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Introduction Thrombectomy in the carotid artery territory was recently shown to be effective up to 24 hours after symptoms onset. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of a prospective registry of patients treated at our stroke reference centre between November 2016 and April 2019 in order to assess the safety and effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy performed beyond 6 hours after symptoms onset in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and large vessel occlusion in the carotid artery territory. Results Data were gathered from 59 patients (55.9% women; median age, 71 years). In 33 cases, stroke was detected upon awakening; 57.6% of patients were transferred from another hospital. Median baseline NIHSS score was 16, and median ASPECTS score was 8, with 94.9% of patients presenting > 50% of salvageable tissue. Satisfactory recanalisation was achieved in 88.1% of patients, beyond 24 hours after onset in 5 cases. At 90 days of follow-up, 67.8% were functionally independent; those who were not were older and presented higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation, greater puncture-to-recanalisation time, and higher NIHSS scores, both at baseline and at discharge. Conclusion In our experience, mechanical thrombectomy beyond 6 hours was associated with good 90-day functional outcomes. Age, NIHSS score, puncture-to-recanalisation time, and presence of atrial fibrillation affected functional prognosis. The efficacy of the treatment beyond 24 hours after onset merits study.

Background Telemedicine helps to provide the safe management of stroke patients in the emergency department (ED) and has been used worldwide. However, we had limited experience of telestroke in Taiwan. We aimed to identify the quality of telestroke and compare it with the original face-to-face consultation model. Methods Among 178 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IVtPA) from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, we compared two different consultation methods: face-to-face consultation and telestroke consultation. We collected data on demographics, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, time measurements (onset-to-arrival time, onset-to-telestroke activation time, and time of IVtPA administration (Door-to-Needle; DTN)). Results The mean age to receive a telestroke consultation was 66.6 years, 36% were female, and the median NIHSS score was 9. The median time from patient arrival to telestroke consult activation was 40 min, and the median DTN time was 11 min longer than for face-to-face consults (62 min versus 51 min, p = .01). Telestroke consultation, similar to a face-to-face consultation, resulted in safe IVtPA eligibility assessments and administration with post-thrombolysis ICH in 4% overall (4% telestroke, 3% face-to-face consultation; p = .851). The 90-day outcomes were not different for mRS score, dichotomized 0–2 (60% telestroke 59% face-to-face consultation; p = .961), or for mortality (16% telestroke, 9% face-to-face consultation; p = .292). Conclusion In the ED, consultation via the telestroke program provides equal quality to the original face-to-face consultation model to manage ischemic stroke.

Introduction Patients with stroke are at risk of developing non-neurological in-hospital complications (NNIHC) during hospitalization. The NIHSS is a scale used and validated to determine stroke severity, treatment, and prognosis. We evaluated the relationship between the NIHSS score obtained on admission and the development of NNIHC during hospital stay. Methods Observational study of prospective cohorts. Patients admitted consecutively for stroke, to an intermediate care ward, in Argentina between 08/01/2017 and 02/29/20 were included. The patients were divided into Group 1 (with NNIHC) and Group 2 (without NNIHC). Results The final n consisted of 78 individuals, 41% women. When comparing the means of the NIHSS score, differences were observed between the groups in the development of NNIHC in general (P = .050) and in the following specific complications: dysphagia (P = .014), aspiration pneumonia (P = .006), in-hospital pneumonia (P = .010) and intrahospital urinary infection (P = .004). The cut-off point of 10.5 presented the best predictive performance of NNIHC (AUC = .706; P = .016). Conclusions An NIHSS value ≥10.5 was related to the development of NNIHC in patients admitted for stroke.

Background and Purpose: Patients with single subcortical infarctions (SSIs) have relatively a favorable prognosis, but they often experience early neurological deterioration (END). In this study, we compared the predictors for END in patients with SSI according to the location of the lesion. Methods: We included consecutive patients with SSIs within 72 hours of symptom onset presenting between 2010 and 2016. END was defined as an increase of ≥2 in the total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score or ≥1 in the motor NIHSS score within the first 72 hours of admission. Along with the analysis of all patients with SSI, we also analyzed the predictors for END in proximal/distal SSI patients and anterior/posterior circulation SSI patients. Results: A total of 438 patients with SSI were evaluated. In multivariable analysis, initial NIHSS score (adjusted odds ratio, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.15–1.60]), pulsatility index (adjusted odds ratio, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.03–1.52]), parent artery disease (adjusted odds ratio, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.06–4.33]), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (adjusted odds ratio, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.04–1.49]) were positively associated with END. In patients with proximal SSI, initial NIHSS score, pulsatility index, parent artery disease, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio showed positive associations with END. Meanwhile, no variable related to END was found in the distal SSI group. When we compared the predictors for END based on the involved vascular territory, higher initial NIHSS score and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly associated with END in patients with anterior circulation SSIs. On the contrary, higher pulsatility index values and the presence of parent artery disease were independent predictors for END in patients with SSIs in the posterior circulation. Conclusions: Initial NIHSS score, pulsatility index, parent artery disease, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio are associated with END in patients with SSIs. The frequency and predictors for END differ depending on the location of the SSI.

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a very common metabolic disorder and it is an independent risk factor for stroke and is associated with 2 to 6 fold increased risk compared with non-diabetic subjects and worsens survival of patients with acute stroke. Glucose intolerance or even fasting hyperglycemia may follow an acute vascular event, and ensuing physical inactivity and poor food intake may lead to continued glucose intolerance. Glucose intolerance in a stroke patient may or may not reflect glycemia prior to the event. Measurement of HbA1C rather than glucose as an indicator of prior glycemia offers a new perspective. Hence this study is to find out association between HbA1c levels with NIHSS score in stroke. Objectives: To find out association between HbA1c levels with NIHSS score in stroke. Materials and Methods: This a cross sectional descriptive study. Results: In this study well controlled Diabetes has moderate stroke severity, fairly controlled Diabetes has moderate to severe stroke severity and poorly controlled Diabetes has severe stroke. It is observed that severity of the presenting complaints worsened from well controlled Diabetes to poorly controlled Diabetes. The NIHSS score correlates with the HbA1C, with increase in severity of the stroke from well controlled Diabetes to poorly controlled Diabetes. Conclusion: Severity of the score increases as the infarct size increases. Poorly controlled Diabetes has more severe stroke as per NIHSS score with large sized infarcts. Stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurological damage, complications and death. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a well-validated, reliable scoring system for use specifically with stroke patients. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) can be used as a standard measurement instrument by physicians to evaluate the severity of a patient and outcome. Keywords: Diabetes, NIHHS Score, HbA1C, Stroke, Metabolic disorder

