Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign predicts favorable outcome in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

Non-contrast computer tomography detects the presence of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS). Studies on the prognostic value of HMCAS among patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are conflicting. A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to middle cerebral artery occlusion, presenting with or without HMCAS, who underwent MT, was performed. We enrolled 191 patients (HMCAS +, n = 140; HMCAS -, n = 51). Prevalence of successful recanalization was significantly higher in patients with HMCAS than in those without HMCAS (92.1% versus 74.5%, p = 0.001). Patients with HMCAS had a better clinical outcome than those HMCAS - (54.3% versus 37.3%, p = 0.037, for three-month favorable outcome; 62.9% versus 39.3%, p = 0.004, for major neurological improvement at discharge; 8.6% versus 19.6%, p = 0.035, for in-hospital mortality; 14.3% versus 27.5%, p = 0.035, for intracranial hemorrhage; 2.9% versus 17.6%, p = 0.001, for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage). Multivariate analyses confirmed that HMCAS represents an independent predictor of three-month favorable outcome (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.10-5.58, p = 0.028), major neurological improvement at discharge (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.09-5.20, p = 0.030), in-hospital mortality (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.010-0.81, p = 0.018), presence of ICH (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.97, p = 0.042) and presence of SICH (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.63, p = 0.009). HMCAS presence predicts favorable outcome in patients undergoing MT. This result may indicate that hyperdense clots are more likely to respond to MT than isodense ones. This effect is mediated by reduction in hemorrhagic transformation.

Stress hyperglycemia is predictive of worse outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing intravenous thrombolysis.

No study investigated the possible detrimental effect of stress hyperglycemia on patients affected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). A new index, the glucose-to-glycated hemoglobin ratio (GAR), has been developed for assessing stress hyperglycemia. We retrospectively analyzed data from a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients admitted to the Udine University Hospital with AIS that were treated with IVT from January 2015 to December 2019. Four hundred and fourteen consecutive patients with AIS undergoing IVT entered the study. The patients were then stratified into four groups by quartiles of GAR (Q1-Q4). The higher GAR index was, the more severe stress hyperglycemia was considered. Prevalence of 3 months poor outcome (37.7% for Q1, 34% for Q2, 46.9% for Q3, and 66.7% for Q4, p for trend = 0.001), 3 months mortality (10.5% for Q1, 7.5% for Q2, 11.2% for Q3, and 27.1% for Q4, p for trend = 0.001), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (0.9% for Q1, 0.9% for Q2, 5.1% for Q3, and 17.7% for Q4, p for trend = 0.001) was significant different among the four groups. AIS patients with severe stress hyperglycemia had a significantly increased risk of 3 months poor outcome (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.14-5.22, p = 0.02), 3 months mortality (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.01-5.60, p = 0.04), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 16.76, 95% CI 2.09-134.58, p = 0.008) after IVT. In conclusion, we demonstrated that stress hyperglycemia, as measured by the GAR index, is associated to worse outcome in AIS patients undergoing IVT.

Acute revascularization treatments for ischemic stroke in the Stroke Units of Triveneto, northeast Italy: time to treatment and functional outcomes.

