Hemodynamic Impairment of Blood Pressure and Stroke Mechanisms in Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic impairment of blood pressure may play a crucial role in determining the mechanisms of stroke in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis). We aimed to elucidate this issue and assess the impacts of modifications to blood pressure on hemodynamic impairment. METHODS: From the Third China National Stroke Registry III, computed fluid dynamics modeling was performed using the Newton-Krylov-Schwarz method in 339 patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis during 2015 to 2018. The major exposures were translesional systolic blood pressure (SBP) drop and poststenotic mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the major study outcomes were cortex-involved infarcts and borderzone-involved infarcts, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models and the bootstrap resampling method were utilized, adjusting for demographics and medical histories. RESULTS: In all, 184 (54.3%) cortex-involved infarcts and 70 (20.6%) borderzone-involved infarcts were identified. In multivariate logistic model, the upper quartile of SBP drop correlated with increased cortex-involved infarcts (odds ratio, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.03-3.57]; bootstrap analysis odds ratio, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.09-3.93]), and the lower quartile of poststenotic MAP may correlate with increased borderzone-involved infarcts (odds ratio, 2.07 [95% CI, 0.95-4.51]; bootstrap analysis odds ratio, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.04-5.45]). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a consistent upward trajectory of the relationship between translesional SBP drop and cortex-involved infarcts, while a downward trajectory between poststenotic MAP and borderzone-involved infarcts. SBP drop correlated with poststenotic MAP negatively (rs=-0.765; P<0.001). In generating hemodynamic impairment, simulating blood pressure modifications suggested that ensuring adequate blood pressure to maintain sufficient poststenotic MAP appears preferable to the reverse approach, due to the prolonged plateau period in the association between the translesional SBP drop and cortex-involved infarcts and the relatively short plateau period characterizing the correlation between poststenotic MAP and borderzone-involved infarcts. CONCLUSIONS: This research elucidates the role of hemodynamic impairment of blood pressure in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis-related stroke mechanisms, underscoring the necessity to conduct hemodynamic assessments when managing blood pressure in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Association between Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio and Adverse Stroke Outcomes among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) is implicated in prothrombotic states and is associated with an increased risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, studies investigating whether the prothrombotic effect of FAR is associated with long-term adverse outcomes in patients with AIS are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association based on The Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III). METHODS: Patients with AIS with complete laboratory data for fibrinogen and albumin in the CNRS-III were included in this study. The primary outcomes were poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale score 3-6) at 12 months, including disability (modified Rankin scale score 3-5), all-cause death, recurrent stroke, and combined vascular events within 1 year. Univariate and multivariate logistic or Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the association between FAR quartiles and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 8984 patients with AIS were enrolled in this study. After one-year follow-up, 238 patients were lost to follow-up. A total of 1230(14.06%) patients had poor functional outcomes; 932(10.37%) and 981(10.92%) experienced stroke recurrence and combined vascular events, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios/hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the highest quartile of the FAR(>11.44) were 1.64(1.35-2.00) for poor functional outcomes, 1.68(1.34-2.10) for disability, 1.40(1.02-1.94) for all-cause death, 1.11(0.92-1.34) for stroke recurrence, and 1.11(0.92-1.33) for combined vascular event, respectively. CONCLUSION: High FAR(>11.44) increased the risk of short- and long-term poor functional outcomes, including disability and all-cause death among patients with AIS. The FAR may play an important role in the early stratification of patients with AIS.

Independent Predictive Value of Elevated YKL-40 in Ischemic Stroke Prognosis: Findings from a Nationwide Stroke Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Elevated circulatory concentrations of YKL-40 have been reported in patients with ischemic stroke. This study further investigated the association of plasma YKL-40 concentrations at admission and short, long-term prognosis after ischemic stroke. METHODS: Based on a prospective, nationwide multicenter registry focusing consecutive patients of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, plasma YKL-40 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at admission, and patients were stratified into percentile according to the plasma YKL-40 concentrations. The multivariate Cox or logistic regression model was used to investigate the association of YKL-40 concentration with death and functional outcomes at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after ischemic stroke, with potential confounders adjusted. RESULTS: A total of 8,006 first-ever ischemic stroke patients, with the age of 61.7 ± 11.5, were included in this study. The mortality of 0-33%, 34-66%, 67-90%, and 91-100% groups at 12 months follow-up was 0.9%, 2.2%, 4.4%, and 9.4%, respectively (p < 0.0001), and the modified Rankin Scale 3-6 ratio was 6.8%, 10.5%, 15.7%, and 24.0%, respectively (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, 91-100% group had higher risk of death (hazard ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.75-5.11)and modified Rankin Scale 3-6 (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.08-1.88) at 12 months since onset of ischemic stroke compared to the 0-33% group. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated YKL-40 at admission can potentially help predict death, functional prognosis after ischemic stroke, which may help further studies to explore the potential physiological and pathological mechanism including the effects of vulnerable plaque and collateral circulation.

