Derivation and Application of a Tool to Estimate Benefits From Multiple Therapies That Reduce Recurrent Stroke Risk.

Background and Purpose- Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, antiplatelet/antithrombotic use, and smoking cessation reduce risk of recurrent stroke. However, gaps in risk factor control among stroke survivors warrant development and evaluation of alternative care delivery models that aim to simultaneously improve multiple risk factors. Randomized trials of care delivery models are rarely of sufficient duration or size to be powered for low-frequency outcomes such as observed recurrent stroke. This creates a need for tools to estimate how changes across multiple stroke risk factors reduce risk of recurrent stroke. Methods- We reviewed existing evidence of the efficacy of interventions addressing blood pressure reduction, cholesterol lowering, antiplatelet/antithrombotic use, and smoking cessation and extracted relative risks for each intervention. From this, we developed a tool to estimate reductions in recurrent stroke risk, using bootstrapping and simulation methods. We also calculated a modified Global Outcome Score representing the proportion of potential benefit (relative risk reduction) achieved if all 4 individual risk factors were optimally controlled. We applied the tool to estimate stroke risk reduction among 275 participants with complete 12-month follow-up data from a recently published randomized trial of a healthcare delivery model that targeted multiple stroke risk factors. Results- The recurrent stroke risk tool was feasible to apply, yielding an estimated reduction in the relative risk of ischemic stroke of 0.36 in both the experimental and usual care trial arms. Global Outcome Score results suggest that participants in both arms likely averted, on average, 45% of recurrent stroke events that could possibly have been prevented through maximal implementation of interventions for all 4 individual risk factors. Conclusions- A stroke risk reduction tool facilitates estimation of the combined impact on vascular risk of improvements in multiple stroke risk factors and provides a summary outcome for studies testing alternative care models to prevent recurrent stroke. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00861081.

Factors Associated With Participation in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program: Findings From the SUCCEED Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Self-management programs may improve quality of life and self-efficacy for stroke survivors, but participation is low. In a randomized controlled trial of a complex, multidisciplinary, team-based secondary stroke prevention intervention, we offered participants Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) workshops in addition to clinic visits and home visits. To enhance participation, workshops were facilitated by community health workers who were culturally and linguistically concordant with most participants and scheduled CDSMP sessions at convenient venues and times. Over time, we implemented additional strategies such as free transportation and financial incentives. In this study, we aimed to determine factors associated with CDSMP participation and attendance. METHODS: From 2014 to 2018, 18 CDSMP workshop series were offered to 241 English and Spanish-speaking individuals (age ≥40 years) with recent stroke or transient ischemic attack. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with participation and attendance (ie, number of sessions attended) in CDSMP. Missing values were imputed using multiple imputation methods. RESULTS: Nearly one-third (29%) of intervention subjects participated in CDSMP. Moderate disability and more clinic/home visits were associated with participation. Participants with higher numbers of clinic and home visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.06 [95% CI, 1.01-1.12]), severe (IRR, 2.34 [95% CI, 1.65-3.31]), and moderately severe disability (IRR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.07-2.23]), and who enrolled later in the study (IRR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08-1.16]) attended more sessions. Individuals with higher chaos scores attended fewer sessions (IRR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95-0.99]). CONCLUSIONS: Less than one-third of subjects enrolled in the SUCCEED (Secondary Stroke Prevention by Uniting Community and Chronic Care Model Teams Early to End Disparities) intervention participated in CDSMP; however, participation improved as transportation and financial barriers were addressed. Strategies to address social determinants of health contributing to chaos and engage individuals in healthcare may facilitate attendance. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01763203.

Randomized controlled trial of a coordinated care intervention to improve risk factor control after stroke or transient ischemic attack in the safety net: Secondary stroke prevention by Uniting Community and Chronic care model teams Early to End Disparities (SUCCEED).