Background and Purpose: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) measured at an early time point is an appealing surrogate marker for long-term functional outcome of stroke patients treated with endovascular therapy. However, definitions and analytical methods for an early NIHSS-based outcome measure that optimize power and precision in clinical studies are not well-established. Methods: In this post-hoc analysis of our prospective observational study that enrolled endovascular therapy-treated patients at 12 comprehensive stroke centers across the US, we compared the ability of 24-hour NIHSS, ΔNIHSS (baseline minus 24-hour NIHSS), and percentage change (NIHSS×100/baseline NIHSS), analyzed as continuous and dichotomous measures, to predict 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) using logistic regression (adjusted for age, baseline NIHSS, glucose, hypertension, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, time to recanalization, recanalization status, and intravenous thrombolysis) and Spearman ρ. Results: Of 485 patients in the BEST (Blood Pressure After Endovascular Stroke Therapy) cohort, 446 (92%) with 90-day follow-up data were included. An absolute 24-hour NIHSS, adjusted for baseline in multivariable modeling, had the highest predictive power of all definitions evaluated (aR 2 0.368 and adjusted odds ratio 0.79 [0.75–0.84], P 2 0.444 and adjusted odds ratio 0.84 [0.8–0.86] for ordinal mRS). For predicting mRS score of 0–2 with a cut point, the second most efficient approach, the optimal threshold for 24-hour NIHSS score was ≤7 (sensitivity 80.1%, specificity 80.4%; adjusted odds ratio 12.5 [7.14–20], P P Conclusions: Twenty-four–hour NIHSS, adjusted for baseline, was the strongest predictor of both dichotomous and ordinal 90-day mRS outcomes for endovascular therapy-treated patients. A dichotomous 24-hour NIHSS score of ≤7 was the second-best predictor. Although ΔNIHSS, continuous and dichotomized at ≥4, predicted 90-day outcomes, absolute 24-hour NIHSS definitions performed better.

Background: Patients with AF and concomitant potential cardiac sources of embolism increase the risk of recurrent embolism despite anticoagulation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to study different cardiac sources of embolism in stroke patients with AF and was to study if the presence of concomitant cardiac sources of embolism in AF stroke patients has impact on stroke severity, recurrence, response to treatment & outcome. Patients and methods: The study was a prospective clinical study that was conducted on 60 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Menoufia University Hospitals.The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I: Patients with concomitant cardiac sources of embolism. Group II: Patients without concomitant cardiac sources of embolism. Results: There was significant difference found between the two groups regarding recurrence (P=0.045). We found that Elders, diabetics, patients with dyslipidemia, patients with CVD, severe National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score patients and big infarction size were significantly associated with poor stroke outcome. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that most of the recurrent ischemic strokes were associated with elders, diabetics, patients with dyslipidemia, patients with CVD, severe NIHSS score patients and big infarction size.

In view of the long-term disabilities caused by stroke the need for an accurate early prediction of future functional abilities is paramount for setting therapeutic goals, starting early rehabilitation planning, implementing home adjustments and community support tailored to patients needs, and informing patients about their prospects and prognosis.in this study we have assessed significance of the national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS) score on the day of admission in predicting the severity and outcome on 30 day ,in acute stroke patients. It is a observational prospective study, study conducted on 93 patients of stroke who were admitted in Shri B M Patil Medical College hospital who were diagnosed and admitted with acute stroke on the basis of the History, Clinical examination and proved on CT/MRI scan. Patients were selected on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. NIHSS score is noted on the day of admission and then after 30days of stroke and the patient is independent at home or requires assistance is also noted and statistically analyzed. This study was conducted between December 2017 to July 2019. In this study, after 1 month of stroke among 3 patients who had baseline NIHSS score 1-4, all 3(100%) are independent at home, among 73 patients who had baseline NIHSS score 5-15, 47(64.4%) are independent and 26(35.6%) required assistance, among 7 patients who had score 16-20, 1(14.3%) patient was independent at home, 6(85.7%) required assistance, and among 10 patients who had score more than 20, 7(70%) died, 3(30%) required assistance and none of them are home independent. With the p value Baseline NIHSS score helps in predicting the outcome of the patient. Lesser the baseline score better will be the outcome.

BackgroundDespite complete endovascular recanalization, a significant percentage of patients with acute anterior stroke do not achieve a good clinical outcome. We analyzed optimal thresholds of relevant parameters to discern functional independence after successful endovascular recanalization and test their predictive performance.MethodsPatients with acute anterior ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment between April 2015 and November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Only patients with premorbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ResultsOverall, 371 patients met the inclusion criteria. Optimal thresholds for the overall most important variables to predict functional independence were (1) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 after 24 hours (area under the curve (AUC) 0.88 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.92)); (2) Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≥7 on follow-up CT (AUC 0.72 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.77)); and (3) change in NIHSS score ≥8 after 24 hours (AUC 0.70 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.74)). The performance of these thresholds to predict a good outcome using machine learning in the independent dataset was evaluated for (1) NIHSS score ≤5 after 24 hours (AUC 0.76 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.81)); (2) follow-up ASPECTS ≥7 (AUC 0.64 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.70)); (3) change in NIHSS score ≥8 after 24 hours (AUC 0.61 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.67)); and (4) the combination of all three parameters (AUC 0.84 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.88)).ConclusionsAfter complete recanalization in acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke, a good long-term outcome could be accurately predicted reaching NIHSS score ≤5 after 24 hours.

To determine the detection of large intracranial artery thrombosis by CT angiography (CTA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke, depending on the severity of neurological symptoms at the international NIHSS score. Materials and methods. Study population are patients, hospitalized to the M.P. Konchalovsky City clinical hospital in Moscow during 2019 with ischemic stroke and underwent CTA scans of extra-and intracranial arteries: total 173 patients (94 women (54.3%), man 79 (45,7 %), average age – 70 years) with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, who were in all cases, NIHSS scale was used to assess the severity of neurological symptoms. Intravenous fibrinolytic therapy (FT) or intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy (TE) was performed in all cases. The Spearman rank correlation was used to measure the correlation. Results. In 63 of 173 patients (36%) NIHSS score was 6 points or less. Occlusions of large intracranial arteries were detected in 27.7% (n=46) of cases, of which only 61% (n=28) patients reached the stage of TE. FT was performed in 54% of cases (n=94). Of 46 cases with occlusion of large intracranial arteries only 2 patients (4%) had NIHSS score 6 or less. Of all patients, who underwent the CTA, only 2 (1.2%) had NIHSS score 6 or less. There was a significant positive correlation between NIHSS score and the detection of intracranial artery thrombosis. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient Rs is 0.55 (p

OBJECTIVE The aim: To identify admission variables associated with Functional Ambulation Classif i cation (FAC) 1 to 4 (unable to walk without assistance) at time of discharge (dFAC

Background and aims. Stent retriever based thrombectomy is the mainstay of treatment of acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. However, recanalization is sometimes not achieved even after multiple passes of the thrombectomy device. Whether revascularization becomes futile or harmful with an increasing number of passes as well as criteria for when to halt attempting recanalization remain unknown. The purpose of our work is to analyze literature data on this issue. Materials and methods. We performed a short review of the literature and summarized evidence on the impact of repeated stentriever attempts on outcome.Results. Despite some controversies, the published data indicate that up to 30 % of patients still reach favorable outcome even when ≥5 stentriever passes are performed. Probability of obtaining functional independence after multiple stentriever attempts is even higher in patients with lower baseline NIHSS score. Patients who achieve successful reperfusion after ≥5 passes have significantly higher rates of functional independence and significantly lower rates of hemorrhagic transformation compared with those who do not achieve reperfusion. Rate of target recanalization after ≥4 passes may reach 19 %. Number of passes alone is not an independent negative predictor of functional independence. The impact of multiple stentriever attempts on hemorrhagic transformation has not been well-established.Conclusions. Target vessel recanalization is an essential goal of mechanical thrombectomy, which should be pursued despite the additional number of passes and procedural time required. Number of stentriver attempts is not a game- changing factor in the decision to abort the procedure for technical futility. Treatment decisions need to be individualized for each patient based on operator’s experience and preferences, patient and clot-specific characteristics.