Interleukin-6 and YKL-40 predicted recurrent stroke after ischemic stroke or TIA: analysis of 6 inflammation biomarkers in a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Contribution of individual and combined inflammatory markers in prognosis after stroke was still undefined. We aimed to investigate the association of systemic and local vascular inflammatory markers and recurrent stroke as well as impact on poor functional outcome. METHODS: In this pre-specified substudy of the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III), 10,472 consecutive acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients with available centralized-measured levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass (Lp-PLA2) and activity (Lp-PLA2-A), and YKL-40 from 171 sites were enrolled. The primary outcomes consisted of stroke recurrence and poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 2-6 within 1 year. RESULTS: There were 1026 (9.8%) and 2395 (23.4%) patients with recurrent stroke and poor functional outcome within 1 year. The highest quartiles of IL-6 (adjusted HR, 1.36; 95% CI 1.13-1.64; P = 0.001), hsCRP (adjusted HR, 1.41; 95% CI 1.17-1.69; P = 0.0003) and YKL-40 (adjusted HR, 1.28; 95% CI 1.06-1.56; P = 0.01) were associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke; and the highest quartiles of IL-6 (adjusted OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.64-2.27; P < 0.0001), IL-1Ra (adjusted OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.37-1.87; P < 0.0001), hsCRP (adjusted OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.37-1.86; P < 0.0001) and YKL-40 (adjusted OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.03-1.42; P = 0.02) were correlated with increased risk of poor functional outcome. In the multivariate stepwise regression analysis including all markers with backward selection, elevated levels of IL-6 or YKL-40 were associated with recurrent stroke (IL6: OR, 1.34; 95% CI 1.19-1.52; P < 0.0001; YKL-40: OR, 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P = 0.004) and poor functional outcome (IL6: OR, 1.68; 95% CI 1.46-1.93; P < 0.0001; YKL-40: OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P = 0.0001). Adding IL-6 and YKL-40 significantly increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the prediction models of Essen Stroke Risk Score (0.03, P < 0.0001) and Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events Score (0.07, P < 0.0001), and yielded continuous net reclassification improvement (19.0%, P < 0.0001; 33.0, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In the patients with ischemic stroke or TIA, IL-6 and YKL-40 were independently associated with recurrent stroke and poor functional outcome, and improved risk classification of clinical risk algorithms.

Validity of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging in detecting giant cell arteritis: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the performance of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) in detecting giant cell arteritis (GCA), evaluate superficial extracranial artery and other MRI abnormalities, and compare three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) techniques. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were screened up to March 7, 2021, and further selection was performed according to the eligibility criteria. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 was used for quality assessment, and heterogeneity assessment and statistical calculations were also performed. RESULTS: In total, 1851 records were retrieved from online databases, and 15 studies were finally included. Regarding the performance of HR-MRI, the superficial extracranial artery had 75% sensitivity and 89% specificity, respectively, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.91. Positive and negative post-test possibilities were 86% and 20%, respectively, with clinical diagnosis as reference. When referenced with temporal artery biopsy, the sensitivity was 91%, specificity was 78%, AUC was 0.92, and positive and negative post-test possibilities were 78% and 10%, respectively. 3D HR-MRI and 2D HR-MRI had 70% and 72% sensitivity, respectively, and 91% and 84% specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HR-MRI is a valuable imaging modality for GCA diagnosis. It provided high accuracy in the diagnosis of GCA and played a potential role in identifying GCA-related ischemic optic neuropathy. 3D HR-MRI had better specificity than 2D HR-MRI. KEY POINTS: HR-MRI helps clinicians to diagnose GCA. Superficial extracranial arteries and other MRI abnormalities can be assessed with HR-MRI. HR-MRI can help in assessing GCA-related optic neuropathy.

