Pediatric Stroke: A Review of Common Etiologies and Management Strategies

Pediatric stroke is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in children. There is a paucity of clinical trials pertaining to pediatric stroke management, and solidified universal guidelines are not established for children the way they are for the adult population. Diagnosis of pediatric stroke can be challenging, and it is often delayed or mischaracterized, which can result in worse outcomes. Understanding risks and appropriate therapy is paramount to improving care.

Thalamic Volume Loss Is Greater in Children Than in Adults Following Middle Cerebral Artery Territory Arterial Ischemic Stroke

Background: Younger stroke patients may suffer worse outcomes than older patients; however, the extent to which age at stroke impacts remote areas of the brain remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine thalamic volume changes ipsilateral to middle cerebral artery territory strokes based on age at acute ischemic stroke onset. Methods: Acute ischemic stroke patients <9 years, 9-18 years, and >18 years old were retrospectively recruited from a large quaternary care system. Each subject underwent an acute (<72 hours from AIS) and chronic (>90 days) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Manual thalamic segmentation was performed. Results: Younger and older children had significantly greater stroke-side thalamic volume loss compared to adults (48.2%, P = .022; 40.7%, P = .044, respectively). Conclusions: Stroke-side thalamic volumes decreased across the age spectrum but to a greater degree in pediatric patients. This observation can affect functional and cognitive outcomes post stroke and warrants further research.

Coagulation Factor XIII Val34Leu Polymorphism in the Prediction of Premature Cardiovascular Events-The Results of Two Meta-Analyses

Background: Polymorphisms within the gene that encodes for coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) have been suggested to be involved in the pathogeneses of ischemic stroke (IS) and myocardial infarction (MI). The Val34Leu polymorphism is one of the most commonly analysed FXIII polymorphisms. However, studies on the role of the Val34Leu polymorphism in the aetiology of vascular diseases often show contradictory results. In the present meta-analysis, we aimed to pool data from available articles to assess the relationship between the FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism and the susceptibilities to IS of undetermined source and premature MI in patients aged below 55 years. Methods: We searched databases (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, SciELO, and Medline) using specific keywords (the last search was in January 2022). Eventually, 18 studies (627 cases and 1639 controls for IS; 2595 cases and 4255 controls for MI) met the inclusion criteria. Data were analysed using RevMan 5.4 and StatsDirect 3 link software. The relation between Val34Leu polymorphism and disease was analysed in five genetic models, i.e., dominant, recessive, additive, heterozygous, and allelic. Results: No relation between Val34Leu polymorphism and IS in young adults was observed in all analysed genetic models. For premature MI, significant pooled OR was found between the carrier state of the Leu allele (Val/Leu + Leu/Leu vs. Val/Val) and a lack of MI, suggesting its protective role (OR = 0.80 95%CI 0.64–0.99, p = 0.04). A similar finding was observed for the heterozygous model in MI (Val/Leu vs. Val/Val) (OR = 0.77 95%CI 0.61–0.98, p = 0.03). No relation was found for the recessive, additive, and allelic models in MI. Conclusions: In the population of young adults, no positive correlation was found between the FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism and IS of undetermined source in any of the analysed genetic models. In turn, the carrier state of the 34Leu allele as well as FXIII heterozygotes themselves were found to play a protective role in relation to premature MI.

Pediatric Acute Stroke Protocols in the United States and Canada

OBJECTIVE

To describe existing pediatric acute stroke protocols to better understand how pediatric centers might implement such pathways within the context of institution-specific structures.

STUDY DESIGN

We administered an Internet-based survey of pediatric stroke specialists. The survey included questions about hospital demographics, child neurology and pediatric stroke demographics, acute stroke response, imaging, and hyperacute treatment.

RESULTS

Forty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents practiced at a large, freestanding children's hospital with a moderate-sized neurology department and at least 1 neurologist with expertise in pediatric stroke. Although there was variability in how the hospitals deployed stroke protocols, particularly in regard to staffing, the majority of institutions had an acute stroke pathway, and almost all included activation of a stroke alert page. Most institutions preferred magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over computed tomography (CT) and used abbreviated MRI protocols for acute stroke imaging. Most institutions also had either CT-based or magnetic resonance-based perfusion imaging available. At least 1 patient was treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) or mechanical thrombectomy at the majority of institutions during the year before our survey.

CONCLUSIONS

An acute stroke protocol is utilized in at least 41 pediatric centers in the US and Canada. Most acute stroke response teams are multidisciplinary, prefer abbreviated MRI over CT for diagnosis, and have experience providing IV-tPA and mechanical thrombectomy. Further studies are needed to standardize practices of pediatric acute stroke diagnosis and hyperacute management.

Arterial ischemic stroke in children with congenital heart diseases

BACKGROUND

We describe the prevalence, thromboembolic risk factors, and neurologic outcomes in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and arterial ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children with CHD and AIS from 2000 to 2016. Demographics, procedural and postprocedural data, neuroimaging findings, details of antithrombotic treatment, and neurological status at last follow up were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with cyanotic CHD accounted for 24 of 30 cases with AIS. The majority of AIS (70%) was procedure related, and the mean time from procedure to diagnosis of stroke was 9.7 (range, 1-30) days. At the time of AIS, 14 (46.7%) patients revealed coexistence of additional thromboembolic causes of AIS. Three patients (10.0%) experienced recurrent AIS and six patients (20.0%) were diagnosed with post-stroke epilepsy. The unfavorable outcomes were found in 13 patients (43.3%), including four deaths. The unfavorable outcome was significantly associated with the main branch involvement of middle cerebral artery (OR = 10.296, 95% CI = 1.335-79.439) and hemorrhagic transformation (OR = 16.264, 95% CI = 1.359-194.690).

CONCLUSIONS

Additional thromboembolic risk factors such as systemic or cardiac thrombus, arrhythmia, and surgical procedures for cyanotic CHD were found in patients with CHD and AIS. The main branch involvement of middle cerebral artery and hemorrhagic transformation were significant predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Further studies are required to identify the target for stroke prevention and develop better prophylactic strategies to minimize AIS in patients with CHD.

