Risk Burden of Cancer in Patients Treated With Abbreviated Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After PCI: Analysis of Multicenter Controlled High-Bleeding Risk Trials.

BACKGROUND: Oncological patients with coronary artery disease face an elevated risk of hemorrhagic and ischemic events following percutaneous coronary intervention. Despite medical guidelines recommending minimal dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration for patients with cancer, dedicated data on abbreviated DAPT in this population is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of ischemic and hemorrhagic events in patients with cancer compared with other high-bleeding risk individuals. METHODS: Patient-level data from 4 high-bleeding risk coronary drug-eluting stent studies (ONYX One, LEADERS FREE, LEADERS FREE II, and SENIOR trials) treated with short DAPT were analyzed. The comparison focused on patients with high-bleeding risk with and without cancer, assessing 1-year rates of net adverse clinical events (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] types 3 to 5 bleeding) and major adverse clinical events (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke). RESULTS: A total of 5232 patients were included, of whom 574 individuals had cancer, and 4658 were at high-bleeding risk without previous cancer. Despite being younger with fewer risk factors, patients with cancer had higher net adverse clinical event (HR, 1.25; P=0.01) and major adverse clinical event (HR, 1.26; P=0.02), primarily driven by all-cause mortality and major bleeding (BARC 3-5), but not myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, or repeat revascularization. Cancer was an independent predictor of net adverse clinical event (P=0.005), major adverse clinical event (P=0.01), and major bleeding (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The present work is the first report on abbreviated DAPT dedicated to patients with cancer. Cancer is a major marker of adverse outcomes and these events had high lethality. Despite short DAPT, patients with cancer experienced higher rates of major bleeding compared with patients without cancer with high-bleeding risk, which occurred mainly after DAPT discontinuation. These findings reinforce the need for a more detailed and individualized stratification of those patients. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT03344653, NCT01623180, NCT02843633, NCT0284.

Rare instances of concomitant acute myocardial infarction and stroke.

Cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI) is a term coined to describe concomitant myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. Acute myocardial infarction and stroke, as separate events, constitute some of the most important causes for disability and mortality in aging societies. Stroke can either occur simultaneously with myocardial infarction or become a serious complication of myocardial infarction and/or its treatment. The frequency of CCI has been reported at a 0.009% incidence rate in stroke patients and is associated with an extremely high mortality. Because of the rare occurrence of CCI, there are currently no guidelines for assessing its diagnosis and optimal treatment. Therefore, currently, the management of CCI cases needs to be individualized. Hopefully, in the future, the results of large clinical trials or prospective registries are expected to enhance our understanding of managing concomitant acute MI and stroke. In this review we have focused on the current literacy in the diagnosis and treatment of CCIs. The paper illustrates potential distinct scenarios of CCI through the analysis of three patient cases (Fig. 5, Ref. 65). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: myocardial infarction, stroke, cardio-cerebral infarction, carotid artery stenting, cardiac surgery.

