Incidence and case-fatality rate of stroke in General Villegas, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The EstEPA population study.

OBJECTIVES: Stroke epidemiology varies among different populations. The burden of stroke is high in low- and middle-income countries. Reliable population data is needed to assess the impact of stroke and to develop policies aimed to improve stroke care in our region. EstEPA is a population-based project assessing prevalence, incidence, mortality and burden of stroke in General Villegas Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina (pop=30,864 inhabitants). We determined incidence of stroke (first-ever and recurrent stroke) and stroke case-fatality rate from 2017 to 2020. METHODS: First-ever strokes, recurrent strokes and transient ischemic attacks were ascertained and case-fatality rate was obtained. Diagnoses were based on standard AHA/WHO definitions. Study population included all persons residing in General Villegas during the three-year period. Hospitals, households, nursing homes, death certificates and several overlapping sources were surveyed. RESULTS: We assessed 92,592 person-years. There were 155 cerebrovascular events aged 70 years (SD ± 13 years), of which 115 were first-ever strokes (74%), 21 recurrent strokes (13.5%) and 19 transient ischemic attacks (12.5%). The crude overall incidence rate of first-ever strokes was 124.2 per 100,000 population (86.9 per 100,000 [95% CI 58.5-115.2] when standardized by WHO World population and 109.7 per 100,000 [95% CI 89.7-129.8] when standardized by Argentine population) and 317.0 per 100,000 population in subjects older than 40 years. Case fatality rate at 30 days of first-ever strokes was 27%. CONCLUSION: In this population-based comprehensive stroke epidemiological study in Argentina, first-ever stroke incidence in an urban population was 124.2 per 100,000 population (86.9 per 100,000 adjusted by the WHO World population). This is lower than the incidence in other countries in the region and similar to a recent incidence study in Argentina. It is also comparable to reported incidence in most middle- and high-income countries. Stroke case-fatality rate was comparable to other population-based Latin-American studies.

Recomendaciones en el abordaje del hematoma intracerebral espontáneo durante la internación / Recommendations for the management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage during hospitalization

Resumen El accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) constituye la principal causa de discapacidad de origen neuro- lógico en los adultos mayores a 40 años y la cuarta causa de muerte en Argentina. En los últimos diez años las publicaciones indexadas relacionadas al tratamiento del ACV isquémico fueron más numerosas que las de ACV hemorrágico. El objetivo de este material es proporcionar recomendaciones locales y actualiza- das del abordaje de pacientes con hematoma intraparenquimatoso espontáneo durante la internación. Para la redacción de este manuscrito se convocó a especialistas en esta enfermedad que conformaron grupos de trabajo. Se plantearon 10 tópicos centrales expresados como epidemiologia, atención inicial, imágenes, tratamiento de la presión arterial, reversión de antitrombóticos, indicación de cirugía, profilaxis anticonvulsivante, pronóstico, prevención de complicaciones y reinicio de antitrombóticos. De cada tópico se plantearon mediante preguntas PICO los interrogantes más frecuentes de la práctica diaria. Luego de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, se generaron recomendaciones evaluadas mediante sistema GRADE y consensuadas entre autores y pacientes.

Abstract Stroke is the leading cause of neurological disability in people over 40 years of age and the fourth leading cause of death in Argentina. In the last ten years, the indexed publications related to the treatment of ischemic stroke were more numerous than those of hemorrhagic stroke. The objective of this material is to provide local and updated recommendations for the management of patients with spontaneous intracere- bral hemorrhage during hospitalization. For the writing of this manuscript, diferent specialists were convened to form working groups. Ten central topics expressed as epidemiology, initial care, imaging, blood pressure treatment, reversal of antithrombotics, indication for surgery, seizure prophylaxis, prognosis, prevention of complications and resumption of antithrombotics were raised. For each topic, the most frequent questions of daily practice were raised through PICO questions. After a systematic review of the literature, recommendations were generated, evaluated using the GRADE system and agreed between authors and patients.

[Recommendations For The Management Of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage During Hospitalization]. / Recomendaciones en el Abordaje del Hematoma Intracerebral Espontáneo Durante la Internación.