Traditional risk factors and combined genetic markers of recurrent ischemic stroke in adults

BACKGROUND

The involvement of traditional risk factors and combined genetic markers of recurrent arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in adults remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine significant clinical and genetic factors of AIS recurrence, and to investigate the combined effect of genotypes on the occurrence of a second cerebral ischemic attack.

METHODS

We investigated a cohort study of AIS patients (18-50 years old) followed in the neurology department over 5 years. Traditional and genetic risk factors were carried through a multivariable logistic regression model. We used a Cox proportional hazard model for identifying predictors of recurrence.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy patients were enrolled in our study. The risk of AIS recurrence was 36.2% within 5 years. The potential risk of recurrence of AIS increased with traditional and genetic risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and family history of cerebrovascular diseases. This risk increased with increasing number of genetic factors. The hazard ratio (HR) was 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-2.67) for the subject with one genetic factor, 1.61 (95% CI 0.97-2.25) for combined methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms, and 2.57 (95% CI 1.32-4.99) for combined factor V Leiden (FVL) and MTHFR polymorphisms (677 or 1298). The HR for the three polymorphisms combined was 6.04 (95% CI 2.40-15.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that cumulative effect of both traditional and common genetic risk factors was associated with recurrence of ischemic stroke. We demonstrated for the first time that a combined genotype FVL/MTHFR profile increase the risk of a second cerebral ischemic attack.

A Prospective Multicenter Registry on Feasibility, Safety, and Outcome of Endovascular Recanalization in Childhood Stroke (Save ChildS Pro)

Rationale: Early evidence for the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in pediatric patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion has been shown in previous retrospective cohorts. Higher-level evidence is needed to overcome the limitations of these studies such as the lack of a control group and the retrospective design. Randomized trials will very likely not be feasible, and several open questions remain, for example, the impact of arteriopathic etiologies or a possible lower age limit for MT. Save ChildS Pro therefore aims to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of MT in pediatric patients compared to the best medical management and intravenous thrombolysis.

Design: Save ChildS Pro is designed as a worldwide multicenter prospective registry comparing the safety and effectiveness of MT to the best medical care alone in the treatment of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). It will include pediatric patients (<18 years) with symptomatic acute intracranial arterial occlusion who underwent either MT or best medical treatment including intravenous thrombolysis.

Outcomes: The primary endpoint of Save ChildS Pro is the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days post-stroke. Secondary endpoints will comprise the decrease of the Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score from admission to discharge and rate of complications.

Discussion: Save ChildS Pro aims to provide high-level evidence for MT for pediatric patients with AIS, thereby improving functional outcome and quality of life and reducing the individual, societal, and economic burden of death and disability resulting from pediatric stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration: Save ChildS Pro is registered at the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS; identifier: DRKS00018960).

Early Deaths after Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Pediatric Patients: Incidence and Risk Factors

In developed countries, cerebrovascular diseases are among the 10 most common causes of death in both the pediatric and adult population. The prevalence of fatal outcomes following arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in various groups of pediatric patients ranges from 1% to almost 32%. However, a constant improvement in stroke mortality among children has been observed. The extent of the decline differs among studies (from nearly tenfold to twofold decline), as it depends on the study population. While a portion of this variability might be explained by factors such as health care access, population age, diseases related to ethnicity, and different etiologies of stroke in studied populations, the understanding of such differences is still insufficient. Risk factors for death in the early stages of the disease are poorly understood and are usually based on the clinical presentations of relatively small groups of pediatric patients. Familiarity with these factors may be of significant importance for prognosis, but also for the early selection of patients requiring careful supervision. The present study aimed to analyze and discuss the current literature data on the incidence of early death and risk factors for early death in children suffering from stroke.

Assessment of Post-Stroke Consequences in Pediatric Ischemic Stroke in the Context of Neuroimaging Results-Experience from a Single Medical Center

Arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children is a rare condition; its frequency is estimated at 0.58 to 7.9 new onsets in 100,000 children per year. The knowledge on risk factors, clinical outcomes and consequences of pediatric AIS is increasing. However, there are still many unknowns in the field. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical presentation of pediatric AIS and its consequences according to the neuroimaging results and location of ischemia. The research was retrospective and observational. The analyzed group consisted of 75 AIS children (32 girls, 43 boys), whereby the age of the patients ranged from 9 months to 18 years at stroke onset. All the patients were diagnosed and treated in one tertiary center. The most frequent stroke subtype was total anterior circulation infarct (TACI) with most common ischemic focus location in temporal lobe and vascular pathology in middle cerebral artery (MCA). The location of ischemic focus in the brain correlated with post-stroke outcomes: intellectual delay and epilepsy, hemiparesis corresponded to the location of vascular pathology. A correlation found between ischemic lesion location and vascular pathology with post-stroke consequences in pediatric AIS may be important information and helpful in choosing proper early therapy. The expected results should lead to lesser severity of late post-stroke outcomes.

Levels of Lipid Parameters in Children with Arterial Ischemic Stroke and Headache: Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis

Background: Abnormalities in levels of lipid parameters are one of the main causes of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in adults. There are limited data on the role of disturbances of lipid metabolism in the etiopathogenesis of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children and the results provided are ambiguous. The aim of the study was to compare the levels of lipid parameters (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoprotein [HDL] and low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) between children with AIS, children with headache and healthy children. In addition, we performed meta-analysis of available data on lipid parameters in young patients with AIS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 218 children hospitalized between 2002 and 2018 in the Upper-Silesian Child’s Health Center (n = 82 children with AIS, n = 45 children with headache, n = 91 healthy children) with available data on lipid levels, i.e., TC, TG, and HDL. The levels of LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and a very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were calculated. The ratios of TC/HDL, TG/HDL and LDL/HDL were also assessed. Data between cases and controls were analyzed using STATISTICA 13.0 whereas meta-analysis was performed with RevMan version 5.4 software. Results: Children with headache were significantly older than children with AIS (p = 0.001). Ten percent of children with AIS had posterior stroke. The mean TC level was significantly higher in the AIS children than in controls or in children with headache. Mean TG and VLDL levels were significantly different between all groups (p < 0.001 each). The hypertriglyceridemia was more prevalent in AIS children than in children with headache (39% vs. 13%, OR = 4.16 95% CI 1.58–10.94, p = 0.004). Similarly, the frequency of dyslipidemia was higher in children with AIS compared to children with headache (38% vs. 22%, OR = 2.13 95% CI 0.93–4.89, p = 0.078). The meta-analysis was conducted based on data from 4 studies (3 studies published previously plus the results we obtained in the present case-control analysis) with total number of 236 young patients with AIS and 272 healthy controls. Significant Standard Mean Difference (SMD) was found in triglycerides level between young patients with AIS and controls (0.78 95%CI 0.30–1.26 p = 0.002). Conclusions: Lipid abnormalities, especially levels of triglycerides, seem to be of particular importance in children with AIS, as confirmed in meta-analysis. The results of the present study may be a significant contribution to the further research on the role of lipid metabolism disorders in the development of childhood stroke.

The Impact of Sex on Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Young Patients: From Stroke Occurrence to Poststroke Consequences

The male sex has been suggested to predominate in paediatric patients with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), especially in newborns. The explanation for this phenomenon remains unsatisfactory since it focuses on the analysis of the potential relationship with trauma and arterial dissection. In turn, in some populations of young adults, men suffer from AIS more frequently than women, which may be related to the protective role of oestrogen. On the other hand, certain data indicate that women dominate over men. Some of the disparities in the frequencies of particular symptoms of AIS and poststroke consequences in both children and young adults have been suggested; however, data are scarce. Unfortunately, the low number of studies on the subject does not allow certain conclusions to be drawn. For adults, more data are available for patients aged over 60 years, the results of which are more obvious. The present literature review aimed to discuss available data on the prevalence of AIS, its clinical presentations, and poststroke consequences in regard to the sex of young patients. We considered young patients to be children from birth up to the age of 19 years of life and young adults to be individuals up to the age of 55 years. The role of sex hormones in AIS and possible gender differences in genetic risk factors for AIS were also discussed briefly.

Risk factors, types and outcomes of arterial ischemic stroke in Polish pediatric patients: a retrospective single-center study

INTRODUCTION

Various neurological complications may occur as a consequence of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and have an impact on daily activity of the patients, costs of their medical care and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors, stroke symptoms and post-stroke consequences in Polish pediatric patients depending on stroke subtype.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 77 children under the age of 18 years following their first AIS. Patients were white, Polish Caucasians, recruited in the Department of Pediatric Neurology at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 12.0.

RESULTS

Gender differed significantly between stroke subgroups (p = 0.030). The presence of focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA) and chronic diseases was associated with type of AIS (p = 0.003 and p = 0.050, respectively). An outcome without neurological deterioration (normal outcome) was observed in 43% of children with lacunar anterior circulation infarct (LACI). Hemiparesis was present in almost all children with total anterior circulation infarct (TACI), in two thirds of children with partial anterior circulation infarct (PACI) and in almost 50% of children with LACI or posterior circulation infarct (POCI). In every child with hemiplegia the stroke symptom evolved into hemiparesis at follow-up. Additionally, patients with a normal outcome were older at the time of AIS than those with at least one neurological consequence (OR = 0.894, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence and number of neurological outcomes depend on stroke subtypes. A relation between the presence of post-stroke deficits and age at onset was observed. The odds of deficit after ischemic stroke decreases by an average of 10.6% if the child is 1 year older at the time of AIS.

Does the Occurrence of Particular Symptoms and Outcomes of Arterial Ischemic Stroke Depend on Sex in Pediatric Patients?-A Pilot Study

Arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in childhood is reported to occur more frequently in boys, which may lead to the assumption that the prevalence of post-stroke deficits is sex related. The present study aimed to evaluate sex-related differences in functional outcomes (hemiparesis, seizures, aphasia, and motor disturbances other than hemiparesis) in pediatric patients with AIS. A total of 89 children (52 boys and 37 girls; mean age at stroke onset: 8.4 ± 5.6 years) were evaluated retrospectively based on data from medical records. The patients were divided into subgroups according to age (i.e., infants and toddlers, children, and adolescents), stroke subtype (i.e., lacunar anterior circulation infarct (LACI), total anterior circulation infarct (TACI), partial anterior circulation infarct (PACI), posterior circulation infarct (POCI)) and stroke location (i.e., anterior stroke, posterior stroke). Significant differences in the prevalence of stroke subtypes between girls and boys were observed (p = 0.034). POCI stroke were found to be more frequent in boys than in girls (OR = 8.57 95%CI 1.05–70.23, p = 0.023). Males predominated in the total group and in all analyzed age subgroups. The proportions of boys within the subgroups according to stroke subtype were extremely high for the POCI and TACI stroke subgroups. On the other hand, girls predominated in the LACI stroke subgroup. Frequency of central type facial nerve palsy and other symptoms of AIS were found to significantly differ between male subgroups according to stroke subtype (p = 0.050 and p < 0.001, respectively), as well as between children with anterior stroke and those with posterior stroke (p = 0.059 and p < 0.001, respectively). Post-stroke seizures appeared significantly more commonly in girls with TACI and POCI stroke than in girls with LACI and PACI stroke (p = 0.022). In turn, the prevalence of post-stroke hemiparesis differed between stroke subtypes in boys (p = 0.026). In conclusion, sex may have an impact in predisposing to a certain type of AIS in the patient. Post-stroke seizure may be related to stroke subtype in girls and hemiparesis in boys. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Pediatric Stroke: Report of Three New Cases

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is well-studied in adult populations, but not in children.

METHODS

We report 3 new cases of pediatric stroke treated using mechanical thrombectomy. Two cases of AIS and 1 case of CVT were identified from 2018 pediatric stroke clinic records.

