Blood pressure variability in acute stroke: Risk factors and association with functional outcomes at 1 month.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Blood pressure variability, in acute stroke, may be an important modifiable determinant of functional outcome after stroke. In a large international cohort of participants with acute stroke, it was sought to determine the association of blood pressure variability (in the early period of admission) and functional outcomes, and to explore risk factors for increased blood pressure variability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of risk factors for first acute stroke. Blood pressure was recorded at the time of admission, the morning after admission and the time of interview in cases (median time from admission 36.7 h). Multivariable ordinal regression analysis was employed to determine the association of blood pressure variability (standard deviation [SD] and coefficient of variance) with modified Rankin score at 1-month follow-up, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for blood pressure variability. RESULTS: Amongst 13,206 participants, the mean age was 62.19 ± 13.58 years. When measured by SD, both systolic blood pressure variability (odds ratio 1.13; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.24 for SD ≥20 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure variability (odds ratio 1.15; 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.26 for SD ≥10 mmHg) were associated with a significant increase in the odds of poor functional outcome. The highest coefficient of variance category was not associated with a significant increase in risk of higher modified Rankin score at 1 month. Increasing age, female sex, high body mass index, history of hypertension, alcohol use, and high urinary potassium and low urinary sodium excretion were associated with increased blood pressure variability. CONCLUSION: Increased blood pressure variability in acute stroke, measured by SD, is associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome at 1 month. Potentially modifiable risk factors for increased blood pressure variability include low urinary sodium excretion.

Pre-morbid sleep disturbance and its association with stroke severity: results from the international INTERSTROKE study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whilst sleep disturbances are associated with stroke, their association with stroke severity is less certain. In the INTERSTROKE study, the association of pre-morbid sleep disturbance with stroke severity and functional outcome following stroke was evaluated. METHODS: INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of first acute stroke. This analysis included cases who completed a standardized questionnaire concerning nine symptoms of sleep disturbance (sleep onset latency, duration, quality, nocturnal awakening, napping duration, whether a nap was planned, snoring, snorting and breathing cessation) in the month prior to stroke (n = 2361). Two indices were derived representing sleep disturbance (range 0-9) and obstructive sleep apnoea (range 0-3) symptoms. Logistic regression was used to estimate the magnitude of association between symptoms and stroke severity defined by the modified Rankin Score. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 62.9 years, and 42% were female. On multivariable analysis, there was a graded association between increasing number of sleep disturbance symptoms and initially severe stroke (2-3, odds ratio [OR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.94; 4-5, OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23-2.25; >5, OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.83-3.66). Having >5 sleep disturbance symptoms was associated with significantly increased odds of functional deterioration at 1 month (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.01-2.34). A higher obstructive sleep apnoea score was also associated with significantly increased odds of initially severe stroke (2-3, OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.20-1.83) but not functional deterioration at 1 month (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.93-1.52). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disturbance symptoms were common and associated with an increased odds of severe stroke and functional deterioration. Interventions to modify sleep disturbance may help prevent disabling stroke/improve functional outcomes and should be the subject of future research.

Tobacco use and risk of acute stroke in 32 countries in the INTERSTROKE study: a case-control study.

Background: Smoking is a major risk factor for the global burden of stroke. We have previously reported a global population attributable risk (PAR) of stroke of 12.4% associated with current smoking. In this study we aimed to explore the association of current tobacco use with different types of tobacco exposure and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on the risk of stroke and stroke subtypes, and by regions and country income levels. Methods: The INTERSTROKE study is a case-control study of acute first stroke and was undertaken with 13,462 stroke cases and 13,488 controls recruited between January 11, 2007 and August 8, 2015 in 32 countries worldwide. Association of risk of tobacco use and ETS exposure were analysed with overall stroke, ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and with TOAST etiological stroke subtypes (large vessel, small vessel, cardioembolism, and undetermined). Findings: Current smoking was associated with an increased risk of all stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.46-1.84), and had a stronger association with ischemic stroke (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.61-2.11) than ICH (OR 1.19 95% CI 1.00-1.41). The OR and PAR of stroke among current smokers varied significantly between regions and income levels with high income countries (HIC) having the highest odds (OR 3.02 95% CI 2.24-4.10) and PAR (18.6%, 15.1-22.8%). Among etiological subtypes of ischemic stroke, the strongest association of current smoking was seen for large vessel stroke (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.63-2.87) and undetermined cause (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.55-2.50). Both filtered (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.50-1.99) and non-filtered (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.79-3.77) cigarettes were associated with stroke risk. ETS exposure increased the risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner, exposure for more than 10 h per week increased risk for all stroke (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.69-2.27), ischemic stroke (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.59-2.24) and ICH (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.60-2.50). Interpretation: There are significant variations in the magnitude of risk and PAR of stroke according to the types of tobacco used, active and ETS exposure, and countries with different income levels. Specific strategies to discourage tobacco use by any form and to build a smoke free environment should be implemented to ease the global burden of stroke. Funding: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Stroke Network, Swedish Research Council, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, The Health & Medical Care Committee of the Regional Executive Board, Region Västra Götaland, and through unrestricted grants from several pharmaceutical companies with major contributions from Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Pfizer (Canada), MERCK, Sharp and Dohme, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, UK Chest, and UK Heart and Stroke.

