First pass effect as an independent predictor of functional outcomes in medium vessel occlusions: An analysis of an international multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

First pass effect (FPE), achievement of complete recanalization (mTICI 2c/3) with a single pass, is a significant predictor of favorable outcomes for endovascular treatment (EVT) in large vessel occlusion stroke (LVO). However, data concerning the impact on functional outcomes and predictors of FPE in medium vessel occlusions (MeVO) are scarce.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted an international retrospective study on MeVO cases. Multivariable logistic modeling was used to establish independent predictors of FPE. Clinical and safety outcomes were compared between the two study groups (FPE vs non-FPE) using logistic regression models. Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale 0-2 at 3 months.

RESULTS

Eight hundred thirty-six patients with a final mTICI ⩾ 2b were included in this analysis. FPE was observed in 302 patients (36.1%). In multivariable analysis, hypertension (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.10-2.20) and lower baseline NIHSS score (aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.97) were independently associated with an FPE. Good outcomes were more common in the FPE versus non-FPE group (72.8% vs 52.8%), and FPE was independently associated with favorable outcome (aOR 2.20, 95% CI 1.59-3.05). 90-day mortality and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were significantly lower in the FPE group, 0.43 (95% CI, 0.25-0.72) and 0.55 (95% CI, 0.39-0.77), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Over 2/3 of patients with MeVOs and FPE in our cohort had a favorable outcome at 90 days. FPE is independently associated with favorable outcomes, it may reduce the risk of any intracranial hemorrhage, and 3-month mortality.

Frequency and predictors of decompressive craniectomy in ischemic stroke patients treated by mechanical thrombectomy in the ETIS registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is usually performed in a comprehensive stroke center with on-site neurosurgical expertise. The question of whether MT can be performed in a primary stroke center without a neurosurgical facility is debated. In this context, there is a need to determine the frequency, delay and predictors of neurosurgical procedures in patients treated by MT. This study aims to determine these factors.

METHODS

In total, 432 patients under 60years old, diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke with a large vessel occlusion and treated by MT between January 2018 and December 2019 in six French stroke centers, were selected from the French clinical registry ETIS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictive factors for decompressive craniectomy.

RESULTS

Among the 432 included patients, 43 (9.9%) patients with an anterior circulation infarct underwent decompressive craniectomy. Higher admission NIHSS (OR: 1.08 [95% CI: 1.02-1.16]), lower ASPECT (OR per 1 point of decrease 1.53 [1.31-1.79] P<0.001) and preadmission antiplatelet use (OR: 3.03 [1.31-7.01]) were independent risk factors for decompressive craniectomy. The risk of decompressive craniectomy increases to more than 30% with an ASPECT score<4, an NIHSS>16, and current antiplatelet use.

CONCLUSION

In this multicenter registry, 9% of acute ischemic stroke patients (<60years old) treated with MT, required decompressive craniectomy. Higher NIHSS score, lower ASPECT score, and preadmission antiplatelet use increase the risk of subsequent requirement for decompressive craniectomy.

Endovascular Thrombectomy Outcomes with and without Intravenous Thrombolysis for Large Ischemic Cores Identified with CT or MRI

Background Whether intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) prior to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) provides additional benefits in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and a large infarct core (LIC) remains unclear. Purpose To examine whether treatment with IVT before EVT is beneficial in patients with LIC identified with CT or MRI (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score 0-5). Materials and Methods This retrospective study included consecutive adult patients diagnosed with AIS due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) and LIC treated with EVT who were enrolled in the ETIS (Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke) Registry in France between January 2015 and January 2022. The primary outcome measure was a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-3) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included functional independence (mRS score 0-2) at 90 days, improvement in degree of disability (ordinal shift in mRS score toward a better outcome) at 90 days, early neurologic improvement at 24 hours, and successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or higher). Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 24 hours and mortality at 90 days. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted analysis was used to assess the treatment effect of IVT adjusted for baseline variables. Results Of 1408 patients (mean age, 68.3 years ± 15.4 [SD]; 789 men), 654 (46.4%) were treated with IVT prior to EVT. In the IPTW-adjusted data set, IVT plus EVT was associated with a higher rate of favorable outcome at 90 days (odds ratio [OR], 1.24 [95% CI: 1.05, 1.46]; P = .01), functional independence at 90 days (OR, 1.47 [95% CI: 1.22, 1.77]; P < .001), improvement in degree of disability at 90 days (common OR, 1.30 [95% CI: 1.13, 1.49]; P < .001), early neurologic improvement (OR, 1.26 [95% CI: 1.07, 1.49]; P = .005), and successful reperfusion (OR, 1.43 [95% CI: 1.14, 1.79]; P = .002) than EVT alone. Rates of brain hemorrhage within 24 hours and mortality at 90 days were similar between groups. Conclusion In patients with AIS due to LVO with LIC identified with CT or MRI, treatment with IVT before EVT appeared to provide a clinical benefit over EVT alone. Clinical trial registration no. NCT03776877 © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Kallmes and Rabinstein in this issue.

Comparison of Endoscopic Dilatation and Heller's Myotomy for Treating Esophageal Achalasia in Children: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of, and complications from, the 2 main treatments for achalasia: endoscopic dilatation and surgical cardiomyotomy (Heller's myotomy).

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively collected data on children treated for achalasia over an 11-year period from 8 tertiary pediatric centers. A line of treatment was defined as performing either Heller's myotomy or 1-3 sessions of endoscopy dilatation over 3 months. Treatment success was a priori defined as clinical improvement and no need for new treatment.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven children (median age, 12 years; 57% boys) were included. The median time to diagnosis was 10.5 months, and the median follow-up period was 27 months. Thirty-seven children were treated by Heller's myotomy and 60 by endoscopy dilatation as the first-line treatment. After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, Heller's myotomy was significantly more successful than endoscopy dilatation (hazard ratio, 3.93 [1.74; 8.88]; P = .001), with a median survival without failure of 49 and 7 months, respectively, and with no significant difference in the occurrence of complications (35.2% for Heller's myotomy, 29.7% for endoscopy dilatation, P = .56). Hydrostatic dilatation was as successful as pneumatic dilatation (hazard ratio, 1.35 [0.56; 3.23]; P = .50).

CONCLUSIONS

Heller's myotomy is more successful than endoscopy dilatation, with no significant difference in the occurrence of serious complications. This raises the potential role of peroral endoscopic myotomy as an alternative treatment to Heller's myotomy.

