Factors associated with poor outcome for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in a series of 334 patients. / Factores asociados a una evolución desfavorable en la hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática. Serie de 334 pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates care-related sociodemographic, clinical, and imaging factors and influences associated with outcome at discharge in patients with aneurismal subarachnoid haemorrhage. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective cohort study in 334 patients treated at Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras in Havana, Cuba between October 2005 and June 2014. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis determined that the following factors were associated with higher risk of poor outcome: age older than 65 years (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.79-5.7, P=.031), female sex (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.22-3.84, P=.0067), systolic hypertension (OR 4.82, 95% CI 2.27-9.8, P=.0001), and hyperglycaemia at admission (OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.10-7.53, P=.0003). Certain complications were also associated with poor prognosis, including respiratory infection (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.27-5.85, P=.0085), electrolyte disturbances (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.33-8.28, P=.0073), hydrocephalus (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.05-4.63, P=.0039), rebleeding (OR 16.50, 95% CI 8.24-41.24, P=.0000), symptomatic vasospasm (OR 19.00, 95% CI 8.86-41.24, P=.0000), cerebral ischaemia (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.87-7.80, P=.000) and multiplex rebleeding (OR 6.69, 95% CI 1.35-36.39, P=.0019). Grades of iii and iv on the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.12-3.91, P=.0021) and Fisher scales (OR 5.18, 95% CI 2.65-10.29, P=.0008) were also related to poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage was related to age, sex, clinical status at admission to the stroke unit, imaging findings according to the Fisher scale, blood pressure, glycaemia and such complications as electrolyte disturbances, hydrocephalus, rebleeding, and multiplex rebleeding.

Reliability of the minimum basic dataset for diagnoses of cerebrovascular disease. / Fiabilidad del conjunto mínimo básico de datos en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad cerebrovascular.

INTRODUCTION: The minimum basic dataset is the largest available hospital care administrative database that is used in clinical studies and hospital management in association with diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). In 2011, the quality of the national MBDS in hospital discharges was audited, in order to assess its reliability. This paper presents a sub-analysis of the results from that analysis which are referred to cerebrovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: Using all discharge reports from the Spanish MBDS in 2009, a representative sample was obtained by stratified sampling and 11 209 records were evaluated. Outcome indicators were obtained to measure any differences observed between the national MBDS being evaluated and the hospital's original MBDS. Analysis of codes for CVD as a primary diagnosis was performed for ICD-9-CM diagnostic categories 430 through 438. We evaluated error rates in the selection and classification of main diagnoses, as well as in DRG assignment. RESULTS: There were 397 discharges of cases of CVD which included 21 different DRGs. Diagnostic coding showed a concordance rate of 81.87%; the selection error rate was 2.26% and the classification error rate was 15.87%. The error rate in the DRG was 16.12% and associated with the greatest impact on the mortality risk level. CONCLUSIONS: While the errors we observed must be taken into account, data suggest that the quality of the MBDS for CVD is sufficient to ensure delivery of valid information. The hospital discharge registry serves as a valuable tool for use in studies of this disease.

Analysis of cerebrovascular mortality trends in Spain from 1980 to 2011. / Análisis de las tendencias en la mortalidad por enfermedades cerebrovasculares en España 1980-2011.

INTRODUCTION: In recent decades, mortality rates for cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) have declined significantly in many countries. This study analyses changes in CVD mortality rates in Spain (1980-2011) to determine if previously observed trends remain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on CVD mortality rates and the population data needed for the analysis were provided by Spain's National Statistics Institute. We calculated age-specific mortality rate, age-standardised overall mortality, and age-truncated mortality (35-64 years) using the direct method and standard European population structure. Joinpoint analysis was used to estimate the percentage of annual change in rates and identify significant changes in trends. RESULTS: CVD mortality rate decreased considerably and continuously over the last 32 years in all age groups and in both sexes in Spain. For both sexes, joinpoint analysis identifies a final period with more marked decline: 2005-2011 in women (-6.3%) and 2007-2011 in men (-7.2%). CONCLUSIONS: CVD mortality rates displayed a marked and continuous decline in Spain between 1980 and 2011. Due to the ageing of the population, doctors expect an increase in CVD prevalence and therefore its magnitude in terms of disability and healthcare costs, which poses a challenge to our health system.

