Executive function subdomains are associated with post-stroke functional outcome and permanent institutionalization.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Impairment of executive functions (EFs) is a common cognitive symptom post-stroke and affects independence in daily activities. Previous studies have often relied on brief cognitive tests not fully considering the wide spectrum of EF subdomains. A detailed assessment of EFs was used to examine which of the subdomains and tests have the strongest predictive value on post-stroke functional outcome and institutionalization in long-term follow-up. METHODS: A subsample of 62 patients from the Helsinki Stroke Aging Memory Study was evaluated with a battery of seven neuropsychological EF tests 3 months post-stroke and compared to 39 healthy control subjects. Functional impairment was evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale at 3 months, and with the mRS at 15 months post-stroke. Institutionalization was reviewed from the national registers of permanent hospital admissions in up to 21-year follow-up. RESULTS: The stroke group performed more poorly than the control group in multiple EF tests. Tests of inhibition, set shifting, initiation, strategy formation and processing speed were associated with the mRS and IADL scale in stroke patients. EF subdomain scores of inhibition, set shifting and processing speed were associated with functional outcome. In addition, inhibition was associated with the risk for earlier institutionalization. CONCLUSIONS: Executive function was strongly associated with post-stroke functional impairment. In follow-up, poor inhibition was related to earlier permanent institutionalization. The results suggest the prognostic value of EF subdomains after stroke.

Embolic strokes of undetermined source in young adults: baseline characteristics and long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS) are a recent entity, not yet thoroughly investigated in young stroke patients. The clinical characteristics and long-term risks of vascular events and all-cause mortality between young-onset ESUS and other aetiological subgroups were compared. METHODS: Patients with ESUS were identified amongst the 1008 patients aged 15-49 years with first-ever ischaemic stroke in Helsinki Young Stroke Registry, and primary end-points were defined as recurrent stroke, composite vascular events and all-cause mortality. Cumulative 15-year risks for each end-point were analysed with life tables and adjusted risks were based on Cox proportional hazard analyses. RESULTS: Of the 971 eligible patients, 203 (20.9%) were classified as ESUS. They were younger (median age 40 years, interquartile range 32-46 vs. 45 years, 39-47), more often female (43.3% vs. 35.7%) and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors than other modified TOAST groups. With a median follow-up time of 10.1 years, ESUS patients had the second lowest cumulative risk of recurrent stroke and composite vascular events and lowest mortality compared to other TOAST groups. Large-artery atherosclerosis and small vessel disease carried significantly higher risk for recurrent stroke than did ESUS, whilst no difference appeared between cardioembolism from high-risk sources and ESUS. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, ESUS patients were younger and had milder cardiovascular risk factor burden and generally better long-term outcome compared to other causes of young-onset stroke. The comparable risk of recurrent stroke between ESUS and high-risk sources of cardioembolism might suggest similarities in their pathophysiology.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment is common even after successful clinical recovery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cognitive impairment is common after stroke, but the prevalence and long-term significance of the diverse neuropsychological deficits on functional outcome are still not well known. The frequency and prognostic value of domain-specific cognitive impairments were investigated in a large cohort of ischaemic stroke patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 409), aged 55-85 years, from the acute stroke unit of the Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, were evaluated with extensive clinical and neuropsychological assessments 3 months post-stroke. Impairments within nine cognitive domains were determined according to age-appropriate normative data from a random healthy population. Functional disability was evaluated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS) 3 and 15 months post-stroke. RESULTS: In all, 83% patients showed impairment in at least one cognitive domain, whereas 50% patients were impaired in multiple (≥3) domains. In cases with excellent clinical recovery at 3 months (mRS = 0-1, no disability), the occurrence of any cognitive impairment was 71%. Memory, visuoconstructional and executive functions were most commonly impaired. A substantially smaller proportion of patients scored below the conventional or more stringent cut-offs in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Domain-specific cognitive impairments were associated with functional dependence at 15 months regardless of stroke severity and other confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment as evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment is prevalent in stroke survivors even with successful clinical recovery. Typically multiple domains and complex cognitive abilities are affected. MMSE is not sensitive in detecting these symptoms. Post-stroke cognitive impairment is strongly related to poor functional outcome.

