Workflows and Outcomes in Patients With Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Triaged in Urban and Nonurban Areas

BACKGROUND

We aim to compare the outcome of patients from urban areas, where the referral center is able to perform thrombectomy, with patients from nonurban areas enrolled in the RACECAT trial (Direct Transfer to an Endovascular Center Compared to Transfer to the Closest Stroke Center in Acute Stroke Patients With Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion).

METHODS

Patients with suspected large vessel occlusion stroke, as evaluated by a Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation score of ≥5, from urban catchment areas of thrombectomy-capable centers during RACECAT trial enrollment period were included in the Stroke Code Registry of Catalonia. Primary outcome was disability at 90 days, as assessed by the shift analysis on the modified Rankin Scale score, in patients with an ischemic stroke. Secondary outcomes included mortality at 90 days, rate of thrombolysis and thrombectomy, time from onset to thrombolysis, and thrombectomy initiation. Propensity score matching was used to assemble a cohort of patients with similar characteristics.

RESULTS

The analysis included 1369 patients from nonurban areas and 2502 patients from urban areas. We matched 920 patients with an ischemic stroke from urban areas and nonurban areas based on their propensity scores. Patients with ischemic stroke from nonurban areas had higher degrees of disability at 90 days (median [interquartle range] modified Rankin Scale score, 3 [2-5] versus 3 [1-5], common odds ratio, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.06-1.48]); the observed average effect was only significant in patients with large vessel stroke (common odds ratio, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.08-1.65]). Mortality rate was similar between groups(odds ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.81-1.28]). Patients from nonurban areas had higher odds of receiving thrombolysis (odds ratio, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.16-1.67]), lower odds of receiving thrombectomy(odds ratio, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.51-0.75]), and longer time from stroke onset to thrombolysis (mean difference 38 minutes [95% CI, 25-52]) and thrombectomy(mean difference 66 minutes [95% CI, 37-95]).

CONCLUSIONS

In Catalonia, Spain, patients with large vessel occlusion stroke triaged in nonurban areas had worse neurological outcomes than patients from urban areas, where the referral center was able to perform thrombectomy. Interventions aimed at improving organizational practices and the development of thrombectomy capabilities in centers located in remote areas should be pursued.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT02795962.

Effect of Direct Transportation to Thrombectomy-Capable Center vs Local Stroke Center on Neurological Outcomes in Patients With Suspected Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke in Nonurban Areas: The RACECAT Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

In nonurban areas with limited access to thrombectomy-capable centers, optimal prehospital transport strategies in patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion stroke are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether, in nonurban areas, direct transport to a thrombectomy-capable center is beneficial compared with transport to the closest local stroke center.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Multicenter, population-based, cluster-randomized trial including 1401 patients with suspected acute large-vessel occlusion stroke attended by emergency medical services in areas where the closest local stroke center was not capable of performing thrombectomy in Catalonia, Spain, between March 2017 and June 2020. The date of final follow-up was September 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Transportation to a thrombectomy-capable center (n = 688) or the closest local stroke center (n = 713).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was disability at 90 days based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; scores range from 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) in the target population of patients with ischemic stroke. There were 11 secondary outcomes, including rate of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator administration and thrombectomy in the target population and 90-day mortality in the safety population of all randomized patients.

RESULTS

Enrollment was halted for futility following a second interim analysis. The 1401 enrolled patients were included in the safety analysis, of whom 1369 (98%) consented to participate and were included in the as-randomized analysis (56% men; median age, 75 [IQR, 65-83] years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 17 [IQR, 11-21]); 949 (69%) comprised the target ischemic stroke population included in the primary analysis. For the primary outcome in the target population, median mRS score was 3 (IQR, 2-5) vs 3 (IQR, 2-5) (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 0.82-1.29). Of 11 reported secondary outcomes, 8 showed no significant difference. Compared with patients first transported to local stroke centers, patients directly transported to thrombectomy-capable centers had significantly lower odds of receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (in the target population, 229/482 [47.5%] vs 282/467 [60.4%]; OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45-0.76) and significantly higher odds of receiving thrombectomy (in the target population, 235/482 [48.8%] vs 184/467 [39.4%]; OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.13-1.89). Mortality at 90 days in the safety population was not significantly different between groups (188/688 [27.3%] vs 194/713 [27.2%]; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.79-1.18).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In nonurban areas in Catalonia, Spain, there was no significant difference in 90-day neurological outcomes between transportation to a local stroke center vs a thrombectomy-capable referral center in patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion stroke. These findings require replication in other settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02795962.

