PSCK9 inhibitors reduced early recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is prone to cause early recurrent stroke (ERS). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and prevent cardiovascular events. This multicentre, hospital-based prospective cohort study was designed to investigate whether PCSK9 inhibitors would prevent ERS in patients with symptomatic ICAS. METHODS: From 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2022, consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke attributed to ICAS admitted within 1 week after onset were enrolled and followed up for 1 month. Patients were divided into two groups, the PCSK9 inhibitors group receiving PCSK9 inhibitors add-on therapy, and the control group receiving statins and/or ezetimibe. The primary outcome was ERS. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier survival curve were used to estimate the association between PCSK9 inhibitors and ERS. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, the LDL-C levels were further lowered by PCSK9 inhibitors add-on therapy (n=232, from 3.06±1.16 mmol/L to 2.12±1.19 mmol/L) than statins and/or ezetimibe treatment (n=429, from 2.91±1.05 mmol/L to 2.64±0.86 mmol/L, p<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that PCSK9 inhibitors add-on therapy significantly reduced ERS (5.59%, 24/429, vs 2.16%, 5/232; log-rank test, p=0.044). The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that, after adjusting for confounders with a p value less than 0.05 in univariate analysis or of particular importance, the HR was 0.335 (95% CI 0.114 to 0.986, p=0.047), compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, PCSK9 inhibitors add-on therapy further reduced LDL-C levels and ERS in patients with symptomatic ICAS.

Treatment of symptomatic carotid webs.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with symptomatic carotid web treated at a single institution in South America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a single-center experience of patients with carotid webs surgically treated from September 2019 to September 2023. RESULTS: 10 patients had carotid webs, six (60%) were females. Median age was 54.5 years (range: 35-77 years). All patients were symptomatic. Diagnosis was made in 90% (n=9) of the patients with either computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance alone. One (10%) patient underwent angiography for definite diagnosis. The median interval from the first neurological event to intervention was 90 months (range: 3 days- 108 months). Four (40%) patients underwent surgical treatment within one month from symptom onset and carotid web diagnosis, with a median of 3.5 days (range: 3-9 days). Six (60%) patients underwent delayed surgical treatment since the cause of the neurological event was uncertain, with a median of 54 months (range: 6 - 108 months). These six patients had recurrent neurological events. Three (30%) patients underwent carotid endarterectomies with polyurethane patch and three (30%) by eversion technique. Three (30%) patients underwent segmental resection and reanastomosis of the internal carotid artery. One underwent internal carotid artery plasty with saphenous vein. At a median follow-up of 30 months (range: 6-46 months), one patient persists with mild aphasia, another patient has severe aphasia and right hemiparesis, both as sequalae of their initial strokes, and another patient has suffered 3 non-ischemic episodes of brief transient right hemiparesis attributed to epileptic seizures. The other seven patients remain without new neurological events. CONCLUSION: Neurological events of carotid distribution deserve accurate imaging work up, keeping in mind the diagnosis of carotid web. Surgical treatment for carotid web seems effective for preventing recurrences; nevertheless, further studies are warranted to define the best management for these patients.

Variations in Risk Factors across Different Periods of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Recurrence.

INTRODUCTION: Accurately discerning periods of heightened risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) recurrence and managing modifiable risk factors are essential for minimizing overall recurrence risk. This study identified differences in the timing of stroke or TIA recurrence based on risk factors and patient characteristics to develop strategies for reducing recurrence in clinical practice. METHODS: We retrospectively selected patients with ischemic stroke or TIA at the Korea University Ansan Hospital Stroke Center between March 2014 and December 2021 using the prospective institutional database of the Korea University Stroke Registry. We collected demographic, clinical data, and categorized participants by recurrence timing (early within or late after 3 months). Using multinomial logistic regression analysis, we examined variables associated with early and late recurrent stroke or TIAs. RESULTS: Among 3,646 patients, 255 experienced a recurrent stroke or TIA and 3,391 experienced their first stroke or TIA. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between early recurrent stroke or TIA and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR]: 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-3.15), other determined etiologies in the Trial of Org 10172 in the Acute Stroke Treatment classification (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.37-6.61), and white matter changes (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.17-3.33). Late recurrence showed a significant correlation with TIA (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.52-5.71) and cerebral microbleeds (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.32-3.75). CONCLUSION: Substantial differences in factors contribute to stroke or TIA recurrence based on timing. Managing the risk of recurrence in clinical practice necessitates accurate identification of heightened risk periods and rigorous control of modifiable risk factors.