Higher baseline international normalized ratio value correlates with higher mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage during warfarin use.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared complication of oral anticoagulation (OAC). Our aim was to investigate the impact of the international normalized ratio (INR) level on mortality in OAC-associated ICH compared with non-OAC-associated ICH. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of consecutive ICH patients treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital from January 2005 to March 2010 (n = 1013) was performed. An ICH was considered to be OAC-associated if the patient was on warfarin at ICH onset. The association of INR with 3-month mortality was adjusted in a multivariable logistic regression model for factors influencing the crude odds ratios (ORs) in bivariable logistic regression by more than 5%. RESULTS: One in eight ICHs was OAC-associated (n = 132). Of these, 50% had therapeutic INR (2.0-3.0), 7% had INR <2.0 and 43% had high INR (>3.0) on admission. Patients on OAC were older (median 76 vs. 66 years; P < 0.001) with more severe symptoms (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 14 vs. 10; P < 0.001) and larger hematomas (median 11.4 vs. 9.7 ml; P < 0.001) on admission than patients not on OAC. After adjustment for confounders, 3-month mortality in the whole cohort was associated with higher baseline INR (OR 1.06; CI 1.03-1.09 per 0.1 increment). Mortality was higher with both therapeutic (51% at 3 months; OR 3.59; CI 1.50-8.60) and high (61%; OR 5.26; CI 1.94-14.27) INR values compared with non-OAC-associated ICH (29%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OAC-associated ICH had more severe strokes and higher mortality compared with patients with ICH not related to OAC. Higher baseline INR was associated with increased 3-month mortality.

In-hospital cardiac complications after intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Data on cardiac complications and their precipitants after intracerebral hemorrhage are scarce. We examined the frequency and risk factors for serious in-hospital cardiac events in a large cohort of consecutive intracerebral hemorrhage patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 1013 consecutive patients with nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital (2005-2010). We excluded patients with intraparenchymal hematoma related to sub-arachnoid hemorrhage or intracerebral hemorrhage because of fibrinolytic therapies for acute ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction. Serious in-hospital cardiac event was defined as any of in-hospital poststroke acute myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, moderate to serious acute heart failure, or cardiac death. RESULTS: Among the 948 patients included, ≥1 serious in-hospital cardiac event occurred in 39 (4·1%) patients after a median delay of two-days from stroke onset (acute myocardial infarction in three patients, ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia in three patients, acute heart failure in 36 patients, and cardiac death in three patients). Hospital stay was longer in patients with serious in-hospital cardiac event than in those without (median 12, interquartile range 7-19 vs. 8, 3-14; P = 0·001), with no difference in in-hospital mortality (23·1% vs. 24·3%; P = 0·86). In multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and diabetes, atrial fibrillation during hospitalization (odds ratio 6·68 for new-onset atrial fibrillation, 95% confidence interval 2·11-21·18; 4·46 for old atrial fibrillation, 2·08-9·56), and history of myocardial infarction (3·20, 1·18-8·66) were independently associated with serious in-hospital cardiac events. CONCLUSIONS: After intracerebral hemorrhage, 4% of patients suffer an acute serious cardiac complication. Those with history of myocardial infarction or in-hospital atrial fibrillation are at greater risk for such events.

