Epidemiology, aetiology, and management of ischaemic stroke in young adults

Effectiveness of a Health Education Program to Reduce Recurrence of Stroke by Controlling Modifiable Risk Factors in a Specialized Hospital in Bangladesh: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Health education could be an effective way to increase knowledge regarding behavioral changes to prevent the recurrence of stroke; however, the evidence is ambiguous. A lack of both knowledge and compliance with treatment to control modifiable risk factors and unhealthy lifestyles increases the risk of stroke recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a health education program among patients with stroke postdischarge and their family caregivers in a tertiary specialized hospital in Bangladesh to reduce stroke recurrence by controlling modifiable risk factors.

METHODS

A parallel (1:1), open-label, prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in Bangladesh. A total of 432 patients with first-time stroke, aged ≥18 years and a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-4, were randomly enrolled at the National Institute of Neuroscience & Hospital. We stratified the patients by age and type of stroke and randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). We collected sociodemographic and clinical data by using a structured questionnaire. The IG received (self) management education, including monitoring blood pressure (BP), medication, diet, and exercise for 12 months, and the CG received usual care. The outcomes were (1) recurrence after 28 days of stroke and (2) all adverse events related to stroke after 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 432 patients (n=216, 50%, in each group), stroke recurrence was observed 14 (6.5%) patients in the IG and 8 (3.7%) patients in the CG, and the difference was not significant (P=.19). Death was lower in the IG (n=39, 18.1%, vs n=56, 25.9%) compared to the CG. In Cox regression analysis, the unadjusted model showed death was significant (hazard ratio [HR] 1.531, 95% CI 1.017-2.304; P=.04); however, the difference was not significant after adjusting the mRS score at baseline (HR 0.818, 95% CI 0.540-1.238; P=.34). Patients' medication adherence significantly improved at 6-month (P<.001) and 12-month (P=.002) follow-up after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This study failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of health education in reducing recurrence, death, and stroke-related adverse events. However, health education enhanced medication adherence. Some causes of death could not be diagnosed due to inadequate health care systems. Further research with diagnostic facilities and a long observation period is necessary to explore the underlying cause of recurrence. The results suggest the importance of structuring acute care management for patients with stroke into the health care system of Bangladesh.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05520034; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05520034.

Association of omega-3/6 polyunsaturated fatty acids with three cerebrovascular diseases: A Mendelian randomization study

Nutritional and dietary interventions are important in the prevention of stroke, but many of the factors influencing stroke remain undefined. Although omega-3/6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been suggested to be associated with cerebrovascular diseases, studies on this topic are lacking. This study extracted and screened independent single nucleotide polymorphisms of omega-3/6 PUFAs and 3 types of cerebrovascular diseases data from the IEU Open GWAS database. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to examine the association between omega-3/6 PUFAs with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and ischemic stroke (IS). The primary analysis method was the inverse variance weighting method, supplemented by the weighted median and MR-Egger methods. Sensitivity and multiplicity were assessed using Cochran Q test, MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger regression, and leave-one-out analysis. This study was conducted in full compliance with the STROBE guidelines throughout. The inverse variance weighting analysis revealed a negative correlation between omega-3 PUFAs and SAH (P = .0078). However, there was no correlation between omega-3 PUFAs and ICH (P = .3930) and IS (P = .2922). Additionally, there was no association between omega-6 PUFAs and SAH (P = .1399), ICH (P = .1399, 0.0660), and IS (P = .8571) using all 3 analytical methods. No heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed. The study suggested that omega-3 PUFAs had a significant protective role in SAH. However, omega-3/6 PUFAs were not found to be associated with other types of cerebrovascular diseases.

Characterization, Outcomes, and Time to Event Predictors of Urinary Tract Infections Acquired During Postacute Stroke Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To (1) compare baseline clinical and demographic characteristics of postacute stroke inpatients who were diagnosed with first-time urinary tract infection (UTI) versus inpatients who were not; (2) compare rehabilitation outcomes between both groups; and (3) examine associations between time to UTI event and risk factors.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

Institution for inpatient neurologic rehabilitation.

PARTICIPANTS

Inpatients (n=1683) admitted within 3 months poststroke to a rehabilitation facility between 2005 and 2023.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Functional independence measure (FIM), functional ambulation categories (FACs) at admission. Cox proportional hazard models analyzed the association between UTI event timing and risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the (n=1683) included patients, 196 (11.6%) experienced a UTI. In 32.1% of cases, the UTI occurred during the first week after admission to rehabilitation and 47.9% of UTIs occurred during the first 2 weeks. The median (interquartile range) time to UTI was 16 (5-37) days since admission. Most common germs were Escherichia coli (40.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.4%). Patients who acquired a UTI had older age, higher stroke severity, higher proportion of dysphagia, hypertension, neglect, bilateral affectation, atrial fibrillation, hemiplegia, lower levels of functional independence, and lower FAC. We identified no differences in gender, type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), time to admission, aphasia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dominant side affected, and educational level between both groups. Patients with UTI presented significantly poorer rehabilitation outcomes including lower discharge FIM and FAC, larger length of stay, lower FIM efficiency, and decreased FIM effectiveness. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards identified hypertension HR=1.60 (1.13-2.27), admission FIM HR=0.98 (0.97-0.99), admission body mass index HR=0.96 (0.93-0.99), and admitted with catheter HR=1.80 (1.22-2.64) as significant predictors of time to first UTI event (Concordance-index=0.754).

CONCLUSIONS

UTIs identification, characterization, and predictive factors can support postacute stroke mitigation strategies to minimize UTI-related complications and optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

Mortality and long-term recurrence of ischaemic stroke in young adults of a northern Spanish region (Aragón)

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of ischemic stroke in young adults is increasing worldwide, and it is not uncommon in our region. It is associated with the presence of traditional vascular risk factors. However, there is little information about its prognosis, unlike other age groups. The objective of this study is to determine mortality, both in the short and long term follow-up, and the long-term follow-up recurrence of ischemic stroke in young adult patients in Aragon, making up the first study of this kind in Spain, and one of the few that addresses this issue in Europe.

METHODS

Multicenter, observational, retrospective study of all patients between 18 and 50 years old who were admitted for an ischemic stroke in any hospital in Aragon between 2005-2015. The follow-up was carried out until March 31, 2021. Mortality, causes of death and recurrence of cerebrovascular events were collected, stratifying the sample based on the sex and age group of the patients. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to determine the factors associated with mortality and recurrence.

