Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Can Reduce Unilateral Spatial Neglect after Stroke: ELETRON Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Rehabilitation top-down techniques based on brain stimulation present variable outcomes in unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke. This study aimed to examine the effects of physical therapy after anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS and C-tDCS, respectively) to improve visuospatial and functional impairments in individuals with USN after stroke. METHODS: This double-blinded, pilot randomized clinical trial enrolled patients with USN after ischemic stroke. Randomization was stratified according to the Behavior Inattention Test-Conventional (BIT-C) and Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS). Outpatient physical therapy was conducted for 7.5 weeks after 20 minutes of tDCS. The primary outcome was the USN degree evaluated by the BIT-C. Secondary outcomes were the difference in CBS score, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]), disability (modified Rankin Scale), autonomy (Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure), and quality of life (EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire). Outcomes were analyzed using an analysis of covariance model corrected by age, baseline NIHSS, and baseline BIT-C. Pairwise post hoc comparisons were performed using Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: In the primary outcomes, A-tDCS led to greater improvement in BIT-C after intervention (mean difference [MD] = 18.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.9-32.8, p = 0.008) compared to sham. However, no significant differences were observed between A-tDCS and C-tDCS (MD = 13.9, 95% CI = -0.3 to 28.1, p = 0.057), or C-tDCS and sham (MD = 4.5, 95% CI = -9.7 to 18.8, p = 0.99). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of secondary outcomes. INTERPRETATION: A-tDCS associated with physical therapy can decrease the severity of USN after stroke. However, these preliminary findings must be confirmed by collecting additional evidence in a larger phase 3 trial. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:400-410.

Transcranial doppler as screening method for sickling crises in children with sickle cell anemia: a latin America cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the leading cause of childhood stroke. We aimed to evaluate whether altered cerebral flow velocities, as measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD), are associated with vaso-occlusive complications in addition to stroke in pediatric SCA patients. METHODS: We evaluated 37 children aged between 2 and 16 years with SCA who underwent screening for TCD between January 2012 and October 2018. Genotypic profiles and demographic data were collected, TCD examinations were performed during follow-up, and the presence of sickling crises was compared. Survival analyses were performed using simple frailty models, in which each predictor variable was analyzed separately in relation to the occurrence of a sickling crisis. RESULTS: The variables related to sickle cell crises in the univariate analysis were peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), hazard ratio (HR) 1.01 (1.00-1.02) p = 0.04; end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in the MCA, HR 1.02 (1.01-1.04) p = 0.01; time average mean maximum velocity (TAMMV) in the basilar artery (BA), HR 1.02 (1.00-1.04) p = 0.04; hemoglobin, HR 0.49 (0.38-0.65) p < 0.001; hematocrit, HR 0.78 (0.71-0.85) p < 0.001; leukocyte counts, HR 1.1 (1.05-1.15) p < 0.001; platelets counts, HR 0.997 (0.994-0.999) p = 0.02; and reticulocyte numbers, HR 1.14 (1.06-1.23) p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate PSV and EDV in the MCA and TAMMV in the BA as markers of risk for the occurrence of sickling crises in SCA.

Evaluating the performance of the PRISMA-7 frailty criteria for predicting disability and death after acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of the PRISMA-7 frailty criteria regarding the composite outcome of disability or death in patients with an acute ischemic stroke, and to compare it with the Frailty Index and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study involved all patients aged ≥ 40 years admitted with an acute ischemic stroke between March 2019 and January 2020. We performed survival analyses, calculated risk ratios, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for the combined outcome of disability or death according to the presence of frailty as determined by the PRISMA-7 and the Frailty Index, and stroke severity based on the NIHSS. RESULTS: In 174 patients with acute ischemic stroke, being frail in the week before the stroke according to the PRISMA-7 was associated with a Risk Ratio of 4·50 (95%CI 1·77-11·43, P <0·001) and a Positive Predictive Value of 89% (95%CI 77-99%) for being disabled or dead 90 days after the stroke, and a Hazard Ratio of 3·33 (95%CI 1·48-7·51, P = 0·004) for the survival outcome. The predictive performance of the PRISMA-7 was not significantly different from the Frailty Index or the NIHSS. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that the PRISMA-7 frailty criteria may be a useful prognostication tool in acute ischemic stroke.

