Association of Antithrombotic Drug Use With Incident Intracerebral Hemorrhage Location.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Few population-based studies have assessed associations between the use of antithrombotic (platelet antiaggregant or anticoagulant) drugs and location-specific risks of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (s-ICH). In this study, we estimated associations between antithrombotic drug use and the risk of lobar vs nonlobar incident s-ICH. METHODS: Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified cases in the Southern Denmark Region of first-ever s-ICH in patients aged 50 years or older between 2009 and 2018. Each verified case was classified as lobar or nonlobar s-ICH and matched to controls in the general population by age, sex, and calendar year. Prior antithrombotic use was ascertained from a nationwide prescription registry. We calculated odds ratios (aORs) for associations between the use of clopidogrel, aspirin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKA), and lobar and nonlobar ICH in conditional logistic regression analyses that were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 1,040 cases of lobar (47.9% men, mean age [SD] 75.2 [10.7] years) and 1,263 cases of nonlobar s-ICH (54.2% men, mean age 73.6 [11.4] years) were matched to 41,651 and 50,574 controls, respectively. A stronger association with lobar s-ICH was found for clopidogrel (cases: 7.6%, controls: 3.5%; aOR 3.46 [95% CI 2.45-4.89]) vs aspirin (cases: 22.9%, controls: 20.4%; aOR 2.14 [1.74-2.63; p = 0.019). Corresponding estimates for nonlobar s-ICH were not different between clopidogrel (cases: 5.4%, controls: 3.4%; aOR 2.44 [1.71-3.49]) and aspirin (cases: 20.7%, controls: 19.2%; aOR 1.77 [1.47-2.15]; p = 0.12). VKA use was associated with higher odds of both lobar (cases: 14.3%, controls: 6.1%; aOR 3.66 [2.78-4.80]) and nonlobar (cases: 15.4%, controls: 5.5%; aOR 4.62 [3.67-5.82]) s-ICH. The association of DOAC use with lobar s-ICH (cases: 3.5%, controls: 2.7%; aOR 1.66 [1.02-2.70]) was weaker than that of VKA use (p = 0.006). Corresponding estimates for nonlobar s-ICH were not different between DOACs (cases: 5.1%, controls: 2.4%; aOR 3.44 [2.33-5.08]) and VKAs (p = 0.20). DISCUSSION: Antithrombotics were associated with higher risks of s-ICH, but the strength of the associations varied by s-ICH location and drug, which may reflect differences in the cerebral microangiopathies associated with lobar vs nonlobar hemorrhages and the mechanisms of drug action.

Association of Statin Use With Risk of Stroke Recurrence After Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Survivors of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may have indications for statin therapy. The effect of statins on the risk of subsequent hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke (IS) in this setting is uncertain. We sought to determine the risk of any stroke (ischemic stroke, IS or recurrent ICH), IS, and recurrent ICH associated with statin use among ICH survivors. METHODS: Using the Danish Stroke Registry, we identified all patients admitted to a hospital in Denmark (population 5.8 million) with a first-ever ICH between January 2003 and December 2021 who were aged 50 years or older and survived >30 days. Patients were followed up until August 2022. Within this cohort, we conducted 3 nested case-control analyses for any stroke, IS, and recurrent ICH. We matched controls for age, sex, time since first-ever ICH, and history of prior IS. The primary exposure was statin use before or on the date of subsequent stroke or the equivalent date in matched controls. Using conditional logistic regression, we calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for any stroke, IS, and recurrent ICH associated with statin exposure. RESULTS: We identified 1,959 patients with any stroke (women 45.3%; mean [SD] age, 72.6 [9.7] years) who were matched to 7,400 controls; 1,073 patients with IS (women 42.0%; mean [SD] age, 72.4 [10.0] years) who were matched to 4,035 controls and 984 patients with recurrent ICH (women 48.7%; mean [SD] age, 72.7 [9.2] years) who were matched to 3,755 controls. Statin exposure was associated with a lower risk of both any stroke (cases 38.6%, controls 41.1%; aOR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78-0.99) and IS (cases 39.8%, controls 41.8%, aOR 0.79; 95% CI 0.67-0.92), but was not associated with recurrent ICH risk (cases 39.1%, controls 40.8%, aOR 1.05; 95% CI 0.88-1.24). DISCUSSION: Exposure to statins was not associated with an increased risk of recurrent ICH but was associated with a lower risk of any stroke, largely due to a lower risk of IS. Confirmation of these findings in randomized trials is needed. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that statin use in patients with ICH is associated with a lower risk of any stroke and IS and not with increased risk of recurrent ICH.