Up-to-date advance in the relationship between OSA and stroke: a narrative review.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and stroke affect each other. In this review, we summarized the effect of OSA on the onset and recurrence of stroke, the prognosis, and the treatment of poststroke patients with OSA. METHODS: Pubmed/MEDLINE were searched through May 2023 to explore the relationship between OSA and stroke. The relevant papers included OSA and stroke, OSA and recurrent stroke, and the prognosis and treatment of poststroke patients with OSA. RESULTS: The results showed that OSA can promote the onset and recurrence of stroke and that OSA may adversely affect the prognosis of poststroke patients. The application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and other treatments may benefit poststroke patients with OSA, though the long term effects of treatment are not well documented. CONCLUSION: Both the onset and recurrence of stroke closely correlated with OSA, but the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Further studies should be carried out to explore effective treatments in patients with stroke and OSA.

The incidence and risk factors of perioperative recurrent stroke in elderly patients with previous ischemic stroke receiving hip fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: Data are currently lacking regarding perioperative stroke recurrence in hip fracture patients with previous stroke. We aimed to analyze the incidence and risk factors of perioperative stroke recurrence in elderly patients with previous stroke who underwent hip fracture surgery. METHODS: We used 2019 and 2020 data from the United States National Inpatient Sample database. We identified elderly patients with previous ischemic stroke who had undergone hip fracture surgery to analyze the incidence of stroke recurrence. A 1:4 propensity score matching was used to balance confounding factors related to demographic data and matched the control group with the stroke recurrence group. Risk factors for stroke recurrence were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of perioperative stroke recurrence in elderly patients with previous stroke who underwent hip fracture surgery was 5.7% (51/882). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intertrochanteric fracture (odds ratio 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.14-4.57; p = 0.021), hypertension (odds ratio 2.49, 95% confidence interval 1.26-5.02; p = 0.009), and postoperative pneumonia (odds ratio 4.35, 95% confidence interval 1.59-11.82; p = 0.004) were independently associated with stroke recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The perioperative stroke recurrence rate in elderly hip fracture patients with previous stroke was 5.7%. Intertrochanteric fracture, hypertension, and postoperative pneumonia were identified as factors significantly associated with stroke recurrence in this study. Adequate systemic support post-fracture, effective blood pressure management, and proactive infection prevention may help reduce stroke recurrence, especially in patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

Effect of self-regulating fatigue on health-related quality of life of middle-aged and elderly patients with recurrent stroke: a moderated sequential mediation model.

Although the association between self-regulation of fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been confirmed, the potential mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of health literacy, health behavior, and exercise frequency in the relationship among middle-aged and elderly patients with recurrent stroke. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 176 patients completed the survey, in which self-regulation of fatigue, HRQoL, health literacy and health behavior were measured by questionnaires. Based on Bootstrap analyses, a moderating sequential mediation model using PROCESS software was constructed with health literacy and health behavior as mediators and exercise frequency as the moderator. Of the participants, the mean age was 65.44 ± 12.43 years. Self-regulation of fatigue was found to affect HRQoL indirectly through two significant mediation pathways: (1) health literacy (ß=-0.11, 95%CI = -0.20, -0.03), which accounted for 28.79% of the total effect, and (2) health literacy and health behavior (ß=-0.02, 95%CI = -0.05, -0.00), which accounted for 4.80% of the total effect. Exercise frequency moderated the relationship between self-regulating fatigue and HRQoL. Specifically, the interaction term between self-regulating fatigue and exercise frequency significantly predicted HRQoL (ß = 0. 25, t = 2.55, p < 0.05). These findings highlight the role of health literacy and health behavior as sequential mediators of the relationship between self-regulating fatigue and HRQoL. Moreover, exercise frequency moderated the relationship between self-regulating fatigue and HRQoL. Encouraging patients with recurrent stroke to increase exercise frequency appropriately might improve HRQoL for patients with poor health literacy and health behavior.

