Efficacy of Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion with Low PC-ASPECTS: A Nationwide Prospective Registry-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) on the functional outcome of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and low posterior circulation acute stroke prognosis early computed tomography score (PC-ASPECTS). METHODS: We identified patients with acute ischemic stroke due to basilar artery occlusion and PC-ASPECTS of 6 or less, presenting within 24 h between August 2008 and April 2022. The primary outcome was a favorable functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 90 days. The secondary outcomes included an mRS score of 0-2, a favorable shift in the ordinal mRS scale, the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality at 90 days. We compared the outcome of patients treated with EVT and those without EVT, using the inverse probability of treatment weighting methods. RESULTS: Out of 566 patients, 55.5% received EVT. In the EVT group, 106 (33.8%) achieved favorable outcomes, compared to 56 patients (22.2%) in the conservative group. EVT significantly increased the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome compared to conservative treatment (relative risk [RR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.74, p = 0.004). EVT was associated with a favorable shift in the mRS (RR 1.85, 95% CI, 1.49-2.29, p < 0.001) and reduced mortality without an increase in the risk of sICH. It did not have an impact on achieving an mRS score of 0-2. INTERPRETATION: Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and a PC-ASPECTS of 6 or less might benefit from EVT without an increasing sICH. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:788-799.

Secular Trends in Outcomes and Impact of Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation-Related Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are currently recommended for the secondary prevention of stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) accompanied by atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of NOACs on clinical outcomes in real-world practice remains ambiguous. This study analyzes the trend of clinical events in patients with AF-related AIS and determines how much the introduction of NOACs has mediated this trend. METHODS: We identified patients with AIS and AF between January 2011 and December 2019 using a multicenter stroke registry. Annual rates of NOAC prescriptions and clinical events within 1 year were evaluated. The primary outcome was a composite of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality. To assess the mediation effect of NOACs on the relationship between the calendar year and these outcomes, we used natural effect models and conducted exposure-mediator, exposure-outcome, and mediator-outcome analyses using multivariable regression models or accelerated failure time models, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Among the 12 977 patients with AF-related AIS, 12 500 (average age: 74.4 years; 51.3% male) were analyzed after excluding cases of valvular AF. Between 2011 and 2019, there was a significant decrease in the 1-year incidence of the primary composite outcome from 28.3% to 21.7%, while the NOAC prescription rate increased from 0% to 75.6%. A 1-year increase in the calendar year was independently associated with delayed occurrence of the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.07-1.14]) and increased NOAC prescription (adjusted odds ratio, 2.20 [95% CI, 2.14-2.27]). Increased NOAC prescription was associated with delayed occurrence of the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 3.82 [95% CI, 3.17 to 4.61]). Upon controlling for NOAC prescription (mediator), the calendar year no longer influenced the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.94-1.00]). This suggests that NOAC prescription mediates the association between the calendar year and the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights a temporal reduction in major clinical events or death in Korean patients with AF-related AIS, mediated by increased NOAC prescription, emphasizing NOAC use in this population.

Prevalence of Mutations in Mendelian Stroke Genes in Early Onset Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Heritability of stroke is assumed not to be low, especially in the young stroke population. However, most genetic studies have been performed in highly selected patients with typical clinical or neuroimaging characteristics. We investigated the prevalence of 15 Mendelian stroke genes and explored the relationships between variants and the clinical and neuroimaging characteristics in a large, unselected, young stroke population. METHODS: We enrolled patients aged ≤55 years with stroke or transient ischemic attack from a prospective, nationwide, multicenter stroke registry. We identified clinically relevant genetic variants (CRGVs) in 15 Mendelian stroke genes (GLA, NOTCH3, HTRA1, RNF213, ACVRL1, ENG, CBS, TREX1, ABCC6, COL4A1, FBN1, NF1, COL3A1, MT-TL1, and APP) using a customized, targeted next generation sequencing panel. RESULTS: Among 1,033 patients, 131 (12.7%) had 28 CRGVs, most frequently in RNF213 (n = 59), followed by ABCC6 (n = 53) and NOTCH3 (n = 15). The frequency of CRGVs differed by ischemic stroke subtypes (p < 0.01): the highest in other determined etiology (20.1%), followed by large artery atherosclerosis (13.6%). It also differed between patients aged ≤35 years and those aged 51 to 55 years (17.1% vs 9.3%, p = 0.02). Only 27.1% and 26.7% of patients with RNF213 and NOTCH3 variants had typical neuroimaging features of the corresponding disorders, respectively. Variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) were found in 15.4% patients. INTERPRETATION: CRGVs in 15 Mendelian stroke genes may not be uncommon in the young stroke population. The majority of patients with CRGVs did not have typical features of the corresponding monogenic disorders. Clinical implications of having CRGVs or VUSs should be explored. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:768-782.