Lost potential of kidney and liver donors amongst deceased intracerebral hemorrhage patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has high acute mortality. The number of potential kidney and liver donors amongst deceased ICH patients was estimated to improve our institutional guidelines on acute care of neurocritical patients to increase organ donation. METHODS: A chart review was carried out by a multi-professional team for consecutive ICH patients admitted to the emergency department at Helsinki University Central Hospital and dying within 14 days between 2005 and 2010. RESULTS: In all, 955 patients had follow-up data, of whom 254 (27%) died within 14 days and eight ended up as organ donors. An additional 51 potentially suitable donors not different from actual donors were identified: nine suitable for kidney donation, 11 for liver and 31 for both. In 49/51 (96%) cases prognosis seemed non-existent and do-not-resuscitate orders were issued early, which led to refrainment from intensive care in 76.5%. These potential donors differed from those ICH patients surviving a whole year (n = 529) by male preponderance, more severe symptoms (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 25 vs. 6 and Glasgow Coma Scale 7 vs. 15), larger hematoma volumes of 24.8 cm(3) (vs. 6.7), and frequent finding of midline shift and intraventricular rupture of the hemorrhage in admission brain CT. Based on the results, our guidelines were revised towards more active treatment including mechanical ventilation for neurocritical patients at the emergency department for at least 48 h, resulting in an increase in organ donations in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable number of ICH patients are potential organ donors if the evaluation takes place on arrival and organ donation is considered as part of usual end-of-life care.

Young adult ischaemic stroke related acute symptomatic and late seizures: risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: After first-ever ischaemic stroke, to assess the risk and baseline factors associated with acute symptomatic seizure (ASS) (occurring within 7 days) and late post-stroke seizure (LPS) (>7 days). METHODS: All consecutive patients aged 15-49 with first-ever ischaemic stroke between 1994 and 2007 treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital were included, using Cox proportional hazard models to identify factors associated with seizures. Adjustment was for age, gender, vascular risk factors, admission hyperglycemia (>6.1 mm) and hyponatremia (<137 mm), use of psychiatric medication, stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale) and anatomical (Bamford criteria) and etiological (Trial of Org in Acute Stroke Treatment) stroke subtype. RESULTS: ASSs emerged in 35 (3.5%) patients. LPSs (n = 102) occurred at a cumulative rate of 6.1% at 1 year, 9.5% at 5 years and 11.5% at 10 years. In multivariate analysis, anxiolytic use at time of index stroke (hazard ratio 13.43, 95% confidence interval 3.91-46.14), moderate stroke severity (3.95, 1.86-8.41), cortical involvement (3.69, 1.66-8.18) and hyponatremia (3.26, 1.41-7.57) were independently associated with ASSs. Risk factors for LPSs were total anterior circulation infarct (15.94, 7.62-33.33), partial anterior circulation infarct (3.48, 1.52-7.93), history of ASS (3.94, 2.07-7.48), antidepressant use at the time of LPS (3.88, 2.46-6.11), hemorrhagic infarct (1.94, 1.19-3.15), male gender (1.79, 1.10-2.92) and hyperglycemia (1.62, 1.05-2.51). CONCLUSIONS: In young ischaemic stroke patients, the magnitude of seizure risk and the major risk factors were similar to older ischaemic stroke patients but risk factors for ASSs and LPSs differed.

Functional outcome in young adult ischemic stroke: impact of lipoproteins.

AIM: To determine the functional outcome in a cohort of young adults with ischemic stroke patients, focusing on components of lipid profile. METHODS: In our registry including consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic stroke aged 15-49 from 1994 to 2007, we analyzed predictors of 3-month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS). Infarct size fell into small, medium, large posterior, or large anterior. Stroke severity was assessed with NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Serum lipids were measured within 72 h after admission. Binary, multinomial ordinal, and Poisson regressions allowed revealing factors associated with size of infarct, stroke severity, and unfavorable outcome or death (mRS, 2-6) or mRS as an ordinal measure. RESULTS: In the 968 patients included (mean age, 41.3 ± 7.6; 62.6% men; 49.5% with mRS 0-1), factors associated with unfavorable outcome after multivariable analysis were increasing age (odds ratio, 1.03 per year; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.05), higher NIHSS score (1.23 per point, 1.17-1.29), large anterior (4.37, 2.26-8.42) or posterior (1.73, 1.05-2.85) infarcts, bilateral lesions (2.28, 1.30-3.98), internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) (3.65, 1.41-9.47), and inversely high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (0.58 per unit increase, 0.38-0.86). Increasing HDL associated with smaller infarct size (0.71, 0.51-0.98). Both higher total and HDL cholesterol associated with lower NIHSS score (0.96, 0.93-0.98 for total cholesterol and 0.82, 0.75-0.88 for HDL) and lower 3-month mRS (0.87, 0.78-0.97 for total cholesterol and 0.65, 0.47-0.90 for HDL). CONCLUSION: In addition to known prognosticators, ICAD and lower HDL levels were independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes in our young adult stroke cohort.