Noninvasive Brain Stimulations for Unilateral Spatial Neglect after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Nonrandomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is the most frequent perceptual disorder after stroke. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a tool that has been used in the rehabilitation process to modify cortical excitability and improve perception and functional capacity. Objective: To assess the impact of NIBS on USN after stroke. Methods: An extensive search was conducted up to July 2016. Studies were selected if they were controlled and noncontrolled trials examining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and theta burst stimulation (TBS) in USN after stroke, with outcomes measured by standardized USN and functional tests. Results: Twelve RCTs (273 participants) and 4 non-RCTs (94 participants) proved eligible. We observed a benefit in overall USN measured by the line bisection test with NIBS in comparison to sham (SMD -2.35, 95% CI -3.72, -0.98; p = 0.0001); the rTMS yielded results that were consistent with the overall meta-analysis (SMD -2.82, 95% CI -3.66, -1.98; p = 0.09). The rTMS compared with sham also suggested a benefit in overall USN measured by Motor-Free Visual Perception Test at both 1 Hz (SMD 1.46, 95% CI 0.73, 2.20; p < 0.0001) and 10 Hz (SMD 1.19, 95% CI 0.48, 1.89; p = 0.54). There was also a benefit in overall USN measured by Albert's test and the line crossing test with 1 Hz rTMS compared to sham (SMD 2.04, 95% CI 1.14, 2.95; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The results suggest a benefit of NIBS on overall USN, and we conclude that rTMS is more efficacious compared to sham for USN after stroke.

Challenges in adapting a stroke unit in a middle-income country: warning about costs and underfunding to achieve the Brazilian Ministry of Health's benchmark.

Background: Since the implementation of the stroke care line in Brazil, the relationship (adequacy) of costs spent during hospitalization with the Brazilian Ministry of Health indicators for a stroke unit have not yet been analyzed. Aims: This study aimed to assess the adequacy of a comprehensive stroke center for key performance indicators and analyze the costs involved in hospitalization. We verified the association between stroke severity at admission and care costs during hospitalization. Methods: A retrospective medical chart review of 451 patients was performed using semiautomatic electronic data from a single comprehensive stroke center in Brazil between July 2018 and January 2020. Clinical and resource utilization data were collected, and the mean acute treatment cost per person was calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-test was used to compare the total costs between stroke types and reperfusion therapies. A robust linear regression test was used to verify the association between stroke severity at hospital admission and the total hospitalization costs. Good adequacy rates were observed for several indicators. Results: Data from 451 patients were analyzed. The stroke unit had good adaptation to key performance indicators, but some critical points needed revision and improvement to adapt to the requirements of the Ministry of Health. The average total cost of the patient's stay was the USD 2,637.3, with the daily hospitalization, procedure, operating room, and materials/medication costs equating to USD 2,011.1, USD 220.7, USD 234.1, and USD 98.8, respectively. There was a positive association between the total cost and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The stroke unit complied with most of the main performance indicators proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Underfunding of the costs involved in the hospitalization of patients was verified, and high costs were associated with the length of stay, stroke severity, and mechanical thrombectomy.

To what extent does frailty mediate the association between age and the outcomes of brain reperfusion following acute ischemic stroke?

Objective: We evaluated the extent to which frailty mediated the association between age, poor functional outcomes, and mortality after acute ischemic stroke when patients were treated with brain reperfusion (thrombolytic therapy and/or thrombectomy). Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke who had undergone intravenous cerebral reperfusion therapy and/or mechanical thrombectomy. We created a mediation model by analyzing the direct natural effect of an mRS score > 2 and death on age-mediated frailty according to the Frailty Index. Results: We enrolled 292 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent brain reperfusion. Their mean age was 67.7 ± 13.1 years. Ninety days after the stroke ictus, 54 (18.5%) participants died, and 83 (28.4%) lived with moderate to severe disability (2 < mRS < 6). In the mediation analysis of the composite outcome of disability (mRS score > 2) or death, frailty accounted for 28% of the total effect of age. The models used to test for the interaction between age and frailty did not show statistically significant interactions for either outcome, and the addition of the interaction did not significantly change the direct or indirect effects, nor did it improve model fit. Conclusion: Frailty mediated almost one-third of the effect of age on the composite outcome of disability or death after acute ischemic stroke.

