Beyond hyperglycemia: glycaemic variability as a prognostic factor after acute ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Glycaemic variability (GV) refers to variations in blood glucose levels, and may affect stroke outcomes. This study aims to assess the effect of GV on acute ischaemic stroke progression. METHODS: We performed an exploratory analysis of the multicentre, prospective, observational GLIAS-II study. Capillary glucose levels were measured every 4 hours during the first 48 hours after stroke, and GV was defined as the standard deviation of the mean glucose values. The primary outcomes were mortality and death or dependency at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, stroke recurrence, and the impact of the route of insulin administration on GV. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were included. Higher GV values were observed in patients who died (n = 16; 7.8%; 30.9 mg/dL vs 23.3 mg/dL; p = 0.05). In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and comorbidity, both GV (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.003-1.06; p = 0.03) and stroke severity (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.2; p = 0.004) were independently associated with mortality at 3 months. No association was found between GV and the other outcomes. Patients receiving subcutaneous insulin showed higher GV than those treated with intravenous insulin (38.95 mg/dL vs 21.34 mg/dL; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High GV values during the first 48 hours after ischaemic stroke were independently associated with mortality. Subcutaneous insulin may be associated with higher VG levels than intravenous administration.

Recommendations on the use of computed tomography in the stroke code: Consensus document SENR, SERAU, GEECV-SEN, SERAM.

The Spanish Society of Emergency Radiology (SERAU), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Society of Neurology through its Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group (GEECV-SEN) and the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) have met to draft this consensus document that will review the use of computed tomography in the stroke code patients, focusing on its indications, the technique for its correct acquisition and the possible interpretation mistakes.

Characteristics of stroke units and stroke teams in Spain in 2018. Pre2Ictus project.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work is to describe the characteristics of stroke units and stroke teams in Spain. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study based on an ad-hoc questionnaire designed by 5 experts and addressed to neurologists leading stroke units/teams that had been operational for ≥ 1 year. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 43 stroke units (61% of units in Spain) and 14 stroke teams. A mean (standard deviation) of 4 (3) neurologists were assigned to each stroke unit/team; 98% of stroke units (and 38% of stroke teams) have an on-call neurologist available 24 hours a day, 98% of units (79% of stroke teams) included specialised nurses, 86% of units (71% of stroke teams) included a social worker, and 81% of units (71% of stroke teams) included a rehabilitation physician. Most stroke units (80%) had 4--6 beds with continuous non-invasive monitoring. The mean number of unmonitored beds was 14 (8) for stroke units and 12 (7) for stroke teams. The mean duration of non-invasive monitoring was 3 (1) days. All stroke units and 86% of stroke teams had intravenous thrombolysis available, and 81% of stroke units and 21% of stroke teams were able to perform mechanical thrombectomy, whereas the remaining centres had referral pathways in place. Telestroke systems were in place at 44% of stroke units, providing support to a mean of 4 (3) centres. Activity is recorded in clinical registries by 77% of stroke units and 50% of stroke teams, but less than 75% of data is completed in 25% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Most stroke units/teams comply with the current recommendations. The systematic use of clinical registries should be improved to further improve patient care.

Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology for the prevention of stroke. Interventions on lifestyle and air pollution.

OBJECTIVE: To update the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology regarding lifestyle interventions for stroke prevention. DEVELOPMENT: We reviewed the most recent studies related to lifestyle and stroke risk, including randomised clinical trials, population studies, and meta-analyses. The risk of stroke associated with such lifestyle habits as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles was analysed, and the potential benefits for stroke prevention of modifying these habits were reviewed. We also reviewed stroke risk associated with exposure to air pollution. Based on the results obtained, we drafted recommendations addressing each of the lifestyle habits analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle modification constitutes a cornerstone in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke. Abstinence or cessation of smoking, cessation of excessive alcohol consumption, avoidance of exposure to chronic stress, avoidance of overweight or obesity, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil and nuts, and regular exercise are essential measures in reducing the risk of stroke. We also recommend implementing policies to reduce air pollution.

