Chronic kidney disease prevalence and clinical outcomes in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke patients with reperfusion therapy: A meta-analysis.

AIM: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a common comorbidity among acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing reperfusion therapies, including intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Acknowledging CKD's prevalence in this cohort and understanding its influence on outcomes is crucial for prognosis and optimizing care. This study aims to determine the prevalence of CKD among anterior circulation AIS (acAIS) patients undergoing reperfusion therapies and to analyse the role of CKD in mediating outcomes. METHODS: A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool and examine prevalence data. A total of 263 633 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The study assessed CKD's association with functional outcomes, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) and mortality. RESULTS: The overall pooled prevalence of CKD among acAIS ranged from 30% to 56% in IVT-treated patients and 16%-42% for EVT-treated patients. CKD was associated with increased odds of unfavourable functional outcome at 90 days in both IVT (OR 1.837; 95% CI: [1.599; 2.110]; p < .001) and EVT (OR 1.804; 95% CI: [1.525; 2.133]; p < .001) groups. In IVT-treated patients, CKD was associated with increased odds of 30-day mortality (OR 6.211; 95% CI: [1.105; 34.909]; p = .038). CKD in IVT-treated patients exhibited increased odds of sICH, albeit statistically non-significant (OR 1.595; 95% CI: [0.567; 3.275]). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of CKD and its significant impact on outcomes in acAIS patients treated with reperfusion therapies underscore its clinical significance. This insight can guide personalised care strategies and potentially improve the prognosis in the management of acAIS.

Meta-analysis of clinical and safety profiles after reperfusion therapy in acute posterior circulation strokes: insights and implications.

BACKGROUND: Posterior circulation stroke (PCS) accounts for approximately 20% of all acute ischemic strokes. The optimal reperfusion therapy for PCS management remains uncertain. PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), and bridging therapy in PCS patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of 19 studies examining reperfusion therapy outcomes in PCS patients, including 9765 individuals. We pooled prevalence data and assessed associations between reperfusion therapies and clinical, safety, and recanalization outcomes using random-effects models. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of reperfusion therapies post-acute PCS was 39% for IVT, 54% for EVT, and 48% for bridging therapy. EVT was associated with significantly higher odds of favorable functional outcomes (modified Rankin Score [mRS] 0-3) at 90 days compared to standard medical therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 5.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.07-15.59; P = 0.001). Conversely, bridging therapy was linked to reduced odds of favorable functional outcomes at 90 days compared to EVT (OR = 0.35; 95% CI=0.26-0.47; P < 0.001). Bridging therapy was also significantly associated with lower odds of good functional outcomes (mRS 0-2) (OR = 0.25; 95% CI=0.11-0.54; P < 0.001), reduced risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.26; 95% CI=0.07-0.68; P = 0.009), lower mortality (OR = 0.13; 95% CI=0.04-0.44; P = 0.001), and less successful recanalization (OR = 0.35; 95% CI=0.13-0.94; P = 0.038) relative to EVT. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis underscores the favorable outcomes associated with EVT in PCS cases. With notable reperfusion rates, understanding factors influencing PCS outcomes can inform patient selection and prognostic considerations.

Brain atrophy in acute ischaemic stroke patients treated with reperfusion therapy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Brain atrophy (BA) may have a role in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in mediating outcomes after reperfusion therapy. The extent of this association is not well understood. PURPOSE: : To examine the impact of pre-existing BA on functional outcome, survival, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and early neurological change in patients with AIS treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched for studies on BA in AIS receiving reperfusion therapy. Studies were included if: (i) patients were aged ≥18 years; (ii) patients had been diagnosed with AIS; (iii) patients received IVT and/or EVT; (iv) studies reported on BA; (v) studies reported on post-reperfusion outcomes; and (vi) studies had a sample size of >25 patients. RESULTS: A total of 4444 patients from eight studies were included. Four out of seven studies reporting on 90-day functional outcome found pre-existing BA to be significantly associated with poor functional outcome. Moreover, two out of four studies found BA to be a significant predictor of 90-day mortality. None of the included studies reported a significant association of BA with sICH or early neurological deterioration. CONCLUSION: This systematic review indicates a potential prognostic role of BA in AIS. Quantitative analysis of association of BA with outcomes in AIS is not possible given the heterogeneity in BA assessment and reporting across studies. Future studies using standardized BA assessment are warranted to clarify its association with clinical and safety outcomes in AIS.