RESULTS

Thrombectomy was successful in 1 of the 2 AIS cases and in the CVT case. None of the children were asymptomatic after thrombectomy. One AIS case had good recovery than developed dystonia which responded to treatment; the second AIS case had residual hemiplegia; and the child with CVT had mild school problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical thrombectomy is being increasingly used for pediatric stroke treatment. This study and recent literature reviews suggest thrombectomy holds promise as a treatment for selected pediatric stroke patients. Questions remain about the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy in children with stroke since large randomized controlled studies are not yet feasible.

Lack of Associations Between PAI-1 and FXIII Polymorphisms and Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The role of genetic risk factors for ischemic stroke seems to be in particular significance in pediatric patients. Numerous polymorphic variants of genes encoding proteins, that is, plasminogen activator inhibitor as well as coagulation factors, involved in the coagulation cascade may be related to arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) both in adults and children. We performed systematic review and 2 meta-analyses to assess possible correlations between common plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and FXIII polymorphisms and ischemic stroke in children. We searched PubMed to identify available data published before October 2018 using appropriate keywords and inclusion criteria. Finally, 12 case-control studies were included: 8 analyzing PAI-1 polymorphism (600 children with stroke and 2152 controls) and 4-FXIII polymorphism (358 children with stroke and 451 controls). R and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software were used to analyze the impact of the particular polymorphism in the following models: dominant, recessive, additive, and allelic. No publication bias was observed in both meta-analyses. In case of PAI-1 polymorphism, we observed no relation between 4G4G genotype of 4G allele and ischemic stroke in children. We also demonstrated lack of association between FXIII polymorphism and childhood ischemic stroke. In children with AIS, the PAI-1 and FXIII polymorphisms are not risk factors for the disease.

Poststroke epilepsy: current perspectives on diagnosis and treatment

Seizures and epilepsy are quite a common outcome of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) both in pediatric and adult patients, with distinctly higher occurrence in children. These poststroke consequences affect patients' lives, often causing disability. Poststroke seizure (PSS) may also increase mortality in patients with AIS. Early PSS (EPSS) occurring up to 7 days after AIS, late PSS (LPSS) occurring up to 2 years after the onset of AIS, as well as poststroke epilepsy (PSE) can be distinguished. However, the exact definition and cutoff point for PSE should be determined. A wide range of risk factors for seizures and epilepsy after AIS are still being detected and analyzed. More accurate knowledge on risk factors for PSS and PSE as well as possible prediction of epileptic seizures after the onset of AIS may have an impact on improving the prevention and treatment of PSE. The aim of the present review was to discuss current perspectives on diagnosis and treatment of PSS and PSE, both in adult and paediatric patients.

Risk Factors for Perinatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke: A Case-Control Study

Introduction

Arterial ischemic stroke in newborns is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Its pathophysiology and associated risk factors are not yet clearly understood and defined.

Objective

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate possible risk factors in diagnosed cases of PAIS (perinatal arterial ischemic stroke).

Materials and methods

Case-control study. Clinical data of patients with PAIS diagnosis were analyzed. Two healthy controls were selected for each PAIS case, matched for gestational age. Risk factors were explored using univariable and multivariable analysis.

Outcome

40 patients were included in the study, 24 males and 16 females; 52.5% of cases were diagnosed within the first month of birth, and 47.5% were retrospectively diagnosed. The results showed a male predominance (66.7%). The distribution of cerebral ischemic injury was predominantly medial cerebral artery (87.5%) and occurred more commonly in the left cerebral hemisphere (62.5%). Significant risk factors in the univariate analysis (P < 0.05) were primiparity, stillbirth, neonatal sepsis, asphyxia, twin pregnancy, placenta abruption, emergency cesarean section, Apgar score ≤7 after 5 min, breech presentation, and hyperbilirubinemia. In the multivariate analysis, primiparity (OR 11.74; CI 3.28-42.02), emergency cesarean section (OR 13.79; CI 3.51-54.13), birth asphyxia (OR 40.55; CI 3.08-532.94) and Apgar score ≤7 after 5 min (OR 13.75; CI 1.03-364.03) were significantly associated factors with PAIS. Only five (16.6%) patients had an abnormal thrombophilia study.

Conclusion

Risk factors of primiparity, emergency cesarean section, birth asphyxia, and Apgar score ≤7 after 5 min were significantly associated with perinatal stroke. More studies with a larger number of patients and with prolonged follow up are required to establish more clearly the associated risk factors involved in this pathology.

Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke: Clinical Presentation, Risk Factors, and Pediatric NIH Stroke Scale in a Series of Chilean Patients

Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Clinical presentation is diverse, and multiple risk factors have been described. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe the clinical presentation, risk factors, and the Pediatric National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) in a series of pediatric Chilean patients with the diagnosis of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). Children diagnosed with AIS aged between 29 d and 18 y were enrolled (1989 to 2016). Clinical characteristics and risk factors were described. PedNIHSS severity score was estimated for patients older than 4 mo of age. Sixty-two patients were included, 66% were male, and the mean age of presentation was 3.5 y. Seventy-nine percent presented motor deficit, 45% seizures, and 15% consciousness impairment. Eighty-two percent had a unilateral stroke and 73% had anterior circulation territory affected. The main risk factors were arteriopathy (63%) and infection (43%). The PedNIHSS mean was 7.6, ranging between 0 and 17. In the categories in which it was possible to apply χ² test, only the acute systemic conditions category was statistically significant (P = 0.03), being higher in the group of patients younger than 3 y old. We confirmed male predominance in AIS and the most frequent presenting symptom was motor deficit. We found at least 1 risk factor in all patients with complete information. We confirmed arteriopathy as the most frequent risk factor, and acute systemic conditions were higher in patients younger than 3 y old with statistical significance (P = 0.03). The majority of patients presented mild to moderate severity in the PedNIHSS score.