Planning of stroke care and urgent prehospital care across Europe: Results of the ESO/ESMINT/EAN/SAFE Survey

Introduction

Adequate planning and implementation of stroke systems of care is key to guarantee a rapid healthcare response and delivery of specific reperfusion therapies among candidates. We assessed the availability of stroke care plans in Europe, and evaluated their impact on rates of reperfusion therapies for stroke.

Patients

Based on the European Stroke Organisation (ESO), the European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT), the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), and the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) survey, we analysed specific prespecified items in the questionnaire regarding availability and adequacy of stroke care plans, organised prehospital care and their potential impact on rates of delivery of reperfusion therapies for stroke at the country level.

Results

Of 44 participating European countries, 37 have stroke care plans that operate at national and/or regional levels. Most stroke care plans take responsibility for the organisation/implementation of stroke systems of care (86%), quality of care assessment (77%), and act as a liaison between emergency medical systems and stroke physicians (79%). As for stroke systems of care, the focus is mainly on prehospital and in-hospital acute stroke care (Code Stroke systems available in 37/44 countries). Preferred urgent transport is via non-medicalised ambulances (70%). Presence of stroke care plans, stroke registry data, transport of urgent stroke patients via non-medicalised ambulances, and drip-and-ship routing of acute patients showed higher reperfusion treatment rates.

Discussion

Availability of stroke care plans, still absent in some European countries, as well as some features of the stroke systems of care are associated with higher reperfusion treatment rates.

Conclusion

Stroke is not yet a priority everywhere in Europe, which is a barrier to the spread of reperfusion therapies for stroke.

Transfer to the Local Stroke Center versus Direct Transfer to Endovascular Center of Acute Stroke Patients with Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion in the Catalan Territory (RACECAT): Study protocol of a cluster randomized within a cohort trial

RATIONALE

Optimal pre-hospital delivery pathways for acute stroke patients suspected to harbor a large vessel occlusion have not been assessed in randomized trials.

AIM

To establish whether stroke subjects with rapid arterial occlusion evaluation scale based suspicion of large vessel occlusion evaluated by emergency medical services in the field have higher rates of favorable outcome when transferred directly to an endovascular center (endovascular treatment stroke center), as compared to the standard transfer to the closest local stroke center (local-SC).

DESIGN

Multicenter, superiority, cluster randomized within a cohort trial with blinded endpoint assessment.

PROCEDURE

Eligible patients must be 18 or older, have acute stroke symptoms and not have an immediate life threatening condition requiring emergent medical intervention. They must be suspected to have intracranial large vessel occlusion based on a pre-hospital rapid arterial occlusion evaluation scale of ≥5, be located in geographical areas where the default health authority assigned referral stroke center is a non-thrombectomy capable hospital, and estimated arrival at a thrombectomy capable stroke hospital in less than 7 h from time last seen well. Cluster randomization is performed according to a pre-established temporal sequence (temporal cluster design) with three strata: day/night, distance to the endovascular treatment stroke center, and week/week-end day.

STUDY OUTCOME

The primary endpoint is the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. The primary safety outcome is mortality at 90 days.

ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint based on the modified intention-to-treat population is the distribution of modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days analyzed under a sequential triangular design. The maximum sample size is 1754 patients, with two planned interim analyses when 701 (40%) and 1227 patients have completed follow-up. Hypothesized common odds ratio is 1.35.

Access to and delivery of acute ischaemic stroke treatments: A survey of national scientific societies and stroke experts in 44 European countries

Introduction

Acute stroke unit care, intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment significantly improve the outcome for patients with ischaemic stroke, but data on access and delivery throughout Europe are lacking. We assessed best available data on access and delivery of acute stroke unit care, intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment throughout Europe.