Stroke is the leading cause of neurological disability in people over 40 years of age and the fourth leading cause of death in Argentina. In the last ten years, the indexed publications related to the treatment of ischemic stroke were more numerous than those of hemorrhagic stroke. The objective of this material is to provide local and updated recommendations for the management of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage during hospitalization. For the writing of this manuscript, diferent specialists were convened to form working groups. Ten central topics expressed as epidemiology, initial care, imaging, blood pressure treatment, reversal of antithrombotics, indication for surgery, seizure prophylaxis, prognosis, prevention of complications and resumption of antithrombotics were raised. For each topic, the most frequent questions of daily practice were raised through PICO questions. After a systematic review of the literature, recommendations were generated, evaluated using the GRADE system and agreed between authors and patients.

El accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) constituye la principal causa de discapacidad de origen neurológico en los adultos mayores a 40 años y la cuarta causa de muerte en Argentina. En los últimos diez años las publicaciones indexadas relacionadas al tratamiento del ACV isquémico fueron más numerosas que las de ACV hemorrágico. El objetivo de este material es proporcionar recomendaciones locales y actualizadas del abordaje de pacientes con hematoma intraparenquimatoso espontáneo durante la internación. Para la redacción de este manuscrito se convocó a especialistas en esta enfermedad que conformaron grupos de trabajo. Se plantearon 10 tópicos centrales expresados como epidemiologia, atención inicial, imágenes, tratamiento de la presión arterial, reversión de antitrombóticos, indicación de cirugía, profilaxis anticonvulsivante, pronóstico, prevención de complicaciones y reinicio de antitrombóticos. De cada tópico se plantearon mediante preguntas PICO los interrogantes más frecuentes de la práctica diaria. Luego de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, se generaron recomendaciones evaluadas mediante sistema GRADE y consensuadas entre autores y pacientes.

Uso actual de la aspirina como agente antitrombótico: ¿droga vigente u obsoleta? / Present Use of Aspirin as an Antithrombotic Agent: Current or Outdated Drug?

RESUMEN El ácido acetilsalicílico, o aspirina, es una de las herramientas farmacológicas más usadas en el cuidado de los pacientes cardiovasculares. Durante años se utilizó ampliamente en prevención primaria y secundaria para disminuir el riesgo cardiovascular. En los últimos tiempos su uso ha sido cuestionado, con nuevos ensayos en diferentes escenarios dentro de la patología cardíaca, como la enfermedad vascular periférica, el accidente cerebrovascular, la prevención primaria en el contexto del tratamiento médico moderno, o en el paciente con un síndrome coronario agudo y necesidad concomitante de anticoagulación. A su vez, nuevos estudios cuestionan la necesidad de mantener la aspirina durante 12 meses junto a una tienopiridina luego de un síndrome coronario agudo, y proponen esquemas abreviados. En esta revisión, evaluamos la evidencia detrás de las indicaciones actuales del uso de aspirina en diferentes escenarios clínicos, y formulamos recomendaciones en cada uno de los casos.

ABSTRACT Acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, is one of pharmacological tools most widely used in the care of cardiovascular patients. For years, it has been widely used in primary and secondary prevention to reduce cardiovascular risk. Aspirin utilization has been questioned in recent times, with new trials in different scenarios of cardiovascular disease, such as peripheral vascular disease, stroke, primary prevention in the context of modern medical treatment, or in patients with acute coronary syndrome and concomitant need for anticoagulation. In turn, new studies question the need to maintain aspirin for 12 months together with a thienopyridine after an acute coronary syndrome, suggesting shorter regimens. In this review, we evaluate the evidence behind the current indications for aspirin use in different clinical scenarios and provide recommendations on a case-by-case basis.

Control of Vascular Risk Factors and Response to Stroke Symptoms in Argentina During the COVID-19 Quarantine. The SIFHON-COVID Population Survey.