Covert Brain Infarction as a Risk Factor for Stroke Recurrence in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate covert brain infarction (CBI), frequently encountered during the diagnostic work-up of acute ischemic stroke, as a risk factor for stroke recurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: For this prospective cohort study, from patients with acute ischemic stroke hospitalized at 14 centers between 2017 and 2019, we enrolled AF patients without history of stroke or transient ischemic attack and divided them into the CBI (+) and CBI (-) groups. The 2 groups were compared regarding the 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality using the Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard model with nonstroke death as a competing risk and the Cox frailty model, respectively. Each CBI lesion was also categorized into either embolic-appearing (EA) or non-EA pattern CBI. Adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CIs of any CBI, EA pattern CBI only, non-EA pattern CBI only, and both CBIs were estimated. RESULTS: Among 1383 first-ever stroke patients with AF, 578 patients (41.8%) had CBI. Of these 578 with CBI, EA pattern CBI only, non-EA pattern CBI only, and both CBIs were 61.8% (n=357), 21.8% (n=126), and 16.4% (n=95), respectively. The estimated 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke was 5.2% and 1.9% in the CBI (+) and CBI (-) groups, respectively (P=0.001 by Gray test). CBI increased the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI], 2.91 [1.44-5.88]) but did not the risk of all-cause mortality (1.32 [0.97-1.80]). The EA pattern CBI only and both CBIs elevated the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (2.76 [1.32-5.77] and 5.39 [2.25-12.91], respectively), while the non-EA pattern only did not (1.44 [0.40-5.16]). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that AF patients with CBI might have increased risk of recurrent stroke. CBI could be considered when estimating the stroke risk in patients with AF.

Improvement in Delivery of Ischemic Stroke Treatments but Stagnation of Clinical Outcomes in Young Adults in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the delivery of acute stroke therapies and secondary preventive measures and clinical outcomes over time in young adults with acute ischemic stroke. This study investigated whether advances in these treatments improved outcomes in this population. METHODS: Using a prospective multicenter stroke registry in Korea, young adults (aged 18-50 years) with acute ischemic stroke hospitalized between 2008 and 2019 were identified. The observation period was divided into 4 epochs: 2008 to 2010, 2011 to 2013, 2014 to 2016, and 2017 to 2019. Secular trends for patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 7050 eligible patients (mean age, 43.1; men, 71.9%) were registered. The mean age decreased from 43.6 to 42.9 years (Ptrend=0.01). Current smoking decreased, whereas obesity increased. Other risk factors remained unchanged. Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy rates increased over time from 2008 to 2010 to 2017 to 2019 (9.5%-13.8% and 3.2%-9.2%, respectively; Ptrend<0.01). Door-to-needle time improved (Ptrend <.001), but onset-to-door and door-to-puncture times remained constant. Secondary prevention, including dual antiplatelets for noncardioembolic minor stroke (26.7%-47.0%), direct oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation (0.0%-56.2%), and statins for large artery atherosclerosis (76.1%-95.3%) increased (Ptrend<0.01). Outcome data were available from 2011. One-year mortality (2.5% in 2011-2013 and 2.3% in 2017-2019) and 3-month modified Rankin Scale scores 0 to 1 (68.3%-69.1%) and 0 to 2 (87.6%-86.2%) remained unchanged. The 1-year stroke recurrence rate increased (4.1%-5.5%; Ptrend=0.04), although the difference was not significant after adjusting for sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in the delivery of acute stroke treatments did not necessarily lead to better outcomes in young adults with acute ischemic stroke over the past decade, indicating a need for further progress.