Predictors of recurrent cerebral ischemia after patent foramen ovale closure: A single center observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure lowers recurrent stroke in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack with an indication for closure. However, the incidence of recurrent stroke is not negligible and underlying pathophysiology remains largely unknown. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of recurrent ischemic neurological events and to assess its predictors after transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive patients who underwent patent foramen ovale closure for secondary prevention of neurological ischemic events at the University Hospital of Parma between 2006 and 2021. Clinical and procedure-related features were collected for each patient. The incidence of recurrent ischemic neurological events was assessed at follow-up. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 169 patients with mean Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score at hospital admission of 6.4 ± 1.5. The primary indication was previous cryptogenic stroke (94 [55.6 %] subjects), followed by transient ischemic attack (75 [44.4 %]). Among patients with complete outcome data (n= 154), after a median follow-up of 112 months, recurrent cerebral ischemia occurred in 13 [8.4 %], with an annualized rate of 0.92/100 patients. The presence of obesity [OR 5.268, p = 0.018], Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score < 7 [OR 5.991, p = 0.035] and migraine [OR = 5.932 p = 0.012] were independent positive predictors of recurrent stroke/ transient ischemic attack after patent foramen ovale closure. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of obesity, Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score < 7 and migraine were independent positive predictors of recurrent ischemic neurological events after patent foramen ovale closure.

Predictors of recurrent stroke and subsequent mortality among patients experiencing housing instability.

BACKGROUND: The experience of homelessness has been linked with developing poor health outcomes. Little is known about the risk of recurrent stroke among these individuals. This study investigated the correlates of developing recurrent stroke and subsequent mortality among Veterans with housing instability. METHODS: Using a national sample of Veterans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who had an indicator of housing instability between 2014-2018 (n=659,987), we identified 15,566 Veterans who experienced incident stroke. We compared characteristics of Veterans who experienced incident stroke and did and did not experience recurrent stroke and conducted logistic regressions using a discrete-time survival framework to assess two outcomes: recurrent stroke and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Among our cohort, 91.3% did not experience recurrent stroke while 8.7% did during the observation period. The receipt of any level of primary care outpatient visits was associated with a reduction in the odds of recurrent stroke. Several medical diagnoses were also associated with increased odds of recurrent stroke, including hypertension (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.15-1.59), diabetes (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.36), and renal disease (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02, 1.35). Veterans who used any level of VA Homeless Programs had reduced odds of all-cause mortality (high level: aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.60-0.71; low level: aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.60-0.73). CONCLUSION: Our study found several predictors of developing recurrent stroke and subsequent death in a population of Veterans experiencing housing instability. Implications include the need to monitor closely high-risk patients who have experienced incident stroke and have other co-occurring needs.

The value of myeloperoxidase to high density lipoprotein ratio in predicting 90-day recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The ratio of myeloperoxidase to high-density lipoprotein (MPO/HDL) has become a novel inflammatory biomarker in the field of cardiovascular disease. MPO and HDL have been reported to be associated with inflammation and lipid metabolism after AIS. However, the effect of MPO/HDL on AIS recurrence has not been studied. We aimed to assess the value of MPO/HDL in predicting relapse 90 days after AIS. METHODS: A total of 363 patients diagnosed with AIS were followed up for 90 days. Patients were assessed for recurrence within 90 days after AIS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between MPO/HDL and relapse within 90 days in AIS patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to compare the predictive value of MPO, HDL and MPO/HDL for recurrence at 90 days after AIS. RESULTS: The proportion of recurrent stroke patients within 90 days was 6.61% (24/363). Recurrent stroke was associated with NIHSS, WBC, NEUT, UA, DD, Hcy, MPO, HDL, and MPO/HDL. After adjusting for potential confounders, the 90-day recurrence risk of AIS patients increased by 0.03 (P < 0.001) for each unit increase in MPO/HDL. The ROC curve constructed after correcting confounders found that compared with MPO(AUC=0.9698) and HDL(AUC=0.821), MPO/HDL showed the highest AUC value (AUC=0.9801), indicating that MPO/HDL levels had the highest predictive value for 90-day relapse in AIS patients. CONCLUSIONS: MPO and MPO/HDL were independently associated with relapse within 90 days of AIS. MPO/HDL may be an independent predictor of 90-day relapse in AIS patients.