Methods

A survey, drafted by stroke professionals (ESO, ESMINT, EAN) and a patient organisation (SAFE), was sent to national stroke societies and experts in 51 European countries (World Health Organization definition) requesting experts to provide national data on stroke unit, intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment rates. We compared both pooled and individual national data per one million inhabitants and per 1000 annual incident ischaemic strokes with highest country rates. Population estimates were based on United Nations data, stroke incidences on the Global Burden of Disease Report.

Results

We obtained data from 44 European countries. The estimated mean number of stroke units was 2.9 per million inhabitants (95% CI 2.3-3.6) and 1.5 per 1000 annual incident strokes (95% CI 1.1-1.9), highest country rates were 9.2 and 5.8. Intravenous thrombolysis was provided in 42/44 countries. The estimated mean annual number of intravenous thrombolysis was 142.0 per million inhabitants (95% CI 107.4-176.7) and 72.7 per 1000 annual incident strokes (95% CI 54.2-91.2), highest country rates were 412.2 and 205.5. Endovascular treatment was provided in 40/44 countries. The estimated mean annual number of endovascular treatments was 37.1 per million inhabitants (95% CI 26.7-47.5) and 19.3 per 1000 annual incident strokes (95% CI 13.5-25.1), highest country rates were 111.5 and 55.9. Overall, 7.3% of incident ischaemic stroke patients received intravenous thrombolysis (95% CI 5.4-9.1) and 1.9% received endovascular treatment (95% CI 1.3-2.5), highest country rates were 20.6% and 5.6%.

Conclusion

We observed major inequalities in acute stroke treatment between and within 44 European countries. Our data will assist decision makers implementing tailored stroke care programmes for reducing stroke-related morbidity and mortality in Europe.

Innovation in Systems of Care in Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke. The Experience of the Catalan Stroke Programme

Stroke, and mainly ischemic stroke, is the second cause of death and disability. To confront the huge burden of this disease, innovative stroke systems of care are mandatory. This requires the development of national stroke plans to offer the best treatment to all patients eligible for reperfusion therapies. Key elements for success include a high level of organization, close cooperation with emergency medical services for prehospital assessment, an understanding of stroke singularity, the development of preassessment tools, a high level of commitment of all stroke teams at Stroke Centres, the availability of a disease-specific registry, and local government involvement to establish stroke care as a priority. In this mini review, we discuss recent evidence concerning different aspects of stroke systems of care and describe the success of the Catalan Stroke Programme as an example of innovation. In Catalonia, reperfusion treatment rates have increased in recent years and currently are among the highest in Europe (17.3% overall, 14.3% for IVT, and 6% for EVT in 2016).

Geographic dissemination of endovascular stroke thrombectomy in Catalonia within the 2011-2015 period

Introduction

Endovascular thrombectomy was recently established as a new standard of care in acute ischemic stroke patients with large artery occlusions. Using small area health statistics, we sought to assess dissemination of endovascular thrombectomy in Catalonia throughout the period 2011-2015.

Patients and methods

We used registry data to identify all endovascular thrombectomies for acute ischemic stroke performed in Catalonia within the study period. The SONIIA registry is a government-mandated, population-based and externally audited data base that includes all reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke. We linked endovascular thrombectomy cases identified in the registry with the Central Registry of the Catalan Public Health Insurance to obtain the primary care service area of residence for each treated patient, age and sex. We calculated age-sex standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates over time according to different territorial segmentation patterns (metropolitan/provincial rings and primary care service areas).

Results

Region-wide age-sex standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates increased significantly from 3.9 × 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 3.4-4.4) in 2011 to 6.8 × 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 6.2-7.6) in 2015. Such increase occurred in inner and outer metropolitan rings as well as provinces although highest endovascular thrombectomy rates were persistently seen in the inner metropolitan area. Changes in endovascular thrombectomy access across primary care service areas over time were more subtle, but there was a rather generalized increase of standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates.

Discussion

This study demonstrates temporal and territorial dissemination of access to endovascular thrombectomy in Catalonia over a 5-year period although variation remains at the completion of the study.

Conclusion

Mapping of endovascular thrombectomy is essential to assess equity and propose actions for access dissemination.