Clinical significance of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A-mutations in cerebral venous thrombosis - comparison with arterial ischemic stroke

Cerebrovascular diseases are considered in a different way concerning their etiology with regard to arterial and venous occlusion. The role of thrombophilia in this context remains undetermined. For this reason, a case-control study was conducted including a total of 202 patients (154 females, 48 males) aged from 18 to 76 years (mean: 39.8 years) suffering either from cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (n = 101) or from arterial ischemic stroke (n = 101). Study groups were evaluated on the basis of age- and gender-matched pairs. Gene mutations of factor V-1691 (factor V Leiden) and prothrombin-20210 being considered as the most common thrombophilia markers were analyzed in this study. Factor V Leiden-mutations were found in 16.8% of patients with cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CVT) and in 17.8% of patients with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), which was significantly more frequent than in controls at a rate of 4.95% (ORs: 3.89 and 4.16). Prothrombin-mutations were significantly more frequent in CVT at a rate of 14.9% versus 2.97% in controls (OR: 5.70). This does not apply for AIS showing a rate of 4.95% prothrombin-mutations. Rates of factor V Leiden-mutations are not different in CVT compared with AIS. In contrast, however, prothrombin-mutations were significantly more frequent in CVT than in AIS with a rate of 14.9% versus 4.95% (OR 3.35). Furthermore, 3 cases with combined heterozygosity of factor V Leiden- and prothrombin-mutation have been identified in CVT, but not in AIS or controls. All of the above mentioned mutations were exclusively heterozygous. We conclude from these data that thrombophilia in terms of factor V Leiden genotype is a risk factor for both CVT and AIS in equal measure. In contrast, prothrombin-20210-mutations were different playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of cerebral sinus vein thrombosis, but not in arterial ischemic stroke. Also, the combined occurrence of heterozygous prothrombin- and factor V Leiden-mutation clearly favors the emergence of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis. Therefore, in terms of thrombophilia such as investigated in this study, pathogenesis of arterial and venous occlusions in cerebrovascular disease has to be regarded as different.

Post-varicella Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Denmark 2010 to 2016

BACKGROUND

Varicella, most often a benign disease of childhood, is associated with an increased risk of arterial ischemic stroke in children. The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence of post-varicella arterial ischemic stroke in the Danish child population and describe clinical characteristics of children admitted with post-varicella arterial ischemic stroke.

METHODS

In the Danish National Patient Register, we identified inpatients 28 days to 16 years of age with a discharge diagnosis of stroke or cerebrovascular disease from 2010 to 2016. Medical files were reviewed, and children with arterial ischemic stroke and varicella infection less than 12 months before onset of symptoms were included.

RESULTS

We identified 15 children with arterial ischemic stroke and varicella less than 12 months before. In nine children, the diagnosis was confirmed by detection of varicella zoster virus DNA or varicella zoster virus immunoglobulin G in the cerebrospinal fluid. All children were previously healthy, the mean age was four years, and 67% were male. The median time from varicella rash to arterial ischemic stroke was 4.6 months. The most common location of arterial ischemic stroke was the basal ganglia, and affected vessels were most often in the anterior circulation. Fifty-three percent experienced neurological sequelae of varying degree.

CONCLUSIONS

In Denmark, where varicella vaccination is not part of the childhood vaccination program, the estimated risk of post-varicella arterial ischemic stroke was one case (including possible cases) per 26,000 children with varicella.

Long-term motor, functional, and academic outcome following childhood ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke: A large rehabilitation center-based retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To study the long-term outcomes following childhood ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study, looking at children consecutively admitted to a rehabilitation department following childhood stroke. We collected demographic, medical, and severity data, motor deficit, cognitive assessment, and long-term academic outcome.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-eight children were included, following arterial ischemic (AIS; n = 46) or hemorrhagic (HS; n = 82) stroke. At discharge, motor deficit was still present in 70% of children (versus 89% immediately after stroke). HS predicted significantly better motor and functional outcomes than AIS. After a median follow-up of 43 months, 40% received special education. The receipt of special education was predicted by persistent motor deficit, but when full-scale IQ was taken into account, IQ was the only significant predictor of special education.

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood stroke leads to severe and long lasting motor, functional, cognitive, and academic impairments, in a population of children admitted in a rehabilitation department.

Quick Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Diffusion-Weighted Imaging as a First Imaging Modality in Pediatric Stroke

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic delay hinders management of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke. Quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging sequences may provide a rapid diagnosis without the ionizing radiation of a computed tomography (CT) scan.

METHODS

This was a single center retrospective chart review of children one month to 18 years old with acute arterial ischemic stroke hospitalized between January 2010 and January 2017. We evaluated sensitivity and the time to diagnostic study based on the first imaging study (CT or quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging).

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were included. Eleven patients (44%) were initially assessed with CT, 10 (40%) with quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging, and four (16%) with a full MRI. Compared with children undergoing CT, children with quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging as first study were younger (5.8 versus 14.1 years, P < 0.001) and were more likely to be hospitalized at stroke onset (70% versus 18.2%, P = 0.03). Quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging was more sensitive for ischemia than CT (100% versus 27.3%). The median time from presentation to diagnostic imaging was 4.3 hours, with no differences between CT and quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging groups, although the quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging group had a shorter median time from first imaging to diagnostic imaging (P = 0.002). There were no significant missed findings on quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Quick brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging was more sensitive than CT for detecting ischemia and may be considered as the first study for some children presenting with suspected arterial ischemic stroke.

Association Between the 20210G>A Prothrombin Gene Polymorphism and Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children and Young Adults-Two Meta-analyses of 3586 Cases and 6440 Control Subjects in Total

BACKGROUND

Previous data have shown that the 20210G>A polymorphism of the Factor II gene is related to an increased prothrombin level, which may in turn lead to a procoagulant state. The heterogeneous and multifactorial character of arterial ischemic stroke often results in contradictory reports describing the association between the 20210G>A polymorphism and arterial ischemic stroke in different populations. We performed a meta-analysis of available data addressing the relation between the FII 20210G>A polymorphism and arterial ischemic stroke, both in young adults and children.

