Impact of Poverty on Stroke Recurrence: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Poverty is associated with greater stroke incidence. The relationship between poverty and stroke recurrence is less clear. METHODS: In this population-based study, incident strokes within the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region were ascertained during the 2015 study period and followed up for recurrence until December 31, 2018. The primary exposure was neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), defined by the percentage of households below the federal poverty line in each census tract in 4 categories (≤5%, >5%-10%, >10%-25%, >25%). Poisson regression models provided recurrence rate estimates per 100,000 residents using population data from the 2015 5-year American Community Survey, adjusting for age, sex, and race. In a secondary analysis, Cox models allowed for the inclusion of vascular risk factors in the assessment of recurrence risk by nSES among those with incident stroke. RESULTS: Of 2,125 patients with incident stroke, 245 had a recurrent stroke during the study period. Poorer nSES was associated with increased stroke recurrence, with rates of 12.5, 17.5, 25.4, and 29.9 per 100,000 in census tracts with ≤5%, >5%-10%, >10%-25%, and >25% below the poverty line, respectively (p < 0.01). The relative risk (95% CI) for recurrent stroke among Black vs White individuals was 2.54 (1.91-3.37) before adjusting for nSES, and 2.00 (1.47-2.74) after adjusting for nSES, a 35.1% decrease. In the secondary analysis, poorer nSES (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10-2.76 for lowest vs highest category) and Black race (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70) were both independently associated with recurrence risk, though neither retained significance after full adjustment. Age, diabetes, and left ventricular hypertrophy were associated with increased recurrence risk in fully adjusted models. DISCUSSION: Residents of poorer neighborhoods had a dose-dependent increase in stroke recurrence risk, and neighborhood poverty accounted for approximately one-third of the excess risk among Black individuals. These results highlight the importance of poverty, race, and the intersection of the 2 as potent drivers of stroke recurrence.

Racial Disparities in Blood Pressure at Time of Acute Ischemic Stroke Presentation: A Population Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a stroke risk factor with known disparities in prevalence and management between Black and White patients. We sought to identify if racial differences in presenting blood pressure (BP) during acute ischemic stroke exist. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adults with acute ischemic stroke presenting to an emergency department within 24 hours of last known normal during study epochs 2005, 2010, and 2015 within the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study were included. Demographics, histories, arrival BP, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and time from last known normal were collected. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine differences in mean BP between Black and White patients, adjusting for age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, stroke, body mass index, and study epoch. Of 4048 patients, 853 Black and 3195 White patients were included. In adjusted analysis, Black patients had higher presenting systolic BP (161 mm Hg [95% CI, 159-164] versus 158 mm Hg [95% CI, 157-159], P<0.01), diastolic BP (86 mm Hg [95% CI, 85-88] versus 83 mm Hg [95% CI, 82-84], P<0.01), and mean arterial pressure (111 mm Hg [95% CI, 110-113] versus 108 mm Hg [95% CI, 107-109], P<0.01) compared with White patients. In adjusted subanalysis of patients <4.5 hours from last known normal, diastolic BP (88 mm Hg [95% CI, 86-90] versus 83 mm Hg [95% CI, 82-84], P<0.01) and mean arterial pressure (112 mm Hg [95% CI, 110-114] versus 108 mm Hg [95% CI, 107-109], P<0.01) were also higher in Black patients. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study suggests differences in presenting BP between Black and White patients during acute ischemic stroke. Further study is needed to determine whether these differences influence clinical decision-making, outcome, or clinical trial eligibility.