The efficacy and safety of tadalafil in the management of erectile dysfunction with diabetes and blood circulation issues.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common diabetes-related complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined the effect of daily low-dose tadalafil (5 mg) on patients' quality of life (including that of sex life) and blood circulation. Erectile dysfunction questionnaires were administered to 20 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and ED. The safety and efficacy of tadalafil were evaluated using laboratory tests, and the effect on blood circulation was measured through nail fold capillaroscopy. RESULTS: Daily tadalafil use by patients with T2DM and ED showed a statistically significant increase in the erectile reliability score from of 1.15 to 3.20 (p < .00012). Capillary blood circulation improvement tests showed a statistically significant increase in apical limb width from 13.1 to 14.64 µm (p = .04829) and flow from 9035 to 11946 µm3/s (p = .04405). Although not significant, increased capillary width and speed (rate of blood flow) confirmed improved blood circulation. There were no significant changes in the cardiac indicators (troponin, prostate-specific antigen, or electrocardiogram tests) before and after tadalafil administration, supporting the safety of its low-dose daily administration. CONCLUSIONS: A small dose of daily tadalafil was shown to safely improve erectile dysfunction and peripheral blood flow in patients with T2DM, in which peripheral arterial diseases should not be considered separately but rather as complex entities.

Body mass index and waist circumference as predictors of recurrent vascular events after a recent ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Although elevated body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for stroke, it appears to protect against recurrent vascular events. We tried to evaluate BMI and waist circumference (WC) as predictors of recurrent stroke and vascular events in a cohort of stroke survivors who were followed for 12 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the stroke registry database of 6 hospitals and recruited patients with a first-ever stroke who were admitted from January 2011 to November 2019 and had their BMI and WC measured. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare risks of recurrent stroke and major vascular events (a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death) between different BMI and WC quintiles. Reference categories were patients in the lowest quintiles. RESULTS: A total of 14 781 patients were analyzed. Patients in the second quintile of BMI had the lowest risk of recurrent stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.91); patients in the highest quintile had the lowest risk or a major vascular event (adjusted HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.58-0.86). Patients in the fourth quintile of WC had the lowest risk of recurrent stroke (adjusted HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.59-0.91) and a major vascular event (adjusted HR 0.72; 95 % CI 0.60-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show favorable effects of excess body weight and intra-abdominal fat on avoidance of vascular events after stroke and a favorable effect of intra-abdominal fat on avoidance of recurrent stroke.

Frequency, management, and outcomes of early neurologic deterioration due to stroke progression or recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: The frequency, management, and outcomes of early neurologic deterioration (END) after ischemic stroke specifically due to stroke progression or stroke recurrence have not been well delineated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a multicenter, nationwide registry, data on END due to stroke progression or recurrence confirmed by imaging were collected prospectively between January 2019 and July 2020. Patient characteristics, management strategies, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 14,828 consecutive ischemic stroke patients, 1717 (11.6%) experienced END, including 1221 (8.2%) with END due to stroke progression (SP) or stroke recurrence (SR). Active management after END was implemented in 64.2% of patients. Active management strategies included volume expansion (29.2%), change in antithrombotic regimen (26.1%), induced hypertension (8.6%), rescue reperfusion therapy (6.8%), intracranial pressure lowering with hyperosmolar agents (1.5%), bypass surgery (0.6%), and hypothermia (0.1%). Active management strategies that varied with patient features included volume expansion and induced hypertension, used more often in large artery atherosclerosis and small vessel occlusion, and rescue endovascular thrombectomy, more common in other (dissection), cardioembolism, and large artery atherosclerosis. Active management was associated with higher rates of freedom from disability (modified Rankin Scale, mRS, 0-1; 24.3% vs. 16.6%) and functional independence (mRS, 0-2; 41.6% vs. 27.7%) at 3 months. CONCLUSION: END specifically due to stroke progression or recurrence occurs in 1 in 12 acute ischemic stroke patients. In this observational study, active management, undertaken in two-thirds of patients, was most often hemodynamic or antithrombotic and was associated with improved functional outcomes.