Major Cardiovascular Events After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Hematoma Location.

Importance: Survivors of spontaneous (ie, nontraumatic and with no known structural cause) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have an increased risk of major cardiovascular events (MACEs), including recurrent ICH, ischemic stroke (IS), and myocardial infarction (MI). Only limited data are available from large, unselected population studies assessing the risk of MACEs according to index hematoma location. Objective: To examine the risk of MACEs (ie, the composite of ICH, IS, spontaneous intracranial extra-axial hemorrhage, MI, systemic embolism, or vascular death) after ICH based on ICH location (lobar vs nonlobar). Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study identified 2819 patients in southern Denmark (population of 1.2 million) 50 years or older hospitalized with first-ever spontaneous ICH from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. Intracerebral hemorrhage was categorized as lobar or nonlobar, and the cohorts were linked to registry data until the end of 2018 to identify the occurrence of MACEs and separately recurrent ICH, IS, and MI. Outcome events were validated using medical records. Associations were adjusted for potential confounders using inverse probability weighting. Exposure: Location of ICH (lobar vs nonlobar). Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes were MACEs and separately recurrent ICH, IS, and MI. Crude absolute event rates per 100 person-years and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% CIs were calculated. Data were analyzed from February to September 2022. Results: Compared with patients with nonlobar ICH (n = 1255; 680 [54.2%] men and 575 [45.8%] women; mean [SD] age, 73.5 [11.4] years), those with lobar ICH (n = 1034; 495 [47.9%] men and 539 [52.1%] women, mean [SD] age, 75.2 [10.7] years) had higher rates of MACEs per 100 person-years (10.84 [95% CI, 9.51-12.37] vs 7.91 [95% CI, 6.93-9.03]; aHR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.10-1.44) and recurrent ICH (3.74 [95% CI, 3.01-4.66] vs 1.24 [95% CI, 0.89-1.73]; aHR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.97-3.49) but not IS (1.45 [95% CI, 1.02-2.06] vs 1.77 [95% CI, 1.34-2.34]; aHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.60-1.10) or MI (0.42 [95% CI, 0.22-0.81] vs 0.64 [95% CI, 0.40-1.01]; aHR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.38-1.09). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, spontaneous lobar ICH was associated with a higher rate of subsequent MACEs than nonlobar ICH, primarily due to a higher rate of recurrent ICH. This study highlights the importance of secondary ICH prevention strategies in patients with lobar ICH.

Association Between Statin Use and Intracerebral Hemorrhage Location: A Nested Case-Control Registry Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A causal relationship between statin use and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is uncertain. We hypothesized that an association between long-term statin exposure and ICH risk might vary for different ICH locations. METHODS: We conducted this analysis using linked Danish nationwide registries. Within the Southern Denmark Region (population 1.2 million), we identified all first-ever cases of ICH between 2009 and 2018 in persons aged ≥55 years. Patients with medical record-verified diagnoses were classified as having a lobar or nonlobar ICH and matched for age, sex, and calendar year to general population controls. We used a nationwide prescription registry to ascertain prior statin and other medication use that we classified for recency, duration, and intensity. Using conditional logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders, we calculated adjusted ORs (aORs) and corresponding 95% CIs for the risk of lobar and nonlobar ICH. RESULTS: We identified 989 patients with lobar ICH (52.2% women, mean age 76.3 years) who we matched to 39,500 controls and 1,175 patients with nonlobar ICH (46.5% women, mean age 75.1 years) who we matched to 46,755 controls. Current statin use was associated with a lower risk of lobar (aOR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98) and nonlobar ICH (aOR 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72-0.98). Longer duration of statin use was also associated with a lower risk of lobar (<1 year: aOR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.69-1.14; ≥1 year to <5 years aOR 0.89; 95% CI 0.73-1.09; ≥5 years aOR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51-0.87; p for trend 0.040) and nonlobar ICH (<1 year: aOR 1.00; 95% CI, 0.80-1.25; ≥1 year to <5 years aOR 0.88; 95% CI 0.73-1.06; ≥5 years aOR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48-0.80; p for trend <0.001). Estimates stratified by statin intensity were similar to the main estimates for low-medium intensity therapy (lobar aOR 0.82; nonlobar aOR 0.84); the association with high-intensity therapy was neutral. DISCUSSION: We found that statin use was associated with a lower risk of ICH, particularly with longer treatment duration. This association did not vary by hematoma location.