Autogenous bone grafting with conventional implants vs zygomatic implants for atrophic maxillae: a retrospective study of the oral health-related quality of life

INTRODUCTION

Autogenous bone grafting (ABG)-combined or not with Le Fort I osteotomy (LFIO)-and zygomatic implants (ZI) are two reliable techniques for the fixed rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae. ZI allow a reduced treatment duration with no need to graft, immediate loading and in principle less morbidity. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare these two protocols on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). We also discussed implant and prosthetic survival rates, and biological complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients who benefited from ZI or ABG with conventional implants (CI) for a fixed maxillary rehabilitation, from November 2011 to April 2019, were included: 21 patients in the ABG group and 22 in the ZI group. OHRQoL was evaluated postoperatively by OHIP-14 questionnaire.

RESULTS

OHIP-14 median scores were respectively 6.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0-13.0) and 6.0 (IQR 3.0-10.0) without significant difference (p = 0.97). Implant/prosthetic survival rates were 97.9%/100% and 97.1%/95.5%. Biological complications rates were 33.3% and 36.4% without significant difference (p = 0.83).

DISCUSSION

The type of surgery or prosthesis does not seem to affect final OHRQoL, implant and prosthetic survival rates or biological complications rates.

Accuracy and trending ability of finger plethysmographic cardiac output monitoring in late pregnancy

PURPOSE

Individuals in late pregnancy are at risk of significant hemodynamic variations, especially during Cesarean delivery. Although non-invasive monitoring might enable the early detection of variations in cardiac output (CO), clinical validation is lacking.

METHODS

In a prospective, single-center study, we measured CO simultaneously with finger plethysmography and transthoracic echocardiography in 100 third-trimester pregnant individuals in the supine and left lateral decubitus (LLD) positions.

RESULTS

A Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean (standard deviation) bias of 1.36 (1.04) L·min-1 in the supine position (95% limits of agreement, -0.68 to 3.4 L·min-1; percent error, 26.6%), indicating overestimation by finger plethysmography. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.51). Regarding the changes in CO induced by the supine-to-LLD transition, the concordance rate in a four-quadrant plot was 98.3% (95% CI, 91.1 to 99.9%).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed a poor reliability of finger plethysmography for static measurement of CO. Nevertheless, finger plethysmography had a reasonably high concordance rate for the detection of CO changes secondary to positional changes in late-pregnant individuals. STUDY REGISTRATION DATE: www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT03735043); registered 8 November 2018.

[Evaluation of the success of medical abortion by a plasma hCG control threshold]

OBJECTIVES

In France, monitoring of the success of medical abortion is recommended 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure. However, there is no clear consensus on the modalities of this monitoring. The main objective of this study is to identify a threshold of serum hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) control for medical abortions ≤7 weeks of gestation below which success can be confirmed without recourse to pelvic ultrasound.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multicenter study conducted over a 14-month period. The serum hCG level, measured between the 15th and 25th day following the abortion, was compared with the results of the pelvic ultrasound performed at the follow-up visit. Ultrasound failure was defined as retention or persistent pregnancy.

RESULTS

Among the 624 women included, the failure rate was 22.3%, including 86.3% of retentions, 8.6% of pregnancies stopped and 5% of pregnancies progressed. Using a ROC curve, the threshold value of hCG found to exclude failure at 95% was 253 IU/l (AUC=0.9202, sensitivity=84.17%, specificity=85.95% and positive predictive value [PPV]=63%).

CONCLUSIONS

A serum hCG level ≤253 IU/l is sufficient to affirm the efficacy of medical abortion. However, since PPV is only 63% for this threshold, ultrasound should be reserved for women with high hCG levels.

Pre-treatment lesional volume in older stroke patients treated with endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND

Recent studies in the general stroke population treated with endovascular treatment (EVT) reported that higher pre-treatment lesional volumes were independently associated with poor neurological outcome and functional dependence after stroke. However, it has been not evaluated in older patients.

AIM

We test the association between the pre-treatment lesional volume on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and relevant outcome measures in older adults with stroke treated with EVT.

METHODS

We included consecutive older adults with stroke (⩾80 years old) treated with EVT in two academic comprehensive stroke centers. The association between pre-treatment lesional volume and relevant outcome measures (poor outcome (modified Rankin scale 4-6), 3-month mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH)) was evaluated using univariate and multivariable models.

RESULTS

Five hundred seventy-nine patients were included (mean age: 85.6 ± 4.1, median lesional volume was 10 ml; interquartile range: 3-30 ml). Pre-treatment lesional volume was associated with poor functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60-2.20, for +1 logarithmic increase of lesional volume), 3-month mortality (aOR: 1.50, CI: 1.28-1.76), and sICH (aOR: 1.67, CI: 1.27-2.20). A threshold lesional volume >35 ml predicted 90% of patients with poor functional outcome and a cut-off >51 ml predicted 90% of patients dead at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-treatment lesional volume might contribute, in association with other relevant clinical features, to the selection of older stroke patients who will benefit from EVT.

Nutritional status at age 1 year in patients born with esophageal atresia: A population-based, prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Despite recent progress in caring for patients born with esophageal atresia (EA), undernutrition and stunting remain common. Our study objective was to assess nutritional status in the first year after birth with EA and to identify factors associated with growth failure.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a population-based study of all infants born in France with EA between 2010 and 2016. Through the national EA register, we collected prenatal to 1 year follow-up data. We used body mass index and length-for-age ratio Z scores to define patients who were undernourished and stunted, respectively. Factors with P < 0.20 in univariate analyses were retained in a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Among 1,154 patients born with EA, body mass index and length-for-age ratio Z scores at 1 year were available for about 61%. Among these, 15.2% were undernourished and 19% were stunted at the age of 1 year. There was no significant catch-up between ages 6 months and 1 year. Patients born preterm (41%), small for gestational age (17%), or with associated abnormalities (55%) were at higher risk of undernutrition and stunting at age 1 year (P < 0.05). Neither EA type nor surgical treatment was associated with growth failure.

CONCLUSION

Undernutrition and stunting are common during the first year after birth in patients born with EA. These outcomes are significantly influenced by early factors, regardless of EA type or surgical management. Identifying high-risk patient groups with EA (i.e., those born preterm, small for gestational age, and/or with associated abnormalities) may guide early nutritional support strategies.