Cerebral microbleeds is a predictor of recurrent small vessel cerebrovascular disease: Evaluation based on the recurrent stroke pattern.

OBJECTIVES: An increased number of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) is considered a predictive factor for recurrent small vessel cerebrovascular diseases, including lacunar infarction and non-lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, it is unclear which recurrent stroke pattern is mainly reflected in the number of CMBs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 217 patients with their first stroke (148 deep lacunar infarctions and 69 non-lobar ICHs), between January 2009 and March 2015. The numbers of baseline and newly appearing CMBs in patients with recurrent stroke were compared with those in patients with non-recurrent stroke, and the dynamics of the number of CMBs was evaluated according to recurrent stroke patterns. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients with recurrent stroke were included in this study. A larger number of baseline and newly appearing CMBs was significantly associated with recurrent stroke (p = 0.04, p < 0.001, respectively). Recurrent stroke patterns were divided into four types: deep lacunar infarction/deep lacunar infarction (37 patients), deep lacunar infarction/non-lobar ICH (eight patients), non-lobar ICH/deep lacunar infarction (eight patients), and non-lobar ICH/non-lobar ICH (six patients). The number of newly appearing CMBs was significantly higher in patients with deep lacunar infarction/non-lobar ICH than in those with other recurrent stroke patterns (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The number of CMBs is associated with recurrent stroke, including deep lacunar infarction and non-lobar ICH, and differs depending on the recurrent stroke patterns. The increase in the number of CMBs was strongly correlated with the deep lacunar infarction/non-lobar ICH recurrence pattern.

Trends in American Indian/Alaskan native self-reported stroke prevalence and associated modifiable risk factors in the United States from 2011-2021.

BACKGROUND: Stroke prevalence varies by race/ethnicity, as do the risk factors that elevate the risk of stroke. Prior analyses have suggested that American Indian/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) have higher rates of stroke and vascular risk factors. METHODS: We included biyearly data from the 2011-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys of adults (age ≥18) in the United States. We describe survey-weighted prevalence of stroke per self-report by race and ethnicity. In patients with self-reported stroke (SRS), we also describe the prevalence of modifiable vascular risk factors. RESULTS: The weighted number of U.S. participants represented in BRFSS surveys increased from 237,486,646 in 2011 to 245,350,089 in 2021. SRS prevalence increased from 2.9% in 2011 to 3.3% in 2021 (p<0.001). Amongst all race/ethnicity groups, the prevalence of stroke was highest in AI/AN at 5.4% and 5.6% in 2011 and 2021, compared to 3.0% and 3.4% for White adults (p<0.001). AI/AN with SRS were also the most likely to have four or more vascular risk factors in both 2011 and 2021 at 23.9% and 26.4% compared to 18.2% and 19.6% in White adults (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: From 2011-2021 in the United States, AI/AN consistently had the highest prevalence of self-reported stroke and highest overall burden of modifiable vascular risk factors. This persistent health disparity leaves AI/AN more susceptible to both incident and recurrent stroke.

Health risk factors in Australian Stroke Survivors: A latent class analysis.

ISSUES ADDRESSED: To (i) determine the prevalence of health risk factors (physical activity, diet, alcohol, smoking, blood pressure medication use and mental health) in community-dwelling stroke survivors; and (ii) examine how these health risk factors cluster, and identify associations with physical functioning, independent living, or sociodemographic factors. METHODS: A secondary analysis of data obtained during a national randomised controlled trial. Participants had experienced stroke and completed a baseline telephone survey on demographic and stroke characteristics, health risk factors, physical functioning and independence in activities of daily living. A latent class analysis was performed to determine health risk profiles. Univariate logistic regressions were performed to identify if participant characteristics were associated with resulting classes. RESULTS: Data analysed from 399 participants. Two classes of health risk factors were identified: Low Mood, Food & Moves Risk (16% of participants) and Alcohol Use Risk (84% of participants). The Low Mood, Food & Moves Risk group had poorer diet quality, lower physical activity levels and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Lower levels of independence and physical functioning were predictor variables for this group. In contrast, the Alcohol Use Risk group had better physical activity and diet scores, significantly lower probability of depression and anxiety, but a higher probability of risky drinking. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two distinct health risk factor groups in our population. SO WHAT?: Future interventions may benefit from targeting the specific needs and requirements of people who have experienced stroke based on their distinct risk group. Alcohol consumption in poststroke populations requires further attention.