Tobacco use and risk of acute stroke in 32 countries in the INTERSTROKE study: a case­control study

BACKGROUND Smoking is a major risk factor for the global burden of stroke. We have previously reported a global population attributable risk (PAR) of stroke of 12.4% associated with current smoking. In this study we aimed to explore the association of current tobacco use with different types of tobacco exposure and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on the risk of stroke and stroke subtypes, and by regions and country income levels. METHODS The INTERSTROKE study is a case­control study of acute first stroke and was undertaken with 13,462 stroke cases and 13,488 controls recruited between January 11, 2007 and August 8, 2015 in 32 countries worldwide. Association of risk of tobacco use and ETS exposure were analysed with overall stroke, ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and with TOAST etiological stroke subtypes (large vessel, small vessel, cardioembolism, and undetermined). FINDINGS Current smoking was associated with an increased risk of all stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.46­1.84), and had a stronger association with ischemic stroke (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.61­2.11) than ICH (OR 1.19 95% CI 1.00­1.41). The OR and PAR of stroke among current smokers varied significantly between regions and income levels with high income countries (HIC) having the highest odds (OR 3.02 95% CI 2.24­4.10) and PAR (18.6%, 15.1­22.8%). Among etiological subtypes of ischemic stroke, the strongest association of current smoking was seen for large vessel stroke (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.63­2.87) and undetermined cause (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.55­2.50). Both filtered (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.50­1.99) and non-filtered (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.79­3.77) cigarettes were associated with stroke risk. ETS exposure increased the risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner, exposure for more than 10 h per week increased risk for all stroke (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.69­2.27), ischemic stroke (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.59­2.24) and ICH (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.60­2.50). INTERPRETATION There are significant variations in the magnitude of risk and PAR of stroke according to the types of tobacco used, active and ETS exposure, and countries with different income levels. Specific strategies to discourage tobacco use by any form and to build a smoke free environment should be implemented to ease the global burden of stroke. FUNDING The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Stroke Network, Swedish Research Council, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, The Health & Medical Care Committee of the Regional Executive Board, Region Västra Götaland, and through unrestricted grants from several pharmaceutical companies with major contributions from Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Pfizer (Canada), MERCK, Sharp and Dohme, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, UK Chest, and UK Heart and Stroke.

Variations in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation, and in the strength of its association with ischemic stroke, in countries with different income levels: INTERSTROKE case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The contribution of atrial fibrillation (AF) to the etiology and burden of stroke may vary by country income level. AIMS: We examined differences in the prevalence of AF and described variations in the magnitude of the association between AF and ischemic stroke by country income level. METHODS: In the INTERSTROKE case-control study, participants with acute first ischemic stroke were recruited across 32 countries. We included 10,363 ischemic stroke cases and 10,333 community or hospital controls who were matched for age, sex, and center. Participants were grouped into high-income (HIC), upper-middle-income (subdivided into two groups-UMIC-1 and UMIC-2), and lower-middle-income (LMIC) countries, based on gross national income. We evaluated the risk factors for AF overall and by country income level, and evaluated the association of AF with ischemic stroke. RESULTS: AF was documented in 11.9% (n = 1235) of cases and 3.2% (n = 328) of controls. Compared to HIC, the prevalence of AF was significantly lower in UMIC-2 (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.29-0.41) and LMIC (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.41-0.60) on multivariable analysis. Hypertension, female sex, valvular heart disease, and alcohol intake were stronger risk factors for AF in lower-income countries, and obesity a stronger risk factor in higher-income countries. The magnitude of association between AF and ischemic stroke was significantly higher in lower-income countries compared to higher-income countries. The population attributable fraction for AF and stroke varied by region and was 15.7% (95% CI 13.7-17.8) in HIC, 14.6% (95% CI 12.3-17.1) in UMIC-1, 5.7% (95% CI 4.9-6.7) in UMIC-2, and 6.3% (95% CI 5.3-7.3) in LMIC. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for AF vary by country income level. AF contributes to stroke burden to a greater extent in higher-income countries than in lower-income countries, due to a higher prevalence and despite a lower magnitude of odds ratio.

