The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Neurosurgical Intervention in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma: Data From 121 Surgically Treated Participants From the Tranexamic Acid in IntraCerebral Hemorrhage-2 Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An important proportion of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) undergo neurosurgical intervention to reduce mass effect from large hematomas and control the complications of bleeding, including hematoma expansion and hydrocephalus. The Tranexamic acid (TXA) for hyperacute primary IntraCerebral Hemorrhage (TICH-2) trial demonstrated that tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces the risk of hematoma expansion. We hypothesized that TXA would reduce the frequency of surgery (primary outcome) and improve functional outcome at 90 days in surgically treated patients in the TICH-2 data set. METHODS: Participants enrolled in TICH-2 were randomized to placebo or TXA. Participants randomized to either TXA or placebo were analyzed for whether they received neurosurgery within 7 days and their characteristics, outcomes, hematoma volumes (HVs) were compared. Characteristics and outcomes of participants who received surgery were also compared with those who did not. RESULTS: Neurosurgery was performed in 5.2% of participants (121/2325), including craniotomy (57%), hematoma drainage (33%), and external ventricular drainage (21%). The number of patients receiving surgery who received TXA vs placebo were similar at 4.9% (57/1153) and 5.5% (64/1163), respectively (odds ratio [OR] 0.893; 95% CI 0.619-1.289; P-value = .545). TXA did not improve outcome compared with placebo in either surgically treated participants (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.30-2.09; P = .64) or those undergoing hematoma evacuation by drainage or craniotomy (OR 1.19 95% 0.51-2.78; P-value = .69). Postoperative HV was not reduced by TXA (mean difference -8.97 95% CI -23.77, 5.82; P-value = .45). CONCLUSION: TXA was not associated with less neurosurgical intervention, reduced HV, or improved outcomes after surgery.

Muscle mass as a modifier of stress response in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Stroke triggers a systemic inflammatory response over the ensuing days after the cerebral insult. The age and comorbidities of the stroke population make them a vulnerable population for low muscle mass and sarcopenia, the latter being another clinical condition that is closely associated with inflammation, as shown by increased levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). In this study, we evaluated the relationship between post-stroke NLR changes and muscle mass in a prospective cohort of acute ischemic stroke patients (n = 102) enrolled in the Muscle Assessment in Stroke Study Turkey (MASS-TR). Admission lumbar computed tomography images were used to determine the cross-sectional muscle area of skeletal muscles at L3 vertebra level and calculate the skeletal muscle index (SMI). The median (IQR) SMI was 44.7 (39.1-52.5) cm2/m2, and the NLR at admission and follow-up were 4.2 (3.0-10.5) and 9.4 (5.7-16.2), respectively. While there was no relationship between SMI and admission NLR, a significant inverse correlation was observed between SMI and follow-up NLR (r = - 0.26; P = 0.007). Lower SMI remained significantly associated (P = 0.036) with higher follow-up NLR levels in multivariate analysis. Our findings highlight the importance of muscle mass as a novel factor related to the level of post-stroke stress response.

The European Academy of Neurology NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force: A lesson for the future.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has made its mark on world history forever causing millions of deaths, and straining health systems, economies, and societies worldwide. The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) reacted promptly. A special NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force was set up at the beginning of the pandemic to promote knowledge, research, international collaborations, and raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of COVID-19-related neurological issues. METHODS: Activities carried out during and after the pandemic by the EAN NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force are described. The main aim was to review all these initiatives in detail as an overarching lesson from the past to improve the present and be better prepared in case of future pandemics. RESULTS: During the pandemic, the Task Force was engaged in several initiatives: the creation of the EAN NEuro-covid ReGistrY (ENERGY); the launch of several surveys (neurological manifestations of COVID-19 infection; the pandemic's impact on patients with chronic neurological diseases; the pandemic's impact of restrictions for clinical practice, curricular training, and health economics); the publication of position papers regarding the management of patients with neurological diseases during the pandemic, and vaccination hesitancy among people with chronic neurological disorders; and the creation of a dedicated "COVID-19 Breaking News" section in EANpages. CONCLUSIONS: The EAN NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force was immediately engaged in various activities to participate in the fight against COVID-19. The Task Force's concerted strategy may serve as a foundation for upcoming global neurological emergencies.