Does the cognitive measure Cog-4 show improvement among patients treated with thrombolysis after acute stroke?

BACKGROUND: Although the established measure of disability post stroke, the modified Rankin Scale emphasizes motor function and may underestimate the importance of cognitive impairment in more disabled patients. A subset of four items from the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale has been proposed to assess cognitive function after stroke (Cog-4), and to correlate with modified Rankin Scale. Items correspond to orientation, executive function, language, and inattention. We investigated responsiveness of Cog-4 to treatment with thrombolysis and whether it offers information that supplements modified Rankin Scale. METHODS: We included 6268 patients from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive: 2734 received intravenous thrombolysis and 3534 were treated conservatively. We compared day 90 outcomes between treated and untreated groups, by modified Rankin Scale (illustrative) and by Cog-4 (primary measure) adjusting for age, baseline National Institutes of Health stroke scale, hemispheric lateralisation as well as baseline Cog-4 and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale excluding baseline Cog-4 separately. Analysis of Cog-4 was repeated within strata of 90 day modified Rankin Scale. Statistical analyses included proportional odds logistic regression and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. RESULTS: Modified Rankin Scale showed a difference between treatment groups of expected magnitude (odds ratio 1·56; 95% confidence interval 1·43-1·72; P < 0·001). After adjustment for imbalance in baseline prognostic factors, the distribution of Cog-4 scores at 90 days was better in thrombolysed patients compared with nonthrombolysed patients (odds ratio 1·31; 95% confidence interval 1·18-1·47; P = 0·006). However, Cog-4 analysis stratified by 90-day modified Rankin Scale was neutral between treatment groups (OR 1·01; 95% CI 0·90-1·14), and Cog-4 was not responsive to treatment group even within modified Rankin Scale categories 4 and 5 despite substantial cognitive deficits in these patients. CONCLUSION: Although Cog-4 may be responsive to treatment effects, it does not provide additional information beyond modified Rankin Scale assessment.

Multiple brain infarcts in young adults: clues for etiologic diagnosis and prognostic impact.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are little data on the etiology of multiple brain infarcts (MBI) and their impact on clinical outcome in young patients. METHODS: We studied 548 MRI-imaged patients (15-49 years) with a first-ever ischaemic stroke. Ischaemic lesions were categorized into three groups: single lesions, MBI in one or >1 circulation territories. Outcomes were unfavorable 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ≥ 2 and, during long-term follow-up (mean 8.20 ± 4.01 years), recurrent ischaemic stroke or death from any cause. RESULTS: Multiple brain infarcts occurred in 185 patients (33.8%; mean age 39.2 ± 8.2), of which 144 patients (26.3%) had lesions located in a single territory and 41 patients (7.5%) in multiple territories. Patients with MBI in a single territory were more likely than patients with single lesions to have a high-risk source of cardioembolism (CE) (9.0% vs. 3.0%; P = 0.001), large-artery atherosclerosis (8.3% vs. 4.9%; P = 0.012), vertebral (22% vs. 10%; P < 0.001) or carotid artery dissections (8.3% vs. 6.3%; P = 0.036), and MBI in multiple territories a high-risk source of CE (34% vs. 3.0%, P < 0.001). Adjusted for age, gender, baseline stroke severity, size of the largest lesion, and stroke subtype, MBI remained independently associated with an unfavorable 3-month outcome (odds ratio 2.84, 95% confidence interval 1.22-6.61). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, MBI had independent influence on the risk for death (hazard ratio 3.75, 1.58-8.86), but not on recurrent ischaemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the elderly, young stroke patients have a distinct stroke etiology underlying MBI, being an independent indicator of poor short-term outcome and long-term risk of death.