Background and Objectives: In preparation for the suspected influx of COVID-19 patients, many healthcare systems reduced or discontinued provision of "non-urgent" care. This decision had potential impact on stroke prevention and management. We conducted a large population survey to assess the effect of mandatory social isolation on routine health controls, emergency consultations and other stroke care-related behaviors of the population during the pandemic. Methods: We distributed multiple-choice anonymous questionnaires through the institutional email database and through the email database of clients of a beverage delivery company. Most respondents resided in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. This is the area where the infection rates were highest and restriction measures were hardest. The survey assessed demographic characteristics and actual and potential behaviors of people regarding medical checkups, risk factors control, medication provision and response to onset of symptoms consistent with stroke or TIA. Surveys were sent during May 2020, the strictest period of the quarantine in Argentina. Results: A total of 10,303 questionnaires were completed. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents were older than 60 years, 74% were women and 16% lived alone. Vascular risk factors were present in 39% of the individuals. Seventy-six percent did not continue with their regular medical checkups during the mandatory social and preventive isolation, 21% had difficulty obtaining medical prescriptions and only 38% considered that health institutions had implemented reliable safety measures to avoid exposure to COVID-19. When asked about response in case of onset of stroke symptoms, 9% would not consult given the context of the pandemic. Six percent reported having had symptoms consistent with stroke or TIA but only 35% went to a hospital. The vast majority of the respondents said they were awaiting for the end of the quarantine to resume their usual medical care. Conclusions: The implementation of a quarantine may have some serious adverse effects on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of stroke. These undesirable aspects should be taken into consideration in the planning, communication and implementation of health policies.

Stroke Knowledge in the EstEPA Project, a Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVES: Stroke knowledge is poor in the general population worldwide. Yet, data from Spanish-Speaking populations, particularly in Latin America, are scant. We aim to evaluate stroke awareness using personal interviews in a population-based study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire of stroke awareness was administered to a randomly selected sample of households. "Good stroke knowledge for action" was defined as recognition of impaired strength, sensation and language plus intention to seek urgent medical attention in a hypothetical stroke situation. Demographics, the term to name stroke, recognition of warning signs and attitude towards seeking medical attention were compared between individuals with and without "good stroke knowledge for action". RESULTS: From 1986 respondents (87%, median age 59 years [IQR 23], 50.7% female), most recognized stroke as ACV (cerebrovascular accident, [63%]). Weakness/decreased sensation were recognized as stroke warning signs by 83.5% of respondents, followed by aphasia (77.9%), incoordination (71.6%) and headache (70.5%). Chest pain was misclassified as stroke warning sign by 25% of subjects. In a hypothetical stroke situation, most respondents would go to the hospital (52.3%), or activate the EMS (39%). Individuals with a good stroke knowledge for action (63.5%) recognized visual symptoms (60.4% vs 43.8, p<0.0001), incoordination (78.8% vs 34.4%, p<0.0001) and headache (70.5% vs. 57.8%, p<0.0001) more frequently, and were less likely to misrecognize chest pain as stroke warning sign (23.8% vs. 28.9%, p=0.015). Neither, age (OR 1 CI 0.99-1.00, p=0.94), gender (OR 0.95, CI 0.79-1.16, p=0.61) or race (OR 1.17, CI 0.97-1.42, p=0.097) predicted good stroke knowledge for action. CONCLUSIONS: Most people recognize stroke as ACV. The recognition of stroke warning signs and the attitude towards seeking emergent medical attention appears acceptable. Yet, most respondents would go directly to the hospital avoiding the EMS.

[Consensus on acute ischemic stroke]. / Consenso sobre accidente cerebrovascular isquémico agudo.