It is not known whether the current territorial organization for acute revascularization treatments in ischemic stroke patients guarantees similar time to treatment and functional outcomes among different levels of institutional stroke care. We aimed to assess the impact of time to treatment on functional outcomes in ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) alone, bridging (IVT plus thrombectomy), or primary thrombectomy in level 1 and level 2 Stroke Units (SUs) in Triveneto, a geographical macroarea in Northeast of Italy. We conducted an analysis of data prospectively collected from 512 consecutive ischemic stroke patients who received IVT and/or mechanical thrombectomy in 25 SUs from September 17th to December 9th 2018. The favorable outcome measures were mRS score 0-1 and 0-2 at 3 months. The unfavorable outcome measures were mRS score 3-5 and death at 3 months. We estimated separately the possible association of each variable for time to treatment (onset-to-door, door-to-needle, onset-to-needle, door-to-groin puncture, needle-to-groin puncture, and onset-to-groin puncture) with 3-month outcome measures by calculating the odds ratios (ORs) with two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjustment for pre-defined variables and variables with a probability value ≤ 0.10 in the univariate analysis for each outcome measure. Distribution of acute revascularization treatments was different between level 1 and level 2 SUs (p < 0.001). Among 182 patients admitted to level 1 SUs (n = 16), treatments were IVT alone in 164 (90.1%), bridging in 12 (6.6%), and primary thrombectomy in 6 (3.3%) patients. Among 330 patients admitted to level 2 SUs (n = 9), treatments were IVT alone in 219 (66.4%), bridging in 74 (22.4%), and primary thrombectomy in 37 (11.2%) patients. Rates of excellent outcome (51.4% vs 45.9%), favorable outcome (60.1% vs 58.7%), unfavorable outcome (33.3% vs 33.8%), and death (9.8% vs 11.3%) at 3 months were similar between level 1 and 2 SUs. No significant association was found between time to IVT alone (onset-to-door, door-to-needle, and onset-to-needle) and functional outcomes. After adjustment, door-to-needle time ≤ 60 min (OR 4.005, 95% CI 1.232-13.016), shorter door-to-groin time (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.983-0.999), shorter needle-to-groin time (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.975-0.997), and shorter onset-to-groin time (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.988-1.000) were associated with mRS 0-1. Shorter door-to-groin time (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.984-0.998), door-to-groin time ≤ 90 min (OR 12.146, 95% CI 2.193-67.280), shorter needle-to-groin time (OR 0.983, 95% CI 0.972-0.995), and shorter onset-to-groin time (OR 0.993, 95% CI 0.987-0.999) were associated with mRS 0-2. Longer door-to-groin time (OR 1.007, 95% CI 1.001-1.014) and longer needle-to-groin time (OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.005-1.034) were associated with mRS 3-5, while door-to-groin time ≤ 90 min (OR 0.229, 95% CI 0.065-0.808) was inversely associated with mRS 3-5. Longer onset-to-needle time (OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.002-1.048) was associated with death. Times to treatment influenced the 3-month outcomes in patients treated with thrombectomy (bridging or primary). A revision of the current territorial organization for acute stroke treatments in Triveneto is needed to reduce transfer time and to increase the proportion of patients transferred from a level 1 SU to a level 2 SU to perform thrombectomy.

Stroke management during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: experience from three regions of the north east of Italy (Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Trentino-Alto-Adige).

BACKGROUND: Efficiency of care chain response and hospital reactivity were and are challenged for stroke acute care management during the pandemic period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in North-Eastern Italy (Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Trentino-Alto-Adige), counting 7,193,880 inhabitants (ISTAT), with consequences in acute treatment for patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective data collection of patients admitted to stroke units eventually treated with thrombolysis and thrombectomy, ranging from January to May 2020 from the beginning to the end of the main first pandemic period of COVID-19 in Italy. The primary endpoint was the number of patients arriving to these stroke units, and secondary endpoints were the number of thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy. Chi-square analysis was used on all patients; furthermore, patients were divided into two cohorts (pre-lockdown and lockdown periods) and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test differences on admission and reperfusive therapies. RESULTS: In total, 2536 patients were included in 22 centers. There was a significant decrease of admissions in April compared to January. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease of thrombectomy during the lockdown period, while thrombolysis rate was unaffected in the same interval across all centers. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed a decrease in admission rate of stroke patients in a large area of northern Italy during the lockdown period, especially during the first dramatic phase. Overall, there was no decrease in thrombolysis rate, confirming an effect of emergency care system for stroke patients. Instead, the significant decrease in thrombectomy rate during lockdown addresses some considerations of local and regional stroke networks during COVID-19 pandemic evolution.