General neurology: Current challenges and future implications.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the coming decades, the world will face an increasing burden of neurological disorders (ND) and an urgent need to promote brain health. These challenges contrast with an insufficient neurological workforce in most countries, as well as decreasing numbers of general neurologists and neurologists attracted to work in general neurology (GN). This white paper aims to review the current situation of GN and reflect on its future. METHODS: The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) task force (TF) met nine times between November 2021 and June 2023. During the 2023 EAN annual meeting, attendees were asked to answer five questions concerning the future of GN. The document was sent for suggestions and eventually approval to the board and the presidents of the 47 national societies of the EAN. RESULTS: The TF first identified four relevant current and future challenges related to GN: (i) definition, (ii) practice, (iii) education, and (iv) research. The TF then identified seven initiatives to further develop GN at both the academic and community level. Finally, the TF formulated 16 recommendations to promote GN in the future. CONCLUSIONS: GN will remain essential in the coming decades to provide rapid, accessible, and comprehensive management of patients with ND that is affordable and cost-effective. There is also a need for research, education, and other initiatives aiming to facilitate improved working conditions, recognition, and prestige for those pursuing a career in GN.

Climate Change and Stroke: A Topical Narrative Review.

The impacts of accumulating atmospheric greenhouse gases on the earth's climate are now well established. As a result, there have been increases in ambient temperatures and resultant higher frequency and duration of temperature extremes and other extreme weather events, which have been linked to a wide range of adverse health outcomes. This topical narrative review provides a summary of published evidence on the links between climate change and stroke. There is consistent evidence of associations between stroke incidence and mortality and increasing ambient temperature and air pollution. Associations have also been shown for changes in barometric pressure, wildfires, and desert dust and sandstorms, but current evidence is limited. Flooding and other extreme weather events appear to primarily cause service disruption, but more direct links to stroke may emerge. Synergies between dietary changes that reduce stroke risk and may also reduce carbon footprint are being explored. We also discuss the impact on vulnerable populations, proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms, mitigation strategies, and current research priorities. In conclusion, climate change increasingly impacts the stroke community, warranting elevated attention.

The COVID-19 pandemic and neurology: A survey on previous and continued restrictions for clinical practice, curricular training, and health economics.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health systems worldwide. Here, we assessed the pandemic's impact on clinical service, curricular training, and financial burden from a neurological viewpoint during the enforced lockdown periods and the assumed recovery by 2023. METHODS: An online 18-item survey was conducted by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force among the EAN community. The survey was online between February and March 2023. Questions related to general, demographic, clinical, work, education, and economic aspects. RESULTS: We collected 430 responses from 79 countries. Most health care professionals were aged 35-44 years, with >15 years of work experience. The key findings of their observations were as follows. (i) Clinical services were cut back in all neurological subspecialties during the most restrictive COVID-19 lockdown period. The most affected neurological subspecialties were services for patients with dementia, and neuromuscular and movement disorders. The levels of reduction and the pace of recovery were distinct for acute emergencies and in- and outpatient care. Recovery was slow for sleep medicine, autonomic nervous system disorders, neurorehabilitation, and dementia care. (ii) Student and residency rotations and grand rounds were reorganized, and congresses were converted into a virtual format. Conferences are partly maintained in a hybrid format. (iii) Affordability of neurological care and medication shortage are emerging issues. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of neurological services up to spring 2023 has been incomplete following substantial disruption of neurological care, medical education, and health economics in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The continued limitations for the delivery of neurological care threaten brain health and call for action on a global scale.

Environmental factors and stroke: Risk and prevention.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and adult disability globally. In addition to traditional risk factors, environmental risk factors have emerged over the recent past and are becoming increasingly important. The disproportionate rise of stroke incidence in low- and middle-income countries has been attributed, at least in part, to environmental factors. This narrative review provides details on the interplay between the environment and health generally and stroke specifically, covering topics including air pollution, atmospheric brown clouds, desert dust storms, giant wildfires, chemical contamination, biological aggressors, urbanization, and climate change. It also covers some beneficial environmental effects such as can be harnessed from the exposure to green spaces. It concludes with a summary of pragmatic actions that can be taken to help address some of these challenges at individual, community, and political advocacy levels.

The First Case of Burkholderia cepacia-Induced Myasthenic Crisis.