Stroke is the third cause of death and the first cause of disability in Argentina. Ischemic events constitute 80% of cases. It requires the implementation of systematized protocols that allow reducing the time of care, morbidity and mortality. Specialists from nine medical societies related to the care of patients with cerebrovascular disease participated in the consensus. A separate agenda was agreed upon in chapters and for the writing of them, work groups were formed with members of different medical specialties. The level of recommendation was discussed and agreed upon for each topic based on the best clinical evidence available for each of them. An adaptation to the local scope of the recommendations was made when it was considered necessary.The American Heart Association system was used to draft the recommendations and their level of evidence. The correction and editing were done by five external reviewers, who did not participate in the writing and with extensive experience in vascular pathology. Once the preliminary document was finalized, a general meeting was held with all the members of the working groups and the reviewers to reach final recommendations. The consensus covers the management of ischemic stroke in the pre-hospital phase, initial evaluation in the emergency center, recanalization therapies (thrombolysis and/ or mechanical thrombectomy), decompressive craniectomy, neuroimaging and clinical care in the hospital.

El accidente cerebrovascular es la tercera causa de muerte y la primera de discapacidad en la Argentina. Los eventos isquémicos constituyen el 80% de los casos. Los accidentes vasculares cerebrales requieren la implementación de protocolos sistematizados que permitan reducir los tiempos en la atención, la morbilidad y mortalidad. En el consenso participaron especialistas de nueve sociedades médicas relacionadas con la atención de pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular. Se consensuó un temario separado en capítulos y para la redacción de los mismos se conformaron grupos de trabajo con miembros de diferentes especialidades médicas. Se discutió y acordó para cada tema el nivel de recomendación en base a la mejor evidencia clínica disponible para cada tópico. Se realizó una adaptación al ámbito local de las recomendaciones cuando se consideró necesario. El sistema de la American Heart Association se utilizó para redactar las recomendaciones y su grado de evidencia. La corrección y edición fue realizada por cinco revisores externos, que no participaron en la redacción y con amplia experiencia en enfermedad vascular. Finalizado el documento preliminar, se organizó una reunión general con todos los integrantes de los grupos de trabajo y los revisores para redactar las recomendaciones definitivas. El consenso abarca la atención del paciente con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en la fase pre-hospitalaria, evaluación inicial en la central de emergencias, terapias de recanalización (trombolisis y/o trombectomía mecánica), craniectomía descompresiva, neuroimágenes y cuidados clínicos en la internación.

Consenso sobre accidente cerebrovascular isquémico agudo / Consensus on acute ischemic stroke

El accidente cerebrovascular es la tercera causa de muerte y la primera de discapacidad en la Argentina. Los eventos isquémicos constituyen el 80% de los casos. Los accidentes vasculares cerebrales requieren la implementación de protocolos sistematizados que permitan reducir los tiempos en la atención, la morbilidad y mortalidad. En el consenso participaron especialistas de nueve sociedades médicas relacionadas con la atención de pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular. Se consensuó un temario separado en capítulos y para la redacción de los mismos se conformaron grupos de trabajo con miembros de diferentes especialidades médicas. Se discutió y acordó para cada tema el nivel de recomendación en base a la mejor evidencia clínica disponible para cada tópico. Se realizó una adaptación al ámbito local de las recomendaciones cuando se consideró necesario. El sistema de la American Heart Association se utilizó para redactar las recomendaciones y su grado de evidencia. La corrección y edición fue realizada por cinco revisores externos, que no participaron en la redacción y con amplia experiencia en enfermedad vascular. Finalizado el documento preliminar, se organizó una reunión general con todos los integrantes de los grupos de trabajo y los revisores para redactar las recomendaciones definitivas. El consenso abarca la atención del paciente con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en la fase pre-hospitalaria, evaluación inicial en la central de emergencias, terapias de recanalización (trombolisis y/o trombectomía mecánica), craniectomía descompresiva, neuroimágenes y cuidados clínicos en la internación.

Stroke is the third cause of death and the first cause of disability in Argentina. Ischemic events constitute 80% of cases. It requires the implementation of systematized protocols that allow reducing the time of care, morbidity and mortality. Specialists from nine medical societies related to the care of patients with cerebrovascular disease participated in the consensus. A separate agenda was agreed upon in chapters and for the writing of them, work groups were formed with members of different medical specialties. The level of recommendation was discussed and agreed upon for each topic based on the best clinical evidence available for each of them. An adaptation to the local scope of the recommendations was made when it was considered necessary.The American Heart Association system was used to draft the recommendations and their level of evidence. The correction and editing were done by five external reviewers, who did not participate in the writing and with extensive experience in vascular pathology. Once the preliminary document was finalized, a general meeting was held with all the members of the working groups and the reviewers to reach final recommendations. The consensus covers the management of ischemic stroke in the pre-hospital phase, initial evaluation in the emergency center, recanalization therapies (thrombolysis and/ or mechanical thrombectomy), decompressive craniectomy, neuroimaging and clinical care in the hospital.

