Systemic inflammation as a therapeutic target in acute ischemic stroke

Acute systemic inflammatory reaction superimposed on chronic low-grade inflammation accompanies acute ischemic stroke. Elevated blood levels of systemic inflammatory markers such as IL-6 or C-reactive protein are associated with an unfavorable functional outcome and increased mortality after stroke. Animal studies have demonstrated a causal relationship between systemic inflammation and ischemic brain damage. The mechanisms linking systemic inflammation with poor outcome include increased neutrophil infiltration of cerebral cortex, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, impaired tissue reperfusion, increased platelet activation and microvascular coagulation and complement-dependent brain injury. Non-selective (e.g., by statins) or selective (e.g., by inhibition of IL-6) attenuation of systemic inflammation, enhancement of systemic anti-inflammatory response (e.g., by infusion of IL-1 receptor antagonist), prevention of infections that exacerbate systemic inflammation or inhibition of neuronal pathways triggering inflammatory reaction are potential therapeutic targets in stroke patients. This review discusses the relationship between systemic inflammation, cerebral ischemia and prognosis in the context of therapeutic strategies.

Serum Albumin Level as a Predictor of Ischemic Stroke Outcome

Background and Purpose— Animal studies showed that human albumin therapy is strongly neuroprotective in focal ischemia. The aim of our study was to determine if relatively high serum albumin level is associated with decreased risk of poor outcome in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods— Seven hundred fifty-nine consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Functional outcome was measured 3 months after stroke using modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Poor outcome was defined as mRS >3 or death. Serum albumin level was measured within 36 hours after stroke onset.

Results— Patients with poor outcome had significantly lower serum albumin level than patients with nonpoor outcome (34.1±7.4 versus 36.8±6.7 g/L). On logistic regression analysis, serum albumin level remained independent predictor of poor outcome (odds ratio [OR]: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26 to 0.70).

Conclusions— Relatively high serum albumin level in acute stroke patients decreases the risk of poor outcome.

Gene Expression Profiles in Human Ruptured and Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Background and Purpose— Mechanisms underlying development and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IA) are poorly recognized. The majority of studies on human tissue have focused on predefined pathways. We sought to analyze global gene expression patterns of ruptured IA, unruptured IA, and control vessels.

Methods— Transcription profiles were studied in human ruptured (n=8) and unruptured (n=6) IA, as well as in control intracranial arteries (n=5), using oligonucleotide microarrays. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for confirmation. Functional analysis for determination of over-represented ontological groups among gene expression profiles was also performed.

Results— The expression of 159 genes differed among the studied groups. Compared to the controls, 131 genes showed common directions of change in both IA groups. The most impacted biological processes for IA are: (1) the muscle system; (2) cell adhesion (downregulation); and (3) the immune system and inflammatory response (upregulation). Ruptured and unruptured IA differed in genes involved in immune/inflammatory processes; expression was reduced in ruptured IA.

Conclusions— Decreased expression of genes related to muscle system and cell adhesion is important for the development of IA. The role of immune/inflammatory processes is unclear. Inflammation may participate in the healing process within IA while playing a protective role against IA rupture.

Intracerebral hemorrhage triggers interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 release in blood

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute brain insult can cause systemic anti-inflammatory response, including anti-inflammatory cytokine release. The goal of this study was to determine the serum level of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and interleukin-13 in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and to correlate cytokine concentrations with stroke severity.

METHODS

Thirty patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhage and 16 control subjects were included. Serum samples were collected on the second day of hemorrhagic stroke. Cytokine level was measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

RESULTS

Increased serum levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 were detected in stroke patients. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels were significantly correlated with Glasgow Coma Scale score. In addition, interleukin-6 level correlated with blood volume and mass effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with systemic release of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Wallerian degeneration: a major component of early axonal pathology in multiple sclerosis