Cirrhosis regression after SVR with indirect methods of fibrosis analysis: How far is it real?

Hepatitis C virus has infected over 71 million people worldwide, and it is the main cause of cirrhosis in the western world. Currently, the treatment involves direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) and its main goal is to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SVR using DAAs in the improvement of liver fibrosis using scores evaluation by indirect method, liver function, and inflammation indirect biomarkers. Patients with cirrhosis with SVR after treatment (n = 104) were evaluated using liver function scores, indirect fibrosis methods, alpha-fetoprotein, and ferritin at t-base and t-SVR. Statistically significant positive results in all parameters were observed: 54 patients were classified as 5 in the CP score in t-base, and 77 in t-SVR; a significant decrease was observed in MELD score, alpha-fetoprotein, ferritin, APRI, FIB-4 and liver stiffness in liver elastography. We did not observe difference in the liver function scores between regressors and non-regressors of liver stiffness, as well as in indirect inflammation biomarkers. The measurements of fibrosis using the indirect methods have significantly decreased in patients with cirrhosis treated who achieved SVR associated with decreased indirect inflammation biomarkers and improved liver function scores.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Patients Receiving Cerebral Reperfusion Therapy: A Stroke Databank Study in Brazil.

Objectives: Cerebral reperfusion therapy is recommended for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. However, the outcomes of patients receiving this therapy in middle- and low-income countries should be better defined. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of cerebral reperfusion therapy in patients with ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients with ischemic stroke treated with cerebral reperfusion therapy, including intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and IVT with MT. The primary outcomes were death and disability, assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS), and stroke severity, assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), after intervention and 90 days after ictus. The association between the type of treatment and the primary outcome was assessed using binary logistic regression after adjusting for confounding variables. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to identify the cutoff point of the NIHSS score that could best discriminate the mRS score in all types of treatments. Results: Patients (n = 291) underwent IVT only (n = 241), MT (n = 21), or IVT with MT (n = 29). In the IVT with MT group, the incidence of death within 90 days increased by five times (OR, 5.192; 95% CI, 2.069-13.027; p = 0.000), prevalence of disability increased by three times (OR, 3.530; 95% CI, 1.376-9.055; p = 0.009) and NIHSS score increased after IVT (from 14.4 ± 6.85 to 17.8 ± 6.36; p = 0.045). There was no significant difference between the initial NIHSS score and that after MT (p = 0.989). Patients' NIHSS score that increased or decreased by 2.5 points had a sensitivity of 0.74 and specificity of 0.65, indicating severe disability or death in these patients. Conclusion: Altogether, a 2.5-point variation in NIHSS score after reperfusion is an indicator of worse outcomes. In our particular context, patients receiving the combination of IVT and MT had inferior results, which probably reflects challenges to optimize MT in LMIC.

Semi-automated data collection from electronic health records in a stroke unit in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: There is a high demand for stroke patient data in the public health systems of middle and low-income countries. OBJECTIVE: To develop a stroke databank for integrating clinical or functional data and benchmarks from stroke patients. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, prospective study. A tool was developed to collect all clinical data during hospitalizations due to stroke, using an electronic editor of structured forms that was integrated with electronic medical records. Validation of fields in the electronic editor was programmed using a structured query language (SQL). To store the results from SQL, a virtual table was created and programmed to update daily. To develop an interface between the data and user, the Embarcadero Delphi software and the DevExpress component were used to generate the information displayed on the screen. The data were extracted from the fields of the form and also from cross-referencing of other information from the computerized system, including patients who were admitted to the stroke unit. RESULTS: The database was created and integrated with the hospital electronic system, thus allowing daily data collection. Quality indicators (benchmarks) were created in the database for the system to track and perform decision-making in conjunction with healthcare service managers, which resulted in improved processes and patient care after a stroke. An intelligent portal was created, in which the information referring to the patients was accessible. CONCLUSIONS: Based on semi-automated data collection, it was possible to create a dynamic and optimized Brazilian stroke databank.