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

Background and Purpose—

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

Methods—

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

Results—

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

Conclusions—

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

Rehabilitation Profiles of Older Adult Stroke Survivors Admitted to Intermediate Care Units: A Multi-Centre Study

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a major cause of disability in older adults, but the evidence around post-acute treatment is limited and heterogeneous. We aimed to identify profiles of older adult stroke survivors admitted to intermediate care geriatric rehabilitation units.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study, enrolling stroke survivors aged 65 years or older, admitted to 9 intermediate care units in Catalonia-Spain. To identify potential profiles, we included age, caregiver presence, comorbidity, pre-stroke and post-stroke disability, cognitive impairment and stroke severity in a cluster analysis. We also proposed a practical decision tree for patient's classification in clinical practice. We analyzed differences between profiles in functional improvement (Barthel index), relative functional gain (Montebello index), length of hospital stay (LOS), rehabilitation efficiency (functional improvement by LOS), and new institutionalization using multivariable regression models (for continuous and dichotomous outcomes).

RESULTS

Among 384 patients (79.1±7.9 years, 50.8% women), we identified 3 complexity profiles: a) Lower Complexity with Caregiver (LCC), b) Moderate Complexity without Caregiver (MCN), and c) Higher Complexity with Caregiver (HCC). The decision tree showed high agreement with cluster analysis (96.6%). Using either linear (continuous outcomes) or logistic regression, both LCC and MCN, compared to HCC, showed statistically significant higher chances of functional improvement (OR = 4.68, 95%CI = 2.54-8.63 and OR = 3.0, 95%CI = 1.52-5.87, respectively, for Barthel index improvement ≥20), relative functional gain (OR = 4.41, 95%CI = 1.81-10.75 and OR = 3.45, 95%CI = 1.31-9.04, respectively, for top Vs lower tertiles), and rehabilitation efficiency (OR = 7.88, 95%CI = 3.65-17.03 and OR = 3.87, 95%CI = 1.69-8.89, respectively, for top Vs lower tertiles). In relation to LOS, MCN cluster had lower chance of shorter LOS than LCC (OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.23-0.75) and HCC (OR = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.19-0.73), for LOS lower Vs higher tertiles.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that post-stroke rehabilitation profiles could be identified using routine assessment tools and showed differential recovery. If confirmed, these findings might help to develop tailored interventions to optimize recovery of older stroke patients.

Access to Endovascular Treatment in Remote Areas

Background and Purpose—

Since demonstration of the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke patients with proximal arterial occlusion, stroke care systems need to be reorganized to deliver EVT in a timely and equitable way. We analyzed differences in the access to EVT by geographical areas in Catalonia, a territory with a highly decentralized stroke model.

Methods—

We studied 965 patients treated with EVT from a prospective multicenter population-based registry of stroke patients treated with reperfusion therapies in Catalonia, Spain (SONIIA). Three different areas were defined: (A) health areas primarily covered by Comprehensive Stroke Centers, (B) areas primarily covered by local stroke centers located less than hour away from a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and (C) areas primarily covered by local stroke centers located more than hour away from a Comprehensive Stroke Center. We compared the number of EVT×100 000 inhabitants/year and time from stroke onset to groin puncture between groups.

Results—

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Throughout the study period, there were significant differences in the population rates of EVT across geographical areas. EVT rates by 100 000 in 2015 were 10.5 in A area, 3.7 in B, and 2.7 in C. Time from symptom onset to groin puncture was 82 minutes longer in group B (312 minutes [245–435]) and 120 minutes longer in group C (350 minutes [284–408]) compared with group A (230 minutes [160–407]; P <0.001).

Conclusions—

Accessibility to EVT from remote areas is hampered by lower rate and longer time to treatment compared with areas covered directly by Comprehensive Stroke Centers.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in and Outside the REVASCAT Trial: Insights From a Concurrent Population-Based Stroke Registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent trials have shown the superiority of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) over medical therapy alone in certain stroke patients with proximal arterial occlusion. Using data from the Randomized Trial of Revascularization With Solitaire FR Device Versus Best Medical Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Stroke due to Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Presenting Within 8-Hours of Symptom Onset (REVASCAT) and a parallel reperfusion treatment registry, we sought to assess the utilization of EVT in a defined patient population, comparing the outcomes of patients treated in and outside the REVASCAT trial.