Axonal loss is a major component of the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the morphological basis of permanent clinical disability. It occurs in demyelinating plaques but also in the so-called normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). However, the contribution of Wallerian degeneration to axonal pathology is not known. Here, we analyzed the extent of Wallerian degeneration and axonal pathology in periplaque white matter (PPWM) and lesions in early multiple sclerosis biopsy tissue from 63 MS patients. Wallerian degeneration was visualized using an antibody against the neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 (NPY-Y1R). The number of SMI-32-positive axons with non-phosphorylated neurofilaments was significantly higher in both PPWM and plaques compared to control white matter. APP-positive, acutely damaged axons were found in significantly higher numbers in plaques compared to PPWM. Strikingly, the number of NPY-Y1R-positive axons undergoing Wallerian degeneration was significantly higher in PPWM and plaques than in control WM. NPY-Y1R-positive axons in PPWM were strongly correlated to those in the lesions. Our results show that Wallerian degeneration is a major component of axonal pathology in the periplaque white matter in early MS. It may contribute to radiological changes observed in early MS and most likely plays a major role in the development of disability.

Paraoxonase gene polymorphisms and sporadic ALS

BACKGROUND

The human paraoxonase (PON) gene family consists of three members, PON1, PON2, and PON3, located adjacent to each other on chromosome 7. PON catalytic activity may be influenced by frequent amino acid variants. Chronic exposure to certain chemicals or to environmental factors causing enhanced lipid peroxidation metabolized by paraoxonases may be a risk factor for sporadic ALS (sALS).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the association between PON1 Q192R, PON1 L55M, and PON2 C311S functional polymorphisms and the risk of sALS in a Polish population.

METHODS

The authors included 185 patients with a definite or probable diagnosis of sALS (El Escorial Criteria) and 437 healthy controls of similar age and gender. The paraoxonase polymorphisms were studied by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion.

RESULTS

Using logistic regression analyses, the C allele of the C311S polymorphism was associated with sALS in dominant and additive models, whereas the R allele of the Q192R polymorphism was associated with sALS in recessive, additive, and dominant models. The authors compared the distribution of haplotypes between cases and controls. The R-C haplotype was overrepresented among cases (odds ratio 3.44, 95% CI: 1.55 to 7.62, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent amino acid variants in the paraoxonase 1 and paraoxonase 2 genes are associated with sporadic ALS in a Polish population.

Hypercortisolemia in acute stroke is related to the inflammatory response

Hypercortisolemia is thought to be a marker of the stress response following stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of hypercortisolemia. The circadian variation of cortisol level and the relationship between serum cortisol levels and other stress, inflammatory, and haemostatic markers were also investigated. Seventy consecutive patients with their first ischemic stroke and 24 age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Serum cortisol levels (at 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM), 24-h urine catecholamine excretion, beta-thromboglobulin levels, and other standard biochemical and haematological parameters were measured on the first day of hospitalisation and in control subjects. Outcome measures used the Barthel Index at Day 30, as well as 30- and 90-day mortality rates. Hypercortisolemia, defined as at least two of the four measurements above the normal range of serum cortisol levels (i.e. >618 nmol/l from the morning samples and >460 nmol/l from the evening samples) was found in 25 (35.7%) of the acute stroke patients and in 3 (12.5%) of the controls (p<0.05). Hypercortisolemia was associated with older age, greater severity of neurological deficit, larger ischemic lesions on CT, and worse prognoses (p<0.05). The study did not find a correlation between serum cortisol levels and other markers of the stress response such as catecholamines excretion and glucose levels. A significant correlation between serum cortisol levels and some markers of the inflammatory response, such as fever, fibrinogen level, white blood cell (WBC) count, and beta-thromboglobulin level, was established in stroke patients. Prognostic significance of hypercortisolemia in acute stroke patients seems to be related to the inflammatory response rather than to the stress response.

Beta-blockers reduce the risk of early death in ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES

Beta-blockers reduce mortality in patients after myocardial infarction. Experimental studies suggest that beta-blockers have also neuroprotective properties. The aim of this study was to assess if use of beta-blockers is associated with reduced risk of early death in ischemic stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective data analysis of 841 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the stroke unit within 24 h after stroke onset.

