosis in patients with CVST.

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP): Neuroinflammation Biomarker in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction

Blockage of the cerebral arteries due to thrombosis and embolism resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain, reduced oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in neuronal damage and causes astrocyte cells to secrete glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between GFAP levels serum and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

This was observational with a cross-sectional design on acute ischemic stroke patients confirmed by CT scans and divided into large vessel occlusion and small-vessel occlusion. Clinical outcome was measured using the National Institutional Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) tool. Statistical analysis uses Spearman’s rank correlation test and Mann Whitney’s test, significant if p < 0.05.

Results

After collecting 33 research subjects, we found 16 people with large vessel occlusion and 17 people with small vessel occlusion. Serum GFAP levels were 0.2–1.9 ng/mL, 9.1% with a mild neurological deficit, 45.45% were moderate neurological deficits, and 45.45% were severe neurological deficits. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.522; p = 0.002) between serum GFAP levels and the degree of neurological deficit in ischemic stroke patients. There was a statistically significant difference between serum GFAP levels in ischemic stroke patients with CT scan results of large artery occlusion compared to small artery occlusion (0.7 vs 0.4ng/mL; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

There was a positive correlation between GFAP level serum and NIHSS score on acute ischemic stroke. The higher the value of GFAP serum level, the higher the value for NIHSS and correlated with stroke severity and the extent of brain damage in ischemic stroke patients.

Hypercoagulable State Induced Spinal Cord Stroke After Coronavirus Disease 19 Infection

Background

Spinal cord stroke after coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection is rare, and limited cases have been reported. Spinal cord ischemia after COVID-19 infection is related to increased coagulopathy with thromboembolic consequences. Patients with COVID-19 may have a hypercoagulable state and an increased rate of thromboembolic events, such as occlusion in the spinal artery.

Case Presentation

We report a male case with confirmed COVID-19 infection, aged 60 years, with flaccid paraplegia, hyporeflexia, loss of sensation below the 12th thoracic level, loss of autonomic function, bilateral positive Babinski sign 14 days after the onset of flu-like symptoms, and elevated serum D-dimer and fibrinogen levels. There was stenosis of the spinal artery at the 12th thoracic level in magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography. He showed improvement in motor strength of the lower limb (walking with assistance), numbness and pain, and urine and fecal retention after receiving a subcutaneous anticoagulant.

Conclusion

COVID-19 can damage endothelial cells and activate thrombotic pathways, which can lead to clinical thromboembolic complications, such as occlusion in the spinal artery, resulting in spinal cord stroke.

Chemical characteristics and organoleptic of gluten-free toddler biscuits from mung bean flour, modified cassava flour and flaxseed

Biscuits a type of snack that is favoured by almost all groups of people especially children. This research was conducted to produce omega-3 gluten-free biscuits for toddlers. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) one factor with 3 levels of treatment. The factor was the ratio of modified cassava flour (mocaf) and flaxseed with concentrations of 24%: 1%, 22%: 3%, and 20%: 5%. Product analysis included organoleptic tests (sensory and hedonic quality) by semi-trained panellists, chemical tests (proximate, crude fiber, omega-3) and total energy content. Gluten-free toddler biscuits with the addition of mocaf and flaxseed 20%: 5% were selected products from the results of this study. The product had a sensory quality that was dark brown, slightly scented with a pleasant aroma, soft texture, sweet taste and overall, very good. The hedonic test results produced an average value of 5, which is rather like all parameters. The resulting nutritional content (w/w) on a wet basis (wb): water content 3.79%, ash 1.71%, protein 7.89%, fat 24.61%, carbohydrate 62.00%, with a total energy of 501.05 kcal/100 g, crude fibre 1.39%, and the highest omega-3 content of 818.45 mg/100 g. Consumption of three biscuits for toddlers (20 g) can meet the energy intake of 6.5% Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), 4.5% RDA protein, 5.3% RDA carbohydrate, 9.1% RDA fat, and omega-3 at 17.8% RDA per day. The produced toddler biscuits had a protein content of 22.5% RDA per 100 g, so they could be claimed as a high protein source

D-Dimer Level Associates with the Incidence of Focal Neurological Deficits in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Patients

Purpose

D-dimer is one of the main coagulation factors that plays a role in some diseases. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cerebrovascular disease with various clinical presentations, and the D-dimer might contribute to its clinical progress. Our study's objective was to explore the association between D-dimer level and focal neurological deficits in selected CVT patients.