METHODS

SONIIA [Sistema Online d'Informació de l'Ictus Agut], a population-based, government-mandated, prospective registry of reperfusion therapies for stroke encompassing the entire population of Catalonia, was used as data source. The registry documents 5 key inclusion criteria of the REVASCAT trial: age, stroke severity, time to treatment, baseline functional status, and occlusion site. We compared procedural, safety, and functional outcomes in patients treated inside and outside the trial.

RESULTS

From November 2012 to December 2014, out of 17596 ischemic stroke patients in Catalonia (population 7.5 million), 2576 patients received reperfusion therapies (17/100000 inhabitants-year), mainly intravenous thrombolysis only (2036). From the remaining 540 treated with EVT, 103 patients (out of 206 randomized) were treated within REVASCAT and 437 outside the trial. Of these, 399 did not fulfill some of the study criteria, and 38 were trial candidates (8 treated at REVASCAT centers and 30 at 2 non-REVASCAT centers). The majority of procedural, safety, and functional outcomes were similar in patients treated with EVT within and outside REVASCAT.

CONCLUSIONS

REVASCAT enrolled nearly all eligible patients representing one third of all patients treated with EVT. Patients treated with EVT within and outside REVASCAT had similar outcomes, reinforcing the therapeutic value of EVT.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01692379.

Thrombectomy within 8 hours after symptom onset in ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy for the treatment of stroke in a trial embedded within a population-based stroke reperfusion registry.

METHODS

During a 2-year period at four centers in Catalonia, Spain, we randomly assigned 206 patients who could be treated within 8 hours after the onset of symptoms of acute ischemic stroke to receive either medical therapy (including intravenous alteplase when eligible) and endovascular therapy with the Solitaire stent retriever (thrombectomy group) or medical therapy alone (control group). All patients had confirmed proximal anterior circulation occlusion and the absence of a large infarct on neuroimaging. In all study patients, the use of alteplase either did not achieve revascularization or was contraindicated. The primary outcome was the severity of global disability at 90 days, as measured on the modified Rankin scale (ranging from 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]). Although the maximum planned sample size was 690, enrollment was halted early because of loss of equipoise after positive results for thrombectomy were reported from other similar trials.

RESULTS

Thrombectomy reduced the severity of disability over the range of the modified Rankin scale (adjusted odds ratio for improvement of 1 point, 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 2.8) and led to higher rates of functional independence (a score of 0 to 2) at 90 days (43.7% vs. 28.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.0). At 90 days, the rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were 1.9% in both the thrombectomy group and the control group (P=1.00), and rates of death were 18.4% and 15.5%, respectively (P=0.60). Registry data indicated that only eight patients who met the eligibility criteria were treated outside the trial at participating hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with anterior circulation stroke who could be treated within 8 hours after symptom onset, stent retriever thrombectomy reduced the severity of post-stroke disability and increased the rate of functional independence. (Funded by Fundació Ictus Malaltia Vascular through an unrestricted grant from Covidien and others; REVASCAT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01692379.).

Functional outcome after primary endovascular therapy or IV thrombolysis alone for stroke. An observational, comparative effectiveness study

BACKGROUND

Among the acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions and contraindications for the use of IV thrombolysis, mainly on oral anticoagulation or presenting too late, primary endovascular therapy is often performed as an alternative to the standard therapy even though evidence supporting the use of endovascular reperfusion therapies is not yet established. Using different statistical approaches, we compared the functional independence rates at 3 months among patients undergoing primary endovascular therapy and patients treated only with IV thrombolysis.

METHODS

We used data from a prospective, government-mandated and externally audited registry of reperfusion therapies for ischemic stroke (January 2011 to November 2012). Patients were selected if treated with either IV thrombolysis alone (n = 1,582) or primary endovascular thrombectomy (n = 250). A series of exclusions were made to homogenize the clinical characteristics among the two groups. We then carried out multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching analyses on the final study sample (n = 1,179) to compare functional independence at 3 months, as measured by the modified Rankin scale scores 0-2, between the two groups.