Large variations in atrial fibrillation screening practice after ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack in Sweden: a survey study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is given high priority in clinical guidelines. However, patient selection, electrocardiogram (ECG) modality and screening duration remains undecided and current recommendations vary. METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical practice of AF screening after ischemic stroke or TIA at Swedish stroke units. In collaboration with the stakeholders of the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) a digital survey was drafted, then tested and revised by three stroke consultants. The survey consisted of 17 multiple choice/ free text questions and was sent by e-mail to the medical directors at all stroke units in Sweden. RESULTS: All 72 stroke units in Sweden responded to the survey. Most stroke units reported that ≥ 75% of ischemic stroke (69/72 stroke units) or TIA patients (67/72 stroke units), without previously known AF, were screened for AF. Inpatient telemetry ECG was the method of first-choice in 81% of the units, but 7% reported lack of access. A variety of standard monitoring durations were used for inpatient telemetry ECG. The second most common choice was Holter ECG (17%), also with considerable variations in monitoring duration. Other AF screening modalities were used as a first-choice method (handheld and patch ECG) but less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practice for AF screening after ischemic stroke or TIA differed between Swedish stroke units, both in choice of AF screening methods as well as in monitoring durations. There is an urgent need for evidence and evidence-based recommendations in this field. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Effects of task-based mirror therapy on upper limb motor function in hemiplegia: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Research to date has lacked definitive evidence to determine whether mirror therapy promotes the recovery of upper extremity function after stroke. Considering that previous studies did not stratify patients based on structural retention, this may be one of the reasons for the negative results obtained in many trials. The goal evaluates the efficacy of TBMT (utilizing an innovatively designed mirror) versus standard occupational therapy for stroke patient's upper limb functionality. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This single-center randomized controlled trial will involve 50 patients with stroke. All patients will be randomly assigned to either the task-based mirror therapy or the control group. The interventions will be performed 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes will be the mean change in scores on both the FMA-UE and modified Barthel Index (MBI) from baseline to 4 weeks intervention and at 12 weeks follow-up between the two groups and within groups. The other outcomes will include the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), the Functional Independence Measure, and MRI. DISCUSSION: This trial will not only to establish that task-based mirror therapy (TBMT) could improve the recovery of hand function after stroke but also to explore the underlying mechanisms. We expect that this finding will clarify the brain activation and brain network mechanisms underlying the improvement of hand function with task-oriented mirror therapy and lead to new ideas for stroke hand function rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn ; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2300068855. Registered on March 1, 2023.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Predictive Power of China-PAR Against Cardiovascular Disease.

Background and Purpose: To evaluate the predictive power of the China-PAR model for cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods: Dominate databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, and VIP self-built database, were searched from January 1, 2016 to February 22, 2022. The primary outcome included observed events and predicted events by China-PAR. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Stroke, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), male, and female were divided into subgroup analyses. Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias.Results: A total of nine studies, which included 221,918 participants, were analyzed. Meta-analysis showed the combined observed incidence of CVD was 3.97%, and the combined predicted incidence was 9.59% by China-PAR. There was no significant difference between the observed and the predicted events. Subgroup analysis showed there was no statistical significance between the observed and the predicted events for stroke or for ASCVD. The difference between the observed and the predicted events by China-PAR was not statistically significant in either males or females.Conclusions: China-PAR model has important public health significance to further improve the primary prevention strategy of CVD.

Incidence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment among patients admitted with first stroke at tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, Tanzania: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke survivors develop cognitive impairment, which significantly impacts their quality of life, their families, and the community as a whole but not given attention. This study aims to determine the incidence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) among adult stroke patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Dodoma, Tanzania. METHODOLOGY: A prospective cohort study was conducted at tertiary hospitals in the Dodoma region, central Tanzania. A sample size of 158 participants with the first stroke confirmed by CT/MRI brain aged ≥ 18 years met the criteria. At baseline, social-demographic, cardiovascular risks and stroke characteristics were acquired, and then at 30 days, participants were evaluated for cognitive functioning using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Key confounders for cognitive impairment, such as depression and apathy, were evaluated using the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data; continuous data were reported as Mean (SD) or Median (IQR), and categorical data were summarised using proportions and frequencies. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of PSCI. RESULTS: The median age of the 158 participants was 58.7 years; 57.6% of them were female, and 80.4% of them met the required criteria for post-stroke cognitive impairment. After multivariable logistic regression, left hemisphere stroke (AOR: 5.798, CI: 1.030-32.623, p = 0.046), a unit cm3 increase in infarct volume (AOR: 1.064, 95% CI: 1.018-1.113, p = 0.007), and apathy symptoms (AOR: 12.259, CI: 1.112-89.173, p = 0.041) had a significant association with PSCI. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a significant prevalence of PSCI; early intervention targeting stroke survivors at risk may improve their outcomes. Future research in the field will serve to dictate policies and initiatives.

Prehospital identification of intracerebral haemorrhage: a scoping review of early clinical features and portable devices.