RESULTS

721 patients were included (697 with long-term follow-up). Mortality was 3.3% in the first 30 days. Long-term mortality and recurrence was 9.2% and 11.9% at a median of 10.1 years of follow-up. The most frequent cause of death in the short term was of Neurovascular origin and in the long term was cancer. Having a NIHSS > 15 was associated with higher short-term mortality. Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, excessive alcohol consumption, atrial fibrillation and peripheral vascular disease were associated with long-term mortality. A history of previous stroke, diabetes mellitus, and atherothrombotic aetiology were associated with a higher cumulative risk of stroke recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality and recurrence of ischaemic stroke in young adults in Aragon, although lower than that described by other studies, is by no means negligible and is associated with the presence of traditional vascular risk factors.

Body Representation in Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review of Human Figure Graphic Representation

Background: Body representation is a complex process involving sensory, motor, and cognitive information. Frequently, it is disrupted after a stroke, impairing rehabilitation, emotional functioning, and daily functioning. The human figure graphic representation has emerged as a holistic tool to assess post-stroke outcomes. Objectives: This systematic review examines the methodologies of human figure representation tests and their application in assessing post-stroke body representation, emphasizing its role in bridging subjective patient experiences with objective metrics. Methods: This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A literature search was conducted through the databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, collecting publications eligible for qualitative analysis. We selected studies where patients drew human figures in the study design to assess body representation, involving exclusively the adult stroke population. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: Ten studies were analyzed. The tool demonstrated versatility in capturing unilateral spatial neglect, emotional disturbances, and functional independence. Qualitative metrics and quantitative indices correlated with cognitive deficits, mood disorders, and activities of daily living. Human figure representation also predicted rehabilitation outcomes, with improvements aligning with motor recovery. Innovations included digital quantification of evaluation metrics. Conclusions: Human figure graphic representation is a low-cost, adaptable tool bridging motor, cognitive, and emotional assessments in stroke survivors. While methodological variability persists, AI-driven analytics and standardized frameworks could enhance objectivity. Future research should prioritize validating parameters and developing hybrid models combining traditional qualitative insights with machine learning, thus advancing precision neurorehabilitation and personalized care.

Comparing the impact of cumulative insulin resistance surrogates exposure on stroke: optimizing prevention strategies

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in increasing the risk of stroke. The objective of this research is to systematically evaluate and compare the impact of cumulative exposure over time to four commonly used IR surrogates-triglyceride-glucose (CumTyG) index, metabolic score for IR (CumMetS-IR), estimated glucose disposal rate (CumeGDR) and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (CumTG/HDL-C) ratio-on stroke risk, providing insights for optimizing monitoring strategies for primary stroke prevention.

METHODS

The study population was sourced from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS2011-2018). Cumulative exposure to IR (CumIR) surrogates was calculated as the mean value of IR surrogates measured in the first and third waves of CHARLS, multiplied by the total exposure duration. The primary endpoint was incident stroke, determined through questionnaires in the third and fourth waves of CHARLS. Multivariable Cox regression models were applied to estimate and compare HRs and 95% CIs for stroke across quartiles of CumIR surrogates.

RESULTS

A total of 4,669 participants with no history of stroke at baseline were included. During a median follow-up of 6 years, 347 new stroke events (7.43%) were recorded. The incidence rates of stroke in the highest quartiles of CumTyG index, CumTG/HDL-C ratio, and CumMetS-IR, as well as the lowest quartile of CumeGDR, were 9.67%, 9.93%, 10.45%, and 13.02%, respectively. In terms of risk assessment, the multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the highest quartiles of CumTyG index, CumTG/HDL-C ratio, and CumMetS-IR and the lowest quartile of CumeGDR were associated with stroke risk, with corresponding HR (95% CI) of 1.48(1.05-2.10), 1.61(1.15-2.24), 1.72(1.21-2.43), and 3.57(2.25-5.68), respectively. In terms of event prediction, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that CumeGDR had the highest predictive accuracy for incident stroke compared with other common IR surrogates.

CONCLUSIONS

In assessing stroke risk and predicting events in middle-aged and elderly populations, cumulative exposure to eGDR demonstrates significant advantages over other common IR surrogates. Incorporating eGDR as an IR monitoring marker is recommended for primary stroke prevention.

Global, regional, and national epidemiology of ischemic stroke in young adults, 1990-2021

INTRODUCTION

This study, for the first time, utilizes the 2021 GBD data to analyze the disease burden of ischemic stroke in young adults (defined as aged 20-50 years) globally, aiming to provide a scientific basis for public health interventions.

METHODS

The study employs GBD data from 1990 to 2021 to analyze the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of ischemic stroke in young adults. We assess differences in disease burden across regions with varying levels of socioeconomic development using the Sociodemographic Index (SDI). We also utilize Joinpoint regression and the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model to analyze temporal trends and predict future burdens. Additionally, we examine the distribution of ischemic stroke in young adults across different ages, genders, and regions.

RESULTS

In 2021, the number of deaths and incidences increased; however, the age-standardized mortality rate decreased. The Middle SDI region had the highest number of deaths and incidence, while the High SDI region had the lowest number of deaths. Southeast Asia had the highest estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in mortality Age-Standardized Rate (ASR), East Asia had the highest EAPC in incidence ASR. The incidence was highest in the age group of 40-49 years, with a shift from older to middle-aged populations. The mortality rate in males was generally higher than in females. The age-standardized incidence rate of ischemic stroke in young adults is expected to continue declining in the future, while the number of cases is likely to keep increasing.

CONCLUSION

Despite a global decline of mortality and incidence in all SDI regions, the disease burden continues to rise due to population growth and aging, especially in Middle SDI regions. The study predicts ongoing increases in disease burden, highlighting the impact of gender and socioeconomic factors. Further research is needed to prevent the disease from affecting younger populations.

Non-cardiac and cardiac risk for ischemic stroke in young adults: The Stanford Y-CORE (Young Cardiovascular Outcomes and Risk Evaluation) study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of stroke is increasing in young to middle-aged adults. Assessing risk factors is important in this large population whose comorbidities may differ from older adults.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort analysis of adults aged between 20 and 50 presenting to the Stanford Healthcare system from 1 January 2000 through 31 December 2021, with no prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, we studied the effects of 30 risk factors on the primary endpoint of incident ischemic stroke, defined by the presence of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes for stroke and confirmed by brain imaging. The secondary endpoint was incident cerebrovascular events defined by the presence of ICD-10 codes for stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Associations were measured with time-varying multivariable survival regression.