RESULTS

The unadjusted likelihood of good outcome was poorer among the endovascular group (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.47-1.0). After adjustment, no differences by treatment modality were seen (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.93-2.43 for primary endovascular therapy). Patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy within 180-270 min (OR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.17-7.15) and patients with severe strokes (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.02-3.35) did better than their intravenous thrombolysis counterparts. The propensity score-matched analyses with and without adjustment by additional covariates showed that endovascular thrombectomy was as effective as intravenous thrombolysis alone in achieving functional independence (OR for unadjusted propensity score matched: 1.35; 95% CI: 0.9-2.02, OR for adjusted propensity score matched: 1.45; 95% CI: 0.91-2.32).

CONCLUSION

This comparative effectiveness study shows that in ischemic stroke patients with contraindications for IV thrombolysis, primary endovascular treatment might be an alternative therapy at least as effective as IV thrombolysis alone. Randomized controlled trials are urgently needed.

Outcomes of a contemporary cohort of 536 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We sought to assess outcomes after endovascular treatment/therapy of acute ischemic stroke, overall and by subgroups, and looked for predictors of outcome.

METHODS

We used data from a mandatory, population-based registry that includes external monitoring of completeness, which assesses reperfusion therapies for consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke since 2011. We described outcomes overall and by subgroups (age ≤ or >80 years; onset-to-groin puncture ≤ or >6 hours; anterior or posterior strokes; previous IV recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator or isolated endovascular treatment/therapy; revascularization or no revascularization), and determined independent predictors of good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) and mortality at 3 months by multivariate modeling.

RESULTS

We analyzed 536 patients, of whom 285 received previous IV recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. Overall, revascularization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction scores, 2b and 3) occurred in 73.9%, 5.6% developed symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages, 43.3% achieved good functional outcome, and 22.2% were dead at 90 days. Adjusted comparisons by subgroups systematically favored revascularization (lower proportion of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages and death rates and higher proportion of good outcome). Multivariate analyses confirmed the independent protective effect of revascularization. Additionally, age >80 years, stroke severity, hypertension (deleterious), atrial fibrillation, and onset-to-groin puncture ≤6 hours (protective) also predicted good outcome, whereas lack of previous disability and anterior circulation strokes (protective) as well as and hypertension (deleterious) independently predicted mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reinforces the role of revascularization and time to treatment to achieve enhanced functional outcomes and identifies other clinical features that independently predict good/fatal outcome after endovascular treatment/therapy.

Abstract 185: Risk-adjusted Comparison of Good Functional Outcome at 3 Months after Primary Endovascular Therapy or Intravenous Thrombolysis Alone. Results from an Observational, Population-based Study

Background: Evidence clearly supports intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) as first-line therapy for AIS. Yet, endovascular treatment (EVT) might be an alternative for patients with IVT contraindications. Our aim was to study whether patients treated with primary EVT in daily practice did as well as those treated with IVT alone in terms of functional outcome.

Methods: Observational, population-based study of consecutive AIS patients treated with either isolated EVT or IVT within 2011 and 2012 in Catalonia. Patients were prospectively included in a health-administration based registry with external monitoring of completeness. Inclusion criteria: EVT or IVT delivered under routine conditions. Exclusion criteria: combined IVT+EVT therapy, pre-stroke mRS >2, lacunar stroke subtype, unusual stroke etiology, baseline NIHSS >25 and onset-to-treatment (OTT) > 400 minutes. We determined the risk-adjusted probability [adjustment variables: age, NIHSS, OTT, pre-morbid mRS, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, AF, OCSP classification and etiology] of achieving functional independence at 3 months (mRS <=2) and performed subgroup analyses.