Status epilepticus mimicking stroke recurrence.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with previous stroke (either ischemic or hemorrhagic), who developed status epilepticus (SE) mimicking a stroke relapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients brought to hospital by the emergency service between December 2016 and January 2018 with a stroke code as possible candidates for intravenous thrombolysis and who had already have a previous stroke. Among them, patients admitted for negative symptoms and finally discharged with a diagnosis of SE mimicking stroke were selected and their clinical characteristics collected. All patients underwent routine blood sample analysis, head computed tomography (CT) scan and, when indicated, CT angiography and CT-perfusion imaging of the head. After admission in our stroke unit, an Electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed within 3 h in patients suspected with SE, then classified according to International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification (2015). Outcome measures were SE duration, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) administered, mortality at 12 months, Engel scale, and modified Rankin scale (m-RS) at 6 months. A second cohort included those consecutive patients discharged with a true stroke relapse in the same considered time span. Clinical characteristics of these two cohorts were compared using Mann-Whitney test or Student t-test (Confidence Interval (C.I.) 95%, p < 0.05) for continuous variable and Fisher exact test or Pearson-Chi test for dichotomic variables (p < 0.05). Survival rates were calculated, and a Log-Rank test was performed to evaluate differences in survival distribution. Only in the group with SE, m-RS at 6 months and recurrence of SE were also evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven patients were discharged with a diagnosis of SE mimicking stroke and 65 patients with stroke relapse. Temporal lobe localization was significantly more represented in group with SE (p = 0.036) while there was no difference regarding age, sex, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The m-RS was significantly higher in patients with hemorrhage relapse, mainly due to the high incidence of amyloid angiopathy in this subgroup. Status epilepticus recurred in 36.4% of patients, presenting with the same clinical features, and most patients (62.5%) achieved a good seizure control at 6 months (Engel scale = 1). A difference in mortality at 12 months (all cause considered) appeared only when distinguishing strokes between ischemic and hemorrhagic (Chi-Square: 10.711, p < 0.005). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Status epilepticus is not infrequent in patients with previous stroke and may present with negative neurological symptoms, thus mimicking a stroke recurrence. EEG should be considered as a potential diagnostic tool in the acute stroke setting, at least in patients with previous stroke. This article is part of the Special Issue "Seizures & Stroke".

CHA2DS2-VASc score predicts short- and long-term outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis.

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a validated tool to assess the thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score may predict outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) without atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate if the pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score is able to predict short- and long-term outcomes in AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). The study group consisted of 256 consecutive patients admitted to the Udine University Hospital with AIS and underwent IVT between January 2015 to March 2017. The pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score for each patient was calculated from the collected baseline data. Patients were classified into three groups according to their pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score: a score of 0 of 1, a score of 2 or 3 and a score above 3. Primary outcome measures were: rate of favorable outcome at 90-days and at 1-year, and mortality at 90-days and at 1-year. Data on functional outcome and mortality 1 year after stroke were collected in 165 patients (65% of the entire sample). Favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2. Compared with the CHA2DS2-VASc score 0-1 group, patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores had a worse outcome and a higher mortality 3 months and 1 year after stroke. The diagnostic performance of the CHA2DS2-VASc score as judged with AUC-ROC was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.64-0.76; p < 0.001) for favorable outcome at 90-days, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.71-0.85; p < 0.001) for favorable outcome at 1-year, 0.71 (95% CI 0.61-0.79) for mortality at 90-days, 0.73 (95% CI 0.64-0.80; p < 0.001) for mortality at 1-year. Pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score represents a good predictor for short- and long-term outcomes in AIS patients treated with IVT.

Short and long-term outcomes after combined intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy versus direct mechanical thrombectomy: a prospective single-center study.

Recent clinical trials demonstrated that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using second-generation endovascular devices has beneficial effects in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, it remains controversial if intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) prior to MT is superior compared to direct mechanical thrombectomy (DMT). The aims of this study were to compare short and long-term outcomes between IVT + MT and DMT patients. We prospectively recruited AIS patients with LVO in the anterior or posterior circulation eligible for MT with and without prior IVT. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality were assessed at baseline, at discharge, 90-days and 1-year after stroke. Favorable outcome was defined as a mRS score ≤2. Of the 66 patients included, 33 (50%) were in IVT + MT group and 33 (50%) were in DMT group. Except for a higher prevalence of patients using anticoagulants at admission in DMT group, baseline characteristics did not differ in the two groups. Procedural characteristics were similar in IVT + MT and DMT group. Rate of favorable outcome was significantly higher in IVT + MT patients than DMT ones both 90-days (51.5 vs. 18.2%; p = 0.004) and 1-year (51.5 vs. 15.2%; p = 0.002) after stroke. DMT patients were six times more likely to die during the 1-year follow-up compared to IVT + MT patients. This study suggests that bridging therapy may improve short and long-term outcomes in patients eligible for endovascular treatment. Further studies with larger patient numbers and randomized design are needed to confirm our findings.