Stroke of Other Determined Etiology: Results From the Nationwide Multicenter Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND: Stroke of other determined etiology (OE) includes patients with an uncommon cause of stroke. We described the general characteristics, management, and outcomes of stroke in OE and its subgroups. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicenter, nationwide registry, the Clinical Research Center for Stroke-Korea-National Institutes of Health registry. We classified OE strokes into 10 subgroups according to the literature and their properties. Each OE subgroup was compared according to clinical characteristics, sex, age strata, lesion locations, and management. Moreover, 1-year composites of stroke and all-cause mortality were investigated according to the OE subgroups. RESULTS: In total, 2119 patients with ischemic stroke with OE types (mean age, 55.6±16.2 years; male, 58%) were analyzed. In the Clinical Research Center for Stroke-Korea-National Institutes of Health registry, patients with OE accounted for 2.8% of all patients with stroke. The most common subtypes were arterial dissection (39.1%), cancer-related coagulopathy (17.3%), and intrinsic diseases of the arterial wall (16.7%). Overall, strokes of OE were more common in men than in women (58% versus 42%). Arterial dissection, intrinsic diseases of the arterial wall and stroke associated with migraine and drugs were more likely to occur at a young age, while disorders of platelets and the hemostatic system, cancer-related coagulopathy, infectious diseases, and hypoperfusion syndromes were more frequent at an old age. The composite of stroke and all-cause mortality within 1 year most frequently occurred in cancer-related coagulopathy, with an event rate of 71.8%, but least frequently occurred in stroke associated with migraine and drugs and arterial dissection, with event rates of 0% and 7.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the different characteristics, demographic findings, lesion locations, and outcomes of OE and its subtypes. It is characterized by a high proportion of arterial dissection, high mortality risk in cancer-related coagulopathy and an increasing annual frequency of cancer-related coagulopathy in patients with stroke of OE.

Association of ischemic stroke onset time with presenting severity, acute progression, and long-term outcome: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical data suggest circadian variation in ischemic stroke progression, with more active cell death and infarct growth in rodent models with inactive phase (daytime) than active phase (nighttime) stroke onset. We aimed to examine the association of stroke onset time with presenting severity, early neurological deterioration (END), and long-term functional outcome in human ischemic stroke. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In a Korean nationwide multicenter observational cohort study from May 2011 to July 2020, we assessed circadian effects on initial stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score at admission), END, and favorable functional outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0 to 2 versus 3 to 6). We included 17,461 consecutive patients with witnessed ischemic stroke within 6 hours of onset. Stroke onset time was divided into 2 groups (day-onset [06:00 to 18:00] versus night-onset [18:00 to 06:00]) and into 6 groups by 4-hour intervals. We used mixed-effects ordered or logistic regression models while accounting for clustering by hospitals. Mean age was 66.9 (SD 13.4) years, and 6,900 (39.5%) were women. END occurred in 2,219 (12.7%) patients. After adjusting for covariates including age, sex, previous stroke, prestroke mRS score, admission NIHSS score, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, atrial fibrillation, prestroke antiplatelet use, prestroke statin use, revascularization, season of stroke onset, and time from onset to hospital arrival, night-onset stroke was more prone to END (adjusted incidence 14.4% versus 12.8%, p = 0.006) and had a lower likelihood of favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.79 to 0.98]; p = 0.03) compared with day-onset stroke. When stroke onset times were grouped by 4-hour intervals, a monotonic gradient in presenting NIHSS score was noted, rising from a nadir in 06:00 to 10:00 to a peak in 02:00 to 06:00. The 18:00 to 22:00 and 22:00 to 02:00 onset stroke patients were more likely to experience END than the 06:00 to 10:00 onset stroke patients. At 3 months, there was a monotonic gradient in the rate of favorable functional outcome, falling from a peak at 06:00 to 10:00 to a nadir at 22:00 to 02:00. Study limitations include the lack of information on sleep disorders and patient work/activity schedules. CONCLUSIONS: Night-onset strokes, compared with day-onset strokes, are associated with higher presenting neurologic severity, more frequent END, and worse 3-month functional outcome. These findings suggest that circadian time of onset is an important additional variable for inclusion in epidemiologic natural history studies and in treatment trials of neuroprotective and reperfusion agents for acute ischemic stroke.