To develop and validate a clinical nomogram for individualized predicting hematoma expansion (HE) in patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH).A total of 1025 patients with ICH were retrospectively enrolled in the development cohort between 2010 and 2016. We identified and integrated significant factors for HE to build a nomogram. The model was subjected to validation with a separate cohort of 397 patients from the 2017-2019. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability were measured by concordance index (C-index). The primary outcome was HE, defined as hematoma growth more than 6 mL or 33% increase in the volume.A total of 1025 patients were included for univariable analysis. HE occurred in 180 patients (17.6%). The time to initial CT (≤6h vs.6 h; p = 0.001), NIHSS score (0-4 vs. 5-14 vs. ≥15; p = 0.031), CTA spot sign (yes vs. no vs. absent; p = 0.018), hypodensities (p = 0.000), blend sign (p = 0.005), and INR (1.2 vs. ≥1.2; p = 0.009) were identified and entered into the nomogram. The calibration curves for probability of HE showed optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. The C-index was 0.751. The validation cohort consisted of 397 patients and HE occurred in 78 patients (19.6%). The C-index was 0.743.We developed and validated a nomogram that can individually predict HE for ICH in Chinese populations. This practical prognostic nomogram may help clinicians make decision of clinical practice and design of clinical studies.

Background Our objective was to find which additional factors can influence the favorable result in stroke patients after receiving fibrinolytic and/or endovascular treatment, quantified as a more than 30% improvement of the NIHSS score at 7 days. Methods This is a retrospective study to find factors that could influence a favorable evolution of patients with stroke that underwent fibrinolytic and or thrombectomy using the NIHSS score changes. At the admission in the hospital, blood glucose, blood count, coagulation time, INR, aPTT, PT, platelet count, NIHSS questionnaire and ASPECTS score were collected. NIHSS was assessed at the admission, after 1 h, after 2 h, after 24 h and after 7 days. Results As compared to the initial evaluation, at 7 days after admission 59% (72) of patients have improved with more than 30% the NIHSS. Higher levels of systolic blood pressure, glycemia and lower ASPECTS score at admission were observed in non-achievers. The value of INR contributed to model: for every unit increase of INR, the chance of better outcome decreases by 90,1%. High glycemia has also a negative impact: for every unit increase, the chance of better outcome decreases by 24%. Higher initial ASPECTS score is associated with better outcomes: each point increase of ASPECTS score at initial evaluation, increases the chance of better outcome by 154.2%. Conclusion Males, older age, diabetes, and hyperglycemia correlate with a worse outcome after cerebral stroke regardless of the benefit yielded fibrinolytic and/or thrombectomy therapy. In this study, patients with the above-mentioned factors did not improve more than 30% of baseline NIHSS score from admission to the 7th day.

Background and purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate whether leukoaraiosis (LA) severity is associated with earlier neurological outcome in acute stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Materials and methods In this retrospective multicenter study, we evaluated 273 acute stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. LA severity was graded as 0–2 (absent-to-moderate) versus 3–4 (severe) according to the van Swieten scale. The main clinical outcome was the proportion of early neurological improvement and early neurological deterioration. Early neurological improvement was defined as a decrease of ≥ 4 points on the NIHSS, or an NIHSS score of zero 24 hours after baseline assessment. Early neurological deterioration was defined as an increase of ≥ 4 points on the NIHSS 24 hours after baseline assessment. Results There was a significantly lower early neurological improvement rate (17.1% versus 39.2%; P = 0.006) and non-significantly higher early neurological deterioration rate (29.3% versus 17.7%; P = 0.084) in patients with severe LA (sLA) compared with patients with absent-to-moderate LA. In multivariable analysis, sLA was inversely associated with early neurological improvement (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.78; P = 0.012). There was no significant association of sLA with early neurological deterioration. However, in patients without symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, sLA was an independent predictor of early neurological deterioration (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.09–6.45; P = 0.032). Conclusions sLA is a significant negative predictor of early neurological improvement and is an independent predictor of early neurological deterioration in patients without symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The benefit of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in acute ischemic stroke is time dependent. A 15-minute decrease in door-to-needle (DTN) time has been associated with increased odds of ambulating independently, faster discharge, and decreased odds of death. We investigated common causes of delay in DTN times in a community hospital setting in order to identify areas for improvement. METHODS A retrospective medical record review was conducted at a 574-bed community hospital. This included 100 patients who received tPA from 2016 to 2019. Time segments were classified a priori to reflect key work elements from the time between hospital arrival to tPA and recorded for each chart. Linear regression models were used to identify work elements associated with increased DTN time. RESULTS Median DTN time was 54:29 minutes. Linear regression analyses determined that differences in NIHSS score (P = .030), triage to computed tomography (CT) start (P = .017), triage to stroke physician page (P = .016), and CT report to tPA administration (P < .001) were associated with increased DTN time. CT report to tPA administration was most strongly associated with a Pearson coefficient of 0.868 (P < .001) with increased DTN time. CONCLUSIONS The DTN time at our institution was above the recommended target. Our findings suggest that reducing the CT report time interval may decrease DTN time.

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of mouse Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in treating cerebral injury in acute period caused by cerebral hemorrhage, observe its influences on Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and NF-kB Level and evaluate its safety and efficiency. Methods: 96 cases with acute cerebral hemorrhage from January 2016 to January 2017 in our hospital were recruited as this study, they were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group, each 48 cases. The observation group were given NGF on the treatment of the control group. NIHSS, BI score, adverse reactions records were compared in two groups before and after treatment. The clinical effective rate were evaluated. Then BNP and NF-KB Level of patients in two groups before and after treatment were detected by using ELISA. Results: There were no significant differences in two groups before treatment with respect to NIHSS and BI score (P > 0.05). After treatment, NIHSS score in the observation group significantly lower than the control group. BI score in the observation group significantly higher than the control group, differences had obvious significance (P 0.05). BNP and NF-kB Level decreased with different levels in two groups after treatment, and the observation group lower than the control group at the same time (P

