Massive pulmonary thromboembolism in an adolescent with SARS-CoV-2 infection. / Tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo en adolescente con infección por SARS­CoV-2.

Thromboembolic events incidence is low in pediatrics; high suspicion and explicit management algorithms are essential. We present a 12-year-old female patient with two weeks of dyspnea, orthopnea, and ankle edema. Tests showed metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, elevated D-dimer, and positive SARS-CoV-2 CRP. The echocardiogram showed severe right ventricular dysfunction and supra-systemic pulmonary hypertension. Chest CT angiography showed extensive bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism. Anticoagulant therapy was started. She presented with hemodynamic instability. Adrenaline, norepinephrine, milrinone, and nitric oxide were started. The clinical picture was extremely severe in the first 24 hours. It was decided to perform systemic thrombolysis with alteplase, which led to an improvement. Cardiorespiratory stabilization and anticoagulation are the mainstays of therapy in massive pulmonary thromboembolism. Fibrinolytic therapy is used in selected high-risk cases. In this patient, systemic reperfusion therapy with alteplase was performed with no significant complications.

La incidencia de eventos tromboembólicos es baja en pediatría; es importante la alta sospecha y algoritmos claros de manejo. Presentamos una paciente de 12 años, con 2 semanas de disnea, ortopnea y edema de tobillos. Exámenes evidenciaron acidosis metabólica, hiperlactatemia, dímero D elevado y PCR SARS-CoV-2 positiva. Ecocardiograma con disfunción grave de ventrículo derecho e hipertensión pulmonar suprasistémica. Angio-TAC de tórax mostró extenso tromboembolismo pulmonar bilateral. Se inició terapia anticoagulante. Evolucionó con inestabilidad hemodinámica. Inició adrenalina, norepinefrina, milrinona y óxido nítrico. Primeras 24 horas de extrema gravedad. Se decidió realización de trombólisis sistémica con alteplasa, y evolucionó con progresión a la mejoría. Los pilares de terapia en tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) masivo son la estabilización cardiorrespiratoria y la anticoagulación. En casos seleccionados como de alto riesgo, se utiliza terapia fibrinolítica. En esta paciente, se realizó terapia de reperfusión sistémica con alteplasa, sin complicaciones de importancia en el procedimiento.

Toxicological assays in the evaluation of safety assessment of fibrinolytic enzymes.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause 30% of deaths each year, and in 2030, around 23.6 million people will die due to CVDs. The major challenge is to obtain molecules with minimal adverse reactions that can prevent and dissolve blood clots. In this context, fibrinolytic enzymes from diverse microorganism sources have been extensively investigated due to their potential to act directly and specifically on the fibrin clot, preventing side effects and performing potential thrombolytic effects. However, most researches focus on the purification and characterization of proteases, with little emphasis on the mechanism of action and pharmacological characteristics, including toxicity assays which are essential to assess safety and side effects. Therefore, this work aims to emphasize the importance of evaluations indicating the toxicological profile of fibrinolytic proteases through in vitro and in vivo tests. Both types of assays contribute as preclinical stage in drug development and are crucial for clinical applications. This scarcity creates arbitrary barriers to further studies. This work should further encourage the development of studies to ensure the safety and effectivity of fibrinolytic proteases.

Suggested pre-clinical trials aim to validate more specific methods for fibrinolytic enzymes;Current toxicity standards can be adapted to better assess the profile of fibrinolytic enzymes;The class of fibrinolytic enzymes must be carefully evaluated according to the method of application.

Competências do enfermeiro no cuidado a pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral elegíveis à terapia trombolítica / Competencias de enfermería en el cuidado de personas con accidente cerebrovascular elegibles para terapia trombolítica / Nursing competencies in the care of patients with stroke who are eligible for thrombolytic therapy

Resumo Introdução: O acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico tem como tratamento a terapia trombolítica, aplicada ainda na fase aguda, promovendo melhora importante nas sequelas acarretadas por este agravo. Considerando a complexidade da terapia trombolítica, torna-se necessário que os enfermeiros compreendam suas competências para auxiliar no cuidado. Objetivo: Identificar evidências científicas acerca das competências do enfermeiro no cuidado a pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral elegíveis à terapia trombolítica. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa composta por seis etapas em seis etapas (elaboração da questão, busca na literatura, coleta de dados, análise, discussão e apresentação da revisão), realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase e CINAHL. A busca foi realizada entre agosto e setembro de 2022 adotando como critérios de inclusão estudos primários; gratuitos, disponíveis eletronicamente na íntegra; nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Foram obtidos inicialmente 2.830 estudos, os quais passaram por uma seleção, onde foram incluídos aqueles que atendiam os critérios previamente estabelecidos. Resultados: Com base nos doze estudos incluídos nesta revisão identificaram-se competências voltadas à três atividades do cuidado: gestão do cuidado como trabalho em equipe, códigos, fluxos e protocolos, assistência ao paciente antes, durante e após a utilização da terapia trombolítica e educação em saúde para equipe, pacientes e familiares. Conclusão: Os achados desta revisão puderam evidenciar as competências do enfermeiro no cuidado aos pacientes elegíveis a terapia trombolítica, as quais perpassam diferentes áreas de atuação do enfermeiro. Para este estudo prevaleceram as competências assistências, seguida por competências gerenciais.