Early-onset delirium after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at identifying the incidence, predictors, and impact on long-term mortality and dementia of early-onset delirium in a cohort of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited consecutive patients in the Prognosis of InTra-Cerebral Hemorrhage (PITCH) cohort and analyzed incidence rate of early-onset delirium (i.e. during the first seven days after intracerebral hemorrhage onset) with a competing risk model. We used a multivariable Fine-Gray model to identify baseline predictors, a Cox regression model to study its impact on the long-term mortality risk, and a Fine-Gray model adjusted for pre-specified confounders to analyze its impact on new-onset dementia.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 248 patients (mean age 70 years, 54% males). Early-onset delirium incidence rate was 29.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.3-35.6). Multivariate analysis showed that pre-existing dementia (subhazard ratio (SHR) 2.08, 95%CI 1.32-3.32, p = 0.002), heavy alcohol intake (SHR 1.79, 95%CI 1.13-2.82, p = 0.013), and intracerebral hemorrhage lobar location (SHR 1.56, 95%CI 1.01-2.42, p = 0.049) independently predicted early-onset delirium. Median follow-up was 9.5 years. Early-onset delirium was associated with higher mortality rates during the first five years of follow-up (HR 1.52, 95%CI 1.00-2.31, p = 0.049), but did not predict new-onset dementia (SHR 1.31, 95%CI 0.60-2.87).

CONCLUSION

Early-onset delirium is a frequent complication after intracerebral hemorrhage; it is associated with markers of pre-existing brain vulnerability and with higher mortality risk, but not with higher dementia rates during long-term follow-up.

Lack of direct involvement of a diazepam long-term treatment in the occurrence of irreversible cognitive impairment: a pre-clinical approach

Several observational studies have found a link between the long-term use of benzodiazepines and dementia, which remains controversial. Our study was designed to assess (i) whether the long-term use of benzodiazepines, at two different doses, has an irreversible effect on cognition, (ii) and whether there is an age-dependent effect. One hundred and five C57Bl/6 male mice were randomly assigned to the 15 mg/kg/day, the 30 mg/kg/day diazepam-supplemented pellets, or the control group. Each group comprised mice aged 6 or 12 months at the beginning of the experiments and treated for 16 weeks. Two sessions of behavioral assessment were conducted: after 8 weeks of treatment and after treatment completion following a 1-week wash-out period. The mid-treatment test battery included the elevated plus maze test, the Y maze spontaneous alternation test, and the open field test. The post-treatment battery was upgraded with three additional tests: the novel object recognition task, the Barnes maze test, and the touchscreen-based paired-associated learning task. At mid-treatment, working memory was impaired in the 15 mg/kg diazepam group compared to the control group (p = 0.005). No age effect was evidenced. The post-treatment assessment of cognitive functions (working memory, visual recognition memory, spatial reference learning and memory, and visuospatial memory) did not significantly differ between groups. Despite a cognitive impact during treatment, the lack of cognitive impairment after long-term treatment discontinuation suggests that benzodiazepines alone do not cause irreversible deleterious effects on cognitive functions and supports the interest of discontinuation in chronically treated patients.

Joint latent class model: Simulation study of model properties and application to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease

Background

In many clinical applications, evolution of a longitudinal marker is censored by an event occurrence, and, symmetrically, event occurrence can be influenced by the longitudinal marker evolution. In such frameworks joint modeling is of high interest. The Joint Latent Class Model (JLCM) allows to stratify the population into groups (classes) of patients that are homogeneous both with respect to the evolution of a longitudinal marker and to the occurrence of an event; this model is widely employed in real-life applications. However, the finite sample-size properties of this model remain poorly explored.

Methods

In the present paper, a simulation study is carried out to assess the impact of the number of individuals, of the censoring rate and of the degree of class separation on the finite sample size properties of the JLCM. A real-life application from the neurology domain is also presented. This study assesses the precision of class membership prediction and the impact of covariates omission on the model parameter estimates.

Results

Simulation study reveals some departures from normality of the model for survival sub-model parameters. The censoring rate and the number of individuals impact the relative bias of parameters, especially when the classes are weakly distinguished. In real-data application the observed heterogeneity on individual profiles in terms of a longitudinal marker evolution and of the event occurrence remains after adjusting to clinically relevant and available covariates;

Conclusion

The JLCM properties have been evaluated. We have illustrated the discovery in practice and highlights the usefulness of the joint models with latent classes in this kind of data even with pre-specified factors. We made some recommendations for the use of this model and for future research.

Secukinumab and ustekinumab treatment in psoriatic arthritis: results of a direct comparison

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the characteristics of patients (pts) with PsA treated by ustekinumab (UST) or secukinumab (SEK) and to compare real-world persistence of UST and SEK in PsA.

METHODS

In this retrospective, national, multicentre cohort study, pts with PsA (CASPAR criteria or diagnosis confirmed by the rheumatologist) initiating UST or SEK with a follow-up ≥6 months were included from January 2011 to April 2019. The persistence between SEK and UST was assessed after considering the potential confounding factors by using pre-specified propensity-score methods. Causes of discontinuation and tolerance were also collected.

RESULTS

A total of 406 pts were included: 245 with UST and 161 with SEK. The persistence rate was lower in the UST group compared with the SEK group [median persistence 9.4 vs 14.7 months; 26.4% vs 38.0% at 2 years; weighted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.92; P =0.015]. In subgroup analysis, the persistence rate of SEK associated with MTX was significantly higher than that of UST associated with MTX: HR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.30, 3.51; P =0.001, in contrast to SEK vs UST monotherapy: HR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.53; P =0.75. Discontinuation due to inefficacy was reported in 91.7% (SEK) and 82.4% (UST) of pts. Discontinuation due to an adverse event was reported in 12.2% (SEK) and 7.7% (UST) of pts.

CONCLUSION

In this first study comparing UST and SEK, the persistence of SEK was higher than that of UST in PsA. In subgroup analysis, this difference was only found in association with MTX.

Seizures after decompressive hemicraniectomy for large middle cerebral artery territory infarcts: Incidence, associated factors, and impact on long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) reduces mortality of large middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarcts. Survivors are at high risk of poststroke seizures (PSSs). This study aims to describe the incidence of PSSs, to identify associated factors, and to assess their impact on long-term outcomes.

METHODS

We included consecutive patients who underwent DH for large MCA infarcts from May 2005 to December 2019 at Lille University Hospital. Patients were followed up at 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years. We analysed (i) the incidence and associated factors of early onset PSSs (EPSSs) with logistic regression models; (ii) the incidence and associated factors of late onset PSSs (LPSSs) in survivors at 7 days with a univariate Cox proportional hazard regression model for interval-censored data; and (iii) the impact of PSSs (EPSSs and LPSSs) on mortality with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models and modified Rankin Scale at 1 and 3 years, with univariate and adjusted multivariate ordinal logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 248 patients (150 men, 60.5%; mean age = 50.4 ± 9.6 years), 106 (42.7%) presented PSSs (six inaugural seizures, 22 EPSSs, 78 LPSSs) during follow-up. The PSS cumulative incidence was 12.3% at 7 days, 24.9% at 3 months, 49.8% at 1 years, and 54.8% at 3 years. No predictor was significantly associated with either EPSSs or LPSSs. PSSs did not significantly impact mortality and long-term functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PSSs after DH is high, reaching more than 50% 3 years after stroke, but PSSs did not influence long-term mortality or functional outcome.

