Objective To investigate the risk factors, clinical features and outcomes of patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI), and explore the association between TOAST classification and LHI. Methods We prospectively registered consecutive cases of acute ischemic stroke at the neurological wards of West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January 1st 2010 to February 29th 2012. We collected the demographic data, risk factors, and other related data, assessed the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores at admission, and followed-up the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at the third month from the onset. In different TOAST classifications, univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to find predictors for the occurrence and prognosis of LHI. Results Of the enrolled 1 729 patients with acute ischemic stroke, 317 (18.3%) had LHI. The multivariate analysis showed that male, hypertension and onset to admission time were the independent predictive factors for the large-artery atherosclerosis type LHI (P<0.05); atrial fibrillation and valvulopathy were the independent predictive factors for cardioembolism type LHI (P<0.05). Meanwhile, age, hypertension, onset to admission time, and NIHSS and GCS scores at admission were the independent predictive factors for death/disability (mRS>3) within three months (P<0.05). Conclusions Hypertension, gender, onset to admission time, atrial fibrillation, and valvulopathy are independently associated with the occurrence of LHI. Young patients with lower GCS, higher NIHSS scores and no hypertension are more likely to have a better prognosis after LHI.
Objective To explore the impact of early blood pressure reduction on the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chongqing VIP, with the search period from databases establishment to December 31, 2024. Randomized controlled studies on early blood pressure reduction within 7 days after the onset of acute ischemic stroke were included, and meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Results Finally, 15 randomized controlled studies were included. The meta-analysis results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome (90 days disability or death) and the secondary outcomes (90 days all-cause death) between the early blood pressure reduction group and the control group (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the early blood pressure reduction group had a higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 2 weeks [standardized mean difference=0.25, 95% confidence interval (0.07, 0.44), P=0.008]. Conclusion Early blood pressure reduction cannot reduce the risk of 90 days disability or death and 90 days all-cause death in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and may be detrimental to 2 weeks neurological function recovery.
Objective To assess the effects and safety of Tongxinluo (TXL) Capsule for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods PubMed (1966 to 2011.12.23), EMbase (1966 to 2011.12.23), Ovid CENTRAL (2011.10), CBM (1978 to 2011.12.23), VIP (1989 to 2011.12.23), CNKI (1980 to 2011.12.23), CDFD (1999 to 2011.12.23), and CDFD (1999 to 2011.12.23) were electronically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TXL Capsule for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Meanwhile, relevant data were retrieved by hand search and data from pharmaceutical factories were collected. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1 software. Results Thirty nine RCTs (non-placebo-controlled trials) involving 3 906 patients were included. The quality of the included studies was generally low. The follow-up time started from the end of treatment (minimum: 7 days) to 6 months. The result of meta-analysis (16 trials, 1 445 patients) showed that the TXL group was better than the control group in improving neurological function (SMD= −1.09, 95%CI −1.68 to −0.49). The result of meta-analysis (21 trials, 2 500 patients) showed that, the effectiveness rate (91.3%) of the TXL group was significantly higher than that of the control group (RR=1.22, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.30). Eight trials reported adverse reactions such as nausea and gastric discomfort. Four trials reported that 5 patients in the control group died during the treatment. No studies reported the data of mortality, dependency rate during 3-month follow up, or quality of life. Conclusion Current studies show that, TXL Capsule improves neurological impairment of patients with acute ischemic stroke which has less adverse reactions. Further studies are still needed to verify the effects of TXL on long-term mortality and disability. It is necessary to conduct more high quality RCTs especially with placebo-controlled trials to confirm the efficacy of Tongxinluo for acute ischemic stroke.
This article explores the application and research progress of shared decision-making (SDM) tools in ultra-early vascular recanalization therapy for ischemic stroke, focusing on analyzing the functional characteristics and advantages and disadvantages of various tools. Based on functional goals, SDM tools can be divided into four categories: brief decision aids, risk communication tools, patient information tools, and prognosis assessment tools. These tools can assist patients and doctors in making informed treatment decisions quickly in time-sensitive situations, providing a reference for optimizing stroke revascularization treatment. Additionally, SDM tools can facilitate communication between doctors and patients, enabling patients to better understand the risks and benefits of treatment options, leading to choices more aligned with personal preferences and values. Through an in-depth study of these SDM tools, it is expected to improve the diagnostic and treatment efficiency for stroke patients, reduce decision conflicts, promote collaboration between doctors and patients, and provide new ideas and methods for stroke treatment and management.