We report the case of a 62-year-old male patient with a previous diagnosis of myasthenia gravis who experienced a myasthenic crisis due to a lower respiratory tract infection caused by Burkholderia cepacia. The patient was admitted to the neuro-intensive care unit and received ventilatory support to address respiratory insufficiency. Treatment included tigecycline and piperacillin-tazobactam for the suspected bacterial infection, as well as targeted management for the myasthenic crisis. Following a successful recovery and favorable clinical response, this case report aims to contribute to the literature by discussing the patient's presentation and exploring the incidence and characteristics of B. cepacia-related myasthenic crisis.

Relationship of tryptophan metabolites with the type and severity of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid primarily metabolized by the kynurenine pathway in mammals. Intermediate metabolites emerging in this pathway have been associated with many neurogenerative diseases. This study aimed to compare tryptophan pathway metabolite levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls and reveal the relationship of tryptophan metabolites with disease subtype and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. METHODS: The study included a total of 80 MS cases [53 with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and 27 with secondary progressive MS (SPMS)] and 41 healthy volunteers. The patients with RRMS were further divided into relapse (RRMS-attack) and non-attack (RRMS-stable) groups. Using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid levels were measured. The serum metabolite levels of the patient and control groups were compared. In addition, the link and relationship between the EDSS score and disease duration of the patients and their plasma tryptophan metabolite levels were examined. RESULTS: The tryptophan level of the patient group was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls (p<0.05). The kynurenine (105.38±65.43), quinolinic acid (10.42±3.56), kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (0.0218±0.019), and quinolinic acid/kynurenic acid ratio (1.7054±0.96141) of the patients with MS were significantly higher compared to the controls (p<0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis of the power of kynurenine/tryptophan and quinolinic acid/kynurenic acid ratios in predicting the disease, both ratios predicted the diagnosis of MS (area under the curve: 0.793 and 0.645, respectively; p<0.05), albeit at low sensitivity and specificity. The parameters were similar between the RRMS-attack and RRMS-stable patient groups (p>0.05). There was also no significant difference between the RRMS and SPMS patient groups in terms of tryptophan metabolites (p>0.05). Lastly, no significant relationship was observed between tryptophan metabolites and MS subtype and the EDSS score. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that the kynurenine pathway involved in the tryptophan metabolism differed between the patients with MS and healthy controls, and this difference may be a limited guide in the diagnosis of MS, due to major overlaps in values for MS versus Controls, and is insufficient to determine the disease subtype.

Effects of blood pressure and tranexamic acid in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: a secondary analysis of a large randomised controlled trial.

Background: Tranexamic acid reduced haematoma expansion and early death, but did not improve functional outcome in the tranexamic acid for hyperacute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage-2 (TICH-2) trial. In a predefined subgroup, there was a statistically significant interaction between prerandomisation baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the effect of tranexamic acid on functional outcome (p=0.019). Methods: TICH-2 was an international prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial evaluating intravenous tranexamic acid in patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Prerandomisation baseline SBP was split into predefined ≤170 and >170 mm Hg groups. The primary outcome at day 90 was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), a measure of dependency, analysed using ordinal logistic regression. Haematoma expansion was defined as an increase in haematoma volume of >33% or >6 mL from baseline to 24 hours. Data are OR or common OR (cOR) with 95% CIs, with significance at p<0.05. Results: Of 2325 participants in TICH-2, 1152 had baseline SBP≤170 mm Hg and were older, had larger lobar haematomas and were randomised later than 1173 with baseline SBP>170 mm Hg. Tranexamic acid was associated with a favourable shift in mRS at day 90 in those with baseline SBP≤170 mm Hg (cOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.91, p=0.005), but not in those with baseline SBP>170 mm Hg (cOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.30, p=0.63). In those with baseline SBP≤170 mm Hg, tranexamic acid reduced haematoma expansion (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.82, p=0.001), but not in those with baseline SBP>170 mm Hg (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.35, p=0.90). Conclusions: Tranexamic acid was associated with improved clinical and radiological outcomes in ICH patients with baseline SBP≤170 mm Hg. Further research is needed to establish whether certain subgroups may benefit from tranexamic acid in acute ICH. Trial registration number: ISRCTN93732214.

