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.

Transitioning to home and beyond following stroke: a prospective cohort study of outcomes and needs.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding of the needs of people with stroke at hospital discharge and in the first six-months is limited. This study aim was to profile and document the needs of people with stroke at hospital discharge to home and thereafter. METHODS: A prospective cohort study recruiting individuals with stroke, from three hospitals, who transitioned home, either directly, through rehabilitation, or with early supported discharge teams. Their outcomes (global-health, cognition, function, quality of life, needs) were described using validated questionnaires and a needs survey, at 7-10 days, and at 3-, and 6-months, post-discharge. RESULTS: 72 patients were available at hospital discharge; mean age 70 (SD 13); 61% female; median NIHSS score of 4 (IQR 0-20). 62 (86%), 54 (75%), and 45 (63%) individuals were available respectively at each data collection time-point. Perceived disability was considerable at hospital discharge (51% with mRS ≥ 3), and while it improved at 3-months, it increased thereafter (35% with mRS ≥ 3 at 6-months). Mean physical health and social functioning were "fair" at hospital discharge and ongoing; while HR-QOL, although improved over time, remained impaired at 6-months (0.69+/-0.28). At 6-months cognitive impairment was present in 40%. Unmet needs included involvement in transition planning and care decisions, with ongoing rehabilitation, information, and support needs. The median number of unmet needs at discharge to home was four (range:1-9), and three (range:1-7) at 6-months. CONCLUSION: Stroke community reintegration is challenging for people with stroke and their families, with high levels of unmet need. Profiling outcomes and unmet needs for people with stroke at hospital-to-home transition and onwards are crucial for shaping the development of effective support interventions to be delivered at this juncture. ISRCTN REGISTRATION: 02/08/2022; ISRCTN44633579.

Markers of periodontal disease and risk of stroke: INTERSTROKE case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease may be an important modifiable risk factor for stroke. AIMS: To determine the contribution of markers of periodontal disease to stroke risk globally, within subpopulations, and by stroke subtypes. METHODS: INTERSTROKE is the largest international case-control study of risk factors for first acute stroke. All participants were asked a standardised set of questions about the presence or absence of painful teeth, painful gums or lost teeth, as markers of periodontal disease, within the previous year. The total number of reported variables was calculated per participant. Multivariable conditional logistic regression examined the association of these variables with acute stroke. RESULTS: In 26901 participants, across 32 countries, there was a significant multivariable association between lost teeth and stroke (OR 1.11, 95 % CI 1.01 - 1.22), but not painful teeth (OR 1.00, 95 % CI 0.91-1.10) or painful gums (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 0.89 - 1.14). When these symptoms were considered together there was a graded increased odds of stroke, with the largest magnitude of association seen if a patient reported all three of painful teeth, painful gums and lost teeth (OR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.00 - 1.79). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that features of severe periodontal disease are a risk factor for acute stroke. Periodontal disease should be considered as a potentially modifiable risk factor for stroke.

Risk Factors for Stroke in the Young (18-45 Years): A Case-Control Analysis of INTERSTROKE Data from 32 Countries.

BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether conventional vascular risk factors are responsible for most strokes in patients younger than 45 years of age. Our objective was to evaluate the association of common risk factors with stroke in individuals under 45 years. METHODS: INTERSTROKE was a case-control study carried out in 32 countries between 2007 and 2015. Patients presenting within 5 days of symptom onset of a first stroke were enrolled as cases. Controls were age and sex matched to cases and had no history of stroke. Cases and controls underwent similar evaluations. Odds ratios (ORs) and population attributable risks (PARs) were calculated to determine the association of various risk factors with all stroke, ischemic stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage, for patients 45 years of age or younger. FINDINGS: 1,582 case-control pairs were included in this analysis. The mean age of this cohort was 38.5 years (SD 6.32). Overall, 71% strokes were ischemic. Cardiac causes {OR: 8.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.01-23.5)}; binge drinking of alcohol (OR: 5.44 [95% CI: 1.81-16.4]); hypertension (OR: 5.41 [95% CI: 3.40-8.58]); ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (OR: 2.74 [95% CI: 1.69-4.46]); psychosocial stress (OR: 2.33 [95% CI: 1.01-5.41]); smoking (OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.17-2.94]); and increased waist-to-hip ratio (OR: 1.69 [95% CI: 1.04-2.75]) were the most important risk factors for ischemic stroke in these young cases. For intracerebral hemorrhage, only hypertension (OR: 9.08 [95% CI: 5.46-15.1]) and binge drinking (OR: 4.06 [95% CI: 1.27-13.0]) were significant risk factors. The strength of association and population attributable risk (PAR) for hypertension increased with age (PAR 23.3% in those <35 years of age, 50.7% in 35-45 years of age). INTERPRETATION: Conventional risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, binge drinking of alcohol, central obesity, cardiac causes, dyslipidemia, and psychosocial stress are important risk factors for stroke in those younger than 45 years of age. Hypertension is the most significant risk factor in all age groups and across all regions and both stroke subtypes. These risk factors should be identified and modified in early adulthood to prevent strokes in young individuals.