Resumen Introducción: El accidente cerebrovascular isquémico se trata con terapia trombolítica, aplicada incluso en la fase aguda, que promueve una mejoría significativa de las secuelas provocadas por este padecimiento. Considerando la complejidad de la terapia trombolítica, es necesario que las personas profesionales de enfermería comprendan sus competencias para ayudar en el cuidado. Objetivo: Identificar evidencias científicas sobre las competencias del personal de enfermería en el cuidado de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular elegibles para terapia trombolítica. Metodología: Revisión integradora que consta de seis etapas (elaboración de la pregunta, búsqueda bibliográfica, recolección de datos, análisis, discusión y presentación de la revisión), realizada en las bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase y CINAHL. La búsqueda se realizó entre agosto y septiembre de 2022. Los criterio de inclusión fueron: estudios primarios, gratuito, disponible electrónicamente en su totalidad, en inglés, portugués y español. Inicialmente se obtuvieron 2830 estudios, los cuales fueron sometidos a un proceso de selección, que incluyó aquellos que cumplían con los criterios previamente establecidos. Resultados: A partir de los doce estudios incluidos en esta revisión, se identificaron competencias centradas en tres actividades asistenciales: gestión del cuidado como trabajo en equipo, códigos, flujos y protocolos, atención a pacientes antes, durante y después del uso de la terapia trombolítica y educación en salud para personal, pacientes y familias. Conclusión: Los hallazgos de esta revisión pudieron resaltar las competencias de las personas profesionales en enfermería en el cuidado de personas elegibles para terapia trombolítica, que abarcan diferentes áreas de actuación del personal de enfermería. Para este estudio, prevalecieron las habilidades asistenciales, seguidas de las competencias gerenciales.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ischemic stroke is treated with thrombolytic therapy, applied even in the acute phase, promoting a significant improvement in the after-effects caused by this condition. Considering the complexity of thrombolytic therapy, it is necessary for nurses to understand the skills required to assist in care. Objective: To identify scientific evidence about the competencies of nurses in the care of patients with stroke who are eligible for thrombolytic therapy. Methodology: An integrative review consisting of six stages (elaboration of the question, literature review, data collection, analysis, discussion, and presentation), conducted in MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases. The search was carried out between August and September 2022 using primary studies as the inclusion criteria: free of charge, fully available electronically, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Initially, 2.830 studies were obtained, which underwent a selection process that included only those studies that met the previously established criteria. Results: Based on the twelve studies included in this review, competencies focused on three care activities were identified: care management such as teamwork; codes; flows and protocols; patient care before, during, and after the use of thrombolytic therapy; and education health education for staff, patients, and families. Conclusion: The findings of this review highlighted the nurses' competencies in the care of patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy, which encompass different areas of the nurse's work. For this study, assistance competencies prevailed, followed by management competencies.

In-hospital stroke protocol outcomes before and after the implementation of neurological assessments by telemedicine: an observational case-control study.

Purpose: Stroke is the second leading cause of global adult mortality and the primary cause of disability. A rapid assessment by a neurologist for general and reperfusion treatments in ischemic strokes is linked to decreased mortality and disability. Telestroke assessment is a strategy that allows for neurological consultations with experienced professionals, even in remote emergency contexts. No randomized studies have compared face-to-face neurological care outcomes with telestroke care. Whether neurologists in an institution achieve better results remotely than in person is also unknown. This study aimed to compare mortality and other outcomes commonly measured in stroke protocols for stroke patients assessed by a neurologist via face-to-face evaluations and telestroke assessment. Methods: Observational single-center retrospective study from August/2009 to February/2022, enrolling 2,689 patients with ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Group 1 (G1) comprised 2,437 patients with in-person neurological assessments, and Telemedicine Group 2 (G2) included 252 patients. Results: The in-person group had higher admission NIHSS scores (G1, 3 (0; 36) vs. G2, 2 (0; 26), p < 0.001). The door-to-groin puncture time was lower in the in-person group than in the telestroke group (G1, 103 (42; 310) vs. G2, 151 (109; 340), p < 0.001). The telestroke group showed superior metrics for door-to-imaging time, symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation rate in ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis, hospital stay duration, higher rates of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, and lower mortality. Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation rate was smaller in the group evaluated via telestroke (G1, 5.1% vs. G2, 1.1%, p = 0.016). Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy rates were significantly higher in telestroke group: (G1, 8.6% vs. G2, 18.2%, p < 0.001 and G1, 5.1% vs. G2, 10.4%, p = 0.002, respectively). Mortality was lower in the telestroke group than in the in-person group (G1, 11.1% vs. G2, 6.7%, p = 0.001). The percentage of patients with an mRS score of 0-2 at discharge was similar in both groups when adjusting for NIHSS score and age. Conclusion: The same neurological emergency team may assess stroke patients in-person or by telemedicine, with excellent outcome metrics. This study reaffirms telestroke as a safe tool in acute stroke care.

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.

Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients 90 Years or Older with Moderate to Severe Acute Ischemic Stroke Increases Ambulation at Discharge and Is Safe: A Prospective Cohort Study from a Single Center in Santiago, Chile.

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization predicts that the global population aged 60 years and older will double by 2050, leading to a significant rise in the public health impact of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Existing stroke guidelines do not specify an upper age limit for the administration of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), although some suggest a relative exclusion criterion in patients aged ≥80 in the 3-4.5-h window. Many physicians avoid treating these patients with IVT, argumenting high risk and little benefit. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of IVT treatment in patients with non-minor AIS aged ≥90, admitted to our institution. The primary efficacy endpoint was the ability to walk at discharge (mRS 0-3), and the primary safety endpoints were death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhagic transformation (sIHT) at discharge. METHODS: Patients with AIS aged ≥90 admitted to our center from January 2003 to December 2022 were included. They were selected if had an NIHSS ≥5, were previously ambulatory (prestroke mRS score 3 or less), and arrived within 6 h from symptom onset. Those treated or not with IVT were compared with univariate analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 93.2 (2.4) years, and 51 (73.9%) were female. The admission mRS and NIHSS were 1 (IQR 0-2) and 14 (IQR 7-22), respectively. Thrombolyzed patients had a shorter time from symptom onset to door and lower glycemia on admission. IVT was associated with a higher proportion of patients achieving mRS 0-3 at discharge (p = 0.03) and at 90 days (p = 0.04). There were no differences between groups in the risk of death (p = 0.55) or sIHT (p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: In this small sample, ambulatory patients aged ≥90 with moderate or severe AIS treated with IVT had increased odds of being able to walk independently at discharge than those not treated, without safety concerns.

Comparación entre tenecteplase y alteplase en la trombolisis intravenosa del ataque cerebrovascular isquémico / Comparison between tenecteplase and alteplase in intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke / Comparação entre tenecteplase e alteplase na trombólise intravenosa do acidente vascular cerebral isquémico