Relation of Pre-Stroke Aspirin Use With Cerebral Infarct Volume and Functional Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated (1) the associations of pre-stroke aspirin use with thrombus burden, infarct volume, hemorrhagic transformation, early neurological deterioration (END), and functional outcome, and (2) whether stroke subtypes modify these associations in first-ever ischemic stroke. METHODS: This multicenter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based study included 5,700 consecutive patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke, who did not undergo intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy, from May 2011 through February 2014. Propensity score-based augmented inverse probability weighting was performed to estimate adjusted effects of pre-stroke aspirin use. RESULTS: The mean age was 67 years (41% women), and 15.9% (n = 907) were taking aspirin before stroke. Pre-stroke aspirin use (vs nonuse) was significantly related to a reduced infarct volume (by 30%), particularly in large artery atherosclerosis stroke (by 45%). In cardioembolic stroke, pre-stroke aspirin use was associated with a ~50% lower incidence of END (adjusted difference = -5.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -8.9 to -1.9). Thus, pre-stroke aspirin use was associated with ~30% higher likelihood of favorable outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale score < 3), particularly in large artery atherosclerosis stroke and cardioembolic stroke (adjusted difference = 7.2%, 95% CI = 1.8 to 12.5 and adjusted difference = 6.4%, 95% CI = 1.7 to 11.1, respectively). Pre-stroke aspirin use (vs nonuse) was associated with 85% less frequent cerebral thrombus-related susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) in large artery atherosclerosis stroke (adjusted difference = -1.4%, 95% CI = -2.1 to -0.8, p < 0.001) and was associated with ~40% lower SVS volumes, particularly in cardioembolic stroke (adjusted difference = -0.16 cm3 , 95% CI = -0.29 to -0.02, p = 0.03). Moreover, pre-stroke aspirin use was not significantly associated with hemorrhagic transformation (adjusted difference = -1.1%, p = 0.09). INTERPRETATION: Pre-stroke aspirin use associates with improved functional independence in patients with first-ever ischemic large arterial stroke by reducing infarct volume and/or END, likely by decreasing thrombus burden, without increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:763-776.

Fasting and Non-Fasting Triglycerides in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Clinical implications of elevated fasting triglycerides (FTGs) and non-fasting triglycerides (NFTGs) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remain unknown. We aimed to elucidate the correlation and clinical significance of FTG and NFTG levels in AIS patients. METHODS: Using a multicenter prospective stroke registry, we identified AIS patients hospitalized within 24 hours of onset with available NFTG results. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality up to one year. RESULTS: This study analyzed 2,176 patients. The prevalence of fasting and non-fasting hypertriglyceridemia was 11.5% and 24.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, diabetes, higher body mass index and initial systolic blood pressure were independently associated with both fasting and non-fasting hypertriglyceridemia (all P < 0.05). Patients with higher quartiles of NFTG were more likely to be male, younger, ever-smokers, diabetic, and have family histories of premature coronary heart disease and stroke (all P < 0.05). Similar tendencies were observed for FTG. The composite outcome was not associated with FTG or NFTG quartiles. CONCLUSION: The fasting and non-fasting hypertriglyceridemia were prevalent in AIS patients and showed similar clinical characteristics and outcomes. High FTG and NFTG levels were not associated with occurrence of subsequent clinical events up to one year.

Annual Case Volume and One-Year Mortality for Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: The association between endovascular treatment (EVT) case volume per hospital and clinical outcomes has been reported, but the exact volume threshold has not been determined. This study aimed to examine the case volume threshold in this context. METHODS: National audit data on the quality of acute stroke care in patients admitted via emergency department, within 7 days of onset, in hospitals that treated ≥ 10 stroke cases during the audit period were analyzed. Ischemic stroke cases treated with EVT during the last three audits (2013, 2014, and 2016) were selected for the analysis. Annual EVT case volume per hospital was estimated and analyzed as a continuous and a categorical variable (in quartiles). The primary outcome measure was 1-year mortality as a surrogate of 3-month functional outcome. As post-hoc sensitivity analysis, replication of the study results was examined using the 2018 audit data. RESULTS: We analyzed 1,746 ischemic stroke cases treated with EVT in 120 acute care hospitals. The median annual EVT case volume was 12.0 cases per hospital, and mortality rates at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year were 12.7%, 16.6%, and 23.3%, respectively. Q3 and Q4 had 33% lower odds of 1-year mortality than Q1. Adjustments were made for predetermined confounders. Annual EVT case volume cut-off value for 1-year mortality was 15 cases per year (P < 0.02). The same cut-off value was replicated in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: Annual EVT case volume was associated with 1-year mortality. The volume threshold per hospital was 15 cases per year.

Risk of Subsequent Events in Patients With Minor Ischemic Stroke or High-Risk Transient Ischemic Attack.