How do stroke early supported discharge services achieve intensive and responsive service provision? Findings from a realist evaluation study (WISE).

BACKGROUND: Stroke Early Supported Discharge (ESD) involves provision of responsive and intensive rehabilitation to stroke survivors at home and it is recommended as part of the stroke care pathway. Core components have been identified to guide the delivery of evidence-based ESD, however, service provision in England is of variable quality. The study sought to understand how and in what conditions the adoption of these components drives the delivery of responsive and intensive ESD services in real world settings. METHODS: This qualitative study was part of a wider multimethod realist evaluation project (WISE) conducted to inform large-scale ESD implementation. Overarching programme theories and related context-mechanism-outcome configurations were used as a framework to guide data collection and analysis. Six case study sites were purposively selected; interviews and focus groups with ESD staff members were conducted and analysed iteratively. RESULTS: We interviewed 117 ESD staff members including clinicians and service managers. Staff highlighted the role of certain core components including eligibility criteria, capacity, team composition and multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordination in achieving responsive and intensive ESD. Regardless of the geographical setting, adhering to evidence-based selection criteria, promoting an interdisciplinary skillset and supporting the role of rehabilitation assistants, allowed teams to manage capacity issues and maximise therapy time. Gaps in the stroke care pathway, however, meant that teams had to problem solve beyond their remit to cater for the complex needs of patients with severe disabilities. Adjusting MDT structures and processes was seen as key in addressing challenges posed by travel times and rural geography. CONCLUSIONS: Despite variations in the wider service model of operation and geographical location, the adoption of core components of ESD helped teams manage the pressures and deliver services that met evidence-based standards. Findings point to a well-recognised gap in service provision in England for stroke survivors who do not meet the ESD criteria and emphasise the need for a more integrated and comprehensive stroke service provision. Transferable lessons could be drawn to inform improvement interventions aimed at promoting evidence-based service delivery in different settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN: 15,568,163, registration date: 26 October 2018.

Anger or emotional upset and heavy physical exertion as triggers of stroke: the INTERSTROKE study.

AIMS: In INTERSTROKE, we explored the association of anger or emotional upset and heavy physical exertion with acute stroke, to determine the importance of triggers in a large, international population. METHODS AND RESULTS: INTERSTROKE was a case-control study of first stroke in 32 countries. Using 13 462 cases of acute stroke we adopted a case-crossover approach to determine whether a trigger within 1 hour of symptom onset (case period), vs. the same time on the previous day (control period), was associated with acute stroke. A total of 9.2% (n = 1233) were angry or emotional upset and 5.3% (n = 708) engaged in heavy physical exertion during the case period. Anger or emotional upset in the case period was associated with increased odds of all stroke [odds ratio (OR) 1.37, 99% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-1.64], ischaemic stroke (OR 1.22, 99% CI, 1.00-1.49), and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) (OR 2.05, 99% CI 1.40-2.99). Heavy physical exertion in the case period was associated with increased odds of ICH (OR 1.62, 99% CI 1.03-2.55) but not with all stroke or ischaemic stroke. There was no modifying effect by region, prior cardiovascular disease, risk factors, cardiovascular medications, time, or day of symptom onset. Compared with exposure to neither trigger during the control period, the odds of stroke associated with exposure to both triggers were not additive. CONCLUSION: Acute anger or emotional upset was associated with the onset of all stroke, ischaemic stroke, and ICH, while acute heavy physical exertion was associated with ICH only.