Variations in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation, and in the strength of its association with ischemic stroke, in countries with different income levels: INTERSTROKE case-control study

BACKGROUND: The contribution of atrial fibrillation (AF) to the etiology and burden of stroke may vary by country income level. AIMS: We examined differences in the prevalence of AF and described variations in the magnitude of the association between AF and ischemic stroke by country income level. METHODS: In the INTERSTROKE case­control study, participants with acute first ischemic stroke were recruited across 32 countries. We included 10,363 ischemic stroke cases and 10,333 community or hospital controls who were matched for age, sex, and center. Participants were grouped into high-income (HIC), upper-middle-income (subdivided into two groups­UMIC-1 and UMIC-2), and lower-middle-income (LMIC) countries, based on gross national income. We evaluated the risk factors for AF overall and by country income level, and evaluated the association of AF with ischemic stroke. RESULTS: AF was documented in 11.9% (n = 1235) of cases and 3.2% (n = 328) of controls. Compared to HIC, the prevalence of AF was significantly lower in UMIC-2 (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.29­0.41) and LMIC (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.41­0.60) on multivariable analysis. Hypertension, female sex, valvular heart disease, and alcohol intake were stronger risk factors for AF in lower-income countries, and obesity a stronger risk factor in higher-income countries. The magnitude of association between AF and ischemic stroke was significantly higher in lower-income countries compared to higher-income countries. The population attributable fraction for AF and stroke varied by region and was 15.7% (95% CI 13.7­17.8) in HIC, 14.6% (95% CI 12.3­17.1) in UMIC-1, 5.7% (95% CI 4.9­6.7) in UMIC-2, and 6.3% (95% CI 5.3­7.3) in LMIC. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for AF vary by country income level. AF contributes to stroke burden to a greater extent in higher-income countries than in lower-income countries, due to a higher prevalence and despite a lower magnitude of odds ratio.

One-year Outcomes after Discharge from Noncardiac Surgery and Association between Predischarge Complications and Death after Discharge: Analysis of the VISION Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: In previous analyses, myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, major bleeding, and sepsis were independently associated with most deaths in the 30 days after noncardiac surgery, but most of these deaths occurred during the index hospitalization for surgery. The authors set out to describe outcomes after discharge from hospital up to 1 yr after inpatient noncardiac surgery and associations between predischarge complications and postdischarge death up to 1 yr after surgery. METHODS: This study was an analysis of patients discharged after inpatient noncardiac surgery in a large international prospective cohort study across 28 centers from 2007 to 2013 of patients aged 45 yr or older followed to 1 yr after surgery. The study estimated (1) the cumulative postdischarge incidence of death and other outcomes up to a year after surgery and (2) the adjusted time-varying associations between postdischarge death and predischarge complications including myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, major bleeding, sepsis, infection without sepsis, stroke, congestive heart failure, clinically important atrial fibrillation or flutter, amputation, venous thromboembolism, and acute kidney injury managed with dialysis. RESULTS: Among 38,898 patients discharged after surgery, the cumulative 1-yr incidence was 5.8% (95% CI, 5.5 to 6.0%) for all-cause death and 24.7% (95% CI, 24.2 to 25.1%) for all-cause hospital readmission. Predischarge complications were associated with 33.7% (95% CI, 27.2 to 40.2%) of deaths up to 30 days after discharge and 15.0% (95% CI, 12.0 to 17.9%) up to 1 yr. Most of the association with death was due to myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (15.6% [95% CI, 9.3 to 21.9%] of deaths within 30 days, 6.4% [95% CI, 4.1 to 8.7%] within 1 yr), major bleeding (15.0% [95% CI, 8.3 to 21.7%] within 30 days, 4.7% [95% CI, 2.2 to 7.2%] within 1 yr), and sepsis (5.4% [95% CI, 2.2 to 8.6%] within 30 days, 2.1% [95% CI, 1.0 to 3.1%] within 1 yr). CONCLUSIONS: One in 18 patients 45 yr old or older discharged after inpatient noncardiac surgery died within 1 yr, and one quarter were readmitted to the hospital. The risk of death associated with predischarge perioperative complications persists for weeks to months after discharge.