Association of Prior Intracerebral Hemorrhage With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events.

Importance: Patients with stroke due to nontraumatic (spontaneous) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) often harbor vascular risk factors and comorbidities, but it is unclear which major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) occur more frequently among patients with a prior ICH than the general population. Objective: To evaluate the risk of a MACE for patients with a prior ICH compared with the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study identified 8991 patients with a first ICH in the Danish Stroke Registry from January 1, 2005, to June 30, 2018, who were aged 45 years or older and survived more than 30 days after an ICH. Patients in this ICH cohort were matched 1:40 on age, sex, and ICH-onset date with a comparison cohort of 359 185 individuals from the general population without a prior ICH. Both cohorts were followed up for 6 months or more until December 31, 2018, for outcomes using registry data. Data were analyzed from October 1, 2021, to July 19, 2022. Exposures: Intracerebral hemorrhage identified by a nationwide clinical database. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes were ICH, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and a composite of MACEs. For each outcome, a case-control study nested within the cohorts was also performed, adjusting for time-varying exposures and potential confounders. Crude absolute event rates per 100 person-years, adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% CIs and, in the nested case-control analyses, crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: The ICH cohort (n = 8991; 4814 men [53.5%]; mean [SD] age, 70.7 [11.5] years) had higher event rates than the comparison cohort (n = 359 185; 192 256 men [53.5%]; mean [SD] age, 70.7 [11.5] years) for MACEs (4.16 [95% CI, 3.96-4.37] per 100 person-years vs 1.35 [95% CI, 1.33-1.36] per 100 person-years; aHR, 3.13 [95% CI, 2.97-3.30]), ischemic stroke (1.52 [95% CI, 1.40-1.65] per 100 person-years vs 0.56 [95% CI, 0.55-0.57] per 100 person-years; aHR, 2.64 [95% CI, 2.43-2.88]), and ICH (1.44 [95% CI, 1.32-1.56] per 100 person-years vs 0.06 [95% CI, 0.06-0.07] per 100 person-years; aHR, 23.49 [95% CI, 21.12-26.13]) but not myocardial infarction (0.52 [95% CI, 0.45-0.60] per 100 person-years vs 0.48 [95% CI, 0.47-0.49] per 100 person-years; aHR, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.97-1.29]). Nested case-control analyses returned risk estimates of similar magnitude as the cohort analyses. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study suggest that Danish patients with a prior ICH had statistically significantly higher rates of MACEs than the general population, indicating a need for attention to optimal secondary prevention with blood pressure lowering and antithrombotic and statin therapies after an ICH in clinical research and practice.

Association of Long-term Statin Use With the Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Danish Nationwide Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A causal relationship between long-term statin use and the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains uncertain. We investigated the association between statin use prior to hospital admission for ICH in a Danish population-based, nationwide case-control study. METHODS: We used the Danish Stroke Registry to identify all patients age ≥45-years with a first-ever ICH between 2005-2018. ICH cases were matched for age, sex, and calendar year to controls selected from the general population. A medication registry with information on all dispensed prescriptions at community pharmacies in Denmark since 1995 was used to ascertain prior statin exposure that was classified for recency, duration, and intensity. Using conditional regression and adjusting for potential confounders, we calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of ICH. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 16,235 patients with ICH and 640,943 controls. Current statin use (cases 25.9% vs controls 24.5%; aOR 0.74, 95% CI, 0.71-0.78) and longer duration of current statin use (<1 year: aOR 0.86; 95%CI, 0.81-0.92; ≥1 to <5 years: aOR 0.72; 95%CI, 0.68-0.76; ≥5 to <10 years: aOR 0.65; 95%CI, 0.60-0.71; ≥10 years of use, 0.53; 95%CI 0.45-0.62; P for trend <0.001) were associated with lower risk of ICH. Similar treatment duration relationships were found in analyses stratified by statin use intensity (high intensity therapy: <1 year of use, aOR 0.78; 95%CI, 0.66-0.93; ≥10 years of use: 0.46; 95% CI 0.33-0.65; P for trend 0.001). DISCUSSION: We found that longer duration of statin use is associated with a lower risk of ICH. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that current statin use and longer duration of statin use are each associated with a lower risk of ICH.