Strategies for specialty training of healthcare professionals in low-resource settings: a systematic review on evidence from stroke care.

BACKGROUND: The greatest mortality and disability from stroke occurs in low- and middle-income countries. A significant barrier to implementation of best stroke care practices in these settings is limited availability of specialized healthcare training. We conducted a systematic review to determine the most effective methods for the provision of speciality stroke care education for hospital-based healthcare professionals in low-resource settings. METHODS: We followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for original clinical research articles that described or evaluated stroke care education for hospital-based healthcare professionals in low-resource settings. Two reviewers screened titles/abstracts and then full text articles. Three reviewers critically appraised the articles selected for inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 1,182 articles were identified and eight were eligible for inclusion in this review; three were randomized controlled trials, four were non-randomized studies, and one was a descriptive study. Most studies used several approaches to education. A "train-the-trainer" approach to education was found to have the most positive clinical outcomes (lower overall complications, lengths of stay in hospital, and clinical vascular events). When used for quality improvement, the "train-the-trainer" approach increased patient reception of eligible performance measures. When technology was used to provide stroke education there was an increased frequency in diagnosis of stroke and use of antithrombotic treatment, reduced door-to-needle times, and increased support for decision making in medication prescription was reported. Task-shifting workshops for non-neurologists improved knowledge of stroke and patient care. Multidimensional education demonstrated an overall care quality improvement and increased prescriptions for evidence-based therapies, although, there were no significant differences in secondary prevention efforts, stroke reoccurrence or mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: The "train the trainer" approach is likely the most effective strategy for specialist stroke education, while technology is also useful if resources are available to support its development and use. If resources are limited, basic knowledge education should be considered at a minimum and multidimensional training may not be as beneficial. Research into communities of practice, led by those in similar settings, may be helpful to develop educational initiatives with relevance to local contexts.

Stroke in Sierra Leone. the stroke risk factors for people with HIV: A prospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: HIV infection rates are relatively low in Sierra Leone and in West Africa but the contribution of HIV to the risk factors for stroke and outcomes is unknown. In this study, we examined stroke types, presentation, risk factors and outcome in HIV stroke patients compared with controls. METHODS: We used data from the Stroke in Sierra Leone Study at 2 tertiary hospitals in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A case control design was used to compare stroke type, presentation, risk factors and outcome in sero-positive HIV patients with HIV negative stroke controls. Controls were matched for age and gender and a 1:4 ratio cases to controls was used to optimize power. Analysis was performed using the Pearson x2 for categorical variable, Paired-T test and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: Of 511 (51.8%) stroke patients tested for HIV, 36 (7.1%) were positive. Univariate unmatched analysis showed a stroke mean age of 49 years in HIV-positive versus 58 years in HIV-negative population (p = <0.001). In the case-control group, ischaemic stroke is the major type reported in both populations, HIV-negative population: 77 (53.5%) versus HIV-positive: 25 (69.4%) (p = 0.084). Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor in both groups, HIV-positive: 23 (63.9%) versus HIV-negative: 409 (86.1%) (p = 0.001). Lower CD4+ count is associated in-hospital mortality (p = <0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings support the current call for timely management of stroke and HIV through integrated care.

Role of Proxy Respondents in International Stroke Research: Experience of the INTERSTROKE Study.