BACKGROUND: Recurrent strokes are preventable through awareness and control of risk factors such as hypertension, and through lifestyle changes such as healthier diets, greater physical activity, and smoking cessation. However, vascular risk factor control is frequently poor among stroke survivors, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged blacks, Latinos and other people of color. The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is an effective framework for multi-component interventions aimed at improving care processes and outcomes for individuals with chronic disease. In addition, community health workers (CHWs) have played an integral role in reducing health disparities; however, their effectiveness in reducing vascular risk among stroke survivors remains unknown. Our objectives are to develop, test, and assess the economic value of a CCM-based intervention using an Advanced Practice Clinician (APC)-CHW team to improve risk factor control after stroke in an under-resourced, racially/ethnically diverse population. METHODS/DESIGN: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 516 adults (≥40 years) with an ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack or intracerebral hemorrhage within the prior 90 days are being enrolled at five sites within the Los Angeles County safety-net setting and randomized 1:1 to intervention vs usual care. Participants are excluded if they do not speak English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Korean or if they are unable to consent. The intervention includes a minimum of three clinic visits in the healthcare setting, three home visits, and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program group workshops in community venues. The primary outcome is blood pressure (BP) control (systolic BP <130 mmHg) at 1 year. Secondary outcomes include: (1) mean change in systolic BP; (2) control of other vascular risk factors including lipids and hemoglobin A1c, (3) inflammation (C reactive protein [CRP]), (4) medication adherence, (5) lifestyle factors (smoking, diet, and physical activity), (6) estimated relative reduction in risk for recurrent stroke or myocardial infarction (MI), and (7) cost-effectiveness of the intervention versus usual care. DISCUSSION: If this multi-component interdisciplinary intervention is shown to be effective in improving risk factor control after stroke, it may serve as a model that can be used internationally to reduce race/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in stroke in resource-constrained settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01763203 .

Normal Variants in Echocardiography.

Echocardiography is a powerful and convenient tool used routinely in the cardiac evaluation of many patients. Improved resolution and visualization of cardiac anatomy has led to the discovery of many normal variant structures that have no known pathologic consequence. Importantly, these findings may masquerade as pathology prompting unnecessary further evaluation at the expense of anxiety, cost, or potential harm. This review provides an updated and comprehensive collection of normal anatomic variants on both transthoracic and transesophageal imaging.

Effect of a Coordinated Community and Chronic Care Model Team Intervention vs Usual Care on Systolic Blood Pressure in Patients With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: The SUCCEED Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Few stroke survivors meet recommended cardiovascular goals, particularly among racial/ethnic minority populations, such as Black or Hispanic individuals, or socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Objective: To determine if a chronic care model-based, community health worker (CHW), advanced practice clinician (APC; including nurse practitioners or physician assistants), and physician team intervention improves risk factor control after stroke in a safety-net setting (ie, health care setting where all individuals receive care, regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay). Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial included participants recruited from 5 hospitals serving low-income populations in Los Angeles County, California, as part of the Secondary Stroke Prevention by Uniting Community and Chronic Care Model Teams Early to End Disparities (SUCCEED) clinical trial. Inclusion criteria were age 40 years or older; experience of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) no more than 90 days prior; systolic blood pressure (BP) of 130 mm Hg or greater or 120 to 130 mm Hg with history of hypertension or using hypertensive medications; and English or Spanish language proficiency. The exclusion criterion was inability to consent. Among 887 individuals screened for eligibility, 542 individuals were eligible, and 487 individuals were enrolled and randomized, stratified by stroke type (ischemic or TIA vs hemorrhagic), language (English vs Spanish), and site to usual care vs intervention in a 1:1 fashion. The study was conducted from February 2014 to September 2018, and data were analyzed from October 2018 to November 2020. Interventions: Participants randomized to intervention were offered a multimodal coordinated care intervention, including hypothesized core components (ie, ≥3 APC clinic visits, ≥3 CHW home visits, and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshops), and additional telephone visits, protocol-driven risk factor management, culturally and linguistically tailored education materials, and self-management tools. Participants randomized to the control group received usual care, which varied by site but frequently included a free BP monitor, self-management tools, and linguistically tailored information materials. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was change in systolic BP at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, body mass index, antithrombotic adherence, physical activity level, diet, and smoking status at 12 months. Potential mediators assessed included access to care, health and stroke literacy, self-efficacy, perceptions of care, and BP monitor use. Results: Among 487 participants included, the mean (SD) age was 57.1 (8.9) years; 317 (65.1%) were men, and 347 participants (71.3%) were Hispanic, 87 participants (18.3%) were Black, and 30 participants (6.3%) were Asian. A total of 246 participants were randomized to usual care, and 241 participants were randomized to the intervention. Mean (SD) systolic BP improved from 143 (17) mm Hg at baseline to 133 (20) mm Hg at 12 months in the intervention group and from 146 (19) mm Hg at baseline to 137 (22) mm Hg at 12 months in the usual care group, with no significant differences in the change between groups. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group had greater improvements in self-reported salt intake (difference, 15.4 [95% CI, 4.4 to 26.0]; P = .004) and serum CRP level (difference in log CRP, -0.4 [95% CI, -0.7 to -0.1] mg/dL; P = .003); there were no differences in other secondary outcomes. Although 216 participants (89.6%) in the intervention group received some of the 3 core components, only 35 participants (14.5%) received the intended full dose. Conclusions and Relevance: This randomized clinical trial of a complex multilevel, multimodal intervention did not find vascular risk factor improvements beyond that of usual care; however, further studies may consider testing the SUCCEED intervention with modifications to enhance implementation and participant engagement. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01763203.