BackgroundSpecific clinical risk factors may contribute to improving or worsening neurological functions in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients pre-treated with a combined cholesterol reducer and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) therapy. In this study, clinical risk factors associated with good or poor presenting neurological symptoms in ischemic stroke patients with prior cholesterol reducer use, specifically a statin and rtPA therapy was investigated.MethodsRetrospective data for baseline clinical and demographic data for patients with AIS taking cholesterol reducers prior to rtPA treatment from January 2010 to June 2016 in a regional stroke center was analyzed. Improving (NIHSS score ≤ 7) or worsening (NIHSS score > 7) of neurologic functions were the determined measures of treatment outcome. Multivariate logistic regression models identified demographic and clinical factors associated with worsening or improving neurologic functions.ResultsAdjusted multivariate analysis showed that in an AIS population with a combined rtPA and cholesterol reducer medication history, increasing age (OR = 1.032, 95% CI, 1.015–1.048,P P = 0.021) demonstrated a likely association with worsening neurologic functions, while direct admission (OR = 0.411, 95% CI, 0.246–0.686,P = 0.001) and being Caucasian (OR = 0.496, 95% CI, 0.297–0.827,P = 0.007) showed an association with improving or progressing neurologic functions.ConclusionA prior cholesterol reducer, namely a statin, plus rtPA combination may be associated with worsening neurological function for elderly AIS patients with atrial fibrillation, while Caucasians directly admitted to a neurology unit are more likely to show an association with progress or improvements in neurologic functions. While combining statin with rtPA treatment may facilitate worsening neurologic functions in elderly AIS patients with atrial fibrillation, they should not be denied of this therapy. The decision to combine statin and rtPA for AIS patients with atrial fibrillation can be done after clinical stabilization following appropriate clinical management.

To explore the emergency care method for patients suffering from acute cerebral infarction with hypertension and diabetes and its clinical effects. A total of 80 patients were selected, and were divided into the observation group and control group. The patients in the control group were given the routine emergency care, while the patients in the observation group were give the comprehensive emergency care, and the effects of clinical care of the patients in the two groups were compared. After receiving the comprehensive emergency care, the mortality rate, disability rate, recurrence rate, rescuing time, emergency triage time and NIHSS score of patients in observation group were lower than those of control group, and the differences between the two groups were of statistical significance (P < 0.05). Giving patients suffering from acute cerebral infarction with hypertension and diabetes the comprehensive emergency care could not only save the lives of patients effectively and rapidly, reducing the mortality rate, disability rate and recurrence rate, but also effectively shorten the rescue time and clinic time of the patients, reduce the degree of neurologic impairment caused to the patients. Therefore, comprehensive emergency care is worth promoting in clinical practice.

Optimal management of patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and low NIHSS score is unknown, which was the aim to investigate in this study. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective single tertiary care centre 14-year cohort of patients with LVO in the anterior circulation and NIHSS score ≤ 5 on admission. Outcome was analysed according to primary intended therapy. Among 185 patients (median age 67.4 years), 52.4% received primary conservative therapy (including 26.8% secondary reperfusion in case of secondary neurological deterioration), 12.4% IV thrombolysis (IVT) only and 35.1% primary endovascular therapy (EVT). 95 (51.4%) patients experienced neurological deterioration until 3 months. Primary-IVT-only and primary-EVT compared to conservative-therapy patients had better 3 months’ outcome (54.5% vs. 30.8%: adjustedOR 6.02; adjustedp = 0.004 for mRS 0–1 and 54.7% vs. 30.8%: adjustedOR 5.09; adjustedp = 0.002, respectively). Also mRS shift analysis favored primary-IVT-only and primary-EVT patients (adjustedOR 6.25; adjustedp = 0.001 and adjustedOR 3.14; adjustedp = 0.003). Outcome in primary-IVT-only vs. primary-EVT patients did not differ significantly. Patients who received secondary EVT because of neurological deterioration after primary-conservative-therapy had worse 3 months’ outcome than primary-EVT patients (20.8% vs. 30.8%: adjustedOR 0.24; adjustedp = 0.047 for mRS 0–1 and adjustedOR 0.31; adjustedp = 0.019 in mRS shift analysis). Survival and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage did not differ amongst groups. Our data indicate that primary IVT and/or EVT may be better than primary conservative therapy in patients with LVO in the anterior circulation and low NIHSS score. Furthermore, primary EVT was better than secondary EVT in case of neurological deterioration. There is an unmet need for RCTs to find the optimal therapy for this patient group.

Objectives This study aimed to determine short- and long-term mortality, clinical determinants and causes of death in young patients with ischaemic stroke. Materials and methods We performed a hospital-based study of 18- to 54-year-old consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke, who were treated in the two largest hospitals in Estonia from 2003 to 2012. All cases were reviewed by the authors. Survival data and causes of death were obtained from the Estonian Population Registry and the Causes of Death Registry, respectively. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models with backwards stepwise analysis were used to identify determinants of mortality. Results We identified 738 patients, of whom 124 died during the 5-year follow-up. Cumulative mortality rates at 30 days and 5 years were 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0%-6.0%) and 16.8% (95% CI, 14.1%-19.5%), respectively. The proportion of deaths due to vascular causes was 87.9% at 1 month and 54.6% at 5 years. Thirty-day mortality was independently associated with severe stroke, with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score >15, and post-stroke infections. The determinants of 5-year mortality were post-stroke infections, structural cardiac diseases and moderate stroke severity with NIHSS score of 7-15. Conclusion The mortality rate among young patients with ischaemic stroke in Estonia is higher than that reported in previous studies and is associated with increased stroke severity, post-stroke infections and structural cardiac diseases. These results emphasize the need for more effective preventive strategies in these patient groups.

Objective: It is known that intravenous thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke is beneficial in selected patients who arrived within the first 4.5 hours after the onset of the symptoms and the effectiveness of the treatment depends on early arrival to the hospital. The more patients arrival to the hospital within this time zone, the more they will have the chance to receive thrombolytic therapy. This study aims to investigate the factors that cause delay in the arrival of patients with ischemic stroke to the hospital. Methods: Patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke who applied to the neurology outpatient clinic and emergency room between February and May 2019 were included in the study. A direct interview survey was conducted to investigate the factors that delay the arrival to patients or relatives of the patients arrival to Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital due to acute stroke. According to the time of arrival to the hospital after the onset of stroke symptoms, patients were classified as early (≤ 4.5 hours) and late arrival (> 4.5 hours). Based on this grouping, factors causing delay in patients' access to hospital were compared statistically. Results: A total of 251 patients and / or patient relatives who arrived to the emergency and neurology outpatient clinic were interviewed. Of the 251 patients included in the study, 119 (47.4%) were female and the mean age was 70 (34-94) years. Approximately 72.5% of the patients were arrived in the first 4.5-hour slice after the onset of stroke symptoms. Factors causing late arrival were determined as being female, having low NIHSS score and not using ambulance in transportation. Conclusion: Due to the delay in arrival of 27.5% of the patients, there is no chance to apply thrombolytic therapy to eligible ones. The factors resulting in the delay were discovered as female gender, low severity of the stroke and transportation without ambulance. In this respect, community-oriented trainings are required.