Stroke prevention in patients with arterial hypertension: Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Stroke Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To update the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology on primary and secondary stroke prevention in patients with arterial hypertension. DEVELOPMENT: We proposed several questions to identify practical issues for the management of blood pressure (BP) in stroke prevention, analysing the objectives of blood pressure control, which drugs are most appropriate in primary prevention, when antihypertensive treatment should be started after a stroke, what levels we should aim to achieve, and which drugs are most appropriate in secondary stroke prevention. We conducted a systematic review of the PubMed database and analysed the main clinical trials to address these questions and establish a series of recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: In primary stroke prevention, antihypertensive treatment should be started in patients with BP levels >  140/90 mmHg, with a target BP of < 130/80 mmHg. In secondary stroke prevention, we recommend starting antihypertensive treatment after the acute phase (first 24 hours), with a target BP of < 130/80 mmHg. The use of angiotensin-II receptor antagonists or diuretics alone or in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is preferable.

Ultrasonographic and hemodynamic characteristics of patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion: results from a multicenter registry study.

PURPOSE: The ultrasonographic and hemodynamic features of patients with carotid near-occlusion (CNO) are still not well known. Our aim was to describe the ultrasonographic and hemodynamic characteristics of a cohort of patients with CNO. METHODS: A prospective, observational, nationwide, and multicenter study was conducted from January/2010 to May/2016. Patients with digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-confirmed CNO were included. We collected information on clinical and demographic characteristics, carotid and transcranial ultrasonography and DSA findings, presence of full-collapse, collateral circulation, and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five patients were analyzed. Ultrasonographic and DSA diagnosis of CNO were concordant in only 44%. This disagreement was related to the presence/absence of full-collapse: 45% of patients with CNO with full-collapse were classified as a complete carotid occlusion, and 40% with a CNO without full-collapse were interpreted as severe stenosis (p < 0.001). Mean velocities (mV) and pulsatility indexes (PIs) were significantly lower in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery compared with the contralateral (43 cm/s vs 58 cm/s, p < 0.001; 0.80 vs 1.00, p < 0.001). Collateral circulation was identified in 92% of patients, with the anterior communicating artery (73%) being the most frequent. CVR was decreased or exhausted in 66% of cases and was more frequent in patients with a poor or absent collateral network compared with patients with ≥ 2 collateral arteries (82% vs 56%, p = 0.051). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of carotid ultrasonography in the diagnosis of CNO seems to be limited, with significant discrepancies with DSA. Decreased ipsilateral mV, PI, and CVR suggest a hemodynamic compromise in patients with CNO.

Stroke prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Recommendations from the Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group, Spanish Society of Neurology. / Prevención de ictus en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 o prediabetes. Recomendaciones del Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares de la Sociedad Española de Neurología.

OBJECTIVE: To update the Spanish Society of Neurology's guidelines for stroke prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, analysing the available evidence on the effect of metabolic control and the potential benefit of antidiabetic drugs with known vascular benefits in addition to conventional antidiabetic treatments in stroke prevention. DEVELOPMENT: PICO-type questions (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) were developed to identify practical issues in the management of stroke patients and to establish specific recommendations for each of them. Subsequently, we conducted systematic reviews of the PubMed database and selected those randomised clinical trials evaluating stroke as an independent variable (primary or secondary). Finally, for each of the PICO questions we developed a meta-analysis to support the final recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: While there is no evidence that metabolic control reduces the risk of stroke, some families of antidiabetic drugs with vascular benefits have been shown to reduce these effects when added to conventional treatments, both in the field of primary prevention in patients presenting type 2 diabetes and high vascular risk or established atherosclerosis (GLP-1 agonists) and in secondary stroke prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (pioglitazone).

Beyond hyperglycemia: glycaemic variability as a prognostic factor after acute ischemic stroke. / Más allá de la hiperglucemia: la variabilidad glucémica como factor pronóstico en el infarto cerebral agudo.