[Re-bleeding predictors in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and delayed neurosurgical treatment]. / Predictores de resangrado en pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática y retardo del tratamiento neuroquirúrgico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the re-bleeding predictors in patients with delayed treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study enrolled 261 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, attending in Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital from October 2005, and June 2014. RESULTS: An increased re-bleeding risk in the multivariate analysis was associated with grade III (OR 2.01; 95% CI; 1.06-3.84) and grade IV (OR 3.84; 95% CI; 2.06-7.31) on World Federation Neurological Surgeon (WFNS) scale; grade III (OR 2.04; 95% CI; 1.01-4.13) and grade IV (OR 2.12, 95% CI; 1.05-4.28) on the Fischer scale, aneurism location in posterior circulation (OR 2.45, 95% CI; 1.33-4.44), and anterior communicant artery (OR 1.57, 95% CI;1.00-2.46). Hypertension history was present in 60.9% (159 patients) and was also associated with risk of re-bleeding (OR 2.70, 95% CI; 1.00-7.30). Blood pressure, haematocrit, glycemic, aneurysm size, multiple aneurysms, and location in the middle cerebral artery, do not show any relationship. CONCLUSION: Hypertension history, poor grade (III and IV) on WFNS and Fisher scale and aneurysm location were independent risks factors of re-bleeding in patients with delayed aneurysmal treatment.

The Mataró Stroke Registry: a 10-year registry in a community hospital.

INTRODUCTION: A prospective stroke registry leads to improved knowledge of the disease. We present data on the Mataró Hospital Registry. METHODS: In February-2002 a prospective stroke registry was initiated in our hospital. It includes sociodemographic data, previous diseases, clinical, topographic, etiological and prognostic data. We have analyzed the results of the first 10 years. RESULTS: A total of 2,165 patients have been included, 54.1% male, mean age 73 years. The most frequent vascular risk factor was hypertension (65.4%). Median NIHSS on admission: 3 (interquartile range, 1-8). Stroke subtype: 79.7% ischemic strokes, 10.9% hemorrhagic, and 9.4% TIA. Among ischemic strokes, the etiology was cardioembolic in 26.5%, large-vessel disease in 23.7%, and small-vessel in 22.9%. The most frequent topography of hemorrhages was lobar (47.4%), and 54.8% were attributed to hypertension. The median hospital stay was 8 days. At discharge, 60.7% of patients were able to return directly to their own home, and 52.7% were independent for their daily life activities. After 3 months these percentages were 76.9% and 62.9%, respectively. Hospital mortality was 6.5%, and after 3 months 10.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient's profile is similar to those of other series, although the severity of strokes was slightly lower. Length of hospital stay, short-term and medium term disability, and mortality rates are good, if we compare them with other series.

Post-stroke depression: an update.

INTRODUCTION: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common mood disorder following a stroke, and also the main factor limiting recovery and rehabilitation in stroke patients. In addition, it may increase mortality by up to ten times. DEVELOPMENT: PSD occurs in 1 in 3 stroke patients and more than half of all cases are neither diagnosed nor treated. Several mechanisms, including biological, behavioral, and social factors, are involved in its pathogenesis. Symptoms usually occur within the first three months after stroke (early onset PSD), and less frequently at a later time (late onset PSD). Symptoms resemble those of other types of depression, although there are some differences: PSD patients experience more sleep disturbances, vegetative symptoms, and social withdrawal. For PSD diagnosis, we recommended vigilance and use of specific diagnostic tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). The treatments of choice are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, there are still many unanswered questions in the treatment of PSD, such as the best time to start treatment or the effects of antidepressants on cognition and motor function, among others. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologists play a pivotal role in the care and management of patients recovering from stroke. They must be familiar with methods for early detection and treatment of PSD, as this can facilitate a patient's functional recovery and social reintegration, and improve quality of life for patients and their families.

Non-breathing-related sleep disorders following stroke.

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that sleep-related breathing disorders, especially sleep apnea, are very common in patients who have had a stroke, and that they also reduce the potential for neurological recovery. Nevertheless, other sleep disorders caused by stroke (excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, sleep related movement disorders) can also cause or increase stroke-related disability, and this fact is less commonly known. DEVELOPMENT: Studies with polysomnography have shown many abnormalities in sleep architecture during the acute phase of stroke; these abnormalities have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life although they tend to improve with time. This also happens with other sleep disorders occurring as the result of a stroke (insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder and REM sleep behavior disorder), which are nevertheless potentially treatable. In this article, we briefly review the physiopathology and epidemiology of the disorders listed above in order to raise awareness about the importance of these disorders and the effects they elicit in stroke patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders that are not breathing-related have scarcely been studied in stroke patients despite the fact that almost all such disorders may present as a result of a cerebrovascular event.