INTRODUCTION: Measuring patient-reported information in stroke research is challenging. To overcome this, use of proxy respondents is often a necessary strategy. In this study, we report on use and effect of proxy respondents on patient case-mix in a large international epidemiologic stroke study (INTERSTROKE). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 13,458 cases of acute first stroke in 32 countries. A standardized study questionnaire recording behavioural cardiovascular risk factors was administered to the patient, and if unable to communicate adequately, a valid proxy, or both. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of age, sex, education, occupation, stroke severity, and region with need for proxy respondent, and report odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Among 13,458 participants with acute stroke, questionnaires were completed by patients alone in 41.4% (n = 5,573), combination of patient and proxy together in 21.7% (n = 2,918), and proxy alone in 36.9% (n = 4,967). Use of proxy alone was greater in participants with severe stroke (4.7% with modified-Rankin score of 0 vs. 80.5% in those with score 5; OR 187.13; 95% CI: 119.61-308.22), older persons (43.8% of those aged 80 years and over vs. 33.2% of those aged less than 40 years; age per decade OR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06-1.12), women (40.7% vs. 34.3% of men; OR 1.32 95% CI: 1.22-1.43), and those less educated (58.9% of those never educated vs. 25.7% of those who attended third level education; OR 7.84; 95% CI: 6.78-9.08). CONCLUSION: Use of proxy respondents enhances the generalizability of international research studies of stroke, by increasing representation of women, patients with severe stroke, older age, and lower education.

Availability of stroke services and hospital facilities at different hospital levels in Thailand: a cross-sectional survey study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke has one of the biggest burden of disease in Thailand and all health regions have been tasked to develop their service delivery to achieve the national key performance indicators set out by the Thai service plan strategy 2018-2022. Our aim was to characterise stroke services and hospital facilities by investigating differences in facilities across different hospital levels in Thailand. METHODS: Self-complete questionnaires were distributed to 119 hospitals in 12 health regions between November-December 2019. Participants were health professionals whose main responsibilities are related to stroke service provision in their hospital. Descriptive statistics were used to report differences of stroke service provision between advanced-level, standard-level and mid-level referral hospitals. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (32% response rate) completed questionnaires were returned. All advanced-level, standard-level (100%) and 55% of mid-level referral hospitals provided stroke units. Neurologists were available in advanced-level (100%) and standard-level referral hospitals (50%). Standard-level and mid-level referral hospitals only had a quarter of rehabilitation physicians compared to advanced-level referral hospital. Home-based rehabilitation was provided at 100% in mid-level but only at 16% and 50% in advanced-level and standard-level referral hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Setting up a stroke unit, as a national goal that was set out in the service plan strategy 2018-2022, was achieved fully (100%) in advanced-level and standard-level referral hospitals including key essential supportive components. However, capacity in hospitals was found to be limited and stroke service delivery needs to be improved especially at mid-level referral hospitals. This should include regular organisational surveys and the use of electronic records to facilitate monitoring of clinical/health outcomes of patients.

Effectiveness of interventions to support the transition home after acute stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Effective support interventions to manage the transition to home after stroke are still mostly unknown. AIM: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of support interventions at transition from organised stroke services to independent living at home. METHODS: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, six databases including MEDLINE and Embase, trial registries, grey literature, and Google Scholar were all searched, up to June 2021. We included randomised controlled trials enrolling people with stroke to receive either standard care or any type of support intervention from organised stroke services to home. The primary outcome was functional status. Two authors determined eligibility, extracted data, evaluated risk of bias (ROB2), and verified the evidence (GRADE). Where possible we performed meta-analyses using Risk Ratios (RR) or Mean Differences (MD). RESULTS: We included 17 studies. Support interventions led to important improvements in functional status, as determined by the Barthel Index up, to 3-months (MD 7.87 points, 95%CI:6.84 to 19.16; 620 participants; five studies; I2 = 77%). Results showed modest but significant functional gains in the medium to long-term (6-12 month follow up, MD 2.91 points, 95%CI:0.03 to 5.81; 1207 participants; six studies; I2 = 84%). Certainty of evidence was low. Support interventions may enhance quality of life for up to 3-months (MD 1.3,95% CI:0.84 to 1.76), and reduce depression (SMD -0.1,95% CI:-0.29 to - 0.05) and anxiety (MD -1.18,95% CI:-1.84 to - 0.52) at 6-12 months. Effects on further secondary outcomes are still unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating support interventions as people who have experienced a stroke transition from hospital to home can improve functional status and other outcomes. Due to study heterogeneity, the essential components of effective transition of care interventions are still unknown. Adoption of core outcome sets in stroke research would allow for greater comparison across studies. Application of a development and evaluation framework engaging stakeholders would increase understanding of priorities for stroke survivors, and inform the key components of an intervention at transition from hospital-to-home. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42021237397 - https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero.