INTRODUCTION: Glycaemic variability (GV) refers to variations in blood glucose levels, and may affect stroke outcomes. This study aims to assess the effect of GV on acute ischaemic stroke progression. METHODS: We performed an exploratory analysis of the multicentre, prospective, observational GLIAS-II study. Capillary glucose levels were measured every 4 hours during the first 48 hours after stroke, and GV was defined as the standard deviation of the mean glucose values. The primary outcomes were mortality and death or dependency at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, stroke recurrence, and the impact of the route of insulin administration on GV. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were included. Higher GV values were observed in patients who died (n = 16; 7.8%; 30.9 mg/dL vs 23.3 mg/dL; p = 0.05). In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and comorbidity, both GV (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.003-1.06; p = 0.03) and stroke severity (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.2; p = 0.004) were independently associated with mortality at 3 months. No association was found between GV and the other outcomes. Patients receiving subcutaneous insulin showed higher GV than those treated with intravenous insulin (38.95 mg/dL vs 21.34 mg/dL; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High GV values during the first 48 hours after ischaemic stroke were independently associated with mortality. Subcutaneous insulin may be associated with higher VG levels than intravenous administration.

Characteristics of stroke units and stroke teams in Spain in 2018. Pre2Ictus project. / Características de las unidades de ictus y equipos de ictus en España en el año 2018. Proyecto Pre2Ictus.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work is to describe the characteristics of stroke units and stroke teams in Spain. METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional study based on an ad hoc questionnaire designed by 5 experts and addressed to neurologists leading stroke units/teams that had been operational for ≥ 1 year. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 43 stroke units (61% of units in Spain) and 14 stroke teams. The mean (SD) number of neurologists assigned to each unit/team is 4±3. 98% of stroke units (and 38% of stroke teams) have a neurologist on-call available 24hours, 365 days. 98% of stroke units (79% of stroke teams) have specialised nurse, 95% of units (71% of stroke teams) auxiliary personnel, 86% of units (71% of stroke teams) social worker, 81% of stroke units (71% of stroke teams) have a rehabilitation physician and 81% of stroke units (86% of stroke teams) a physiotherapist. Most stroke units (80%) have 4-6 beds with continuous non-invasive monitoring. The mean number of unmonitored beds is 14 (8) for stroke units and 12 (7) for stroke teams. The mean duration of non-invasive monitoring is 3 (1) days. All stroke units and 86% of stroke teams have intravenous thrombolysis available, and 81% of stroke units and 21% of stroke teams are able to perform mechanical thrombectomy, whereas the remaining centres have referral pathways in place. Telestroke systems are available at 44% of stroke units, providing support to a mean of 4 (3) centres. Activity is recorded in clinical registries by 77% of stroke units and 50% of stroke teams, but less than 75% of data is completed in 25% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Most stroke units/teams comply with the current recommendations. The systematic use of clinical registries should be improved to further improve patient care.