INTRODUCTION: Prehospital identification of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in suspected stroke cases may enable the initiation of appropriate treatments and facilitate better-informed transport decisions. This scoping review aims to examine the literature to identify early clinical features and portable devices for the detection of ICH in the prehospital setting. METHODS: Three databases were searched via Ovid (MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL) from inception to August 2022 using prespecified search strategies. One reviewer screened all titles, abstracts and full-text articles for eligibility, while a second reviewer independently screened 20% of the literature during each screening stage. Data extracted were tabulated to summarise the key findings. RESULTS: A total of 6803 articles were screened for eligibility, of which 22 studies were included for analysis. Among them, 15 studies reported on early clinical features, while 7 considered portable devices. Associations between age, sex and comorbidities with the presence of ICH varied across studies. However, most studies reported that patients with ICH exhibited more severe neurological deficits (n=6) and higher blood pressure levels (n=11) at onset compared with other stroke and non-stroke diagnoses. Four technologies were identified for ICH detection: microwave imaging technology, volumetric impedance phase shift spectroscopy, transcranial ultrasound and electroencephalography. Microwave and ultrasound imaging techniques showed promise in distinguishing ICH from other diagnoses. CONCLUSION: This scoping review has identified potential clinical features for the identification of ICH in suspected stroke patients. However, the considerable heterogeneity among the included studies precludes meta-analysis of available data. Moreover, we have explored portable devices to enhance ICH identification. While these devices have shown promise in detecting ICH, further technological development is required to distinguish between stroke subtypes (ICH vs ischaemic stroke) and non-stroke diagnoses.

The factors influencing the occurrence of post-ischemic stroke depression and its relationship with the burden score of cerebral small vessel disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the determinants of post-stroke depression (PSD) in ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and its association with the burden score of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 374 AIS patients treated between January 2020 and January 2022. Patients were categorized into 90 with PSD and 284 without PSD, enabling an investigation into PSD risk factors and the CSVD-PSD relationship. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in health factors between PSD and non-PSD patients (p>0.05). However, significant disparities were noted in age, gender, initial Barthel Index (BI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine, red cell distribution width, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and CSVD burden score (p<0.05). Regression analysis indicated that these variables were pivotal PSD predictors (OR>1, p<0.05). Surprisingly, a positive correlation with PSD occurrence was found for age, NIHSS score, plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine levels, red cell distribution width, CSVD burden score (r=0.565, 0.615, 0.482, 0.514, 0.572, 0.608, respectively; p<0.05). Meanwhile, the MMSE score and BI index were inversely related to PSD onset (r=-0.604, -0.590; p<0.05). The ROC curve analysis of the combination model based on MMSE, NIHSS and CSVD score revealed an AUC of 0.926 and Youden's index of 0.744. CONCLUSIONS: Age, MMSE score, BI index, NIHSS score, plasma fibrinogen concentration, homocysteine level, red blood cell distribution width, and CSVD burden score are all major influencing factors in the occurrence of PSD. The combination model based on MMSE, NIHSS, and CSVD scores presented a valuable approach to predicting PSD.

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Reporting in Medicare Claims Data: Reporting in the First 3 Years.

BACKGROUND: Since 2016, hospitals have been able to document International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes for the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). As of 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services uses NIHSS as a risk adjustment variable. We assessed associations between patient- and hospital-level variables and contemporary NIHSS reporting. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 2019 acute ischemic stroke admissions using deidentified, national 100% inpatient Medicare Fee-For-Service data sets. We identified index acute ischemic stroke admissions using the ICD-10-CM code I63.x and abstracted demographic information, medical comorbidities, hospital characteristics, and NIHSS. We linked Medicare and Mount Sinai Health System (New York, NY) registry data from 2016 to 2019. We calculated NIHSS documentation at the patient and hospital levels, predictors of documentation, change over time, and concordance with local data. RESULTS: There were 231 383 index acute ischemic stroke admissions in 2019. NIHSS was documented in 44.4% of admissions and by 66.5% of hospitals. Hospitals that documented ≥1 NIHSS were more commonly teaching hospitals (39.0% versus 5.5%; standardized mean difference score, 0.88), stroke certified (37.2% versus 8.0%; standardized mean difference score, 0.75), higher volume (mean, 80.8 [SD, 92.6] versus 6.33 [SD, 14.1]; standardized mean difference score, 1.12), and had intensive care unit availability (84.9% versus 23.2%; standardized mean difference score, 1.57). Adjusted odds of documentation were lower for patients with inpatient mortality (odds ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.61-0.68]; P<0.0001), in nonmetropolitan areas (odds ratio, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.40-0.61]; P<0.0001), and male sex (odds ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.93-0.97]; P<0.0001). NIHSS was documented for 52.9% of Medicare cases versus 93.1% of registry cases, and 74.7% of Medicare NIHSS scores equaled registry admission NIHSS. CONCLUSIONS: Missing ICD-10-CM NIHSS data remain widespread 3 years after the introduction of the ICD-10-CM NIHSS code, and there are systematic differences in reporting at the patient and hospital levels. These findings support continued assessment of NIHSS reporting and caution in its application to risk adjustment models.