Hypotension-Avoidance Versus Hypertension-Avoidance Strategies in Noncardiac Surgery : An International Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Among patients having noncardiac surgery, perioperative hemodynamic abnormalities are associated with vascular complications. Uncertainty remains about what intraoperative blood pressure to target and how to manage long-term antihypertensive medications perioperatively. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a hypotension-avoidance and a hypertension-avoidance strategy on major vascular complications after noncardiac surgery. DESIGN: Partial factorial randomized trial of 2 perioperative blood pressure management strategies (reported here) and tranexamic acid versus placebo. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03505723). SETTING: 110 hospitals in 22 countries. PATIENTS: 7490 patients having noncardiac surgery who were at risk for vascular complications and were receiving 1 or more long-term antihypertensive medications. INTERVENTION: In the hypotension-avoidance strategy group, the intraoperative mean arterial pressure target was 80 mm Hg or greater; before and for 2 days after surgery, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors were withheld and the other long-term antihypertensive medications were administered only for systolic blood pressures 130 mm Hg or greater, following an algorithm. In the hypertension-avoidance strategy group, the intraoperative mean arterial pressure target was 60 mm Hg or greater; all antihypertensive medications were continued before and after surgery. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was a composite of vascular death and nonfatal myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, stroke, and cardiac arrest at 30 days. Outcome adjudicators were masked to treatment assignment. RESULTS: The primary outcome occurred in 520 of 3742 patients (13.9%) in the hypotension-avoidance group and in 524 of 3748 patients (14.0%) in the hypertension-avoidance group (hazard ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.88 to 1.12]; P = 0.92). Results were consistent for patients who used 1 or more than 1 antihypertensive medication in the long term. LIMITATION: Adherence to the assigned strategies was suboptimal; however, results were consistent across different adherence levels. CONCLUSION: In patients having noncardiac surgery, our hypotension-avoidance and hypertension-avoidance strategies resulted in a similar incidence of major vascular complications. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Canadian Institutes of Health Research, National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), and Research Grant Council of Hong Kong.

Sleep Patterns and the Risk of Acute Stroke: Results From the INTERSTROKE International Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Symptoms of sleep disturbance are common and may represent important modifiable risk factors of stroke. We evaluated the association between a spectrum of sleep disturbance symptoms and the risk of acute stroke in an international setting. METHODS: The INTERSTROKE study is an international case-control study of patients presenting with first acute stroke and controls matched by age (±5 years) and sex. Sleep symptoms in the previous month were assessed through a questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression estimated the association between sleep disturbance symptoms and acute stroke, expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. The primary model adjusted for age, occupation, marital status, and modified Rankin scale at baseline, with subsequent models adjusting for potential mediators (behavioral/disease risk factors). RESULTS: Overall, 4,496 matched participants were included, with 1,799 of them having experienced an ischemic stroke and 439 an intracerebral hemorrhage. Short sleep (<5 hours: OR 3.15, 95% CI 2.09-4.76), long sleep (>9 hours: OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.89-3.78), impaired quality (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.32-1.75), difficulty getting to sleep (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.55) or maintaining sleep (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.53), unplanned napping (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20-1.84), prolonged napping (>1 hour: OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.49-2.38), snoring (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.62-2.24), snorting (OR 2.64, 95% CI 2.17-3.20), and breathing cessation (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.28-3.60) were all significantly associated with an increased odds of acute stroke in the primary model. A derived obstructive sleep apnea score of 2-3 (2.67, 2.25-3.15) and cumulative sleep symptoms (>5: 5.38, 4.03-7.18) were also associated with a significantly increased odds of acute stroke, with the latter showing a graded association. After an extensive adjustment, significance was maintained for most of the symptoms (not difficulty getting to/maintaining sleep and unplanned napping), with similar findings for stroke subtypes. DISCUSSION: We found that sleep disturbance symptoms were common and associated with a graded increased risk of stroke. These symptoms may be a marker of increased individual risk or represent independent risk factors. Future clinical trials are warranted to determine the efficacy of sleep interventions in stroke prevention.

Characteristics, clinical practice patterns, and outcomes of strokes in India: INSPIRE-A multicentre prospective study.

BACKGROUND: India has a high burden of stroke, but there are limited data available on the characteristics of patients presenting with stroke in India. AIMS: We aimed to document the clinical characteristics, practice patterns, and outcomes of patients presenting with acute stroke to Indian hospitals. METHODS: A prospective registry study of patients admitted with acute clinical stroke was conducted in 62 centers across different regions in India between 2009 and 2013. RESULTS: Of the 10,329 patients included in the prescribed registry, 71.4% had ischemic stroke, 25.2% had intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and 3.4% had an undetermined stroke subtype. Mean age was 60 years (SD = 14) with 19.9% younger than 50 years; 65% were male. A severe stroke at admission (modified-Rankin score 4-5) was seen in 62%, with 38.4% of patients having severe disability at discharge or dying during hospitalization. Cumulative mortality was 25% at 6 months. Neuroimaging was completed in 98%, 76% received physiotherapy, 17% speech and language therapy (SLT), 7.6% occupational therapy (OT), with variability among sites; 3.7% of ischemic stroke patients received thrombolysis. Receipt of physiotherapy (odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.52) and SLT (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32-0.65) was associated with lower mortality, while a history of atrial fibrillation (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.37-3.58) and ICH (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.66-2.40) were associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSION: In the INSPIRE (In Hospital Prospective Stroke Registry) study, one-in-five patients with acute stroke was under 50 years of age, and one-quarter of stroke was ICH. There was a low provision of thrombolysis and poor access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation highlighting how improvements are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality from stroke in India.