Time from I.V. Thrombolysis to Thrombectomy and Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

Whether the time from intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke has an effect on the functional outcome is unknown.

METHODS

The Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry is an ongoing, prospective, multicenter, observational study that perform EVT in France. Data were analyzed from patients treated by IVT and EVT between October 2013 and December 2018 in 6 comprehensive stroke centers. In the primary analysis, we assessed the association of time from IVT administration to start of EVT with functional outcome (measured with the modified Rankin Scale [mRS]), by means of ordinal logistic regression. Secondary end points included angiographic and safety outcomes.

RESULTS

We analyzed 1,986 patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent IVT and EVT. An increased IVT to start of EVT time was associated with a worse functional outcome at 90 days (mRS = 0-2, adjusted odds ratio [OR] per 30 minutes increase in time = 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.86-0.96; mRS = 0-1, adjusted OR per 30 minutes increase in time = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84-0.94), a lower chance of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2b to 3 reperfusion (adjusted OR per 30 minutes increase in time = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.87-0.98), and an increased probability of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (adjusted OR per 30 minutes increase in time = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.99-1.18).

INTERPRETATION

These findings provide a basis for further studies to determine if the functional outcome of patients with stroke can be greatly improved by optimizing IVT to EVT times. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:511-519.

Admission Blood Pressure and Outcome of Endovascular Therapy: Secondary Analysis of ASTER Trial

BACKGROUND

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is common among patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions. The literature is inconsistent regarding the association between admission BP and outcome of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Moreover, it is unclear whether the first line thrombectomy strategy (stent retriever [SR] versus contact aspiration [CA]) modifies the relationship between BP and outcome.

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of the ASTER (Contact Aspiration Versus Stent Retriever for Successful Revascularization) randomized trial. BP was measured prior to randomization in all included patients. Co-primary outcomes included 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-2) and successful revascularization (modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia [mTICI] 2b-3). Secondary outcomes included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and parenchymal hemorrhage (PH) within 24 hours.

RESULTS

A total of 381 patients were included in the present study. Mean (SD) systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were 148 (26) mm Hg and 81 (16) mm Hg, respectively. There was no association between SBP or DBP and successful revascularization or 90-day functional independence. Similarly, there was no association between admission SBP or DBP with sICH or PH. Subgroup analysis based on the first-line thrombectomy strategy revealed similar results with no heterogeneity across groups.

CONCLUSION

Admission BP was not associated with functional, angiographic or safety outcomes. Results were similar in both CA and CA groups.

Predictors of Unexplained Early Neurological Deterioration After Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although the efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke (AIS) is well documented, early neurological deterioration after EVT remains a serious issue associated with poor outcome. Besides obvious causes, such as lack of reperfusion, procedural complications, or parenchymal hemorrhage, early neurological deterioration may remain unexplained (UnEND). Our aim was to investigate predictors of UnEND after EVT in patients with AIS.

METHODS

Patients who underwent EVT for AIS, with an initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >5, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ≥6, and included in a multicenter prospective observational registry were analyzed. Predictors of UnEND, defined as ≥4-point increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score between baseline and day 1 after EVT, were determined via center-adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

Among the 1925 included in the analysis, 128 UnEND (6.6%) were recorded. In multivariate analysis, predictors of UnEND were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 2.17 [95% CI, 1.32-3.56]), prestroke modified Rankin Scale score ≥2 (OR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.09-4.55]), general anesthesia (OR, 2.55 [95% CI, 1.51-4.30]), admission systolic blood pressure (OR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.01-1.20]), age (OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.14-1.67]), number of passes (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.04-1.28]), direct admission or not to a comprehensive stroke center (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.30-0.81]), and initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.52-0.81]).

CONCLUSIONS

Severely impaired AIS patients with nonmodifiable factors are more likely to develop UnEND. Some modifiable predictors of UnEND such as the number of EVT passes could be the object of improvement in AIS management.

Long-term mortality in survivors of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Background

Factors associated with long-term mortality after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have been poorly investigated.

Aim

Our objective was to identify variables associated with long-term mortality in a prospective cohort of 30-day ICH survivors.

Methods

We prospectively included consecutive 30-day spontaneous ICH survivors. We evaluated baseline and follow-up clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of chronic brain injury as variables associated with long-term mortality using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

Of 560 patients with spontaneous ICH, 304 (54.2%) survived more than 30 days and consented for follow-up. During a median follow-up of 10 years (interquartile range: 8.0–10.5), 176 patients died. The cumulative survival rate at 10 years was 38%. In multivariable analysis, variables independently associated with long-term mortality were age (hazard ratio (HR) per 10-year increase: 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45–1.95), male gender (HR: 1.41, CI: 1.02–1.95), prestroke dependency (HR: 1.66, CI: 1.15–2.39), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (HR per 1-point increase: 1.03, CI: 1.01–1.04), occurrence of any stroke (HR: 2.24, CI: 1.39–3.60), and dementia (HR: 1.51, CI: 1.06–2.16) during follow-up. Among MRI markers, only cerebral atrophy (HR per 1-point increase: 1.50, CI: 1.13–2.00) was independently associated with long-term mortality.

Conclusions

Preexisting comorbidities, clinical severity at presentation, and significant clinical event during follow-up are associated with long-term mortality. Among MRI markers of chronic brain injury, only cerebral atrophy is associated with long-term mortality.

Infarct Volume Before Hemicraniectomy in Large Middle Cerebral Artery Infarcts Poorly Predicts Catastrophic Outcome

Background and Purpose:

Infarct volumes predict malignant infarcts in patients undergoing decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) for large middle cerebral artery territory infarcts. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal magnetic resonance imaging infarct volume threshold that predicts a catastrophic outcome at 1 year (modified Rankin Scale score of 5 or death).

Methods:

We included consecutive patients who underwent DH for large middle cerebral artery infarcts. We analyzed infarct volumes before DH with semi-automated methods on b1000 diffusion-weighted imaging sequences and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. We studied infarct volume thresholds for prediction of catastrophic outcomes, and analyzed sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve, a value ≥0.70 indicating an acceptable prediction.

Results:

Of 173 patients (109 men, 63%; median age 53 years), 42 (24.3%) had catastrophic outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging b1000 diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient infarct volumes were associated to the occurrence of 1-year catastrophic outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 9.17 [95% CI, 2.00–42.04] and odds ratio, 4.18 [95% CI, 1.33–13.19], respectively, per 1 log increase). The optimal volume cutoff of were 211 mL on b1000 diffusion-weighted imaging and 181 mL on apparent diffusion coefficient maps. The 2 methods showed similar sensitivities and specificities and overlapping area under the curve of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.54–0.74).