The non-paretic-hand-to-opposite-ear test: A simple test to detect aphasia and neglect and an indicator of large anterior vessel occlusion in patients with suspected acute stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Aphasia and neglect in combination with hemiparesis are reliable indicators of large anterior vessel occlusion (LAVO). Prehospital identification of these symptoms is generally considered difficult by emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. Therefore, we evaluated the simple non-paretic-hand-to-opposite-ear (NPE) test to identify aphasia and neglect with a single test. As the NPE test includes a test for arm paresis, we also evaluated the diagnostic ability of the NPE test to detect LAVO in patients with suspected stroke. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we performed the NPE test in 1042 patients with suspected acute stroke between May 2021 and May 2022. We analyzed the correlation between the NPE test and the aphasia/neglect items of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Additionally, the predictive values of the NPE test for LAVO detection were calculated. RESULTS: The NPE test showed a strong, significant correlation with both aphasia and neglect. A positive NPE test result predicted LAVO with a sensitivity of 0.70, a specificity of 0.88, and an accuracy of 0.85. Logistic regression analysis showed an odds ratio of 16.14 (95% confidence interval 10.82-24.44) for predicting LAVO. CONCLUSION: The NPE test is a simple test for the detection of both aphasia and neglect. With its predictive values for LAVO detection being comparable to the results of LAVO scores in the prehospital setting, this simple test might be a promising test for prehospital LAVO detection by EMS personnel. Further prospective prehospital validation is needed.

National Trends of Vascular Risk Factor Control Among Stroke Survivors: From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary data describing the national trends on vascular risk factor control among stroke survivors are limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2009 to 2010 to 2017 to March 2020. Adults (≥18 years of age) with a self-reported diagnosis of stroke were identified. Age-adjusted trends in hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia control were examined. Sex and racial differences in vascular risk factor control were also investigated. Among 32 497 adult individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1354 participants (4.2%) self-reported a prior diagnosis of stroke (55% were women). The rates of age-adjusted blood pressure control worsened when using the cutoff <140/90 mm Hg (79.1% in 2009-2010 versus 61.5% in 2017-March 2020, Ptrend<0.001) and using the cutoff <130/80 mm Hg (53.3% in 2009-2010 versus 38.6% in 2017-March 2020, Ptrend=0.006). Age-adjusted diabetes control (hemoglobin A1c <7 mg/dL) did not significantly change during the study period (88.8% in 2009-2010 versus 85.9% in 2017-March 2020, Ptrend=0.41). Achieving a total cholesterol level <200 mg/dL did not change during the study period (67.3% in 2009-2010 versus 73.3% in 2017-March 2020, Ptrend=0.16). These findings were mostly consistent in men and women and across the different racial and ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, secondary prevention was suboptimal for stroke survivors, and there has not been any major significant improvement in the rates of achieving the recommended targets for vascular risk factors during the past decade. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve these modifiable risk factors.