Introducción: la trombolisis intravenosa es parte fundamental del tratamiento agudo de los pacientes que sufren un ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico. Existe un interés creciente en la utilización de tenecteplase como alternativa trombolítica a alteplase. El objetivo del presente trabajo es comparar la efectividad clínica de tenecteplase respecto a alteplase en la trombolisis intravenosa del ACV isquémico. Método: estudio de cohorte, bispectivo y unicéntrico, de todos los pacientes ingresados con ACV isquémico y que recibieron trombolíticos intravenosos, desde 2019 a 2022. Se compararon prospectivamente los pacientes tratados con tenecteplase con aquellos tratados con alteplase como control histórico. Se realizó test de chi cuadrado o exacto de Fisher para la asociación de variables categóricas y prueba de Wilcoxon para la comparación de medianas. Se consideró significativo un valor p menor de 0,05. Resultados: se incluyeron 69 pacientes (33 recibieron alteplase y 36 tenecteplase). La mediana de la escala de NIHSS fue de 11 (RIC 8-18) y del tiempo inicio de síntomas-aguja de 160 minutos (RIC 120-208). No se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significatvas entre los puntajes de las escalas de coma de Glasgow y NIHSS al egreso hospitalario, así como en la escala de Rankin modificada (mRS) 0-2 y mortalidad a los seis meses, entre los dos grupos de pacientes. Tampoco hubo diferencias en las complicaciones hemorrágicas intracraneanas entre ambos grupos (13,9% para tenecteplase y 12,1% para alteplase). Conclusiones: se presenta el primer estudio acerca del tema en nuestro medio. En concordancia con los recientes ensayos internacionales, el presente trabajo no mostró diferencias significativas en los resultados clínicos de los pacientes tratados con tenecteplase o alteplase. El tenecteplase podría ser una alternativa razonable a alteplase como terapia trombolítica en el ACV isquémico, con una buena relación costo-beneficio y forma de implementación más sencilla. Se necesitan estudios aleatorizados y con un mayor número de pacientes.

Introduction: intravenous thrombolysis is a key part of the acute treatment of patients with ischemic stroke. There is a growing interest in the use of tenecteplase as a thrombolytic alternative to alteplase. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of tenecteplase versus alteplase in intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke. Method: a single-center, bispective cohort study of all patients admitted with ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolytics from 2019 to 2022. Patients treated with tenecteplase were prospectively compared with those treated with alteplase as a historical control. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used for the association of categorical variables, and the Wilcoxon test was used for median comparison A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: a total of 69 patients were included in the study (33 received alteplase and 36 received tenecteplase). The median NIHSS scale score was 11 (IQR 8-18), and the median time from symptom onset to needle was 160 minutes (IQR 120-208). No statistically significant differences were found between Glasgow Coma Scale and NIHSS scores at hospital discharge, as well as in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 and mortality at 6 months, between the two groups of patients. There were also no differences in intracranial hemorrhagic complications between both groups (13.9% for tenecteplase and 12.1% for alteplase). Conclusions: This is the first study on the topic in our setting. In line with recent international trials, our study did not show significant differences in clinical outcomes of patients treated with tenecteplase or alteplase. Tenecteplase could be a reasonable alternative to alteplase as thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke, with a good cost-benefit ratio and simpler implementation. Randomized studies with a larger number of patients are needed.

Introdução: A trombólise intravenosa é uma parte essencial do tratamento agudo de pacientes que sofrem um acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico. Há um interesse crescente no uso da tenecteplase como uma alternativa trombolítica à alteplase. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia clínica da tenecteplase com a alteplase na trombólise intravenosa do AVC isquêmico. Métodos: estudo de coorte, bispectivo, em um único centro, de todos os pacientes admitidos com AVC isquêmico que receberam trombolíticos intravenosos de 2019 a 2022. Os pacientes tratados com tenecteplase foram comparados prospectivamente com aqueles tratados com alteplase como um controle histórico. O teste de qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher foi realizado para a associação de variáveis categóricas e o teste de Wilcoxon para a comparação de medianas. Um valor de p inferior a 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 69 pacientes (33 receberam alteplase e 36 tenecteplase). A mediana do escore da escala NHISS foi de 11 (RIC 8-18) e a mediana do tempo de início dos sintomas foi de 160 minutos (RIC 120-208). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os escores de coma de Glasgow e NIHSS na alta hospitalar, bem como na Escala de Rankin modificada (MRS) 0-2 e na mortalidade em 6 meses, entre os dois grupos de pacientes. Também não houve diferenças nas complicações hemorrágicas intracranianas entre os dois grupos (13,9% para tenecteplase e 12,1% para alteplase). Conclusões: Este é o primeiro estudo sobre o assunto em nosso meio. De acordo com estudos internacionais recentes, nosso estudo não mostrou diferenças significativas nos resultados clínicos em pacientes tratados com tenecteplase ou alteplase. A tenecteplase poderia ser uma alternativa razoável à alteplase como terapia trombolítica no AVC isquêmico, com uma boa relação custo-benefício e implementação mais fácil. São necessários estudos randomizados com um número maior de pacientes.

Reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke: where are we in 2023? / Terapia de reperfusão para o acidente vascular isquêmico agudo: onde estamos em 2023?

Abstract Over the last three decades, stroke care has undergone significant transformations mainly driven by the introduction of reperfusion therapy and the organization of systems of care. Patients receiving treatment through a well-structured stroke service have a much higher chance of favorable outcomes, thereby decreasing both disability and mortality. In this article, we reviewed the scientific evidence for stroke reperfusion therapy, including thrombolysis and thrombectomy, and its implementation in the public health system in Brazil.

Resumo Nas últimas três décadas, o tratamento do AVC sofreu transformações significativas, impulsionadas principalmente pela introdução das terapias de reperfusão e pela organização dos serviços de AVC. Os pacientes que recebem tratamento em um serviço de AVC bem estruturado têm uma probabilidade muito maior de resultados favoráveis, diminuindo assim a incapacidade funcional e a mortalidade. Neste artigo, revisamos as evidências científicas para as terapias de reperfusão do AVC, incluindo trombólise e trombectomia e sua implementação no sistema público de saúde no Brasil.

Características clínicas y tiempo de inicio de tratamiento trombolítico en pacientes con Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico en la Unidad de ICTUS del Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital de Clínicas

Introducción: la trombólisis intravenosa revolucionó la terapéutica de los pacientes con accidentes cerebrovasculares isquémicos. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas y tiempo de inicio de tratamiento trombolítico en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en la Unidad de ICTUS del Hospital de Clínicas. Metodología: estudio retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo, transversal, muestreo no probabilístico, de pacientes con diagnóstico de accidente cerebrovascular isquémico ingresados en la Unidad de ICTUS del Hospital de Clínicas, desde enero del 2015 hasta junio del 2022. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, tiempo de inicio de tratamiento trombolítico, NIHSS al ingreso, 24 horas y 5 días, escala ASPCT, glicemia, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiaca, transformación hemorrágica. Resultados: 10 % de los pacientes cumplieron criterios de trombólisis, edad media 62 ± 1, masculino 59 %. Promedio desde el ingreso hospitalario hasta el goteo del trombolítico fue 44±2 minutos y desde el inicio del cuadro hasta el goteo del trombolítico 195 ± 5 minutos. Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes fueron Hipertensión Arterial y Diabetes Mellitus, en 5 % de los trombolizados ocurrieron transformaciones hemorrágicas sintomáticas. Conclusión: 10 % de los pacientes cumplieron criterios para trombólisis. La media desde el ingreso al hospital hasta el goteo del fibrinolítico fue de 44 minutos y desde el inicio del cuadro hasta el goteo del trombolítico 195 ± 5 minutos. Los factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiaca más frecuentes fueron la Hipertensión Arterial y Diabetes Mellitus, ocurrió 5% de transformación hemorrágica sintomática.