Inflammation response and liver stiffness: predictive model of regression of hepatic stiffness after sustained virological response in cirrhotics patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C should be monitored for the evaluation of liver function and screening of hepatocellular carcinoma even after sustained virological response (SVR). The stage of inflammatory resolution and regression of fibrosis is likely to happen, once treatment and viral clearance are achieved. However, liver examinations by elastography show that 30-40% of patients do not exhibit a reduction of liver stiffness. This work was a cohort study in cirrhotic patients whose purpose was to identify immunological factors involved in the regression of liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis C and characterize possible serum biomarkers with prognostic value. The sample universe consisted of 31 cirrhotic patients who underwent leukocyte immunophenotyping, quantification of cytokines/chemokines and metalloproteinase inhibitors in the pretreatment (M1) and in the evaluation of SVR (M2). After exclusion criteria application, 16 patients included were once more evaluated in M3 (like M1) and classified into regressors (R) or non-regressors (NR), decrease or not ≥ 25% stiffness, respectively. The results from ROC curve, machine learning (ML) and linear discriminant analysis showed that TCD4 + lymphocytes (absolute) are the most important biomarkers for the prediction of the regression (AUC = 0.90). NR patients presented levels less than R of liver stiffness since baseline, whereas NK cells were increased in NR. Therefore, it was concluded that there is a difference in the profile of circulating immune cells in R and NR, thus allowing the development of a predictive model of regression of liver stiffness after SVR. These findings should be validated in greater numbers of patients.

The Impact of Age on Mortality and Disability in Patients With Ischemic Stroke Who Underwent Cerebral Reperfusion Therapy: A Brazilian Cohort Study.

Introduction: The main driver for increased stroke prevalence is the aging of the population; however, the best evidenced-based strategies for stroke treatment and prevention are not always followed for older patients. Therefore, the aim was studying the association of age with clinical outcomes (mortality and functional disability) in stroke patients who underwent cerebral reperfusion therapy at hospital discharge and 90 days after ictus. Methods: This was a retrospective (stroke databank analysis) cohort study of participants who had been diagnosed with ischemic stroke and undergone intravenous cerebral reperfusion therapy or mechanical thrombectomy. The variable of interest was patient age, which was categorized into four groups: (1) up to 59 years; (2) 60 to 69 years; (3) 70 to 79 years old; and (4) above 79 years. The primary outcome was mortality at hospital discharge and 90 days after stroke, and the secondary outcome was functional capacity at hospital discharge and 90 days after stroke. Results: A total of 281 patients was included in the study (235 treated by thrombolysis alone, and 46 treated with mechanical thrombectomy). The mean age of the total sample was 67 ± 13.1 years. The oldest patients had the most unfavorable outcomes, except for mortality rate, at hospital discharge (mRS > 2; OR: 1.028; 95% CI 1.005 to 1.051; p = 0.017; mRS > 3; OR: 1.043, 95% CI 1.018 to 1.069; p = 0.001) and 90 days after stroke (mRS > 2; OR: 1.028; 95% CI 1.005 to 1.051; p = 0.017; mRS > 3; OR: 1.043, 95% CI 1.018 to 1.069; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Cerebral reperfusion was a viable treatment for ischemic stroke in both elderly and very elderly patients, as it did not increase mortality. However, it was observed that older individuals had worse functional outcomes at hospital discharge and 90 days after stroke.