Prognostic accuracy and impact of cerebral collateral status on clinical and safety outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving reperfusion therapy: a systematic meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral collateral status has a potential role in mediating postreperfusion clinical and safety outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic accuracy and impact of collateral status on clinical and safety outcomes in patients with AIS receiving reperfusion therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies with AIS patients treated with reperfusion therapy, collateral status assessed using Tan, ASITN/SIR, or similar collateral grading methods and data stratified according to collateral status were included. Relevant data on clinical outcomes, such as functional outcome at 90 days, mortality at 90 days, angiographic reperfusion, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and hemorrhagic transformation (HT), were collated and analyzed. RESULTS: A meta-analysis of 18 studies involving 4132 patients with AIS was conducted. Good collateral status was significantly associated with angiographic reperfusion (odds ratio [OR]=1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.38-2.80; P < 0.0001), sICH (OR=0.67, 95% CI=0.46-0.99; P = 0.042), and 90-day functional outcome (OR=3.05, 95% CI=1.78-5.24; P < 0.0001). However, its association with HT (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.38-1.51; P = 0.425) and three-month mortality (OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.17-1.69; P = 0.280) did not reach statistical significance. The prognostic accuracy of collaterals for predicting angiographic reperfusion, HT, functional outcome (at 90 days), and mortality (at 90 days) were 63%, 49%, 66%, and 48%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cerebral collaterals are significantly associated with clinical and safety outcomes, albeit with a prognostic accuracy range of 48%-66%; thus, evaluation of their patency is a useful prognostic tool in patients with AIS receiving reperfusion therapy.

Bridging the Gap in Cancer-Related Stroke Management: Update on Therapeutic and Preventive Approaches.

The underlying aetiopathophysiology of cancer-related strokes and thromboembolisms differs from that of noncancer-related strokes, which makes treating cancer-related strokes and thromboembolisms a distinct clinical challenge. This necessitates the development of novel, individualised diagnostic and treatment strategies. However, limited guidelines are available for the management of cancer-related strokes and the prevention of acute strokes or other thromboembolic events in this patient population. In this article, we present an updated overview of the therapeutic and preventive strategies for strokes in cancer settings. These strategies include acute reperfusion therapy, anticoagulant therapy, antiplatelet therapy, and lifestyle management options. We also outline comprehensive pathways and highlight gaps in the evidence-based clinical management of cancer-related strokes or thromboembolisms. Additionally, future recommendations for the management of strokes in cancer patients are provided.

Incidence of white matter lesions in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been found to be associated with encephalopathy and brain imaging abnormalities. The identification of incident white matter lesions, known to be associated with cerebral microcirculatory failure and cerebrovascular disease, in COVID-19 patients is of clinical and scientific interest. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the incidence of white matter lesions (WMLs) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on brain imaging abnormalities in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The terms used included "white matter lesions," "white matter hyperintensity," "COVID-19," "coronavirus," and "SARS-CoV-2." A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to obtain a pooled estimate of WML prevalence in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: A total of 4 eligible studies involving 362 patients (144 with WMLs and 218 without) were included in the meta-analysis. We found the pooled estimate of WML prevalence to be 20% (ES 0.20; 95% CI 0.00-0.54; p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The estimated pooled prevalence rate of WMLs was approximately 20% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, albeit lower than the crude prevalence rate (39.8%).