Higher Risk of Ischemic Stroke After an Intracerebral Hemorrhage Than in General Population: A Cohort Study From the United Kingdom.

[Figure: see text].

Validity of Simple Algorithms to Identify Recurrence of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Two Danish Nationwide Registries.

PURPOSE: Danish registries could be an attractive resource for studies of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage (re-ICH). We developed and validated algorithms to identify re-ICH in the Danish Stroke Registry (DSR) and the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using multiple sources, we followed-up an inception cohort with verified first-ever spontaneous ICH (n = 2528) for their first re-ICH in 2009-2018 (study period). We used verified cases of re-ICH (n = 124) as the gold standard to assess the performance of register-based algorithms for identifying re-ICH. For each cohort member, we traced events of re-ICH (ICD-10-code I61) in the study period according to DSR and DNPR, respectively. For each registry, we tested algorithms with a blanking period (BP) - ie, a period immediately following the index ICH during which outcome events were ignored - of varying length (7 days-360 days). The algorithm with the shortest BP that returned a positive predictive value (PPV) of ≥80% was considered optimal. We also calculated negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity of each algorithm and [95% confidence intervals] for all proportions. RESULTS: The optimal algorithm for DSR (BP 30 days) had a PPV of 89.5% [82.2-94.0], NPV 98.8% [98.2-99.1], sensitivity 75.8% [67.6-82.5], and specificity 99.5% [99.2-99.7]. The optimal algorithm for DNPR (BP 120 days) had a PPV of 80.6% [71.7-87.2], NPV 98.1% [97.5-98.6], sensitivity 63.7% [55.0-71.6], and specificity 99.2% [98.8-99.5]. CONCLUSION: Simple algorithms accurately identified re-ICH in DSR and DNPR. Compared with DNPR, DSR achieved higher PPV and sensitivity with a shorter BP. The proposed algorithms could facilitate valid use of DSR and DNPR for studies of re-ICH.

Trends in Incidence of Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Association With Antithrombotic Drug Use in Denmark, 2005-2018.

Importance: Spontaneous (nontraumatic) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most severe complication of antithrombotic drug use. Objectives: To estimate the strength of association between use of antithrombotic drugs and risk of ICH and to examine major changes in the incidence of ICH in the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants: This case-control study of patients with a first-ever ICH from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018, matched by age, sex, and calendar year with general population controls (1:40 ratio), assessed case and control patients 20 to 99 years of age in population-based nationwide registries in Denmark (population of 5.8 million). Exposures: Use of low-dose aspirin, clopidogrel, a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Main Outcomes and Measures: Association of ICH with antithrombotic drug use, annual age- and sex-standardized incidence rate of ICH, and prevalence of treatment with antithrombotic drugs. Conditional logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) (95% CIs) for the association of antithrombotic drugs with ICH. Results: Among 16 765 cases with ICH (mean [SD] age, 72.8 [13.1] years; 8761 [52.3%] male), 7473 (44.6%) were exposed to antithrombotic medications at the time of ICH onset. The association with ICH was weakest for current use of low-dose aspirin (cases: 28.7%, controls: 22.6%; aOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.44-1.59) and clopidogrel (cases: 6.2%, controls: 3.4%; aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.47-1.84) and strongest with current use of a VKA (cases: 12.0%, controls: 5.0%; aOR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.58-2.96). The association with ICH was weaker for DOACs (cases: 3.0%, controls: 1.8%; aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.61-2.07) than for VKAs. Compared with 2005, the prevalence of use of oral anticoagulants among general population controls in 2018 was higher (3.8% vs 11.1%), predominantly because of increased use of DOACs (DOACs: 0% vs 7.0%; VKA: 3.8% vs 4.2%). Antiplatelet drugs were used less frequently (24.7% vs 21.4%) because of decreased use of low-dose aspirin (24.3% vs 15.3%), whereas clopidogrel use increased (1.0% vs 6.8%). The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate of ICH decreased from 33 per 100 000 person-years in 2005 to 24 per 100 000 person-years in 2018 (P < .001 for trend). Conclusions and Relevance: In Denmark from 2005 to 2018, use of antithrombotic drugs, especially VKAs, was associated with ICH. Although use of oral anticoagulation increased substantially during the study period, the incidence rate of ICH decreased.