Updated Perspectives on Lifestyle Interventions as Secondary Stroke Prevention Measures: A Narrative Review.

Despite being highly preventable, stroke is the second-most common cause of death and disability in the world. Secondary prevention is critical as the stroke recurrence risk is 6- to 15-fold higher than the risk of stroke in the general population. Stroke recurrence is associated with higher mortality rates and increased disability levels. Lifestyle modifications should address not single but multiple cardiovascular risk factors to effectively reduce the risk of stroke. Lifestyle modifications on a personal level should include adequate physical activity, a healthy diet, the cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption, and stress reduction. Physical activities should be performed in a healthy environment without air pollution. According to recent studies, up to 90% of strokes might be prevented by addressing and treating ten modifiable stroke risk factors, half of which are related to lifestyle modifications. These lifestyle modifications, which are behavioral interventions, could impact other modifiable risk factors such as arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation. The most common obstacles to effective secondary stroke prevention are motor impairment, post-stroke cognitive impairment, post-stroke depression, and stroke subtype. Long-term lifestyle modifications are difficult to sustain and require comprehensive, individualized interventions. This review underlines the benefits of adhering to lifestyle modifications as the most effective secondary stroke prevention measure.

Aminotransferase Level and the Effects of Dual Antiplatelet in Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A post hoc Analysis of a Randomized Control Trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study was intended to evaluate whether the safety and efficacy of dual antiplatelet treatment in patients with minor ischemic stroke (MIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) could be modified by the aminotransferase level. Also, we sought to assess the interaction between aminotransferase level and CYP2C19 loss-of-function status on the efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy. METHODS: This study is a post hoc analysis of the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) study, a double-blinded randomized control trial. We included 5,133 patients with a complete workup of baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The primary outcome is stroke or TIA recurrence within 90 days. Cox proportional hazard models were used in the evaluation of the efficacy of antiplatelet treatment in patients with different aminotransferase levels and subgroups categorized by the aminotransferase level × CYP2C19 loss-of-function status. RESULTS: The median age of all the included patients was 62 years; 66.3% of the patients were male. More recurrent stroke or TIA occurred in patients with elevated ALT and AST levels within 90 days compared to patients with normal ALT and AST levels (14.5 vs. 11.2%, p = 0.029). Dual antiplatelet treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel reduced recurrence compared with aspirin alone in patients with both normal (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72 [0.60-0.86], p < 0.001) and elevated (adjusted HR [95% CI]: 0. 57 [0. 35-0. 92], p = 0. 020) ALT and AST levels (p = 0.64 for interaction). No significant difference in treatment efficacy on 90-day all-cause death or bleeding events was found. CONCLUSIONS: Dual antiplatelet treatment was safe for minor stroke or high-risk TIA patients with mildly elevated aminotransferase. Mild elevation of ALT or AST did not undermine the protective efficacy of the dual antiplatelet regimen in reducing recurrent stroke or TIA within 90 days after MIS or TIA. The interaction between the CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele carrier status and aminotransferase level on the efficacy of dual antiplatelet treatment was not observed.

Short- and long-term outcomes of patients with minor stroke and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is a risk factor for stroke. This study was undertaken to determine the influence of NVAF on the mortality and recurrent stroke after a minor stroke event. METHODS: Data were derived from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III) which enrolled 15,166 subjects during August 2015 through March 2018 in China. Patients with minor stroke (NIHSS ≤ 5) within 24 h after onset were included. Clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, recurrent ischemic stroke, and recurrent hemorrhagic stroke were collected. The Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between NVAF and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 4,753 patients were included in our study. Of them, 222 patients had NVAF (4.7%) (mean age, 71.1 years) and 4,531 patients were without AF (95.3%) (mean age, 61.4 years). NVAF was associated with 12-month cardiovascular mortality in both univariate (hazards ratio [HR], 4.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84 to 9.31; P < 0.001) and multivariate analyses (HR, 4.66; 95% CI, 1.79 to 12.15; P = 0.001). There was no difference in the in-hospital ischemic stroke recurrence rate between the two groups (HR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.19 to 1.05] P = 0.07 at discharge). However, patients with NVAF had a lower rate of recurrent ischemic stroke at medium- (3 months and 6 months) and long-term (12 months) follow-up (HR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.16 to 0.68] P = 0.003 at 3 months; 0.49 [95% CI, 0.27 to 0.89] P = 0.02 at 6 months; 0.55 [95% CI, 0.32 to 0.94] P = 0.03 at 12 months, respectively) compared with those without. There was no difference in all-cause mortality and hemorrhagic stroke between the two groups during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Minor stroke patients with NVAF were at higher risk of cardiovascular death but had a lower rate of recurrent ischemic stroke compared to those without during the subsequent year after stroke event. A more accurate stroke risk prediction model for NVAF is warranted for optimal patient care strategies.

