Shorter Door-to-Needle Times Are Associated With Better Outcomes After Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy and Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Existing data and clinical trials could not determine whether faster intravenous thrombolytic therapy (IVT) translates into better long-term functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke among those treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Patient-level national data can provide the required large population to study the associations between earlier IVT, versus later, with longitudinal functional outcomes and mortality in patients receiving IVT+EVT combined treatment. METHODS: This cohort study included older US patients (age ≥65 years) who received IVT within 4.5 hours or EVT within 7 hours after acute ischemic stroke using the linked 2015 to 2018 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke and Medicare database (38 913 treated with IVT only and 3946 with IVT+EVT). Primary outcome was home time, a patient-prioritized functional outcome. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality in 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the associations between door-to-needle (DTN) times and outcomes. RESULTS: Among patients treated with IVT+EVT, after adjusting for patient and hospital factors, including onset-to-EVT times, each 15-minute increase in DTN times for IVT was associated with significantly higher odds of zero home time in a year (never discharged to home) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.06-1.19]), less home time among those discharged to home (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93 per 1% of 365 days [95% CI, 0.89-0.98]), and higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.02-1.11]). These associations were also statistically significant among patients treated with IVT but at a modest degree (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04 for zero home time, 0.96 per 1% home time for those discharged to home, and adjusted hazard ratio 1.03 for mortality). In the secondary analysis where the IVT+EVT group was compared with 3704 patients treated with EVT only, shorter DTN times (≤60, 45, and 30 minutes) achieved incrementally more home time in a year, and more modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 at discharge (22.3%, 23.4%, and 25.0%, respectively) versus EVT only (16.4%, P<0.001 for each). The benefit dissipated with DTN>60 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Among older patients with stroke treated with either IVT only or IVT+EVT, shorter DTN times are associated with better long-term functional outcomes and lower mortality. These findings support further efforts to accelerate thrombolytic administration in all eligible patients, including EVT candidates.

The Association of Socioeconomic Status and Discharge Destination with 30-Day Readmission after Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the association of socioeconomic status and discharge destination with 30-day readmission after ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 30-day all-cause readmission among patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke in states of Arkansas, Iowa, and Wisconsin in 2016 and 2017 and New York in 2016 using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Databases. RESULTS: Among the 52301 patients included, 51.1% were female. The 30-day readmission rates were 10.2%, 8.2%, 9.3%, 10.4%, 11.6%, and 11.2% for age group 18-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years, respectively (p<0.001). In Generalized Estimating Equation analysis, patients with Medicare and Medicaid insurance were more likely to be readmitted, compared with private insurance, (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 1.37, 95% CI 1.23-1.53; and aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.09-1.45, respectively). Patients in the bottom quartile of zip code level median household income had higher 30-day readmission rate (12.4%) than those in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartile (10.3%, 10.1%, and 10.7%, respectively, p<0.001). Compared with those discharged home with self-care which had the lowest readmission rate (8.4%), patients who left against medical advice had the highest readmission rate (18.6%; aOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.75-2.83), followed by rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities (13.2%; aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.22-1.46), and home with home health care (11.3%, aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08-1.28). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic status and discharged destination affect readmission after stroke. These results provide evidence to inform vulnerable patient population as targets for readmission prevention.

