High-Resolution Pulse Oximetry (HRPO): A Cost-Effective Tool in Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Acute Stroke and Predicting Outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a well-known risk factor for stroke. This is attributed to multiple mechanisms such as endothelial dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and comorbid obesity. STOP questionnaire alone is unreliable to diagnose OSA and in-hospital sleep study is costly and can be technically challenging. We used high-resolution pulse oximetry (HRPO) to test the feasibility of screening for OSA and predicting outcome. METHODS: Data from 115 stroke patients who underwent HRPO was collected including Oxygen desaturation index (ODI) <4%, pulse rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), and time spent at SaO2 saturation <88%. We also collected data on various confounders. The outcomes measured were NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), mRS (modified Rankin Score) on discharge, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: Overall 115 patients with valid HRPO data were included in the study. Mean age was 64±12years with 68% white, 22% black, and 10% Hispanic population. Of this cohort of 115 patients, 56% were males. Of the subjects enrolled 22 had atrial fibrillation, 27 had type 2 diabetes, 7 had resistant hypertension, and 7 had patient foramen ovale. Of the 115 patients, 75 patients were found to have ODI of >10 and the mean ODI was 29±30. The NIHSS on admission was 6.14±6.93 and on discharge was 4.46±4.59, mRS on discharge was 1.70±1.67 with 52% being discharged home, 43% to rehab, 2% nursing home, and 3% to long-term acute care facility. In this study, we show a strong association between atrial fibrillation and increasing ODI (P<.001, OR 1.01, CI 1.00-1.03). In addition, our study also shows an association between discharges outcome of rehab (more deficits leading to higher disability) versus discharge to home (lesser deficits) if ODI was ≤10 (P = 0.005, OR 3.76, CI 1.49-9.52). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that there is a significant burden of OSA in acute stroke patients. ODI emerged as a predictor of atrial fibrillation and discharge disposition in our study. HRPO may be a cost-effective tool to screen and evaluate for OSA in acute stroke patients.

Pennsylvania comprehensive stroke center collaborative: Statement on the recently updated IV rt-PA prescriber information for acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the FDA guidelines regarding the eligibility of patients with acute ischemic stroke to receive IV rt-PA have been modified and are not in complete accord with the latest AHA/ASA guidelines. The resultant differences may result in discrepancies in patient selection for intravenous thrombolysis. METHODS: Several comprehensive stroke centers in the state of Pennsylvania have undertaken a collaborative effort to clarify and unify our own recommendations regarding how to reconcile these different guidelines. RESULTS: Seizure at onset of stroke, small previous strokes that are subacute or chronic, multilobar infarct involving more than one third of the middle cerebral artery territory on CT scan, hypoglycemia, minor or rapidly improving symptoms should not be considered as contraindications for intravenous thrombolysis. It is recommended to follow the AHA/ASA guidelines regarding blood pressure management and bleeding diathesis. Patients receiving factor Xa inhibitors and direct thrombin inhibitors within the preceding 48 h should be excluded from receiving IV rt-PA. CT angiography is effective in identifying candidates for endovascular therapy. Consultation with and/or transfer to a comprehensive stroke center should be an option where indicated. Patients should receive IV rt-PA up to 4.5h after the onset of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The process of identifying patients who will benefit the most from IV rt-PA is still evolving. Considering the rapidity with which patients need to be evaluated and treated, it remains imperative that systems of care adopt protocols to quickly gather the necessary data and have access to expert consultation as necessary to facilitate best practices.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis secondary to typhoid fever: a case report and brief summary of the literature.

BACKGROUND: There have been few reports of typhoid fever (or salmonellosis) presenting with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. We present such a case to highlight the importance of recognizing an etiology for cerebral sinus thrombosis and to discuss the role of salmonella in thrombogenesis. PATIENT: A 19-year-old man with a history of migraine presented with headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever, and was found to have a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis on magnetic resonance venography. He later developed profuse watery diarrhea and cultures grew salmonella species, consistent with typhoid fever. RESULTS: Treatment with antibiotics and oral anticoagulation led to resolution of his symptoms within 2 days and recanalization of the thrombosis was proven on magnetic resonance venography 6 months later. CONCLUSIONS: The development of profuse diarrhea after thrombosis suggests a direct thrombogenic effect of salmonella independent of dehydration. Systemic infections should be considered in all patients with thrombosis to identify treatable causes.