Results: 1149 patients underwent IVT and 129 (10.1%) EVT. Patients in the EVT arm were younger (71.2+/-11.5 vs. 74.3+/-11.9), had higher NIHSS scores (18 [12-20] vs. 11 [7-18]), were treated later (198 [150-270] vs. 140 [105-190]) and more frequently had concomitant AF (55% vs. 21.9%), heart failure (12.4% vs. 4.9%), and were on anticoagulants (49.6% vs. 5.4%). Dyslipidemia (45.4% vs. 36.4%) and antiplatelets (42.7% vs. 26.4%) were more frequent in the IVT arm. Overall, the risk-adjusted likelihood of good functional outcome was better for EVT (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 0.97-2.52). Subgroup analyses showed that patients with NIHSS =>14 (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.10-3.46) and those treated within 180-270 minutes post-stroke (OR: 3.44; 95% CI: 1.41-8.39) benefited more from EVT.

Conclusions: In a population-based study of reperfusion therapies for AIS, patients undergoing isolated EVT were more likely to achieve functional independence at 3 months as compared to patients treated with IVT, particularly those with severe strokes or those treated within 3-4.5 hours post-stroke. These findings need to be confirmed in a RCT.

The Second Stroke Audit of Catalonia shows improvements in many, but not all quality indicators

BACKGROUND

Periodic audits allow monitoring of healthcare quality by comparing performances at different time points. Aims To assess quality of in-hospital stroke care in Catalonia in 2007 and compare it with 2005 (post-/preguidelines delivery, respectively).

METHODS

Data on 13 evidence-based performance measures were collected by a retrospective review of medical records of consecutive stroke admissions (January-December 2007) to 47 acute hospitals in Catalonia. Adherence was calculated according to the ratio (patients with documented performance measures' compliance) (valid cases for that measure). Sampling weights were applied to produce estimates of compliance. The proportions of compliance with performance measures in both audits were compared using random-effects logistic regressions, with each performance measure as the dependent variable and audit edition as the explanatory variable to determine whether changes in stroke care quality occurred along time.

RESULTS

We analyzed 1767 events distributed among 47 hospitals. In 2007, there was an increase in tissue plasminogen activator administrations (2·8% vs. 5·9%) and stroke unit admissions (16·6% vs. 22·6%) and a reduction in seven-day mortality (9·5% vs. 6·8%). Logistic regression models provided evidence of improved adherences to seven performance measures (screening of dysphagia, management of hyperthermia, baseline computed tomography scan, baseline glycemia, rehabilitation needs, early mobilization, and anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation), but worsening of management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and antithrombotics at discharge. The remaining three performance measures showed no changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The Second Stroke Audit showed improvements in most dimensions of care, although unexpectedly a few but relevant performance measures became worse. Therefore, periodic stroke audits are needed to check changes in quality of care over time.

Outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis after dissemination of the stroke code and designation of new referral hospitals in Catalonia: the Catalan Stroke Code and Thrombolysis (Cat-SCT) Monitored Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

From 2006, the Stroke Code system operates throughout Catalonia with full coverage. The objective of this study was to determine safety and effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis in routine practice through a monitored study (Catalan Stroke Code and Thrombolysis [Cat-SCT]) and to assess outcomes according to hospitals' previous experience.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational, monitored study of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients declared to the Cat-SCT by all treating hospitals in Catalonia (n=13, of which 6 were newly designated) over a 12-month period. Consecutive recruitment and quality of data were assured through comprehensive quality control. We estimated rates of outcome measures for the potential final sample (after inclusion of undeclared cases) and compared them with those reported for the actual sample. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, mortality, and favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 1) at 3 months were also evaluated according to hospitals' previous experience using multilevel logistic regression.

RESULTS

We analyzed 488 patients with a median age of 72 years (interquartile range: 63, 77), 57.2% males, with a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 13 (interquartile range: 8, 19), and stroke to treatment time of 150 minutes (interquartile range: 120, 180 minutes). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-MOnitoring STudy definition) was observed in 3.3% patients. Ninety-day mortality was 16.6% and 38.5% showed a favorable outcome at 3 months. External monitoring set inclusion losses at <5%. A sensitivity analysis including undeclared cases did not show significant changes in main outcomes. Inexperienced hospitals achieved similar outcomes, except for a higher rate of favorable outcome at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Health planning applied to acute stroke care and based on dissemination of the Stroke Code system and designation of new referral hospitals showed intravenous thrombolysis safe and effective in routine practice, even among inexperienced hospitals.