Contraindications to intravenous thrombolysis in prehospital triage of thrombectomy candidates.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The existence of contraindications to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is considered a criterion for direct transfer of patients with suspected acute stroke to thrombectomy-capable centers in the prehospital setting. Our aim was to assess the utility of this criterion in a setting where routing protocols are defined by the Madrid - Direct Referral to Endovascular Center (M-DIRECT) prehospital scale. METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of the M-DIRECT study. Reported contraindications to IVT were retrospectively collected from emergency medical services reports and categorized into late window, anticoagulant treatment and other contraindications. Final diagnosis and treatment rates were compared between patients with and without reported IVT contraindications and according to anticoagulant treatment or late window categories. RESULTS: The M-DIRECT study included 541 patients. Reported IVT contraindications were present in 227 (42.0%) patients. Regarding final diagnosis no significant differences were found between patients with or without reported IVT contraindications: ischaemic stroke (any) 65.6% vs. 62.1%, ischaemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) 32.2% vs. 28.3%, hemorrhagic stroke 15.4% vs. 15.6%, stroke mimic 18.9% vs. 22.3% respectively. Amongst patients with LVO, endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was performed less often in the presence of IVT contraindications (56.2% vs. 74.2%). M-DIRECT-positive patients had higher rates of LVO and EVT compared with M-DIRECT-negative patients independent of reported IVT contraindications. CONCLUSIONS: Reported IVT contraindications alone do not increase EVT likelihood and should not be considered to determine routing in urban stroke networks.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the organisation of stroke care. Madrid Stroke Care Plan. / Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la organización asistencial del ictus. Plan Ictus Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: The overload of the healthcare system and the organisational changes made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may be having an impact on acute stroke care in the Region of Madrid. METHODS: We conducted a survey with sections addressing hospital characteristics, changes in infrastructure and resources, code stroke clinical pathways, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, and outpatient care. We performed a descriptive analysis of results according to the level of complexity of stroke care (availability of stroke units and mechanical thrombectomy). RESULTS: The survey was completed by 22 of the 26 hospitals in the Madrid Regional Health System that attend adult emergencies, between 16 and 27 April 2020. Ninety-five percent of hospitals had reallocated neurologists to care for patients with COVID-19. The numbers of neurology ward beds were reduced in 89.4% of hospitals; emergency department stroke care pathways were modified in 81%, with specific pathways for suspected SARS-CoV2 infection established in 50% of hospitals; and SARS-CoV2-positive patients with acute stroke were not admitted to neurology wards in 42%. Twenty-four hour on-site availability of mechanical thrombectomy was improved in 10 hospitals, which resulted in a reduction in the number of secondary hospital transfers. The admission of patients with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke was avoided in 45% of hospitals, and follow-up through telephone consultations was implemented in 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The organisational changes made in response to the SARS-Co2 pandemic in hospitals in the Region of Madrid have modified the allocation of neurology department staff and infrastructure, stroke units and stroke care pathways, diagnostic testing, hospital admissions, and outpatient follow-up.

Acute stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ictus Madrid Program recommendations. / Atención al ictus agudo durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Recomendaciones Plan Ictus Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in complete saturation of healthcare capacities, making it necessary to reorganise healthcare systems. In this context, we must guarantee the provision of acute stroke care and optimise code stroke protocols to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and rationalise the use of hospital resources. The Madrid Stroke multidisciplinary group presents a series of recommendations to achieve these goals. METHODS: We conducted a non-systematic literature search using the keywords "stroke" and "COVID-19" or "coronavirus" or "SARS-CoV-2." Our literature review also included other relevant studies known to the authors. Based on this literature review, a series of consensus recommendations were established by the Madrid Stroke multidisciplinary group and its neurology committee. RESULTS: These recommendations address 5 main objectives: 1) coordination of action protocols to ensure access to hospital care for stroke patients; 2) recognition of potentially COVID-19-positive stroke patients; 3) organisation of patient management to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare professionals; 4) avoidance of unnecessary neuroimaging studies and other procedures that may increase the risk of infection; and 5) safe, early discharge and follow-up to ensure bed availability. This management protocol has been called CORONA (Coordinate, Recognise, Organise, Neuroimaging, At home). CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations presented here may assist in the organisation of acute stroke care and the optimisation of healthcare resources, while ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals.

