Ischaemic stroke in South Asians: The BRAINS study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies on stroke in South Asian populations are sparse. The aim of this study was to compare differences in age of onset of ischaemic stroke in South Asian patients living in the United Kingdom and South Asian patients living in India versus White British stroke patients. METHODS: We studied the UK and Indian arms of the ongoing BRAINS study, an international prospective hospital-based study of South Asian stroke patients. The BRAINS study includes 4038 South Asian and White British patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke, recruited from sites in the United Kingdom and India. RESULTS: Of the included patients, 1126 were South Asians living in India (ISA), while 1176 were British South Asian (BSA) and 1736 were White British (WB) UK residents. Patients in the ISA and BSA groups experienced stroke 19.5 years and 7.2 years earlier than their WB counterparts, respectively (mean [interquartile range] age: BSA 64.3 [22] years vs. ISA 52.0 [18] years vs. WB 71.5 [19] years; p < 0.001). Patients in the BSA group had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia than those in the ISA and WB groups. After adjustment for traditional stroke risk factors, an earlier age of stroke onset of 18.9 years (p < 0.001) and 8.9 years (p < 0.001) was still observed in the ISA and BSA groups, respectively. In multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis, ethnicity accounted for 24.7% of the variance in early age onset. CONCLUSION: Patients in the BSA and ISA groups experienced ischaemic stroke approximately 9 and 19 years earlier, respectively, than their WB counterparts. Ethnicity is an independent predictor of early age of stroke onset. Our study has considerable implications for public health policymakers in countries with sizable South Asian populations.

Improving 30-day mortality after PEG tube placement in England from 2007 to 2019: a retrospective national cohort analysis of 87,862 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: PEG has been associated with poor case selection and high mortality. We examined indications, 30-day mortality, and 7-day adverse events in a national cohort undergoing PEG tube insertion. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing their first PEG tube insertion from 2007 to 2019 were identified in the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Indications and adverse events were identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision codes. Multivariable logistic regression modeling examined factors associated with mortality. RESULTS: Of 87,682 patients identified, 58% were men and median age was 69 years (interquartile range, 57-79). The number of patients with dementia or stroke as the indication for PEG fell from 2007 to 2019 (dementia, from 147 to 28 [P < .001]; stroke, from 2851 to 1781 [P < .001]). The median interval from stroke admission to PEG tube insertion increased from 21 (interquartile range, 12-36) to 28 (interquartile range, 13-45) days (P < .001). Aspiration pneumonia within 7 days of PEG fell from 10.2% to 8.6% (P = .04). Thirty-day mortality fell from 13.2% to 5.3% (P < .001), with associated factors of increasing age (≥82 years quintile odds ratio [OR], 4.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.01-4.92), PEG tube insertion during emergency admission (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.97-2.25), Charlson comorbidity score ≥5 (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.53-1.82), and dementia (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.26-1.71). Female sex (OR, .81; 95% CI, .77-.85), least-deprived quintile (OR, .88; 95% CI, .81-.95), and more recent years of PEG tube insertion (2019; OR, .44; 95% CI, .39-.51) were negatively associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-day mortality after PEG tube insertion has fallen 60% over 13 years. Dementia or stroke as an indication for PEG fell, and the time interval from stroke to PEG tube insertion increased. These findings may be attributable to improved patient selection and timing for PEG tube insertion.

Can the early use of botulinum toxin in post stroke spasticity reduce contracture development? A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Does early treatment of spasticity with botulinum-toxin (BoNTA), in (hyper)acute stroke patients without arm-function, reduce contractures and improve function. DESIGN: Randomised placebo-controlled-trial. SETTING: Specialised stroke-unit. PARTICIPANTS & INTERVENTION: Patients with an Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) grasp-score⩽2 who developed spasticity within six-weeks of a first stroke were randomised to receive injections of: 0.9%sodium-chloride solution (placebo) or onabotulinumtoxin-A (treatment). OUTCOME-MEASURES: Spasticity, contractures, splint use and arm function (ARAT) were taken at baseline, 12-weeks post-injection and six-months after stroke. Additionally, spasticity and contractures were measured at weeks-two, four and six post-injection. RESULTS: Ninety three patients were randomised. Mean time to intervention was 18-days (standard deviation = 9.3). Spasticity was lower in the treatment group with difference being significant between week-2 to 12 (elbow) and week-2 to 6 (wrist). Mean-difference (MD) varied between -8.5(95% CI -17 to 0) to -9.4(95% CI -14 to -5) µV.Contracture formation was slower in the treatment group. Passive range of motion was higher in the treatment group and was significant at week-12 (elbow MD6.6 (95% CI -0.7 to -12.6)) and week-6 (wrist MD11.8 (95% CI 3.8 to 19.8)). The use of splints was lower in the treatment group odds ratio was 7.2 (95% CI 1.5 to 34.1) and 4.2 (95% CI 1.3 to 14.0) at week-12 and month-6 respectively.Arm-function was not significantly different between the groups MD2.4 (95% CI -5.3 to 10.1) and 2.9 (95% CI -5.8 to 11.6) at week-12 and month-6 respectively. CONCLUSION: BoNTA reduced spasticity and contractures after stroke and effects lasted for approximately 12-weeks. BoNTA reduced the need for concomitant contracture treatment and did not interfere with recovery of arm function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT (2010-021257-39) and ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier: NCT01882556.