Conclusions:

In patients with large middle cerebral artery infarcts, optimal magnetic resonance imaging infarct volume thresholds showed poor accuracy and low specificity to predict 1-year catastrophic outcome, with different b1000 diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient thresholds. In the setting of DH, optimal infarct volumes alone should not be used to deny DH, irrespectively of the method used.

FRI0348 PERSISTENCE OF SECUKINUMAB AND USTEKINUMAB IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A REAL-WORLD MULTICENTRIC COHORT OF 409 PATIENTS

Background:

Real-world data are missing for Ustekinumab (UST) and secukinumab (SEK) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Objectives:

To evaluate the characteristics of the patients (pts) with PsA treated by UST or SEK and to assess real world persistence of UST and SEK in PsA.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, multicenter study of pts with PsA (CASPAR criteria or diagnosis confirmed by a rheumatologist) initiating UST or SEK with a follow-up ≥ 6 months from January 2011 to April 2019. The comparison of persistence between UST and SEK was analysed using a Cox model with an inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score including 11 confounding factors. Subgroup analyses (age>65 years, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), Charlson score>2, psoriasis, CRP>5mg/L, number (nb) of prior biotherapies, proportion of pts on maximum dose of UST or SEK, combination with methotrexate (MTX), enthesitic and axial forms of PsA) were also performed to test the heterogeneity of UST and SEK persistence. Finally, 2 sensitivity analyses were performed, first excluding the pts treated before the marketing authorization of SEK, and then excluding the pts that underwent a molecule switch. Causes of discontinuation were also collected.

Results:

406 pts were included: 245 with UST and 161 with SEK. At baseline before propensity score-matching, the UST group has a higher BMI (28.9 ± 6.4 kg/m2vs. 27.4 ± 6.0 kg/m2), more peripheral forms (98% vs. 90.8%), a higher nb of active smokers (27.1% vs. 19.9%), a higher frequency of psoriasis (96.3% vs. 83.2%), less MTX users (38.9% vs. 44.2%), a higher nb of pts with CRP >5mg/L (54.3% vs. 47%), a higher nb of pts naïve to biotherapies (22% vs. 13%) and a higher nb of pts with recommended dosing (97.3% vs 50.9%). The median persistence was 9.4 months and 14.7 months for UST and SEK, respectively. The persistence rate was lower in the UST group compared to the SEK group (40.9% vs. 59.1% % at 1 year; 26.4% vs. 38.0% at 2 years; weighted HR=1.42; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.92; p=0.015) (Fig 1). In subgroup analysis, combination with MTX was associated with a higher persistence rate in the patients with SEK compared to those receiving UST: 43.6% vs. 23.2% (HR=2.20; 95% CI 1.30 to 3.51; p=0.001), whereas no difference was observed in SEK and UST monotherapy: 33.8% vs 28.4%, respectively (HR=1.06; 95% CI 0.74 to 1.53; p=0.75) (Fig 2). A similar difference was found in the sensitivity analyses, with however a difference at the limit of significance for the analysis excluding pts with a molecule switch (adjusted HR=1.35; IC95% 0.96 to 1.92; p=0.085). The causes of discontinuation were due to inefficacy in 85% of cases and an adverse event in 12% of cases (19% in the SEK group and 9% in the UST group).

Conclusion:

In this first real-world study comparing UST and SEK persistence in PsA, the persistence of SEK was longer than that of UST. Subgroup analysis revealed this difference of persistence was restricted to patients treated in combination with MTX.

Disclosure of Interests:

Jean-Guillaume Letarouilly Grant/research support from: Research grant from Pfizer, Benoît Flachaire: None declared, Céline Labadie: None declared, Nicolas Cohen Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Maeva Kyheng: None declared, Jérémie SELLAM: None declared, Pascal Richette: None declared, Philippe Dieudé: None declared, Pascal Claudepierre Speakers bureau: Janssen, Novartis, Lilly, Bruno Fautrel Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Medac MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi Aventis, SOBI and UCB, Eric Houvenagel Speakers bureau: Janssen, Novartis, Chi Duc Nguyen: None declared, Marie-Hélène Guyot: None declared, Nicolas Segaud: None declared, Frederic Maury: None declared, Laurent Marguerie: None declared, Xavier Deprez Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Jean-Hugues Salmon Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Guy Baudens: None declared, Corinne Miceli Richard: None declared, Elisabeth Gervais Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Roche, Pfizer, BMS, Abbvie, Isabelle CHARY VALCKENAERE: None declared, Pierre Lafforgue Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Damien LOEUILLE: None declared, Christophe Richez Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz and UCB., Thao Pham Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Rene-Marc Flipo Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Lilly

Identifying the predictors of first-pass effect and its influence on clinical outcome in the setting of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: Results from a multicentric prospective registry

BACKGROUND

The first-pass effect, defined as a complete or near-complete recanalization after one pass (first-pass effect) of a mechanical thrombectomy device, has been related to better clinical outcome than good recanalization after more than one pass in acute ischemic stroke. We searched for predictors of first-pass effect by analyzing the results within a large prospective multicentric registry.

METHODS

We included patients treated by mechanical thrombectomy for isolated anterior intracranial occlusions. A multi-variate logistic regression analysis was carried out to search for predictors of first-pass effect. We also analyzed the percentage of patients with 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2, excellent outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale 0 to 1), 24-h NIHSS change, and 90-day all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 1832 patients included, clinical outcome at 90 days was significantly better in first-pass effect patients (50.6% vs. 38.9% in patients without first-pass effect), with a center-adjusted OR associated with first-pass effect of 1.74 (95%CI, 1.24 to 1.77). Older age, a lower systolic blood pressure, an MCA-M1 occlusion, higher DWI-ASPECTS at admission, mechanical thrombectomy under local anesthesia, and combined first-line device strategy were independent predictors of first-pass effect.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a strategy combining thrombectomy and thrombo-aspiration was more effective than other strategies in achieving first-pass effect. In addition, we confirm that clinical outcome was better in patients with first-pass effect compared to non-first-pass effect patients.