Depressive symptoms and risk of acute stroke: INTERSTROKE case-control study

METHODS: The INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of risk factors of first acute stroke, conducted in 32 countries. Cases were patients with CT- or MRI-confirmed incident acute hospitalized stroke, and controls were matched for age, sex, and within sites. Standardized questions asked about self-reported depressive symptoms during the previous 12 months and the use of prescribed antidepressant medications were recorded. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine the association of prestroke depressive symptoms with acute stroke risk. Adjusted ordinal logistic regression was used to explore the association of prestroke depressive symptoms with poststroke functional outcome, measured with the modified Rankin scale at 1 month after stroke. RESULTS: Of 26,877 participants, 40.4% were women, and the mean age was 61.7 ± 13.4 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms within the last 12 months was higher in cases compared with that in controls (18.3% vs 14.1%, p < 0.001) and differed by region (p interaction <0.001), with lowest prevalence in China (6.9% in controls) and highest in South America (32.2% of controls). In multivariable analyses, prestroke depressive symptoms were associated with greater odds of acute stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.34-1.58), which was significant for both intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.28-1.91) and ischemic stroke (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31-1.58). A larger magnitude of association with stroke was seen in patients with a greater burden of depressive symptoms. While preadmission depressive symptoms were not associated with a greater odds of worse baseline stroke severity (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94-1.10), they were associated with a greater odds of poor functional outcome at 1 month after acute stroke (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.19). DISCUSSION: In this global study, we recorded that depressive symptoms are an important risk factor of acute stroke, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Preadmission depressive symptoms were associated with poorer functional outcome, but not baseline stroke severity, suggesting an adverse role of depressive symptoms in poststroke recovery.

Depressive Symptoms and Risk of Acute Stroke: INTERSTROKE Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Depression has been reported to be a risk factor of acute stroke, based largely on studies in high-income countries. In the INTERSTROKE study, we explored the contribution of depressive symptoms to acute stroke risk and 1-month outcome across regions of the world, within subpopulations and by stroke type. METHODS: The INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of risk factors of first acute stroke, conducted in 32 countries. Cases were patients with CT- or MRI-confirmed incident acute hospitalized stroke, and controls were matched for age, sex, and within sites. Standardized questions asked about self-reported depressive symptoms during the previous 12 months and the use of prescribed antidepressant medications were recorded. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine the association of prestroke depressive symptoms with acute stroke risk. Adjusted ordinal logistic regression was used to explore the association of prestroke depressive symptoms with poststroke functional outcome, measured with the modified Rankin scale at 1 month after stroke. RESULTS: Of 26,877 participants, 40.4% were women, and the mean age was 61.7 ± 13.4 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms within the last 12 months was higher in cases compared with that in controls (18.3% vs 14.1%, p < 0.001) and differed by region (p interaction <0.001), with lowest prevalence in China (6.9% in controls) and highest in South America (32.2% of controls). In multivariable analyses, prestroke depressive symptoms were associated with greater odds of acute stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.34-1.58), which was significant for both intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.28-1.91) and ischemic stroke (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31-1.58). A larger magnitude of association with stroke was seen in patients with a greater burden of depressive symptoms. While preadmission depressive symptoms were not associated with a greater odds of worse baseline stroke severity (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94-1.10), they were associated with a greater odds of poor functional outcome at 1 month after acute stroke (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.19). DISCUSSION: In this global study, we recorded that depressive symptoms are an important risk factor of acute stroke, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Preadmission depressive symptoms were associated with poorer functional outcome, but not baseline stroke severity, suggesting an adverse role of depressive symptoms in poststroke recovery.