METHODS

We searched PubMed using appropriate keywords. The inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: case-control study, study population consisting of children, study population consisting of young adults, arterial ischemic stroke confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and English language. The exclusion criteria included lack of genotype or allele frequencies, study design other than a case-control study, outcome definition other than arterial ischemic stroke, and previously overlapped patient groups. Finally, 30 case-control studies (14 in children and 16 in young adults) were included. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software. Heterogeneity between the studies was evaluated using the Dersimonian and Laird's Q test. In the case of significant between-studies heterogeneity, the pooled odds ratio was estimated with a random-effects model, otherwise a fixed-effects model was used.

RESULTS

The pooled analysis showed that carriers of 20210A allele (GA+AA genotypes) of the prothrombin gene are more common in arterial ischemic stroke patients, both in children and young adults, than in control subjects (P = 0.006; odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 2.80 and P = 0.001; odds ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 2.28, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present meta-analysis have proven that the FII 20210G>A polymorphism is associated with arterial ischemic stroke in both pediatric and young adult patients.

Association of Polymorphisms in Coagulation Factor Genes and Enzymes of Homocysteine Metabolism With Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children

Despite the identification of a wide range of inherited and acquired risk factors for arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children, genetic risk factors are incompletely characterized and may vary among different populations. We investigated the role of individual and combined inherited prothrombotic and intermediate-risk factors in 73 children with perinatal (n = 35) and childhood AIS (n = 38) and 100 age- and sex-matched controls. Ten polymorphisms in 8 candidate genes encoding coagulation and fibrinolytic proteins (factor V [FV] Leiden, FV HR2, factor II [FII] G20210A, β-fibrinogen [β-FBG]-455G>A, factor XIII [FXIII]-A p.Val34Leu, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 4G/5G), homocysteine metabolism (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] C677T, MTHFR A1298C), and intermediate-risk factors (angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D, apoE ∊2-4) were detected using a multilocus genotyping assay. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction was used for the determination of human platelet alloantigens (HPA-1, HPA-2, HPA-3, and HPA-5). Factor V Leiden was associated with an increased risk of AIS (odds ratio [OR]: 4.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-18.27) and perinatal AIS (OR: 8.29, 95% CI: 1.95-35.24). Human platelet antigen-3b allele carriers had a 2-fold lower risk of AIS (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.26-0.98) and perinatal AIS (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18-0.92). A 2.21-fold increased risk of childhood AIS (95% CI: 1.03-4.73) was identified in FXIII-A Leu34 allele carriers. Combined FV Leiden/FV HR2, FV Leiden/MTHFR A1298C, FV Leiden/MTHFR C677T/MTHFR A1298C, and FV Leiden/FV HR2/MTHFR A1298C heterozygosity was identified in children with AIS but not in controls, which revealed a statistically significant difference. This case-control study shows that besides already documented association between FV Leiden and AIS, other previously unreported polymorphisms (FXIII-A p.Val34Leu, HPA-3) and several genotype combinations that always include heterozygous FV Leiden can be related to AIS in Croatian population.

Preparing for a "Pediatric Stroke Alert"

BACKGROUND

Childhood arterial ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Hyperacute treatment strategies remain controversial and challenging, especially in the setting of increasingly proven medical and endovascular options in adults. Although national and international pediatric guidelines have given initial direction about acute therapy and management, pediatric centers have traditionally lacked the infrastructure to triage, diagnose, and treat childhood arterial ischemic stroke quickly.

METHODS

In the past 10 years, researchers in the International Pediatric Stroke Study and Thrombolysis in Pediatric Stroke study have initiated early strategies for establishing pediatric specific stroke alerts.

RESULTS

We review the rationale, process and components necessary for establishing a pediatric stroke alert.

CONCLUSION

Development of pediatric stroke protocols and pathways, with evidence-based acute management strategies and supportive care where possible, facilitates the evaluation, management, and treatment of an acute pediatric stroke.

Paediatric arterial ischemic stroke: acute management, recent advances and remaining issues

Stroke is a rare disease in childhood with an estimated incidence of 1-6/100.000. It has an increasingly recognised impact on child mortality along with its outcomes and effects on quality of life of patients and their families. Clinical presentation and risk factors of paediatric stroke are different to those of adults therefore it can be considered as an independent nosological entity. The relative rarity, the age-related peculiarities and the variety of manifested symptoms makes the diagnosis of paediatric stroke extremely difficult and often delayed. History and clinical examination should investigate underlying diseases or predisposing factors and should take into account the potential territoriality of neurological deficits and the spectrum of differential diagnosis of acute neurological accidents in childhood. Neuroimaging (in particular diffusion weighted magnetic resonance) is the keystone for diagnosis of paediatric stroke and other investigations might be considered according to the clinical condition. Despite substantial advances in paediatric stroke research and clinical care, many unanswered questions remain concerning both its acute treatment and its secondary prevention and rehabilitation so that treatment recommendations are mainly extrapolated from studies on adult population. We have tried to summarize the pathophysiological and clinical characteristics of arterial ischemic stroke in children and the most recent international guidelines and practical directions on how to recognise and manage it in paediatric emergency.

High Factor VIII and Von Willebrand Factor Levels Are Not Risk Factors of Cryptogenic Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Thai Children

High factor VIII levels and a risk factor of arterial ischemic stroke is controversial. Levels of factor VIII depend on ethnicity, age, and sex. This report included 24 Thai children with cryptogenic arterial ischemic stroke and 41 controls, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 11.5 (6.3) and 9.0 (4.7), respectively. The study was performed during the post-arterial ischemic stroke events to avoid acute phase reaction of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor. The levels of factor VIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen in patients were not significantly different compared to controls (119.8 ± 41.3% vs 138.0 ± 48.7%, P = .29 and 92.8 ± 29.8% vs 103.7 ± 39.1%, P = .4, respectively). Therefore, high factor VIII and von Willebrand factor antigen levels were not risk factors of cryptogenic arterial ischemic stroke in Thai children.