Role of diabetes in stroke: Recent advances in pathophysiology and clinical management.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes and stroke is a major global public health concern. Specifically, acute stroke patients, with pre-existing diabetes, pose a clinical challenge. It is established that diabetes is associated with a worse prognosis after acute stroke and the various biological factors that mediate poor recovery profiles in diabetic patients is unknown. The level of association and impact of diabetes, in the setting of reperfusion therapy, is yet to be determined. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of the role of diabetes in stroke, therapeutic strategies for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and/or stroke in diabetes, and various therapeutic considerations that may apply during pre-stroke, acute, sub-acute and post-stroke stages. The early diagnosis of diabetes as a comorbidity for stroke, as well as tailored post-stroke management of diabetes, is pivotal to our efforts to limit the burden. Increasing awareness and involvement of neurologists in the management of diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors is desirable towards improving stroke prevention and efficacy of reperfusion therapy in acute stroke patients with diabetes.

A Multicentre Study Comparing Cerebrovascular Disease Profiles in Pacific Islander and Caucasian Populations Presenting with Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack.

INTRODUCTION: In a multicentre study, we contrasted cerebrovascular disease profiles in Pacific Island (PI)-born patients (Indigenous Polynesian [IP] or Indo-Fijian [IF]) presenting with transient ischaemic attack (TIA), ischaemic stroke (IS) or intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) with those of Caucasians (CSs). METHODS: Using a retrospective case-control design, we compared PI-born patients with age- and gender-matched CS controls. Consecutive patients were admitted to 3 centres in South Western Sydney (July 2013-June 2020). Demographic and clinical data studied included vascular risk factors, stroke subtypes, and imaging characteristics. RESULTS: There were 340 CS, 183 (27%) IP, and 157 (23%) IF patients; mean age 65 years; and 302 (44.4%) female. Of these, 587 and patients presented with TIA/IS and 93 (13.6%) had ICH. Both IP and IF patients were significantly more likely to present >24 h from symptom onset (odds ratios [ORs] vs. CS 1.87 and 2.23). IP patients more commonly had body mass indexes >30 (OR 1.94). Current smoking and excess alcohol intake were higher in CS. Hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were significantly higher in both IP and IF groups in comparison to CS. IP patients had higher rates of AF and those with known AF were more commonly undertreated than both IF and CS patients (OR 2.24, p = 0.007). ICH was more common in IP patients (OR 2.32, p = 0.005), while more IF patients had intracranial arterial disease (OR 5.10, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Distinct cerebrovascular disease profiles are identifiable in PI-born patients who present with TIA or stroke symptoms in Australia. These may be used in the future to direct targeted approaches to stroke prevention and care in culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in South West Sydney 2014-2020: An Unusually High Incidence of a Rare Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a spongiform encephalopathy, caused by a transmissible misfolded cellular prion protein, is a rapidly progressive, debilitating neurodegenerative disorder with no effective treatment. The estimated global incidence is at 1/million inhabitants. This retrospective study examined the incidence of CJD in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) from 2014 to 2020. BACKGROUND: SWSLHD had an estimated population of 1,038,534 in 2020, with CJD data being limited. METHODS: The New South Wales (NSW) Health Information Exchange (HIE) database, for all admissions with CJD diagnoses in SWSLHD, between 2014 and 2020, was reviewed according to the WHO diagnostic criteria, consistent with the Australian national CJD registry. Only probable CJD cases were included. Incidence was calculated based on the projected SWSLHD population. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients, diagnosed with CJD, were identified. Each was evaluated by 2 independent investigators, including clinical presentation, MRI, EEGs, 14-3-3, and RT-QuIC results, before assigning CJD-probable status. Four failed the CJD criteria and were excluded. Of the 31 CJD-probable cases, most (59%) were male and older (37%, range 61-70 years). The incidence rate peaked at 9/million in 2017 and was above 2/million, throughout the 7 years, with an average of 4.859/million/year. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CJD, in SWSLHD, exceeds the national average of 1/million. Cost-effective, adequate diagnostic and screening tools, implementable over a large population, will become increasingly essential.