Is Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Admission Avoidance Hospital at Home an Alternative to Hospital Admission for Older Persons? : A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Delivering hospital-level care with comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in the home is one approach to deal with the increased demand for bed-based hospital care, but clinical effectiveness is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical effectiveness of admission avoidance hospital at home (HAH) with CGA for older persons. DESIGN: Multisite randomized trial. (ISRCTN registry number: ISRCTN60477865). SETTING: 9 hospital and community sites in the United Kingdom. PATIENTS: 1055 older persons who were medically unwell, were physiologically stable, and were referred for a hospital admission. INTERVENTION: Admission avoidance HAH with CGA versus hospital admission with CGA when available using 2:1 randomization. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome of living at home was measured at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were new admission to long-term residential care, death, health status, delirium, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 83.3 years (SD, 7.0). At 6-month follow-up, 528 of 672 (78.6%) participants in the CGA HAH group versus 247 of 328 (75.3%) participants in the hospital group were living at home (relative risk [RR], 1.05 [95% CI, 0.95 to 1.15]; P = 0.36); 114 of 673 (16.9%) versus 58 of 328 (17.7%) had died (RR, 0.98 [CI, 0.65 to 1.47]; P = 0.92); and 37 of 646 (5.7%) versus 27 of 311 (8.7%) were in long-term residential care (RR, 0.58 [CI, 0.45 to 0.76]; P < 0.001). LIMITATION: The findings are most applicable to older persons referred from a hospital short-stay acute medical assessment unit; episodes of delirium may have been undetected. CONCLUSION: Admission avoidance HAH with CGA led to similar outcomes as hospital admission in the proportion of older persons living at home as well as a decrease in admissions to long-term residential care at 6 months. This type of service can provide an alternative to hospitalization for selected older persons. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research Programme (12/209/66).

Stroke systems of care in high-income countries: what is optimal?

Stroke is a complex, time-sensitive, medical emergency that requires well functioning systems of care to optimise treatment and improve patient outcomes. Education and training campaigns are needed to improve both the recognition of stroke among the general public and the response of emergency medical services. Specialised stroke ambulances (mobile stroke units) have been piloted in many cities to speed up the diagnosis, triage, and emergency treatment of people with acute stroke symptoms. Hospital-based interdisciplinary stroke units remain the central feature of a modern stroke service. Many have now developed a role in the very early phase (hyperacute units) plus outreach for patients who return home (early supported discharge services). Different levels (comprehensive and primary) of stroke centre and telemedicine networks have been developed to coordinate the various service components with specialist investigations and interventions including rehabilitation. Major challenges include the harmonisation of resources for stroke across the whole patient journey (including the rapid, accurate triage of patients who require highly specialised treatment in comprehensive stroke centres) and the development of technology to improve communication across different parts of a service.

Renal Impairment and Risk of Acute Stroke: The INTERSTROKE Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported an association of renal impairment with stroke, but there are uncertainties underpinning this association. AIMS: We explored if the association is explained by shared risk factors or is independent and whether there are regional or stroke subtype variations. METHODS: INTERSTROKE is a case-control study and the largest international study of risk factors for first acute stroke, completed in 27 countries. We included individuals with available serum creatinine values and calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Renal impairment was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine the association of renal function with stroke. RESULTS: Of 21,127 participants, 41.0% were female, the mean age was 62.3 ± 13.4 years, and the mean eGFR was 79.9 ± 23.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. The prevalence of renal impairment was higher in cases (22.9% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.001) and differed by region (p < 0.001). After adjustment, lower eGFR was associated with increased odds of stroke. Renal impairment was associated with increased odds of all stroke (OR 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24-1.47), with higher odds for intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.35-1.89) than ischemic stroke (OR 1.29; 95% CI: 1.17-1.42) (pinteraction 0.12). The largest magnitudes of association were seen in younger participants and those living in Africa, South Asia, or South America (pinteraction < 0.001 for all stroke). Renal impairment was also associated with poorer clinical outcome (RRR 2.97; 95% CI: 2.50-3.54 for death within 1 month). CONCLUSION: Renal impairment is an important risk factor for stroke, particularly in younger patients, and is associated with more severe stroke and worse outcomes.

The Stroke Unit Story: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?