Influence of oral anticoagulation on stroke severity and outcomes: A propensity score matching case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulants (OAC) such as vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and direct-acting OACs (DOAC) remain the mainstay for prevention of cardioembolic stroke. The influence of previous OAC treatment on stroke severity and outcomes is not well stablished. We compared patients with incident cardioembolic strokes according to pre-stroke treatment. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients with cardioembolic stroke. Demographic data, vascular risk factors, pre-stroke treatments, reperfusion therapies and outcomes were analyzed. Propensity score matching of baseline characteristics was used to compare case-control samples across different treatment groups: adequate OAC vs no OAC; inadequate VKA vs no OAC; adequate VKA vs inadequate VKA; adequate VKA vs DOAC. RESULTS: 462 patients (76 ±â€¯11.6 years) included. 255 (55%) had a known major cardioembolic source, but only 151 (59%) of them were under OAC upon admission (127 VKA, 24 DOAC). Four patients received VKA for other reasons. Of those taking VKA, 91 (69%) had an inadequate anticoagulation. After propensity score matching, we found no significant differences in stroke severity across the different groups. Patients receiving DOAC had lower mortality at 3 months (8% vs 33%, p = .033) and higher successful recanalization rates after thrombectomy (100% vs 25%, p = .033) compared with adequate VKA anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: DOAC treatment significantly reduced mortality at three months compared with adequate VKA anticoagulation. Further studies are needed to confirm its influence on endovascular thrombectomy outcomes.

The effect of post-stroke hyperglycaemia on the levels of brain damage and repair-related circulating biomarkers: the Glycaemia in Acute Stroke Study II.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to identify whether post-stroke hyperglycaemia (PSH) influences the levels of circulating biomarkers of brain damage and repair, and to explore whether these biomarkers mediate the effect of PSH on the ischaemic stroke (IS) outcome. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the Glycaemia in Acute Stroke II study. Biomarkers of inflammation, prothrombotic activity, endothelial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier rupture, cell death and brain repair processes were analysed at 24-48 h (baseline) and 72-96 h (follow-up) after IS. The associations of the biomarkers and stroke outcome (modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months) based on the presence of PSH were compared. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients participated in this sub-study. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at admission was negatively correlated with glucose levels. PSH was associated with a trend toward higher levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) at baseline. The EPCs in the PSH group then decreased in the follow-up samples (-8.5 ± 10.3) compared with the non-PSH group (4.7 ± 7.33; P = 0.024). However, neither BDNF nor EPC values had correlation with the 3-month outcome. Higher interleukin-6 at follow-up was associated with poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale > 2) independently of PSH. CONCLUSION: Post-stroke hyperglycaemia appears to be associated with a negative regulation of BDNF and a different reaction in EPC levels. However, neither BDNF nor EPCs showed significant mediation of the PSH association with IS outcome, and only higher interleukin-6 in the follow-up samples (72-96 h) was related to poor outcomes, independently of PSH status. Further studies are needed to achieve definite conclusions.

The risk of recurrent stroke at 24 months in patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion: results from CAOS, a multicentre registry study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The risk of recurrent stroke amongst patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion (SCNO) has not been clearly established, and its management remains controversial. The aim was to define the 24-month risk of recurrent stroke and to analyse the effect of the different treatment modalities (medical treatment and revascularization) in a population of patients with SCNO. METHODS: A multicentre, nationwide, prospective study from January 2010 to May 2016 was performed. Patients with angiography-confirmed SCNO were included. The primary end-point was ipsilateral ischaemic stroke including periprocedural events within 24 months following the presenting event. Revascularization results and periprocedural complications, ipsilateral transient ischaemic attack, disabling or fatal stroke, and mortality were also noted. RESULTS: The study population comprised 141 patients from 17 Spanish centres. Seventy patients (49.6%) were treated by revascularization (carotid stenting in 47, endarterectomy in 23). Complete revascularization was achieved in 58 patients (83%). Periprocedural stroke or death occurred in 5.7%. The 24-month cumulative incidence of the primary end-point was 11.1% (95% confidence interval 5.8-16.4; n = 15), 12% in the medical treatment group and 10.2% in the revascularization group, log-rank P = 0.817. The cumulative rates of ipsilateral ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack, disabling or fatal stroke, and mortality, were 17%, 4.5% and 7.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of ipsilateral ischaemic stroke in patients with SCNO seems to be lower than the known rate associated with severe carotid stenosis without near-occlusion. The potential benefit of revascularization in the prevention of stroke in patients with SCNO may be influenced by the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Glycemia in Acute Stroke II study: a call to improve post-stroke hyperglycemia management in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of conventional glucose management, which aimed to maintain glucose levels <155 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L), on glucose control and the outcomes of patients with acute ischaemic stroke (IS) in a clinical practice setting. METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective cohort study of patients with acute IS. Patients were classified into four groups based on their initial 48-h capillary glucose levels and the administration of and response to corrective treatment: (i) untreated and maximum glucose levels <155 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L) within the first 48 h; (ii) treated and good responders [glucose levels persistently <155 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L)]; (iii) treated and non-responders [any glucose values ≥155 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L) during the 24 h after the start of corrective treatment]; and (iv) untreated with any glucose value ≥155 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L). The primary outcome was death or dependence at 3 months (blinded rater). RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were included. Ninety-seven (45.5%) patients developed glucose levels ≥155 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L), 69 (71.1%) underwent corrective treatment and 31 patients underwent no corrective treatment at the physician's discretion [28 of whom had isolated values ≥155 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L)]. Only 11 (16%) patients responded to conventional treatment, whereas 58 (84%) patients were non-responsive. Non-responders showed a twofold higher risk of death or dependence at 3 months (odds ratio, 2.472; 95% confidence interval, 1.096-5.576; P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of response to conventional treatment for glucose management in acute IS is frequent and associated with poor outcomes.

The Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria: a proposal for pre-hospital evaluation of acute stroke in the Madrid Stroke Network.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion, it has recently been shown that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with stent retrievers is better than medical treatment alone. However, few hospitals can provide MT 24 h/day 365 days/year, and it remains unclear whether selected patients with acute stroke should be directly transferred to the nearest MT-providing hospital to prevent treatment delays. Clinical scales such as Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) have been developed to predict large-vessel occlusion at a pre-hospital level, but their predictive value for MT is low. We propose new criteria to identify patients eligible for MT, with higher accuracy. METHODS: The Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria were defined based on a retrospective cohort of 317 patients admitted to a stroke center. The association of age, sex, RACE scale score and blood pressure with the likelihood of receiving MT were analyzed. Cut-off points with the highest association were thereafter evaluated in a prospective cohort of 153 patients from nine stroke units comprising the Madrid Stroke Network. RESULTS: Patients with a RACE scale score ≥ 5, systolic blood pressure <190 mmHg and age <81 years showed a significantly higher probability of undergoing MT (odds ratio, 33.38; 95% confidence interval, 12-92.9). This outcome was confirmed in the prospective cohort, with 68% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 42% positive and 94% negative predictive values for MT, ruling out 83% of hemorrhagic strokes. CONCLUSIONS: The Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria could be useful for identifying patients suitable for MT.

A collaborative system for endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: the Madrid Stroke Network experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The complexity and expense of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) can present difficulties in bringing this approach closer to the patients. A collaborative node was implemented involving three stroke centres (SCs) within the Madrid Stroke Network to provide round-the-clock access to EVT for AIS. METHODS: A weekly schedule was established to ensure that at least one SC was 'on-call' to provide EVT for all those with moderate to severe AIS due to large vessel occlusion, >4.5 h from symptom onset, or within this time-window but with contraindication to, or failure of, systemic thrombolysis. The time-window for treatment was 8 h for anterior circulation stroke and <24 h in posterior stroke. Outcomes measured were re-canalization rates, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months, mortality and symptomatic intra-cranial haemorrhage (SICH). RESULTS: Over a 2-year period (2012-2013), 303 candidate patients with AIS were considered for EVT as per protocol, and 196 (65%) received treatment. Reasons for non-treatment were significant improvement (14%), spontaneous re-canalization (26%), clinical worsening (9%) or radiological criteria of established infarction (31%). Re-canalization rate amongst treated patients was 80%. Median delay from symptom onset to re-canalization was 323 min (p25; p75 percentiles 255; 430). Mortality was 11%; independence (mRS 0-2) was 58%; SICH was 3%. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a collaborative network to provide EVT for AIS is feasible and effective. Results are good in terms of re-canalization rates and clinical outcomes.