Does the nutritional status of acute stroke patients affect the neurological status in the early post-stroke period?

According to recent reports, malnutrition may be associated with a worse prognosis in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status of stroke patients and its impact on neurological and functional status of patients in the early post-stroke period. Our prospective study included a total of 128 patients admitted to the Stroke Unit. The assessment was made in the patients within the first week after the onset of stroke symptoms. Groups of patients with abnormal body mass index (BMI <20kg/m2 or >25kg/m2) were compared to the group of normal BMI, serum albumin, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels were determined in each patient within 24h following admission. The analysis showed that the patients with lower levels of serum albumin and triglycerides had higher scores in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission. Patients with a higher risk of malnutrition, confirmed by the Subjective Global Assessment scale, had higher NIHSS scores. The study showed a positive relationship between the nutritional status and worse neurological status of patients in the early post-stroke period.Abbreviation: NIHSS; Rankin scale.

Relationship between stroke severity, extensity of leukoaraiosis, and brain atrophy in patients with ischaemic stroke.

PURPOSE: Leukoaraiosis (LA), according to the latest classification, is white matter hyperintensity - morphological findings of small blood vessel disease of the brain. This radiological detection of small vessels disease is important because there are no technical possibilities to assess small vessels of the brain using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography. Our aim was to analysis the relationship between the extension of leukoaraiosis and severity of ischaemic stroke and brain atrophy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 77 head CT scans of patients admitted from the emergency room (ER) to the Radiology Department due to suspected stroke. We assessed the severity of leukoaraiosis using the van Swieten scale and brain atrophy by numerous linear measurements. RESULTS: Statistical analysis failed to demonstrate differences between LA1 and LA2 groups with regard to stroke severity in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p = 0.2159). There were no differences with regard to clinical severity of stroke between the study groups divided depending on the extent of brain atrophy. There were statistically significant differences with regard to the anterior horn width of the right and left lateral ventricle, posterior horn width of the right and left lateral ventricle, distance between occipital horn of the left lateral ventricle and internal surface of the cranium and third ventricle width depending on the severity of leukoaraiosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our studies present an association between the degree leukoaraiosis extension and brain atrophy, but no association between central nervous system tissue atrophy of extent of leukoaraiosis and ischaemic stroke severity.

Prevalence of high on-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with chronic kidney disease treated with acetylsalicylic acid for stroke prevention.

Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of risk factors for stroke and may be associated with impaired platelet reactivity. Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate platelet reactivity in patients with CKD treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), using 2 different laboratory methods. Moreover, we searched for factors responsible for the phenomenon of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HOPR). Patients and methods A total of 108 patients with CKD and 41 controls without CKD using ASA were enrolled in the study. Platelet function was assessed by impedance aggregometry in whole blood, using a multi-channel platelet function analyzer (Multiplate®; ASPItest). Urinary 11-dehydrotromboxane levels were measured by the AspirinWorks® test. Results No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of HOPR between patients with and without CKD. Patients with CKD and HOPR measured by ASPItest had higher creatinine levels (P = 0.05) and were younger (P <0.01) than patients with CKD without HOPR, while patients with CKD and HOPR measured by AspirinWorks® had lower red blood cell count (P = 0.05), hemoglobin (P = 0.05), hematocrit (P = 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein levels (P = 0.05). All patients with HOPR had higher C-reactive protein levels (P <0.05) (AspirinWorks®) and white blood cells (P <0.05) (ASPItest). Conclusions The applied methods allowed to detect HOPR in more than one third of CKD patients taking ASA for stroke prevention. The compatibility of both methods for HOPR assessment was confirmed. The study revealed several potential risk factors for HOPR in CKD, including younger age, higher levels of inflammatory markers, dyslipidemia, and lower hematocrit and hemoglobin levels.

Leukoaraiosis - new concepts and modern imaging.