Introduction: intravenous thrombolysis revolutionized the therapy of patients with ischemic strokes. Objective: to determine the clinical characteristics and time of initiation of thrombolytic treatment in patients with ischemic stroke in the Stroke Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas. Methodology: this was a retrospective, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, we used non-probabilistic sampling, of patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke admitted to the Stroke Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas, from January 2015 to June 2022. Sociodemographic variables, start time of thrombolytic treatment, NIHSS at admission, 24 hours and 5 days, ASPCT scale, glycemia, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, risk factors for heart disease, hemorrhagic transformation. Results: 10 % of patients met thrombolysis criteria, with a mean age of 62 ± 1,59 % were male. The average time from hospital admission to the thrombolytic drip was 44 ± 2 minutes and from the onset of symptoms to the thrombolytic drip was 195 ± 5 minutes. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Mellitus; symptomatic hemorrhagic transformations occurred in 5 % of the thrombolyzed patients. Conclusion: 10 % of patients met criteria for thrombolysis. The mean time from hospital admission to the fibrinolytic drip was 44 minutes and from the onset of symptoms to the thrombolytic drip was 195 ± 5 minutes. The most frequent risk factors for heart disease were High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Mellitus, 5 % of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation occurred.

Características clínicas y tiempo de inicio de tratamiento trombolítico en pacientes con Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico en la Unidad de ICTUS del Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital de Clínicas / Clinical characteristics and time of initiation of thrombolytic treatment in patients with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident in the Stroke Unit of the Emergency Service of the Hospital de Clínicas

Introducción: la trombólisis intravenosa revolucionó la terapéutica de los pacientes con accidentes cerebrovasculares isquémicos. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas y tiempo de inicio de tratamiento trombolítico en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en la Unidad de ICTUS del Hospital de Clínicas. Metodología: estudio retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo, transversal, muestreo no probabilístico, de pacientes con diagnóstico de accidente cerebrovascular isquémico ingresados en la Unidad de ICTUS del Hospital de Clínicas, desde enero del 2015 hasta junio del 2022. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, tiempo de inicio de tratamiento trombolítico, NIHSS al ingreso, 24 horas y 5 días, escala ASPCT, glicemia, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiaca, transformación hemorrágica. Resultados: 10 % de los pacientes cumplieron criterios de trombólisis, edad media 62 ± 1, masculino 59 %. Promedio desde el ingreso hospitalario hasta el goteo del trombolítico fue 44±2 minutos y desde el inicio del cuadro hasta el goteo del trombolítico 195 ± 5 minutos. Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes fueron Hipertensión Arterial y Diabetes Mellitus, en 5 % de los trombolizados ocurrieron transformaciones hemorrágicas sintomáticas. Conclusión: 10 % de los pacientes cumplieron criterios para trombólisis. La media desde el ingreso al hospital hasta el goteo del fibrinolítico fue de 44 minutos y desde el inicio del cuadro hasta el goteo del trombolítico 195 ± 5 minutos. Los factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiaca más frecuentes fueron la Hipertensión Arterial y Diabetes Mellitus, ocurrió 5% de transformación hemorrágica sintomática.

Introduction: intravenous thrombolysis revolutionized the therapy of patients with ischemic strokes. Objective: to determine the clinical characteristics and time of initiation of thrombolytic treatment in patients with ischemic stroke in the Stroke Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas. Methodology: this was a retrospective, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, we used non-probabilistic sampling, of patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke admitted to the Stroke Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas, from January 2015 to June 2022. Sociodemographic variables, start time of thrombolytic treatment, NIHSS at admission, 24 hours and 5 days, ASPCT scale, glycemia, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, risk factors for heart disease, hemorrhagic transformation. Results: 10 % of patients met thrombolysis criteria, with a mean age of 62 ± 1,59 % were male. The average time from hospital admission to the thrombolytic drip was 44 ± 2 minutes and from the onset of symptoms to the thrombolytic drip was 195 ± 5 minutes. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Mellitus; symptomatic hemorrhagic transformations occurred in 5 % of the thrombolyzed patients. Conclusion: 10 % of patients met criteria for thrombolysis. The mean time from hospital admission to the fibrinolytic drip was 44 minutes and from the onset of symptoms to the thrombolytic drip was 195 ± 5 minutes. The most frequent risk factors for heart disease were High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Mellitus, 5 % of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation occurred.

The effects of the healthcare line in a stroke unit: three years' experience of a center in the Northeast of Brazil / Efeitos da linha de cuidado em saúde em uma unidade de AVC: três anos de experiência de um centro no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Background Treatment at an organized stroke unit center (SUC) improves survival after stroke. Stroke mortality has decreased worldwide in recent decades. Objective This study shows the experience of a SUC in the Northeast of Brazil, comparing its first, second, and third years. Methods We compared data on the SUC prospectively collected from 31 July 2018 to 31 July 2019 (year 1), August 1st, 2019, to July 31st, 2020 (year 2), and August 1st to July 31st, 2021 (year 3). Results There was an expertise evolution through the years, with good outcomes in spite of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in the 3rd year. Also, in the 1st year, the median (interquartile range) door-to-needle time was 39.5 (29.5-60.8) minutes evolving to 22 (17-30) minutes, and then to 17 (14-22) minutes in the last year. Conclusion This was the first report on a SUC's outcome in the Brazil's Central Arid Northeast countryside, and it shows the improvement in care for patients with stroke through an effective healthcare line.

Resumo Antecedentes O tratamento em um centro organizado com Unidade de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) melhora a sobrevida após o AVC. A mortalidade por AVC diminuiu em todo o mundo nas últimas décadas. Objetivo Este estudo mostra a experiência de um centro de AVC no Nordeste brasileiro, comparando o primeiro, segundo e terceiro anos do serviço. Métodos Nós comparamos dados coletados prospectivamente na Unidade de AVC de 31 de julho de 2018 a 31 de julho 2019 (ano 1), 1° de agosto de 2019 a 31 de julho de 2020 (ano 2) e 1° de agosto a 31 de julho de 2021 (ano 3). Resultados Houve uma evolução na conhecimento especializado ao longo dos anos, com bons desfechos apesar da pandemia de coronavirus disease 2019 no terceiro ano. Além disso, no primeiro ano a mediana do tempo porta-agulha foi de 39.5 (29.5-60.8) minutos, evoluindo para 22 (17-30) minutos, e então 17 (14-22) minutos no último ano. Conclusão Este foi o primeiro relato sobre o desempenho de um serviço de AVC do interior do Nordeste brasileiro e evidencia a melhoria assistencial aos pacientes com AVC por meio de uma efetiva linha de cuidado em saúde.

