In-hospital stroke protocol outcomes before and after the implementation of neurological assessments by telemedicine: an observational case-control study.

Purpose: Stroke is the second leading cause of global adult mortality and the primary cause of disability. A rapid assessment by a neurologist for general and reperfusion treatments in ischemic strokes is linked to decreased mortality and disability. Telestroke assessment is a strategy that allows for neurological consultations with experienced professionals, even in remote emergency contexts. No randomized studies have compared face-to-face neurological care outcomes with telestroke care. Whether neurologists in an institution achieve better results remotely than in person is also unknown. This study aimed to compare mortality and other outcomes commonly measured in stroke protocols for stroke patients assessed by a neurologist via face-to-face evaluations and telestroke assessment. Methods: Observational single-center retrospective study from August/2009 to February/2022, enrolling 2,689 patients with ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Group 1 (G1) comprised 2,437 patients with in-person neurological assessments, and Telemedicine Group 2 (G2) included 252 patients. Results: The in-person group had higher admission NIHSS scores (G1, 3 (0; 36) vs. G2, 2 (0; 26), p < 0.001). The door-to-groin puncture time was lower in the in-person group than in the telestroke group (G1, 103 (42; 310) vs. G2, 151 (109; 340), p < 0.001). The telestroke group showed superior metrics for door-to-imaging time, symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation rate in ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis, hospital stay duration, higher rates of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, and lower mortality. Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation rate was smaller in the group evaluated via telestroke (G1, 5.1% vs. G2, 1.1%, p = 0.016). Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy rates were significantly higher in telestroke group: (G1, 8.6% vs. G2, 18.2%, p < 0.001 and G1, 5.1% vs. G2, 10.4%, p = 0.002, respectively). Mortality was lower in the telestroke group than in the in-person group (G1, 11.1% vs. G2, 6.7%, p = 0.001). The percentage of patients with an mRS score of 0-2 at discharge was similar in both groups when adjusting for NIHSS score and age. Conclusion: The same neurological emergency team may assess stroke patients in-person or by telemedicine, with excellent outcome metrics. This study reaffirms telestroke as a safe tool in acute stroke care.

Impact of implementing good care and management practice guidelines in carotid revascularization procedures.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing the effect of implementing good practice management guidelines (GPMG) in carotid revascularization within the same hospital are scarce. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of GPMG implementation on the clinical outcomes of carotid revascularization procedures within a quaternary hospital. METHOD: We retrospectively studied 177 patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease who underwent revascularization (carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting) at a quaternary hospital between January 2012 and December 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: the pre-guideline group with 73 patients and the post-guideline group with 104 patients who underwent the procedures before and after the implementation of GPMG, respectively. RESULTS: Twelve (16.4%) and 3 (2.9%) patients had neurological complications in the pre- and post-guideline groups, respectively (p = 0.001); most complications were cases of ischemic stroke. There were fewer complications in men than in women (OR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.06-0.77). A significant decrease in neurological complications was observed in the carotid artery stenting group (pre-guideline 25.7% vs post-guideline 13.2%; p = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis of the predisposing factors for neurological complications in carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting demonstrated that the implementation of GPMG was a determining factor for the improved results (odds ratio = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.59). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing GPMG for carotid revascularization resulted in better clinical results, with decreased neurological complications in patients that underwent angioplasty and endarterectomy.

Blood pressure behavior during mechanical thrombectomy and drugs used for conscious sedation or general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: The optimal blood pressure (BP) during mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is currently unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate BP behavior during mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with drugs used for sedation or general anesthesia. Additionally, we investigated the association between BP oscillation during mechanical thrombectomy and recanalization status, and with functional outcome at discharge. METHODS: Consecutive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke were evaluated in a tertiary hospital from December/2009 to December/2015. Maximum, minimum, and mean systolic and diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressures were collected during the procedure. Sedative drugs were also reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with a mean age of 71.9 years (60.4% men) were treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The mean reduction in systolic BP and mean arterial pressure from hospital admission to mechanical thrombectomy were respectively 42 and 36 mmHg. During the procedure, oscillations were 50.4 mmHg for systolic, and 33.2 mmHg for diastolic BP. Patients treated with neuromuscular blocking drugs had more oscillation in systolic BP from hospital admission to procedure (51.1 versus 26.2 mmHg, P=0.06). The use of cisatracurium (43.9 versus 29.6 mmHg, P=0.02) and succinylcholine (44.7 versus 29.3 mmHg, P=0.01) were associated with a significant drop in BP during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Significant BP oscillation occurs during mechanical thrombectomy. Drugs used for conscious sedation or general anesthesia, specifically neuromuscular blocking agents, might have an influence upon BP levels.