RESULTS

From an overall population of 1.3 million, we identified 540,999 individuals aged 20-50 years. Over the study period, 802 experienced the primary endpoint and 5734 the secondary endpoint. On multivariable analysis, non-cardiovascular risk factors were independently associated with the primary endpoint, adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors, including sleep apnea [1.44, (1.19, 1.74)], bipolar disorder [1.88, (1.23, 2.86)], cancer [2.07 (1.71, 2.51)], and chronic kidney disease (CKD) [2.2, (1.73, 2.81)]. Other non-cardiovascular associations included ethno-racial subgroups of Black [2.05, (1.60, 2.64)], Pacific Islander [2.56, (1.70, 3.84)], and Hispanic [1.71, (1.37, 2.15)] versus white non-Hispanics. Combining non-cardiovascular risk factors significant on multivariable analysis with established cardiovascular factors significantly improved the C-index for de novo stroke to 0.814 over that obtained in either group alone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large population of young adults, several non-cardiovascular factors conferred risk for incident stroke independent of known cardiovascular risk factors and, in combination, significantly improved the prediction of incident stroke over those based on either group of factors alone. These findings may have implications for assessing risk in younger patients with distinct comorbidities.

Research progress in Pusher Syndrome after stroke

Post-stroke Pusher Syndrome is a postural control disorder. It is characterized by active tilting toward the hemiplegic side and resistance to correction. This significantly impacts patients' motor function and quality of life. Its incidence varies greatly due to different research designs and assessment criteria. Literature reports an incidence ranging from 5% to 63%, and the incidence in patients with right brain damage (17.4%) is much higher than that in patients with left brain damage (9.5%). Etiological studies indicate that damage to the parietal lobe, thalamus, insula, and postcentral gyrus is the main pathological basis. The key mechanism is the interruption of thalamocortical connections. Typical clinical manifestations include trunk tilting in supine position, asymmetric weight-bearing in sitting, weight shift in standing, and impaired weight transfer during gait. Patients often have unilateral spatial neglect, which exacerbates balance disorders. Prognosis shows about 90% of patients recover within 6 months, but 10% to 15% may have long-term symptoms. Early rehabilitation intervention can significantly improve functional outcomes. This article comprehensively reviews the nomenclature, incidence, etiology, lesion sites, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of Pusher Syndrome, providing a research foundation for future studies on post-stroke Pusher Syndrome.

Return to Work After Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults: A Multicenter Cohort Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke incidence in young adults is increasing globally, with return to work (RTW) a key rehabilitation goal. We aimed to assess the overall proportions of and factors associated with RTW following young adult ischemic stroke.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with ischemic stroke aged 18 to 50 years at 2 tertiary hospitals in Singapore from 2020 to 2022. We evaluated associations between patient characteristics and 3-month RTW status, augmenting these findings with a systematic review and meta-analysis of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from January 2000 to November 2023. We pooled proportions for RTW and functional recovery (defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) and meta-analyzed associations between patient characteristics and RTW using random-effects models. In this multicenter cohort, 68.8% (249/362) of young patients with ischemic stroke returned to work, while 87.8% (318/362) achieved functional recovery. Multivariable logistic regression showed that patients with large-artery atherosclerosis pathogenesis, diabetes, higher admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, and higher 90-day modified Rankin Scale had significantly lower odds of RTW. The systematic review and meta-analyses of 1914 patients across 6 cohort studies identified significantly lower odds of RTW in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis, diabetes, and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale SCORE >15. The pooled proportion of RTW was 63.2% (984/1574 [95% CI, 56.0-69.9]) and functional recovery 84.7% (719/846 [95% CI, 81.1-87.8]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with large-artery atherosclerosis, diabetes, and higher admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at baseline are less likely to RTW. While lower 90-day modified Rankin Scale is significantly associated with RTW, many patients achieving functional recovery do not RTW. Well-designed cohort studies are warranted to explore this disparity.

Clinical observational studies of potential participants' current negative affect status for a clinical study of stem cell therapy for ischemic stroke: study protocol

Introduction

The number of clinical research projects on stem cell therapy for stroke has increased annually with the rapid development of stem cells and regenerative medicine technologies. Some evidence indicates that negative emotions can affect the recruitment, compliance, retention, satisfaction, and even treatment outcomes of participants in clinical research. However, knowledge is insufficient regarding patients' negative emotions associated with their participation in potential stem cell clinical research studies. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the negative emotions and main influencing factors for potential participants in clinical research on stem cell therapy for stroke.

Methods

This study protocol follows the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Good Practice for Reporting Observational Studies. The questionnaire for this study will include 59 questions for potential participants regarding (1) their demographic characteristics, and (2) their levels of anxiety, depression, social support, general self-efficacy, and self-perceived burden.

Discussion

This study's main strength is that it will contribute evidence on key predictors of negative affectivity in potential participants undergoing clinical trials of stem cell therapy for stroke. The results will support stem cell clinical center researchers in intervening in potential participants' negative emotions, which is important for clinical research managers and policymakers worldwide.

Conclusion

The study protocol developed in this study was validated through a rigorous development process, demonstrating scientific validity for negative affect evaluation in stem cell clinical research. This instrument provides clinicians with a standardized assessment protocol to monitor treatment-emergent emotional distress during experimental interventions, showing particular promise in identifying early psychological risks associated with novel biological therapies.

Blood-brain barrier repair: potential and challenges of stem cells and exosomes in stroke treatment

Stroke is characterized with high morbidity, mortality and disability all over the world, and one of its core pathologies is blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. BBB plays a crucial physiological role in protecting brain tissues and maintaining homeostasis in central nervous system (CNS). BBB dysfunction serves as a key factor in the development of cerebral edema, inflammation, and further neurological damage in stroke patients. Currently, stem cells and their derived exosomes have shown remarkable potential in repairing the damaged BBB and improving neurological function after stroke. Stem cells repair the integrity of BBB through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, angiogenesis and regulation of intercellular signaling mechanisms, while stem cell-derived exosomes, as natural nanocarriers, further enhance the therapeutic effect by carrying active substances such as proteins, RNAs and miRNAs. This review will present the latest research advances in stem cells and their exosomes in stroke treatment, as well as the challenges of cell source, transplantation timing, dosage, and route of administration in clinical application, aiming to discuss their mechanisms of repairing BBB integrity and potential for clinical application, and proposes future research directions. Stem cells and exosomes are expected to provide new strategies for early diagnosis and precise treatment of stroke, and promote breakthroughs in the field of stroke.