Clinical factors associated with trunk control after stroke: A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Poor trunk control after stroke can impact recovery of global functional abilities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether clinical and functional data from stroke participants can be used to predict trunk control at 90 days. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 37 participants with stroke. The variables evaluated at hospital discharge were stroke severity (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale - NIHSS); functional capacity (modified Rankin scale - mRS); handgrip; and cognitive function. At 90 days, the variables evaluated were autonomy (Functional Independence Measure - FIM, Barthel Index); gait mobility (Tinetti mobility test -TMT); quality of life (European Quality of Life Scale - EuroQol-5D) and trunk control (trunk impairment scale - TIS). The participants were considered to have satisfactory (TIS³14) or non-satisfactory trunk control (TIS≤13), and the differences between them were assessed by chi-square test (categorical variables) and Mann-Whitney/unpaired t-test (continuous variables). A ROC curve was used to show cut-off value of clinical variables to predict trunk control. RESULTS: The unsatisfactory trunk control group presented ahigher NIHSS at discharge (p=0.01), higher mRS at discharge (p=0.00), lower Barthel Index at 90 days (p=0.03), lower FIM at 90 days (p=0.01) and lower TMT at 90 days (p=0.00) than the satisfactory trunk control group. The best cut-off points for the NIHSS and mRS scores at discharge for predicting unsatisfactory trunk control are ≥6 and ≥3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Greater NIHSS and mRS scores at hospital discharge increase the chance of unsatisfactory trunk control at 90 days after stroke.

What are the barriers to participation in a neuromodulation pilot trial for aphasia after stroke?

PURPOSE: Aphasia is a common and debilitating manifestation of stroke. Transcranial electrical stimulation uses low-intensity electric currents to induce changes in neuronal activity. Recent evidence suggests that noninvasive techniques can be a valuable rehabilitation tool for patients with aphasia. However, it is difficult to recruit patients with aphasia for trials, and the reasons for this are not well understood. This study aimed to elucidate the main difficulties involved in patient's recruitment and inclusion in a randomized clinical study of neuromodulation in aphasia. METHODS: We evaluated the reasons for the exclusion of patients in a pilot, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial in which patients diagnosed with motor aphasia after stroke were recruited from March to November 2018. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Only 12.9% (4) of patients with ischemic stroke were included in the clinical trial. A total of 87.1% (27) of the 31 recruited patients were excluded for various reasons including: sensory aphasia (32.2%), dysarthria (25.8%), spontaneous clinical recovery (16.1%), previous stroke (6.4%), and death or mutism (3.2%). CONCLUSION: The presence of other types of aphasia, dysarthria, spontaneous recovery, deaths, and mutism were barriers to recruiting patients evidenced in this neuromodulation study.

Association between statin use and mortality risks during the acute phase of ischemic stroke in patients admitted to an intensive care unit.

Ischemic stroke is a common cause of death. The role of statins in the secondary prevention of the chronic ischemic stroke phase has been established. However, evidence regarding their efficacy in this phase is limited and contradictory. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between statin use and mortality risk during the acute phase of ischemic stroke in patients admitted to an intensive care unit. METHODS: This was an observational and prospective study of ischemic stroke patients aged ≥18, admitted to an intensive care unit. Medications used during the first 7 days after the ictus, as well as medications used previously, were recorded. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during the first 7 days. RESULTS: We screened 212 patients and included 97 patients with ischemic stroke in the study period. The mortality rate among patients who used statins during the acute IS phase [14% (9/63)] was significantly lower than that among patients who did not use statins [41% (14/34); p=0.007]. This was confirmed in logistical regression with an 0.19 Odds Ratio - OR [p=0.018; 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 0.05-0.75]. Patients who died were older, had a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction, higher scores on the NIHSS and lower systolic blood pressure. Statins and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were used more frequently among survivors. These associations persisted even after adjustment for confounding variables. CONCLUSION: Statins and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors use during hospitalization were independently associated to a lower rate of all-cause mortality in the first 7 days of intensive care unit admission.

Respiratory Function and Grip Strength in the Acute Phase of Stroke Are Associated with Stroke Severity and Disability at Hospital Discharge.