Incidental findings in brain imaging research: spotlight on ethical considerations.

Brain imaging has revolutionized our ability to characterize brain structure and function. Since the first use of magnetic resonance imaging in a live human subject in 1977, the use of brain imaging in research and clinical medicine has seen exponential growth. Incidental findings (IFs) in brain imaging research have been a subject of contentious debate regarding the disclosure of IFs to human participants of research. In this paper, ethical considerations, as they apply, to IFs in brain imaging research have been discussed. KEY POINTS: • Ethical considerations merit discussion vis a vis disclosure of incidental findings in brain imaging research.

Leukoaraiosis severity and post-reperfusion outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Severity of leukoaraiosis may mediate outcomes after reperfusion therapy in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. However, the level of the association remains poorly understood. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the impact of leukoaraiosis severity on functional outcome, survival, haemorrhagic complications, and procedural success in AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular thrombectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were searched for studies on leukoaraiosis in AIS receiving reperfusion therapy. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for post-reperfusion outcomes in AIS patients with absent-to-mild leukoaraiosis and moderate-to-severe leukoaraiosis. The strength of association between moderate-to-severe leukoaraiosis and poor outcomes was quantified using odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: A total of 15 eligible studies involving 6460 patients (1451 with moderate-to-severe leukoaraiosis and 5009 with absent-to-mild leukoaraiosis) were included in the meta-analysis. Moderate-to-severe leukoaraiosis was significantly associated with poor 90-day functional outcome (OR 3.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.69-3.72; p < .0001), 90-day mortality (OR 3.11; 95% CI 2.27-4.26; p < .0001) and increased risk of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.24-2.32; p = .001) after reperfusion therapy. Overall, no significant association of leukoaraiosis severity with haemorrhagic transformation (HT) and angiographic recanalization status were observed. However, subgroup analysis revealed a significant association of WML severity with HT in patients receiving EVT. CONCLUSION: Leukoaraiosis is a useful prognostic biomarker in AIS. Patients with moderate-to-severe leukoaraiosis on baseline imaging are likely to have worse clinical and safety outcomes after reperfusion therapy.

Value of pre-intervention computed tomography perfusion imaging in the assessment of tissue outcome and long-term clinical prognosis in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke receiving reperfusion therapy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging has emerged as an important adjunct to the current armamentarium of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) workflow. However, its adoption in routine clinical practice is far from optimal. PURPOSE: To investigate the putative association of CTP imaging biomarkers in the assessment of prognosis in acute ischemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials focusing on CTP biomarkers, tissue-based and clinical-based patient outcomes. We included randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and case-controlled studies published from January 2005 to 28 August 2020. Two independent reviewers conducted the study appraisal, data extraction, and quality assessment of the studies. RESULTS: A total of 60 full-text studies were included in the final systematic review analysis. Increasing infarct core volume is associated with reduced odds of achieving functional independence (modified Rankin score 0-2) at 90 days and is correlated with the final infarct volume when reperfusion is achieved. CONCLUSION: CTP has value in assessing tissue perfusion status in the hyperacute stroke setting and the long-term clinical prognosis of patients with AIS receiving reperfusion therapy. However, the prognostic use of CTP requires optimization and further validation.

When Two Maladies Meet: Disease Burden and Pathophysiology of Stroke in Cancer.

Stroke and cancer are disabling diseases with an enormous global burden, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and low- and middle-income countries. Both these diseases share common risk factors, which warrant concerted attention toward reshaping population health approaches and the conducting of fundamental studies. In this article, an overview of epidemiological trends in the prevalence and burden of cancer and stroke, underlying biological mechanisms and clinical risk factors, and various tools available for risk prediction and prognosis are provided. Finally, future recommendations for research and existing gaps in our understanding of pathophysiology. Further research must investigate the causes that predispose patients to an increased risk of stroke and/or cancer, as well as biomarkers that can be used to predict growing morbidity and mortality.