RESULTS

10.6% of patients received beta-blockers during hospitalization. Thirty-day case fatality was significantly lower in patients treated with beta-blockers than in those not treated with beta-blockers (6.8% versus 19.0%, P < 0.01). After adjustment for other prognostic factors, the use of beta-blockers was associated with reduced risk of early death (relative hazard 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.16-0.84) independently of age, stroke severity, fasting glucose, total cholesterol level and pneumonia. When patients who died of cardiovascular causes were excluded from the analysis, the use of beta-blocker was no longer significantly associated with risk of death (P = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

In a retrospective series the use of beta-blockers was associated with reduced risk of early death in patients with ischemic stroke.

VS, Mabovula N, MacAllister M, Macie AA, Maduri R, Mahfoud M, Mahmood A, Mahmoud F, Mahoney D, Makhlouf W, Malcolm G, Malomo A, Malomo T, Mani MK, Marçal TG, Marchello J, Marchesini N, Marhold F, Marklund N, Martín-Láez R, Mathaneswaran V, Mato-Mañas DJ, Maye H, McLean AL, McMahon C, Mediratta S, Mehboob M, Meneses A, Mentri N, Mersha H, Mesa AM, Meyer C, Millward C, Mimbir SA, Mingoli A, Mishra P, Mishra T, Misra B, Mittal S, Mohammed I, Moldovan I, Molefe M, Moles A, Moodley P, Morales MAN, Morgan L, Morillo GDC, Moustafa W, Moustakis N, Mrichi S, Munjal SS, Muntaka AJM, Naicker D, Nakashima PEH, Nandigama PK, Nash S, Negoi I, Negoita V, Neupane S, Nguyen MH, Niantiarno FH, Noble A, Nor MAM, Nowak B, Oancea A, O'Brien F, Okere O, Olaya S, Oliveira L, Oliveira LM, Omar F, Ononeme O, Opšenák R, Orlandini S, Osama A, Osei-Poku D, Osman H, Otero A, Ottenhausen M, Otzri S, Outani O, Owusu EA, Owusu-Agyemang K, Ozair A, Ozoner B, Paal E, Paiva MS, Paiva W, Pandey S, Pansini G, Pansini L, Pantel T, Pantelas N, Papadopoulos K, Papic V, Park K, Park N, Paschoal EHA, Paschoalino MCDO, Pathi R, Peethambaran A, Pereira TA, Perez IP, Pérez CJP, Periyasamy T, Peron S, Phillips M, Picazo SS, Pinar E, Pinggera D, Piper R, Pirakash P, Popadic B, Posti JP, Prabhakar RB, Pradeepan S, Prasad M, Prieto PC, Prince R, Prontera A, Provaznikova E, Quadros D, Quintero NJR, Qureshi M, Rabiel H, Rada G, Ragavan S, Rahman J, Ramadhan O, Ramaswamy P, Rashid S, Rathugamage J, Rätsep T, Rauhala M, Raza A, Reddycherla NR, Reen L, Refaat M, Regli L, Ren H, Ria A, Ribeiro TF, Ricci A, Richterová R, Ringel F, Robertson F, Rocha CMSC, Rogério JDS, Romano AA, Rothemeyer S, Rousseau GRG, Roza R, Rueda KDF, Ruiz R, Rundgren M, Rzeplinski R, S.Chandran R, Sadayandi RA, Sage W, Sagerer ANJ, Sakar M, Salami M, Sale D, Saleh Y, Sánchez-Viguera C, Sandila S, Sanli AM, Santi L, Santoro A, Santos AKDD, Santos SCD, Sanz B, Sapkota S, Sasidharan G, Sasillo I, Satoskar R, Sayar AC, Sayee V, Scheichel F, Schiavo FL, Schupper A, Schwarz A, Scott T, Seeberger E, Segundo CNC, Seidu AS, Selfa A, Selmi NH, Selvarajah C, Şengel N, Seule M, Severo L, Shah P, Shahzad M, Shangase T, Sharma M, Shiban E, Shimber E, Shokunbi T, Siddiqui K, Sieg E, Siegemund M, Sikder SR, Silva ACV, Silva A, Silva PA, Singh D, Skadden C, Skola J, Skouteli E, Słoniewski P, Smith B, Solanki G, Solla DF, Solla D, Sonmez O, Sönmez M, Soon WC, Stefini R, Stienen MN, Stoica B, Stovell M, Suarez MN, Sulaiman A, Suliman M, Sulistyanto A, Sulubulut Ş, Sungailaite S, Surbeck M, Szmuda T, Taddei G, Tadele A, Taher ASA, Takala R, Talari KM, Tan BH, Tariciotti L, Tarmohamed M, Taroua O, Tatti E, Tenovuo O, Tetri S, Thakkar P, Thango N, Thatikonda SK, Thesleff T, Thomé C, Thornton O, Timmons S, Timoteo EE, Tingate C, Tliba S, Tolias C, Toman E, Torres I, Torres L, Touissi Y, Touray M, Tropeano MP, Tsermoulas G, Tsitsipanis C, Turkoglu ME, Uçkun ÖM, Ullman J, Ungureanu G, Urasa S, Ur-Rehman O, Uysal M, Vakis A, Valeinis E, Valluru V, Vannoy D, Vargas P, Varotsis P, Varshney R, Vats A, Veljanoski D, Venturini S, Verma A, Villa C, Villa G, Villar S, Villard E, Viruez A, Voglis S, Vulekovic P, Wadanamby S, Wagner K, Walshe R, Walter J, Waseem M, Whitworth T, Wijeyekoon R, Williams A, Wilson M, Win S, Winarso AWW, Ximenes AWP, Yadav A, Yadav D, Yakoub KM, Yalcinkaya A, Yan G, Yaqoob E, Yepes C, Yılmaz AN, Yishak B, Yousuf FB, Zahari MZ, Zakaria H, Zambonin D, Zavatto L, Zebian B, Zeitlberger AM, Zhang F, Zheng F, Ziga M. Casemix, management, and mortality of patients rreseceiving emergency neurosurgery for traumatic brain injury in the Global Neurotrauma Outcomes Study: a prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognised as being responsible for a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Neurosurgical interventions are an important aspect of care for patients with TBI, but there is little epidemiological data available on this patient population. We aimed to characterise differences in casemix, management, and mortality of patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI across different levels of human development.