Who is in the emergency room matters when we talk about door-to-needle time: a single-center experience / Quien está en el servicio de emergencia importa al hablar de tiempo puerta-aguja: experiencia de un centro clínico

Abstract Background The efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is time-dependent. Objective To compare the door-to-needle (DTN) time of stroke neurologists (SNs) versus non-stroke neurologists (NSNs) and emergency room physicians (EPs). Additionally, we aimed to determine elements associated with DTN ≤ 20 minutes. Methods Prospective study of patients with IVT treated at Clínica Alemana between June 2016 and September 2021. Results A total of 301 patients underwent treatment for IVT. The mean DTN time was 43.3 ± 23.6 minutes. One hundred seventy-three (57.4%) patients were evaluated by SNs, 122 (40.5%) by NSNs, and 6 (2.1%) by EPs. The mean DTN times were 40.8 ± 23, 46 ± 24.7, and 58 ± 22.5 minutes, respectively. Door-to-needle time ≤ 20 minutes occurred more frequently when patients were treated by SNs compared to NSNs and EPs: 15%, 4%, and 0%, respectively (odds ratio [OR]: 4.3, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.66-11.5, p = 0.004). In univariate analysis DTN time ≤ 20 minutes was associated with treatment by a SN (p = 0.002), coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period (p = 0.21), time to emergency room (ER) (p = 0.21), presence of diabetes (p = 0.142), hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.007), atrial fibrillation (p < 0.09), score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p = 0.001), lower systolic (p = 0.143) and diastolic (p = 0.21) blood pressures, the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS; p = 0.09), vessel occlusion (p = 0.05), use of tenecteplase (p = 0.18), thrombectomy (p = 0.13), and years of experience of the physician (p < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, being treated by a SN (OR: 3.95; 95%CI: 1.44-10.8; p = 0.007), NIHSS (OR: 1.07; 95%CI: 1.02-1.12; p < 0.002) and lower systolic blood pressure (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.96-0.99; p < 0.003) remained significant. Conclusions Treatment by a SN resulted in a higher probability of treating the patient in a DTN time within 20 minutes.

Resumen Antecedentes La respuesta a la trombólisis intravenosa (TIV) es dependiente del tiempo. Objetivo Comparar los tiempo puerta-aguja (TPAs) de neurólogos vasculares (NVs) contra los de neurólogos no vasculares (NNVs) y médicos emergencistas (MEs), y determinar los elementos asociados a un PTA ≤ 20 minutos. Métodos Análisis observacional prospectivo de pacientes con TIV tratados en Clínica Alemana entre junio de 2016 y septiembre de 2021. Resultados En total, 301 pacientes con TIV fueron tratados. El TPA promedio fue de 43,3 ± 23,6 minutos. Un total de 173 (57,4%) pacientes fueron evaluados por NVs, 122 (40,5%), por NNVs, y 6 (2,1%), por MEs; los TPAs promedios fueron de 40,8 ± 23; 46 ± 24,7 y 58 ± 22,5 minutos, respectivamente. Los TPAs ≤ 20 minutos fueron más frecuentes en pacientes tratados por NVs versus NNVs y MEs: 15%, 4% y 0%, respectivamente (odds ratio [OR]: 4,3; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1,66-11,5; p = 0,004). El análisis univariado demostró que TPA ≤ 20 minutos se asoció con: tratamiento por NVs (p = 0,002), periodo de la pandemia de enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19; p = 0,21), tiempo a urgencia (p = 0,21), diabetes (p = 0,142), hipercolesterolemia (p = 0,007), fibrilación auricular (p < 0,09), puntaje en la National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] (p = 0,001), presión arterial sistólica (p = 0,143) y diastólica menores (p = 0,21), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS ; p = 0,09), oclusión de vasos cerebrales (p =0,05), uso de tecneteplase (p = 0,18), trombectomía (p = 0,13) y años de experiencia del médico (p < 0,001). El análisis multivariado demostró que ser tratado por NVs (OR: 3,95; IC95%: 1,44-10,8; p = 0,007), el puntaje en la NIHSS (OR: 1,07; IC95%: 1,02-1,12; p < 0,002) y la presión arterial sistólica (OR: 0,98; IC95%: 0,96-0,99; p < 0,003) se asociaron a TPA ≤ 20 minutos. Conclusões El tratamiento por NVs resultó en un TPA menor y en una mayor probabilidad de tratamiento ≤ 20 minutos.

Metrics of care and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy: a decade-long network in a populous city in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacoinvasive strategy is an effective myocardial reperfusion therapy when primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) cannot be performed in a timely manner. METHODS: Authors sought to evaluate metrics of care and cardiovascular outcomes in a decade-long registry of a pharmacoinvasive strategy network for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Data from a local network including patients undergoing fibrinolysis in county hospitals and systematically transferred to the tertiary center were accessed from March 2010 to September 2020. Numerical variables were described as median and interquartile range. Area under the curve (AUC-ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of TIMI and GRACE scores for in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2,710 consecutive STEMI patients aged 59 [51-66] years, 815 women (30.1%) and 837 individuals with diabetes (30.9%) were analyzed. The time from symptom onset to first-medical-contact was 120 [60-210] minutes and the door-to-needle time was 70 [43-115] minutes. Rescue-PCI was required in 929 patients (34.3%), in whom the fibrinolytic-catheterization time was 7.2 [4.9-11.8] hours, compared to 15.7 [6.8-22,7] hours in those who had successful lytic reperfusion. All cause in-hospital mortality occurred in 151 (5.6%) patients, reinfarction in 47 (1.7%) and ischemic stroke in 33 (1.2%). Major bleeding occurred in 73 (2.7%) patients, including 19 (0.7%) cases of intracranial bleeding. C-statistic confirmed that both scores had high predictive values for in-hospital mortality, demonstrated by TIMI AUC-ROC of 0.80 [0,77-0.84] and GRACE AUC-ROC of 0.86 [0.83-0.89]. CONCLUSION: In a real world registry of a decade-long network for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction based on the pharmacoinvasive strategy, low rates of in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular outcomes were observed, despite prolonged time metrics for both fibrinolytic therapy and rescue-PCI. Register Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02090712 date of first registration 18/03/2014.