The role of biochemical risk factors in the etiology of AIS in children and adults

Stroke is an abrupt onset of both focal and global neurological deficits secondary to a vascular event lasting more than 24 h and with a vascular background as its only cause. It can be triggered by a rupture of a blood vessel, aneurysm (hemorrhagic stroke, HS), thrombosis or embolisms (ischemic stroke, IS). In developed countries, it is the third most common cause of death in the adult population. Stroke in children is a rare disorder with a reported frequency of about 3 cases per 100,000 children per year. The history of acute brain ischemia is burdened with neurological complications such as motor impairment, speech impairment and intellectual delay. Moreover, in children after AIS seizures and epilepsy are also quite common. Stroke is a heterogeneous disorder; its risk factors in adults are well known, however, in pediatrics, in more than 20% cases, the cause of stroke is impossible to determine. Due to the fact that stroke usually arises as a consequence of the cerebral thrombosis, many of the mechanisms responsible for its occurrence can be considered as risk factors. We have reviewed the recent case-control studies conducted on pediatric patients regarding biochemical risk factors such as elevated levels of homocysteine, fibrinogen, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, lipoprotein(a), cholesterol and its fractions, and compared them with the results obtained from adult patients.

Cognitive outcomes following arterial ischemic stroke in infants and children

This study sought to investigate cognitive outcomes following pediatric arterial ischemic stroke and explore predictors. Participants included 36 children with perinatal or childhood arterial ischemic stroke and a comparison group of 15 children with asthma. Outcomes included cognitive ability, executive functions, and neurological function (Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure). Magnetic resonance imaging measured lesion location and volume. Mean cognitive scores were at the low end of the average range. Children with arterial ischemic stroke performed significantly below normative populations and significantly below the asthma group on inhibitory control (Cohen's d = .68). Both the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure and lesion volume were negatively correlated with cognitive outcome (Spearman r = -.01 to -.42 Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure; r =-.14 to -.32 Volume). Following arterial ischemic stroke, children performed at the low end of the average range on measures of cognitive functioning. Cognitive outcomes depend on a variety of factors.

Childhood stroke: results of 130 children from a reference center in Central Anatolia, Turkey

BACKGROUND

Although stroke among children is rare, it can cause significant morbidity and mortality. We aim to share our experience of children with arterial ischemic stroke.

METHODS

The initial symptoms, demographical features, risk factors, neurological examination, neuroradiological findings, and clinical follow-up data of 130 Turkish children seen between 2002 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were male. Thirty of the children were aged from 1 to 12 months (seven of them died in this period). Focal neurological signs were the most common presentation, and hemiplegia or hemiparesis were the most common focal signs. Underlying risk factors were detected in 103 patients. Infections and congenital heart disease were the most common risk factors. Seven of the nine children with recurrent arterial ischemic strokes had one or more underlying diseases (moyamoya disease in two children along with factor V Leiden mutation, tuberculous meningitis, congenital heart disease, homocystinuria, and hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome). The arterial ischemic stroke was located in the middle cerebral circulation in 68 (36 left and 32 right) and in the posterior cerebral artery in 41. Eighteen children died. The neurological outcome was assessed in 98 children. Of these children, 66 children have neurological deficits and 52 children have seizures. Stroke in the first year of life is more often fatal. Recurrent stroke is associated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculous meningitis is still a risk factor for arterial ischemic stroke in Turkey. Arterial ischemic stroke in the first year of life and recurrent arterial ischemic stroke represent poor prognostic features.

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism (MTHFR c.677C>T) and elevated plasma homocysteine levels in a U.S. pediatric population with incident thromboembolism

OBJECTIVE

Elevated plasma homocysteine (tHcy) and the MTHFR c.677C>T variant have been postulated to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), although mechanisms and implications to pediatrics remain incompletely understood. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalences of elevated tHcy and MTHFR variant in a pediatric population with VTE or arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), and to determine associations with thrombus outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Subjects were enrolled in an institution-based prospective cohort of children with VTE or AIS. Inclusion criteria consisted of objectively confirmed thrombus, ≤21years at diagnosis, tHcy measured and MTHFR c.677C>T mutation analysis. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Frequencies for elevated tHcy and MTHFR variant were compared with NHANES values for healthy US children and also between study groups (VTE vs AIS, provoked vs idiopathic) and by age.

RESULTS

The prevalences of hyperhomocysteinemia or MTHFR variant were not increased in comparison to NHANES. tHcy did not differ between those with wild-type MTHFR versus either c.677C>T heterozygotes or homozygotes. There was no association between tHcy or MTHFR variant and thrombus outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of US children with VTE or AIS, neither the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia nor that of MTHFR variant was increased relative to reference values, and adverse thrombus outcomes were not definitively associated with either. While it is important to consider that milder forms of pyridoxine-responsive classical homocystinuria will be detected only by tHcy, we suggest that routine testing of MTHFR c.677C>T genotype as part of a thrombophilia evaluation in children with incident thromboembolism is not warranted until larger studies have been performed in order to establish or refute a link between MTHFR and adverse outcomes.

Modified Pediatric ASPECTS Correlates with Infarct Volume in Childhood Arterial Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: Larger infarct volume as a percent of supratentorial brain volume (SBV) predicts poor outcome and hemorrhagic transformation in childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). In perinatal AIS, higher scores on a modified pediatric version of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score using acute MRI (modASPECTS) predict later seizure occurrence. The objectives were to establish the relationship of modASPECTS to infarct volume in perinatal and childhood AIS and to establish the interrater reliability of the score. Methods: We performed a cross sectional study of 31 neonates and 40 children identified from a tertiary care center stroke registry with supratentorial AIS and acute MRI with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and T2 axial sequences. Infarct volume was expressed as a percent of SBV using computer-assisted manual segmentation tracings. ModASPECTS was performed on DWI by three independent raters. The modASPECTS were compared among raters and to infarct volume as a percent of SBV. Results: ModASPECTS correlated well with infarct volume. Spearman rank correlation coefficients (ρ) for the perinatal and childhood groups were 0.76, p < 0.001 and 0.69, p < 0.001, respectively. Excluding one perinatal and two childhood subjects with multifocal punctate ischemia without large or medium sized vessel stroke, ρ for the perinatal and childhood groups were 0.87, p < 0.001 and 0.80, p < 0.001, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the three raters for the neonates and children were 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.97, p < 0.001] and 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.97, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The modified pediatric ASPECTS on acute MRI can be used to estimate infarct volume as a percent of SBV with a high degree of validity and interrater reliability.