Trends Over Time in Stroke Incidence by Race in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding the current status of and temporal trends of stroke epidemiology by age, race, and stroke subtype is critical to evaluate past prevention efforts and to plan future interventions to eliminate existing inequities. We investigated trends in stroke incidence and case fatality over a 22-year time period. METHODS: In this population-based stroke surveillance study, all cases of stroke in acute care hospitals within a 5-county population of southern Ohio/northern Kentucky in adults aged ≥20 years were ascertained during a full year every 5 years from 1993 to 2015. Temporal trends in stroke epidemiology were evaluated by age, race (Black or White), and subtype (ischemic stroke [IS], intracranial hemorrhage [ICH], or subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]). Stroke incidence rates per 100,000 individuals from 1993 to 2015 were calculated using US Census data and age-standardized, race-standardized, and sex-standardized as appropriate. Thirty-day case fatality rates were also reported. RESULTS: Incidence rates for stroke of any type and IS decreased in the combined population and among White individuals (any type, per 100,000, 215 [95% CI 204-226] in 1993/4 to 170 [95% CI 161-179] in 2015, p = 0.015). Among Black individuals, incidence rates for stroke of any type decreased over the study period (per 100,000, 349 [95% CI 311-386] in 1993/4 to 311 [95% CI 282-340] in 2015, p = 0.015). Incidence of ICH was stable over time in the combined population and in race-specific subgroups, and SAH decreased in the combined groups and in White adults. Incidence rates among Black adults were higher than those of White adults in all time periods, and Black:White risk ratios were highest in adults in young and middle age groups. Case fatality rates were similar by race and by time period with the exception of SAH in which 30-day case fatality rates decreased in the combined population and White adults over time. DISCUSSION: Stroke incidence is decreasing over time in both Black and White adults, an encouraging trend in the burden of cerebrovascular disease in the US population. Unfortunately, however, Black:White disparities have not decreased over a 22-year period, especially among younger and middle-aged adults, suggesting the need for more effective interventions to eliminate inequities by race.

Epilepsy surgery perceptions among general neurologists and epilepsy specialists: A survey.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical intervention for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is a safe and efficacious evidence-based treatment. Yet, neurologists have historically revealed hesitance in referring patients for surgical evaluations. The present study surveyed general neurologists and epilepsy specialists to assess their views and process in referring patients for specialized epilepsy care and epilepsy surgery. METHODS: A 14-item survey assessing epilepsy referrals and views of epilepsy surgery was distributed to all neurologists currently practicing in a large national integrated health system using REDCap. Responses were qualitatively analyzed and differences between general neurologists and epileptologists were assessed using chi-squared tests. RESULTS: In total, 100 responses were received from 67 general neurologists and 33 epileptologists with several similarities and differences emerging between the two groups. Both groups endorsed surgery and neuromodulation as treatment options in DRE, felt that seizure frequency rather than duration was relevant in considering epilepsy surgery, and indicated patient preference as the largest barrier limiting epilepsy surgery. General neurologists were more likely to require ≥ 3 ASMs to fail to diagnose DRE compared to epileptologists (45% vs. 15%, p < 0.01) who more often required ≥ 2 ASMs to fail. Epileptologists were also more likely than neurologists to try a new ASM (75.8% vs. 53.7%, p < 0.05) or optimize the current ASM (75.8% vs. 49.3%, p < 0.05) in DRE. General neurologists were more likely to consider epilepsy surgery to be less efficacious (p = 0.001) or less safe (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, neurologists appear to have generally positive opinions of epilepsy surgery, which is a change from prior literature and represents a changing landscape of views toward this intervention. Furthermore, epileptologists and general neurologists endorsed more similarities than differences in their opinions of surgery and steps to referral, which is another encouraging finding. Those gaps that remain between epileptologists and general neurologists, particularly in standards of ASM prescription, may be addressed by more consistent education about DRE and streamlining of surgical referral procedures.

Association of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency With Outcomes in US Veterans With COVID-19.