METHODS

We did a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with TBI undergoing emergency neurosurgery, in a convenience sample of hospitals identified by open invitation, through international and regional scientific societies and meetings, individual contacts, and social media. Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI in each hospital's 30-day study period were all eligible for inclusion, with the exception of patients undergoing insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor only, ventriculostomy placement only, or a procedure for drainage of a chronic subdural haematoma. The primary outcome was mortality at 14 days postoperatively (or last point of observation if the patient was discharged before this time point). Countries were stratified according to their Human Development Index (HDI)-a composite of life expectancy, education, and income measures-into very high HDI, high HDI, medium HDI, and low HDI tiers. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine the effect of HDI on mortality while accounting for and quantifying between-hospital and between-country variation.

FINDINGS

Our study included 1635 records from 159 hospitals in 57 countries, collected between Nov 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2020. 328 (20%) records were from countries in the very high HDI tier, 539 (33%) from countries in the high HDI tier, 614 (38%) from countries in the medium HDI tier, and 154 (9%) from countries in the low HDI tier. The median age was 35 years (IQR 24-51), with the oldest patients in the very high HDI tier (median 54 years, IQR 34-69) and the youngest in the low HDI tier (median 28 years, IQR 20-38). The most common procedures were elevation of a depressed skull fracture in the low HDI tier (69 [45%]), evacuation of a supratentorial extradural haematoma in the medium HDI tier (189 [31%]) and high HDI tier (173 [32%]), and evacuation of a supratentorial acute subdural haematoma in the very high HDI tier (155 [47%]). Median time from injury to surgery was 13 h (IQR 6-32). Overall mortality was 18% (299 of 1635). After adjustment for casemix, the odds of mortality were greater in the medium HDI tier (odds ratio [OR] 2·84, 95% CI 1·55-5·2) and high HDI tier (2·26, 1·23-4·15), but not the low HDI tier (1·66, 0·61-4·46), relative to the very high HDI tier. There was significant between-hospital variation in mortality (median OR 2·04, 95% CI 1·17-2·49).

INTERPRETATION

Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI differed considerably in their admission characteristics and management across human development settings. Level of human development was associated with mortality. Substantial opportunities to improve care globally were identified, including reducing delays to surgery. Between-hospital variation in mortality suggests changes at an institutional level could influence outcome and comparative effectiveness research could identify best practices.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Group.