A Population-Based Survey of Stroke Knowledge in Argentina: The SIFHON Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Information about stroke awareness in Latin America is scant. We conducted a large population survey in Argentina to assess stroke knowledge. METHODS: We distributed 110,000 multiple-choice anonymous questionnaires using the house distribution system of a bottled water dispensing company. The survey assessed demographic characteristics and stroke knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 12,710 surveys were returned (12%). Even though 95% of the respondents reported some prior information about stroke, only 37% had adequate knowledge based on prespecified criteria. The Spanish acronym for accidente cerebrovascular, was the most frequently identified name for stroke. Sixty nine percent of respondents were able to identify stroke main risk factors and only 29% knew about transient ischemic attacks. If a hypothetical scenario of stroke was presented, 63% knew the existence of a time-dependent treatment, 25% would call an ambulance, and 50% would go to an emergency room by own means. A lower degree of knowledge was present in young, single, and nonuniversity men. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest stroke awareness survey in a Spanish-speaking population. There was good recognition of some basic facts of stroke. However, the population had poor knowledge of prevalence and severity of the disease, transient ischemic attacks, and treatment availability.

Stroke Epidemiology in Argentina. Design of a Population-Based Study in General Villegas (EstEPA).

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on stroke is scarce in Latin America. Estudio Epidemiológico Poblacional sobre Accidente Cerebrovascular (EstEPA) is a population-based program planned to assess prevalence, incidence, mortality, and burden of disease for stroke in the Department of General Villegas, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS AND DESIGN: Prevalence study will consist of a two-phase survey approach in the urban area of General Villegas. First, trained social workers with a structured questionnaire will collect data in 2000 randomly selected housing units. Those subjects screened positive for possible strokes will be interviewed and examined by stroke neurologists to confirm diagnosis. The incidence study will be performed according to the methodology of WHO STEPS stroke surveillance manual and will detect all new strokes in the department during a 5-year period. General and disease-specific mortality rates will be assessed monthly during a 5-year period, using different sources of information. To assess the overall burden of cerebrovascular disease, disability adjusted life years will be calculated. DISCUSSION: EstEPA will assess for the first time all aspects of stroke epidemiology in Argentina. Its results will help to implement population-based interventions and to properly allocate public health resources.

Effects of Systolic Blood Pressure on Brain Integrity in Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: In MS patients, hypertension is associated with a delayed diagnosis and an increased risk of progression. Understanding the mechanisms of this association could potentially lead to improved prevention of disease progression. We aimed to establish whether high blood pressure contributes to white-matter injury and brain atrophy in MS. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 95 patients with RRMS. Estimates of fractional anisotropy, gray-matter volume and lesion load were obtained from 3T MRI. We used fractional anisotropy voxel-based statistics to establish the effect of blood pressure on white matter tracts. Additionally, we used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to study the effect on gray matter integrity. Results: Only 29.5% had normal blood pressure levels, with 52.6% suffering from prehypertension and 17.9% with hypertension. Increasing systolic blood pressure was associated with damage to posterior white-matter tracts as well as greater levels of gray matter atrophy, in particular in the frontal cortex. Age-adjusted linear regression indicated that neither lesion volume (ß = 0.002, 95%CI: 0.02-0.02; p = 0.85) or lesion number (ß = -0.004, 95%CI: 0.03-0.02; p = 0.74) were associated with systolic blood pressure. Conclusions: Prehypertension and hypertension are frequent in MS. Increased blood pressure is related to white- and gray-matter integrity, both related to MS disability outcomes. These findings suggest attention to the control of blood pressure in MS patients.