Efficacy of a Chronic Care-Based Intervention on Secondary Stroke Prevention Among Vulnerable Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Disparities of care among stroke survivors are well documented. Effective interventions to improve recurrent stroke preventative care in vulnerable populations are lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized controlled trial, we tested the efficacy of components of a chronic care model-based intervention versus usual care among 404 subjects having an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack within 90 days of enrollment and receiving care within the Los Angeles public healthcare system. Subjects had baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥120 mm Hg. The intervention included a nurse practitioner/physician assistant care manager, group clinics, self-management support, report cards, decision support, and ongoing care coordination. Outcomes were collected at 3, 8, and 12 months, analyzed as intention-to-treat, and used repeated-measures mixed-effects models. Change in SBP was the primary outcome. Low-density lipoprotein reduction, antithrombotic medication use, smoking cessation, and physical activity were secondary outcomes. Average age was 57 years; 18% were of black race; 69% were of Hispanic ethnicity. Mean baseline SBP was 150 mm Hg in both arms. SBP decreased to 17 mm Hg in the intervention arm and 14 mm Hg in the usual care arm; the between-arm difference was not significant (-3.6 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -9.2 to 2.2). Among secondary outcomes, the only significant difference was that persons in the intervention arm were more likely to lower their low-density lipoprotein <100 md/dL (2.0 odds ratio; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.5). CONCLUSIONS: This intervention did not improve SBP control beyond that attained in usual care among vulnerable stroke survivors. A community-centered component could strengthen the intervention impact. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00861081.

Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention to enable stroke survivors throughout the Los Angeles County safety net to "stay with the guidelines".

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. Inpatient programs optimize secondary stroke prevention care at the time of hospital discharge, but such care may not be continued after hospital discharge. METHODS: To improve the delivery of secondary stroke preventive services after hospital discharge, we have designed a chronic care model-based program called SUSTAIN (Systemic Use of STroke Averting INterventions). This care intervention includes group clinics, self-management support, report cards, decision support through care guides and protocols, and coordination of ongoing care. The first specific aim is to test, in a randomized, controlled trial, whether SUSTAIN improves blood pressure control among an analytic sample of 268 patients with a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack discharged from 4 Los Angeles County public hospitals. Secondary outcomes consist of control of other stroke risk factors, lifestyle habits, medication adherence, patient perceptions of care quality, functional status, and quality of life. A second specific aim is to conduct a cost analysis of SUSTAIN from the perspective of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services by using direct costs of the intervention, cost equivalents of associated utilization of county system resources, and cost equivalents of the observed and predicted averted vascular events. CONCLUSIONS: If SUSTAIN is effective, we will have the expertise and findings to advocate for its continued support at Los Angeles County hospitals and to disseminate the SUSTAIN program to other settings serving indigent, minority populations. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00861081.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is useful in detecting asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction in low-income, uninsured patients.

UNLABELLED: Low-income, uninsured individuals with multiple cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) are at risk of heart failure (HF). B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) screening for asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD) has not been tested specifically in this group. The purposes of this study were to describe BNP levels in asymptomatic low-income, uninsured individuals with multiple CRFs and determine the correlation between BNP levels and echocardiography for identifying ALVD. METHODS: This correlational study included 53 patients (age 55 + or - 10 years, 83% non-White, 64% female). BNP testing and echocardiogram (ECHO) were performed. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients (57%) diagnosed with ALVD by ECHO, 21 (40%) had diastolic and 9 (17%) systolic dysfunction. BNP levels were lower among those with normal left ventricular (LV) function (29.6 + or - 24 pg/mL) than those with diastolic (80.2 + or - 69 pg/mL, p = .01) and systolic dysfunction (337.1 + or - 374 pg/mL, p = .009). sParticipants with BNP > or = 50 pg/ mL were 5.75 times more likely to exhibit diastolic dysfunction (odds ratio [OR] = 5.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29- 25.51; p < .01) and those with BNP > or = 100 pg/mL were 7.80 times more likely to have systolic dysfunction (OR = 7.8, 95% CI 1.60-37.14; p < .005) than those with lower levels. With BNP cut point of 50 pg/mL, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.82 (95% CI 0.63-1.00) with sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 67%. CONCLUSION: BNP is a low-cost method to detect ALVD in high-risk, uninsured, low-income individuals. Elevated BNP levels should prompt initiation of further diagnostic testing and early treatment.