Importance: The underlying biological risk factors for severe outcome due to SAR-CoV-2 infection are not well defined. Objective: To determine the association between glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and severity of COVID-19. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study included analysis of 24 700 veterans with G6PD enzyme testing prior to January 1, 2020, obtained through the US Veterans Health Administration national databases. These veterans were cross-referenced with the Veterans Administration COVID-19 Shared Data Resource for SARS-CoV-2 testing from February 15, 2020, to January 1, 2021. The final study population consisted of 4811 veterans who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Statistical analysis was performed from June to December 2021. Exposures: G6PD deficiency. Main Outcomes and Measures: COVID-19 severe illness, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: hospitalization, need for mechanical ventilation and/or intensive care unit admission, or in-hospital mortality after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Results: Among 4811 veterans in the Veterans Health Administration who had historical G6PD enzyme activity test results and SARS-CoV-2 positivity included in this study, 3868 (80.4%) were male, 1553 (32.3%) were Black, and 1855 (39%) were White; 1228 (25.5%) were 65 years or older and 3583 (74.5%) were younger than 65 years. There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, or Charlson Comorbidity Index were present between the veterans with G6PD deficiency and without G6PD deficiency. Among these veterans with SARS-CoV-2 infection, G6PD deficiency was more prevalent in Black male veterans (309 of 454 [68.1%]) compared with other racial and ethnic groups. Black male veterans less than 65 years of age with G6PD deficiency had approximately 1.5-fold increased likelihood of developing severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with Black male veterans without G6PD deficiency (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.09). In the small subset of White male veterans with G6PD deficiency, we observed an approximately 3.6-fold increased likelihood of developing severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with White male veterans aged 65 years or older without G6PD deficiency (OR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.64-7.80). This difference between veterans with and without G6PD deficiency was not observed in younger White male veterans or older Black male veterans, nor in smaller subsets of other male veterans or in female veterans of any age. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of COVID-19-positive veterans, Black male veterans less than 65 years of age and White male veterans 65 years of age or older with G6PD deficiency had an increased likelihood of developing severe COVID-19 compared with veterans without G6PD deficiency. These data indicate a need to consider the potential for G6PD deficiency prior to treatment of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection as part of clinical strategies to mitigate severe outcomes.

Changing Trends in Demographics, Risk Factors, and Clinical Features of Patients With Infective Endocarditis-Related Stroke, 2005-2015.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a rising incidence of infective endocarditis-related stroke (IERS) in the United States attributed to the opioid epidemic. A contemporary epidemiologic description is necessary to understand the impact of the opioid epidemic on clinical characteristics of IERS. We describe and analyze trends in the demographics, risk factors, and clinical features of IERS. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study within a biracial population of 1.3 million in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. All hospitalized patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke were identified and physician verified from the 2005, 2010, and 2015 calendar years using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. IERS was defined as an acute stroke attributed to infective endocarditis meeting modified Duke Criteria for possible or definite endocarditis. Unadjusted comparison of demographics, risk factors, outcome, and clinical characteristics was performed between each study period for IERS and non-IERS. An adjusted model to compare trends used the Cochran-Armitage test for categorical variables and a general linear model or Kruskal-Wallis test for numerical variables. Examination for interaction of endocarditis status in trends was performed using a general linear or logistic model. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients with IERS and 8,204 without IERS were identified during the study periods. Between 2005 and 2015, there was a decline in rates of hypertension (91.7% vs 36.0%; p = 0.0005) and increased intravenous drug users (8.3% vs 44.0%; p = 0.02) in the IERS cohort. The remainder of the stroke population demonstrated a significant rise in hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and perioperative stroke. Infective endocarditis status significantly interacted with the trend in hypertension prevalence (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: From 2005 to 2015, IERS was increasingly associated with intravenous drug use and fewer risk factors, specifically hypertension. These trends likely reflect the demographics of the opioid epidemic, which has affected younger patients with fewer comorbidities.

Substance Use and Performance of Toxicology Screens in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study.