Safety and efficacy of tirofiban combined with endovascular therapy compared with endovascular therapy alone in acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) has been widely used for treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the safety and efficacy of treating AIS with tirofiban combined with EVT remain controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate this treatment. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that compared treatment with tirofiban combined with EVT and EVT alone were included in our meta-analysis. Those published from inception to March 31, 2020, were searched using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Safety was assessed based on symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) incidence and 3-month mortality. Efficacy was assessed based on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 months post-EVT and recanalization rates. Data were analyzed using either the random-effects or fixed-effects model based on the heterogeneity of studies. In total, one RCT, six prospective studies, and four retrospective studies (2387 AIS cases) were assessed. Our meta-analysis showed that tirofiban combined with EVT did not increase sICH risk (RR, 1.06; 95%CI, 0.79 to 1.42; P = 0.72) and 3-month mortality (RR, 0.87; 95%CI, 0.74 to 1.04; P = 0.12). Recanalization rates were not significantly different between patients treated with tirofiban combined with EVT and those treated with EVT alone (RR, 1.04; 95%CI, 1.00 to 1.08; P = 0.07), but tirofiban combined with EVT was significantly associated with favorable functional outcomes (mRS score, 0-2) in AIS patients (RR, 1.13; 95%CI, 1.02 to 1.25; P = 0.02). Tirofiban combined with EVT appears to be safe and potentially effective in treating AIS.

Comparison of three FLAIR vascular hyperintensities methodologies in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Multiple methods have been used to analyze fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVHs) which may represent collaterals in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, there is no consensus between methods. PURPOSE: To compare three frequently used FVH methods for predicting early infarct volume and clinical outcome in patients with AIS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with AIS in middle cerebral artery territory were recruited. FVHs were evaluated using extensive FVHs, FVH-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch, and FVH-in/out-DWI. Infarct volume at baseline and day 7 were measured. Early neurological improvement (ENI) was assessed. Good outcomes were defined by modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-2 at 90 days. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were included. ENI was 55.6% in patients with extensive FVHs and 23.3% in those without (P = 0.024). Patients with extensive FVHs had smaller infarct volume growth at seven days than those without (P = 0.041). ENI was 48.3% in patients with FVH-DWI mismatch and 15.8% in those without (P = 0.021). Patients with FVH-DWI mismatch had smaller infarct volumes at seven days than those without (P = 0.038). Patients with FVH-out-DWI had smaller baseline infarct volumes, smaller seven-day volumes, and smaller infarct growth than those with FVH-in-DWI (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P = 0.031, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the infarct growth at seven days negatively independently predicted ENI (OR = 0.737, 95% CI 0.593-0.915, P = 0.006). However, none of the FVH classifications could predict a good 90-day outcome. CONCLUSION: Patients with extensive FVHs or FVH-DWI mismatch tend to have early favorable clinical outcome. FVH-out-DWI being associated with smaller infarct growth may also indicate early favorable clinical outcome.

Netrin-1 overexpression improves neurobehavioral outcomes and reduces infarct size via inhibition of the notch1 pathway following experimental stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Administration of Netrin-1 during the peri-infarct period has been shown to decrease infarct size in rats; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. We addressed this question in the present study by inducing stroke in rats via middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and evaluating the effects of Netrin-1 treatment by neurobehavioral testing, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting. Netrin-1 overexpression increased neurobehavioral test scores and reduced cerebral infarct volume following MCAO via inhibition of the Notch1 signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that early administration of Netrin-1 can is an effective therapeutic approach for improving outcome after stroke. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hemodynamic parameters distribution of upstream, stenosis center, and downstream sides of plaques in carotid artery with different stenosis: a MRI and CFD study.