Caracterización de pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio atendidos en el Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima

Fundamento: el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST impone un gran desafío a los sistemas de salud, por tanto, su diagnóstico y manejo son importantes. Objetivo: determinar las principales características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal sobre una serie de pacientes atendidos en el Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos, en el periodo de enero a junio de 2021. El universo estuvo constituido por 77 pacientes. Se estudiaron variables como: edad, sexo, color de la piel, procedencia, comorbilidades, hábitos tóxicos, manifestaciones clínicas, trombolisis, lugar donde se trombolizaron, causas de no trombolisis, topografía del infarto agudo de miocardio, estado al egreso, complicaciones del infarto y del tratamiento trombolítico. Para el procesamiento y análisis de la información se creó una base de datos en el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 21.0 que permitió el cálculo de las frecuencias absolutas y los porcentajes. Resultados: la media de edad fue 66,08 (±9,43). Hubo un predominio del sexo masculino (64,7 %); el 59,7 % de los pacientes fueron trombolizados; el dolor torácico típico fue la principal manifestación clínica con un 71,4 %; fallecieron 12 pacientes, de ellos el 10,4 % no recibió tratamiento trombolítico. Conclusiones: el principal motivo de consulta sigue siendo el dolor torácico. La edad y las comorbilidades son factores de riesgo a tener en cuenta a la hora de prevenir esta entidad. La trombolisis es una medida terapéutica que tiene repercusión directa en el estado al egreso de los pacientes, este procedimiento se realiza en su mayoría en el hospital.

Background: ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction poses a great challenge to health systems, therefore its diagnosis and management are important. Objective: to determine the main clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on a series of patients treated at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima University General Hospital in Cienfuegos, from January to June 2021. The universe consisted of 77 patients. Variables such as: age, sex, skin color, origin, comorbidities, toxic habits, clinical manifestations, thrombolysis, place where they were thrombolyzed, causes of non-thrombolysis, topography of acute myocardial infarction, discharge status, infarction complications and of thrombolytic treatment. For the processing and analysis of the information, a database was created in the statistical package SPSS version 21.0 that allowed the calculation of the absolute frequencies and the percentages. Results: the mean age was 66.08 (±9.43). There was a predominance of the male sex (64.7 %); 59.7 % of the patients were thrombolyzed; typical chest pain was the main clinical manifestation with 71.4 %; 12 patients died, of which 10.4 % did not receive thrombolytic treatment. Conclusions: the main reason for consultation continues to be chest pain. Age and comorbidities are risk factors to take into account when preventing this entity. Thrombolysis is a therapeutic measure that has a direct impact on the state at discharge of patients, this procedure is performed mostly in the hospital.

Desenlace funcional asociado al ataque cerebrovascular menor en una población colombiana: un estudio de cohorte / Functional outcome associated with minor stroke in a colombian population: a cohort study

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN. El ACV menor hace referencia a un evento isquémico que cursa con síntomas leves. Se ha señalado que estos pacientes pueden presentar un desenlace clínico desfavorable. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el desenlace funcional a 90 días de pacientes con ACV isquémico menor, atendidos en dos hospitales de Bucaramanga, Colombia, entre los años 2015 y 2017. MÉTODOS. Estudio de cohorte en pacientes con ACV isquémico agudo y un puntaje NIHSS ≤ 5 puntos. Un desenlace clínico desfavorable a 90 días de seguimiento fue medido como un puntaje Rankin-m ≥ 3 puntos. Se realizó un análisis bivariado a través de modelos de regresión binomial simple y ajustado por edad y sexo. Un valor p <0,05 fue considerado estadísticamente significativo. RESULTADOS. Se incluyeron 90 pacientes (edad de 66,6± 13,5 años, 54,4% (n=49) de sexo masculino). El 36,5% (n=23) de los pacientes presentó un puntaje Rankin-m de 3 a 6 puntos. El antecedente de diabetes mellitus (RR: 2,50 IC 95%:1,33-4,70) y un Rankin-m previo de 2 (RR 2,12 IC 95%:1,39-3,24) fueron variables independientemente asociadas a discapacidad significativa. CONCLUSIÓN. Un estado funcional previamente comprometido, sumado a la disfunción endotelial que genera la diabetes mellitus, contribuye a un desenlace desfavorable en los pacientes con ACV menor.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION. Minor stroke refers to an ischemic vascular event that start with discrete symptoms. It has been suggested that these patients may have an unfavorable clinical outcome. AIM. To evaluate the functional outcome at 90 days in patients with minor ischemic stroke in two hospitals in Bucaramanga, between 2015 and 2017. METHODS. Cohort study in patients with acute ischemic stroke and NIHSS ≤ 5 points. An unfavorable clinical outcome was measured according to the modified Rankin Scale as ≥ 3 points. A bivariate analysis was performed through simple binomial regression models adjusted for age and sex. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS. 90 patients were included (Aged 66.6 ± 13.5 years, 49 males (54%); 23 (36,5%) presented a modified Rankin score of 3-6 points. A history of diabetes (RR: 2.50 CI 95%: 1.33-4.70) and a modified Rankin score of 2 points prior to the event (RR 2.12 CI 95%: 1.39-3.24) were independently associated with significant disability CONCLUSION. A previously compromised functional state, added to the endothelial dysfunction generated by diabetes mellitus, contribute significantly to an unfavorable outcome in patients with minor stroke.

Why do some patients with acute ischemic stroke fail to improve after intravenous thrombolytic therapy? A case-control study / Por que alguns pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico agudo após terapia trombolítica endovenosa não melhoram? Um estudo caso-controle

Introdução: a terapia trombolítica é a principal medida salvadora adotada em vítimas de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI), adequada para a maioria delas. Entretanto, alguns pacientes não apresentam evolução clínica, piorando o prognóstico, o que constitui uma lacuna científica essencial. Objetivo: analisar os determinantes da não melhora clínica em pacientes com AVC em uso de trombolíticos rt-PA.Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo caso-controle, realizado de 2014 a 2017 por meio de busca ativa de prontuários de pacientes com AVC submetidos à terapia trombolítica em um hospital de referência no Ceará. A falência clínica foi caracterizada como ausência de redução no National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-Score (NIHSS).Resultados: um total de 139 pacientes incluídos no estudo em uma única unidade de AVC. A média de idade foi de 66,14 anos (variando de 34 a 95). O seguimento de 24 horas foi completado em 100% dos pacientes. Resultado favorável 24 horas pós-trombólise foi observado em 113 pacientes (81,29%), e não houve melhora clínica em 26 (18,7%). A transformação hemorrágica pós-trombólise foi um forte preditor de não melhora (p=0,004), e diabetes foi o principal fator de risco modificável encontrado (p=0,040).Conclusão: diabetes e transformação hemorrágica após trombólise foram identificados como fatores de risco para não melhora clínica em pacientes com AVC agudo submetidos à terapia trombolítica.