Managing anticoagulation and thromboembolic risk in cryptogenic stroke associated with patent foramen ovale

Cryptogenic stroke (CS) in young adults may be associated with the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This case report presents a woman in her 40s admitted with sudden left hemiplegia. Imaging confirmed an ischaemic stroke in the right middle cerebral artery territory and occlusion of the right internal carotid artery. Further investigations identified a large PFO associated with an atrial septal aneurysm. An in-depth assessment revealed a distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Initial anticoagulation therapy was interrupted due to severe metrorrhagia, necessitating the placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. Subsequent extensive thrombosis of the IVC led to initiation of low molecular weight heparin followed by long-term direct oral anticoagulants. This case highlights the complexity of managing CS with PFO, emphasising the importance of thorough aetiological evaluation to distinguish pathogenic from incidental PFO, and the need for a personalised and multidisciplinary therapeutic strategy to balance thromboembolic and haemorrhagic risks effectively.

Dichloromethane Extract from Amburana cearensis (Allemão) A.C. Sm. Seeds and Its Coumarin Reduce ROS Production and Protect PC12 Cells Against Glutamate Excitotoxicity and Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation

Amburana cearensis is a plant native to Brazil used in folk medicine for the treatment of several pathological conditions including stroke. Previous research indicates that a dichloromethane extract of A. cearensis seeds (EDAC), rich in coumarins, protects neural cells against oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and glutamate-induced stress. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the role of coumarin, in the protective effect of EDAC. Glutamatergic excitotoxicity is an important cause of neuronal loss involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of coumarin isolated from EDAC against glutamate excitotoxicity in regulating MAPK pathway proteins and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production on PC12 cells. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of coumarin against cell death induced by OGD. We characterized the isolated compound from EDAC as coumarin by 1H and 13C-NMR. Thus, PC12 cells were exposed to OGD or glutamate (20 mM) and/or treated with EDAC or coumarin (500 μg/mL) for 24 h. Subsequently, cell viability was assessed by propidium iodide staining or by MTT test. Furthermore, the expression of MAPK pathway proteins was investigated by Western blot analysis and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and CellROX. We observed that EDAC and coumarin were able to protect PC12 cells against OGD conditions. Moreover, EDAC totally inhibited the glutamate toxicity in PC12 cells. Meanwhile, coumarin mitigated the glutamate toxicity. Both were able to downregulate the expression of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK and inhibit caspase-3 activation. EDAC and coumarin also prevented the increase of ROS induced by treatment with H2O2 or glutamate. Our results evidenced that coumarin from A. cearensis is antioxidative and is an important cytoprotective compound in EDAC against glutamate excitotoxicity or OGD injury.

Efficacy of repeated peripheral magnetic stimulation on upper limb motor function after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Post-stroke patients with upper motor neuron lesions have limited motor function in the upper limbs, and spasticity occurs in the limbs, thus affecting functional recovery and activities of daily living. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a non-invasive treatment often used in clinical rehabilitation. Recent studies have shown that it can reduce spasticity and improve motor function in patients.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rPMS on upper limb motor function and spasticity in stroke patients by meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of rPMS in post-stroke patients were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials. Databases from the date of creation to 25 August 2024 were evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tools, and meta-analyses were performed using RevMan (version 5.4) and Stata (version 14.0).

Results

A total of 8 studies were included. RPMS improved patients' FMA-UE scores compared with controls (MD = 3.34, 95% CI = [0.53, 6.15], p = 0.02 < 0.05). RPMS also reduced spasticity (MD = -0.66, 95% CI = [-1.16, -0.15], p = 0.01 < 0.05) and increased patients' ability to live independently (MD = 0.85, 95% CI = [0.19, 1.51], p = 0.01 < 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the efficacy of treatment frequency ≤ 20 Hz was better than that of frequency > 20 Hz; the treatment time using 15-20 min was more effective than using 30 min; and the application of round coil treatment was more effective than other types of coils.

Conclusion

The results suggest that if rPMS is used in post-stroke patients, their upper limb motor function and spasticity may improve. However, the number of studies is small, and further research is needed to extend the current analysis results.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42024584040.

Association between Triglyceride-Glucose indices and ischemic stroke risk across different glucose metabolism statuses

BACKGROUND

Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) related indices, including TyG, TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI), and TyG-waist circumference (TyG-WC), have been identified as promising biomarkers for assessing insulin resistance (IR), a known risk factor for ischemic stroke. While previous research has highlighted the relevance of these indices in various metabolic disorders, their predictive utility for ischemic stroke across different glucose metabolic statuses has not been extensively explored.

METHOD

This study utilized data from the UK Biobank, analyzing 392,733 participants free from ischemic stroke at baseline, categorized into normal glucose, prediabetes, and diabetes groups based on American Diabetes Association criteria. TyG-related indices were computed using baseline measures of fasting blood glucose and triglycerides. Participants were followed for a median of 14.68 years to assess the incidence of ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates were used to explore the associations between TyG indices and stroke risk.

RESULTS

Over the follow-up period, 8033 participants experienced an ischemic stroke. Higher TyG-related indices were associated with an increased stroke risk in all glucose metabolism groups, with the strongest associations observed in the prediabetes and normal glucose groups. The risk of stroke increased progressively across quartiles of TyG, TyG-BMI, and TyG-WC indices. The analysis revealed that each unit increase in the TyG index significantly elevated stroke risk in diabetic individuals, while TyG-BMI and TyG-WC indices showed significant predictive power in the prediabetes and normal glucose groups.

CONCLUSION

TyG-related indices, particularly TyG-BMI and TyG-WC, are effective in predicting the risk of ischemic stroke, especially among individuals with prediabetes and normal glucose levels. These findings underscore the utility of TyG indices as tools for early detection and preventive strategies in stroke risk management across various states of glucose metabolism.

TOUlouse TAhiTI Stroke Study (TOUTATIS): A comparative analysis of young pacific islanders with ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Incidence of stroke among young adults is on the rise worldwide. Inequities remain among minorities and little is known about stroke characteristics among young Pacific patients. French Polynesia (FP), located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, could provide insight into this problem.