Blood pressure behavior during mechanical thrombectomy and drugs used for conscious sedation or general anesthesia / Comportamento da pressão arterial durante trombectomia mecânica e drogas utilizadas para sedação consciente ou anestesia geral

ABSTRACT Background: The optimal blood pressure (BP) during mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is currently unclear. Objective: To investigate BP behavior during mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with drugs used for sedation or general anesthesia. Additionally, we investigated the association between BP oscillation during mechanical thrombectomy and recanalization status, and with functional outcome at discharge. Methods: Consecutive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke were evaluated in a tertiary hospital from December/2009 to December/2015. Maximum, minimum, and mean systolic and diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressures were collected during the procedure. Sedative drugs were also reviewed. Results: Fifty-three patients with a mean age of 71.9 years (60.4% men) were treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The mean reduction in systolic BP and mean arterial pressure from hospital admission to mechanical thrombectomy were respectively 42 and 36 mmHg. During the procedure, oscillations were 50.4 mmHg for systolic, and 33.2 mmHg for diastolic BP. Patients treated with neuromuscular blocking drugs had more oscillation in systolic BP from hospital admission to procedure (51.1 versus 26.2 mmHg, P=0.06). The use of cisatracurium (43.9 versus 29.6 mmHg, P=0.02) and succinylcholine (44.7 versus 29.3 mmHg, P=0.01) were associated with a significant drop in BP during the procedure. Conclusions: Significant BP oscillation occurs during mechanical thrombectomy. Drugs used for conscious sedation or general anesthesia, specifically neuromuscular blocking agents, might have an influence upon BP levels.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Atualmente, a pressão arterial ideal durante a trombectomia mecânica em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico agudo não é clara. Objetivo: Investigar o comportamento da pressão arterial durante a trombectomia mecânica em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico agudo e sua relação com os medicamentos utilizados para sedação ou anestesia geral. Adicionalmente, investigar a associação entre a oscilação da pressão arterial durante a trombectomia mecânica e a capacidade de recanalização, além do status funcional no momento da alta hospitalar. Métodos: Avaliação de pacientes tratados com trombectomia mecânica por acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico agudo em um hospital terciário de dezembro/2009 a dezembro/2015. Valores máximos, mínimos e médios da pressão arterial sistólica, pressão diastólica e pressão arterial média foram coletados durante o procedimento. Drogas sedativas utilizadas também foram revisadas. Resultados: Um total de 53 pacientes com idade média de 71,9 anos (60,4% homens) foram tratados com trombectomia mecânica. A redução média da pressão arterial sistólica e da pressão arterial média desde a internação até a trombectomia mecânica foi respectivamente de 42 mmHg e 36 mmHg. Durante o procedimento, as oscilações da pressão arterial foram de 50,4 mmHg para pressão sistólica e 33,2 mmHg para pressão diastólica. Os pacientes tratados com bloqueadores neuromusculares apresentaram uma tendência a maior oscilação da pressão arterial sistólica desde a internação até o procedimento (51,1 mmHg versus 26,2 mmHg, P = 0,06). O uso de cisatracúrio (43,9 mmHg versus 29,6 mmHg, P = 0,02) e succinilcolina (44,7 mmHg versus 29,3 mmHg, P = 0,01) foram associados a uma queda significativa da pressão arterial durante o procedimento. Conclusões: Durante a trombectomia mecânica ocorre oscilação significativa da pressão arterial. Os medicamentos usados para sedação consciente ou anestesia geral, especificamente bloqueadores neuromusculares, podem ter influência nos níveis de pressão arterial.

Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke performance indicators in patients with transient ischemic attack.

OBJECTIVE: Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting adherence to scientific guidelines. Of the patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA), 10-15% have a stroke within three months, and many patients do not receive the recommended interventions to prevent this outcome. The goal of this study was to assess the adherence to stroke quality indicators in patients with TIA. METHODS: This retrospective observational study evaluated consecutive patients admitted to a primary stroke center with TIA or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from August 2008 to December 2013. Six quality indicators applicable to both TIA and AIS were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 357 patients with TIA and 787 patients with AIS were evaluated. Antithrombotic medication use within 48 hours of admission, discharge use of anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and counseling for smoking cessation were similar between groups. In the TIA group, discharge use of antithrombotic medication (95% versus 98%; p = 0.01), lipid-lowering treatment (57.7% versus 64.1%; p < 0.01) and stroke education (56.5% versus 74.5%; p < 0.01) were all less frequently observed compared with patients with AIS. CONCLUSIONS: The adherence to some of the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke quality indicators was lower in patients with TIA than in patients with AIS. Measures should be undertaken to reinforce the importance of such clinical interventions in patients with TIA.

Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke performance indicators in patients with transient ischemic attack / Indicadores de desempenho do programa "Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke" em pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório

ABSTRACT Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting adherence to scientific guidelines. Of the patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA), 10-15% have a stroke within three months, and many patients do not receive the recommended interventions to prevent this outcome. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the adherence to stroke quality indicators in patients with TIA. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated consecutive patients admitted to a primary stroke center with TIA or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from August 2008 to December 2013. Six quality indicators applicable to both TIA and AIS were analyzed and compared between groups. Results: A total of 357 patients with TIA and 787 patients with AIS were evaluated. Antithrombotic medication use within 48 hours of admission, discharge use of anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and counseling for smoking cessation were similar between groups. In the TIA group, discharge use of antithrombotic medication (95% versus 98%; p = 0.01), lipid-lowering treatment (57.7% versus 64.1%; p < 0.01) and stroke education (56.5% versus 74.5%; p < 0.01) were all less frequently observed compared with patients with AIS. Conclusions: The adherence to some of the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke quality indicators was lower in patients with TIA than in patients with AIS. Measures should be undertaken to reinforce the importance of such clinical interventions in patients with TIA.

RESUMO O "Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke (GWTG-S)" é um programa hospitalar criado para melhorar os cuidados em pacientes com AVC ao promover a adesão às diretrizes. Dez a quinze porcento dos pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório terão um AVC em 3 meses, sendo que muitos não recebem intervenções de prevenção secundária recomendadas. Objetivo: Avaliar a adesão aos indicadores de qualidade do programa GWTG em pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo observacional avaliou pacientes consecutivos admitidos em um centro de AVC com suspeita de ataque isquêmico transitório ou AVC isquêmico agudo de agosto/2008 a dezembro/2013. Seis indicadores de qualidade aplicáveis tanto ao ataque isquêmico transitório quanto ao AVC isquêmico agudo foram analisados e comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: Um total de 357 pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório e 787 pacientes com AVC isquêmico agudo foram avaliados. O uso de antiagregante dentro das primeiras 48 horas da admissão, liberação na alta com anticoagulante para fibrilação atrial e aconselhamento para cessação do tabagismo foram similares entre os grupos. No grupo com ataque isquêmico transitório, o uso de antiagregante na alta hospitalar, o tratamento com estatina e a educação sobre o AVC foram observados menos frequentemente quando comparados ao grupo de pacientes com AVC isquêmico agudo. Conclusões: A adesão a alguns dos indicadores de qualidade do programa GWTG-S foi mais baixa em pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório quando compara a pacientes com AVC isquêmico agudo. Medidas devem ser tomadas para reforçar a importância dessas intervenções em pacientes admitidos com ataque isquêmico transitório.

Clonic Perseveration after Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Insight into the Pathophysiological Mechanisms.

Poststroke movement disorders may manifest as parkinsonism, dystonia, chorea, ballism, athetosis, tremor, myoclonus, stereotypies, and akathisia. In this article, we describe a patient with clonic perseveration 2 days after an acute ischemic stroke. We discuss the phenomenology and provide insights on possible pathophysiological mechanisms involved.

Neuroendocrine dysfunction in fibromyalgia and migraine.

Fibromyalgia (FM) and migraine are common chronic disorders that predominantly affect women. The prevalence of headache in patients with FM is high (35%-88%), with migraine being the most frequent type. A particular subgroup of patients with FM (approximately half) presents with a combined clinical form of these two painful disorders, which may exhibit a different manner of progression regarding symptomatology and impact on daily activities. This article reviews several common aspects of the pathophysiology regarding pain control mechanisms and neuroendocrine dysfunction occurring in FM and migraine, particularly in the chronic form of the latter. We also discuss the participation of hypothalamic and brainstem centers of pain control, the putative role played by neurotransmitters or neuromodulators on central sensitization, and changes in their levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Understanding their mechanisms will help to establish new treatment strategies for treating these disabling brain disorders.