BACKGROUND: Though stroke risk factors such as substance use may vary with age, less is known about trends in substance use over time or about performance of toxicology screens in young adults with stroke. METHODS: Using the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study, a population-based study in a 5-county region comprising 1.3 million people, we reported the frequency of documented substance use (cocaine/marijuana/opiates/other) obtained from electronic medical record review, overall and by race/gender subgroups among physician-adjudicated stroke events (ischemic and hemorrhagic) in adults 20 to 54 years of age. Secondary analyses included heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking. Data were reported for 5 one-year periods spanning 22 years (1993/1994-2015), and trends over time were tested. For 2015, to evaluate factors associated with performance of toxicology screens, multiple logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 2152 strokes were included: 74.5% were ischemic, mean age was 45.7±7.6, 50.0% were women, and 35.9% were Black. Substance use was documented in 4.4%, 10.4%, 19.2%, 24.0%, and 28.8% of cases in 1993/1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, and 2015, respectively (Ptrend<0.001). Between 1993/1994 and 2015, documented substance use increased in all demographic subgroups. Adjusting for gender, comorbidities, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, predictors of toxicology screens included Black race (adjusted odds ratio, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.02-2.45]), younger age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.53-0.91], per 10 years), current smoking (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.06-2.46]), and treatment at an academic hospital (adjusted odds ratio, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.14-2.84]). After adding chart-reported substance use to the model, only chart-reported substance abuse and age were significant. CONCLUSIONS: In a population-based study of young adults with stroke, documented substance use increased over time, and documentation of substance use was higher among Black compared with White individuals. Further work is needed to confirm race-based disparities and trends in substance use given the potential for bias in screening and documentation. Findings suggest a need for more standardized toxicology screening.

One-Year Costs Associated With the Veterans Affairs National TeleStroke Program.

OBJECTIVES: Access to timely care is important for patients with stroke, where rapid diagnosis and treatment affect functional status, disability, and mortality. Telestroke programs connect stroke specialists with emergency department staff at facilities without on-site stroke expertise. The objective of this study was to examine healthcare costs for patients with stroke who sought care before and after implementation of the US Department of Veterans Affairs National TeleStroke Program (NTSP). METHODS: We identified 471 patients who had a stroke and sought care at a telestroke site and compared them to 529 patients with stroke who received stroke care at the same sites before telestroke implementation. We examined patient costs for 12 months before and after stroke, using a linear model with a patient-level fixed effect. RESULTS: NTSP was associated with significantly higher rates of patients receiving guideline concordant care. Compared with control patients, those treated by NTSP were 14.3 percentage points more likely to receive tissue plasminogen activator and 4.3 percentage points more likely to receive a thrombectomy (all P < .0001). NTSP was associated with $4821 increased costs for patients with stroke in the first 30 days after the program (2019 dollars). There were no observed savings over 12 months, and the added costs of care were attributable to higher rates of guideline concordant care. CONCLUSIONS: Telestroke programs are unlikely to yield short-term savings because optimal stroke care is expensive. Healthcare organizations should expect increases in healthcare costs for patients treated for stroke in the first year after implementing a telestroke program.

Impact of Telestroke Implementation on Emergency Department Transfer Rate.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Telestroke networks are associated with improved outcomes from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and facilitate greater access to care, particularly in underserved regions. These networks also have the potential to influence patient disposition through avoiding unnecessary interhospital transfers. This study examines the effect of implementation of the VA National Telestroke Program (NTSP) on interhospital transfer among Veterans. METHODS: We analyzed patients with AIS presenting to the emergency departments of 21 VA hospitals before and after telestroke implementation. Transfer rates were determined through review of administrative data and chart review and patient and facility-level characteristics were collected to identify predictors of transfer. Comparisons were made using t test, Wilcoxon rank sum, and χ 2 analysis. Multivariable logistic regression with sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the influence of telestroke implementation on transfer rates. RESULTS: We analyzed 3,488 stroke encounters (1,056 pre-NTSP and 2,432 post-NTSP). Following implementation, we observed an absolute 14.4% decrease in transfers across all levels of stroke center designation. Younger age, higher stroke severity, and shorter duration from symptom onset were associated with transfer. At the facility level, hospitals with lower annual stroke volume were more likely to transfer; 1 hospital saw an increase in transfer rates following implementation. After adjusting for patient and facility characteristics, the implementation of VA NTSP resulted in a nearly 60% reduction in odds of transfer (odds ratio 0.39 [0.19, 0.77]). DISCUSSION: In addition to improving treatment in acute stroke, telestroke networks have the potential to positively affect the efficiency of interhospital networks through disposition optimization and the avoidance of unnecessary transfers.