Polysomnographic Sleep Patterns in Children and Adolescents in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed (i) to search for qualitative sleep patterns for pediatric unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (SPPUWS) in prolonged polysomnographic (PSG) recordings in children and adolescents with subacute severe disorders of consciousness due to an acquired brain damage; (ii) to investigate the clinical relevance of SPPUWS and of possible neurophysiological markers (rapid eye movement sleep and sleep spindles) in PSG recordings of pediatric patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS). METHODS: We performed a PSG study in 27 children with UWS due to acquired brain damage in the subacute phase. Patients received a full neurological examination and a clinical assessment with standardized scales. In addition, outcome was assessed after 36 months. RESULTS: We identified 6 PSG patterns (SPPUWS) corresponding to increasing neuroelectrical complexity. The presence of an organized sleep pattern, as well as rapid eye movement sleep and sleep spindles, in the subacute stage appeared highly predictive of a more favorable outcome. Correlation was found between SPPUWS and recovery, as assessed by several clinical and rehabilitation scales. CONCLUSIONS: Polysomnography can be used as a prognostic tool, as it can help determine the capability to recover from a pediatric UWS and predict outcome well before the confirmation provided by suitable clinical scales.

Clinical and functional determinants of appropriate rehabilitation referrals after stroke: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation is currently the best available treatment for post-stroke disability. There is, however, great variability in the proportion of patients accessing rehabilitation across high-income countries suggesting that factors not explained by facilities availability or guidelines diversity may intervene in decision-making. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate which factors are associated with appropriate post-stroke rehabilitation referrals in a tertiary stroke unit setting. METHODS: Retrospective single-center cohort study including patients admitted to the Stroke Unit of the "Santa Maria della Misericordia" University Hospital, Udine (IT) from January 1st to December 31st, 2019. Information regarding stroke severity (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale), functional assessment (modified Rankin scale [mRS] and Barthel index [BI]), length of hospital stay, and rehabilitation pathway was collected. Outcome was defined as referral to the appropriate rehabilitation pathway. Appropriateness was assessed comparing patient clinical information at discharge against local criteria for intensive vs. extensive rehabilitation. A mixed-linear effect model was built to explore NIHSS, mRS, and BI variation over time. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted-odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI 95%) of appropriate assignment to rehabilitation pathways. RESULTS: 288 patients were included in the study (age 73.1 years, males 57.9%) and in 75.7%, the rehabilitation pathway assignment was appropriate. NIHSS at discharge was lower compared to admission but no effect of rehabilitation assignment was evident, while mRS scores at discharge and at three months were 2.6 (CI 95% 2.2; 3.0) and 2.1 (CI 95% 1.8; 2.5) higher compared to admission (p < 0.0001). Rehabilitation assignment effect on mRS was time dependent, resulting in an additional - 0.6 (CI 95% - 1.0; - 0.2) lowering at discharge for those appropriately assigned (p = 0.003), with a trend for significance at three months (p = 0.08). BI score was higher at discharge (p < 0.0001), and appropriate assignment was associated with higher scores (p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that the OR of appropriate rehabilitation pathway assignment were reduced by higher mRS (0.60 [CI 95% 0.48; 0.76], p < 0.0001) and increased by higher NIHSS (1.11 [CI 95% 1.04; 1.19], p = 0.001) scores at discharge. The latter finding might be explained by the rehabilitation assessment focus on post-stroke motor symptoms captured by NIHSS. CONCLUSIONS: Higher mRS and lower NIHSS levels at discharge were independent predictors for inappropriate rehabilitation assignment after stroke in our cohort. These findings may reflect a therapeutic bias toward patients with higher post-stroke disability in a rehabilitation framework heavily tilted on post-stroke motor symptoms.

NK Cell Levels Correlate with Disease Activity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis on Ocrelizumab/Rituximab Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Recently, research on the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) has focused on the role of B lymphocytes and the possibility of using specific drugs, such as Ocrelizumab and Rituximab, directed toward these cells to reduce inflammation and to slow disease progression. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of Ocrelizumab/Rituximab on laboratory immune parameters and identify the predictors of treatment responses. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was conducted among patients who received infusion therapy with an anti-CD20 drug to treat MS. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 277 total cycles of therapy studied. Compared with the baseline values, anti-CD20 infusions resulted in absolute-value and percentage decreases in B lymphocyte levels and increased the absolute and percentage levels of NK cells 3 and 5 months after therapy (p < 0.001). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, a reduced percentage level of NK cells 3 months after infusion could predict disease activity 6 months after Ocrelizumab/Rituximab administration (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Lower percentage levels of NK cells 3 months after anti-CD20 infusion correlate with the presence of disease activity 6 months after therapy, confirming a possible protective role of NK cells in MS.