BACKGROUND: Histopathological studies have shown significant differences in plaque components and surface conditions between upstream and downstream of the stenosis. It can be deduced that the flow status near the plaques is different from the flow status at the upstream side, stenosis center, or downstream side of the plaque. PURPOSE: To study the hemodynamic parameter distribution in different locations near atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries with different stenosis degrees. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven patients were recruited in this study. CE-MRA was performed to obtain the carotid three-dimensional surface data and the stenosis degrees were calculated. The hemodynamic parameters including wall shear stress (WSS), pressure, and velocity near the plaques were obtained by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method. Local hemodynamics parameters were analyzed and compared between different stenosis degree groups, and between upstream, stenosis center, and downstream sides of plaques. Relative ratio of velocity, WSS, and pressure values in different locations was calculated and compared. RESULTS: Fourteen carotid arteries (with 4 mild, 6 moderate, and 4 severe stenosis) were analyzed. Significant differences were found in Pressure max (P = 0.025), Pressure mean (P = 0.020), and Pressure min (P = 0.026) between three stenosis groups. It showed significant differences in Vmin (P < 0.001) and WSSmin (P < 0.001) between three different locations. It showed upstream to downstream ratio of WSSmax (P = 0.034) and WSSmean value (P = 0.042) was significantly different between mild and moderate/severe groups. Significant differences were found in upstream to stenosis center ratio of Pressure max value (P = 0.018), Pressure mean value (P = 0.029), and Pressure min value (P = 0.026), as well as in stenosis center to downstream ratio of Pressure min value (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Velocity, WSS, pressure, and relative ratio of these parameters have certain trends in distribution around the plaques in the carotid arteries.

Denture use and risk for cardiometabolic disease: observational and Mendelian randomization analyses.

AIMS: Denture use may potentially increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), but the casual relevance and strength of the associations are currently unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 495 938 participants from the UK Biobank were included in the observational analyses. Linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression and Mendelian randomization analyses were employed to estimate genetic correlation and the associations between the genetic liability for denture use with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure (HF), any stroke (AS), ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and related clinical risk factors. In observational analysis, denture use was associated with 14-25% higher risks of various CMDs. The LDSC analysis found that denture use showed a positive genetic correlation with CMDs (rg 0.21-0.38). Genetic liability for denture use was associated with an elevated risk of HF [odds ratio: 1.49 (1.20-1.83)] and T2D [1.11 (1.01-1.24)]. By integrating genetic summary data of denture use with the sum of decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces (DMFS), a clinical measure of dental caries obtained from an independent source, genetically determined denture use/DMFS was also associated with an elevated risk of AS [1.21 (1.04-1.40)]. Furthermore, genetically predicted denture use/DMFS was significantly associated with established cardiometabolic risk factors, including HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and height. CONCLUSION: Our study supported potential causal associations between the genetic liability for denture use and risks for HF, AS, T2D, and related clinical risk factors. These findings may inform prevention and intervention strategies targeting dental diseases and CMDs.

This study examined the association of denture use with cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) and related clinical risk factors through Mendelian randomization analyses using data from UK Biobank and published consortia. Genetic liability for denture use was associated with an 11­49% higher risk of heart failure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.The potential causal relationship between denture use and CMDs was further strengthened by the associations of denture use with HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and height, which are among the major risk factors of CMDs.

The Association Between the Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio and Intracranial Arterial Stenosis in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The association between the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not yet been reported. In this large-scale investigation, 7894 AIS patients with ICAS-evaluation imaging data from the Third China National Stroke Registry were included. ICAS was defined as >50% stenosis of the intracranial arteries. We dichotomized the degree of ICAS into stenosis and occlusion. The number of ICAS lesions was the total number of intracranial stenotic arteries. Fibrinogen and albumin levels were assessed in the central laboratory of Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression were used to determine the association between the FAR quartiles and ICAS. A total of 3900 (49.66%) patients had ICAS. Compared with those of the lowest FAR quartile, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the highest FAR quartile were 1.26 (1.10-1.44), 1.15 (.99-1.33), and 1.19 (1.01-1.39) for ICAS, symptomatic ICAS, and asymptomatic ICAS, respectively. An elevated FAR was also associated with occlusion (adjusted OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.10-1.49) and lesion number ≥2 (adjusted OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07-1.45).