The Validity of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Diagnoses in the Danish Patient Registry and the Danish Stroke Registry.

PURPOSE: To establish the validity of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) diagnoses in the Danish Stroke Registry (DSR) and the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Based on discharge summaries and brain imaging reports, we estimated the positive predictive value (PPV) of a first-ever diagnosis code for ICH (ICD-10, code I61) for all patients in the Region of Southern Denmark (1.2 million) during 2009-2017 according to either DNPR or DSR. We estimated PPVs for any non-traumatic ICH (a-ICH) and spontaneous ICH (s-ICH) alone (ie, without underlying structural cause). We also calculated the sensitivity of these diagnoses in each of the registers. Finally, we classified the location of verified s-ICH. RESULTS: A total of 3,956 patients with ICH diagnosis codes were studied (DSR only: 87; DNPR only: 1,513; both registries: 2,356). In the DSR, the PPVs were 86.5% (95% CI=85.1-87.8) for a-ICH and 81.8% (95% CI=80.2-83.3) for s-ICH. The PPVs in DNPR (discharge code, primary diagnostic position) were 76.2% (95% CI=74.7-77.6) for a-ICH and 70.2% (95% CI=68.6-71.8) for s-ICH. Sensitivity for a-ICH and s-ICH was 76.4% (95% CI=74.8-78.0) and 78.7% (95% CI=77.1-80.2) in DSR, and 87.3% (95% CI=86.0-88.5) and 87.7% (95% CI=86.3-88.9) in DNPR. The location of verified s-ICH was lobar (39%), deep (33.6%), infratentorial (13.2%), large unclassifiable (11%), isolated intraventricular (1.9%), or unclassifiable due to insufficient information (1.3%). CONCLUSION: The validity of a-ICH diagnoses is high in both registries. For s-ICH, PPV was higher in DSR, while sensitivity was higher in DNPR. The location of s-ICH was similar to distributions seen in other populations.

Antidepressant drug use and subdural hematoma risk.

BACKGROUND: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use may be associated with development of subdural hematoma (SDH). OBJECTIVES: To estimate SDH risk associated with antidepressant use, including when combined with antithrombotics, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). PATIENTS/METHODS: We performed this case-control study based on Danish registries. We included 10 885 incident cases of SDH and 435 379 matched general population controls. We calculated odds ratios (95% confidence interval) adjusted for comorbidity, co-medication, education level, and income (aOR). RESULTS: We found that current use of SSRIs (aOR1.32 [1.25-1.38]) and non-SSRIs (aOR 1.19 [1.13-1.26]) was associated with a higher SDH risk, compared with non-use of antidepressants. Risks were higher with short duration of current use (eg, <1 month of current use: aOR 2.55 [2.07-3.15] for SSRI, 1.88 [1.46-2.41] for non-SSRIs; >3 years of current use: 1.04 [0.93-1.17] for SSRI and 1.12 [0.98-1.28] for non-SSRIs). Combined use of antidepressants with either antithrombotics or NSAIDs yielded similar ORs to those observed for single use of antithrombotics or NSAIDs. Stronger associations were observed for antidepressants combined with both vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and NSAIDs (SSRI, VKA, & NSAID: aOR 5.51 [2.70-11-22]; non-SSRI, VKA, & NSAID: 6.81 [2.37-19-60]). CONCLUSIONS: Antidepressant use was associated with higher risk of SDH that seemed largely restricted to first year of treatment. In absolute terms this risk is judged to be small, given the low SDH incidence rate. With one possible exception (triple use of antidepressants, NSAIDs, and VKAs), risk estimates of SDH for combined regimens of antidepressants with antithrombotics or NSAIDs provided little evidence of interactions.