METHODS

Patients aged 18-54years consecutively treated for first-ever acute ischemic stroke in Tahiti, FP, from January 2022 to December 2023 were compared to a reference cohort enrolled from January 2017 to July 2021 in Toulouse, France. Patients' characteristics were recorded and cause of stroke was classified using the ASCOD (A: atherosclerosis; S: small vessel disease; C: cardiac pathology; O: other causes; D: dissection) classification system.

RESULTS

In total, 187 patients were included in Tahiti (Polynesians) and compared to 743 patients in Toulouse (mainland French [MF]). Median age was 47years old in both groups. Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, atrial fibrillation and mechanical valve were significantly higher in Polynesian patients, whereas MF patients were more likely to be men, tobacco users, and to have a stroke related to a foramen oval with atrial septal aneurysm (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed higher prevalence of grade 1 (potentially causal) atherothrombotic (adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.775; 95% CI: 1.117-2.820; P=0.015) and cardio-embolic stroke in Tahiti (aOR: 2.966; 95% CI: 1.956-4.496; P<0.001), and higher rate of dissections in Toulouse (aOR: 4.545; 95% CI: 1.616-12.821; P=0.004). Cervical atherosclerosis was significantly associated with MF patients (aOR: 5.587; 95% CI: 2.326-13.514; P<0.001), and intracranial atherosclerosis with Polynesian patients (aOR: 3.257; 95% CI: 1.364-7.778; P=0.008).

CONCLUSION

Polynesian and MF young adults with stroke appeared to have widely different characteristics and cause of stroke. These disparities underscore the necessity for tailored prevention programs and therapeutic approaches that address the unique risk profile and etiological patterns observed in Pacific Islanders.

The Naples prognostic score as a nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers of stroke prevalence and all-cause mortality: insights from NHANES

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a complex neurological condition characterized by high rates of incidence, recurrence, disability, and mortality, making it one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The Naples prognostic score (NPS), an index that combines markers of inflammation and nutritional status, has demonstrated prognostic value in various diseases. This research investigated the relationships among NPS, stroke prevalence, and overall mortality in stroke individuals, drawing on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018.

METHODS

The cross-sectional analysis included 20,798 participants aged beyond 40 years with 1155 persons with stroke analyzed for mortality. Stroke prevalence was self-reported, and the NPS was derived from serum albumin, total cholesterol, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (Galizia et al. in Cancer 60:1273-1284, 2017). Weighted Logistic regression and Cox models assessed associations among NPS, stroke, and mortality, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors.

RESULTS

Higher NPS scores were linked to increased stroke prevalence (OR 3.573, 95% CI 2.745-4.652, P < 0.001) and elevated all-cause mortality risk (HR 3.281, 95% CI 1.978-5.442, P < 0.001) in stroke individuals. The triglyceride-glucose index (TYG) significantly modified the relationship between the NPS and stroke prevalence.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the clinical utility of the NPS as a predictor of both stroke prevalence and all-cause mortality. The NPS may serve as a valuable tool for risk stratification in stroke prevention and long-term prognosis.

Role of inflammation and haemostasis on aetiology and prognosis in young patients with ischaemic stroke: study protocol of the Observational Dutch Young Symptomatic StrokE study-EXTended (ODYSSEY-nEXT) - a multicentre prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The cause of ischaemic stroke at a young age remains unknown in 30% of cases, highlighting the need to identify hidden causes and risk factors in young patients. Transient and chronic risk factors may interact with the inflammatory and haemostatic systems, potentially driving key mechanisms in the pathogenesis. The 'Observational Dutch Young StrokE study-Extended' (ODYSSEY-nEXT) aims to enhance our understanding of these complex interactions through detailed phenotyping of the immune and haemostatic system and explore their relationship with long-term prognosis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The ODYSSEY-nEXT is a multicentre prospective controlled cohort study of patients aged 18-50 years with a first neuroimaging-proven ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack and healthy controls. We aim to include a total of 200 patients and 60 controls between January 2023 and January 2027. Blood samples will be collected within 72 hours after the index event and at 3 months to assess inflammatory and haemostatic markers. In a subgroup of 20 patients, whole blood analysis will be performed to investigate ex vivo immune cell functionality, the capacity of platelets to release granules and thrombin generation. All patients will complete a questionnaire about trigger and risk factors. Advanced intracranial and extracranial vessel wall imaging with MRI will be performed within a week. Long-term prognosis will be monitored through annual questionnaires about recurrent events for ten years.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee region 'Oost-Nederland' (NL77518.091.21) and will adhere to the Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. Participants have to provide written informed consent, but in cases where the patient cannot sign due to physical limitations as a result of the stroke, such as paresis, verbal consent is obtained from the patient and a legal representative will be asked to sign the consent form on their behalf. The findings of this study will be disseminated to healthcare professionals and the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications and to participants through accessible formats such as summary reports or newsletters.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05853796.

A Visualized Nomogram to Predict the Risk of Acute Ischemic Stroke Among Patients With Cervical Artery Dissection

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant global health concern, with cervical artery dissection (CAD) being a notable yet frequently overlooked cause, particularly in young adults. Despite advancements in imaging technologies, there remains a deficiency in effective methodologies for the prompt identification of AIS attributable to CAD. This research aims to create a predictive model combining clinical, imaging, and laboratory data to improve risk stratification and guide timely interventions.

Methods

Between 2019 and 2024, patients diagnosed with CAD were enrolled in the study. Nomogram models were constructed utilizing a two-step methodological approach. Initially, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was utilized to improve variable selection. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was conducted to develop an estimation model using the significant indicators identified by the LASSO. The model's accuracy was evaluated using the application of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, decision curve analyses, and clinical impact curves. The model underwent internal validation through bootstrap resampling with 1,000 iterations.

Results

In the cohort of 102 patients, 75 individuals with CAD experienced had an acute ischemic stroke. This cohort was characterized by a significantly older median age (42 years vs 51 years, p=0.041) and a comparable proportion of males (78.7% vs 74.1%,p=0.825). The analysis identified hyperlipidemia (aOR=0.19, 95% CI=0.040-0.893, p=0.036), lumen occlusion (aOR=5.41, 95% CI=1.236-23.648, p=0.025), a lower lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (aOR=0.68, 95% CI=0.476-0.797, p=0.038), and higher systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (aOR=1.01, 95% CI=1.001-1.016, p=0.026) are independent factors linked to ischemic stroke in CAD patients. The predictive model showed strong performance with an AUC of 0.870 (95% CI=0.789-0.950) under the ROC curve. Decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated that the constructed nomogram was clinically applicable, with a risk threshold ranging from 9% to 95%.