BACKGROUND: The concept of stroke unit care has been discussed for over 50 years, but it is only in the last 25 years that clear evidence of its effectiveness has emerged to inform these discussions. SUMMARY: This review outlines the history of the concept of stroke units to improve recovery after stroke and their evaluation in clinical trials. It describes the first systematic review of stroke unit trials published in 1993, the establishment of a collaborative research group (the Stroke Unit Trialists' Collaboration), the subsequent analyses and updates of the evidence base, and the efforts to implement stroke unit care in routine settings. The final section considers some of the remaining challenges in this area of research and clinical practice. Key Messages: Good quality evidence confirms that stroke patients who are looked after in a stroke unit are more likely to survive and be independent and living at home 1 year after their stroke. The apparent benefits are independent of patient age, sex, stroke type, or initial stroke severity. The benefits are most obvious in units based in a discrete ward (stroke ward). The current challenges include integrating effective stroke units with more recent systems to deliver hyper-acute stroke interventions and implementing stroke units in lower resource regions.

Experiences of augmented arm rehabilitation including supported self-management after stroke: a qualitative investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of stroke survivors and their carers of augmented arm rehabilitation including supported self-management in terms of its acceptability, appropriateness and relevance. DESIGN: A qualitative design, nested within a larger, multi-centre randomized controlled feasibility trial that compared augmented arm rehabilitation starting at three or nine weeks after stroke, with usual care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in both augmented arm rehabilitation groups. Normalization Process Theory was used to inform the topic guide and map the findings. Framework analysis was applied. SETTING: Interviews were conducted in stroke survivors' homes, at Glasgow Caledonian University and in hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 17 stroke survivors and five carers were interviewed after completion of augmented arm rehabilitation. INTERVENTION: Evidence-based augmented arm rehabilitation (27 additional hours over six weeks), including therapist-led sessions and supported self-management. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) acceptability of the intervention (2) supported self-management and (3) coping with the intervention. All stroke survivors coped well with the intensity of the augmented arm rehabilitation programme. The majority of stroke survivors engaged in supported self-management and implemented activities into their daily routine. However, the findings suggest that some stroke survivors (male >70 years) had difficulties with self-management, needing a higher level of support. CONCLUSION: Augmented arm rehabilitation commencing within nine weeks post stroke was reported to be well tolerated. The findings suggested that supported self-management seemed acceptable and appropriate to those who saw the relevance of the rehabilitation activities for their daily lives, and embedded them into their daily routines.

Thyroid Hormone Therapy for Older Adults with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: The use of levothyroxine to treat subclinical hypothyroidism is controversial. We aimed to determine whether levothyroxine provided clinical benefits in older persons with this condition. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial involving 737 adults who were at least 65 years of age and who had persisting subclinical hypothyroidism (thyrotropin level, 4.60 to 19.99 mIU per liter; free thyroxine level within the reference range). A total of 368 patients were assigned to receive levothyroxine (at a starting dose of 50 µg daily, or 25 µg if the body weight was <50 kg or the patient had coronary heart disease), with dose adjustment according to the thyrotropin level; 369 patients were assigned to receive placebo with mock dose adjustment. The two primary outcomes were the change in the Hypothyroid Symptoms score and Tiredness score on a thyroid-related quality-of-life questionnaire at 1 year (range of each scale is 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more symptoms or tiredness, respectively; minimum clinically important difference, 9 points). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 74.4 years, and 396 patients (53.7%) were women. The mean (±SD) thyrotropin level was 6.40±2.01 mIU per liter at baseline; at 1 year, this level had decreased to 5.48 mIU per liter in the placebo group, as compared with 3.63 mIU per liter in the levothyroxine group (P<0.001), at a median dose of 50 µg. We found no differences in the mean change at 1 year in the Hypothyroid Symptoms score (0.2±15.3 in the placebo group and 0.2±14.4 in the levothyroxine group; between-group difference, 0.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.0 to 2.1) or the Tiredness score (3.2±17.7 and 3.8±18.4, respectively; between-group difference, 0.4; 95% CI, -2.1 to 2.9). No beneficial effects of levothyroxine were seen on secondary-outcome measures. There was no significant excess of serious adverse events prespecified as being of special interest. CONCLUSIONS: Levothyroxine provided no apparent benefits in older persons with subclinical hypothyroidism. (Funded by European Union FP7 and others; TRUST ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01660126 .).