Comparison of pharmacokinetic properties of alteplase and tenecteplase. The future of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: The drug most frequently used for thrombolysis in cases of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is alteplase. However, there is moderate-to-high-quality evidence that tenecteplase has similar or higher efficacy and safety. With improved pharmacokinetic properties over alteplase, tenecteplase could be a significant advantage in treating AIS. AREAS COVERED: After conducting an extensive search on Scopus and PubMed, this manuscript reviews and compares the pharmacokinetic properties of alteplase and tenecteplase. Additionally, it provides information on pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, and drug-drug interactions. EXPERT OPINION: The pharmacokinetic profile of alteplase and tenecteplase is derived from studies in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Thanks to its pharmacokinetic properties, tenecteplase is the drug closest to being the ideal fibrinolytic for AIS. Its longer half-life enables a single-bolus administration, which is particularly useful in emergencies. Tenecteplase has proven to have a good efficacy and safety profile in randomized clinical trials. Although we are awaiting the results of the ongoing phase 3 randomized clinical trials, we believe that tenecteplase has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of AIS through thrombolysis.

Isolated insular stroke: topography is the answer with respect to outcome and cardiac involvement.

Background and purpose: Isolated insular strokes (IIS) are a rare occurrence due to the frequent concomitant involvement of adjacent territories, supplied by the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), and clinical aspects are sometimes contradictory. We aimed to describe clinical and radiological characteristics of a pure IIS case series, focusing on its functional outcome and cardiac involvement. Methods: We identified 15 isolated insular ischemic strokes from a pool of 563 ischemic strokes occurred between January 2020 and December 2021. Data collection consisted of demographic and baseline clinical characteristics, comorbidities, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stroke topography and etiology, reperfusive treatments, and outcome measures. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. Results: Newly detected cardiovascular alterations were the prevalent atypical presentation. Cardioembolism was the most frequent etiology. Most of patients had major neurological improvement at discharge and good outcome at 3-months follow-up. Discussion and conclusion: IIS are extremely rare, representing according to our study about 2.6% ischemic strokes cases per year, and patients have peculiar clinical manifestations, such as dysautonomia and awareness deficits. Our data suggest the possibility for these patients to completely recover after acute ischemic stroke notwithstanding the pivotal role of the insula in cerebral connections and the frequent association with MCA occlusion. Moreover, given the central role of the insula in regulating autonomic functions, newly detected cardiac arrhythmias must be taken into consideration, as well as a full diagnostic work-up for the research of cardioembolic sources. To our knowledge, this is the largest monocentric case series of IIS and it might be useful for future systematic reviews.

Predictors of atrial fibrillation detection in embolic stroke of undetermined source patients with implantable loop recorder.

Background: Covert atrial fibrillation (AF) is a predominant aetiology of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Evidence suggested that AF is more frequently detected by implantable loop recorder (ILR) than by conventional monitoring. However, the predictive factors associated with occult AF detected using ILRs are not well established yet. In this study we aim to investigate the predictors of AF detection in patients with ESUS undergoing an ILR. Methods: This observational multi-centre study included consecutive ESUS patients who underwent ILR implantation. The infarcts were divided in deep, cortical infarcts or both. The infarction sites were categorized as anterior and middle cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery with and without brainstem/cerebellum involvement. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate variables associated with AF detection. Results: Overall, 3,000 patients were initially identified. However, in total, 127 patients who consecutively underwent ILR implantation were included in our analysis. AF was detected in 33 (26%) out of 127 patients. The median follow-up was 411 days. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and comorbidities between patients with and without AF detected. AF was detected more often after posterior cerebral artery infarct with brainstem/cerebellum involvement (p < 0.001) whereas less often after infarction in the anterior and middle cerebral artery (p = 0.021). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that posterior cerebral artery infarct with brainstem/cerebellum involvement was an independent predictor of AF detection. Conclusion: Our study showed that posterior circulation infarcts with brainstem/cerebellum involvement are associated with AF detection in ESUS patients undergoing ILR. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