Background: Osteocalcin is related to energy metabolism, memory and the acute stress response, suggesting a relationship between bone and the brain. The need to explore the effect of osteocalcin on acute ischemic stroke is therefore urgent. Results: Patients with better outcomes had higher serum osteocalcin levels than those whose NIHSS scores did not improve. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed acceptable performance (area under the curve = 0.766). The effect of osteocalcin on the promotion of neuron survival was confirmed by Cell Counting Kit-8 experiments. In addition, osteocalcin could decrease proline hydroxylase 1 and inhibit the degradation of gasdermin D. Conclusions: We propose that osteocalcin can improve outcome after acute ischemic stroke in the acute period. By downregulating proline hydroxylase 1, osteocalcin leads glucose metabolism to the pentose phosphate pathway and therefore promotes neuronal survival through inhibiting pyroptosis. Methods: Demographic data and laboratory results were obtained from patients with ischemic stroke in the acute period for analysis. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the discrimination of the prediction model. The potential effect of osteocalcin on cerebral ischemia and osteocalcin mechanism were explored in cultured primary rat cerebral cortical neurons treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation.

National institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and the presence of successful recanalization are crucial determinants of clinical outcome in patients with major artery occlusion. However, it is unknown whether successful recanalization rate after endovascular therapy (EVT) depends on NIHSS score.From our prospective EVT registry, data on patients with an occlusion at the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery were analyzed. Successful recanalization was judged as positive when reperfusion of the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scale ≥2b was observed. Successful recanalization rate was also evaluated based on the NIHSS score subgroups: 0-8, 9-16, 17-24, and24. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of NIHSS score on successful recanalization.We studied 183 patients (age 76 [68-83], male 110 [60%], NIHSS score 19 [14-24]). One hundred and forty-six (80%) patients had the successful recanalization. Patients achieved the recanalization had lower NIHSS score as 18 (12-23), contrary those failed it had higher NIHSS score as 24 (20-27) (p .001). Successful recanalization rate was correlated to the NIHSS score grade; 100% in the NIHSS 0-8 group, 88% in 9-16, 81% in 17-24, and only 60% in24 (p .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed NIHSS score was an independent parameter of recanalization (odds ratio 0.905 [95%CI 0.837-0.979], p = .013).NIHSS score may serve as a predictor of successful recanalization. Recanalization is relatively easier in mild stroke than in those with severe stroke.

Purpose: The risk of developing epilepsy at long term after post-stroke status epilepticus (PSSE) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) after early-onset PSSE and its associated factors. Method: All consecutive patients with early-onset PSSE and no history of epilepsy admitted to our hospital between February 2011 and April 2017 were included. We analysed status epilepticus (SE) and stroke-related factors in relation to the development of PSE. Results: Fifty patients with early-onset PSSE were analysed. Mean age was 74.8 ± 14.3 years and 22 (44%) were women. Median NIHSS at the onset of PSSE was 11 (IQR 4–16) and median PSSE duration was 12 h (IQR 4.69–57). Median follow-up was 214 days (IQR 7.5–747). Ten patients (20%) developed PSE at a median delay of 153 days (IQR 20–334). On multivariate analysis, NIHSS > 4 (p = 0.019; hazard ratio: 15.757; 95% CI, 1.564–158.799) and PSSE > 16 h (p = 0.023; hazard ratio: 7.483; 95% CI, 1.325–42.276) were independently associated with a greater risk of PSE. The mean time from PSSE to onset of recurrent seizures was 142 days (IQR 19–153) in patients with PSSE > 16 h and 310 days (IQR 147–480) in PSSE Conclusions: NIHSS score >4 at the stroke presentation and PSSE duration >16 h may predict of PSE in patients with early-onset PSSE. Recurrence may develop earlier in PSSE patients with longer duration of the episode.

The aim of this study is to show the subtype, risk factors and predictors of poor outcomes in young ischemic stroke patients. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study where only young onset ischemic stroke patients are analyzed. 8% of total ischemic stroke sufferers were young adults; more prevalent in female (57.1%), with risk factors of smoking (47.6%) subtype cardio embolic (42.9%) was common. High NIHSS score was related to new event and correlation to mortality. Three month follow up showed MRS 2.86 ± 1.02. 57.1% of cases had significant disability (defined as MRS ≥ 3). There was a positive correlation of the cardio embolic subtype and the unclassified subtype to all three forms of poor outcomes, along with a positive correlation of the large artery atherothrombotic subtype to new events Recurrence of events (new stroke, sudden increase in symptoms and new TIAs) was observed in 14.3 %. Death was reported in 9.5% of cases. Etiological diagnosis can be reached in majority of cases if an aggressive approach is maintained. This small scale study has provided an overview of the distribution of subtypes, risk factors and poor outcomes and their predictors. Cardiac diseases (esp. valvular disease) need to be taken more seriously to prevent cardio embolic strokes, while addressing other traditional risk factors to prevent the atherothrombotic subtypes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The optimal patient sedation during mechanical thrombectomy for ischemic stroke in the extended time window is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of patient sedation on outcome in patients undergoing thrombectomy 6–16 hours from stroke onset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3 (DEFUSE 3) was a multicenter, randomized, open-label trial of thrombectomy for ICA and M1 occlusions in patients 6–16 hours from stroke onset. Subjects underwent thrombectomy with either general anesthesia or conscious sedation at the discretion of the treating institution. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients who were randomized to intervention, 26 (28%) underwent thrombectomy with general anesthesia and 66 (72%) underwent thrombectomy with conscious sedation. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics were similar among all groups. Functional independence at 90 days was 23% for general anesthesia, 53% for conscious sedation, and 17% for medical management (P = .009 for general anesthesia versus conscious sedation). Conscious sedation was associated with a shorter time from arrival in the angiosuite to femoral puncture (median, 14 versus 18 minutes; P = 0.05) and a shorter time from femoral puncture to reperfusion (median, 36 versus 48 minutes; P = .004). Sixty-six patients were treated at sites that exclusively used general anesthesia (n = 14) or conscious sedation (n = 52). For these patients, functional independence at 90 days was significantly higher in the conscious sedation subgroup (58%) compared with the general anesthesia subgroup (21%) (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent thrombectomy with conscious sedation in the extended time window experienced a higher likelihood of functional independence at 90 days, a lower NIHSS score at 24 hours, and a shorter time from femoral puncture to reperfusion compared with those who had general anesthesia. This effect remained robust in institutions that only treated patients with a single anesthesia technique.