Organised inpatient (stroke unit) care for stroke: network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Organised inpatient (stroke unit) care is provided by multi-disciplinary teams that manage stroke patients. This can been provided in a ward dedicated to stroke patients (stroke ward), with a peripatetic stroke team (mobile stroke team), or within a generic disability service (mixed rehabilitation ward). Team members aim to provide co-ordinated multi-disciplinary care using standard approaches to manage common post-stroke problems. OBJECTIVES: • To assess the effects of organised inpatient (stroke unit) care compared with an alternative service. • To use a network meta-analysis (NMA) approach to assess different types of organised inpatient (stroke unit) care for people admitted to hospital after a stroke (the standard comparator was care in a general ward). Originally, we conducted this systematic review to clarify: • The characteristic features of organised inpatient (stroke unit) care? • Whether organised inpatient (stroke unit) care provide better patient outcomes than alternative forms of care? • If benefits are apparent across a range of patient groups and across different approaches to delivering organised stroke unit care? Within the current version, we wished to establish whether previous conclusions were altered by the inclusion of new outcome data from recent trials and further analysis via NMA. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (2 April 2019); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 4), in the Cochrane Library (searched 2 April 2019); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 1 April 2019); Embase Ovid (1974 to 1 April 2019); and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982 to 2 April 2019). In an effort to identify further published, unpublished, and ongoing trials, we searched seven trial registries (2 April 2019). We also performed citation tracking of included studies, checked reference lists of relevant articles, and contacted trialists. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled clinical trials comparing organised inpatient stroke unit care with an alternative service (typically contemporary conventional care), including comparing different types of organised inpatient (stroke unit) care for people with stroke who are admitted to hospital. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors assessed eligibility and trial quality. We checked descriptive details and trial data with co-ordinators of the original trials, assessed risk of bias, and applied GRADE. The primary outcome was poor outcome (death or dependency (Rankin score 3 to 5) or requiring institutional care) at the end of scheduled follow-up. Secondary outcomes included death, institutional care, dependency, subjective health status, satisfaction, and length of stay. We used direct (pairwise) comparisons to compare organised inpatient (stroke unit) care with an alternative service. We used an NMA to confirm the relative effects of different approaches. MAIN RESULTS: We included 29 trials (5902 participants) that compared organised inpatient (stroke unit) care with an alternative service: 20 trials (4127 participants) compared organised (stroke unit) care with a general ward, six trials (982 participants) compared different forms of organised (stroke unit) care, and three trials (793 participants) incorporated more than one comparison. Compared with the alternative service, organised inpatient (stroke unit) care was associated with improved outcomes at the end of scheduled follow-up (median one year): poor outcome (odds ratio (OR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 0.87; moderate-quality evidence), death (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.88; moderate-quality evidence), death or institutional care (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.85; moderate-quality evidence), and death or dependency (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.85; moderate-quality evidence). Evidence was of very low quality for subjective health status and was not available for patient satisfaction. Analysis of length of stay was complicated by variations in definition and measurement plus substantial statistical heterogeneity (I² = 85%). There was no indication that organised stroke unit care resulted in a longer hospital stay. Sensitivity analyses indicated that observed benefits remained when the analysis was restricted to securely randomised trials that used unequivocally blinded outcome assessment with a fixed period of follow-up. Outcomes appeared to be independent of patient age, sex, initial stroke severity, stroke type, and duration of follow-up. When calculated as the absolute risk difference for every 100 participants receiving stroke unit care, this equates to two extra survivors, six more living at home, and six more living independently. The analysis of different types of organised (stroke unit) care used both direct pairwise comparisons and NMA. Direct comparison of stroke ward versus general ward: 15 trials (3523 participants) compared care in a stroke ward with care in general wards. Stroke ward care showed a reduction in the odds of a poor outcome at the end of follow-up (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.91; moderate-quality evidence). Direct comparison of mobile stroke team versus general ward: two trials (438 participants) compared care from a mobile stroke team with care in general wards. Stroke team care may result in little difference in the odds of a poor outcome at the end of follow-up (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.22; low-quality evidence). Direct comparison of mixed rehabilitation ward versus general ward: six trials (630 participants) compared care in a mixed rehabilitation ward with care in general wards. Mixed rehabilitation ward care showed a reduction in the odds of a poor outcome at the end of follow-up (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.90; moderate-quality evidence). In a NMA using care in a general ward as the comparator, the odds of a poor outcome were as follows: stroke ward - OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.89, moderate-quality evidence; mobile stroke team - OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.34, low-quality evidence; mixed rehabilitation ward - OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.95, low-quality evidence. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found moderate-quality evidence that stroke patients who receive organised inpatient (stroke unit) care are more likely to be alive, independent, and living at home one year after the stroke. The apparent benefits were independent of patient age, sex, initial stroke severity, or stroke type, and were most obvious in units based in a discrete stroke ward. We observed no systematic increase in the length of inpatient stay, but these findings had considerable uncertainty.