Heterogeneity in the diagnosis and prognosis of ischemic stroke subtypes: 9-year follow-up of 22,000 cases in Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: Reliable classification of ischemic stroke (IS) etiological subtypes is required in research and clinical practice, but the predictive properties of these subtypes in population studies with incomplete investigations are poorly understood. AIMS: To compare the prognosis of etiologically classified IS subtypes and use machine learning (ML) to classify incompletely investigated IS cases. METHODS: In a 9-year follow-up of a prospective study of 512,726 Chinese adults, 22,216 incident IS cases, confirmed by clinical adjudication of medical records, were assigned subtypes using a modified Causative Classification System for Ischemic Stroke (CCS) (large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), small artery occlusion (SAO), cardioaortic embolism (CE), or undetermined etiology) and classified by CCS as "evident," "probable," or "possible" IS cases. For incompletely investigated IS cases where CCS yielded an undetermined etiology, an ML model was developed to predict IS subtypes from baseline risk factors and screening for cardioaortic sources of embolism. The 5-year risks of subsequent stroke and all-cause mortality (measured using cumulative incidence functions and 1 minus Kaplan-Meier estimates, respectively) for the ML-predicted IS subtypes were compared with etiologically classified IS subtypes. RESULTS: Among 7443 IS subtypes with evident or probable etiology, 66% had SAO, 32% had LAA, and 2% had CE, but proportions of SAO-to-LAA cases varied by regions in China. CE had the highest rates of subsequent stroke and mortality (43.5% and 40.7%), followed by LAA (43.2% and 17.4%) and SAO (38.1% and 11.1%), respectively. ML provided classifications for cases with undetermined etiology and incomplete clinical data (24% of all IS cases; n = 5276), with area under the curves (AUC) of 0.99 (0.99-1.00) for CE, 0.67 (0.64-0.70) for LAA, and 0.70 (0.67-0.73) for SAO for unseen cases. ML-predicted IS subtypes yielded comparable subsequent stroke and all-cause mortality rates to the etiologically classified IS subtypes. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted substantial heterogeneity in prognosis of IS subtypes and utility of ML approaches for classification of IS cases with incomplete clinical investigations.

Are prominent medullary veins better than prominent cortical veins as predictors of early clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke?

PURPOSE: The prominent vessel sign (PVS) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) can be dichotomized into prominent cortical veins (PCV) and prominent medullary veins (PMV). This study was designed to compare the predictive value of PCV and PMV in the evaluation of the severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients within the reperfusion window. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive patients with AIS within the middle cerebral artery territory were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 8 hours of symptom onset and at 7 days after stroke onset. Infarct volume was measured, and the early clinical outcome at 7 days was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. PVS was dichotomized into cases with both PCV and PMV and cases with only PCV according to location. RESULTS: Patients with both PCV and PMV (n=32) had higher admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (p = 0.020), larger infarct volumes at baseline (p = 0.026) and 7 days (p = 0.007), and larger infarct growth at 7 days (p = 0.050) than those with PCV only. Multivariate regression analysis showed that both the time of onset at baseline (p = 0.013) and infarct growth at 7 days (p = 0.014) could independently predict poor early clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: PMV may predict poor early clinical outcome in AIS patients, and reperfusion therapy may, therefore, be required more urgently in patients with PMV.

Malnutrition could Predict 3-month Functional Prognosis in Mild Stroke Patients: Findings from a Nationwide Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed the inconsistent effects of malnutrition contributing to the poor prognosis of stroke. This study aims to explore the effect of malnutrition on 3- month functional prognosis of stroke patients with different stroke severity assessed by the national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS). METHODS: Patients with first-ever stroke were consecutively enrolled in a nationwide, multicenter, and prospective registry from March 2007 to January 2008. Nutritional status was assessed at admission. Malnutrition was defined by any abnormality of 6 nutrition indicators, including body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), haemoglobin, albumin, and prealbumin. Stroke patients were classified into mild (NIHSS<8) and severe (NIHSS≥8) groups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the risk of poor functional prognosis (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥3) at 3-month follow-up in the mild or severe patients with malnutrition at admission. RESULTS: A total of 755 patients with first-ever stroke were enrolled in the study. Multivariable analysis showed that malnutrition independently contributed to a higher risk of mRS 3-6 at 3-month for mild stroke patients [odds ratio (OR) 1.86, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.04-3.34], but didn't for severe stroke patients (OR 0.91, 95 % CI 0.53-1.54) after adjusting for confounders including age, NIHSS, and infection et al. After adjusting for the potential confounders, malnutrition was still an independent risk factor for 3-month poor functional prognosis in mild stroke patients. CONCLUSION: Further investigation may be needed to illustrate the effects of improving nutritional status on stroke patients.