Stress hyperglycemia is associated with futile recanalization in patients with anterior large vessel occlusion undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO). Despite successful recanalization, some patients remain disabled after 3 months. Mechanisms that can cause futile recanalization (FR) are still largely unknown. We investigated if stress hyperglycemia might be associated with FR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with successful recanalization treated in four participating centers between January 2021 and December 2022. According to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) status at 3 months, patients were divided into two groups: FR, if mRS score >2, and useful recanalization (UR), if mRS score ⩽2. Stress hyperglycemia was estimated by the glucose-to-glycated hemoglobin ratio (GAR) index. RESULTS: A total of 691 subjects were included. At 3 months, 403 patients (58.3%) were included in the FR group, while the remaining 288 patients (41.7%) were included in the UR group. At the multivariate analysis, variables independently associated with FR were the following: age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06, p < 0.001), GAR index (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.14, p = 0.003), NIHSS at admission (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11-1.22; p < 0.001), and procedure length (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02; p = 0.009). We observed that the model combining age, GAR index, NIHSS at admission, and procedure length had good predictive accuracy (AUC 0.78, 95% CI 0.74-0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Stress hyperglycemia predicts FR in patients with successful recanalization after MT. Further studies should explore if managing stress hyperglycemia may reduce futile recanalization. Additionally, we recommend paying close attention to AIS patients with a GAR index greater than 24.8 who exhibit a high risk of FR.

Post-Stroke Status Epilepticus: Time of Occurrence May Be the Difference?

(1) Background: Stroke is one of the most frequent causes of status epilepticus (SE) in adults. Patients with stroke and SE have poorer prognosis than those with stroke alone. We described characteristics and prognosis of early- and late-onset post-stroke SE (PSSE). (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive stroke patients who experienced a first SE between August 2012 and April 2021, comparing clinical characteristics, stroke, and SE features between early- versus late-onset SE in relation to patients' outcome. (3) Results: Forty stroke patients experienced PSSE. Fourteen developed an early-onset SE (35%) and twenty-six a late-onset SE (65%). Early-onset SE patients had a slightly higher NIHSS score at admission (6.9 vs. 6.0; p = 0.05). Early-onset SE was more severe than late-onset, according to STESS (Status Epilepticus Severity Score) (3.5 vs. 2.8; p = 0.05) and EMSE (Epidemiology-based Mortality score in Status Epilepticus) score (97.0 vs. 69.5; p = 0.04); furthermore, it had a significant impact on disability at 3-month and 1-year follow-up (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02). SE recurrence and seizures relapse were observed mainly in cases of late-onset SE. (4) Conclusions: Early-onset SE seems to be associated with higher disability in short- and long-term follow-up as possible expression of severe acute brain damage.

Ketogenic diet may improve sleep quality and daytime somnolence in patients affected by multiple sclerosis. Results of an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report sleep complaints. The ketogenic diet (KD) is safe and tolerable in MS patients. Our aim was: 1) to investigate the effects of KD on sleep complaints in patients affected by relapsing-remitting MS and 2) to verify if sleep changes can positively impact on psychological status and quality of life (QoL) in these patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: From January 2020 to November 2022, we consecutively enrolled 21 non-disabled or minimally disabled MS patients. We collected information regarding: 1) anthropometric measures; 2) psychological status by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21; 3) QoL by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54); 4) subjective sleep complaints, i.e. sleep quality, by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). RESULTS: After 6 months of KD therapy, anthropometric measures considerably changed, psychological status significantly improved, and almost all the MSQOL-54 subscales ameliorated. Regarding sleep, we observed that the global PSQI (T0: 7.7 ± 3.1 versus T1: 4.4 ± 3.1, p = 0.002) and the ESS (T0: 7.5 ± 3.9 versus T1: 4.9 ± 3.2, p = 0.001) scores significantly decreased after KD therapy. At T1, only the global PSQI score was an independent predictor of anxiety, stress, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we demonstrated that KD may improve sleep complaints in MS patients. In addition, KD seems to have a positive impact on psychological status and QoL of MS patients, mainly through improving sleep quality. Further controlled studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

The use of alteplase, although safe, does not offer clear clinical advantages when mild stroke is non-disabling.