Evaluation of the relationship between the morphometric structure of the pituitary gland and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between fatigue and disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is known. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the morphometric dimensions of the pituitary gland with fatigue and disability. METHOD: This research, designed as a prospective and case-control study, included 85 MS patients and 45 healthy controls. The disability was evaluated using the expanded disability rating scale (EDSS), while fatigue was determined using the fatigue severity scale (FSS) and the neurological fatigue index (NFI-MS). The morphometric structure of the pituitary gland was measured using a coronal, T2-weighted, turbo-spin-echo sequence of magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: FSS and NFI-MS scores were higher in MS patients than in the control group (p = 0.001). Patients with a progressive and moderate-to-severe disability had a higher FSS score (p = 0.015; p = 0.002, respectively). A positive correlation was determined between disease duration, attack frequency, and EDSS and physical fatigue subscale score (p = 0.001; r = 0.383; 0.373; 0.545, respectively). The height and width of the pituitary gland were higher in MS patients (p = 0.021; p = 0.001, respectively). Pituitary gland height was higher in fatigued patients (p = 0.041). A low-positive correlation was determined between the number of attacks and the height of the pituitary gland (p = 0.027, r = 0.231). CONCLUSION: The difference in the dimensions of the pituitary gland in MS patients, especially in the fatigued group, supports the relationship of fatigue with morphometric features as well as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Comparative features and outcomes of major neurological complications of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection and compare phenotypes and outcomes in infected patients with and without selected neurological manifestations. METHODS: The data source was a registry established by the European Academy of Neurology during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Neurologists collected data on patients with COVID-19 seen as in- and outpatients and in emergency rooms in 23 European and seven non-European countries. Prospective and retrospective data included patient demographics, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, main COVID-19 complications, hospital and intensive care unit admissions, diagnostic tests, and outcome. Acute/subacute selected neurological manifestations in patients with COVID-19 were analysed, comparing individuals with and without each condition for several risk factors. RESULTS: By July 31, 2021, 1523 patients (758 men, 756 women, and nine intersex/unknown, aged 16-101 years) were registered. Neurological manifestations were diagnosed in 1213 infected patients (79.6%). At study entry, 978 patients (64.2%) had one or more chronic general or neurological comorbidities. Predominant acute/subacute neurological manifestations were cognitive dysfunction (N = 449, 29.5%), stroke (N = 392, 25.7%), sleep-wake disturbances (N = 250, 16.4%), dysautonomia (N = 224, 14.7%), peripheral neuropathy (N = 145, 9.5%), movement disorders (N = 142, 9.3%), ataxia (N = 134, 8.8%), and seizures (N = 126, 8.3%). These manifestations tended to differ with regard to age, general and neurological comorbidities, infection severity and non-neurological manifestations, extent of association with other acute/subacute neurological manifestations, and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COVID-19 and neurological manifestations present with distinct phenotypes. Differences in age, general and neurological comorbidities, and infection severity characterize the various neurological manifestations of COVID-19.

Assessment of safety and feasibility of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) using a hand-held stimulator placed on the neck is an FDA-approved treatment for primary headache disorders. The safety of nVNS is unknown in stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and feasibility of nVNS for the acute treatment of stroke. METHODS: TR-VENUS (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03733431) was a randomized, sham-controlled, open-label, multicenter trial conducted in patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Patients were randomly assigned to standard-dose nVNS, high-dose nVNS, or sham stimulation. The primary endpoint was a composite safety outcome defined as bradycardia or reduction in mean arterial blood pressure during treatment or progression of neurological or death within 24 h of treatment. The feasibility endpoints were the proportion of eligible subjects receiving nVNS within 6 h of symptom onset and the proportion completing all pre-specified treatment doses. Efficacy assessments included infarct growth from baseline to 24 h after treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients (61 IS, 8 ICH) completed the study. The composite safety outcome was achieved in 32.0% in sham and 47.7% in nVNS group (p = 0.203). Treatment was initiated in all but two randomized patients. All dosed subjects received 100% of prespecified stimulations. A non-significant reduction in infarct growth was observed in the high-dose nVNS group (184.2% in sham vs. 63.3% in high-dose nVNS; p = 0.109). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that nVNS may be safe and feasible in the setting of acute stroke. These findings support further development of nVNS as a potential treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

Evaluation of the Effect of Air Pollution on Cognitive Functions, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia.