Patient-related features associated with a delay in seeking care after stroke

BACKGROUND

Different factors may weight on time from stroke onset to hospital arrival, and patients' alert certainly contributes to it. We sought to identify clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with a delayed alert and to delineate the profile of the potential latecomer in Catalonia (Spain).

METHODS

We used data from the Stroke Code (SC) registry that prospectively recruited consecutive patients with acute stroke, in whom SC was activated (SCA) or not (SCNA), admitted to all Catalan hospitals. Additionally, SCNA patients underwent a structured interview to explore additional beliefs and attitudes related to a delayed alert. We applied a 6-h cut-off to define alert delay according to the time limit for SC activation in Catalonia. We determined independent predictors of delay amongst clinical and sociodemographic data by multivariate logistic regression and applied sample weighting because of different study periods in the SCA and SCNA arms.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 37.2% delayed alert beyond 6 h. Compared to non-delayers, latecomers were more likely diabetics, illiterates, belonged to an unfavored social class, and were living alone. Fewer had concomitant atrial fibrillation and alerted through emergency medical service (EMS)/112 whilst suffering a mild or moderate stroke. Amongst patients interviewed, being unaware of stroke's vascular nature and erroneously self-perceiving stroke as a reversible or irrelevant condition independently predicted a longer delay.

CONCLUSIONS

Delaying alert after stroke shows a multifactorial background with implication of pre-stroke health status, socioeconomic factors, stroke-related features and patients' beliefs and attitudes toward the disease. In planning future educational campaigns, all these features should be considered.

[In-hospital stroke care in Catalonia [Spain]. Results of the "First Clinical Audit of Stroke. Catalonia, 2005/2006"]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the quality of in-hospital stroke care in public acute care hospitals in Catalonia before the implementation of a clinical practice guideline (CPG) on stroke by determining adherence to specific recommendations of the CPG.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of consecutive patients with stroke (defined with ICD-9 codes: 431, 433.x1, 434.x1, and 436) admitted to 48 Catalan hospitals within the first half of 2005. Data were collected on indicators of the healthcare process selected on the basis of their scientific evidence and/or clinical relevance. The participating hospitals included 20, 40 or 60 stroke cases according to their annual stroke caseload. After random selection, up to 9.3% of all cases recruited at each study center were externally monitored to assess the quality of the data gathered. Indicators were grouped into six different dimensions related to distinct aspects of clinical practice.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 1,791 stroke cases (53.9% men, mean age: 75.6 [12.4] years). Overall inter-observer agreement was 0.7. Compliance with the six dimensions was as follows (mean percentage [95%CI]): quality of medical records, 78.5% (77.5-79.4); initial interventions, 92.4% (91.5-93.2); neurological assessment, 38.3% (37.3-39.3); assessment of rehabilitation needs, 44.9% (43.2-46.7); prevention and management of medical complications, 68.4% (66.9-70), and initial preventive measures, 78.9% (77.3-80.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In the first half of 2005, in-hospital stroke care in Catalonia showed room for improvement particularly in aspects related to the neurological assessment and follow-up of patients and their rehabilitation process.

Rifampicin in tuberculous meningitis: a retrospective assessment

To shed some light on the potential value of rifampicin in the treatment of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in adults, a retrospective analysis has been made of 143 medical records from 4 hospitals for the period 1967-80. Treatment of TBM with rifampicin and other antituberculous drugs in combination (Group B) was compared to other regimes which did not include rifampicin (Group A). There were 64 patients in Group B and 79 in Group A. The two groups of patients did not differ significantly in their prognostic characteristics. The total mortality was 14.7%: it was higher among patients not treated with rifampicin (24%; Group A) than amongst those given rifampicin (3.1%; Group B; chi 2 = 10.74; p less than 0.005). The difference was also statistically significant (chi 2 = 6.88; p less than 0.01) if patients who died during the first 48 h after the institution of treatment were excluded. No significant difference in mortality rate was found when patients treated with rifampicin plus isoniazid (INH) 8-10 mg/kg (1 death out of 41 patients) were compared to patients treated with INH 15 mg/kg (2 deaths out of 20 patients). Neurological sequelae recorded during a 6 month follow-up period were more severe among patients not treated with rifampicin.