Effects of a Polypill, Aspirin, and the Combination of Both on Cognitive and Functional Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Vascular risk factors are associated with cognitive decline but studies addressing individual risk factors have not demonstrated an effect of risk factor management on the preservation of cognition. Few trials have examined the effect of vascular risk factor management on function. Objective: To determine if a polypill could reduce cognitive and functional decline in people with risk factors but without manifest cardiovascular disease. Design, Setting, and Participants: The International Polycap Study 3 (TIPS-3) was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial randomized clinical trial. Hospital and community-based centers in 8 countries recruited and followed up participants between July 30, 2012, and September 30, 2020. A total of 5713 individuals were randomly assigned to treatment groups, and 2098 people 65 years or older at intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease completed a cognitive assessment and were included in the analyses. Interventions: Polypill (antihypertensives and a statin), aspirin, or a combination of both treatments. Main Outcomes and Measures: Cognitive and functional assessments completed at baseline, 2 years, and study end. The primary outcome was the effect of a polypill compared with placebo and a polypill plus aspirin compared with double placebo on the composite outcome of the proportion of participants in each group who experienced a substantive decrease (>1.5 SD change) in cognitive or functional abilities. Results: Of the 2389 study participants older than 65 years, a total of 2098 (88%; mean [SD] age, 70.1 [4.5] years; 1266 female individuals [60%]) completed the baseline and follow-up assessment. A total of 1796 participants (86%) had hypertension, and 680 participants (32%) had impaired fasting plasma glucose levels. Mean (SD) baseline systolic blood pressure was 146.1 (17.7) mm Hg, and mean (SD) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was 124.3 (40.7) mg/dL and decreased by 5.7 mm Hg and 24 mg/dL, respectively, among those assigned to the polypill group. During a 5-year follow-up, there were no significant differences between treatment groups in the number of participants who experienced substantive cognitive decline (356 assigned polypill, 328 assigned placebo) or dementia (2 assigned polypill, 4 assigned placebo). Functional decline was reduced during follow-up for those assigned to polypill compared with placebo (mean [SD] country-standardized adjusted follow-up Standard Assessment of Global Everyday Activities [SAGEA] scores, 0.06 [0.03] vs 0.15 [0.03]; P = .01) and polypill plus aspirin compared with double placebo (mean [SD] country-standardized adjusted follow-up SAGEA scores, 0.01 [0.04] vs 0.14 [0.04]; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial of patients 65 years or older with vascular risk factors, a polypill, with or without aspirin, was not associated with reduced cognitive outcomes but was associated with reduced functional decline.

Effects of aspirin on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) carry a high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Since whether this risk is reduced by aspirin is unclear, we examined if the effect of aspirin on cardiovascular outcomes varied by baseline kidney function in a primary cardiovascular disease prevention trial. The International Polycap Study-3 (TIPS-3) trial had randomized people without previous cardiovascular disease to aspirin (75 mg daily) or placebo. We now examined aspirin versus placebo on cardiovascular events in participants grouped by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), using a threshold of 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and by using tertiles of eGFR. The primary outcome was a composite of non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or cardiovascular death. A total of 5712 participants were randomized with a mean follow-up of 4.6 years. Of these, 983 (17.2%) had an eGFR under 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (mean eGFR 49 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 4,729 over 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (mean 84 ml/min/1.73 m2). In participants with an eGFR under 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 there were 26 primary outcomes in 502 participants on aspirin and 39/481 on placebo (hazard ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.94). In participants with an eGFR over 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 there were 90 primary outcomes in 2357 participants on aspirin and 95/2372 on placebo (0.95; 0.71-1.27). With tertiles of eGFR under 70, 70-90, and over 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, risk reductions with aspirin for the primary outcome were larger at lower eGFR levels (0.62; 0.43-0.91) for the lowest tertile, (0.96; 0.62-1.49) for the middle, and (1.30; 0.77-2.18) for the highest tertile. Thus, our findings support aspirin may reduce cardiovascular events in people with moderate to advanced stage CKD.

An observational multi-centric COVID-19 sequelae study among health care workers.

Background: India has seen more than 43 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of April 2022, with a recovery rate of 98.8%, resulting in a large section of the population including the healthcare workers (HCWs), susceptible to develop post COVID sequelae. This study was carried out to assess the nature and prevalence of medical sequelae following COVID-19 infection, and risk factors, if any. Methods: This was an observational, multicenter cross-sectional study conducted at eight tertiary care centers. The consenting participants were HCWs between 12 and 52 weeks post discharge after COVID-19 infection. Data on demographics, medical history, clinical features of COVID-19 and various symptoms of COVID sequelae was collected through specific questionnaire. Finding: Mean age of the 679 eligible participants was 31.49 ± 9.54 years. The overall prevalence of COVID sequelae was 30.34%, with fatigue (11.5%) being the most common followed by insomnia (8.5%), difficulty in breathing during activity (6%) and pain in joints (5%). The odds of having any sequelae were significantly higher among participants who had moderate to severe COVID-19 (OR 6.51; 95% CI 3.46-12.23) and lower among males (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.39-0.76). Besides these, other predictors for having sequelae were age (≥45 years), presence of any comorbidity (especially hypertension and asthma), category of HCW (non-doctors vs doctors) and hospitalisation due to COVID-19. Interpretation: Approximately one-third of the participants experienced COVID sequelae. Severity of COVID illness, female gender, advanced age, co-morbidity were significant risk factors for COVID sequelae. Funding: This work is a part of Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR)- Rational Use of Medicines network. No additional financial support was received from ICMR to carry out the work, for study materials, medical writing, and APC.