This study aimed to present the prognosis after minor acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA), using a definition of subsequent stroke in accordance with recent clinical trials. In total, 9,506 patients with minor AIS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤ 5) or high-risk TIA (acute lesions or ≥ 50% cerebral artery steno-occlusion) admitted between November 2010 and October 2013 were included. The primary outcome was the composite of stroke (progression of initial event or a subsequent event) and all-cause mortality. The cumulative incidence of stroke or death was 11.2% at 1 month, 13.3% at 3 months and 16.7% at 1 year. Incidence rate of stroke or death in the first month was 12.5 per 100 person-months: highest in patients with large artery atherosclerosis (17.0). The risk of subsequent events shortly after a minor AIS or high-risk TIA was substantial, particularly in patients with large artery atherosclerosis.

Underweight predicts poststroke cardiovascular events in patients without atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether underweight is associated with poststroke cardiovascular events and whether such association is different according to the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack who were prospectively registered in a multicenter stroke database from April 2008 to July 2020 were analyzed, excluding those aged 75 or older and those who were overweight. We prospectively captured major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within one year after stroke. Cox-proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted for each subgroup with or without AF after adjusting for predetermined vascular risk factors and potential confounders. RESULTS: Among 30,912 patients, 1494 (4.8%) cases were underweight and 29,418 (95.2%) cases were normal weight. The cumulative event rate of 1-year MACE was higher in the underweight group (9.0%) than in the normal weight group (5.6%). In Cox-proportional regression, underweight was associated with significantly higher MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-2.09) and recurrent stroke (adjusted HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02-1.98) in all study patients. In patients with AF, the risk of MACE for the underweight group was not significantly increased. In contrast, in patients without AF, the underweight group had a consistently higher risk of MACE (adjusted HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.25-2.22) and recurrent stroke (adjusted HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.05-2.14). CONCLUSIONS: Underweight increased the risk of MACE and recurrent stroke within one year after acute stroke, especially in stroke without AF.

Effect of Transport Time on the Use of Reperfusion Therapy for Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke in Korea.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between geographic proximity to hospitals and the administration rate of reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We identified patients with acute ischemic stroke who visited the hospital within 12 hours of symptom onset from a prospective nationwide multicenter stroke registry. Reperfusion therapy was classified as intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), endovascular therapy (EVT), or combined therapy. The association between the proportion of patients who were treated with reperfusion therapy and the ground transport time was evaluated using a spline regression analysis adjusted for patient-level characteristics. We also estimated the proportion of Korean population that lived within each 30-minute incremental service area from 67 stroke centers accredited by the Korean Stroke Society. RESULTS: Of 12,172 patients (mean age, 68 ± 13 years; men, 59.7%) who met the eligibility criteria, 96.5% lived within 90 minutes of ground transport time from the admitting hospital. The proportion of patients treated with IVT decreased significantly when stroke patients lived beyond 90 minutes of the transport time (P = 0.006). The proportion treated with EVT also showed a similar trend with the transport time. Based on the residential area, 98.4% of Korean population was accessible to 67 stroke centers within 90 minutes. CONCLUSION: The use of reperfusion therapy for acute stroke decreased when patients lived beyond 90 minutes of the ground transport time from the hospital. More than 95% of the South Korean population was accessible to 67 stroke centers within 90 minutes of the ground transport time.

Influence of Hemoglobin Concentration on Stroke Recurrence and Composite Vascular Events.

Background and Purpose- We evaluated whether hemoglobin concentration at admission was associated with stroke recurrence and composite vascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death) in acute ischemic stroke. Methods- We collected data from patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from a multicenter stroke registry database in Korea. The association of hemoglobin concentration with 1-year stroke recurrence and composite vascular events was evaluated with respect to age, presence of cerebral artery stenosis, stroke severity, and stroke subtype. Results- Hemoglobin levels were inversely associated with stroke recurrence and composite vascular events. One-year rates of stroke recurrence and composite vascular events were significantly higher in patients with anemia or moderate anemia. In multivariable analyses, moderate anemia remained an independent predictor of stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.16-1.75]) and composite vascular events (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07-1.48]). Moderate anemia increased the risk of composite vascular events in patients with mild-to-moderate stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <16, P=0.01 for interaction). Conclusions- Hemoglobin concentration could be an independent predictor of stroke recurrence and composite vascular events.