Acute Ischemic Stroke, Depressed Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, and Sinus Rhythm: Prevalence and Practice Patterns.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about the epidemiology and secondary stroke prevention strategies used for patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and sinus rhythm following an acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to describe the prevalence of LVEF ≤40% and sinus rhythm among patients with AIS and antithrombotic treatment practice in a multi-center cohort from 2002 to 2018. METHODS: This was a multi-center, retrospective cohort study comprised of patients with AIS hospitalized in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study and 4 academic, hospital-based cohorts in the United States. A 1-stage meta-analysis of proportions was undertaken to calculate a pooled prevalence. Univariate analyses and an adjusted multivariable logistic regression model were performed to identify demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics associated with being prescribed an anticoagulant upon AIS hospitalization discharge. RESULTS: Among 14 338 patients with AIS with documented LVEF during the stroke hospitalization, the weighted pooled prevalence of LVEF ≤40% and sinus rhythm was 5.0% (95% CI, 4.1-6.0%; I2, 84.4%). Of 524 patients with no cardiac thrombus and no prior indication for anticoagulant who survived postdischarge, 200 (38%) were discharged on anticoagulant, 289 (55%) were discharged on antiplatelet therapy only, and 35 (7%) on neither. There was heterogeneity by site in the proportion discharged with an anticoagulant (22% to 45%, P<0.0001). Cohort site and National Institutes of Health Stroke Severity scale >8 (odds ratio, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.1-3.8]) were significant, independent predictors of being discharged with an anticoagulant in an adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 5% of patients with AIS have a depressed LVEF and are in sinus rhythm. There is significant variation in the clinical practice of antithrombotic therapy prescription by site and stroke severity. Given this clinical equipoise, further study is needed to define optimal antithrombotic treatment regimens for secondary stroke prevention in this patient population.

Telestroke Across the Continuum of Care: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

While use of telemedicine to guide emergent treatment of ischemic stroke is well established, the COVID-19 pandemic motivated the rapid expansion of care via telemedicine to provide consistent care while reducing patient and provider exposure and preserving personal protective equipment. Temporary changes in re-imbursement, inclusion of home office and patient home environments, and increased access to telehealth technologies by patients, health care staff and health care facilities were key to provide an environment for creative and consistent high-quality stroke care. The continuum of care via telestroke has broadened to include prehospital, inter-facility and intra-facility hospital-based services, stroke telerehabilitation, and ambulatory telestroke. However, disparities in technology access remain a challenge. Preservation of reimbursement and the reduction of regulatory burden that was initiated during the public health emergency will be necessary to maintain expanded patient access to the full complement of telestroke services. Here we outline many of these initiatives and discuss potential opportunities for optimal use of technology in stroke care through and beyond the pandemic.

Building cohesion in distributed telemedicine teams: findings from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Telestroke Program.

BACKGROUND: As telemedicine adoption increases, so does the importance of building cohesion among physicians in telemedicine teams. For example, in acute telestroke services, stroke specialists provide rapid remote stroke assessment and treatment to patients at hospitals without stroke specialty care. In the National Telestroke Program (NTSP) of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a virtual (distributed) hub of stroke specialists throughout the country provides 24/7 consultations nationwide. We examined how these specialists adapted to distributed teamwork, and we identified cohesion-related factors in program development and support. METHODS: We studied the virtual hub of stroke specialists employed by the NTSP. Semi-structured, confidential interviews with stroke specialists in the virtual hub were recorded and transcribed. We explored the extent to which these specialists had developed a sense of shared identity and team cohesion, and we identified factors in this development. Using a qualitative approach with constant comparison methods, two researchers coded each interview transcript independently using a shared codebook. We used matrix displays to identify themes, with special attention to team cohesion, communication, trust, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 13 specialists with at least 8 months of NTSP practice, 12 completed interviews; 7 had previously practiced in telestroke programs in other healthcare systems. Interviewees reported high levels of trust and team cohesion, sometimes even more with their virtual colleagues than with co-located colleagues. Factors facilitating perceived team cohesion included a weekly case conference call, a sense of transparency in discussing challenges, engagement in NTSP development tasks, and support from the NTSP leadership. Although lack of in-person contact was associated with lower cohesion, annual in-person NTSP meetings helped mitigate this issue. Despite technical challenges in establishing a new telehealth system within existing national infrastructure, providers reported high levels of satisfaction with the NTSP. CONCLUSION: A virtual telestroke hub can provide a sense of team cohesion among stroke specialists at a level comparable with a standard co-located practice. Engaging in transparent discussion of challenging cases, reviewing new clinical evidence, and contributing to program improvements may promote cohesion in distributed telemedicine teams.