Diabetes mellitus and obesity among South Asians with ischemic stroke across three countries.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and central obesity are more common among South Asian populations than among White British people. This study explores the differences in diabetes and obesity in South Asians with stroke living in the United Kingdom, India, and Qatar compared with White British stroke patients. METHODS: The study included the UK, Indian, and Qatari arms of the ongoing large Bio-Repository of DNA in Stroke (BRAINS) international prospective hospital-based study for South Asian stroke. BRAINS includes 4580 South Asian and White British recruits from UK, Indian, and Qatar sites with first-ever ischemic stroke. RESULTS: The study population comprises 1751 White British (WB) UK residents, 1165 British South Asians (BSA), 1096 South Asians in India (ISA), and 568 South Asians in Qatar (QSA). ISA, BSA, and QSA South Asians suffered from higher prevalence of diabetes compared with WB by 14.5% (ISA: 95% confidence interval (CI) = 18.6-33.0, p < 0.001), 31.7% (BSA: 95% CI = 35.1-50.2, p < 0.001), and 32.7% (QSA: 95% CI = 28.1-37.3, p < 0.001), respectively. Although WB had the highest prevalence of body mass index (BMI) above 27 kg/m2 compared with South Asian patients (37% vs 21%, p < 0.001), South Asian patients had a higher waist circumference than WB (94.8 cm vs 90.8 cm, p < 0.001). Adjusting for traditional stroke risk factors, ISA, BSA, and QSA continued to display an increased risk of diabetes compared with WB by 3.28 (95% CI: 2.53-4.25, p < 0.001), 3.61 (95% CI: 2.90-4.51, p < 0.001), and 5.24 (95% CI: 3.93-7.00, p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: South Asian ischemic stroke patients living in Britain and Qatar have a near 3.5-fold risk of diabetes compared with White British stroke patients. Their body composition may partly help explain that increased risk. These findings have important implications for public health policymakers in nations with large South Asian populations.

Atrial fibrillation in UK South Asian hospitalized ischemic stroke patients: The BRAINS study.

INTRODUCTION: South Asian diaspora comprise one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the world yet data about atrial fibrillation (AF) in this demographic is understudied. Our aim is to identify differences in AF prevalence and treatment between South Asians and white British stroke patients. METHOD: The UK arm of a prospective ongoing large international repository on stroke was analysed. Ethnic differences in AF prevalence and management in those with ischemic stroke were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 3515 individuals recruited with ischemic stroke, 1482 (men: 972, women: 510) were South Asian and 2033 (men:1141, women:892) of white British ethnicity. AF was present in 462 white British and 193 South Asians stroke patients, with South Asians displaying a lower prevalence of AF (South Asians: 13.0% vs white British 22.7%, P<0.001). Despite adjustment for traditional AF risk factors, South Asians had a significantly lower OR of AF compared to white British stroke patients (OR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.33:0.49, P<0.001). Among confirmed AF cases, 31.8% of South Asians and 41.4% of white British were untreated at admission (P = 0.02). Antiplatelet treatment was significantly higher among South Asians at both admission (South Asian: 47.4% vs. white British: 29.9%, P<0.001) and discharge (South Asian: 49.5% vs. white British: 34.7%, P = 0.001), although anticoagulation treatment was similar across both ethnic groups at admission (South Asian: 28.5% vs white British: 28.1%, P = 0.93), and discharge (South Asian: 45.1% vs white British: 43.1%, P = 0.64). CONCLUSION: Stroke patients of South Asian descent are at significantly lower risk of AF but more likely to be on antiplatelet treatment compared to their white British counterparts.

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis in pancreatic cancer and other high-risk malignancies: the case for prophylactic treatment.

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) typically affects patients with underlying adenocarcinoma, often of pancreatic origin. If untreated, it can lead to serious morbidity and mortality, including recurrent ischaemic stroke. NBTE is frequently missed or confused with infective endocarditis, leading to inappropriate management. We present the case of a 54-year-old male with newly diagnosed pancreatic malignancy (CA19-9 >120 000) who suffered recurrent deep-vein-thromboses and multiple ischaemic strokes despite full anticoagulation therapy. Transoesophageal echocardiography was correctly performed, but only after a second stroke was NBTE considered. We recommend early clinical suspicion and investigation for NBTE in patients with known or suspected malignancy presenting with neurological symptoms consistent with stroke. Initial calculations indicate this could also be cost-effective. Further, the patient's significantly elevated tumour-markers and NBTE-severity raise the possibility of a link; if further research established a reliable relationship, routine surveillance of high-risk malignancies could identify patients who might benefit from earlier echocardiography and anticoagulation management.

The early use of botulinum toxin in post-stroke spasticity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients surviving stroke but who have significant impairment of function in the affected arm are at more risk of developing pain, stiffness and contractures. The abnormal muscle activity, associated with post-stroke spasticity, is thought to be causally associated with the development of these complications. Treatment of spasticity is currently delayed until a patient develops signs of these complications. METHODS/DESIGN: This protocol is for a phase II study that aims to identify whether using OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) in combination with physiotherapy early post stroke when initial abnormal muscle activity is neurophysiologically identified can prevent loss of range at joints and improve functional outcomes.The trial uses a screening phase to identify which people are appropriate to be included in a double blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. All patients admitted to Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust Hospitals with a diagnosis of stroke will be screened to identify functional activity in the arm. Those who have no function will be appropriate for further screening. Patients who are screened and have abnormal muscle activity identified on EMG will be given electrical stimulation to forearm extensors for 3 months and randomised to have either injections of BoNT-A or normal saline. The primary outcome measure is the action research arm test - a measure of arm function. Further measures include spasticity, stiffness, muscle strength and fatigue as well as measures of quality of life, participation and caregiver strain. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: ISRCTN57435427, EudraCT2010-021257-39, NCT01882556.