The incidence of dementia increases with aging. It is known that the disease brings with it many problems for patients and caregivers. Studies on the development of various treatment modalities for the disease continue. However, the main step in the management of this process is the identification of dementia risk factors. The prevalence of dementia is higher in those living in urban areas where exposure to air pollution and chemical effects is higher. This situation supports the relationship of air pollution, which has increased especially in the last decade, with the increase in cognitive decline and dementia frequency. Exposure to air pollution is one of the well-known causes of neurological diseases. This condition was associated with significant disability and early mortality. Although the close relationship between cerebrovascular diseases and air pollution is known, current studies also reveal the relationship between neuropsychiatric diseases and air pollution. It has been shown that microparticles inhaled through the respiratory system are responsible for this situation. Although individual sensitivity is prominent in the disease, the etiopathogenetic process remains relatively uncertain. Researchers have detected that the relationship between dementia and air pollution is because of the effects of increased proinflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen radicals. Evaluation of air pollution, which plays a role in the etiopathogenesis of dementia, in the light of current literature and revealing this relationship will provide important contributions in taking the necessary measures to prevent the disease.

Multifocal motor neuropathy after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: a causal or coincidental association?

Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is an immune-mediated and acquired demyelinating motor polyneuropathy. Several cases of polyneuropathy associated with severe acquired respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination have been reported. However, MMN has not been reported as a complication of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In this study, we report a case of MMN with progressive muscle weakness following the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine. It was diagnosed by clinical evaluation and electroneuromyography. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is increasing rapidly all over the world. Some cases of polyneuropathy, especially Guillain-Barré syndrome, have been reported after vaccination. This is the first case report of MMN after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among people with chronic neurological disorders: A position paper.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Health risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection are undisputed. Moreover, the capability of vaccination to prevent symptomatic, severe, and fatal COVID-19 is recognized. There is also early evidence that vaccination can reduce the chance for long COVID-19. Nonetheless, the willingness to get vaccinated and receive booster shots remains subpar among people with neurologic disorders. Vaccine scepticism not only jeopardizes collective efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic but puts individual lives at risk, as some chronic neurologic diseases are associated with a higher risk for an unfavorable COVID-19 course. METHODS: In this position paper, the NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) summarizes the current knowledge on the prognosis of COVID-19 among patients with neurologic disease, elucidates potential barriers to vaccination coverage, and formulates strategies to overcome vaccination hesitancy. A survey among the Task Force members on the phenomenon of vaccination hesitancy among people with neurologic disease supports the lines of argumentation. RESULTS: The study revealed that people with multiple sclerosis and other nervous system autoimmune disorders are most skeptical of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The prevailing concerns included the chance of worsening the pre-existing neurological condition, vaccination-related adverse events, and drug interaction. CONCLUSIONS: The EAN NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force reinforces the key role of neurologists as advocates of COVID-19 vaccination. Neurologists need to argue in the interest of their patients about the overwhelming individual and global benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, they need to keep on eye on this vulnerable patient group, its concerns, and the emergence of potential safety signals.

Short-Term Prognostic Predictive Evaluation in Female Patients With Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction and Aim: Stroke is a disease with high mortality and morbidity. Although studies are generally performed on all patients with stroke, it is known that gender has an effect on etiology and prognosis. This study aimed to determine the importance of clinical stroke scales and laboratory markers in determining the short-term prognosis of female patients with ischemic stroke of anterior circulation. Materials and Methods: The study was planned as a retrospective and cross-sectional study. SEDAN score, the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and THRIVE score applied to the patients at the time of admission were recorded. Admission blood glucose, hemoglobin, leukocyte, urea, albumin, and blood lipid levels were evaluated. The relationship of all these parameters with in-hospital prognosis, mortality, and disability at discharge was examined. The relationship between groups and data was analyzed using the SPSS package program after the normality analysis. Results: In this study, there were 733 female patients with stroke with a mean age of 69.53 ± 14.51 years and 858 male patients with stroke with a mean age of 64.27 ± 13.29 years. Hospitalization time, length of stay in the intensive care unit, ventilation need rate, mortality, and dependency rate were higher in female patients (p = 0.001). The NIHSS, SEDAN, and THRIVE scores were higher in female patients who had in-hospital mortality, had a poor prognosis, and who were discharged as dependent (p = 0.001). GCS was lower in this patient group (p = 0.001). Blood glucose, creatinine, leukocytes, urea, and CRP levels were higher; the albumin and hemoglobin levels was lower in female patients who had fatal outcomes (p = 0.009, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.020; respectively). In female patients who were dependent at discharge, blood urea, glucose, and CRP levels were higher and the albumin levels were lower than those in female patients who achieved functional independence (p = 0.001, 0.016, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our study showed that the short-term prognosis is worse in female patients who had an ischemic stroke of anterior circulation. It also revealed some clinical and laboratory parameters that could predict this situation. More intensive monitoring may be needed to improve prognosis in female patients.