TMJ related short-term outcomes comparing two different osteosynthesis techniques for bilateral sagittal split osteotomy

OBJECTIVES

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a morpho-functional surgery and post-surgical osteosynthesis may influence temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health. Our objective was to evaluate temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and TMJ symptoms after orthognathic surgery according to the type of osteosynthesis used in a population of patients with dentofacial deformities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty-three consecutive patients undergoing orthodontic and maxillofacial surgery treatment for correction of their malocclusion were recruited for a two-year period at Lille University Hospital. All patients had at least a mandibular BSSO using Epker's technique. Each patient was examined before and one year after orthognathic surgery. We compared osteosynthesis by miniplates fixed with monocortical screws (n=42) and the hybrid fixation with bicortical retro-molar screws used with miniplates (n=141). TMJ health was assessed by monitoring TMD signs and symptoms according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and scores obtained from the "Jaw Pain Function" questionnaire.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in pre-operative and one year post-operative RDC/TMD assessments (p≥0.91) or JPF score (p≥0.29) between the two types of osteosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in TMJ health between the two techniques of osteosynthesis after BSSO.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In our experience the hybrid technique fixation affords many advantages and does not influence postoperative TMD compared with osteosynthesis by miniplates.

Ultrasound Guidance to Reduce Vascular and Bleeding Complications of Percutaneous Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison

Background Ultrasound (US) guidance provides the unique opportunity to control the puncture zone of the artery during transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement and may decrease major vascular complications (VC) and life-threatening or major bleeding complications. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of US guidance using a propensity score-matched comparison. Methods and Results US guidance was implemented as the default approach for all transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement cases in our institution in June 2013. We defined 3 groups of consecutive patients according to the method of puncture (fluoroscopic/US guidance) and the use of a transcatheter heart valve. Patients in the US-guided second-generation group (Sapien XT [Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA], Corevalve [Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland]) were successfully 1:1 matched with patients in the fluoroscope-guided second-generation group (n=95) with propensity score matching. In a second analysis we described the consecutive patients of the US-guided third-generation group (Evolut-R [Medtronic], Sapien 3 [Edwards Lifesciences], n=308). All vascular and bleeding complications were reduced in the US-guided second-generation group compared with the fluoroscope-guided second-generation group: VC (16.8% versus 6.3%; P=0.023); life-threatening or major bleeding (22.1% versus 6%; P=0.004); and VC related to vascular access (12.6% versus 4.2%; P=0.052). In the US-guided third-generation group the rates of major VC and life-threatening or major bleeding were 3.2% (95% CI, 1.6% to 5.9%) and 3.6% (95% CI, 1.8% to 6.3%). In the overall population (n=546), life-threatening or major bleeding was associated with a 1.7-fold increased mortality risk (P=0.02). Conclusions We demonstrated that US guidance effectively reduced VC and bleeding complications for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement and should be considered the standard puncture method. Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02628509.

Quality of life associated with orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit in women: A multicentric cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

To compare quality of life and functional outcomes associated with orthotopic neobladder (ONB) and ileal conduit (IC) after anterior pelvic exenteration for bladder cancer in women, through a multicentric cross-sectional study.

METHODS

All women who have undergone an anterior pelvic exenteration associated with ONB or IC for a bladder cancer between January 2004 and December 2014 within the three participating university hospital centers and that were still alive in February 2016 were included. Three distinct auto-administered questionnaires were submitted to the patients: the EORTC QLQ-C30, the EORTC QLQ-BLmi30 and the SF-12. Comparison of response to these questionnaires between women with ONB and those with IC were studied with Mann-Whitney U tests, with a statistically significant P-value set at<0.05. The primary endpoint was the "global health status" sub-score extracted from the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The secondary endpoints were the functional sub-scores and symptoms sub-scores obtained with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire as well as the sub-scores obtained with the EORTC QLQ-BLmi30 and the SF-12 questionnaires.

RESULTS

Forty women were included in the study (17 ONB, 23 IC). The primary endpoint was comparable between the ONB and IC women (83.3 vs. 66.7 P=0.22). Similarly, no significant statistical difference could be pointed between the ONB and IC women in terms of secondary endpoints.

CONCLUSION

The present study did not report any significance difference in terms of quality of life and functional outcomes between women with ONB and those with IC after pelvic exenteration for bladder cancer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Abstract WP58: Admission Blood Pressure and Infarct Volume in Patients With Large Vessel Occlusions. Insights From the ASTER Trial

Background: Higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) has been shown to be associated with worse outcome after mechanical thrombectomy. However, it is still unknown if higher admission SBP is just an epiphenomenon of higher infarct volume leading to the worse outcome or if the SBP association with the outcome is independent of infarct volume. In this study, we aimed to study the correlation between admission SBP and both admission infarct volume and 24 change in infarct volume.

Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of the ASTER randomized trial. Cuff admission SBP was measured on presentation prior to thrombectomy. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) infarct volume was measured on admission and at 24-hours post-procedure. Delta volume was measured by calculating the difference between the admission and 24-hour DWI lesions.

Results: A total of 126 patients (mean age was 68.9 ± 14.8 years, median NIHSS was 17 (IQR, 11 to 20), 66% received tPA and 87% achieved mTICI 2b-3 at the end of the procedure) had MRI on admission and were included in this study. There was weak and not statistically significant negative correlation between admission SBP and infarct volume (R=-0.15; P=0.08). We did not find any correlation between admission SBP and 24 hours delta infarct volume. On generalized logistic regression analysis adjusting for infarct volume, SBP was associated with 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale <3) (OR,0.84; 95% CI, 0.70-0.99; p=0.049).

Conclusion: We did not find a significant correlation between infarct volume on admission and admission SBP. Moreover, the association between admission SBP and functional outcome was independent of infarct volume.

MT in anticoagulated patients

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is one of the main treatments for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients on effective anticoagulation. The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOA) has increased, given their efficacy and safety profile compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA). We compared procedural and clinical outcomes of MT in patients on DOA and VKA treatment before stroke onset. We analyzed 2 groups from the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke prospective registry: patients on DOA and patients on VKA treated by MT without thrombolysis. Generalized linear mixed models including center as random effect were used to compare angiographic (rates of reperfusion at end of procedure, number of passes >2, procedural complications) and clinical (favorable and excellent outcome, 90-day all-cause mortality, and hemorrhagic complications) outcomes according to anticoagulation subgroups. Comparisons were adjusted for prespecified confounders (age, admission NIH Stroke Scale score) as well as for meaningful baseline between-group differences. Among 221 patients included, more DOA-treated patients (n = 115, 52%) achieved successful (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score [mTICI] 2b/3) or near complete (mTICI 2c/3) reperfusion at the procedure end than did VKA-treated patients, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) for DOA vs VKA of 3.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–7.65) and 2.00 (95% CI, 1.08–3.73), respectively. DOA-treated patients had a lower 90-day mortality risk with an adjusted OR of 0.47 (95% CI, 0.24–0.89) and a better excellent outcome OR of 2.40 (1.10–5.27). There was no significant between-group difference in hemorrhagic or procedural complications. The study highlights the benefits of DOA compared to VKA. Regarding mortality, excellent outcomes, and recanalization rate, DOA appears to provide a favorable setting for MT treatment in AIS.