Craniocervical arterial dissection in children: diagnosis and treatment

OPINION STATEMENT

Diagnosis of craniocervical arterial dissection (CCAD) in children begins with a careful history and physical in a child with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). The extent of radiologic evaluation for suspected CCAD is based upon careful consideration of the risks associated with the best imaging techniques, weighed against the benefits of enhanced vascular imaging with better diagnostic sensitivity. Although conventional angiography (CA) and CT angiography (CTA) have a higher sensitivity than magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), they are accompanied by risks: for CA, femoral hematoma, femoral arterial pseudoaneurysm, recurrent AIS, and radiation exposure; for CTA, radiation. For children (non-neonates) with suspected CCAD, MRI with MRA is recommended as the first-line imaging study. MRI usually includes diffusion-weighted, FLAIR, and T1 images of the brain, and T1 or T2 fat-saturation axial imaging through the neck. MRA should include 3D time-of-flight MRA of the head and neck (from the aortic arch through the circle of Willis). Contrast-enhanced MRA should be highly considered in neck imaging. If MRI/MRA is equivocal, CCAD is strongly suspected but not detected on MRI/MRA (especially in the posterior circulation), or the child has recurrent events, additional imaging of the craniocervical vasculature is likely warranted. Individual clinical circumstances warrant careful, case-by-case consideration. Treatment of CCAD in children is challenging and differs for intracranial and extracranial dissections. In extracranial CCAD, we most commonly use anticoagulation for 6 weeks to 6 months in patients with TIA or AIS. Typically, unfractionated heparin is used in the acutely ill patient at heightened risk for bleeding (because of its short half-life), whereas low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or warfarin are reserved for the stable patient. If the history is suspicious for dissection (head and neck trauma, recent cervical chiropractic manipulation, recent car accident, or neck pain), we consider treatment for dissection even with normal MRI/MRA. For patients with CCAD with a stroke size greater than one third to one half of the middle cerebral artery territory (or other bleeding risk factors) and extracranial CCAD, in whom there is concern about heightened risk for hemorrhagic conversion, we commonly use aspirin therapy during the acute phase. Regardless of their treatment in the initial weeks to months, we subsequently treat all patients with aspirin for 1 year after their event, and sometimes longer if they have other risk factors. Interventional techniques, such as extracranial cerebral arterial stent placement or selective occlusion, are understudied in children. Interventional techniques are typically reserved for patients who fail aggressive medical management and have recurrent TIA or AIS. The diagnosis and treatment of intracranial dissection is extraordinarily challenging in children, in whom inflammatory intracranial arteriopathies are common. When intracranial arteriopathy is clearly associated with dissection, the clinician should look for the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and/or dissecting aneurysm. Treatment decisions should be made by a multidisciplinary pediatric stroke team, given the lack of data in this area. Intracranial cerebral artery stent placement carries high risk and is not recommended for intracranial CCAD in children. Most importantly, we educate all children with CCAD and their parents about the paucity of evidence in the treatment of this disease, the risks of enhanced imaging techniques such as CTA or CA, and the challenges involved in weighing the risks of aggressive therapies and interventions against the costs of unclear diagnosis and potentially ineffective treatments. We also educate our patients with CCAD about the signs and symptoms of recurrence and the importance of emergent evaluation.

Cerebrovascular disease in children: recent advances in diagnosis and management

Cerebrovascular disease in children manifests in many forms, all of which have devastating and long-lasting effects. Recent advances in diagnostic imaging have revealed that this condition is much more common in the pediatric population than previously believed, affecting as many as 1 in 1500 neonates and 1 in 3000 children. The underlying mechanisms that cause stroke—ischemic stroke, sinovenous thrombosis, and hemorrhagic stroke—are only beginning to be understood; however, progress has been made toward better understanding the mechanisms of disease, particularly in the fields of genetics, inflammation, and thrombus formation. Furthermore, new imaging techniques, and better understanding of how to use imaging in managing stroke, have enabled practitioners to more quickly and accurately identify cerebrovascular disease type in children, which is key to mitigation of negative outcomes. The 2010 Neurobiology of Disease in Children symposium, held in conjunction with the 39th annual meeting of the Child Neurology Society, aimed to (1) describe clinical issues surrounding childhood stroke, including diagnosis and acute care; (2) discuss recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of childhood stroke; (3) review current management of and therapies for childhood stroke, including controversial therapies; and (4) establish research directions for investigators. This article summarizes the speakers’ presentations and includes an edited transcript of question-and-answer sessions.

Dynamic and structural formation of a thrombus: the inciting event of arterial ischemic stroke

Arterial ischemic stroke occurs as a result of abnormal clinical circumstances that alter hemostasis and cause thrombosis, either within a vessel or as an embolic event. Understanding normal hemostasis, including differences between children (developmental hemostasis) and adults, will provide background for determining the pathophysiology of stroke and potential treatments.

Pediatric stroke: do clinical factors predict delays in presentation?

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between age, clinical presentation, or predisposing conditions and delayed diagnosis of arterial ischemic stroke.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective chart review of children admitted to tertiary care medical centers in San Diego County between 1995 and 2000. Inpatient charts were screened by ICD-9 codes for stroke, cerebrovascular anomalies, hemiplegia, and migraine.

RESULTS

Time of presentation for medical evaluation did not differ by age group, clinical presentation, or risk factors. There was no relationship between time of presentation and Glasgow Outcome Score. Only 24% (9/37) of the patients with ischemic stroke presented for clinical evaluation within 6 hours after onset of symptoms, and an additional 41% (13/37) presented within the first 24 hours. Children who initially presented with altered mental status were more likely to die than those with other initial presentations (odds ratio = 9.94; 95% confidence interval = 2.05 to 47.9), but none of the 16 children who presented with hemiparesis died (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Time of presentation was not related to the clinical factors studied. Early recognition of stroke in children is an important goal for families and health care providers.