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Cognitive Function Over 12 Months After Stroke-Results of the DEMDAS Study.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical myocardial injury in form of hs-cTn (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin)  levels has been associated with cognitive impairment and imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) in population-based and cardiovascular cohorts. Whether hs-cTn is associated with domain-specific cognitive decline and SVD burden in patients with stroke remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed patients with acute stroke without premorbid dementia from the prospective multicenter DEMDAS (DZNE [German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease]-Mechanisms of Dementia after Stroke) study. Patients underwent neuropsychological testing 6 and 12 months after the index event. Test results were classified into 5 cognitive domains (language, memory, executive function, attention, and visuospatial function). SVD markers (lacunes, cerebral microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and enlarged perivascular spaces) were assessed on cranial magnetic resonance imaging to constitute a global SVD score. We examined the association between hs-cTnT (hs-cTn T levels) and cognitive domains as well as the global SVD score and individual SVD markers, respectively. Measurement of cognitive and SVD-marker analyses were performed in 385 and 466 patients with available hs-cTnT levels, respectively. In analyses adjusted for demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and cognitive status at baseline, higher hs-cTnT was negatively associated with the cognitive domains "attention" up to 12 months of follow-up (beta-coefficient, -0.273 [95% CI, -0.436 to -0.109]) and "executive function" after 12 months. Higher hs-cTnT was associated with the global SVD score (adjusted odds ratio, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.27-3.00]) and the white matter hyperintensities and lacune subscores. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stroke, hs-cTnT is associated with a higher burden of SVD markers and cognitive function in domains linked to vascular cognitive impairment. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01334749.

Disparities in Race and Ethnicity Reporting and Representation for Clinical Trials in Stroke: 2010 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic minority groups are at a higher stroke risk and have poor poststroke outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of race reporting and proportions of race and ethnicity representation in stroke-related clinical trials. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a descriptive study of stroke-related clinical trials completed between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020, and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Trials conducted in the United States, related to stroke and enrolling participants ≥18 years, were considered eligible. Trials were reviewed for availability of published results, data on race and ethnicity distribution, and trial characteristics. Overall, 60.1% of published trials reported race or ethnicity of participants, with a 2.6-fold increase in reporting between 2010 and 2020. White patients represented 65.0% of the participants, followed by 24.8% Black, 2.4% Asian or Pacific Islander, and <1% Native American and multiracial participants; 9.0% were of Hispanic ethnicity. These trends remained consistent throughout the study period, except in 2018, when a higher proportion of Black participants (53.1%) was enrolled compared with White participants (35.8%). Trials with the National Institutes of Health/federal funding had higher enrollment of Black (28.1%) and Hispanic (13.8%) participants compared with other funding sources. Behavioral intervention trials had the most diverse enrollment with equal enrollment of Black and White participants (41.1%) and 14.5% Hispanic participants. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increase in race and ethnicity reporting between 2010 and 2020, the representation of racial and ethnic minority groups remains low in stroke trials. Funding initiatives may influence diversity efforts in trial enrollment.

Duration of Remote Ischemic Conditioning and Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic conditioning has been found to be effective in improving functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the RICAMIS (Remote Ischemic Conditioning for Acute Moderate Ischemic Stroke) trial to determine whether long-term remote ischemic conditioning duration after stroke onset is associated with better clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients from the full analysis set were included in this secondary analysis. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with an excellent functional outcome at 90 days, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 1. Among the 1776 patients, there were 55 patients in the 1 to 7 days remote ischemic conditioning group, 345 in the 8 to 10 days group, 412 in the 11 to 13 days group, 51 in the 14 to 16 days group, and 913 in the control group. Compared with the control group, a significantly higher proportion of excellent functional outcomes at 90 days was found in the 11 to 13 days remote ischemic conditioning group (adjusted absolute difference, 9.1% [95% CI, 3.7%-14.5%]; P =0.001), which was attenuated in the other groups (adjusted absolute difference in the 8-10 days group, 2.0% [95% CI, -4.0% to 8.0%]; P=0.51; adjusted absolute difference in the 14-16 days group, 7.4% [95% CI, -5.8% to 20.5%]; P=0.27), but compared to the control group, there was lower proportion of excellent functional outcomes in the 1 to 7 days group (adjusted absolute difference, -14.4% [95% CI, -27.8% to 0.0%]; P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with acute moderate ischemic stroke, a higher likelihood of excellent clinical outcome was found in patients with longer duration of remote ischemic conditioning.