Introduction: It is unknown whether alteplase is effective and safe in patients with mild acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Determining whether symptoms are "disabling" or not is a crucial factor in the management of these patients. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of alteplase in patients with mild, non-disabling AIS. Methods: We included all consecutive patients admitted for AIS at our institution from January 2015 to May 2022 who presented a baseline NIHSS score of 0-5 and fit the criteria to receive intravenous thrombolysis. In order to select only subjects with non-disabling AIS, we excluded patients who scored more than 1 point in the following NIHSS single items: vision, language, neglect, and single limb. Patients who scored at least 1 point in the NIHSS consciousness item were excluded as well. This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Results: After the application of the exclusion criteria, we included 319 patients, stratified into patients receiving and not receiving alteplase based on non-disabling symptoms. The two groups were comparable regarding demographic and clinical data. Rates of a 3-month favorable outcome, defined as a 3-month mRS score of 0-1, were similar, being 82.3% and 86.1% in the treated and untreated patients, respectively. Hemorrhagic complications and mortality occurred infrequently and were not affected by alteplase treatment. Discussion: This observational study suggests that the use of alteplase, although safe, is not associated with a better outcome in highly selected patients with non-disabling AIS.

Stress hyperglycemia as a modifiable predictor of futile recanalization in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the first line treatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Approximately half of patients treated with MT does not have a favorable outcome 3 months after stroke. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of futile recanalization (FR) in patients with LVO treated with MT. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation LVO who underwent MT. Patients with a TICI score of 2b or 3 were included. We distinguished two groups, FR and meaningful recanalization (MR), according to patients' disability three months after stroke (FR: mRS score > 2; MR: mRS score < 2). Results: We enrolled 238 patients (FR, n = 129, 54.2%; MR, n = 109, 45.8%). Age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09, p = 0.012), female sex (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.12-5.30, p = 0.025), stress hyperglycemia, as measured by the GAR index, (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.29, p = 0.002), NIHSS at admission (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.25, p = 0.001) and time from symptoms onset to MT (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, p = 0.020) were independent predictors of FR. The AUC for the model combining age, female sex, GAR index, NIHSS at admission and time from symptoms onset to MT was 0.81 (95% CI 0.76-0.87; p < 0.001). The optimal GAR index cut-off score to predict FR was 17.9. Discussion: FR is common after MT. We recognized older age, female sex and baseline NIHSS as non-modifiable predictors of FR. On the other hand, time from symptoms onset to MT and stress hyperglycemia were modifiable pre- and post-MT factors, respectively. Any effort should be encouraged to reduce the impact of these modifiable predictors.

Restless legs syndrome in dialysis patients: a comparison between hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). A few studies so far have investigated RLS prevalence in ESRD patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence, characteristics, consequences and predictors of RLS between HD and CAPD patients. We recruited 58 HD and 28 CAPD patients. A neurologist expert in sleep medicine performed RLS diagnosis during a face-to-face interview. The prevalence of RLS was slightly higher in HD than in CAPD patients (19 vs. 10.7%). RLS appeared after the onset of kidney complaint in HD patients; in contrast, in CAPD patients RLS preceded the occurrence of renal disease. Five HD patients reported that RLS symptoms occurred throughout the dialysis session. HD patients with RLS(+) had a higher mean number of HD sessions per week and a longer mean duration of HD session than the RLS(-) ones. Prevalence of females was significantly higher in CAPD patients with RLS(+) than in the RLS(-) ones. RLS frequently affects both HD and CAPD patients. RLS impaired sleep in both groups, but use of dopaminergic agents was uncommon in our sample. Dialysis schedule was associated with RLS in HD patients, while female sex was related to RLS in CAPD patients. Awareness concerning RLS identification and treatment in HD and CAPD patients is recommended.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Just a Problem of Immunoglobulins? Controversy From Two Atypical Case Reports.

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), or the coexistence of these two entities shares similar risk factors and clinical features. For these conditions, a common origin has been supposed. Even if the majority of patients show a favorable course and a good prognosis, a small percentage of cases develop neurological complications. Up to date, only about 30 cases of PRES associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have been reported in the literature. Cases: Here, we present two cases of a particularly aggressive PRES/RCVS overlap syndrome, associated with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) variants of GBS, respectively, presenting with similar initial clinical aspects and developing both an atypical and unfavorable outcome. On MRI examination, the first patient showed typical aspects of PRES, while, in the second case, radiological features were atypical and characterized by diffusion restriction on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. The first patient demonstrated rapid worsening of clinical conditions until death; the second one manifested and maintained neurological deficits with a permanent disability. Conclusions: We suggest that PRES may conceal RCVS aspects, especially in most severe cases or when associated with a dysimmune syndrome in which autoimmune system and endothelial dysfunction probably play a prominent role in the pathogenesis. Although the role of IVIg treatment in the pathogenesis of PRES has been proposed, we suggest that GBS itself should be considered an independent risk factor in developing PRES.