Introduction. Stroke can lead to musculoskeletal and respiratory dysfunction, chronic deconditioning, and functional limitations, as well as long-term complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between respiratory function and grip strength in the acute phase of stroke and stroke severity, disability, and autonomy in the long term. METHODS: This was a cohort study including 46 patients in the stroke unit. The stroke patients were assessed in the stroke unit at the following moments: at admission by the clinical and haemodynamic stability, demographic and anthropometric data, hand grip strength, stroke severity by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and respiratory function using a manovacuometer; during hospitalization by clinical complications and the length of stay; and at hospital discharge and 90 days after discharge by the degrees of functional capacity and dependence using NIHSS, modified Rankin scale (mRs), and Barthel index. Data analysis was performed by multiple linear regression to verify the association between respiratory function and grip strength and the outcomes. RESULTS: The median length of stay in the stroke unit was 7 days. A negative correlation was found between the palmar prehension strength on the unaffected side and mRs at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that a loss of grip strength is associated with a loss of ability and autonomy at discharge and poor respiratory function is associated with stroke severity at discharge.

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on functional mobility and dynamic balance of patients after stroke: Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is the principal cause of impairment in the motor function and gait of adults. One of the resources used in rehabilitation to optimize gait is a prescription of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), and the most prescribed AFOs are Fixed AFO and Articulated AFO; however, it is not known which of these options is more effective for these individuals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of different types of ankle-foot orthosis functional mobility and dynamic balance in stroke patients. METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial with 2 parallel groups will be conducted, and the aim is to recruit 50 patients with stroke diagnosis within 1 year, who indicated that they use both types of orthotics, who had a previous Rankin score less than or equal to 3, and who obtained AFO orthosis through the Hospital Clinics at the Botucatu Medical School (HCBMS) São Paulo, Brazil. After a specific evaluation by a physiotherapist, the patient will receive 1 of the AFO types via randomization. After 30 days, the patient will be reevaluated. The primary outcomes will be balance and mobility, which will be evaluated by the Time Up Go Test (TUG) and Tinetti's Scale of Mobility and Balance (TSMB). The secondary outcomes will be quality of life and the levels of anxiety and depression, which will be evaluated with the European (5D) Quality of Life Scale (Euroqol) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Group allocation will be not concealed because the blinding of participants and of therapists that provide intervention is not possible, and all analyses will be based on an intention-to-treat principle. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the São Paulo State University UNESP, number 2.367.953. The results will be published in relevant journal. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will contribute to clinical practice by identifying the type of AFO orthosis that is more suitable for this condition, helping to standardize prescription of these orthoses by professionals, and guiding future research studies on this subject, which is still incompletely defined in the literature. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-6SF2VV (March 5, 2018).

Clinical factors associated with the development of nonuse learned after stroke: a prospective study.

Background: Upper extremity impairment is present in most of people with stroke. The use of the affected upper extremity can be impacted not only by physical impairment but also by abehavioral phenomenon called learned nonuse. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate which clinical factors in the acute phase are associated with the development of learned nonuse in the upper extremity after stroke. Methods: This cohort study included 38 patients with ischemic stroke. Hospital discharge data were collected for clinical aspects, scales of severity, incapacity and autonomy, as well as for neuromuscular and sensory evaluations. At 90 days after hospital discharge, the score on the Motor Activity Log scale for detecting learned nonuse was obtained, and life quality was evaluated by the EuroQol. The individuals with and without learned nonuse were compared by attest for univariate analysis, and ageneralized linear model was employed to find possible predictors, which were considered significant p <0.05. Results: In the statistical model, age (p= .006), severity at discharge (p= .036), handgrip strength (p= .000), altered sensitivity (p= .011), incapacity at discharge (p= .009) and autonomy at discharge (p= .011) were found to be associated with learned nonuse. In relation to quality of life, mobility, personal care, usual activities, anxiety, depression and perception had lower mean values in the learned nonuse group. Conclusion: Age, severity of stroke, incapacity and neuromuscular and sensory compromises are associated with upper extremity learned nonuse in stroke patients.

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) cohort of Brazilian patients in a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is an important group of cryptogenic strokes that are in evidence due recent ongoing trials. We reviewed medical records at discharge from the stroke unit of all patients who met ESUS criteria and attended our institution between February 2016 and July 2017. Among 550 stroke patients, 51 had ESUS. We found that hypertension (60%), diabetes mellitus (34%), and smoking (36%) were the most prevalent risk factors. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were 7 at admission and 4 at discharge, while median scores on the modified Rankin scale were 0 and 2 at admission and discharge, respectively. Our sample had similar ages, risk factors prevalence and NIHSS scores at admission and discharge when compared with European and North American cohorts. Although a small cohort, our study suggests that the ESUS population is similar in countries with different health financing.