To systematically compare 27 ICH models with regard to mortality and functional outcome at 1-month, 3-month and 1-year after ICH. The validation cohort was derived from the Beijing Registration of Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Poor functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) ≥3 at 1-month, 3-month and 1-year after ICH, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to assess model discrimination and calibration. A total number of 1575 patients were included. The mean age was 57.2 ± 14.3 and 67.2% were male. The median NIHSS score on admission was 11 (IQR: 3-21). For predicting mortality at 3-month after ICH, AUROC of 27 ICH models ranged from 0.604 to 0.856. In pairwise comparison, the ICH-FOS (0.856, 95%CI = 0.835-0.878, P < 0.001) showed statistically better discrimination than other models for mortality at 3-month after ICH (all P < 0.05). For predicting poor functional outcome (mRS≥3) at 3-month after ICH, AUROC of 27 ICH models ranged from 0.602 to 0.880. In pairwise comparison with other prediction models, the ICH-FOS was superior in predicting poor functional outcome at 3-month after ICH (all P < 0.001). The ICH-FOS showed the largest Cox and Snell R-square. Similar results were verified for mortality and poor functional outcome at 1-month and 1-year after ICH. Several risk models are externally validated to be effective for risk stratification and outcome prediction after ICH, especially the ICH-FOS, which would be useful tools for personalized care and clinical trial in ICH.

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a severe complication following acute ischemic stroke, particularly with reperfusion interventions, leading to poor prognosis. Serum occludin level is related with blood brain barrier disruption, and the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score reflects stroke severity. We investigated whether the two covariates are independently associated with HT and their combination can improve the accuracy of HT prediction in ischemic stroke patients with reperfusion therapy. Seventy-six patients were screened from the established database of acute ischemic stroke in our previous study, which contains all clinical information, including serum occludin levels, baseline NIHSS score, and hemorrhagic events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum occludin level (OR = 4.969, 95% CI: 2.069–11.935, p < 0.001) and baseline NIHSS score (OR = 1.293, 95% CI 1.079–1.550, p = 0.005) were independent risk factors of HT after adjusting for potential confounders. Compared with non-HT patients, HT patients had higher baseline NIHSS score [12 (10.5–18.0) versus 6 (4–12), p = 0.003] and serum occludin level (5.47 ± 1.25 versus 3.81 ± 1.19, p < 0.001). Moreover, receiver operating characteristic curve based on leave-one-out cross-validation showed that the combination of serum occludin level and NIHSS score significantly improved the accuracy of predicting HT (0.919, 95% CI 0.857–0.982, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that the combination of two methods may provide a better tool for HT prediction in acute ischemic stroke patients with reperfusion therapy.

Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a serious threat to the life and health of middle-aged and elderly people. Mechanical thrombectomy offers the advantages of rapid recanalization, but the response of patients to this treatment varies greatly. This study investigated the risk factors for futile recanalization in AIS patients after thrombectomy through multivariate analyses.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in AIS patients with anterior circulation occlusion from a derivation cohort and a validation cohort who underwent thrombectomy and reperfusion defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 2b/3. Using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days after the operation, the patients were divided into two groups, the meaningful recanalization group (mRS ≤ 2), and the futile recanalization group (mRS > 2). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to construct a risk prediction model for futile recanalization. The performance of prediction model was evaluated on the validation cohort.Results: A total of 140 patients in the derivation cohort were enrolled, 46 patients in the meaningful recanalization group and 94 patients in the futile recanalization group. The two groups were significantly different in age, preoperative National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and collateral circulation ASITN/SIR grade (P < 0.05). In multivariate regression analyses, patients' age ≥ 71, NIHSS ≥ 12, and ASITN/SIR ≤ 3 were risk factors for futile recanalization. Hence, an ANA (Age-NIHSS-ASITN/SIR) score scale consisting of age, NIHSS score, and ASITN/SIR grade factors can effectively predict the risk for futile recanalization (area under curve 0.75, 95% CI 0.67–0.83, specificity 67.4%, and sensitivity 73.4%). The proportion of patients with futile recanalization in ANA groups 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 21.05, 56.76, 79.03, and 90.91%, respectively. Furthermore, ANA score scale had also a good performance for predicting futile recanalization on the validation cohort.Conclusions: Old age, high baseline NIHSS, and poor collateral circulation are risk factors for futile recanalization in AIS patients treated with thrombectomy. An ANA score that considers age, NIHSS, and collateral ASITN/SIR can effectively predict the risk for futile recanalization. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to validate the prognostic value of this combined score for futile recanalization.

Background. Postinterventional cerebral hyperdensity (PCHD) is commonly seen in acute ischemic patients after mechanical thrombectomy. We propose a new classification of PCHD to investigate its correlation with hemorrhagic transformation (HT). The clinical prognosis of PCHD was further studied. Methods. Data from 189 acute stroke patients were analyzed retrospectively. According to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study criteria (ECASS), HT was classified as hemorrhagic infarction (HI-1 and HI-2) and parenchymal hematoma (pH-1 and pH-2). Referring to the classification of HT, PCHD was classified as PCHD-1, PCHD-2, PCHD-3, and PCHD-4. The prognosis included early neurological deterioration (END) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months. Results. The incidence of HT was 14.8% (12/81) in the no-PCHD group and 77.8% (84/108) in the PCHD group. PCHD was highly correlated with HT ( r = 0.751 , p < 0.01 ). After stepwise regression analysis, PCHD and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission were found to be independent factors for END ( p < 0.001 , p = 0.015 , respectively). The area of curves (AUC) of PCHD, the NIHSS at admission, and the combined model were 0.810, 0.667, and 0.832, respectively. The optimal diagnostic cutoff of PCHD for END was PCHD > 2 . PCHD, the NIHSS score at admission, and good vascular recanalization (VR) were independently associated with 3-month mRS (all p < 0.05 ). The AUC of PCHD, the NIHSS at admission, good VR, and the combined model were 0.779, 0.733, 0.565, and 0.867, respectively. And the best cutoff of PCHD for the mRS was PCHD > 1 . Conclusion. The relationship of PCHD and HT suggested PCHD was an early risk indicator for HT. The occurrence of PCHD-3 and PCHD-4 was a strong predictor for END. PCHD-1 is considered to be relatively benign in relation to the 3-month mRS.