Extensive white matter changes predict stroke recurrence up to 5 years after a first-ever ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: White matter changes (WMCs), a surrogate for small-vessel disease (SVD), have been shown to be associated with a major negative influence on cognition, mood and functioning in daily life. We aimed to investigate whether severe WMCs are a risk factor for recurrent ischemic stroke in a long-term follow-up. METHODS: 320 consecutive patients admitted to hospital with a first-ever ischemic stroke were included in the study and followed up for 12 years using extensive national registers. Patients were aged between 55 and 85 years, with a mean age of 70.8 years. WMCs were rated using MRI and stratified into two grades: absent to moderate WMCs versus severe WMCs. Univariate analysis was performed using binary logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier log rank analysis and life table function. To control for factors such as age, education and cardiovascular risk factors, a multivariate Cox regression proportional hazards analysis was made with forced entry. RESULTS: At least one recurrent stroke, nonfatal or fatal, was diagnosed in 76 (23.8%) patients at 5 years and in 127 (39.7%) patients at 12 years. In univariate analysis, only advancing age was associated with WMCs. The cumulative 5-year recurrence risk was 24.5% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 23.8-25.2] for patients with absent to moderate WMCs and 39.1% (95% CI 38.1-40.1) for patients with severe WMCs. The cumulative 12-year recurrence risk was 48.1% (95% CI 45.5-50.7) for patients with absent to moderate WMCs and 60.9% (95% CI 56.7-65.1) for patients with severe WMCs. In Cox regression proportional hazards analysis, independent predictors of recurrent stroke at 5 years were severe WMCs [hazard ratio (HR) 1.80, 95% CI 1.11-2.95], atrial fibrillation (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.09-3.02), hypertension (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.05-2.71) and peripheral arterial disease (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.06-3.38). At 12 years, only increasing age remained as an independent predictor (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for severe WMCs was 0.58 (95% CI 0.51-0.65) for the prediction of stroke recurrence within 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: In our well-defined cohort of poststroke patients, the presence of severe WMCs was an indicator of stroke recurrence up to 5 years after a first-ever ischemic stroke. WMCs can be considered as an SVD marker that summarizes the effects of several classical risk factors on the small-vessel brain network and therefore can be used as a score for risk stratification of stroke recurrence. Our findings further underline the poor long-term prognosis of cerebral SVD.

Hemiplegia and thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemiplegia at stroke onset may be considered a contraindication for thrombolytic therapy. We describe the outcome of patients with ischaemic stroke presenting with hemiplegia and treated with intravenous alteplase (tPA). METHODS: All patients treated with tPA for acute ischaemic stroke between 1995 and 2010 were prospectively recorded in the Helsinki Stroke Thrombolysis Registry. Patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) were excluded. Hemiplegia was defined as no visible voluntary movement on ipsilateral arm and leg. RESULTS: Of all treated patients (n = 1579), we excluded those with BAO (n = 152). Of remaining 1427 patients, 81 (6%) had hemiplegia at baseline. By 24 h, three had died and 20 retained their total hemiplegia. At day 7, a further nine had died, and 10 had persistent hemiplegia. A good 3-month outcome, modified Rankin Scale (mRS, 0-2), was observed in 23%, independence in ambulatory function (mRS 3) in further 16%, while 9% were bedridden and 20% dead. A wide clinical spectrum of neurological deficits coexisted with hemiplegia. With advanced age, more neurological functions lost, and with early radiological signs, the prognosis of patients with hemiplegia deteriorated. With combined fixed eye deviation (n = 23), half were either bedridden (n = 3) or dead (n = 9) by 3 months, and fatal intracerebral haemorrhage were common (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Hemiplegia at presentation should not prevent thrombolytic therapy by itself, as limb movements are likely to return, and two of five thrombolysis-treated patients will walk independently by 3 months. With combined fixed eye deviation, the outcome is poorer and haemorrhagic complications are common.