Management characteristics and prognosis after stroke in China: findings from a large nationwide stroke registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is limited nationwide evidence about the standard management characteristics of stroke types and prognosis in China. This study aimed to assess clinical characteristics, in-hospital and after-discharge management characteristics and prognosis for stroke types in China. METHODS: A nationwide registry recruited 14 244 imaging-confirmed first-ever incident strokes from 132 hospitals across 31 provinces of China during 2007-2008, recording presenting characteristics, diagnostic procedures and in-hospital treatment. After hospital discharge, patients were followed up for 6 months. Conventional statistical methods were used to examine the patterns of management and prognosis. RESULTS: Overall, 68.7%, 26.9% and 4.4% were ischaemic stroke (IS), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), respectively. Only 20% were managed in a dedicated stroke unit. Among IS, 1.3% received thrombolysis within 3 hours after symptom onset, whereas the proportions of receiving in-hospital antiplatelet therapy, neuroprotective agents and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) were 88.4%, 69.7% and 70.6%, respectively. For ICH, 63.3% and 36.3% received neuroprotective agents and TCM in hospital, respectively. At discharge, 70.7% and 38.0% of the patients with IS were given antiplatelet and statin therapies, respectively, decreasing to 64.8% and 23.9%, respectively, at 6 months. In-hospital mortality was 3.2%, 9.3% and 10.1% for IS, ICH and SAH, respectively, with a further 8.6%, 18.2% and 22.0%, respectively, died by 6 month. Meanwhile, in-hospital recurrence rate was 2.6%, 1.9% and 7.2% for IS, ICH and SAH, respectively, with a further 8.0%, 5.1% and 7.5%, respectively, recurred by 6 month. CONCLUSIONS: In China, the mortality rate of stroke is lower than that reported from west populations, though most strokes are not managed in specialised stroke unit. There is widespread use of some unproven therapies but limited proven treatments, especially after discharge, leading to unnecessary recurrent risks.

Natural history of silent lacunar infarction: 10-year follow-up of a community-based prospective study of 0.5 million Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: Widespread use of brain imaging in China has resulted in an increased prevalence of silent lacunar infarct (LACI) in addition to symptomatic LACI, but their clinical relevance is not fully understood. METHODS: We compared the 5-year risks of recurrent stroke and all-cause mortality for silent LACI vs symptomatic LACI in a prospective study of 489,597 Chinese adults with no history of stroke or ischemic heart disease at baseline. Data on recurrent stroke and all-cause mortality were obtained by linkage with local stroke and mortality registries and health insurance records for all hospital admissions. FINDINGS: Among 12,150 cases with an adjudicated diagnosis of first-ever LACI, 4,134 (34%) had silent LACI and 8,016 (66%) had symptomatic LACI. All cases had brain imaging, but only 33% of silent LACI and 40% of symptomatic LACI cases had brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The standardized event rates for silent LACI were 2-fold greater in urban than rural areas, but the ratios of silent LACI vs symptomatic LACI were similar in all areas. Cases with silent LACI vs symptomatic LACI had comparable 5-year risks of recurrent stroke (38% vs 43%) and all-cause mortality (11% vs 14%), respectively. For both silent and symptomatic LACI cases, most cases of recurrent stroke had non-LACI (70% vs 72%). While the relative risks of recurrent stroke did not differ by age, sex and area, the absolute risks of all-cause mortality varied by sex, age and area. INTERPRETATION: The prognosis of cases with silent LACI was comparable with symptomatic LACI, and the results highlight the need for further randomized trials assessing the efficacy and safety of established treatments for ischemic stroke in cases with silent LACI. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust (212946/Z/18/Z, 202922/Z/16/Z, 104085/Z/14/Z, 088158/Z/09/Z) and National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFC0900500, 2016YFC0900501, 2016YFC0900504, 2016YFC1303904) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (91843302); UK Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00017/1,MC_UU_12026/2 MC_U137686851), Cancer Research UK (C16077/A29186; C500/A16896) and British Heart Foundation (CH/1996001/9454). ZH was supported West China Hospital, Sichuan University (ZYGD18009 and 2016YFC1300505) for a visiting scholarship to the University of Oxford, UK, during 2018-19.