Objective To investigate the association of serum albumin and relevant composite indicators with malignant brain edema after acute ischemic stroke. Methods We screened patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January and December 2022. The case group consisted of patients who developed malignant brain edema within 7 days of admission, while the control group consisted of patients who did not develop malignant brain edema within 7 days of admission. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of serum albumin and relevant composite indicators with malignant brain edema after acute ischemic stroke. Results Finally, 428 patients were included, aged 70.00 (58.00, 82.00) years, with females accounting for 40.9% (n=175). The time from onset to admission was 10.00 (4.00, 24.00) hours. Forty-three patients (10.0%) developed malignant brain edema and were classified as the case group, and their onset time of malignant brain edema was 34.00 (22.50, 56.50) hours after the onset of the disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in the score of the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores [odds ratio (OR)=1.167], the combination of diabetes (OR=5.525), the treatment of thrombectomy (OR=23.875), and the neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio higher than the median (OR=3.806) were associated with the increased risk of malignant brain edema (P<0.05), and the successful reperfusion after thrombectomy (OR=0.120) was associated with the reduced risk of malignant brain edema (P<0.05). Conclusion A higher percentage of serum neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio within 24 hours of onset in patients with acute ischemic stroke is associated with an increased risk of malignant brain edema within 7 days of admission.
ObjectiveTo explore the association between glycosylated hemoglobin level and poor prognosis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis.MethodsThe AIS patients treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator who were hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology from September to December 2020 were retrospectively included. According to different levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, they were divided into pre-diabetic group (5.7%≤glycated hemoglobin≤6.4%), diabetic group (previously diabetic or glycosylated hemoglobin≥6.5%), and non-diabetic group (glycated hemoglobin <5.7%). The relevant information of the patients was collected, and a telephone follow-up was conducted 90 days after discharge. According to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, the patients were divided into the good prognosis group (mRS score≤2) and the poor prognosis group (mRS score>2). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for the poor prognosis of intravenous thrombolysis in patients with AIS.ResultEventually 101 patients were included, including 44 in the non-diabetic group, 24 in the pre-diabetic group, and 33 in the diabetic group. And 64 patients were in the good prognosis group and 37 patients were in the poor prognosis group. Regression analysis results showed that diabetes was associated with poor prognosis 3 months after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with AIS [odds ratio=6.518, 95% confidence interval (1.568, 27.096), P=0.010]; and the higher the National Institutesof Health Stroke Scale score at admission was, the higher the risk of poor prognosis would be [odds ratio=1.421, 95% confidence interval (1.231, 1.640), P<0.001].ConclusionIn AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis, diabetes is associated with poor prognosis after 3 months.
Objective To evaluate the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for acute ischemic stroke. Methods Six databases including The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2005), EMbase (1984 to December 2005), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, 1994 to December 2005), China Biomedicine Database disc (CBMdisc, 1980 to December 2005), VIP (a full text issues database of China, 1989 to December 2005) were searched systematically. Handsearch for further references was conducted. Language was limited to Chinese and English. We identified 74 RCTs that used acupuncture as an intervention and assessed the quality of these reports against the Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) statement and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA).Results In regard to the items in the CONSORT statement, 54 (73%) RCTs described baseline demographic and clinical characteristics in each group. Twenty-six (35%) mentioned the method of generating the random sequence, with 4 (5%) using a computer allocation. Only 6 (8%) RCTs had adequate allocation concealment, with 5 RCTs using sealed opaque envelopes and 1 RCT using centralized computer allocation. Only 8 (11%) RCTs used blinding, including 5 described as double-blind. Four (5%) RCTs reported the sample size calculation and 5 (7%) RCTs reported that an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. In regard to the items in STRICTA , only 4 (5%) RCTs reported the numbers of needles inserted. In 35 (47%) RCTs the needle type was reported, but only 26 (35%) mentioned the depths of insertion. Only 1 (1%) RCT mentioned the length of clinical experience and 6 (8%) RCTs reported the background of the acupuncture practitioners, but none stated the duration of their training.Conclusion The reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for acute ischemic stroke was low. The CONSORT statement and STRICTA should be used to standardize the reporting of RCTs of acupuncture.