Impact of Reperfusion for Nonagenarians Treated by Mechanical Thrombectomy

Background and Purpose—

Nonagenarians represent a growing stroke population characterized by a higher frailty. Although endovascular therapy (ET) is a cornerstone of the management of acute ischemic stroke related to large vessel occlusion, the benefit of reperfusion among nonagenarians is poorly documented. We aimed to assess the impact of ET-related reperfusion on the functional outcome of reperfusion in this elderly population.

Methods—

A retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data from all patients aged over 90 included in the ETIS (Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke) registry between October 2013 and April 2018 was performed. Association between post-ET reperfusion and favorable (modified Rankin Scale [0–2] or equal to prestroke value) and good (modified Rankin Scale [0–3] or equal to prestroke value) outcome were evaluated. Demographic and procedural predictors of functional outcome, including the first-pass effect, were evaluated. Results were adjusted for center, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and use of intravenous thrombolysis.

Results—

Among the 124 nonagenarians treated with ET, those with successful reperfusion had the lowest 90-day modified Rankin Scale (odds ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.04–10.25). Only patients with successful reperfusion after the first pass (n=53, 56.7%) had a reduced 90-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05–0.45) and an increased rate of good outcome (odds ratio, 4.55; 95% CI, 1.38–15.03). No increase in the rate of intracranial hemorrhage was observed among patients successfully reperfused.

Conclusions—

Successful reperfusion improves the functional outcome of nonagenarians who should not be excluded from ET. The first-pass effect should be considered in the procedural management of this frail population.

Long-term effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on daily life physical activity of patients with stage IV sarcoidosis: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is known to improve exercise tolerance, mood, and quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The aim of this work was to determine whether PR provides long-term benefits in increasing daily life physical activity in patients with chronic sarcoidosis.

METHODS

This randomized prospective study (registered ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02044939) of 38 patients with stage IV chronic sarcoidosis was performed between 2012 and 2016. Patients were assigned to participate in a 2-month PR program (n=20) or receive counseling (n=18). Assessments were performed at baseline, 2 months (end of the PR program), 6months, and 12months, and included daily life physical activity parameters (measured for 5 consecutive days), exercise tolerance, dyspnea, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life. The primary outcome was the 12-month change in time spent in activities above an estimated energy expenditure of 2.5metabolic equivalents (METs). Secondary daily life physical activity outcomes included number of steps per day, total daily energy expenditure, and total energy expenditure above 2.5METs.

RESULTS

The primary outcome did not differ between the two groups; mean between-group differences were -13.2min (95% confidence interval [CI]: -76.3 to 49.8) at 6 months and -18.1min (95% CI: -55.7 to 19.4) at 12months. Although PR had no effect on secondary daily life physical activity outcomes, it did significantly increase exercise tolerance at 6 and 12 months and decrease the dyspnea score at 6 months and the fatigue score at 12months.

CONCLUSION

This trial failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of PR on daily life physical activity in sarcoidosis patients, suggesting that long-term behavioral programs may be necessary to complement PR.

First-Line Sofia Aspiration Thrombectomy Approach within the Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Multicentric Registry: Efficacy, Safety, and Predictive Factors of Success

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

After publications on the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy by stent retrievers in acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion, alternative endovascular approaches have been proposed using first-line aspiration catheters. Several devices are currently available to perform A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique. The Sofia catheter aspiration has been widely used by interventionalists, but data are scarce about its efficacy and safety. Our aim was to report our multicenter thrombectomy experience with first-line Sofia catheter aspiration and to identify independent prognostic factors of clinical and procedural outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the prospectively maintained Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke multicentric registry. Data from consecutive patients who benefited from thrombectomy with a first-line Sofia approach between January 2013 and April 2018 were studied. We excluded other first-line approaches (stent retriever or combined aspiration and stent retriever) and extracranial occlusions. Baseline characteristics, procedural data, and angiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 296 patients were treated. Mean age and initial NIHSS score were, respectively, 69.5 years and 16. Successful reperfusion, defined by the modified TICI 2b/3, was obtained in 86.1% (n = 255; 95% CI, 81.7%-89.9%). Complete reperfusion (modified TICI 3) was obtained in 41.2% (n = 122; 95% CI, 35.5%-47.1%). A first-pass effect was achieved in 24.2% (n = 71; 95% CI, 19.4%-29.6%). A rescue stent retriever approach was required in 29.7% (n = 88; 95% CI, 24.6%-35.3%). The complication rate was 9.5% (n = 28; 95% CI, 6.4%-13.5%). Forty-three percent (n = 122; 95% CI, 37.1%-48.9%) of patients presented with a favorable 3-month outcome (mRS ≤ 2). Older age, M1-occlusion topography, and intravenous thrombolysis use prior to thrombectomy were independent predictors of the first-pass effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The first-line contact aspiration approach appeared safe and efficient with Sofia catheters. These devices achieved very high reperfusion rates with a low requirement for stent retriever rescue therapy, especially for M1 occlusions.

Systematic thyroid screening in myotonic dystrophy: link between thyroid volume and insulin resistance

Background

Myotonic dystrophy (DM1), a neuromuscular disease related to DMPK gene mutations, is associated to endocrine disorders and cancer. A routine endocrine work-up, including thyroid ultrasound (US), was conducted in 115 genetically-proven DM1 patients in a neuromuscular reference center. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the causes of US thyroid abnormalities in DM1.

Results

In the whole population (age 45.1 ± 12.2 years, 61.7% female), palpable nodules or goiters were present in 29.2%. The percentage of US goiter (thyroid volume > 18 mL) and US nodules were, respectively, 38.3 and 60.9%. Sixteen of the 115 patients had a thyroidectomy, after 22 fine-needle aspiration cytology guided by thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) classification. Six micro- (1/6 pT3) and 3 macro-papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTCs) (2/3 intermediate risk) were diagnosed (7.9% of 115). Thyroid US led to the diagnosis of 4 multifocal and 2 unifocal (including 1 macro-PTC) non-palpable PTCs. Ultrasound thyroid volume was positively correlated to body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.015) and parity (p = 0.036), and was inversely correlated to TSH (p < 0.001) and vitamin D levels (p = 0.023). The BMI, the frequencies of glucose intolerance and PTC were significantly higher in UsGoiter versus non-UsGoiter groups.