Introduction: thrombolytic therapy is the primary saving measure adopted in ischemic cerebrovascular accident (ICVA) victims, adequate for most of them. However, some patients do not show clinical progress, worsening the prognosis, which constitutes an essential scientific gap.Objective: to analyze the determinants of clinical non-improvement in stroke patients who used rt-PA thrombolytic agentes.Methods: retrospective observational case-control study, carried out from 2014 to 2017 through an active search of medical records of CVA patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy in a reference hospital in Ceará. Clinical failure was characterized as no reduction in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-Score (NIHSS).Results: a total of 139 patients enrolled in the study in a single CVA unit. The mean age was 66.14 years (range 34 to 95). The 24-hour follow-up was completed in 100% of patients. A favorable result 24 hours post-thrombolysis was observed in 113 patients (81.29%), and there was no clinical improvement in 26 (18.7%). Post-thrombolysis hemorrhagic transformation was a strong predictor of no improvement (p=0.004), and diabetes was the main modifiable risk factor found (p=0.040).Conclusion: diabetes and hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolysis were identified as risk factors for clinical non-improvement in patients with acute stroke undergoing thrombolytic therapy.

Elementos clínicos-ecocardiográficos y terapéuticos de complicaciones en el infarto agudo de miocardio de topografía inferior

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares cobran más vidas en Estados Unidos que todas las formas de cáncer y las enfermedades crónicas de las vías respiratorias inferiores combinadas, representan las - partes de las causas de hospitalización en países de primer mundo. De estas el infarto agudo de miocardio ocupa cifras mayoritarias. Objetivo: Identificar algunas variables clínicas-ecocardiográficas y terapéuticas asociados a la presencia de complicaciones del infarto agudo de miocardio topografía inferior. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, analítico, de casos y controles en pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio topografía inferior, se tomaron variables clínicas, ecocardiográficas y terapéuticas. Para determinar los factores pronósticos de mortalidad se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística binaria análisis multivariado. Resultados: Edad ≥ 65 años lo cual representó el 23,93 % del total, teniendo valor p= 0,032 (p ≤ 0,05), el 54 % de los casos o sea de pacientes con complicaciones se deben al no tratamiento trombolítico. Se realizó una regresión logística binaria donde variables tales como; edad ≥ 65 años, el no uso de la terapia trombolítica, la FEVI < 50 % y TDI VD < 9,5 cm/s mostraron probabilidades mayores de presentar complicaciones en pacientes con infarto de topografía inferior. Conclusiones: La edad ≥65 años, el sexo femenino, la función ventrículo izquierdo y derecho deprimido, se correlacionan con la presencia de complicaciones en el infarto agudo de miocardio de topografía inferior.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives in the United States than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined; and represent 3/4 of the causes of hospitalization in first world countries. Of these, acute myocardial infarction occupies the majority figures. Objective: To identify some clinical-echocardiographic and therapeutic variables associated with the presence of complications of acute myocardial infarction lower topography. Methods: A retrospective, analytical, case-control study was carried out in patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction lower topography, clinical, echocardiographic and therapeutic variables were taken. To determine the prognostic factors of mortality, a binary logistic regression model multivariate analysis was used. Results: Age ≥ 65 years which represented 23.93 % of the total, having p value = 0.032 (p ≤ 0.05), 54 % of cases or patients with complications are due to no thrombolytic treatment, a binary logistic regression was performed where variables such as; age ≥ 65 years, non-use of thrombolytic therapy, LVEF < 50% and TDI RV < 9.5 cm/s were more likely to present complications in patients with lower topography infarction. Conclusions: Age ≥65 years, female sex, depressed left and right ventricle function correlate with the presence of complications in acute myocardial infarction of lower topography.

Rede de atenção às urgências e emergências: impacto da implantação da linha de cuidado ao acidente vascular cerebral / Emergency care network: impact of implementing the care pathway for stroke

Este estudo avaliou o impacto da implantação da linha de cuidado ao Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) na Rede de Atenção à Urgência e Emergência (RUE) do município de Ribeirão Preto-São Paulo. Estudo retrospectivo, realizado a partir de dados secundários de adultos com AVC isquêmico no período de 2014 a 2019 atendidos pelos serviços públicos da RUE de Ribeirão Preto e submetidos à trombólise. Foram coletados dados referentes às características clínicas, epidemiológicas e gravidade dos casos, bem como tempos de atendimentos dos casos de AVC e desfechos. Os dados foram analisados por meio de técnicas descritivas, através de distribuição de frequência, medidas de posição (média e mediana) e de variabilidade (desvio padrão, intervalo interquartil). Os tempos de atendimento foram comparados em relação ao período de estudo (2014 a 2016 x 2017 a 2019) e local do primeiro atendimento (domicílio x unidade de saúde) por meio de teste Mann-Whitney. Utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado para analisar a associação entre período e local do primeiro atendimento com os desfechos dos casos. Participaram do estudo 403 pessoas vítimas de AVC agudo tratadas com trombólise, das quais, 53,3% do sexo masculino; 70,0% na faixa etária de 50 a 79 anos; 77,4% apresentavam hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS); 32,5%, Diabetes Mellitus (DM); 31,5%, dislipidemia; 31,1% faziam uso de AAS e 27,1% de estatina. No momento da admissão hospitalar, 48,6% dos casos foram considerados AVC moderado, 23,1% estado gravíssimo e 19,1% moderado a severo. O primeiro atendimento realizado no domicilio ou local do agravo aumentou de 16,9% para 38,5%, enquanto o atendimento realizado por uma Unidade de Suporte Básico aumentou de 62,8% para 77,9%. Os tempos de atendimento das pessoas submetidas à trombólise foram menores no período de 2017 a 2019 em relação a 2014 a 2016 nos tempos porta-agulha, ictus-ligação, ictus-viatura e regulação-porta. As vítimas de AVC com primeiro atendimento no domicílio ou no local da ocorrência apresentaram todos os tempos de atendimento menores quando comparados aos que foram atendidos em unidade de saúde, exceto tempo viatura-porta (o qual foi maior nas pessoas atendidas no domicílio). Não se identificou diferença no percentual dos desfechos estudados no período de 2017 a 2019 em comparação ao período de 2014 a 2016. Verificou-se maior ocorrência de craniectomia nas pessoas atendidas em domicílio do que naquelas atendidas em serviços de saúde. O percentual de ocorrência de desfechos desfavoráveis do AVC aumentou conforme a gravidade do caso. A organização do fluxo de atendimento às pessoas com sintomas de AVC mobilizou diversos serviços de saúde que integravam a RUE de Ribeirão Preto com atribuições definidas para cada nível de assistência por meio da constituição de uma linha de cuidado e da utilização de protocolos pré-estabelecidos. Tal organização reduziu os tempos de assistência pré e intra-hospitalar, os quais não possuíram influência direta sobre os desfechos dos casos, no entanto, constituíram evidências da qualidade da assistência prestada.