Background Modern aspiration catheters have revolutionized thrombectomy outcomes. The Zoom System is series of catheters, with ID’s of 0.045, 0.055, 0.071, and 0.088, that are advertised as being designed to support superior stroke thrombectomy performance. We aimed to preliminarily evaluate such claims by retrospectively assessing technical outcomes in a consecutive series of M1 ELVOs in which aspiration was the first line approach. Methods We performed a retrospective multicenter analysis of consecutive ELVO patients with M1 occlusion treated within 24 hours from the time of last known well. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those in whom the Zoom 088 or 071 was the initial technology used to attempt reperfusion and those in whom any other aspiration catheter was used for initial reperfusion attempt. The primary outcome was excellent reperfusion (TICI≥2C) on first pass. Secondary outcomes included the rate of excellent reperfusion and successful reperfusion (TICI≥2B), access to successful reperfusion time, and occurrence of downstream emboli. All data was self-adjudicated. No outside funding was provided for this analysis. Results Total of 660 patients with acute M1 occlusion who underwent thrombectomy were identified. Zoom System catheters (088 or 071) were used as primary aspiration catheter in 172 patients, while 488 patients were treated with other aspiration catheters (ranging from 064 to 074). The baseline mRS score, admission NIHSS score, the rate of intravenous thrombolytic therapy, symptom onset to hospital arrival, and use of anesthesia were not different between the cohorts. The primary outcome, first pass excellent reperfusion, was significantly higher in the Zoom System cohort (51% vs 41%, p=0.02). The rate of excellent reperfusion was significantly higher in the Zoom cohort (68% vs 59%, p=0.04), however, there was no difference in the rate of successful reperfusion (96% vs 94%, p=0.78). Access time to final reperfusion was significantly faster in the Zoom cohort (27 vs 35 minutes, p Conclusion This retrospective, multicenter, consecutive real-world experience suggests that using Zoom 088 or 071 as primary aspiration catheter may demonstrate superior technical outcomes for M1 thrombectomy. Disclosures S. Majidi: None. J. Vargas: 2; C; Cerenovus, Medtronic. 4; C; Truvic. H. Hawk: None. S. Nimjee: None. A. Zakeri: None. M. Mokin: 2; C; Medtronic, Cerenovus. R. Kellogg: None. R. DeLeacy: None. G. Cortez: None. A. Aghaebrahmin: None. E. Sauvageau: None. R. Hanel: 1; C; Microvention, Stryker. 2; C; Medtronic, Microvention, Stryker, Balt, Cerenovus, Q’Apel. A. Siddiqui: 2; C; Imperitive Care, Medtronic, Microvention, Penumbra, Q’Apel, Stryker. 4; C; Imperitive Care, Q’Apel, Truvic, RiSt. M. Oselkin: None. E. Marlin: None. A. Turk: 2; C; Impertive care, stryker, medtronic, penumbra, balt, cerenovus. 4; C; imperitive care. R. Turner: 2; C; Q’Apel, Cerenovus, Medtronic, Siemens. 4; C; Q’Apel. I. Chaudry: 2; C; Medtronic, Microvention, Q’Apel. 4; C; Q’Apel. J. Milburn: None.

Background: Fibrin degradation products (FDPs) are fragments released by the plasmin-mediated degradation of fibrinogen or fibrin. Whether plasma levels of these fragments can predict the thrombolytic effect of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) remains unknown.Methods: We performed a hospital-based study of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) to explore the relationship between FDP levels at admission and the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 1 h after thrombolysis treatment. In this retrospective, single-center study, the data of all patients with AIS who received r-tPA treatment at Beijing Tiantan Hospital from January 2019 to October 2020 were collected and analyzed. Demographic and clinical data, including laboratory examinations, were also analyzed.Results: A total of 339 patients with AIS were included in this study. Of these, 151 showed favorable effects of r-tPA, and 188 showed unsatisfactory effects at 1 h after thrombolysis. Overall, we found an inverse relationship between the FDPs levels at admission and the NIHSS score. A significant difference was observed when using the interquartile range of the FDPs levels (1.31 μg/mL) as a cutoff value (P = 0.003, odds ratio [OR] = 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–3.01), even after adjusting for confounding factors (P = 0.003, OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.31–3.77). In addition, significant associations were observed in the tertile (T3) and quartile (Q3, Q4) FDP levels when compared with T1 or Q1. A nomogram was also employed to create a model to predict an unsatisfactory effect of r-tPA. We found that FDP levels, white blood cell count, age, D-dimer level, and body mass index could influence the thrombolytic effect of r-tPA.Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the levels of FDPs at admission can be used as a prognostic factor to predict the curative effect of r-tPA.

To determine the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for collateral estimation and for predicting functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke. To identify independent predictors of favorable functional outcomes, age, sex, risk factors, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, baseline diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume, site of steno-occlusion, SWI collateral grade, mode of treatment, and successful reperfusion were evaluated by multiple logistic regression analyses. A total of 152 participants were evaluated. A younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34 to 0.77; P P = 0.02), a smaller baseline DWI lesion volume (aOR 0.83; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.96; P = 0.01), an intermediate collateral grade (aOR 9.49; 95% CI 1.36 to 66.38; P = 0.02), a good collateral grade (aOR 6.22; 95% CI 1.16 to 33.24; P = 0.03), and successful reperfusion (aOR 5.84; 95% CI 2.08 to 16.42; P = 0.001) were independently associated with a favorable functional outcome. There was a linear association between the SWI collateral grades and functional outcome (P = 0.008). Collateral estimation using the prominent vessel sign on SWI is clinically reliable, as it has prognostic value.

BackgroundThe National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the most recommended tool for objectively quantifying the impairment caused by a suspected stroke. Nevertheless, it is used almost solely by trained neurologists in the emergency departments (ED) setting. CVA-Flow (CVAid medical Ltd., Tel-Aviv, Israel) is a smartphone-based Telestroke system that captures the full NIHSS by video and enables a distant stroke physician to assess the patient’s neurological status, bringing forward the NIHSS to the pre-hospital setting.ObjectiveWe aimed to compare the reliability of an NIHSS score determined by a neurologist from afar, using the CVA-Flow platform, with a standard NIHSS assessment performed in the ED).MethodsIn this multi-center prospective trial, Patients admitted to the ED in Rambam hospital in Haifa, Israel, and Vall d’Hebron hospital (VdH) in Barcelona, Spain, had a neurological exam based on the NIHSS while being recorded by the system. A neurologist blinded to the results rated the NIHSS according to the videos offline.ResultsA total of 95 patients with a suspected stroke were included. Overall ICC was 0.936 (0.99 in VdH and 0.84 in Rambam), indicating excellent and good reliability, respectively.ConclusionRemote stroke assessment based on the NIHSS, using videos collected by the CVA-Flow platform, installed on a standard smartphone, is a reliable measurement as compared with bedside evaluation.

Background and Purpose: Previous studies have noted the angiographic appearance of early venous filling (EVF) following recanalisation in acute ischemic stroke. However, the prognostic implications of EVF as a novel imaging biomarker remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between EVF with (i) the risk of subsequent reperfusion hemorrhage (RPH) and (ii) the association of EVF on both the NIHSS score at 24 h and functional outcome as assessed with the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting with an acute ischemic stroke due to a proximal large-vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation treated by thrombectomy. Post-reperfusion digital subtraction angiography was reviewed to look for EVF as evidenced by the contrast opacification of any cerebral vein before the late arterial phase. Results: EVF occurred in 22.4% of the 147 cases included. The presence of EVF significantly increased the risk of RPH (p = 0.0048), including the risk of symptomatic hemorrhage (p = 0.0052). The presence of EVF (p = 0.0016) and the absence of RPH (p = 0.0021) were independently associated with a better outcome as defined by the NIHSS difference at 24 h, most significantly in the EVF+RPH- group. No significant relationship was however found between either EVF or RPH and a mRS score ≤ 2 at 90 days. Conclusion: Early venous filling on angiographic imaging is a potential predictor of reperfusion hemorrhage. The absence of subsequent RPH in this sub-group is associated with better outcomes at 24 h post-thrombectomy than in those with RPH., info:eu-repo/semantics/published