Conclusion

This study developed a dynamic and visualized nomogram model for the precise prediction of stroke risk in patients with CAD, exhibiting robust performance, calibration, and clinical utility. Future multi-center studies are anticipated to further substantiate its clinical applicability.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome presenting with a stroke as a first presentation: case report

Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS), an autoimmune disease that causes multi-organ thromboses leading to their failure, is a rapidly developing form of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS may be a primary disease or secondary to an autoimmune condition like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). A 31-year-old male patient with unremarkable medical history presented with a sudden onset of left-sided body weakness including upper and lower extremities, frontal headache, and slurred speech. Diagnostic workup revealed diffuse ST elevation with elevated cardiac enzymes, elevated inflammatory markers, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), hemolytic anemia, and intrarenal kidney injury. Further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of probable CAPS secondary to SLE, based on the simultaneous involvement of the brain, heart, and kidneys, along with the presence of positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The patient showed significant improvement in neurological functioning after treatment with Methylprednisolone, Hydroxychloroquine, Colchicine, and Rituximab.

Clinical and neurophysiological predictors of the functional outcome in right-hemisphere stroke

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between EEG measures and functional recovery in right-hemisphere stroke patients.

METHODS

Participants with stroke (PS) and neurologically unimpaired controls (UC) were enrolled. At enrolment, all participants were assessed for motor and cognitive functioning with specific scales (motricity index, trunk control test, Level of Cognitive Functioning, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Moreover, EEG data were recorded. At discharge, participants were re-tested with the FIM RESULTS: Powers in the delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands and connectivity within the fronto-parietal network were compared between groups. Then, the between-group discriminative EEG measures and the motor/cognitive scales were used to feed a machine learning algorithm to predict FIM scores at discharge and the length of hospitalization (LoH). Higher delta, theta, and beta and impaired connectivity were found in PS compared to UC. Moreover, motor/cognitive functioning, beta power, and fronto-parietal connectivity predicted the FIM score at discharge and the LoH (accuracy=73.2 % and 85.2 % respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Results show that the integration of motor/cognitive scales and EEG measures can reveal the rehabilitative potentials of PS predicting their functional outcome and LoH.

SIGNIFICANCE

Synergistic clinical and electrophysiological models can support rehabilitative decision-making.

Trajectories of dyadic quality of life in young to middle-aged stroke couples: a longitudinal study

PURPOSE

This study utilized a group-based dual-trajectory model to identify distinct dyadic quality of life (QoL) trajectories among young to middle-aged stroke couples and to analyze the predictive factors influencing these trajectories.

METHODS

A longitudinal study was conducted with 168 young to middle-aged stroke couples. Assessments at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-discharge included patients' functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale) and stroke couples' depression, anxiety, stress, benefit finding, social support, couple relationship, and QoL (12-item short-form health scale). Dyadic QoL trajectories were identified using a group-based dual-trajectory model. Stepwise logistic regression was employed to identify the predictors of the trajectory groups.

RESULTS

Three subgroups of dyadic physical QoL trajectories were distinguished: "patients low increase-spouses moderate physical QoL" (15.4%), "patients moderate increase-spouses moderate physical QoL" (74.0%), and "patients moderate increase-spouses high physical QoL" (10.6%). Two subgroups of dyadic mental QoL trajectories were distinguished: "dyadic low increase mental QoL" (15.9%), and "dyadic high increase mental QoL" (84.1%). The trajectory groups were influenced by the patient's sex, functional recovery, depression, and the spouse's mutuality.

CONCLUSIONS

The group-based dual-trajectory model facilitates the identification of distinct dyadic QoL trajectories among stroke couples. These findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions aimed at improving their QoL.

Retrospective analysis of a tertiary care centre of sex differences in risk factors, aetiology and short-term clinical outcome after revascularization treatment in young adults' ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The incidence of ischemic stroke in young adults has increased substantially. There are limited data in the literature concerning the short-term clinical outcome in young adults with acute stroke after revascularization treatment. Due to the lack of available data on gender differences short-term clinical outcome, we designed the present study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected data from 127 patients aged 50 years or younger consecutively admitted to the Stroke-Unit of "Cardarelli" Hospital in Naples between August 2017 and September 2022 due to ischemic stroke. All of them underwent thrombolysis and/or endovascular treatment.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia emerged as the most prevalent risk factors. A gender-based analysis revealed that the history of stroke was the only statistically significant factor more frequently observed in the female group. The leading stroke etiology was "cardioembolism," succeeded by strokes of "other determined origin", "undetermined etiology," "large-artery atherosclerosis," and "small-artery occlusion." Concerning reperfusion therapy, intravenous thrombolysis ranked as the most utilized treatment, followed by "bridging" therapy (combining intravenous thrombolytic therapy with thrombectomy) and primary mechanical thrombectomy. Notably, the average NIHSS scores 7 days post-revascularization were lower among females compared to males, constituting a statistically significant distinction. Nevertheless, no statistically significant correlation surfaced between gender and treatment type in NIHSS mean values at admission, 2 hours, 24 hours post-revascularization, or 7 days post-revascularization. This suggests that the observed disparity in mean NIHSS score between male and female groups after 7 days may potentially stem from other factors, such as endogenous estrogens.

Migraine and stroke: correlation, coexistence, dependence - a modern perspective

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a chronic neurological condition that has a well-documented, yet not fully understood connection to stroke, particularly in patients who experience migraine with aura (MA). Although migraine can rarely be directly related to stroke, in the form of migrainous infarction, it serves as an independent risk factor, particularly when combined with other factors such as smoking or hypertension. This study will thoroughly review and summarize the existing literature regarding the relationship between migraine and stroke.