This study assessed the impact of implementing a care pathway for Stroke in the Emergency Care Network in the municipality of Ribeirão Preto-São Paulo. It reports a retrospective study conducted using secondary data from adult patients with ischemic stroke, treated with thrombolysis between 2014 and 2019 in the public emergency care services of Ribeirão Preto. Data regarding clinical and epidemiological characteristics, case severity, as well as stroke onset-to-treatment times and outcomes were collected. The data were analyzed using descriptive techniques, including frequency distribution, measures of central tendency (mean and median), and measures of variability (standard deviation, interquartile range). The treatment times were compared between two study periods (2014-2016 x 2017-2019) and the location of the initial care (home vs. health facility) using the Mann-Whitney test. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the association between study period, initial care location, and case outcomes. The study included 403 individuals who suffered acute stroke and were treated with thrombolysis. Of these, 53.3% were male, 70.0% were between 50 and 79 years old, 77.4% had hypertension, 32.5% had diabetes mellitus, 31.5% had dyslipidemia, 31.1% used aspirin, and 27.1% used statins. Upon hospital admission, 48.6% of cases were considered moderate stroke, 23.1% were classified as severe stroke, and 19.1% were categorized as moderate to severe stroke. The proportion of cases receiving initial care at home or at the scene increased from 16.9% to 38.5%, while care provided by Basic Support Units increased from 62.8% to 77.9%. The treatment times for individuals undergoing thrombolysis were shorter in the period 2017-2019 compared to 2014-2016 in terms of door to needle time, ictus to call time, ictus to ambulance time, and regulation to door time. Stroke victims receiving initial care at home or at the scene had shorter treatment times compared to those treated at health facilities, except for ambulance to door time, which was longer for individuals treated at home. There was no difference in the percentage of studied outcomes between the periods 2017-2019 and 2014-2016. A higher occurrence of craniectomy was observed in patients treated at home compared to those treated at health services. The percentage of unfavorable stroke outcomes increased with the severity of the cases. The organization of the care pathway for individuals with stroke symptoms mobilized various health services within the Ribeirão Preto Emergency Care Network, with defined responsibilities at each level of care through the establishment of a care pathway and the use of predefined protocols. This organization reduced pre-hospital and intra-hospital care times, which did not have a direct influence on case outcomes but provided evidence of the quality of care provided.

IScore, a useful prognostic tool for patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis: a validation study / IScore, uma ferramenta prognóstica útil para pacientes com AVC isquêmico submetidos a trombólise: estudo de validação

Abstract Background Stroke is one of the major causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Up to 30% of individuals who experience stroke die within 30 days, and more than 50% of those who survive will have some degree of disability. There are some predetermining factors based on admission data that could be used to objectively assess the odds of poor outcomes, including the Ischemic Stroke Predictive Risk Score (IScore). Objective To analyze and validate the IScore in patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis for stroke and compare the results of this predictor with actual death and disability outcomes. Methods In a retrospective study, data were collected from a database housed at the Stroke Unit of the Teaching Hospital of Universidade Federal do Paraná, Southern Brazil. The IScore was applied to admission data from 239 patients, and the results were compared with actual outcomes (death and disability) within 30 days and 1 year after the stroke event. Data analysis was performed using an analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the IScore in the study population. Results The IScore demonstrated moderate sensitivity and high specificity in patients with stroke who underwent thrombolysis when evaluated after 30 days and 1 year of the event. Conclusions The IScore can be applied to in stroke patients undergoing thrombolysis; therefore, it may be used as an objective prognostic tool to guide clinical decision-making. Understanding the prognosis of patients in the acute phase can assist clinicians in making the best therapeutic decisions and enable better end-of-life care.

Resumo Antecedentes O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é uma das principais causas de morte e incapacidade no mundo. Até 30% dos indivíduos evoluem a óbito nos primeiros 30 dias. Dos sobreviventes, mais da metade ficam com alguma sequela. Certas variáveis identificadas já na admissão podem sinalizar maior risco de desfecho desfavorável. Uma dessas ferramentas prognósticas é a Escala de Previsão de Riscos de AVC Isquêmico (Ischemic Stroke Predictive Risk Score, IScore, em inglês). Objetivo Analisar e validar a aplicação do IScore em pacientes com AVC isquêmico submetidos a trombólise endovenosa e comparar os resultados obtidos com a aplicação da escala aos verdadeiros desfechos de morte e incapacidade funcional. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, cujos dados foram obtidos do banco de dados da Unidade de AVC do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná. A IScore foi aplicada conforme os dados de admissão de 239 pacientes. Os pacientes foram acompanhados ambulatorialmente, e os resultados da escala foram comparados aos desfechos reais de mortalidade e incapacidade. Os resultados foram demonstrados por meio da curva característica de operação do receptor (receiver operating characteristic, ROC, em inglês) para determinar sensibilidade e especificidade da escala. Resultados Em pacientes com AVC submetidos a trombólise, a IScore demonstrou moderada sensibilidade e alta especificidade para predizer desfechos tanto de óbito quanto de incapacidade, nos intervalos de 30 dias e 1 ano após o evento. Conclusões A IScore pode ser aplicada em pacientes com AVC isquêmico, na população específica submetida a trombólise; portanto, pode ser usada como uma ferramenta prognóstica útil, que pode guiar decisões terapêuticas. Entender o prognóstico de paciente na fase aguda pode auxiliar os clínicos a fazer as melhores decisões terapêuticas e possibilitar melhores cuidados ao fim da vida.