Intracerebral hemorrhage: positive predictive value of diagnosis codes in two nationwide Danish registries.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to establish the validity of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) diagnoses in the Danish Stroke Registry (DSR) and the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We estimated the positive predictive value (PPV) of ICH diagnoses for a sample of 500 patients from the DSR (patients recorded under ICH diagnosis) and DNPR (International Classification of Diseases, version 10, code I61) during 2010-2015, using discharge summaries and brain imaging reports (minimal data). We estimated PPVs for any ICH (a-ICH) and spontaneous ICH (s-ICH) alone. Furthermore, we assessed PPVs according to whether patients were recorded in both or only one of the registries. Finally, in a subsample with ICH diagnoses with access to full medical records and original imaging studies (extensive data, n=100), we compared s-ICH diagnosis and hemorrhage location after use of extensive vs minimal data. RESULTS: In the DSR, the PPVs were 94% (95% CI, 91%-96%) for a-ICH and 85% (95% CI, 81%-88%) for s-ICH. In the DNPR, the PPVs were 88% (95% CI, 84%-91%) for a-ICH and 75% (95% CI, 70%-79%) for s-ICH. PPVs for s-ICH for patients recorded in both registries, DSR only, and DNPR only were 86% (95% CI, 82-99), 80% (95%CI, 71-87), and 49% (95%CI, 39-59), respectively. Evaluation of extensive vs minimal data verified s-ICH diagnosis in 98% and hemorrhage location in 94%. CONCLUSION: The validity of a-ICH diagnoses in DSR and DNPR is sufficiently high to support their use in epidemiologic studies. For s-ICH, validity was high in DSR. In DNPR, s-ICH validity was lower, markedly so for the small subgroup of patients only recorded in this registry. Minimal data including discharge summaries and brain imaging reports were feasible and valid for identifying ICH location.

Oral Immunosuppressive Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis in Denmark: A Nationwide Drug Utilization Study, 1996-2013.

Although immunosuppressants in the treatment of myasthenia have been available for several decades, population-based studies describing drug utilization in myasthenia patients are scarce. We aimed in this study to describe the treatment of myasthenia in Denmark in more recent years with emphasis on use of oral immunosuppressant agents. We identified a nationwide cohort of incident myasthenia patients in Denmark from 1996 to 2013 and tracked their use of drugs over the entire period using data from nationwide registers. Patients with myasthenia were classified according to utilization of specific immunosuppressants (e.g. prednisolone) as 'never user' or 'ever user'. We used Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and proportion of patients covered (PPC) curves to describe treatment onset and termination. We identified 928 patients (52% female) with incident myasthenia in the study period. Overall, 638 (69%) were treated with prednisolone and 506 (55%) with azathioprine. Treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine within 2 years of myasthenia diagnosis was initiated in 462 (56%) and 366 (45%). Only one of four myasthenia patients (n = 231) did not receive oral immunosuppressive treatment at any time in the study period. Prednisolone was stopped in most patients, whereas treatment with azathioprine was often continued throughout follow-up. In conclusion, we found that treatment of myasthenia in Denmark in recent years corresponded well to the expected clinical course of myasthenia and that most patients underwent long-term immunosuppression.

[A stroke mimic: hemichorea associated with non-ketotic hyperglycaemia].

An 85-year-old man with a history of diabetes was admitted with acute onset hemichorea. Laboratory findings confirmed poorly controlled diabetes. A brain computed tomography (CTC) revealed contralateral striatal hyperdensity. The findings were compatible with hyperglycaemia-induced hemichorea, and antidiabetic and symptomatic treatment was initiated. The symptoms remitted completely after six days, and a follow-up CTC showed partial resolution of the striatal changes. This case illustrates the importance of considering if hyperglycaemia is the cause of hemichorea, as early diagnosis and treatment yield an excellent prognosis.