The Patterns and Outcomes of Inter-Hospital Transfer Among Medicare Patients with Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Inter-hospital transfer for ischemic stroke is an essential part of stroke system of care. This study aimed to understand the national patterns and outcomes of ischemic stroke transfer. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective study examined Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years undergoing inter-hospital transfer for ischemic stroke in 2012. Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare 30-day and one-year mortality between transferred patients and direct admissions from the emergency department (ED admissions). Among 312,367 ischemic stroke admissions, 5.7% underwent inter-hospital transfer. Using this value as cut-off, the hospitals were classified into receiving (n = 411), sending (n = 559), and low-transfer (n = 1863) hospitals. Receiving hospitals were larger than low-transfer and sending hospitals as demonstrated by the median bed number (371, 189, and 88, respectively, p < 0.001); more frequently to be certified stroke centers (75%, 47%, and 16%, respectively, p < 0.001); and less commonly located in the rural area (2%, 7%, and 24%, respectively, p < 0.001). For receiving hospitals, transfer-in patients and ED admissions had comparable mortality at 30 days (10% vs 10%; adjusted HR [aHR]=1.07; 95% CI, 0.99-1.14) and 1 year (23% vs 24%; aHR=1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.08). For sending hospitals, transfer-out patients, compared to ED admissions, had higher mortality at 30 days (14% vs 11%; aHR=1.63; 95% CI, 1.39-1.91) and 1 year (30% vs 27%; aHR=1.33; 95% CI, 1.20-1.48). For low-transfer hospitals, overall transfer-in and transfer-out patients, compared to ED admissions, had higher mortality at 30 days (13% vs 10%; aHR=1.46; 95% CI, 1.33-1.60) and 1 year (28% vs 25%; aHR=1.27; 95% CI, 1.19-1.36). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals in the US, based on their transfer patterns, could be classified into 3 groups that shared distinct characteristics including hospital size, rural vs urban location, and stroke certification. Transferred patients at sending and low-transfer hospitals had worse outcomes than their ED admission counterpart.

Case Fatality Decline from 2009 to 2013 among Medicare Beneficiaries with Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the temporal trend of 30-day and 1-year mortality among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries who were hospitalized for ischemic stroke, with special focus on the mortality among subgroup of patients in relation to acute reperfusion therapies including intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). METHODS: We evaluated Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries age 65 years or older who were hospitalized for ischemic stroke between 2009 and 2013. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were generated to analyze the trend of adjusted mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,070,574 patients were included in the study. The 30-day mortality did not change among patients who were not treated with IVT or EVT. It decreased by 13% among patients treated with IVT but not EVT (HR = .87, 95% CI .82-.92), 25% among patients treated with EVT but not IVT (HR = .75, 95% CI .59-.95), and 37% among patients treated with both IVT and EVT (HR = .63, 95% CI .52-.77). One-year mortality decreased by 19% among patients who were not treated with IVT nor EVT (HR = .81, 95% CI .80-.83), 22% among those treated with IVT but not EVT (HR = .78, 95% CI .75-.81), 33% among those treated with EVT but not IVT (HR = .67, 95% CI .55-.81), and 38% among those treated with both IVT and EVT (HR = .62, 95% CI .53-.73). CONCLUSIONS: From 2009 to 2013, the 30-day stroke case fatality decreased only among the patients received reperfusion therapy. The 1-year mortality declined among all the stroke patients, with the greatest decline among those treated with both IVT and EVT.

Ultrasound Criteria for Assessment of Vertebral Artery Origins.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We sought to validate ultrasound as a reliable means of assessing vessel stenosis of vertebral artery origins. METHODS: We reviewed 1,135 patient charts with ultrasound of the posterior circulation performed in 2008-2015 in a single hospital. Inclusion criteria for native vessels consisted of ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) performed within 3 months. Patients with indwelling stents were analyzed separately from native vessels. Using DSA as the gold standard, we determined sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in detecting occlusion at vertebral artery origin. All patients with nonoccluded native vertebral artery origins were evaluated for degree of stenosis on DSA, and compared to mean flow velocity (MFV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) on ultrasound. RESULTS: Among 218 vertebral artery origins in 139 patients evaluated, ultrasound showed sensitivity of 85.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 69.7-95.2%) for occlusion and specificity of 99.5% (95%CI: 96.9-99.9%). Among 126 arteries without occlusion, <50% stenosis had average MFV (39 ± 19 cm/s), 50-69% stenosis had average MFV (68 ± 35 cm/s), and severe (70-99%) stenosis had average MFV (120 ± 93 cm/s) (P < .001). MFV cutoff value of 44 cm/s corresponded to 77% sensitivity and 70% specificity to detect vertebral artery origin stenosis >50% (C-statistic: .81). PSV value of 97 cm/s corresponded with 72% sensitivity and 70% specificity to detect >50% stenosis (C-statistic: .77). MFV cutoff value of 60 cm/s corresponded with 70% sensitivity and 82% specificity to predict 70-99% stenosis (C-statistic: .83). PSV cutoff value of 110 cm/s corresponded with 80% sensitivity and 72% specificity to predict 70-99% stenosis (C-statistic: .84). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has good sensitivity and excellent specificity for detecting vertebral origin occlusion. Flow velocity can be used to screen for severe stenosis of vertebral artery at origin.