Association between bullous pemphigoid and neurologic diseases: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: In the past 10 years, bullous pemphigoid has been associated with other comorbidities and neurologic and psychiatric conditions in particular. Case series, small case-control studies, and large population-based studies in different Asian populations, mainland Europe, and the United Kingdom have confirmed this association. However, no data are available for the Spanish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective, case-control study with 1:2 matching. Fifty-four patients with bullous pemphigoid were selected. We compared the percentage of patients in each group with concurrent neurologic conditions, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and solid tumors using univariate logistic regression. An association model was constructed with conditional multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The case group had a significantly higher percentage of patients with cerebrovascular accident and/or transient ischemic attack (odds ratio [OR], 3.06; 95% CI, 1.19-7.87], dementia (OR, 5.52; 95% CI, 2.19-13.93), and Parkinson disease (OR, 5; 95% CI, 1.57-15.94). A significantly higher percentage of cases had neurologic conditions (OR, 6.34; 95% CI, 2.89-13.91). Dementia and Parkinson disease were independently associated with bullous pemphigoid in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bullous pemphigoid have a higher frequency of neurologic conditions.

Carotid artery stiffness and risk of vascular events and mortality: the REGICOR study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the dose-response association of carotid arterial stiffness with vascular outcomes and overall mortality, and to assess their added predictive capacity. METHODS: Population-based cohort study including 6468 individuals, with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Six carotid artery stiffness indices were assessed: strain, stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, compliance coefficient, distensibility coefficient, and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Incident coronary, cerebrovascular, global vascular, and total fatal events were identified. RESULTS: Carotid compliance and distensibility coefficients were not associated with any of the outcomes. Carotid stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, and PWV showed a direct linear relationship to cerebrovascular disease: the risk increased by 8% (95%CI, 1-16) per stiffness unit increase, by 7% (95%CI, 2-13) per 10-unit Peterson elasticity coefficient increase, and by 26% (95%CI, 8-48) per PWV unit increase. Carotid strain showed a nonlinear association with ischemic heart disease. When strain was ≤ 0.09 units, each 0.01-unit increase was associated with a 15% lower risk of coronary events (95%CI,-33 to 6); above 0.09 units, each 0.01 increase in strain was associated with a 16% higher risk of coronary events (95%CI, 6-27). The addition of the stiffness indices did not improve the predictive capacity of validated risk functions. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid stiffness, Peterson elasticity coefficient, and PWV have a direct linear association with cerebrovascular disease risk. Carotid strain is not linearly related to U-shaped ischemic heart disease risk. The inclusion of these indexes does not improve the predictive capacity of risk functions.

The association between periodontitis and cerebrovascular disease, and dementia. Scientific report of the working group of the Spanish Society of Periodontology and the Spanish Society of Neurology.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the scientific evidence on the relationship between periodontitis and neurological disease, and particularly cerebrovascular disease and dementia. We also issue a series of recommendations regarding the prevention and management of periodontitis and these neurological diseases at dental clinics and neurology units. DEVELOPMENT: In response to a series of questions proposed by the SEPA-SEN working group, a literature search was performed, with no restrictions on study design, to identify the most relevant articles on the association between periodontitis and cerebrovascular disease and dementia from the perspectives of epidemiology, treatment, and the biological mechanisms involved in these associations. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis increases the risk of ischaemic stroke and Alzheimer dementia. Recurrent bacterial infections and increased low-grade systemic inflammation seem to be possible biological mechanisms underlying this association. Limited evidence suggests that various oral health interventions can reduce the future risk of cerebrovascular disease and dementia.

Recent advances in precision nutrition and cardiometabolic diseases.

A growing body of research on nutrition omics has led to recent advances in cardiovascular disease epidemiology and prevention. Within the PREDIMED trial, significant associations between diet-related metabolites and cardiovascular disease were identified, which were subsequently replicated in independent cohorts. Some notable metabolites identified include plasma levels of ceramides, acyl-carnitines, branched-chain amino acids, tryptophan, urea cycle pathways, and the lipidome. These metabolites and their associated pathways have been associated with incidence of both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Future directions in precision nutrition research include: a) developing more robust multimetabolomic scores to predict long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality; b) incorporating more diverse populations and a broader range of dietary patterns; and c) conducting more translational research to bridge the gap between precision nutrition studies and clinical applications.