Clot Morphology in Acute Ischemic Stroke Decision Making.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the world, and the provision of reperfusion therapy and endovascular therapy, in particular, have revolutionized the treatment of patients with stroke and opened opportunities to look at brain clots retrieved after the procedure. The use of histopathology and molecular profiling of clots is of growing research and clinical interest. However, its clinical implications and incorporation within stroke workflows remain suboptimal. Recent studies have indicated that the study of brain clots may inform the mechanism of stroke and hence guide treatment decision-making in select groups of patients, especially patients without a defined cause or known mechanism. This article provides a comprehensive overview of various clot histopathological examinations in acute stroke-care settings, their clinical utility, and existing gaps and opportunities for further research. We also provide targeted recommendations to improve clot analysis workflow, hence standardizing its incorporation into clinical practice.

Emerging role of white matter lesions in cerebrovascular disease.

White matter lesions have been implicated in the setting of stroke, dementia, intracerebral haemorrhage, several other cerebrovascular conditions, migraine, various neuroimmunological diseases like multiple sclerosis, disorders of metabolism, mitochondrial diseases and others. While much is understood vis a vis neuroimmunological conditions, our knowledge of the pathophysiology of these lesions, and their role in, and implications to, management of cerebrovascular diseases or stroke, especially in the elderly, are limited. Several clinical assessment tools are available for delineating white matter lesions in clinical practice. However, their incorporation into clinical decision-making and specifically prognosis and management of patients is suboptimal for use in standards of care. This article sought to provide an overview of the current knowledge and recent advances on pathophysiology, as well as clinical and radiological assessment, of white matter lesions with a focus on its development, progression and clinical implications in cerebrovascular diseases. Key indications for clinical practice and recommendations on future areas of research are also discussed. Finally, a conceptual proposal on putative mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of white matter lesions in cerebrovascular disease has been presented. Understanding of pathophysiology of white matter lesions and how they mediate outcomes is important to develop therapeutic strategies.

Cerebral collaterals in acute ischaemia: Implications for acute ischaemic stroke patients receiving reperfusion therapy.

The cerebral collaterals play an important role in penumbral tissue sustenance after an acute ischaemic stroke. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential role of collaterals in the selection of acute ischaemic stroke patients eligible for reperfusion therapy. However, the understanding of the significance and evidence around the role of collateral status in predicting outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke patients treated with reperfusion therapy is still unclear. Moreover, the use of pre-treatment collaterals in patient selection and prognosis is relatively underappreciated in clinical settings. A focused review of the literature was performed on the various methods of collateral evaluation and the role of collateral status in acute ischaemic stroke patients receiving reperfusion therapy. We discuss the methods of evaluating pre-treatment collaterals in clinical settings. The patient selection based on collateral status as well as the prognostic and therapeutic value of collaterals in acute ischaemic stroke, in settings of intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular therapy alone, and bridge therapy, are summarized. Recommendations for future research and possible pharmacological intervention strategies aimed at collateral enhancement are also discussed. Collaterals may play an important role in identifying acute ischaemic stroke patients who are likely to benefit from endovascular treatment in an extended time window. Future neuroscientific efforts to better improve our understanding of the role of collaterals in acute ischaemia as well as clinical studies to delineate its role in patient selection and acute stroke prognosis are warranted.