Cost-Consequence Analysis of Mobile Stroke Units vs. Standard Prehospital Care and Transport.

Background: Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are the latest approach to improving time-sensitive stroke care delivery. Currently, there are no published studies looking at the expanded value of the MSU to diagnose and transport patients to the closest most appropriate facility. The purpose of this paper is to perform a cost consequence analysis of standard transport (ST) vs. MSU. Methods and Results: A cost consequence analysis was undertaken within a decision framework to compare the incremental cost of care for patients with confirmed stroke that were served by the MSU vs. their simulated care had they been served by standard emergency medical services between July 2014 and October 2015. At baseline values, the incremental cost between MSU and ST was $70,613 ($856,482 vs. $785,869) for 355 patient transports. The MSU avoided 76 secondary interhospital transfers and 76 emergency department (ED) encounters. Sensitivity analysis identified six variables that had measurable impact on the model's variability and a threshold value at which MSU becomes the optimal strategy: number of stroke patients (>391), probability of requiring transfer to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC, >0.52), annual cost of MSU operations (<$696,053), cost of air transfer (>$8,841), probability initial receiving hospital is a CSC (<0.32), and probability of ischemic stroke with ST (<0.76). Conclusions: MSUs can avert significant costs in the administration of stroke care once optimal thresholds are achieved. A comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis is required to determine not just the operational value of an MSU but also its clinical value to patients and the society.

The Management of Acute Ischemic Strokes and the Prevalence of Large Vessel Occlusion in Left Ventricular Assist Device.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are frequent complications among those with left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Scarce data exist regarding the prevalence of acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) and treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in this setting. METHODS: We reviewed prospectively collected data of LVAD patient registry from a single, tertiary center from October 2004 to November 2016. Among those with AIS complications, patients were divided into early stroke (during implantation hospitalization) and late stroke (post-discharge) groups, and neuroimaging was reviewed and data on acute stroke therapy were collected. RESULTS: Of 477 persons with LVAD, 49 (10.3%) AIS occurred. The majority (29/49, 59%) of AIS occurred in-hospital. Thirty-two (65%) persons had international normalized ratios less than 1.7 at the time of AIS, but none qualified to receive acute intravenous thrombolysis. Of 25 (51%) persons who underwent CT angiography (CTA), 33% (16/49) had acute LVOs. Thirty-one percent (5/16) of persons with acute LVOs underwent intra-arterial endovascular therapy. All of 5 cases presented with middle cerebral artery syndrome with a median pre-procedural National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 13 (interquartile range 10-18). Successful recanalization was achieved in all 5 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital strokes and acute LVOs are common in LVAD-associated AIS. Prompt evaluation with CTA and endovascular therapy should be pursued for these critically ill patients.

Cost Analysis of the Addition of Hyperacute Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Selection of Patients for Endovascular Stroke Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patient selection is important to determine the best candidates for endovascular stroke therapy. In application of a hyperacute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for patient selection, we have shown decreased utilization with improved outcomes. A cost analysis comparing the pre- and post-MRI protocol time periods was performed to determine if the previous findings translated into cost opportunities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified individuals considered for endovascular stroke therapy from January 2008 to August 2012 who were ≤8 h from stroke symptoms onset. Patients prior to April 30, 2010 were selected based on results of the computed tomography/computed tomography angiography alone (pre-hyperacute), whereas patients after April 30, 2010 were selected based on results of MRI (post-hyperacute MRI). Demographic, outcome, and financial information was collected. Log-transformed average daily direct costs were regressed on time period. The regression model included demographic and clinical covariates as potential confounders. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. RESULTS: We identified 267 patients in our database (88 patients in pre-hyperacute MRI period, 179 in hyperacute MRI protocol period). Patient length of stay was not significantly different in the hyperacute MRI protocol period as compared to the pre-hyperacute MRI period (10.6 vs. 9.9 days, p < 0.42). The median of average daily direct costs was reduced by 24.5% (95% confidence interval 14.1-33.7%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the hyperacute MRI protocol translated into reduced costs, in addition to reduced utilization and better outcomes. MRI selection of patients is an effective strategy, both for patients and hospital systems.

The PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization.

Background The PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization was formed in 2016 as an international consortium of medical practitioners involved in pre-hospital treatment of patients with acute stroke. Aims PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization's mission is to improve stroke outcomes by supporting research and advocacy for pre-hospital stroke treatment in Mobile Stroke Units. PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization will provide a platform to enhance collaborative research across the spectrum of acute stroke management in the pre-hospital setting. PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization will also facilitate the appropriate proliferation and distribution of Mobile Stroke Units by providing a forum for professional communication, resource for public education, and stimulus for government, industry, and philanthropic support. Summary of review In this "white paper", we describe the evidence supporting pre-hospital stroke treatment, progress to date, practical issues such as application in various environments and staffing, planned research initiatives, and organizational structure. Conclusions PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization is not-for-profit, with membership open to anyone involved (or hoping to become involved) in pre-hospital stroke care. PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization has a Steering Committee comprised of members from Europe, U.S., Canada, Australia, and other regions having a Mobile Stroke Unit in operation. PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization convenes satellite meetings for membership at the International Stroke Conference and European Stroke Congress each year to address the PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization mission. The first research collaborations agreed upon are to: (1) develop a list of common data elements to be collected by all Mobile Stroke Unit programs and entered into a common research database, and (2) develop a protocol for investigating the natural history of hyper-acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Impact of Stroke Center Certification on Mortality After Ischemic Stroke: The Medicare Cohort From 2009 to 2013.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: An increasing number of hospitals have been certified as primary stroke centers (PSCs). It remains unknown whether the action toward PSC certification has improved the outcome of stroke care. This study aimed to understand whether PSC certification reduced stroke mortality. METHODS: We examined Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged ≥65 years who were hospitalized between 2009 and 2013 for ischemic stroke. Hospitals were classified into 3 groups: new PSCs, the hospitals that received initial PSC certification between 2009 and 2013 (n=634); existing PSCs, the PSCs certified before 2009 (n=785); and non-SCs, the hospitals that have never been certified as PSCs (n=2640). Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the mortality among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Existing PSCs were significantly larger than new PSCs as reflected by total number of beds and annual stroke admission (P<0.0001). Compared with existing PSCs, new PSCs had lower in-hospital (odds ratio, 0.862; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.817-0.910) and 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.981; 95% CI, 0.968-0.993), after adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities. Compared with non-SCs, new PSCs had lower adjusted in-hospital (odds ratio, 0.894; 95% CI, 0.848-0.943), 30-day (HR, 0.904; 95% CI, 0.892-0.917), and 1-year mortality (HR, 0.907; 95% CI, 0.898-0.915). Existing PSCs had lower adjusted 30-day (HR, 0.922; 95% CI, 0.911-0.933) and 1-year mortality (HR, 0.900; 95% CI, 0.892-0.907) than non-SCs. CONCLUSIONS: Obtaining stroke certification may reduce stroke mortality and overcome the disadvantage of being smaller hospitals. Further study of other outcome measures will be useful to improve stroke system of care.

Stroke burden in Mexican Americans: the impact of mortality following stroke.

PURPOSE: To estimate ethnic-specific all-cause mortality risk following ischemic stroke and to compare mortality risk by ethnicity. METHODS: DATA from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project, a population-based stroke surveillance study, were used. Stroke cases between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2002 were identified from emergency department (ED) and hospital sources (n = 1,234). Deaths for the same period were identified from the surveillance of stroke cases, the Texas Department of Health, the coroner, and the Social Security Death Index. Ethnic-specific all-cause cumulative mortality risk was estimated at 28 days and 36 months using Kaplan Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare mortality risk by ethnicity. RESULTS: Cumulative 28-day all-cause mortality risk for Mexican Americans (MAs) was 7.8% and for non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) was 13.5%. Cumulative 36-month all-cause mortality risk was 31.3% in MAs and 47.2% in NHWs. MAs had lower 28-day (RR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.84) and 36-month all-cause mortality risk (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.98) compared with NHWs, adjusted for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Better survival after stroke in MAs is surprising considering their similar stroke subtype and severity compared with NHWs. Social or psychological factors, which may explain this difference, should be explored.