[Frontal-subcortical syndrome: When the network fails, about a case]. / Síndrome fronto-subcortical: cuando la red falla, a propósito de un caso.

Depression and parkinsonism are direct consequences of a lesion, usually vascular, that affects some structure of the frontal-subcortical circuit. Their detection represents a diagnostic challenge and has important repercussions in therapeutic management. The case is presented of a 79-year-old male patient with good overall baseline status, who was admitted to a Psychogeriatric Unit after an autolytic attempt. Initially, a non-psychotic frank depression is observed, and an increase in the base of support for walking and bradykinesia is noted. After adjustment of antidepressant treatment, a notable improvement in affective symptoms is evidenced but not in motor symptoms, so it is decided to request a magnetic resonance imaging that shows ischemic lesions in the basal ganglia. This case provides clear support for the frontal-subcortical circuit model, in which the clinical presentation, neuropsychiatric evaluation, neuroimaging data and therapeutic response contribute to understanding the deficits following these types of lesions. We believe that this article will provide brief and accurate information on the pathophysiological mechanisms, evaluation, diagnostic approach, and treatment of the frontal-subcortical syndrome.

Spinal cord infarction: aetiology, imaging findings, and prognostic factors in a series of 41 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord infarction is a rare disease with a high rate of morbidity. Its diagnosis can be challenging and controversy remains regarding the best treatment. Few case series have been published. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of cases of spinal cord infarction attended in a tertiary hospital from 1999 to 2020. Aetiology and clinical, imaging, and prognostic features were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (58.5% men, mean [standard deviation] age 61 [17] years) were included in the study. Thirty-one patients (75.6%) presented vascular risk factors. Motor deficits were recorded in 39 (95.1%), pain in 20 (48.8%), sensory deficits in 33 (80.4%), and autonomic dysfunction in 24 (58.5%). MRI was performed in 37 (90.2%) patients. Diffusion-weighted images were available for 12 patients, with 10 showing diffusion restriction. The thoracic region was the most frequently affected (68.2%). Vascular imaging studies were performed in 33 patients (80.4%). The most frequent aetiologies were aortic dissection (6 cases), atherosclerosis demonstrated by vascular imaging (6 cases), fibrocartilaginous embolism (6 cases), surgery (5 cases), and hypotension (4 cases). Aetiology was undetermined in 12 patients (29.3%), although 9 of these presented vascular risk factors. At the end of the follow-up period (median, 24 months; interquartile range, 3-70), 12 patients (29.2%) were able to walk without assistance. Vascular risk factors and paraparesis were significantly associated with poorer prognosis (P < .05). DISCUSSION: Spinal cord infarction may present diverse aetiologies, with the cause remaining undetermined in many patients. Long-term functional prognosis is poor, and depends on baseline characteristics and clinical presentation. MRI, and especially diffusion-weighted sequences, is useful for early diagnosis.

Recommendations on the use of computed tomography in the stroke code: Consensus document SENR, SERAU, GEECV-SEN, SERAM.

The Spanish Society of Emergency Radiology (SERAU), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Society of Neurology through its Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group (GEECV-SEN) and the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) have met to draft this consensus document that will review the use of computed tomography in the stroke code patients, focusing on its indications, the technique for its correct acquisition and the possible interpretation mistakes.

Assessment of incidence and trends in cerebrovascular disease in the healthcare district of Lleida (Spain) in the period 2010-2014. / Evaluación de la incidencia y tendencia de la enfermedad cerebrovascular en la región sanitaria de Lleida (España) en el periodo 2010-2014.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the incidence and trends of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in the healthcare district of Lleida. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a population-based prospective cohort study including the entire population of the healthcare district of Lleida (440 000 people). Information was gathered from the minimum basic data set from the emergency department and hospital discharges for the period from January 2010 to December 2014. All types of stroke were included. We evaluated crude and age-standardised rates using the world population as a reference. Patients without neuroimaging confirmation of the diagnosis were excluded. RESULTS: We identified 4397 patients: 1617 (36.8%) were aged 80 years or over; 3969 (90.3%) presented ischaemic stroke, and 1741 (39.6%) were women. The crude incidence rate ranged from 192 (95% confidence interval [CI], 179-205) to 211 (95% CI, 197-224) cases per 100 000 population, in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Age-standardised rates ranged from 93 (95% CI, 86-100) to 104 (95% CI, 96-111) cases per 100 000 population, in 2012 and 2013, respectively. For all years, incidence rates increased with age, and were significantly higher among men than among women. CONCLUSION: The impact of CVD in Lleida is comparable to that observed in other European regions. However, population ageing induces a high crude incidence rate, which remained stable over the five-year study period.