A growing researchers have suggested that fibrin monomer (FM) plays an important role in early diagnosis of thrombotic diseases. We explored the application of FM in the diagnosis and classification of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The differences in FM, D-dimer, and NIHSS scores between different TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) types were analyzed with one-way ANOVA; the correlation between FM, D-dimer and NIHSS score in patients with different TOAST classification was analyzed by Pearson linear correlation. The ROC curve was utilized to analyze the diagnostic performance. 1. FM was more effective in diagnosing patients with AIS than D-dimer. 2. The FM level in cardiogenic AIS was significantly different from that in non-cardiogenic patients ( P < 0.05); the NIHSS score in cardiogenic stroke was significantly higher than in atherosclerotic and unexplained stroke group. Whereas, no statistical difference was observed in the D-dimer level between these groups ( P > 0.05). 3. The correlation between FM and NIHSS scores in the cardiogenic (r = 0.3832) and atherosclerotic (r = 0.3144) groups was statistically significant. 4. FM exhibited the highest diagnostic efficacy for cardiogenic AIS; furthermore, FM combined with the NIHSS score was more conducive to the differential diagnosis of cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic AIS. FM detection contributes to the early diagnosis of AIS, and is important for the differential diagnosis of different TOAST types of AIS. Moreover, FM combined with the NIHSS score is valuable in the differential diagnosis of cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic AIS.

Even though recurrent stroke patients constitute a large percentage of the stroke population, few studies specifically investigated their neural reorganization. In this study, we recruited seventeen first-ever stroke patients as well as fourteen recurrent stroke patients, and recorded their resting EEG signals and NIHSS score before and after two weeks of recovery, to compare their neural reorganization from network scale. The clinical improvements were comparable in two groups during the two weeks. However, their brain networks were differently reorganized, especially in the delta band. The recurrent stroke patients showed an increased clustering coefficient and a decreased characteristic path length of the delta network, along with increased ipsilesional intrahemispheric connectivity; while no such changes were observed in the first-ever stroke patients. Our results suggest that stroke history influences neural reorganization during recovery.

Background Risk factors and functional outcome of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are to be elucidated in paitents with acute large vessel occlusion stroke. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 88 patients who underwent MT treatment. Independent risk factors of hemorrhagic infarction (HI), parenchymal hematoma (PH) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were implemented to determine. Association between HI, PH, sICH and mortality at 90 days after treatment were analyzed. Results Of 88 patients, 44.3%had HT(n=39). 64.1% had HI (n=25), 35.9% had PH(n=14) and 12.5% had sICH (n=11). Independent risk factors for HI were associated with higher NIHSS score (OR,1.190;95% CI,1.073~1.319,P=0.001,per 1 score increase) , history of coronary heart disease (OR,4.645;95% CI,1.092~19.758,P=0.038),and use of intravenous thrombolysis (OR,3.438;95% CI,1.029~11.483,P=0.045). Independent risk factors for PH were associated with higher NIHSS score (OR,1.227;95% CI,1.085~1.387,P=0.001,per 1 score increase) and history of oral anti-platelet and/or anticoagulation drugs (OR,6.694;95% CI,1.245~35.977,P=0.027). Independent risk factors for sICH were associated with higher NIHSS score (OR,1.393;95% CI,1.138~1.704,P=0.001,per 1 score increase), increased systolic blood pressure (OR,1.061;95% CI,1.006~1.120,P=0.030,per 1 mmHg increase) and history of coronary heart disease (OR,13.699;95% CI,1.019~184.098,P=0.048). Patients who had PH were more likely to cause mortality at 90 days (OR,10.15;95%CI,1.455~70.914,P=0.019). Conclusions Higher NIHSS score was associated with HI, PH and sICH. History of coronary heart was associated with HI and sICH. Use of intravenous thrombolysis was associated with HI. History of oral anti-platelet and/or anti-coagulation drugs was associated with PH. Increased systolic blood pressure was associated with sICH. PHs was remarkablely associated with mortality at 90 days.

In patients presenting with transient ischaemic attack and acute minor noncardioembolic ischemic stroke (NIHSS score ≤3) who did not receive IV alteplase, treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, started within 24 hours after symptom onset and continued for 21 days is effective in reducing recurrent ischemic stroke up to 90 days from symptom onset. However, as the long-term risk of major disabling bleeding with aspirin-based antiplatelet treatment is higher in patients aged 75 years or older, routine co-prescription of proton pump inhibitor should be encouraged.

To assess the efficacy of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) thrombolysis on clinical outcomes and risk of death in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Patients (n = 258) with acute cerebral infarction, treated within 4–5 h of the episode, were grouped according to whether intravenous thrombolysis was performed using rt-PA or not. Both groups received routine treatment for cerebral infarction, but the former received rt-PA intravenously at a dosage of 0.9 mg/kg. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, clinical efficacy, and risk of bleeding and death were compared between the two groups. The NIHSS score and clinical effects for the rt-PA group were more favorable than those of its counterpart (P < 0.05), though there was no significant difference in risk of an intracranial hemorrhage. The mortality rate for the rt-PA group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Administration of intravenous rt-PA thrombolysis within 4.5 h of an acute cerebral infarction had a significant impact and did not increase risk of intracranial hemorrhage or death.

BACKGROUND To explore the correlations of inflammatory factors, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 (CCCK-18), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and D-Dimer (DD) with the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and prognosis of patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage (ACH). METHODS A total of 40 ACH patients receiving conservative treatment in our hospital from March 2017 to January 2019 were enrolled as control group, and 40 patients undergoing craniotomy evacuation of hematoma were selected as observation group. All patients enrolled were followed up via outpatient service for 1 year, and the levels of inflammatory factors, CCCK-18, MMP-9 and DD were compared between the two groups at enrollment. The change tendency in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score for neurological function in the two groups was recorded during intervention (at enrollment, at 1 week after enrollment, at discharge and at 1 year of follow-up), and the correlations of APACHE II score with the changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), CCCK-18, MMP-9 and DD were analyzed. Additionally, relevant factors affecting the neurologic outcomes of ACH patients were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS At enrollment, the levels of inflammatory factors [hs-CRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], CCCK-18, MMP-9, and DD were significantly higher in observation grou than those in control group (P

Background: We aimed to explore the treatment and safety of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods: A retrospective analysis was applied on 137 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage treated in Binzhou Central Hospital, Bingzhou, China from March 2015 to October 2018. Seventy cases with interventional embolization of intracranial aneurysms were divided as the observation group, and 67 cases with craniotomy for aneurysm clipping were divided as the control group. The changes of immune globulins before and after surgery, CD4+, CD8+, NIHSS scores, BI scores, the total effective rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage, the total length of postoperative hospital stay and conditions of postoperative complications as well as 30-day survival were compared between the two groups. Results: The levels of Ig G, Ig M, Ig A, and CD4+ after surgery in the observation group were significantly lower than those before surgery (P