Influence of an exercise program on cardiac remodeling and functional capacity in patients with stroke (CRONuS trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular rehabilitation is one of the treatment options for post-stroke individuals in order to improve functional independence in activities of daily life and reduce energy expenditure. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effect of an exercise program on the echocardiographic variables, functional capacity, inflammatory response, neurological status, nutritional status, cardiologic evaluation, and quality of life of patients after stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial including patients with ischemic stroke in the chronic phase. The patients will be evaluated at the beginning of the study and after 16 weeks. This will include clinical and physical evaluation, 6-min walk test, neurological assessment, nutritional assessment, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, and assessment of the quality of life. The sample size has been determined as 40 patients, who will be divided into two groups: control group (CG; n = 20) and intervention group (IG; n = 20). The CG will undergo conventional physiotherapy for 45 min, three times a week, up to 16 weeks, while the IG will be put on a cardiovascular rehabilitation program consisting of heating, aerobic exercise, and muscle strengthening for 45 min, three times a week, for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint will be functional capacity following a 6-min walk test (delta maxVO2) and morphofunctional echocardiographic variables (indexed left ventricular mass) before and after the intervention. DISCUSSION: We expect to observe an improvement in cardiac structural and functional abnormalities in the IG, on echocardiography and biochemical examination, and that the improvement of these parameters after cardiovascular rehabilitation will have a favorable impact on the functional capacity and quality of life of patients after stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: REBEC, RBR-4wk4b3. Registered on 19 September 2016.

INSULIN RESISTANCE REDUCTION AFTER SUSTAINED VIROLOGICAL RESPONSE WITH DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRAL:NOT EVERY POPULATION IMPROVES.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious public health problem, that affects approximately 170 million people worldwide. Chronic HCV infection is associated with hepatic insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes HCV-infected patients has been well documented. OBJECTIVE: To assess the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in patients treated with direct acting antiviral (DAAs) medication in the sustained virological response (SVR), categorized by the presence or absence of cirrhosis. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. Data were collected at the beginning of treatment (t-base) and in the twelfth week after the completion of treatment (t-SVR12). The inclusion criteria were presence of: HCV infection (RNA-HCV positive), age ≥18 years, completion of DAAs' therapy, and presence of diabetes with use of oral hypoglycemic agents. All samples were collected during the study period. The exclusion criteria were: presence of HBV/HIV co-infection, hepatocellular carcinoma at baseline, diabetic patients taking insulin and transplanted patients (liver/kidney). Fibrosis was assessed by hepatic elastography or biopsy (METAVIR). Cirrhosis was determined by clinical results or imaging. HOMA-IR was calculated as fasting insulin (µU/mL) × fasting glucose (mmol/L)/22.5) The patients were divided into two groups: the general study population (all patients, including the diabetic patients) and the special population (patients with normal values of HOMA-IR, which is >2.5, and without diabetes). The delta HOMA-IR value was calculated as: HOMA-IR at t-base - HOMA-IR at t-SVR12. For the descriptive statistical analysis, the paired t-test and generalized linear model assuming the log binding function were performed. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We included 150 patients, and 75 were cirrhotic. The mean age was 55.3±9.97 and body mass index was 27.4±5.18. Twenty-two (14.67%) were diabetic patients using oral hypoglycemic agents, and 17 (11%) were cirrhotic. In the general study population, the mean glucose and HOMA-IR values increased at t-SVR12, but insulin decreased. Delta HOMA-IR was negative at t-SVR12, but there was no significant difference. Excluding diabetic patients and those with normal HOMA-IR values (<2.5), mean glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR decreased at t-SVR12. Delta HOMA-IR decreased significantly at t-SVR12 (P: 0.02). CONCLUSION: In the general population, glucose and HOMA-IR values increased at t-SVR12, but insulin decreased. In the special population, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and Delta HOMA-IR decreased at t-SVR12.