Leukoaraiosis is a pathological appearance of the brain white matter, which has long been believed to be caused by perfusion disturbances within the arterioles perforating through the deep brain structures. Due to its complex etiopathogenesis and clinical relevance, leukoaroisosis has been investigated in a multitude of studies. As regards the clinical implications of leukoaraiosis, this neuroimaging finding is strongly related to ischaemic stroke, unfavourable course of ischaemic stroke in the acute phase, worse long-term outcomes, and cognitive disturbances. The morphological changes in the deep white matter that are collectively described as leukoaraiosis, despite a seemingly homogenous appearance, probably resulting from various causes, such as atherosclerosis, neurotoxic factors including radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and neuroinfections. Based on our experience and recent literature, we present the symptomatology of leukoaroisosis and similar radiological abnormalities of the cerebral white matter.

[Acetylsalicylic acid in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases].

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is one of the most popular medicines in the world. ASA preparations have been used for over 100 years as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic drugs. Since 1971, ASA has also been used as an antiplatelet drug. The main antiplatelet effect of aspirin is the irreversible inhibition of the key enzyme of arachidonic acid cascade, a prostaglandin H synthetase, also called cyclooxygenase (COX). ASA is a widely used drug in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In accordance with the current European guidelines, ASA is indicated in secondary prevention in all patients with established cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke, peripheral atherosclerosis). Life therapy with low doses (75-150 mg daily) is recommended. ASA is also used to treat acute myocardial infarction, unstable coronary heart disease, coronary artery bypass surgery and angioplasty, as well as to treat acute stroke. Despite the proven benefits, approximately 10-20% of patients taking ASA are at risk for re-occurring cardiovascular events. In connection with the above, the phenomenon of the so-called resistance to ASA (or high on treatment platelet reactivity despite ASA). This phenomenon was reported in patients after stroke (up to 60% of subjects), in atherosclerosis of the lower limbs (up to 60%), in stable coronary disease (up to 70%) and in patients immediately after myocardial infarction (up to 80%). Despite studies conducted for several years, so far there are no clear guidelines for monitoring platelet function in patients taking ASA, both in primary and secondary stroke prevention.

Steatosis influences hepatocytes proliferative potential in chronic hepatitis C patients.

The study evaluates the influence of steatosis on hepatocytes proliferative potential, reflected by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients both in steatotic and non-steatotic areas of lobules. The liver histology was evaluated according to Kleiner's score. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was also defined as the presence of lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning and steatosis. Expression of PCNA was significantly in patients with definite NASH compared to those with simple steatosis, but not to those with borderline NASH. Advanced steatosis negatively influenced PCNA expression. NASH not only affects PCNA expression in staetotic, but also in non-steatotic lobule areas. Expression of PCNA could be an independent indicator of changes in hepatocyte metabolism in CHC patients. High NAS values and low PCNA expression may be a negative prognostic factor in predicting the further course of the disease.

[high on-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with chronic renal failure using acetylsalicylic acid].

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common cause of mortality in the world. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a widely used medicine in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. About 1-60% patients taking aspirin have high platelet reactivity (HOPR) despite aspirin treatment. HOPR is significantly more frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in these patients. The cause of HOPR in patients with CKD may be oxidative stress and inflammation. To the risk factors belong diabetes, female sex or decreased HDL cholesterol level.

[Neurosarcoidosis - clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment]. / Neurosarkoidoza - obraz kliniczny, diagnostyka i leczenie.

Neurosarcoidosis (NS) manifests itself clinically in approximately 8-13% of patients with sarcoidosis. Granulomas are localized in both the central and peripheral nervous system, mainly within the meninges and cranial nerves. Changes may spread interstitially, occupying different structures of the brain and spinal cord. Diagnosis of NS is made by characteristic clinical symptoms and the exclusion of other diseases, with the presence of specific changes in the magnetic resonance and cerebrospinal fluid, and it is mainly based on histopathological examination. The first choice treatment are corticosteroids. In case of failure or adverse events, methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil and infliximab could be used.