Validation and comparison of the stroke prognosis instrument (SPI-II) and the essen stroke risk score (ESRS) in predicting stroke recurrence in Asian population.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are limited data on the accuracy of available risk scores to predict stroke recurrence in the Asian population. METHOD: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with acute ischemic stroke during January 2014 - December 2018. Longitudinal data with three years of follow-up among these patients were collected and validated through both electronic and manual chart review. The area under the receiver-operating curve (AUROC) method or C-statistic and calibration plot were used to evaluate and compare the Stroke Prognosis Instrument II (SPI-II) and the Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS) in predicting the long-term risk of recurrent ischemic stroke. The predictive performances of the two scores were compared using DeLong's method. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 543 patients, including 181 and 362 patients with and without recurrent events. There were no significant differences in mean age and gender between the two groups. Recurrence cases tended to have significant more risk factors compared to those without events. Among cases with recurrent events, 134 (74.03%) and 65.74% (119) cases were classified as high-risk based on SPI-II and ESRS, respectively. The AUROC curve of the SPI-II and ESRS score was 0.646 (95% CI, 0.594-0.697) and 0.614 (95%CI, 0.563-0.665), respectively (p = 0.394). Based on the calibration plot, the SPI-II and ESRS scores showed similar moderate predictive performance on recurrence stroke with a C statistic (95% CI) of 0.655 (95% CI: 0.603-0.707) and 0.631 (95% CI 0.579-0.684), respectively. CONCLUSION: Both ESRS and SPI-II scores had moderate predictive performance in Thai population.

Validation of ICD-10 hospital discharge diagnosis codes to identify incident and recurrent ischemic stroke from a US integrated healthcare system.

PURPOSE: This study validated incident and recurrent ischemic stroke identified by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) hospital discharge diagnosis codes. METHODS: Using electronic health records (EHR) of adults (≥18 years) receiving care from Kaiser Permanente Southern California with ICD-10 hospital discharge diagnosis codes of ischemic stroke (I63.x, G46.3, and G46.4) between October 2015 and September 2020, we identified 75 patients with both incident and recurrent stroke events (total 150 cases). Two neurologists independently evaluated validity of ICD-10 codes through chart reviews. RESULTS: The positive predictive value (PPV, 95% CI) for incident stroke was 93% (95% CI: 88%, 99%) and the PPV for recurrent stroke was 72% (95% CI: 62%, 82%). The PPV for recurrent stroke improved after applying a gap of 20 days (PPV of 75%; 95% CI: 63%, 87%) or removing hospital admissions related to stroke-related procedures (PPV of 78%; 95% CI: 68%, 88%). CONCLUSION: The ICD-10 hospital discharge diagnosis codes for ischemic stroke showed a high PPV for incident cases, while the PPV for recurrent cases were less optimal. Algorithms to improve the accuracy of ICD-10 codes for recurrent ischemic stroke may be necessary.