Patients and Methods

The patients' data were retrospectively enrolled if they showed venous thrombus features in the digital subtraction angiography examination. Data collected were then evaluated using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

In a total of 30 patients, 24 patients had focal neurological deficits with abnormal D-dimer (mean 1.13±1.359 mg/L). We continued analysis to determine the association between the visual analog scale (VAS), a tool to measure the patient's pain, and coagulation factors. There was no significant association between the VAS score and all the coagulation factors. Interestingly, a positive association was found between focal neurological deficits and abnormal D-dimer levels (p=0.009).

Conclusion

The abnormality of D-dimer levels in CVT's patients associates with the incidence of focal neurological deficits.

Clinical significance of Platelet-to-White Blood Cell Ratio (PWR) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in acute ischemic stroke

Introduction

Ischemic stroke can occur due to disruption of blood and oxygen supply to brain tissue. White blood cells and platelets play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Several studies have concluded that the lower the platelet count and the higher the number of white blood cells in ischemic stroke patients will result in a more severe stroke and had worsen prognosis. Platelet and white blood cells counts can be converted into Platelet-to-White Blood Cell Ratio (PWR) which is a comparison between the number of platelets and white blood cells, so the higher PWR will provide better clinical outcomes. Here, we examined correlation between PWR and clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke using NIHSS tools.

Method

This research method was a retrospective analytic from 503 medical records of ischemic stroke patients from January 2015 to December 2017. Ischemic stroke divided into 2 groups: cardioembolic stroke and atherothrombotic stroke based on medical records. We calculated PWR and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for assessing clinical outcome. Statistical significance calculated with Spearman rank test, ANOVA, and multiple logistic regression.

Results

A total of 391 research subjects consisting of 213 females (54.5%) and 178 males (45.5%). The mean age of 57.14 years, and 82% subjects had hypertension as risk factor. Mean PWR of atherothrombotic stroke subjects were higher than cardioembolic stroke (33.02 vs 26.73) but had lower mean of NIHSS (5.81 vs 10.31) and had strong negative significant correlation between PWR and NIHSS (r = -0.9603; p < 0.001). From logistic regression, we found that PWR and platelet was statistically significance correlate with NIHSS (p < 0.05). The coefficient if PWR is the highest (absolute value) among other independent variables.It shows that PWR has positive effect on clinical outcome using NIHSS tools in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Conclusion

Cardioembolic stroke had higher PWR compared with atherothrombotic stroke. PWR had a strong correlation with NIHSS. The higher PWR will provide higher NIHSS and PWR has positive effect on clinical outcome using NIHSS tools in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in acute ischemic stroke: neuroprotection for better clinical outcome

Background

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor which maintains cellular homeostasis in response to hypoxia. It can trigger apoptosis while stimulating angiogenesis process and decrease neurological deficit after an ischemic stroke. Up until now, this protein complex has not been widely investigated especially in stroke patient.

Objective

Here, we examined the potential of HIF-1α as a marker for neuroplasticity process after ischemic stroke.

Methods

Serum HIF-1α were measured in acute ischemic stroke patients. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were assessed on the admission and discharge day (between days 7 and 14). Ischemic stroke divided into 2 groups: large vessel disease (LVD, n = 31) and small vessel disease (SVD, n = 27). Statistical significances were calculated with Spearman rank test.

Results

A total of 58 patients, 31 with large artery atherosclerosis LVD and 27 with small vessel disease (SVD) were included in this study. HIF-1α level in LVD group was 0.5225 ± 0.2459 ng/mL and in SVD group was 0.3815 ± 0.121 ng/mL. HIF-1α was higher (p = 0.004) in LVD group than in SVD group. The initial NIHSS score in LVD group was 15.46 ± 2.61 and discharge NIHSS score was 13.31 ± 3.449. Initial NIHSS score in SVD group was 6.07 ± 1.82 and the discharge NIHSS was 5.703 ± 1.7055. In both SVD and LVD group, HIF-1α were significantly correlated with initial NIHSS (both p < 0.001) and discharge NIHSS (p < 0.0383 r = 0.94, p < 0.001, r = 0.93, respectively).

Conclusions

HIF-1α has a strong correlation with NIHSS and it may be used as predictor in acute ischemic stroke outcome.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A 38-year-old woman presented with general weakness and vaginal bleeding. One month prior, she had been diagnosed with Evans syndrome (haemolytic anemia with positive Coombs test and thrombocytopenia) and was given oral steroid as maintenance therapy. Her serology examination was negative for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Her obstetrical history was marked by miscarriage in second pregnancy and preeclampsia in third pregnancy. She used hormonal contraceptives until 5 months prior to admission. On physical examination, she had anemic conjunctiva and no organomegaly. Blood tests were significant for anemia (3.4 g/dl) and thrombocytopenia (28,000/µl). Her vaginal bleeding had ceased, however her platelet continued decreasing to 12,000/µl during first several days of hospitalization despite receiving platelet transfusion. On the tenth hospital day, she suddenly complained of severe headache and blurred vision. She had bilateral edema and erythema of palpebral, chemosis, decreased in visual acuity, and reduced ocular motility. Ear and nose examination were normal. Peripheral blood smear showed no blast. Prothrombine time (PT), INR, APTT tests were normal and D Dimer was slightly increased (3.3 mg/l; NV ≤0.5 mg/l). Urine examination revealed proteinuria with 24 hour urine protein was 1,863 mg (NV <150 mg/day). We assessed her as cavernous sinus thrombosis and treated her empirically with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, morphine drip. Either digital subtraction angiography or anticoagulant was deferred due to low platelet. Further examination revealed positive for ANA, anti-SSA, and diagnosis of SLE was established. Anticardiolipin antibodies of IgG and IgM and anti-beta2 glycoprotein antibodies of IgM and IgG tests were non reactive. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy (1g/day) was given for 3 consecutive days, and then tapered to oral methylprednisolone. She additionally received azathioprine 50 mg tab BID. Meanwhile her clinical symptoms alleviated and platelet count was increased, brain MRI and MR venography finally performed suggesting cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. She got additional oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban 15 mg tab BID and eventually discharged. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis may be the presenting symptoms or occur concomitantly within the onset of SLE. Our patient had SLE, meeting 4 of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinic classification criteria (hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal involvement, and positive for ANA test). Vasculitis due to endothelial cell injury mediated by immune-complex deposition is proposed to be the pathogenesis of CVST in SLE. Hypercoagulable state could be other etiology factor. Antiphospholipid antibodies were absent in our case as reported in some cases, emphasizing vasculitis as the underlying mechanism. Treatment of CVST in SLE consisting of anticoagulant, steroid, and immunosuppressant. This case elicits intriguing problem: CVST and thrombocytopenia. Anticoagulant treatment is proposed as the cornerstone treatment for CVST, however it was deferred due to risk of bleeding in thrombocytopenia. Steroid plays role in treatment of CVST in SLE, owing to its anti-inflammatory property. As shown in previous cases, the patient had remarkable response to high dose steroid treatment and eventually got anticoagulant after her platelet had increased. In summary, prompt diagnosis and treatment of CVST are important for a favorable prognosis.