Heterogeneity of State Stroke Center Certification and Designation Processes.

BACKGROUND: Stroke centers are critical for the timely diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke and have been associated with improved treatment and outcomes; however, variability exists in the definitions and processes used to certify and designate these centers. Our study categorizes state stroke center certification and designation processes and provides examples of state processes across the United States, specifically in states with independent designation processes that do not rely on national certification. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study from September 2022 to April 2023, we used peer-reviewed literature, primary source documents from states, and communication with state officials in all 50 states to capture each state's process for stroke center certification and designation. We categorized this information and outlined examples of processes in each category. RESULTS: Our cross-sectional study of state-level stroke center certification and designation processes across states reveals significant heterogeneity in the terminology used to describe state processes and the processes themselves. We identify 3 main categories of state processes: No State Certification or Designation Process (category A; n=12), State Designation Reliant on National Certification Only (category B; n=24), and State Has Option for Self-Certification or Independent Designation (category C; n=14). Furthermore, we describe 3 subcategories of self-certification or independent state designation processes: State Relies on Self-Certification or Independent Designation for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital or Equivalent (category C1; n=3), State Has Hybrid Model for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital or Equivalent (category C2; n=5), and State Has Hybrid Model for Primary Stroke Center and Above (category C3; n=6). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found significant heterogeneity in state-level processes. A better understanding of how these differences may impact the rigor of each process and clinical performance of stroke centers is worthy of further investigation.

Trajectories of stroke severity and functional outcomes after endovascular treatment in ischemic stroke: A post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The trajectory of early neurological changes in patients with acute ischemic stroke has been understudied. This study aimed to investigate the association between longitudinal trajectories of stroke severity and 90-day functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving endovascular treatment. METHODS: We enrolled patients from a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. The stroke severity was assessed with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at the pre-procedure, 24 hours, and seven days after the procedure. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify trajectories of stroke severity. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore the association between stroke severity markers and 90-day functional outcomes. RESULTS: Of 218 enrolled patients, 127 (58.3%) had poor functional outcomes at 90 days. We identified three trajectories of stroke severity in the GBTM: stable symptom (38.1%), symptom deterioration (17.0%), and symptom improvement (44.9%). In multivariable analyses, trajectories of stroke severity were associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes (symptom improvement versus symptom deterioration: odds ratio, 0.007; 95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.040; P <0.001). Reclassification indexes revealed that trajectories of stroke severity would increase the predictive ability for poor functional outcomes at 90 days. CONCLUSION: After endovascular treatment, patients would follow one of three distinct trajectories of stroke severity. Symptom deterioration trajectory was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes at 90 days. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04973332.

Addressing Disparities in Acute Stroke Management and Prognosis.

There are now abundant data demonstrating disparities in acute stroke management and prognosis; however, interventions to reduce these disparities remain limited. This special report aims to provide a critical review of the current landscape of disparities in acute stroke care and highlight opportunities to use implementation science to reduce disparities throughout the early care continuum. In the prehospital setting, stroke symptom recognition campaigns that have been successful in reducing prehospital delays used a multilevel approach to education, including mass media, culturally tailored community education, and professional education. The mobile stroke unit is an organizational intervention that has the potential to provide more equitable access to timely thrombolysis and thrombectomy treatments. In the hospital setting, interventions to address implicit biases among health care providers in acute stroke care decision-making are urgently needed as part of a multifaceted approach to advance stroke equity. Implementing stroke systems of care interventions, such as evidence-based stroke care protocols at designated stroke centers, can have a broader public health impact and may help reduce geographic, racial, and ethnic disparities in stroke care, although further research is needed. The long-term impact of disparities in acute stroke care cannot be underestimated. The consistent trend of longer time to treatment for Black and Hispanic people experiencing stroke has direct implications on long-term disability and independence after stroke. A learning health system model may help expedite the translation of evidence-based interventions into clinical practice to reduce disparities in stroke care.