[Psychometric and neurophysiological assessment of cognitive functions in patients with epilepsy].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess cognitive functions in patients with epilepsy using the neurophysiological method and psychological tests, and analysis the relationship between clinical features of the disease and test results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 31 patients with epilepsy aged 37.3±18.4 years. The control group consisted of 40 healthy volunteers aged 33.5±12.2 years. Cognitive functions were assessed using endogenous evoked potential P300 and psychological tests - Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), three subtests of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), Trail Making Test (TMT), Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: Epileptic patients achieved significantly lower scores in all, except STAI-1, psychological tests in relation to the controls. A correlation between age and TMT-A (p<0.050) and BVRT (p<0.050) was observed. The disease duration affected results of MMSE (p<0.050), TMT-B (p<0.050) and BVRT (p<0.050). Type of seizures was related to results of MMSE (p=0.005), type of therapy - to results of STAI-1 (p=0.014) and TMT-B (p=0.008). The average latency of P300 was significantly prolonged (p=0.00003) in epileptic patients (348±38ms) in relation to the controls (324±26ms). The relationship between P300 and the duration of seizures (p=0.017) was observed. There was no correlation between P300 and age, sex, frequency and type of seizures and therapy. A correlation between P300 and TMT-B (p<0.050), BVRT-LPO(p<0.050) and STAI-1 (p<0.050) was noticed. CONCLUSION: In epileptic patients cognitive impairment is often found. It is advisable to perform regular neuropsychological testing; P300 can be used only as a preliminary assessment.

Standardized incidence and trend of osteoporotic hip fracture in Polish women and men: a nine year observation.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and its consequence of low trauma fracture represent a major health burden in aging population, because it results in increased morbidity, mortality and high health care costs. The number of hip fractures worldwide will approximately double by the year 2025 and more than triple by 2050. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and trends of osteoporotic hip fracture in women and men aged over 50 years in polish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital records in population of 32,100 men and 39,984 women between January 1st, 2002 and December 31, 2010 with ICD-10 codes S72,0, S72,1 and S72,2 (femoral neck, intertrochanteric, subtrochanteric, inter and subtrochanteric fracture) were included in analysis. RESULTS: The study revealed 937 low energy hip fractures (240 in men 697 and in women). Systematic increase in rate over the study period, with the 44% in last year compared to 2002 year can be noticed. The increase was lowest in female (20.7%) than in male population (57.6%), and similarly was lowest in urban (27%) than in rural (67.7%) inhabitants. CONCLUSION: Concluding, the incidence of osteoporotic hip fracture in Polish men and women aged over 50 years is low, but the epidemiological picture is likely to change due to apparent aging of the population. Increasing trend of hip fracture incidence together with changes in age structure will result in an increased need for specialized care including several medical branches (GP, orthopedics, geriatrics, rehabilitation). Levels of evidence - IV.

[Quality of life in multiple sclerosis--association with clinical features, fatigue and depressive syndrome]. / Jakosc zycia chorych na stwardnienie rozsiane--zwiazek z cechami klinicznymi choroby, zespolem zmeczenia i objawami depresyjnymi.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the health related quality of life in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) in association with clinical features, fatigue and depressive symptoms. METHODS: The examined group consisted of 61 patients (45 women and 16 men) in the mean age of 38.6 +/- 11.4. The mean duration of disease was 7.1 +/- 6.1 years. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. The following questionnaires were used: EuroQol (EQ5D) with visual scale EuroQol-VAS, Modified Impact Fatigue Scale (MIFS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: The quality of life in the examined group of MS patients was significantly lower in comparison to the control group. Results of EQ-5D and EQ-VAS were influenced by age, disease course, level of disability and carried treatment. Statistically significant association was also found between results of the questionnaires assessing quality of life and either fatigue or depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The used questionnaires confirmed that quality of life in patients with MS is significantly worse, especially in the older people with secondary progressive course of the disease, more disable and not treated. Presence of fatigue and depressive symptoms influenced the self-assessment of quality of life. Complex care of MS patient should consider diagnosis and treatment of fatigue and depression which could improve their quality of life.