Assessment of incidence and trends in cerebrovascular disease in the healthcare district of Lleida (Spain) in the period 2010-2014.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the incidence and trends of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in the healthcare district of Lleida. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a population-based prospective cohort study including the entire population of the healthcare district of Lleida (440 000 people). Information was gathered from the minimum basic data set from the emergency department and hospital discharges for the period from January 2010 to December 2014. All types of stroke were included. We evaluated crude and age-standardised rates using the world population as a reference. Patients without neuroimaging confirmation of the diagnosis were excluded. RESULTS: We identified 4397 patients: 1617 (36.8%) were aged 80 years or over; 3969 (90.3%) presented ischaemic stroke, and 1741 (39.6%) were women. The crude incidence rate ranged from 192 (95% confidence interval [CI], 179-205) to 211 (95% CI, 197-224) cases per 100 000 population, in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Age-standardised rates ranged from 93 (95% CI, 86-100) to 104 (95% CI, 96-111) cases per 100 000 population, in 2012 and 2013, respectively. For all years, incidence rates increased with age, and were significantly higher among men than among women. CONCLUSION: The impact of CVD in Lleida is comparable to that observed in other European regions. However, population ageing induces a high crude incidence rate, which remained stable over the five-year study period.

Attention to acute cerebrovascular disease in Guipúzcoa: description of the results of a reference hospital in a centralized care model.

INTRODUCTION: In the last 15 years, considerable improvements have been made in acute stroke care in Guipuzkoa, including the implementation of a centralised care model at Hospital Universitario Donostia (HUD), improved coordination between professionals, early detection campaigns, new treatments, a stroke unit, and specific rehabilitation. The aim of this work is to describe the results of a reference hospital (HUD) in a centralised care model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of a sample of patients discharged between August and December 2015 from the HUD with a diagnosis of acute stroke (ICD-9-CM codes 430-436, except 433.10). We review patients' baseline characteristics, acute-phase care, and functional outcomes and mortality at discharge and at one year. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We identified 536 patients, with a mean age of 73.6 years and a high comorbidity rate. Ischaemic stroke accounted for 64.8% of patients, followed by haemorrhagic stroke (20%) and transient ischaemic attack (14.8%). A total of 53% of patients were attended in < 6 hours, with code stroke being activated in 37.1%; 52.2% of patients were admitted to the stroke unit. Intravenous therapy was administered to 8.3% of patients with ischaemic stroke, and 9.5% underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Surgery was performed in 12.1% patients with haemorrhagic stroke. Rehabilitation was started at hospital in 56% of patients, and 39.6% continued with this treatment at discharge. Mortality was 13.8% at discharge and 25.9% at one year (ischaemic stroke, 25.3%; haemorrhagic stroke, 47.5%); these figures are lower than those previously reported in Guipuzkoa. At one year, 62.5% of patients had a Barthel Index score of 95-100, and 50% a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2. CONCLUSIONS: After the strategic changes implemented in acute stroke care in Guipuzkoa, including the centralisation of the acute stroke care model, mortality rates at discharge and at one year are lower in 2015 than the previously reported rates, with similar rates of independence. These results are consistent with those published by other Spanish and European centres.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors in secondary prevention of vascular events in patients with stroke: Consensus document and practice guidance.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack present considerable risk of future vascular events. Reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreases the incidence of new vascular events, although in a substantial number of patients, the currently available lipid-lowering therapies fail to achieve the therapeutic goals recommended in clinical guidelines. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide updated information on the role of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors alirocumab and evolocumab in the secondary prevention of vascular events in patients with history of ischaemic stroke. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify the main evidence on the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in these patients and the recommended therapeutic targets of LDL cholesterol. The results were discussed in 2 consensus meetings that constituted the basis for the drafting of the document. CONCLUSIONS: PCSK9 inhibitors are effective in reducing vascular risk in secondary prevention; evolocumab specifically has achieved this reduction in patients with history of ischaemic stroke. Moreover, both alirocumab and evolocumab present good safety profiles, even in patients achieving LDL cholesterol levels < 20 mg/dL, and no signs of cognitive impairment have been observed in patients treated with evolocumab who achieved very low levels of LDL cholesterol. In the light of this evidence, we provide practical recommendations about the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in secondary prevention of vascular events in patients with history of ischaemic stroke and follow-up of these patients.