Recurrent embolic stroke associated with adenomyosis: A single case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine adenomyosis is a benign disorder in which endometrial glands and stroma are present within the myometrium. There have been several case reports of cerebral infarction associated with adenomyosis, but their clinical characteristics, optimal treatment, and prognosis have not been systematically reviewed. METHODS: A case of cerebral infarction with adenomyosis is reported, and a comprehensive systematic literature search using the PubMed database was conducted. RESULTS: A 42-year-old woman, previously diagnosed with adenomyosis, developed multiple cerebral infarctions during menstruation. Her CA125 level was 293 U/mL, and treatment with edoxaban 30 mg was started. Seven days after hospital discharge, she had her subsequent menstrual period and then developed a recurrent stroke. Her CA125 level was 743 U/mL on readmission. A hysterectomy was performed, and the patient has had no further stroke recurrence. A systematic review identified 19 cases with cerebral infarction associated with adenomyosis, including the present case. The patients' clinical characteristics included young age (44.7 ± 6.2 years), stroke development during menstruation (85%), multiple infarctions affecting ≥ 3 vessel territories (39%), and high levels of CA125 and D-dimer (810.6 ± 888.4 U/mL, and 10.3 ± 18.6 µg/mL, respectively). Antithrombotic therapy was given to 14 patients, but recurrent stroke occurred in 5 (36%) patients. Hysterectomy was conducted in 5 and 4 patients with initial and recurrent stokes, respectively, and there were no further recurrences thereafter. CONCLUSION: Cerebral infarction associated with adenomyosis has specific clinical characteristics. Antithrombotic therapy was insufficient, and hysterectomy should particularly be considered in cases of recurrent stroke.

Elevated non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio increases the 1-year risk of recurrent stroke in older patients with non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events: results from the Xi'an Stroke Registry Study of China.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored the prognostic role of nontraditional lipid-related indicators in non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events (NICE). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C/HDL-C) and the1-year risk of recurrent stroke in patients with NICE. METHODS: Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, and patient information were collected at admission. Recurrent stroke events were followed up 3, 6, and 12 months after onset. Non-HDL-C levels were calculated by subtracting HDL-C from TC. The non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio was treated as a continuous variable and in quartiles (Q1-Q4). Stratified multivariate Cox regression was used to investigate the relationship between the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the 1-year risk of recurrent stroke in patients with NICE. RESULTS: Overall, 1,659 patients with NICE were enrolled. For each unit increase in the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio, the 1-year risk of recurrent stroke in patients aged ≥ 65 years (older patients) with NICE increased by 64% in the adjusted model (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.64, 95%confidence interval [CI]:1.18-2.27, P = 0.003), and the HRs were 3.21 and 4.24 times higher in the Q3 and Q4 groups than that in the Q1 group, which was considered to be the reference (adjusted model Q3: HR: 3.21, 95%CI: 1.05-9.83, P = 0.041; adjusted model Q4: HR: 4.24, 95%CI: 1.30-13.85, P = 0.017). However, there was no significant difference in patients younger than 65 years. Both curve fitting and Kaplan-Meier cumulative risk analysis showed that an elevated non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio significantly increased the 1-year risk of recurrent stroke in older patients with NICE. The optimal range for the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio should be no higher than the Q2 group (2.256-2.939). Stratified Cox regression analysis showed that these results tended to be stable for different comorbidities (all P for interaction > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios significantly increased the 1-year risk of recurrent stroke in older patients with NICE. Therefore, clinicians need to pay more attention to this indicator when managing older patients with NICE.

Direct oral anticoagulants compared with other strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke or transient ischemic attack: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: For patients with atrial fibrillation and a prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), the risk-benefit of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to alternative treatment approaches has not been firmly established. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate efficacy and safety of DOACs vs warfarin and DOACs vs aspirin or placebo in patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1, 2000, to January 31, 2023, to find RCTs. Risk ratio (RR) with 95 % CI measured the association of DOACs vs warfarin, and DOACs vs aspirin or placebo, with clinical outcomes. Primary efficacy outcome was stroke or systemic embolism and primary safety outcome was ICH. RESULTS: We identified 7 RCTs with 19,111 patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA, of which 5 trials compared DOACs with warfarin and 2 trials compared DOACs vs aspirin or placebo. Compared with warfarin, DOACs were associated with a lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism (RR, 0.85; 95 % CI, 0.75-0.97) and ICH (RR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.41-0.68). Compared with aspirin or placebo, DOACs were associated with a reduced risk of stroke or systemic embolism (RR, 0.33; 95 % CI, 0.19-0.58) and risk of ICH did not differ between apixaban and aspirin. CONCLUSIONS: This contemporary evaluation of the literature indicates that DOACs, rather than other antithrombotic agents or no treatment, should be used in patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA.