Physician Transfer Versus Patient Transfer for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physician transfer is an alternate option to patient transfer for expedient performance of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a systematic review to identify studies that evaluate the effect of physician transfer in patients with acute ischemic stroke who undergo mechanical thrombectomy. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was undertaken, and data were extracted. A statistical pooling with random-effects meta-analysis was performed to examine the odds of reduced time interval between stroke onset and recanalization, functional independence, death, and angiographic recanalization. A total of 12 studies (11 nonrandomized observational studies and 1 nonrandomized controlled trial) were included, with a total of 1894 patients. Physician transfer was associated with a significantly shorter time interval between stroke onset and recanalization with a pooled mean difference estimate of -62.08 (95% CI, -112.56 to -11.61]; P=0.016; 8 studies involving 1419 patients) with high between-study heterogeneity in the estimates (I2=90.6%). The odds for functional independence at 90 days were significantly higher (odds ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.00-1.66]; P=0.046; 7 studies with 1222 patients) with physician transfer with low between-study heterogeneity (I2=0%). Physician transfer was not associated with higher odds of near-complete or complete angiographic recanalization (odds ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 0.89-1.57; P=0.25; I2=2.8%; 11 studies with 1856 subjects). CONCLUSIONS: Physician transfer was associated with a significant reduction in the mean of time interval between symptom onset and recanalization and increased odds for functional independence at 90 days with physician transfer compared with patient transfer among patients who undergo mechanical thrombectomy.

Assessment of Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Related Variables in Acute Stroke Patients Receiving Intravenous Antihypertensive Medication Infusions.

BACKGROUND: We performed an analysis of a large intensive care unit electronic database to provide preliminary estimates of various blood pressure parameters in patients with acute stroke receiving intravenous (IV) antihypertensive medication and determine the relationship with in-hospital outcomes. METHODS: We identified the relationship between pre-treatment and post-treatment systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR)-related variables and in-hospital mortality and acute kidney injury in patients with acute stroke receiving IV clevidipine, nicardipine, or nitroprusside using data provided in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) IV database. RESULTS: A total of 1830 patients were treated with IV clevidipine (n = 64), nicardipine (n = 1623), or nitroprusside (n = 143). The standard deviations [SDs] of pre-treatment SBP (16.3 vs. 13.7, p ≤ 0.001) and post-treatment SBP (15.4 vs. 14.4, p = 0.004) were higher in patients who died compared with those who survived, particularly in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The mean SBP was significantly lower post treatment compared with pre-treatment values for clevidipine (130.7 mm Hg vs. 142.5 mm Hg, p = 0.006), nicardipine (132.8 mm Hg vs. 141.6 mm Hg, p ≤ 0.001), and nitroprusside (126.2 mm Hg vs. 139.6 mm Hg, p ≤ 0.001). There were no differences in mean SDs post treatment compared with pre-treatment values for clevidipine (14.5 vs. 13.5, p = 0.407), nicardipine (14.2 vs. 14.6, p = 0.142), and nitroprusside (14.8 vs. 14.8, p = 0.997). The SDs of pre-treatment and post-treatment SBP were not significantly different in patients with ischemic stroke treated with IV clevidipine, nicardipine, or nitroprusside or for patients with ICH treated with IV clevidipine or nitroprusside. However, patients with ICH treated with IV nicardipine had a significantly higher SD of post-treatment SBP (13.1 vs. 14.2, p = 0.0032). CONCLUSIONS: We found that SBP fluctuations were associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with acute stroke. IV antihypertensive medication reduced SBP but did not reduce SBP fluctuations in this observational study. Our results highlight the need for optimizing therapeutic interventions to reduce SBP fluctuations in patients with acute stroke.

Impact of post-procedure stenosis on outcomes of patients with severe intracranial stenosis treated with intracranial stent placement.

BACKGROUND: The optimal target post-procedure stenosis after percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement (PTAS) for intracranial stenosis is unknown. We determined the effect of post-procedure stenosis after intracranial PTAS on subsequent clinical events in patients with severe symptomatic intracranial stenosis. METHODS: We categorized the severity of post-procedure stenosis as '<30%', '30-49%', and '≥50%' among 207 patients who underwent PTAS in a multicenter randomized clinical trial. Outcomes included stroke or death within 72 hours and within 30 days, ipsilateral stroke beyond 30 days of treatment, and stroke or death within 30 days or stroke in the qualifying artery beyond 30 days (primary endpoint of the trial). Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed with adjustments for age, initial severity of stenosis, location of stenosis, and qualifying event. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for the primary endpoint stratified by post-procedure stenosis with log-rank analysis. RESULTS: The severity of post-procedure stenosis was categorized as <30%, 30-49%, and ≥50% in 112, 73, and 22 patients, respectively. Compared with patients with post-procedure stenosis <30%, there was no difference in the risk of primary endpoint among patients with post-procedure stenoses of 30-49% (hazards ratio (HR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.64 to 1.15) or those with ≥50% (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.43). Log-rank analysis did not demonstrate a difference in rates of primary endpoint between groups stratified by post-procedure stenosis (P=0.70). CONCLUSION: In the absence of any benefit on short- and long-term outcomes, strategies to achieve a low severity of post-procedure stenosis among patients with severe intracranial stenosis may not be warranted.

Self-expanding versus balloon expandable stent for intracranial arterial stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are limited data regarding the comparison of balloon expandable stents (BES) and self-expanding stents (SES) for the treatment of intracranial arterial stenosis. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to identify studies that compared SES and BES in patients with symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis. Data were extracted from relevant studies found through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until from January 1, 2010 to September 28, 2023. Statistical pooling with random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken to compare the rates/severity of postprocedure stenosis, technical success, 30-day stroke and/or death, cumulative clinical endpoints, and restenosis rates. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for postprocedure stenosis (%) was significantly lower (SMD: -0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.79 to -0.24, p < .001, 10 studies involving 1515 patients) with BES. The odds for 30-day stroke and/or death were significantly lower (odds ratio [OR] 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94, p = .019, 15 studies involving 2431 patients), and cumulative clinical endpoints on follow-up were nonsignificantly lower (OR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.30-1.37, p = .250, 10 studies involving 947 patients) with BES. The odds for restenosis during follow-up were significantly lower (OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.80, p = .004, 13 studies involving 1115 patients) with BES. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SES, BES were associated with lower rates of postprocedure 30-day stroke and/or death with lower rates of restenosis during follow up and the treatment of symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis.

Mechanical thrombectomy with intra-arterial thrombolysis versus mechanical thrombectomy alone in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence as to whether intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) adds benefit in patients with acute stroke who undergo mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to identify studies that evaluate IAT in patients with acute stroke who undergo MT. Data were extracted from relevant studies found through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until February 2023. Statistical pooling with random effects meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate odds of functional independence, mortality, and near-complete or complete angiographic recanalization with IAT compared to no IAT. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were included (3 matched, 14 unmatched, and 1 randomized). The odds ratio (OR) for functional independence (modified Rankin Scale: 0-2) at 90 days was 1.14 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.37, p = 0.17, 16 studies involving 7572 patients) with IAT with moderate between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 38.1%). The OR for functional independence with IAT was 1.28 (95% CI: 0.92-1.78, p = 0.15) in studies that were either matched or randomized and 1.24 (95% CI: 0.97-1.58, p = 0.08) in studies with the highest quality score. IAT was associated with higher odds of near-complete or complete angiographic recanalization (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.03-2.65, p = 0.04) in studies that were either matched or of randomized comparisons. CONCLUSION: Although the odds of functional independence appeared to be higher with IAT and MT compared with MT alone, none of the results were statistically significant. A prominent effect of the design and quality of the studies was observed on the association between IAT and functional independence at 90 days.

Effect of race/ethnicity on arterial recanalization following intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients.

INTRODUCTION: Several reports have identified that clinical outcomes such as death or disability in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients following intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment can vary according to race and ethnicities. We determined the effect of race/ethnicity on rates of arterial recanalization in AIS patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) after IV tPA. METHODS: We analyzed 234 patients with LVO detected on computed tomographic angiography (CTA) who received IV tPA and subsequently underwent angiography for potential thrombectomy. The primary occlusion sites on CTA and digital subtracted angiography (DSA) were compared and a score was given to the level of recanalization with values ranging from 1 (complete recanalization), 2 (partial recanalization), or 3 (no recanalization).The effect of race/ethnicity were assessed for predicting vessel recanalization using the covariates of age, gender, time since stroke onset, tPA dose received, NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) score at baseline, and location of the occlusion, using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Five patients (2.1%) were Hispanic or Latino, 8 (3.4%) Asian, 24 (10.3%) African American, and 197 (84.2%) White. A total of 50% had a distal ICA/proximal M1 occlusion, 20% distal M1 occlusion, and 16% single M2 occlusion. At the primary occlusion site, 44 (18.8%) had complete recanalization on post IV tPA angiogram, 17 (7.3%) had partial recanalization, and 165 (70.5%) had no recanalization. We did not find any association between race/ethnicity and vessel recanalization post IV tPA (Nonwhite combined [OR=1.49, p=0.351]; Asian [OR=1.460, p=0.650]; African American [OR=1.508, p=0.415]; White [OR=0.672, p=0.351]; ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino) [OR= 1.008, p=0.374]); Occlusion location (OR=0.189, p<0.001). Final TICI scores and mRS at 90 days were similar among the different groups. CONCLUSION: Approximately 19% of patients had complete recanalization after IV tPA, but race and ethnicity did not seem to have an effect on arterial recanalization. Arterial recanalization was only affected by location of occlusion.

Intraarterial thrombolytics as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are limited data regarding safety and effectiveness of concurrent intraarterial thrombolytics as adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion. METHODS: We analyzed data from a prospective multicenter registry to assess the independent effect of intraarterial thrombolysis on (1) favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-3) at 90 days; (2) symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 72 hours; and (3) death within 90 days post-enrollment after adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: There was no difference in the adjusted odds of achieving favorable outcome at 90 days (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-1.68) in patients who received intraarterial thrombolysis (n = 126) compared with those who did not receive intraarterial thrombolysis (n = 1546) despite significantly higher use in patients with postprocedure modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade <3. There were no differences in adjusted odds of sICH within 72 hours (OR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.31-2.08) or death within 90 days (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.60-1.37). In subgroup analyses, intraarterial thrombolysis was associated with (nonsignificantly) higher odds of achieving a favorable outcome at 90 days among patients aged between 65 and 80 years, those with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <10, and those with postprocedure mTICI grade 2b. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis supported the safety of intraarterial thrombolysis as adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion. Identification of patient subgroups in whom intraarterial thrombolytics appeared to be more beneficial may assist in future clinical trial designs.

Effect of Cilostazol in Animal Models of Cerebral Ischemia and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, appears to be a promising agent for preventing cerebral ischemia in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Here, the authors perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the effects of cilostazol on brain structural and functional outcomes in animal models of cerebral ischemia and subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral vasospasm. METHODS: By using the PRISMA guidelines, a search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant studies. Study quality of each included study for both systematic reviews were scored by using an adapted 15-item checklist from the Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis of Animal Data from Experimental Studies. We calculated a standardized mean difference as effect size for each comparison. For each outcome, comparisons were combined by using random-effects modeling to account for heterogeneity, with a restricted maximum likelihood estimate of between-study variance. RESULTS: A total of 22 (median [Q1, Q3] quality score of 7 [5, 8]) and 6 (median [Q1, Q3] quality score of 6 [6, 6]) studies were identified for cerebral ischemia and subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral vasospasm, respectively. Cilostazol significantly reduced the infarct volume in cerebral ischemia models with a pooled standardized mean difference estimate of - 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] [- 1.07 to - 0.70], p < 0.0001). Cilostazol significantly reduced neurofunctional deficits in cerebral ischemia models with a pooled standardized mean difference estimate of - 0.66 (95% CI [- 1.06 to - 0.28], p < 0.0001). Cilostazol significantly improved the basilar artery diameter in subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral vasospasm with a pooled standardized mean difference estimate of 2.30 (95% CI [0.94 to 3.67], p = 0.001). Cilostazol also significantly improved the basilar artery cross-section area with a pooled standardized mean estimate of 1.88 (95% CI [0.33 to 3.43], p < 0.05). Overall, there was between-study heterogeneity and asymmetry in the funnel plot observed in all comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Published animal data support the overall efficacy of cilostazol in reducing infarct volume and neurofunctional deficits in cerebral ischemia models and cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage models.