Systemic inflammatory markers and risk of dementia

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. This article reviews the results of prospective studies demonstrating that the level of systemic inflammation markers, particularly C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, can predict cognitive decline or dementia. The potential mechanisms linking systemic inflammatory molecules to cognitive decline are also discussed.

Nosocomial infections and immunity: lesson from brain-injured patients

Of brain-injured patients admitted to intensive care units, a significant number acquires nosocomial infections. Increased susceptibility to infectious agents could, at least partly, be due to transient immunodepression triggered by brain damage. Immune deficiency in patients with severe brain injury primarily involves T cell dysfunction. However, humoral and phagocytic deficiencies are also detectable. Activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system plays a crucial role in brain-mediated immunodepression. In this review we discuss the role of immunodepression in the development of nosocomial infections and clinical trials on immunomodulation in brain-injured patients with hospital-acquired infections.

Lower Serum Triglyceride Level Is Associated With Increased Stroke Severity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A previous study showed that low triglyceride concentration predicts higher mortality after stroke. The aim of our study was to determine whether serum triglyceride level is associated with stroke severity on admission.

METHODS

863 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Serum triglyceride level was measured within 36 hours after stroke onset. Stroke severity on admission was assessed using Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS). The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with severe stroke (SSS < or =25) and those with mild/moderate stroke (SSS >25).

RESULTS

Patients with severe stroke had significantly lower serum triglyceride level than patients with mild/moderate stroke (1.4+/-0.6 versus 1.7+/-1.3 mmol/L). After adjusting for age, sex, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and ischemic heart disease, patients with triglyceride >2.3 mmol/L had lower risk of severe stroke than those with triglyceride < or =2.3 mmol/L (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that lower level of triglyceride is associated with the more severe stroke.

DD genotype of ACE gene is a risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage

Genetic factors may play a role in susceptibility to stroke. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a candidate gene for two phenotypically different types of stroke affecting small perforating arteries: spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SIH) and ischemic stroke due to small vessel disease (SVD). The authors report evidence that ACE gene DD homozygosity of the I/D polymorphism in intron 16 is an independent risk factor for SIH, and not for SVD stroke, in a Polish population.

Management and neurological outcome of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma

This study assesses the etiology, clinical management, and outcome of patients with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH). SSEH is an uncommon neurosurgical emergency. We analyzed data from 10 patients (six women, four men) treated for SSEH (mean age, 63.5 years). Five patients had bleeding disorders due to anticoagulant therapy at the time of diagnosis. The initial clinical symptom in most patients was severe pain (n=8). Spinal injury was assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, with six Grade A, one Grade C, and three Grade D patients. Lesions were in the cervicothoracic (n=4), thoracic (n=5), and thoracolumbar regions (n=1). Location was dorsal in seven patients and ventral in three. SSEH extension ranged from three to 15 spinal levels (mean, 6.9 levels). ASIA scale outcomes for the entire group were Grade A, n=2; Grade B, n=1; Grade C, n=1; Grade D, n=2; and Grade E, n=4. Outcomes for patients with no bleeding disorders (n=5) were Grade D, n=1; and Grade E, n=4. Outcomes for patients with bleeding disorders (n=5) were Grade A, n=2; Grade B, n=1; Grade C, n=1; and Grade D, n=1. After surgical treatment, patients improved by at least by one ASIA grade. The patients with mild neurological deficit who were treated conservatively also improved. Emergent spinal cord decompression is the only way to preserve spinal cord function in patients with severe deficit. Coagulation disorders were related to poor neurological status at admission and with poor neurological outcome. Conservative treatment was acceptable in patients with minimal neurological deficit.

Incidence of pre- and poststroke dementia: cracow stroke registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Dementia after stroke may be caused by vascular lesion, but preexisting degenerative changes can also influence its development. After stroke, the patients with coexisting Alzheimer-type pathology need appropriate treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of prestroke and new- onset dementia in stroke patients.