Intravenous thrombolysis in young stroke patients: results from the SITS-ISTR.

OBJECTIVE: To assess safety and efficacy of thrombolysis in 18- to 50-year-old patients compared to those aged 51 to 80 years recorded in the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-International Stroke Thrombolysis Register (SITS-ISTR). METHODS: A total of 27,671 patients aged 18-80 years treated with IV alteplase within 4.5 hours of symptom onset were enrolled in SITS-ISTR between 2002 and 2010. Main outcome measures were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH; deterioration of ≥4 points on the NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] within 24 hours and type 2 parenchymal hematoma), mortality, and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-2) at 3 months. RESULTS: In the 3,246 (11.7%) patients aged 18-50, SICH occurred in 0.6% vs 1.9% in those aged 51-80 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.90, p = 0.02). Three-month mortality was 4.9% and 14.4%, respectively (aOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.40-0.60, p < 0.001) and functional independence was 72.1% vs 54.5%, respectively (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.43-1.80, p < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis in young patients, baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) was the only independent factor associated with SICH (p = 0.04). Baseline NIHSS, baseline glucose, and signs of infarction in baseline imaging scan were associated with higher mortality and poorer functional outcome. Male gender, mRS before stroke, and atrial fibrillation (AF) were associated with higher mortality, and age, SBP, and previous stroke were associated with mRS. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with IV alteplase is safe in young ischemic stroke patients and they benefit more compared to older patients. We found several factors associated with SICH, mortality, and functional outcome. These can be used to help in the selection of young ischemic stroke patients for thrombolysis. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that younger patients (18-50 years) with ischemic stroke symptoms treated with IV alteplase have lower morbidity and mortality compared to older patients (51-80 years).

Predicting outcome of IV thrombolysis-treated ischemic stroke patients: the DRAGON score.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a functional outcome prediction score, based on immediate pretreatment parameters, in ischemic stroke patients receiving IV alteplase. METHODS: The derivation cohort consists of 1,319 ischemic stroke patients treated with IV alteplase at the Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. We evaluated the predictive value of parameters associated with the 3-month outcome and developed the score according to the magnitude of logistic regression coefficients. We assessed accuracy of the model with bootstrapping. External validation was performed in a cohort of 330 patients treated at the University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. We assessed the score performance with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). RESULTS: The DRAGON score (0-10 points) consists of (hyper)Dense cerebral artery sign/early infarct signs on admission CT scan (both = 2, either = 1, none = 0), prestroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score >1 (yes = 1), Age (≥ 80 years = 2, 65-79 years = 1, <65 years = 0), Glucose level at baseline (>8 mmol/L [>144 mg/dL] = 1), Onset-to-treatment time (>90 minutes = 1), and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (>15 = 3, 10-15 = 2, 5-9 = 1, 0-4 = 0). AUC-ROC was 0.84 (0.80-0.87) in the derivation cohort and 0.80 (0.74-0.86) in the validation cohort. Proportions of patients with good outcome (mRS score 0-2) were 96%, 88%, 74%, and 0% for 0-1, 2, 3, and 8-10 points, respectively. Proportions of patients with miserable outcome (mRS score 5-6) were 0%, 2%, 5%, 70%, and 100% for 0-1, 2, 3, 8, and 9-10 points, respectively. External validation showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: The DRAGON score is valid at our site and was reliable externally. It can support clinical decision-making, especially when invasive add-on strategies are considered. The score was not studied in patients with basilar artery occlusion. Further external validation is warranted.