Paediatric stroke in the northern Spanish region of Aragon: incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Recent years have seen considerable changes in the prevention and treatment of acute ischaemic stroke in adult patients. However, the low incidence of paediatric stroke makes the development of specific guidelines more challenging. This study aims to clarify the situation of these children in our region in order to establish a regional protocol to improve the care provided to these patients. METHODS: We performed a regional incidence study of pediatric stroke (≤ 15 years of age) in Aragon, Spain (1308728 population, 15% aged ≤ 15 years) between 2008 and 2019. Data were obtained from hospital discharge records, including deaths, from the regional health service of Aragón, according to ICD codes for cerebrovascular disease. We analysed demographic, clinical, diagnostic/therapeutic, and prognostic variables. RESULTS: A total of 21 events were recorded: 8 ischaemic (38.1%) and 13 haemorrhagic strokes (61.9%). The mean age (SD) was 9.3 years (1.0). The sample included 12 boys and nine girls. No statistically significant differences were found between ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes, except in the chief complaint (language and motor impairment in ischaemic stroke and headache in haemorrhagic stroke). None of the patients with ischaemic stroke received reperfusion therapies. Including the 3 patients who died during hospitalisation, eight patients (42.1%) had modified Rankin Scale scores > 2 at 12 months. Motor deficits were the most common sequela (n=9). CONCLUSION: Though infrequent, paediatric stroke has an important functional impact. In Spain, Madrid was the first region to adapt the existing code stroke care networks for adult patients. In Aragon, this review has enabled us to work closely with the different stakeholders to offer a care plan for acute paediatric ischaemic stroke. Nevertheless, prospective national registries would be valuable to continue improving the care provided to these patients.

Primary spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in COVID-19 patients: differences among presentation patterns - A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if there are differences between the presentation patterns of hemorrhagic stroke (HS) associated to COVID-19. METHODS: It was performed a systematic search based on PRISMA guidelines of the cases reported in PUBMED of HS associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection and we added to this sample cases from our own hospital cohort. Patients in the database were separated by groups according to presentation symptoms: if they debuted with neurological symptoms or debuted with pulmonary symptoms. RESULTS: Seventy cases were included in the study. Patients that debuted with pulmonary symptoms accounted for 68.6% of the cases with an interval between the development of symptoms and the presentation of HS of 15.6 days. We found that the use of anticoagulants during hospitalization, multifocal image pattern, and the elevation of D-dimer, Ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly associated with the group of pulmonary presentation, whereas the presence of hypertension during hospitalization, and a lower hemoglobin level was associated with the group of neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although HS associated with COVID-19 is a clinical entity with increasing evidence, it is necessary to establish that there are two forms of presentation with their own characteristics.

OBJETIVO: determinar si existen diferencias entre los patrones de presentación de hemorragia intracraneal asociada a COVID-19. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática basada en la guía PRISMA de los casos reportados en PUBMED de hemorragia intracraneal asociados a infección por SARS-CoV-2 y se agregaron a esta muestra casos de nuestra propia cohorte hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 70 casos. Los pacientes que debutaron con síntomas pulmonares representaron el 68.6% de los casos con un intervalo entre el desarrollo de los síntomas y la presentación de la hemorragia intracraneal de 15.6 días. Encontramos que el uso de anticoagulantes durante la hospitalización, el patrón de imagen multifocal y la elevación de los niveles de dímero D, ferritina y deshidrogenasa láctica se asociaron significativamente con el grupo de presentación pulmonar, mientras que la presencia de hipertensión durante la hospitalización, y un nivel de hemoglobina más bajo se asoció con el grupo que debutó con síntomas neurológicos. CONCLUSIÓN: si bien la hemorragia intracraneal asociada a COVID-19 es una entidad clínica con evidencia creciente, es necesario establecer que existen dos formas de presentación con características propias.