Effect of Heart Rate on Stroke Recurrence and Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background and Purpose- There is a paucity of information about the role of resting heart rate in the prediction of outcome events in patients with ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation. We aimed to investigate the relationships between the level and variability of heart rate in the acute stroke period and stroke recurrence and mortality after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods- Acute patients with ischemic stroke who had atrial fibrillation and were hospitalized within 48 hours of stroke onset were identified from a multicenter prospective stroke registry database. The acute stroke period was divided into early (within 24 hours of hospitalization) and late (72 hours to 7 days from onset) stages, and data on heart rate in both stages were collected. Moreover, the level and variability of heart rate were assessed using mean values and coefficients of variation. Outcome events were prospectively monitored up to 1 year after the index stroke. Results- Among 2046 patients eligible for the early acute stage analysis, 102 (5.0%) had a stroke recurrence, and 440 (21.5%) died during the first year after stroke. A statistically significant nonlinear J-shaped association was observed between mean heart rate and mortality (P<0.04 for quadratic and overall effect) but not between mean heart rate and stroke recurrence (P>0.1 for quadratic and overall effect). The nonlinear and overall effects of the coefficients of variation of heart rate were not significant for all outcome variables. The same results were observed in the late acute stage analysis (n=1576). Conclusions- In patients with atrial fibrillation hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke, the mean heart rate during the acute stroke period was not associated with stroke recurrence but was associated with mortality (nonlinear, J-shaped association). The relationships between heart rate and outcomes were not observed with respect to heart rate variability.

Routing to Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke in Korea: Recognition of Need for Process Improvement.

BACKGROUND: To track triage, routing, and treatment status regarding access to endovascular treatment (EVT) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) at a national level. METHODS: From national stroke audit data, potential candidates for EVT arriving within 6 hours with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score of ≥ 7 were identified. Acute care hospitals were classified as thrombectomy-capable hospitals (TCHs, ≥ 15 EVT cases/year) or primary stroke hospital (PSH, < 15 cases/year), and patients' initial routes and subsequent inter-hospital transfer were described. Impact of initial routing to TCHs vs. PSHs on EVT and clinical outcomes were analyzed using multilevel generalized mixed effect models. RESULTS: Out of 14,902 AIS patients, 2,180 (14.6%) were EVT candidates. Eighty-one percent of EVT candidates were transported by ambulance, but only one-third were taken initially to TCHs. Initial routing to TCHs was associated with greater chances of receiving EVT compared to initial routing to PSHs (33.3% vs 12.1%, P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-2.92) and favorable outcome (38.5% vs. 28.2%, P < 0.001; aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.16-2.00). Inter-hospital transfers to TCHs occurred in 17.4% of those initially routed to a PSH and was associated with the greater chance of EVT compared to remaining at PSHs (34.8% vs. 7.5%, P < 0.001), but not with better outcomes. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of EVT candidates were initially routed to PSHs despite greater chance of receiving EVT and having favorable outcomes if routed to a TCH in Korea. Process improvement is needed to direct appropriate patients to TCHs.

Acute Stroke Care in Korea in 2013-2014: National Averages and Disparities.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the current status of acute stroke care in Korea and explore disparities among hospitals and regions. METHODS: The 2013 and 2014 national stroke audit data and the national health insurance claims data were linked and used for this study. Stroke patients hospitalized via emergency rooms within 7 days of stroke onset were selected. RESULTS: A total of 19,608 patients treated in 216 hospitals were analyzed. Among them 76% had ischemic stroke; 15%, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH); and 9%, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Of the hospitals, 31% provided inpatient stroke unit care. Ambulances were used in 56% of cases, and the median interval from onset to arrival was 4.5 hours. One-quarter of patients were referred from other hospitals. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular treatment (EVT) rates were 11% and 4%, respectively. Three-quarters of the analyzed hospitals provided IVT and/or EVT, whereas 47% of hospitals providing IVT and 67% of hospitals providing EVT had less than one case per month. Decompressive surgery was performed on 28% of ICH patients, and clipping and coiling were performed in 17.2% and 14.3% of SAH patients, respectively. There were noticeable regional disparities between the various interventions, ambulance use, arrival time, and stroke unit availability. CONCLUSION: This study describes the current status of acute stroke care in Korea. Despite quite acceptable quality of stroke care, it suggests regional and hospital disparities. Expansion of stroke units, stroke center certification or accreditation, and connections between stroke centers and emergency medical services are highly recommended.