Home-Time Is a Feasible and Valid Stroke Outcome Measure in National Datasets.

Background and Purpose- Home-time (HT) is a stroke outcome measure based on time spent at home after stroke. We hypothesized that HT assessment would be feasible and valid using national data. Methods- We linked the Scottish Stroke Care Audit to routine healthcare data and calculated 90-day HT for all strokes, 2005 to 2017. We described prognostic validity (Spearman rank correlation) of HT to baseline factors. Results- We were able to calculate HT for 101 969 strokes (99.3% of total Scottish strokes). Mean HT was 46 days (95% CI, 45.8-46.2; range, 0-90). HT showed consistent correlation with our prespecified prognostic factors: age: ρ, -0.35 (95% CI, -0.35 to -0.36); National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, -0.54 (95% CI, -0.52 to -0.55); and 6 simple variables (ordinal), -0.61 (95% CI, -0.61 to -0.62). Conclusions- HT can be derived at scale using routine clinical data and appears to be a valid proxy measure of functional recovery. Other national databases could use HT as a time and cost efficient measure of medium and longer-term outcomes.

Practice patterns and outcomes after stroke across countries at different economic levels (INTERSTROKE): an international observational study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke disproportionately affects people in low-income and middle-income countries. Although improvements in stroke care and outcomes have been reported in high-income countries, little is known about practice and outcomes in low and middle-income countries. We aimed to compare patterns of care available and their association with patient outcomes across countries at different economic levels. METHODS: We studied the patterns and effect of practice variations (ie, treatments used and access to services) among participants in the INTERSTROKE study, an international observational study that enrolled 13 447 stroke patients from 142 clinical sites in 32 countries between Jan 11, 2007, and Aug 8, 2015. We supplemented patient data with a questionnaire about health-care and stroke service facilities at all participating hospitals. Using univariate and multivariate regression analyses to account for patient casemix and service clustering, we estimated the association between services available, treatments given, and patient outcomes (death or dependency) at 1 month. FINDINGS: We obtained full information for 12 342 (92%) of 13 447 INTERSTROKE patients, from 108 hospitals in 28 countries; 2576 from 38 hospitals in ten high-income countries and 9766 from 70 hospitals in 18 low and middle-income countries. Patients in low-income and middle-income countries more often had severe strokes, intracerebral haemorrhage, poorer access to services, and used fewer investigations and treatments (p<0·0001) than those in high-income countries, although only differences in patient characteristics explained the poorer clinical outcomes in low and middle-income countries. However across all countries, irrespective of economic level, access to a stroke unit was associated with improved use of investigations and treatments, access to other rehabilitation services, and improved survival without severe dependency (odds ratio [OR] 1·29; 95% CI 1·14-1·44; all p<0·0001), which was independent of patient casemix characteristics and other measures of care. Use of acute antiplatelet treatment was associated with improved survival (1·39; 1·12-1·72) irrespective of other patient and service characteristics. INTERPRETATION: Evidence-based treatments, diagnostics, and stroke units were less commonly available or used in low and middle-income countries. Access to stroke units and appropriate use of antiplatelet treatment were associated with improved recovery. Improved care and facilities in low-income and middle-income countries are essential to improve outcomes. FUNDING: Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.