MAIN TEXT

Several key processes are common to both stroke and migraine. These include cortical spreading depression, particularly in MA, endothelial dysfunction, which activates local inflammatory responses, and vasculopathy, which often appears as white matter hyperintensities on neuroimaging. Furthermore, microRNAs also play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both migraine and stroke by targeting genes such as CALCA, which regulates calcitonin gene-related peptide, a factor involved in the pathophysiology of both conditions. There are also several genetic links between migraine and stroke, including both monogenic diseases and common risk loci. Moreover, various conditions are linked to both migraine and stroke, including patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial fibrillation, carotid artery dissection, platelet dysfunction, dyslipidemia, obesity, hyperhomocysteinemia, and elevated estrogen levels, such as in combined hormonal contraceptives. Notably, PFO is often found in patients who have experienced a cryptogenic stroke, as well as in those with MA. While microemboli associated with PFO may provoke ischemic events and migraine attacks, the effectiveness of PFO closure in alleviating migraine symptoms has produced varying results. Migraine is linked to worse outcomes after ischemic stroke, including larger stroke volumes and poorer functional outcomes, while the connection between migraines and hemorrhagic stroke is less understood. Furthermore, migraine may serve as a stroke mimic (condition presenting with symptoms similar to ischemic stroke) or a stroke chameleon (unrecognized stroke misdiagnosed as migraine), leading to significant diagnostic and treatment errors.

CONCLUSIONS

The interplay between migraine and stroke is complex, involving shared pathophysiology and overlapping risk factors. While migraine can serve as both a cause and a risk factor for stroke, the precise mechanisms remain unclear, warranting further research to clarify their connection and enhance clinical management.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease in Serbia: Insights from a Single-Center Registry

Background/Objectives: Congenital heart disease (CHD), affecting approximately 1% of live births, has transitioned to a chronic condition due to advances in diagnostics and surgery, resulting in an increasing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population. This study characterizes the clinical and demographic profiles of ACHD patients in Serbia, focusing on congenital anomalies, mortality rates, and key clinical factors to identify opportunities for improving care and outcomes. Methods: This observational single-center study was conducted at the Cardiovascular Institute "Dedinje" in Belgrade, Serbia, involving patients diagnosed or treated for CHD between 2006 and 2022. Results: A total of 1532 patients were included in the study, with common diagnoses including atrial septal defects (ASD) (47.65%) and ventricular septal defects (VSD) (13.19%). The mean patient age was 48.31 years, with a slight predominance of females (57.21%). The complexity of CHD was categorized as mild (54.6%), moderate (36.5%), and severe (6.3%). The mortality rate was 4.2%, with higher rates observed in conditions like Ebstein anomaly (17.78%) and congenital aortic stenosis (11.76%). Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of ACHD management in Serbia, highlighting the high prevalence of ASD and VSD among patients, the challenges associated with moderate and severe CHD, and the notable mortality rates for certain conditions. The findings underscore the importance of improving early detection, individualized treatment plans, and multidisciplinary care to enhance patient outcomes in this growing population.

Young Age and Concomitant Cannabis (THC) and Ethanol (EtOH) Exposure Enhances Rat Brain Damage Through Decreased Cerebral Mitochondrial Respiration

The reason why young people taking concomitantly cannabis (THC) and ethanol (EtOH) are more prone to stroke is underresearched. To investigate whether an underlying mechanism of increased brain damage could be an impaired mitochondrial function, this experiment determined the acute effects of EtOH, both alone and associated with THC, on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide H2O2) on young (11 weeks) and middle-aged (45 weeks) brain in rats, using a high-resolution oxygraph (Oxygraph-2K, Oroboros instruments). In young brains, EtOH decreased mitochondrial respiration by -51.76 ± 2.60% (from 32.76 ± 3.82 to 17.41 ± 1.42 pmol/s/mL, p < 0.0001). In 45-week-old brains, the decrease was lesser, but still significant -36.0 ± 2.80% (from 30.73 ± 7.72 to 20.59 ± 5.48 pmol/s/mL, p < 0.0001). Concomitant THC aggravated brain mitochondrial respiration decreases at 11 weeks (-86.86 ± 1.74%, p < 0.0001) and at 45 weeks (-73.95 ± 3.69%, p < 0.0001). Such additional injury was enhanced in young brains (p < 0.01). H2O2 production was similar in both age groups (1.0 ± 0.2 versus 1.1 ± 0.08 pmol O2/s/mL) and was not modified by THC addition. In conclusion, EtOH alone significantly impairs brain mitochondrial respiration and concomitant THC further aggravates such damage, particularly in young brains. These data support the hypothesis that enhanced mitochondrial dysfunction might participate in the increased occurrence of stroke in the young and urge for better prevention against EtOH and THC addictions in adolescents.

Associations between ambient benzene and stroke, and the mediating role of accelerated biological aging: Findings from the UK biobank

Benzene can cause respiratory diseases. However, the associations between benzene and stroke are unclear. A total of 13,116 patients with stroke and 377,120 controls from the UK Biobank were included. The benzene exposure concentrations were matched on the basis of the address information of each participant via a data form from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Weighted Cox regression was used to investigate the association between benzene and stroke risk. The polygenic risk score (PRS) was used to observe the joint effects of benzene exposure and genetic factors on stroke risk. We conducted a mediation analysis to investigate the mediating role of accelerated biological aging in this cohort study. After adjusting for covariates, every 1 μg/m3 increase in benzene exposure increased the risk of stroke by 70%, which may be mediated by accelerated biological aging. The population with high benzene exposure concentrations and high PRSs had a 44% greater risk of stroke than did those with low benzene exposure concentrations and low PRSs. Benzene exposure and the PRS have joint effects on the risk of stroke. Benzene exposure was associated with stroke risk, possibly through increased biological aging, and the PRS modified this association.

Estimated pulse wave velocity is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with stroke: A national-based prospective cohort study

Extensive evidence underscores the potential of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) as a robust tool for predicting disease prevalence and mortality. However, its comparative effectiveness in forecasting all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, particularly among stroke populations, remains inadequately characterized in relation to the traditional Framingham Risk Score (FRS) model. This prospective study included 1202 individuals with stroke from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 1999 and 2014, with comprehensive follow-up data. Survey-weighted Cox regression models were employed to examine the association between ePWV and the risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the stability of ePWV in predicting these outcomes. A generalized additive model was utilized to explore the dose-response relationship between ePWV and mortality risk. Receiver operating characteristic curves were then used to assess and compare the prognostic capabilities of ePWV and FRS models for 10-year all-cause and CVD mortality. After adjustment for relevant covariates, each 1 m/s increase in ePWV was associated with a 44% and 65% increase in all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively. ePWV demonstrated consistent prognostic performance across the majority of stroke subpopulations. Notably, ePWV exhibited a nonlinear relationship with all-cause mortality (P for nonlinearity = .045) while maintaining a linear association with CVD mortality (P for nonlinearity = .293). Furthermore, ePWV outperformed the FRS model in predicting 10-year all-cause (Integrated Discrimination Improvement = 0.061, 95% confidence interval: 0.031-0.095, P = .007) and CVD mortality (95% confidence interval: 0.005-0.083, P = .02). ePWV is an independent risk factor for both all-cause and CVD mortality in individuals with stroke, demonstrating superior predictive value compared to the traditional FRS model for forecasting these outcomes.