METHODS

We evaluated prestroke dementia in 250 patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke using the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Poststroke dementia was assessed in 220 patients 3 months after stroke by means of the neuropsychological tests and/or IQCODE. The DSM-IV definition of dementia was used.

RESULTS

Dementia after stroke was found in 31.4% of stroke patients. Twelve percent of stroke patients had a significant impairment of cognitive functions detected by the IQCODE on admission suggesting prestroke dementia. When we excluded the patients with recurrent stroke, the incidence of pre- and poststroke dementia was 9.3 and 21.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

About one tenth of stroke patients have preexisting dementia.

Clinical significance of acute phase reaction in stroke patients

Acute cerebral ischemia triggers interleukin-6 (IL-6) release into cerebrospinal fluid and blood. IL-6 induces synthesis of the acute phase proteins (APPs) in the liver. Higher blood IL-6 level in stroke patients is associated with larger infarct size, greater neurological deficit on admission, early neurological worsening, and increased risk of death or poor functional outcome. The level of C-reactive protein (CRP), the major APP in man, rises in blood during acute stroke reaching maximal values between 5 and 7 day after stroke onset. Elevated CRP level in acute ischemic stroke predicts unfavorable outcome and is associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke or other cardiovascular events. Increased level of fibrinogen, another APP, is associated with worse outcome in patients with ischemic stroke. The acute phase reaction accompanies also intracerebral hemorrhage. Serum IL-6 and CRP level increases in the first days after intracerebral hemorrhage. Plasma IL-6 is independently associated with hematoma enlargement and fibrinogen level predicts early neurological deterioration and outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

II Genotype of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Increases the Risk for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage From Ruptured Aneurysm

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Evidence exists in support of a role of genetic factors in susceptibility to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in humans. Meta-analysis of 2 previous studies showed that the I allele of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism was a weak, but significant, risk factor for aneurysmal SAH. Moreover, a recent study has shown that the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the development of intracranial aneurysm. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ACE I/D polymorphism and a risk for aneurysmal SAH in a Polish population.

METHODS

Ninety patients with aneurysmal SAH (mean age: 48.9+/-14.0 years) and 128 healthy controls matched for age and sex were genotyped for the ACE I/D polymorphism. Aneurysmal SAH was diagnosed by cranial computed tomography and/or lumbar puncture and digital subtraction angiography. ACE gene polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the intron 16-specific I/D fragments, 490-bp and 190-bp, respectively.

RESULTS

The ACE genotype distribution in patients with aneurysmal SAH (II, 52.2%; ID, 15.6%; DD, 32.2%) differed significantly from controls (II, 23.4%; ID, 50.8%; DD, 25.8%) (P<0.001). A logistic regression model showed that the II genotype of ACE gene was independent from female sex and smoking as a risk factor for aneurysmal SAH (OR, 4.57; 95% CI, 2.35 to 8.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Here we report that II genotype of ACE gene is a risk factor for aneurysmal SAH.

Transient hyperglycemia in ischemic stroke patients

The aim of the study was to investigate glucose derangement and its short- and long-term prognostic significance in nondiabetic ischemic stroke patients. The study involved 262 consecutive patients, mean age: 70.1+/-12.4 years, with a supratentorial ischemic stroke. The following data were collected: patients characteristics, risk factors, comorbidities, and stroke severity assessed by the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS). Serum glucose levels were measured on admission, on the next, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 14th day after stroke onset. The outcome measures on day 30 were mortality and capacity to perform daily activities: the Barthel Index and Rankin Scale. The 1-year survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess predictors of 1-year mortality in nondiabetics. Diabetes mellitus was found in 24.8% of patients and transient hyperglycemia in 36.3% of patients. Patients with transient hyperglycemia scored lower on SSS in the subsequent days of assessment than patients with either diabetes mellitus or normoglycemia. They had larger ischemic lesions on computer tomography (CT) than diabetics and had higher 30-day mortality than normoglycemics (p<0.05). One-year mortality was similar in transient hyperglycemics and diabetics, and both were significantly higher than in normoglycemics (p<0.05). A proportional hazards model analysis showed that transient hyperglycemia is not an independent predictor of death within a year after stroke.