Alcohol Intake as a Risk Factor for Acute Stroke: The INTERSTROKE Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is uncertainty about the association between alcohol consumption and stroke, particularly for low-moderate intake. We explored these associations in a large international study. METHODS: INTERSTROKE, a case-control study, is the largest international study of risk factors for acute stroke. Alcohol consumption was self-reported and categorized by drinks/week as low (1-7), moderate (7-14 for females and 7-21 for males), or high (>14 for females and >21 for males). Heavy episodic drinking (HED) was defined as >5 drinks on ≥1 day per month. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine associations. RESULTS: We included 12,913 cases and 12,935 controls; 25.0% (n = 6,449) were current drinkers, 16.7% (n = 4,318) former drinkers, and 58.3% (n = 15,076) never drinkers. Current drinkers were younger, male, smokers, active, and with higher-paid occupations. Current drinking was associated with all stroke (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04-1.26) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.21-1.84) but not ischemic stroke (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.95-1.19). HED pattern was associated with all stroke (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.21-1.59), ischemic stroke (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.10-1.51), and ICH (OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.31-2.36). High level of alcohol intake was consistently associated with all stroke, ischemic stroke, and ICH. Moderate intake was associated with all stroke and ICH but not ischemic stroke. Low alcohol intake was not associated with stroke overall, but there were regional differences; low intake was associated with reduced odds of stroke in Western Europe/North America (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45-0.96) and increased odds in India (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.42-3.36) (p-interaction 0.037). Wine consumption was associated with reduced odds of all stroke and ischemic stroke but not ICH. The magnitudes of association were greatest in those without hypertension and current smokers. DISCUSSION: High and moderate intake were associated with increased odds of stroke, whereas low intake was not associated with stroke. However, there were important regional variations, which may relate to differences in population characteristics of alcohol consumers, types or patterns of consumption.

Association of Psychosocial Stress With Risk of Acute Stroke.

Importance: Psychosocial stress is considered a modifiable risk factor for stroke. Given the prevalence of chronic and acute exposure to stress, it represents a potentially attractive target for population-health interventions. Objectives: To determine the association of psychosocial stress with the risk of acute stroke and explore factors that might modify the association of stress with risk of acute stroke in a large international population. Design, Setting, and Participants: INTERSTROKE is an international retrospective case-control study of risk factors for first acute stroke in 32 countries in Asia, North and South America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. A total of 13 462 patients with stroke and 13 488 matched controls were recruited between January 11, 2007, and August 8, 2015. The present analyses were performed from June 1 to 30, 2021, and included 13 350 cases and 13 462 controls with available data on psychosocial stress. Exposures: Psychosocial stress and occurrence of stressful life events within the preceding year were measured using a standardized questionnaire of self-reported stress at home and work. Main Outcomes and Measures: The association of stress with acute stroke and its subtypes was examined using multivariable conditional logistic regression and factors that might modify the association, particularly self-reported locus of control. Results: Among 26 812 participants included in the analysis, the mean (SD) age of cases was 62.2 (13.6) years; that of controls, 61.3 (13.3) years; 7960 cases (59.6%) and 8017 controls (59.6%) were men. Several periods of stress and permanent stress were reported for 2745 cases (20.5%) and 1933 controls (14.4%), with marked regional variation in prevalence, with the lowest in China (201 of 3981 [5.0%] among controls and 364 of 3980 [9.1%] among cases) and highest in South East Asia (233 of 855 [26.1%] among controls and 241 of 782 [30.8%] among cases). Increased stress at home (odds ratio [OR], 1.95 [95% CI, 1.77-2.15]) and at work (OR, 2.70 [95% CI, 2.25-3.23]) and recent stressful life events (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.19-1.43]) were associated with an increased risk of acute stroke on multivariable analyses (vs no self-reported stress). Higher locus of control at home was associated with a reduced odds of all stroke (OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.68-0.79]), and higher locus of control both at work and at home were associated with a lower odds of acute stroke and significantly diminished the association with stress at work (OR, 2.20 [95% CI, 1.88-2.58]; P = .008 for interaction) and home (OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.44-1.98]; P < .001 for interaction) for acute stroke. Conclusions and Relevance: Psychosocial stress is a common risk factor for acute stroke. The findings of this case-control study suggest that higher locus of control is associated with lower risk of stroke and may be an important effect modifier of the risk associated with psychosocial stress.