ObjectiveTo explore the relevance of an increase in neutrophil count and early neurological deterioration (END) after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on the patients who received thrombolysis treatment of alteplase within 4.5 hours after onset between January 2017 and November 2018. Based on the existence of END, the patients were divided into the END group and the non-END group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the relevances between END and the indexes such as neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) after thrombolysis. Paired sample t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the changes of neutrophil and lymphocyte before and after thrombolysis.ResultsA total of 187 patients were included, including 48 in the END group and 139 in the non-END group. Before thrombolysis, the differences of total protein (t=2.130, P=0.035) and albumin (t=2.777, P=0.007) between the two groups were statistically significant, but the differences in other clinical indexes between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). After thrombolysis, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, NLR, fibrinase degradation product, baseline and change of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, proportion of cardiogenic embolism, degree of responsible vascular stenosis and anterior circulation cortical infarction site were all higher in the END group than those in the non-END group (P<0.05). The total protein, albumin, lymphocyte count and prealbumin in the END group were lower than those in the non-END group (P<0.05). Neutrophil in the END group increased significantly (Z=−2.314, P=0.021) after thrombolysis. Neutrophil count [odds ratio=1.288, 95% confidence interval (1.069, 1.552)] was one of the independent influencing factors of venous thrombolysis END, and the specificity was the highest (the sensitivity was 62.5%, and the specificity was 71.9%).ConclusionsAfter thrombolysis, elevated neutrophil count has some relevance to END. Dynamic monitoring on neutrophil count after intravenous thrombolysis treatment can predict the occurrence of END.
Stroke is a disease that seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Its main characteristics are that the incidence rate is increasing year by year, the risk of death is high, and the prognosis of the disease is poor. For patients with acute cerebral artery occlusive ischemic stroke, intravenous thrombolysis alone has a low recanalization rate and poor long-term prognosis. With the development of interventional treatment technology for cerebrovascular disease, intravascular interventional treatment methods such as arterial thrombolysis, stent placement, and mechanical thrombectomy are more and more applied in the ultra-early stage of acute ischemic stroke. This article reviews the progress of mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of cerebral artery occlusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Objective To investigate whether there is an off-hours effect on the endovascular treatment (EVT) process for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after emergency admission to the hospital. Methods We retrospectively analyzed AIS patients who were admitted to the West China Hospital of Sichuan University on the stroke green channel between September 2019 and August 2023 and planned to perform emergency EVT. The patients were divided into working-hour and off-hour groups according to their admission time. The clinical information, door-to-puncture time (DPT), door-to-head/neck imaging time (DIT) and door-to-blood test time (DBT) of the two groups patients were compared, and subgroup analysis was conducted according to whether they arrived at the hospital at night, before and after the guideline update, and whether they were in the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic period. Results A total of 586 AIS patients with large vessel occlusion were included, including 220 patients admitted during working hours and 336 patients admitted during off-working hours. There was no statistically significant difference in the basic information and EVT process time between patients admitted during working hours and patients admitted during off-working hours (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients admitted during off-working hours, there was no statistically significant difference in the basic information and EVT process time between patients arrived at the hospital at night and patients did not arrive at the hospital at night (P>0.05). Before and after the guideline updated, there was no statistically significant difference in the basic information and EVT process time between patients admitted during working hours and patients admitted during off-working hours (P>0.05). No matter whether it is in the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic period, there was no statistically significant difference in the basic information and EVT process time between patients admitted during working hours and patients admitted during off-working hours (P>0.05). Conclusions There is no off-hours effect on the EVT process time after AIS patients arrive at the hospital. In the future, more stroke centers of different levels are needed to further explore the impact of off-hours effect on emergency diagnosis and treatment of AIS patients.