Hospital management of major stroke types in Chinese adults: a population-based study of 20 000 hospitalised stroke cases.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hospital treatments for major stroke types in Chinese adults by stroke pathological types, sex, age, calendar year, hospital tier, region and other factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of medical records retrieved from 20 229 stroke cases in the China Kadoorie Biobank. SETTING: Ten diverse areas (five urban, five rural) in China. PARTICIPANTS: First-incident stroke cases who were recruited during an 11-year follow-up of 0.5M participants in the China Kadoorie Biobank. METHODS: Electronic copies of medical records of stroke cases were retrieved for clinical adjudication by local neurologists. Stroke cases were classified as ischaemic stroke (IS) (including lacunar infarction (LACI) and non-LACI (non-LACI)), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and unspecified stroke types. RESULTS: Among 20 299 first-ever stroke cases, 17 306 (85%) had IS, 7123 had non-LACI, 6690 had LACI, 3493 had silent LACI, 2623 (13%) had ICH and 370 (2%) had SAH. Among IS cases, antiplatelet treatment was used by 64% (65% non-LACI, 66% LACI, 56% silent LACI), lipid-lowering by 50% (52% non-LACI, 53% LACI, 43% silent LACI) and blood pressure-lowering by ~42% of all IS types, with positive trends in the use of these treatments by calendar year and hospital tier. Among ICH cases, 53% used blood pressure-lowering and 10% used lipid-lowering treatments, respectively. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) were used by 59% of IS (50% non-LACI, 62% LACI, 74% silent LACI), 38% of ICH and 30% of SAH cases, with positive trends by calendar year and by hospital tier. CONCLUSIONS: Among IS cases, use of antiplatelet and lipid-lowering medications increased in recent years, but use of TCM still exceeded use of blood pressure-lowering treatment. In contrast, blood pressure-lowering treatment was widely used for ICH, but only half of all ICH cases used blood pressure-lowering treatment.

Intracranial Calcification is Predictive for Hemorrhagic Transformation and Prognosis After Intravenous Thrombolysis in Non-Cardioembolic Stroke Patients.

AIM: Hemorrhagic transformation is the major complication of intravenous thrombolysis. Calcification is used widely as an imaging indicator of atherosclerotic burden and cerebrovascular function. The relationship between intracranial calcification and hemorrhagic transformation has not been explored fully. We aimed to identify and quantify calcification in the main cerebral vessels to investigate the correlations between quantitative calcification parameters, hemorrhagic transformation, and prognosis. METHODS: Acute, non-cardiogenic, ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation who received intravenous thrombolysis therapy in the First Hospital of Jilin University were retrospectively and consecutively included. All included patients underwent a baseline CT before intravenous thrombolysis and a follow-up CT at 24 hours. A third-party software, ITK-SNAP, was used to segment and measure the calcification volume. A vascular non-bone component with a CT value ＞130 HU was considered calcified. Hemorrhagic transformation was determined based on the ECASS II classification criteria. RESULTS: The study included 242 patients, 214 of whom were identified as having calcification. Thirty-one patients developed hemorrhagic transformation. The calcification volume on the lesion side (0.1ml) was associated with hemorrhagic transformation (p=0.004, OR=1.504, 95% CI: 1.140-1.985). Ninety-six patients had poor prognoses. The poor prognosis group had more calcified vessels than the good prognosis group (p=0.014, OR=1.477, 95% CI: 1.083-2.015). CONCLUSIONS: The arterial calcification volume on the lesion side is associated with hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolysis. The higher the number of calcified vessels, the greater the risk of poor prognosis.

Stroke History is an Independent Risk Factor for Poor Prognosis in Ischemic Stroke Patients: Results from a Large Nationwide Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND: There is some controversy whether stroke history is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis of stroke or not. This study aimed to investigate the difference of mortality, disability and recurrent rate of ischemic stroke patients without and with stroke history, as well as to explore the effect of stroke history on stroke prognosis. METHODS: We analyzed patients with ischemic stroke enrolled in the China National Stroke Registry which was a nationwide, multicenter, and prospective registry of consecutive patients with acute cerebrovascular events from 2007 to 2008. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the risk of worse prognosis of stroke history in patients with ischemic stroke. RESULTS: A total of 8181(65.9%) patients without stroke history and 4234(34.1%) patients with stroke history were enrolled in the study. The mortality, recurrence, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3-6 rate was 11.4%, 14.7% and 28.5% respectively at 1 year for patients without stroke history, which was significantly lower than that of 17.3%, 23.6%, 42.1% in patients with stroke history, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with stroke history had higher risk of death [odds ratio (OR) 1.34,95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-1.54], recurrence (OR 1.47, 95 % CI 1.31-1.65) and mRS 3-6 (OR 1.49,95% CI 1.34-1.66) at 1 year. CONCLUSION: After adjusting for the potential confounders, stroke history was still an independent risk factor for poor prognosis of ischemic stroke, which further emphasizes the importance of secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. The specific causes of poor prognosis in patients with history of stroke need to be furtherly investigated.