Colchicine and aspirin in community patients with COVID-19 (ACT): an open-label, factorial, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The large number of patients worldwide infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus has overwhelmed health-care systems globally. The Anti-Coronavirus Therapies (ACT) outpatient trial aimed to evaluate anti-inflammatory therapy with colchicine and antithrombotic therapy with aspirin for prevention of disease progression in community patients with COVID-19. METHODS: The ACT outpatient, open-label, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised, controlled trial, was done at 48 clinical sites in 11 countries. Patients in the community aged 30 years and older with symptomatic, laboratory confirmed COVID-19 who were within 7 days of diagnosis and at high risk of disease progression were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive colchicine 0·6 mg twice daily for 3 days and then 0·6 mg once daily for 25 days versus usual care, and in a second (1:1) randomisation to receive aspirin 100 mg once daily for 28 days versus usual care. Investigators and patients were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was assessed at 45 days in the intention-to-treat population; for the colchicine randomisation it was hospitalisation or death, and for the aspirin randomisation it was major thrombosis, hospitalisation, or death. The ACT outpatient trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04324463 and is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between Aug 27, 2020, and Feb 10, 2022, 3917 patients were randomly assigned to colchicine or control and to aspirin or control; after excluding 36 patients due to administrative reasons 3881 individuals were included in the analysis (n=1939 colchicine vs n=1942 control; n=1945 aspirin vs 1936 control). Follow-up was more than 99% complete. Overall event rates were 5 (0·1%) of 3881 for major thrombosis, 123 (3·2%) of 3881 for hospitalisation, and 23 (0·6%) of 3881 for death; 66 (3·4%) of 1939 patients allocated to colchicine and 65 (3·3%) of 1942 patients allocated to control experienced hospitalisation or death (hazard ratio [HR] 1·02, 95% CI 0·72-1·43, p=0·93); and 59 (3·0%) of 1945 of patients allocated to aspirin and 73 (3·8%) of 1936 patients allocated to control experienced major thrombosis, hospitalisation, or death (HR 0·80, 95% CI 0·57-1·13, p=0·21). Results for the primary outcome were consistent in all prespecified subgroups, including according to baseline vaccination status, timing of randomisation in relation to onset of symptoms (post-hoc analysis), and timing of enrolment according to the phase of the pandemic (post-hoc analysis). There were more serious adverse events with colchicine than with control (34 patients [1·8%] of 1939 vs 27 [1·4%] of 1942) but none in either group that led to discontinuation of study interventions. There was no increase in serious adverse events with aspirin versus control (31 [1·6%] vs 31 [1·6%]) and none that led to discontinuation of study interventions. INTERPRETATION: The results provide no support for the use of colchicine or aspirin to prevent disease progression or death in outpatients with COVID-19. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Bayer, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences Research Institute, and Thistledown Foundation. TRANSLATIONS: For the Portuguese, Russian and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Usability and feasibility assessment of a smartphone application (Suhriday) for heart failure self-care remote monitoring in an Indian tertiary health care setting: a pilot mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Remote monitoring as a component of chronic heart failure (CHF) management programmes has demonstrated utility in reducing the risk of rehospitalisation and mortality. There is little evidence on mobile health app facilitated remote monitoring in India. We conducted a pilot usability and feasibility assessment of a smartphone-based application (Suhriday) to remotely monitor patients with CHF. METHODS: We used a mixed-methods design. Usability testing consisted of the think-aloud approach followed by semistructured in-depth interviews (SSIs) and a satisfaction questionnaire. Feasibility testing was done using acceptability and user satisfaction questionnaires in addition to SSIs. We trained five purposively sampled patients with CHF (based on health literacy and gender) and their caregivers (n=10) in self-care monitoring and app use. Usability was assessed using metrics such as task completion, time required for task completion and user satisfaction using Brooke's System Usability Scale (SUS). Content analysis of the transcripts with deductive coding was performed for both usability and feasibility interviews. The number and types of medical alerts transmitted through the app were captured and escalated to the treating team. RESULTS: Critical tasks involving (1) opening the app and identifying task list, (2) reporting blood pressure, weight, heart rate and fluid intake and (3) reporting symptoms were completed within 60 s by four patients. Median (IQR) SUS score was 85 (75-92.5) indicating high level of usability. There were 62 alerts from four patients over 4 weeks, with 36 (58.1%) excess fluid intake alerts and 16 (25.8%) blood pressure variations being the most frequent. One participant had challenges using the app and was monitored through active phone calls. CONCLUSION: Overall usability and satisfaction with Suhriday were good and we were able to remotely manage patients. However, patients with limited health literacy and those facing technological challenges required active structured telephone support.