Diagnostic and prognostic utility of computed tomography perfusion imaging in posterior circulation acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging could be useful in the diagnosis of posterior circulation stroke (PCS) and in identifying patients who are likely to experience favorable outcomes following reperfusion therapy. The current study sought to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic capability of CTP in acute ischemic PCS by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Medline/PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched using the terms: "posterior circulation", "CT perfusion", "acute stroke", and "reperfusion therapy". The following studies were included: (1) patients aged 18 years or above; (2) patients diagnosed with PCS; and (3) studies with good methodological design. Pooled sensitivity (SENS), specificity (SPEC), and area under the curve (AUC), computed using the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves, were used to determine diagnostic/prognostic capability. RESULTS: Out of 14 studies included, a meta-analysis investigating diagnostic accuracy of CTP was performed on nine studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated comparable diagnostic accuracy of CTP to non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) (AUCCTP : 0.90 [95% CI 0.87-0.92] vs. AUCNCCT : 0.96 [95% CI 0.94-0.97]); however, with higher pooled sensitivity (SENSCTP : 72% [95% CI 57%-83%] vs. SENSNCCT : 25% [95% CI 17%-35%]) and lower specificity (SPECCTP : 90% [95% CI 83%-94%] vs. SPECNCCT : 96% [95% CI 95%-98%]) than NCCT. Meta-analysis to determine prognostic capability of CTP could not be performed. CONCLUSIONS: CTP has limited diagnostic utility in acute ischemic PCS, albeit with superior diagnostic sensitivity and inferior diagnostic specificity to NCCT. Further prospective trials are required to validate the prognostic capability of CTP-derived parameters in PCS.

CTP-guided reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging could be useful in guiding reperfusion therapy or patient selection in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. The aim of the current study was to determine the efficacy of the CTP-guided reperfusion therapy in AIS by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Medline/PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched using the terms: "CT perfusion", "acute stroke" and "reperfusion therapy". The following studies were included: (a) studies reporting original data; (b) patients aged 18 years or above; (c) patients diagnosed with anterior circulation AIS; and (d) studies with good methodological design. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were finally included in the metanalysis with a total of 5, 687 patients. CTP-guided reperfusion therapy was associated with increased odds of good functional outcome without significant difference in safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: CTP-guided reperfusion therapy improved functional outcomes in AIS, with increased benefits to patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy.

In-hospital acute stroke workflow in acute stroke - Systems-based approaches.

Clinical outcomes of acute ischaemic stroke patients have significantly improved with the advent of reperfusion therapy. However, time continues to be a critical factor. Reducing treatment delays by improving workflows can improve the efficacy of acute reperfusion therapy. Systems-based approaches have improved in-hospital temporal parameters, maximizing the utility of reperfusion therapies and improving clinical benefit to patients. However, studies aimed at optimizing and hence reducing treatment delays in emergency department (ED) settings are limited. The aim of this article is to discuss existing systems-based approaches to optimize ED acute stroke workflows and its value in reducing treatment delays and identify gaps in existing workflows that need optimization. Identifying gaps in acute stroke workflow, variations in processes and challenges in implementation, in the in-hospital settings, is essential for systems-based interventions to be effective in delivering improved outcomes for patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

In-hospital systems interventions in acute stroke reperfusion therapy: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The value of in-hospital systems-based interventions in streamlining treatment delays associated with reperfusion therapy delivery in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), in the emergency department (ED), is poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and quantify the value of in-hospital systems-based interventions in streamlining reperfusion therapy delivery following AIS. MATERIAL & METHODS: Articles from the following databases were retrieved: Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary endpoint was in-hospital time metrics between the intervention and control group. The secondary endpoint included the rate of good functional outcome at 90 days. RESULTS: 393 Systems intervention studies published after 2015 were screened, and 231 full articles were then read. In total, 35 studies with 35,815 patients were included in the final systematic review and 26 studies with 7,089 patients were used in the meta-analysis. The greatest time reductions from in-hospital system interventions were achieved in door-to-needle (DTN) time (SMD: -2.696, 95% CI: -2.976, -2.416, z = 3.03, p = 0.002). Systems interventions were also associated with a statistically significant improvement in mortality (RR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.38), rate of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (RR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.1) and ≤60-minute reperfusion rates (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The use of in-hospital workflow optimization is imperative to expedite reperfusion therapy delivery and improving patient outcomes. To reduce the morbidity and mortality of stroke globally, in-hospital workflow guidelines should be adhered to and incorporated including the optimal elements identified in this study.