Provider Communication and Telepresence Enhance Veteran Satisfaction With Telestroke Consultations.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Telestroke has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective means to expand access to care and improve outcomes in stroke; however, information on patient perceptions of this system of care delivery are limited. This study seeks to examine patient feedback of a national telestroke system within the Veterans Health Administration. METHODS: Patients who received a telestroke consultation were eligible for a phone interview 2 weeks later, including questions about technology quality, telepresence, and telestroke provider communication. Satisfaction scores ranged from 1 to 7 (higher=more satisfied) and for analyses were dichotomized as 6 to 7 indicating high satisfaction versus <6. Patient variables including stroke severity (measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) were obtained from study records. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine what factors were associated with patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Over 18 months, 186 interviews were completed, and 142 (76%) reported high satisfaction with telestroke. Patients with more severe stroke were less likely to recall the consultation. Factors significantly associated with patient satisfaction were higher ratings of the technology (P<0.0001), telepresence (P<0.0001), provider communication ratings (P<0.0001), and overall Veterans Affairs satisfaction (P=0.02). In the multivariate model, telepresence (odds ratio, 3.10 [95% CI, 1.81-5.31]) and provider ratings (odds ratio, 2.37 [95% CI, 1.20-4.68]) were independently associated with satisfaction. Veterans who were satisfied were more likely to recommend the technology (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Provider qualities, including telepresence and provider ratings, were associated with overall Veteran satisfaction with the telestroke consultation. Technology quality may be necessary but not sufficient to impact patient experience. Training providers to improve telepresence could improve patient experience with telestroke consultation.

Racial Differences in Atrial Cardiopathy Phenotypes in Ischemic Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that thrombogenic atrial cardiopathy may be relevant to stroke-related racial disparities, we compared atrial cardiopathy phenotypes between Black versus White ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: We assessed markers of atrial cardiopathy in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study, a study of stroke incidence in a population of 1.3 million. We obtained ECGs and reports of echocardiograms performed during evaluation of stroke during the 2010/2015 study periods. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter (AFL) were excluded. Investigators blinded to patients' characteristics measured P-wave terminal force in ECG lead V1 (PTFV1), a marker of left atrial fibrosis and impaired inter-atrial conduction, and abstracted left atrial diameter from echocardiogram reports. Linear regression was used to examine the association between race and atrial cardiopathy markers after adjustment for demographics, body mass index, and vascular comorbidities. RESULTS: Among 3,426 ischemic stroke cases in Black or White patients without AF/AFL, 2,391 had a left atrial diameter measurement (mean, 3.65 ±0.70 cm). Black race was associated with smaller left atrial diameter in unadjusted (ß coefficient, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.05) and adjusted (ß, -0.15; 95% CI, -0.21 to -0.09) models. PTFV1 measurements were available in 3,209 patients (mean, 3,434 ±2,525 µV*ms). Black race was associated with greater PTFV1 in unadjusted (ß, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.97) and adjusted (ß, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.80) models. CONCLUSIONS: We found systematic Black-White racial differences in left atrial structure and pathophysiology in a population-based sample of ischemic stroke patients. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides class II evidence that the rate of atrial cardiopathy is greater among Black people with acute stroke compared to White people.

Temporal Trends in Stroke Incidence Over Time by Sex and Age in the GCNKSS.