Intravenous thrombolysis in ischemic stroke patients with isolated homonymous hemianopia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with posterior ischemic stroke were usually excluded from thrombolytic treatment in clinical trials and clinical practice, and little is known about effectiveness of thrombolysis treatment in such patients who may end up with severe disability. AIMS OF THE STUDY: We aimed to describe the outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with isolated homonymous hemianopia and treated with intravenous thrombolysis. METHODS: A case report of three patients presenting with homonymous hemianopia owing to posterior circulation stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis at the Helsinki University Central Hospital. Main outcome measures were modified Rankin Scale and neuropsychological examination at 3 months after thrombolysis. We further evaluated Goldmann visual field examination at 6 months. RESULTS: No acute findings appeared on admission non-contrast head-computed tomography scan. All patients had a perfusion deficit on admission-computed tomography perfusion imaging. All patients scored 0 on 3-month modified Rankin Scale, and their neuropsychological evaluation was normal. Goldmann examination revealed no visual field deficit in both female patients, and a modest visual field defect was detected in the male patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience encourages application of intravenous thrombolytic treatment (especially when supported with multimodality neuroimaging) in patients with homonymous hemianopia, for which rehabilitation options are limited.

Patient outcomes from symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after stroke thrombolysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) on outcome of thrombolysis-treated ischemic stroke patients, as additional to recognized prognosticators. METHODS: The study cohort included 985 ischemic stroke patients treated with IV thrombolysis at the Helsinki University Central Hospital (1995-2008). In a multivariable model adjusted for baseline stroke severity, age, onset-to-treatment time, baseline glucose, hyperdense cerebral artery sign, and early infarct signs on baseline imaging, and prior modified Rankin Scale (mRS), we calculated risk ratios (RRs) of patients with sICH (separately per Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke[SITS]-Monitoring Study, European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II [ECASS-II], and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS] definitions) for poor 3-month outcome (mRS 3-6) and mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) evaluated impact of sICH on outcome. Internal cross-validation of the model was done with bootstrap statistics. RESULTS: The frequency of sICH was 2.1% (SITS), 7.0% (ECASS-II), and 9.4% (NINDS). RRs for poor and fatal outcome, respectively, were 1.7 and 4.8 (SITS), 1.6 and 3.8 (ECASS-II), and 1.6 and 3.4 (NINDS). In IDI analyses, sICH improved prediction model for 3-month mRS of 3-6 and 4-6, respectively, by 1.4% and 3.0% (SITS), 4.0% and 5.9% (ECASS-II), and 4.7% and 6.1% (NINDS). In case of 3-month mRS 5-6 and mortality, it was 6.1% and 5.3% (SITS), 11.3% and 9.3% (ECASS-II), and 10.3% and 8.0% (NINDS). ROC analysis revealed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with sICH have increased risk of poor and fatal outcome. Compared with recognized stroke prognosticators, contribution of sICH is smaller. Definition-wise, ECASS-II- and NINDS-based sICH contribute relatively more; ECASS-II has the largest contribution to worst outcomes.

Silent brain infarcts, leukoaraiosis, and long-term prognosis in young ischemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate prognostic relevance of silent brain infarcts (SBIs) and leukoaraiosis (LA) in young patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: This observational cohort study included consecutive MRI-scanned patients aged 15 to 49 with first-ever ischemic stroke treated at Helsinki University Central Hospital (1994-2007) with long-term follow-up data available. Outcome measures were 1) nonfatal or fatal ischemic stroke, 2) composite vascular endpoint, and 3) death from any cause. Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) and Bamford criteria allowed for stroke subtyping. Number of SBIs was categorized into none, single, or multiple. LA fell into groups of none, mild, or moderate to severe (validated visual rating scale). RESULTS: The 655 patients (mean age 40.0 ± 8.0 years) included were followed for a mean 8.7 ± 3.8 years (survivors). Of the 86 (13.1%) patients with SBIs, 46 had single and 40 had multiple SBIs. In the 50 (7.6%) patients with LA, these changes were mild in 21 and moderate to severe in 29. In Cox regression analysis, multiple SBIs independently raised the risk for recurrent ischemic stroke (odds ratio 2.48; 95% confidence interval 1.24-4.94) adjusted for age, gender, risk factors, stroke etiology, and LA. After further adjustment for initial stroke severity, TOAST and Bamford subgroups, and presence of SBIs, moderate to severe LA increased the risk for death (3.43; 1.58-7.42). Neither SBIs nor LA associated with the composite vascular endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-defined SBIs and LA are prognostically valuable in young adults after their first-ever ischemic stroke.