Conclusion

In this systematically screened DM1 cohort, the frequency of UsGoiter, mainly associated to BMI, was about 40%, US nodules 60%, thyroidectomies 13–14%, and PTCs 8%, two-thirds of them being micro-PTCs with good prognosis. Therefore, a systematic screening remains debatable. A targeted US screening in case of clinical abnormality or high BMI seems more appropriate.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13023-019-1019-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes With or Without Intravenous Thrombolysis

Background and Purpose—

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) within 4.5 hours of symptom onset is currently recommended before mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We compared functional outcome, neurological recovery, reperfusion, and adverse events according to the use or not of IVT before MT.

Methods—

This is a post hoc analysis of the ASTER trial (Contact Aspiration Versus Stent Retriever for Successful Revascularization). The primary outcome was favorable 90-day functional outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale of ≤2. Secondary outcomes were successful reperfusion following all procedures and after the first-line procedure, number of device passes, and change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours. Safety outcomes included 90-day mortality and any symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

Results—

Three hundred eighty-one patients were included, 250 of whom received IVT before MT (IVT+MT group). There were no significant differences between IVT+MT and MT-alone groups in 90-day favorable functional outcome, in successful reperfusion rate (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction 2b or 3), in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score improvement at 24 hours, or in hemorrhagic complication rate. The 90-day mortality rate in the IVT+MT group was lower than after MT alone (fully-adjusted risk ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39–0.88). In a subgroup of patients without anticoagulant medication before stroke onset, we observed in the IVT+MT group a better functional outcome (fully-adjusted risk ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.02–1.89), a higher successful recanalization rate after first-line strategy (fully-adjusted risk ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05–1.50), and a lower mortality rate (fully-adjusted risk ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36–0.93).

Conclusions—

Our results show that IVT+MT patients in the ASTER trial have lower 90-day mortality compared with those receiving MT alone. In a selected population of patients without prestroke anticoagulation, we demonstrated that IVT associated with MT might improve functional outcome and recanalization while reducing mortality rates.

Intravenous Thrombolysis Prior to Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Silver Bullet or Useless Bystander?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent single-center series and meta-analyses suggest that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) without prior intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) might be equally effective to bridging therapy. We analyzed, within the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) prospective observational registry, the angiographic and clinical outcomes after IVT+MT versus MT alone.

METHODS

From December 2012 to December 2016, a total of 1,507 consecutive patients with a proximal arterial occlusion of the anterior circulation were treated by MT. Of these, 975 (64.7%) received prior IVT. Immediate angiographic and clinical outcomes at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) were compared between the two groups while checking for propensity score, matched-propensity score and by inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity score method.

RESULTS

Favorable outcome (mRS 0 to 2) was more frequently achieved after IVT+MT (n=523, 53.6%) than after MT alone (n=222, 41.8%) with an unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for bridging therapy of 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1. 29 to 2.01). This difference remained not significant in matched-propensity score cohort (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.63) although it remained according to adjusted propensity score (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.68) and IPTW (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.73) analyses. A significant difference was found in terms of excellent outcome (mRS 0 to 1) (adjusted OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.11) and successful reperfusion (adjusted OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.15). No differences in intracerebral hemorrhage or in allcause mortality within 90 days were found between groups.

CONCLUSION

s IVT prior to MT is associated with increased excellent outcome and successful reperfusion rates. These findings support the use of bridging therapy.

MET amplification increases the metastatic spread of EGFR-mutated NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Five to 20% of metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) develop acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) through MET amplification. The effects of MET amplification on tumor and patient phenotype remain unknown.

METHODS

We investigated,in vitro and in vivo, the impact of MET amplification on the biological properties of the HCC827 cell line, derived from an EGFR-mutated NSCLC. We further evaluated the time to new metastases after EGFR-TKI progression in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, exhibiting MET amplification or high MET overexpression.

RESULTS

MET amplification significantly enhanced proliferation, anchorage independent growth, anoikis resistance, migration, and induced an epithelial to mesenchymal transition. In vivo, MET amplification significantly increased the tumor growth and metastatic spread. Treatment with a MET-TKI reversed this aggressive phenotype. We found that EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients exhibiting MET amplification on a re-biopsy, performed after EGFR-TKI progression, displayed a shorter time to new metastases after EGFR-TKI progression than patients with high MET overexpression but no MET amplification.

CONCLUSION

MET amplification increases metastatic spread even in the context of an already pre-existing strong driver mutation such as EGFR mutation. These results prompt development of therapeutic strategies aiming at preventing emergence of MET amplification.

[Cervical ripening and labor induction: Evaluation of single balloon catheter compared to double balloon catheter and dinoprostone insert]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of single balloon catheter with double balloon catheter and dinoprostone insert for cervical ripening and labor induction on unfavourable cervix.

METHODS

this is a comparative, retrospective, one-center trial. Were included singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation. Were excluded cicatricial uterus. The outcomes were vaginal delivery rate, caesarean section rate, modification in Bishop score, time from induction to delivery, second time prostaglandin E2 resort, oxytocin administration resort, maternal or neonatal adverse events.

RESULTS

Were included 108 patients: 45 in single balloon catheter group, 32 in double balloon catheter group, 31 in dinoprostone insert group. Vaginal delivery rate was similar in single balloon catheter group (78 %) compared with others groups (75 % in double balloon catheter and 71 % in dinoprostone insert group respectively). Oxytocin administration resort was superior in single balloon catheter group. There was no significant difference on others outcomes. Labor induction costs were 9euros in single balloon catheter group, versus 55 and 81 euros in double balloon catheter group and dinoprostone insert group respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Single balloon catheter seems just as effective as double balloon catheter and dinoprostone insert with its major asset the low cost for labor induction.

MRI of the cervical spinal cord predicts respiratory dysfunction in ALS

For patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the primary therapeutic goal is to minimize morbidity. Non-invasive ventilation improves survival. We aim to assess whether Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the cervical spinal cord predicts the progression of respiratory disorders in ALS. Brain and spinal MRI was repeatedly performed in the SOD1^G86R mouse model, in 40 patients and in healthy controls. Atrophy, iron overload, white matter diffusivity and neuronal loss were assessed. In Superoxide Dismutase-1 (SOD1) mice, iron accumulation appeared in the cervical spinal cord at symptom onset but disappeared with disease progression (after the onset of atrophy). In ALS patients, the volumes of the motor cortex and the medulla oblongata were already abnormally low at the time of diagnosis. Baseline diffusivity in the internal capsule was predictive of functional handicap. The decrease in cervical spinal cord volume from diagnosis to 3 months was predictive of the change in slow vital capacity at 12 months. MRI revealed marked abnormalities at the time of ALS diagnosis. Early atrophy of the cervical spinal cord may predict the progression of respiratory disorders, and so may be of value in patient care and as a primary endpoint in pilot neuroprotection studies.