Awake craniotomy for brain tumor: indications, technique and benefits

Increasing interest in the quality of life of patients after treatment of brain tumors has led to the exploration of methods that can improve intraoperative assessment of neurological status to avoid neurological deficits. The only method that can provide assessment of all eloquent areas of cerebral cortex and white matter is brain mapping during awake craniotomy. This method helps ensure that the quality of life and the neuro-oncological result of treatment are not compromised. Apart from the medical aspects of awake surgery, its economic issues are also favorable. Here, we review the main aspects of awake brain tumor surgery. Neurosurgical, neuropsychological, neurophysiological and anesthetic issues are briefly discussed.

Increased plasma fibrinogen predicts one-year mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Increased plasma fibrinogen is a risk factor for vascular diseases related to atherosclerosis. Its long-term predictive value in stroke survivors is not established. We conducted this study to establish the significance of hyperfibrinogenemia as the possible predictor of 30-day and one-year mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We studied 900 unselected patients with ischemic stroke admitted to the hospital within 24 h after onset of symptoms. We noted demographic data, risk factors for stroke, neurological deficit and disturbances of consciousness on admission. We measured plasma concentration of fibrinogen and the body temperature on day 1 and registered vital status at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after stroke.

RESULTS

Mean concentration of plasma fibrinogen was 2.9 g/L and 25.2% of patients had increased plasma concentration of fibrinogen (i.e. > or = 3.5 g/L) on day 1. Patients with hyperfibrinogenemia were more likely to die after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months than those with normal plasma fibrinogen (21.1% vs. 15.6%, 36.4% vs. 24.6%, 42.6% vs. 27.3%, 45.7% vs. 31.2%, respectively; P < 0.001 for the last three differences). Hyperfibrinogenemia did not predict short-term case-fatality, but increased concentration of plasma fibrinogen was an independent predictor of one-year case-fatality (P = 0.013; OR: 1.69 (95% CI 1.12-2.55)). Other independent predictors of one-year case-fatality were: neurological deficit on admission, age, white blood cell count, and body temperature on day 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased concentration of plasma fibrinogen shortly after ischemic stroke independently increases risk of death within one year after stroke.

A2 Alelle of GpIIIa Gene Is a Risk Factor for Stroke Caused by Large-Vessel Disease in Males

Background and Purpose— Glycoprotein IIIa (GpIIIa) is a platelet membrane receptor for fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor. It plays a key role in platelet aggregation. Previous studies in stroke patients, without analysis based on specific subtypes of stroke cause, have not shown any link between GpIIIa A1/A2 polymorphism and stroke risk. We studied the significance of the GpIIIa gene A1/A2 polymorphism in stroke patients with different stroke causes.

Methods— We genotyped 92 patients with stroke caused by large-vessel disease (LVD stroke) and 184 matched controls; 103 patients with stroke caused by small-vessel disease (SVD stroke) and 206 controls; and 182 patients with cardioembolic stroke (CE stroke) and 182 controls (TOAST criteria). The GpIIIa A1/A2 polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme digestion and electrophoresis.

Results— The genotype distribution of the GpIIIa gene in patients with LVD stroke (A1/A1, 63%; A1/A2, 34.8%; A2/A2, 2.2%) differed significantly from their controls (A1A1, 79.3%; A1/A2, 20.1%; A2/A2, 0.6%). The distribution of the GpIIIa A1/A2 polymorphism in patients with SVD stroke and CE stroke was similar to that of their controls. In contrast to females with LVD stroke, we found that males with LVD stroke presented with an overrepresentation of at least 1 A2 allele of the GpIIIa gene when compared with their controls (39.7% versus 23.0%; P =0.003). Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that possession of at least 1 A2 allele of the GpIIIa gene was an independent risk factor for LVD stroke in males (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.21 to 5.20).

Conclusion— A2 allele of the GpIIIa gene is an independent risk factor for LVD stroke in males.