Short- and long-term outcome and predictors in an international cohort of patients with neuro-COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the increasing number of reports on the spectrum of neurological manifestations of COVID-19 (neuro-COVID), few studies have assessed short- and long-term outcome of the disease. METHODS: This is a cohort study enrolling adult patients with neuro-COVID seen in neurological consultation. Data were collected prospectively or retrospectively in the European Academy of Neurology NEuro-covid ReGistrY ((ENERGY). The outcome at discharge was measured using the modified Rankin Scale and defined as 'stable/improved' if the modified Rankin Scale score was equal to or lower than the pre-morbid score, 'worse' if the score was higher than the pre-morbid score. Status at 6 months was also recorded. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed as predictors of outcome at discharge and 6 months. RESULTS: From July 2020 to March 2021, 971 patients from 19 countries were included. 810 (83.4%) were hospitalized. 432 (53.3%) were discharged with worse functional status. Older age, stupor/coma, stroke and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were predictors of worse outcome at discharge. 132 (16.3%) died in hospital. Older age, cancer, cardiovascular complications, refractory shock, stupor/coma and ICU admission were associated with death. 262 were followed for 6 months. Acute stroke or ataxia, ICU admission and degree of functional impairment at discharge were predictors of worse outcome. 65/221 hospitalized patients (29.4%) and 10/32 non-hospitalized patients (24.4%) experienced persisting neurological symptoms/signs. 10/262 patients (3.8%) developed new neurological complaints during the 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Neuro-COVID is a severe disease associated with worse functional status at discharge, particularly in older subjects and those with comorbidities and acute complications of infection.

Effect of continuing versus stopping pre-stroke antihypertensive agents within 12 h on outcome after stroke: A subgroup analysis of the efficacy of nitric oxide in stroke (ENOS) trial.

BACKGROUND: It is not known whether to continue or temporarily stop existing antihypertensive drugs in patients with acute stroke. METHODS: We performed a prospective subgroup analysis of patients enrolled into the Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke (ENOS) trial who were randomised to continue vs stop prior antihypertensive therapy within 12 h of stroke onset. The primary outcome was functional outcome, assessed with the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days by observers blinded to treatment assignment, and analysed with ordinal logistic regression. FINDINGS: Of 4011 patients recruited into ENOS from 2001 to 2014, 2097 patients were randomised to continue vs stop prior antihypertensive treatment, and 384 (18.3%, continue 185, stop 199) were enrolled within 12 h of ictus: mean (SD) age 71.8 (11.8) years, female 193 (50.3%), ischaemic stroke 342 (89.1%) and total anterior circulation syndrome 114 (29.7%). As compared with stopping, continuing treatment within 12 h of onset lowered blood pressure by 15.5/9.6 mmHg (p<0.001/<0.001) by 7 days, shifted the modified Rankin Scale to a worse outcome by day 90, adjusted common odds ratio (OR) 1.46 (95% CI 1.01-2.11), and was associated with an increased death rate by day 90 (hazard ratio 2.17, 95% CI 1.24-3.79). Other outcomes (disability - Barthel Index, quality of life - EQ-visual analogue scale, cognition - telephone mini-mental state examination, and mood - Zung depression scale) were also worse with continuing treatment. INTERPRETATION: In this pre-specified subgroup analysis of the large ENOS trial, continuing prior antihypertensive therapy within 12 h of stroke onset in a predominantly ischaemic stroke population was unsafe with worse functional outcome, disability, cognition, mood, quality of life and increased death. Future studies assessing continuing or stopping prior antihypertensives in the context of thrombectomy are awaited.