Background and Purpose- Sex differences in stroke incidence over time were previously reported from the GCNKSS (Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study). We aimed to determine whether these differences continued through 2015 and whether they were driven by particular age groups. Methods- Within the GCNKSS population of 1.3 million, incident (first ever) strokes among residents ≥20 years of age were ascertained at all local hospitals during 5 periods: July 1993 to June 1994 and calendar years 1999, 2005, 2010, and 2015. Out-of-hospital cases were sampled. Sex-specific incidence rates per 100 000 were adjusted for age and race and standardized to the 2010 US Census. Trends over time by sex were compared (overall and age stratified). Sex-specific case fatality rates were also reported. Bonferroni corrections were applied for multiple comparisons. Results- Over the 5 study periods, there were 9733 incident strokes (56.3% women). For women, there were 229 (95% CI, 215-242) per 100 000 incident strokes in 1993/1994 and 174 (95% CI, 163-185) in 2015 (P<0.05), compared with 282 (95% CI, 263-301) in 1993/1994 to 211 (95% CI, 198-225) in 2015 (P<0.05) in men. Incidence rates decreased between the first and last study periods in both sexes for IS but not for intracerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Significant decreases in stroke incidence occurred between the first and last study periods for both sexes in the 65- to 84-year age group and men only in the ≥85-year age group; stroke incidence increased for men only in the 20- to 44-year age group. Conclusions- Overall stroke incidence decreased from the early 1990s to 2015 for both sexes. Future studies should continue close surveillance of sex differences in the 20- to 44-year and ≥85-year age groups, and future stroke prevention strategies should target strokes in the young- and middle-age groups, as well as intracerebral hemorrhage.

Temporal Trends of Sex Differences in Transient Ischemic Attack Incidence Within a Population.

OBJECTIVE: Previously we reported that ischemic stroke incidence is declining over time for men but not women. We sought to describe temporal trends of sex differences in incidence of transient ischemic attack (TIA) within the same large, biracial population. METHODS: Among the population of 1.3 million in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS) region, TIAs among area residents (≥20 years old) were identified at all local hospitals. Out of hospital cases were ascertained using a sampling scheme. First-ever cases and first within each study period for a patient was included in incidence rates. All cases were physician-adjudicated. Incidence rates (during July 93-June 94 and calendar years 1999, 2005, and 2010) were calculated using the age-, race-, and sex-specific number of TIAs divided by the GCNKSS population in that group; rates were standardized to the 2010 U.S. POPULATION: t Tests with Bonferroni correction were used to compare rates over time. RESULTS: There were a total of 4746 TIA events; 53% were female, and 12% were black. In males, incidence decreased from 153 (95% confidence interval [CI] 139-167) per 100,000 in 1993/4 to 117 (95% CI 107-128) in 2010 (P < .05 for trend test) but was similar over time among females (107 (95% CI 97-116) to 102 (95%CI 94-111), P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the GCNKSS population, TIA incidence decreased significantly over time in males but not females, data which parallels trends in ischemic stroke in the GCNKSS over the same time period. Future research is needed to determine if these sex differences in incidence over time continue past 2010.

Stroke Center Certification Is Associated With Improved Guideline Concordance.

Measurement of quality of stroke care has become increasingly important, but data come mostly from programs in hospitals that choose to participate in certification programs, which may not be representative of the care provided in nonparticipating hospitals. The authors sought to determine differences in quality of care metric concordance for acute ischemic stroke among hospitals designated as a primary stroke center, comprehensive stroke center, and non-stroke center in a population-based epidemiologic study. Significant differences were found in both patient demographics and in concordance with guideline-based quality metrics. These differences may help inform quality improvement efforts across hospitals involved in certification as well as those that are not.

Genetic Determinants of Cerebral Arterial Adaptation to Flow-loading.

