Exploratory study of how Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation restores parietal operculum connectivity and improves upper limb movements in chronic stroke.

Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation (CMR) is a promising therapy for upper limb recovery in stroke, but the brain mechanisms are unknown. We previously demonstrated that the parietal operculum (parts OP1/OP4) is activated with CMR exercises. In this exploratory study, we assessed the baseline difference between OP1/OP4 functional connectivity (FC) at rest in stroke versus healthy adults to then explore whether CMR affects OP1/OP4 connectivity and sensorimotor recovery after stroke. We recruited 8 adults with chronic stroke and left hemiplegia/paresis and 22 healthy adults. Resting-state FC with the OP1/OP4 region-of-interest in the affected hemisphere was analysed before and after 6 weeks of CMR. We evaluated sensorimotor function and activities of daily life pre- and post-CMR, and at 1-year post-CMR. At baseline, we found decreased FC between the right OP1/OP4 and 34 areas distributed across all lobes in stroke versus healthy adults. After CMR, only four areas had decreased FC compared to healthy adults. Compared to baseline (pre-CMR), participants improved on motor function (MESUPES arm p = 0.02; MESUPES hand p = 0.03; MESUPES total score p = 0.006); on stereognosis (p = 0.03); and on the Frenchay Activities Index (p = 0.03) at post-CMR and at 1-year follow-up. These results suggest enhanced sensorimotor recovery post-stroke after CMR. Our results justify larger-scale studies.

Infarct Volume Predicts Hospitalization Costs in Anterior Circulation Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion stroke, one of the most devastating stroke subtypes, is associated with substantial economic burden. We aimed to identify predictors of increased acute care hospitalization costs associated with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comprehensive cost-tracking software was used to calculate acute care hospitalization costs for patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion stroke admitted July 2012 to October 2014. Patient demographics and stroke characteristics were analyzed, including final infarct volume on follow-up neuroimaging. Predictors of hospitalization costs were determined using multivariable linear regression including subgroup cost analyses by treatment technique (endovascular, IV tPA-only, and no reperfusion therapy) and sensitivity analyses incorporating patients initially excluded due to early withdrawal of care. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-one patients (median age, 69 years; interquartile range, 57-80 years; median NIHSS score, 16; interquartile range, 13-21) were included in our primary analysis. Final infarct volume, parenchymal hematoma, baseline NIHSS score, ipsilateral carotid stenosis, age, and obstructive sleep apnea were significant predictors of acute care hospitalization costs. Final infarct volume alone accounted for 20.87% of the total cost variance. Additionally, final infarct volume was consistently the strongest predictor of increased cost in primary, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Final infarct volume was the strongest predictor of increased hospitalization costs in anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion stroke. Acute stroke therapies that reduce final infarct volume may not only improve clinical outcomes but may also prove cost-effective.