Gene expression profiling of blood in ruptured intracranial aneurysms: in search of biomarkers

The molecular mechanisms underlying the systemic response to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RAs) are not fully understood. We investigated whether the analysis of gene expression in peripheral blood could provide clinically relevant information regarding the biologic consequences of SAH. Transcriptomics were performed using Illumina HumanHT-12v4 microarrays for 43 RA patients and 18 controls (C). Differentially expressed transcripts were analyzed for overrepresented functional groups and blood cell type-specific gene expression. The set of differentially expressed transcripts was validated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in an independent group of subjects (15 RA patients and 14 C). There were 135 differentially expressed genes (false discovery rate 1%, absolute fold change 1.7): the abundant levels of 78 mRNAs increased and 57 mRNAs decreased. Among RA patients, transcripts specific to T lymphocyte subpopulations were downregulated, whereas those related to monocytes and neutrophils were upregulated. Expression profiles of a set of 16 genes and lymphocyte-to-monocyte-and-neutrophil gene expression ratios distinguished RA patients from C. These results indicate that SAH from RAs strongly influences the transcription profiles of blood cells. A specific pattern of these changes suggests suppression in lymphocyte response and enhancements in monocyte and neutrophil activities. This is probably related to the immunodepression observed in SAH.

Serum albumin level and nosocomial pneumonia in stroke patients

Hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased risk of infections. The aim of this study was to determine if serum albumin level is an independent predictor of nosocomial pneumonia in stroke patients. Data of 705 consecutive ischemic stroke patients admitted within 24 h after stroke onset were analyzed retrospectively. Serum albumin level was measured within 36 h after stroke onset. Nosocomial pneumonia was found in 10.5% of stroke patients. Patients with pneumonia had significantly lower serum albumin level than those without pneumonia (31.9 +/- 7.5 g/l vs. 35.5 +/- 6.9 g/l) and serum albumin level was associated with risk of pneumonia on multivariate analysis (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.98). Our results show that serum albumin level is an independent predictor of nosocomial pneumonia in stroke patients.

Hypoalbuminemia in acute ischemic stroke patients: frequency and correlates

OBJECTIVE

Hypoalbuminemia in acute stroke patients is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency and correlates of hypoalbuminemia in unselected cohort of patients with acute cerebral infarction.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS

Seven hundred and five consecutive ischemic stroke patients.

METHODS

Albumin and other serum protein fractions were measured within 36 h after stroke using electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Hypoalbuminemia defined as serum albumin level <35 g/l was found in 45.5% of patients. Serum albumin level correlates significantly with age (r=-0.13, P<0.01), Scandinavian Stroke Scale score (r=0.14, P<0.01), body temperature on admission (r=0.14, P<0.01), leukocyte count (r=-0.17, P<0.01), fasting glucose (r=-0.16, P<0.01), total cholesterol (r=0.14, P<0.01), alpha1-globulin (r=-0.48, P<0.01), alpha2-globulin (r=-0.49, P<0.01), beta-globulin (r=-0.26, P<0.01) and gamma-globulin (r=-0.35, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoalbuminemia is a frequent finding in acute stroke patients and it is associated with more severe stroke and pro-inflammatory pattern of serum protein electrophoresis.

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) Guidelines for the Management of Temperature in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Hyperthermia is a frequent complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke. On the other hand, therapeutically induced hypothermia has shown promising potential in animal models of focal cerebral ischemia. This Guideline Document presents the European Stroke Organisation guidelines for the management of temperature in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

A multidisciplinary group identified related questions and developed its recommendations based on evidence from randomized controlled trials elaborating the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. This Guideline Document was reviewed within the European Stroke Organisation and externally and was approved by the European Stroke Organisation Guidelines Committee and the European Stroke Organisation Executive Committee.

Results

We found low-quality evidence, and therefore, we cannot make any recommendation for treating hyperthermia as a means to improve functional outcome and/or survival in patients with acute ischemic stroke and hyperthermia; moderate evidence to suggest against routine prevention of hyperthermia with antipyretics as a means to improve functional outcome and/or survival in patients with acute ischemic stroke and normothermia; very low-quality evidence to suggest against routine induction of hypothermia as a means to improve functional outcome and/or survival in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Conclusions

The currently available data about the management of temperature in patients with acute ischemic stroke are limited, and the strengths of the recommendations are therefore weak. We call for new randomized controlled trials as well as recruitment of eligible patients to ongoing randomized controlled trials to allow for better-informed recommendations in the future.