BACKGROUND: In animal models, flow-loading is a necessary and sufficient hemodynamic factor to express the Cerebral Aneurysm (CA) phenotype. Using a rat model, this study characterizes the molecular events that comprise the cerebral arterial response to flow-loading and reveals their significance relating to the CA phenotype. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the molecular events that underlie expansive remodeling of cerebral arteries in two genetically distinct inbred rat strains with differential susceptibility to flow-dependent cerebrovascular pathology. METHODS: Thirty-two rats underwent bilateral common carotid artery ligation (BCL) (n=16) or Sham Surgery (SS) (n=16). Nineteen days later, vertebrobasilar arteries were harvested, histologically examined and analyzed for mRNA and protein expression. Flow-induced changes in histology, mRNA and protein expression were compared between BCL and SS rats. Differences between aneurysm-prone (Long Evans, LE) and resistant (Brown Norway, BN) strains were evaluated. RESULTS: Basilar Artery (BA) medial thickness/luminal diameter ratio was significantly reduced in BCL rats, without significant differences between LE (2.02 fold) and BN (1.94 fold) rats. BCL significantly altered BA expression of mRNA and protein but did not affect blood pressure. Eight genes showed similarly large flow-induced expression changes in LE and BN rats. Twenty-six flow responsive genes showed differences in flow-induced expression between LE and BN rats. The Cthrc1, Gsta3, Tgfb3, Ldha, Myo1d, Ermn, PTHrp, Rgs16 and TRCCP genes showed the strongest flow responsive expression, with the largest difference between LE and BN rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals specific molecular biological responses involved in flow-induced expansive remodeling of cerebral arteries that may influence differential expression of flowdependent cerebrovascular pathology.

Prehospital neurological deterioration in stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with stroke can experience neurological deterioration in the prehospital setting. We evaluated patients with stroke to determine factors associated with prehospital neurological deterioration (PND). METHODS: Among the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region (population ~1.3 million), we screened all 15 local hospitals' admissions from 2010 for acute stroke and included patients aged ≥20. The GCS was compared between emergency medical services (EMS) arrival and hospital arrival, with decrease ≥2 points considered PND. Data obtained retrospectively included demographics, medical history and medication use, stroke subtype (eg, ischaemic stroke (IS), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)) and IS subtype (eg, small vessel, large vessel, cardioembolic), seizure at onset, time intervals between symptom onset, EMS arrival and hospital arrival, EMS level of training, and blood pressure and serum glucose on EMS arrival. RESULTS: Of 2708 total patients who had a stroke, 1092 patients (median (IQR) age 74 (61-83) years; 56% women; 21% black) were analysed. PND occurred in 129 cases (12%), including 9% of IS, 24% of ICH and 16% of SAH. In multivariable analysis, black race, atrial fibrillation, haemorrhagic subtype and ALS level of transport were associated with PND. CONCLUSION: Haemorrhage and atrial fibrillation is associated with PND in stroke, and further investigation is needed to establish whether PND can be predicted. Further studies are also needed to assess whether preferential transport of patients with deterioration to hospitals equipped with higher levels of care is beneficial, identify why race is associated with deterioration and to test therapies targeting PND.

Towards phenotyping stroke: Leveraging data from a large-scale epidemiological study to detect stroke diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: 1) To develop a machine learning approach for detecting stroke cases and subtypes from hospitalization data, 2) to assess algorithm performance and predictors on real-world data collected by a large-scale epidemiology study in the US; and 3) to identify directions for future development of high-precision stroke phenotypic signatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We utilized 8,131 hospitalization events (ICD-9 codes 430-438) collected from the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study in 2005 and 2010. Detailed information from patients' medical records was abstracted for each event by trained research nurses. By analyzing the broad list of demographic and clinical variables, the machine learning algorithms predicted whether an event was a stroke case and, if so, the stroke subtype. The performance was validated on gold-standard labels adjudicated by stroke physicians, and results were compared with stroke classifications based on ICD-9 discharge codes, as well as labels determined by study nurses. RESULTS: The best performing machine learning algorithm achieved a performance of 88.57%/93.81%/92.80%/93.30%/89.84%/98.01% (accuracy/precision/recall/F-measure/area under ROC curve/area under precision-recall curve) on stroke case detection. For detecting stroke subtypes, the algorithm yielded an overall accuracy of 87.39% and greater than 85% precision on individual subtypes. The machine learning algorithms significantly outperformed the ICD-9 method on all measures (P value<0.001). Their performance was comparable to that of study nurses, with better tradeoff between precision and recall. The feature selection uncovered a subset of predictive variables that could facilitate future development of effective stroke phenotyping algorithms. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: By analyzing a broad array of patient data, the machine learning technologies held promise for improving detection of stroke diagnosis, thus unlocking high statistical power for subsequent genetic and genomic studies.