Diabetes mellitus and ischemic stroke in the young: clinical features and long-term prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare risk factors, stroke characteristics, and long-term prognosis between nondiabetic young ischemic stroke patients and similar patients having either type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) to provide information for patient management, counseling, and future research in these patient groups. METHODS: Our database comprised 1,008 consecutive patients aged 15 to 49 with first-ever ischemic stroke from 1994 to 2007. Primary outcome measures were 1) nonfatal or fatal recurrent ischemic stroke and 2) composite vascular endpoint (myocardial infarction, any stroke, revascularization, or vascular death). RESULTS: Compared with nondiabetic stroke patients (n = 904), patients with T1D (44) or T2D (60) were more likely to have hypertension and stroke attributable to small-vessel disease (SVD). In addition, when compared with nondiabetic patients, those with T1D more frequently had coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and those with T2D more often had obesity, PAD, history of TIA, and stroke attributable to large-artery atherosclerosis, and T2D patients were also more likely to be older and male than were the nondiabetic patients. Mean follow-up in survivors was 9.0 (±3.8) years. Cumulative recurrent ischemic stroke rate at 10 years was 40.9% for T1D (14 events), 29.7% for T2D (15), and 12.0% for nondiabetic patients (94). Corresponding rates for the composite vascular endpoint were 65.1% for T1D (25), 46.9% for T2D (28), and 19.3% for nondiabetic patients (153). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ischemic stroke patients with T1D or T2D exhibit a distinct risk-factor and etiologic profile and a worse vascular prognosis than do nondiabetic patients.

Two years of Finnish Telestroke: thrombolysis at spokes equal to that at the hub.

BACKGROUND: Official guidelines on stroke promote the use of telemedicine via bidirectional videoconferencing equipment, which provides a valid and reliable means of facilitating thrombolysis delivery to patients in distant or rural hospitals. METHODS: The present prospective cohort study describes the characteristics and 3-month outcome of the thrombolysis patients treated in 5 community hospitals served by the Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH) in a telestroke network during 2007 to 2009. The characteristics and outcome of telestroke thrombolysis patients are compared with consecutive thrombolysis patients (n = 985) treated at HUCH. RESULTS: A total of 106 consecutive telestroke consultations in 2 years led to IV thrombolysis in 61 patients (57.5%). The median NIH Stroke Scale score was 10 (range 3-26), onset to treatment time 120 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 49), length of consultation 25 minutes (IQR 18) if the consultation led to thrombolysis and 15 minutes (IQR 10) if not (p = 0.032). The rate of symptomatic intracranial bleedings was 6.7% (4/60) according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke definition. Half (28/57) of the thrombolysis patients with complete follow-up data had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-2) and a third (17/57) had an excellent recovery (mRS 0-1). Thus the patients treated with thrombolysis based on teleconsultation had similar outcome with those treated at HUCH (mRS 0-2: 49.1% vs 58.1%, p = 0.214 and mRS 0-1: 17/57 [29.4%] vs 352/957 [36.8%], p = 0.289). CONCLUSIONS: A special feature of the Finnish pilot is the high percentage of consultations leading to thrombolytic treatment with features and results very similar to on-site thrombolysis at the neurologic emergency room of HUCH.