Associations of Social, Behavioral, and Clinical Factors With Sex Differences in Stroke Recurrence and Poststroke Mortality

BACKGROUND

Few population-based studies have assessed sex differences in stroke recurrence. In addition, contributors to sex differences in recurrence and poststroke mortality, including social factors, are unclear. We investigated sex differences in these outcomes and the contribution of social, clinical, and behavioral factors to the sex differences.

METHODS

First-ever ischemic stroke cases identified from 2008 to 2019 from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project in Texas were included and followed for recurrence and all-cause mortality through 2020. Sex differences in outcomes with and without adjustment for potential confounding factors, including social, behavioral, and clinical factors, were examined using Cox proportional hazard models. Factors that changed the log hazard ratio (HR) for sex by at least 10% after adjustment were identified as confounders/contributors. Final models were adjusted for all identified confounders.

RESULTS

Of 2326 participants (mean age, 68 years; 48% women; 57% Mexican American), over median follow-ups of 5.4 years for recurrence and 3.7 years for mortality, 274 recurrences and 965 deaths occurred. No significant sex differences in recurrence were noted in unadjusted (HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.70-1.13]), age-adjusted (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.72-1.18]), or fully adjusted models (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.67-1.16]). Although women had a higher crude mortality rate than men (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.08-1.38]), this sex difference disappeared after age adjustment (HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.80-1.03]). Other factors contributing to the sex difference included education, marital status, prestroke depression, health behaviors, initial stroke severity, prestroke disability, comorbidities, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. After simultaneously adjusting for all identified confounders, women had lower poststroke mortality (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.68-0.91]).

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences in stroke recurrence were not apparent. Women had a higher unadjusted poststroke mortality rate but lower adjusted mortality than men. Social and psychosocial factors, alongside clinical factors, primarily explained the sex disparity in poststroke mortality.

Development and validation of a risk stratification model for stroke recurrence after acute ischemic stroke in young adults: A nomogram-based, multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of ischemic stroke in young adults has increased dramatically. However, factors associated with prognosis in this cohort have not been well studied. This study primary aimed to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting stroke recurrence and to achieve risk stratification of young adults after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

In this retrospective, multicenter study, we identified AIS patients aged 18-50 years in Tianjin Huanhu Hospital (training cohort) and The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College (validation cohort) from September 2019 to September 2021, respectively. Demographics and clinical characteristics data were systematically collected. A stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of stroke recurrence in the training cohort and employed to construct the best-fit nomogram. Patients were stratified into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups based on the total points. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and calibration curves were used to assess the discrimination and calibration of the nomogram. The discriminate value of risk stratification was verified using Kaplan-Meier curves, and external validation was performed with the validation cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 467 young adult AIS patients were enrolled in this study. The overall prevalence of young adults in AIS patients was 13.3 % (95 % confidence interval, 12.2 %-14.5 %). Hyperlipidemia (Hazard ratio, 2.4 [1.2-4.9]), current smoking (5.9 [2.7-12.8]), stroke subtype (small-vessel occlusion, 3.7 [1.8-7.6]; stroke of undetermined cause/ others, 14.5 [3.0-70.2]), and stenosis (11.4 [4.5-28.9]) were significant independent predictors of stroke recurrence. A nomogram was constructed with the above predictors and achieved a satisfactory prediction in the validation cohort. Patients were classified into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups based on the total points with the cutoff value of 110.8 and 185.2. The log-rank test showed significant discrimination among the Kaplan-Meier curves of different risk groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The nomogram can satisfactory prediction of stroke recurrence-free rate in young adult patients and achieved risk stratification, may help to personalize management of patients.

Assessing Adherence to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening in Young Stroke Survivors

ABSTRACT

Background: Over 795 000 US people per year experience a stroke, and 10% are younger than 50 years. After a stroke, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects 10% to 30% of those patients and may compromise a survivor's secondary prevention compliance. At an inner-city clinic in Maryland where up to 300 young adult stroke survivors are followed, zero patients were screened for PTSD. A quality improvement project was implemented to screen for PTSD in a young adult stroke survivor clinic and to provide them with psychotherapy referrals and follow-up. Methods: Over 15 weeks in the fall of 2023, all patients presenting to the young adult stroke survivor clinic were screened for PTSD using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 validated screening tool. Providers and medical staff were all educated on the tool before implementation. Results: During the 15-week implementation period, 72 patients presented to the clinic. Posttraumatic stress disorder screening was completed for 88.9% (64/72). Of those, 32.8% (21/64) completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 via the electronic health record, and 67.2% (43/64) completed it by in-person screening. Of the 64 patients screened, 12 patients screened positive for PTSD (18.8%, 12/64). Among those screening positive, 75% (9/12) were given a referral for psychotherapy. Conclusions: Literature reports that PTSD compromises stroke survivors' ability to optimize their health after a stroke. Screening identifies those experiencing symptoms of PTSD, providing an opportunity for referral and treatment. Results show that routine care of young stroke survivors can effectively include screening for PTSD.

Understanding the Needs of Young and Middle-Aged Chinese People Who Have Experienced a Stroke Who Have Not Successfully Returned to Work: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES

The study aims to understand the return to work (RTW) needs of young and middle-aged people who have experienced a stroke and to contribute to the development of supportive RTW services.

DESIGN

A qualitative study employing the phenomenological method.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven young and middle-aged people who have experienced a stroke participated in the study.

METHODS

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using Colaizzi's 7-step method to identify and categorize the RTW needs of participants.

RESULTS

The analysis delineated four overarching thematic categories of RTW needs among the participants: self-management needs, emphasizing the regulation of symptoms, health maintenance and recovery planning; social support needs, highlighting the significance of workplace accommodations, professional medical guidance, and emotional encouragement from companions and family; the need for information related to returning to work, which includes accessing resources on rehabilitation opportunities, labour rights and professional consultation services; and personal development needs, focusing on fostering self-worth, identifying growth opportunities and acquiring new skills to adapt to changing professional demands.

CONCLUSION

The diverse and comprehensive needs of young and middle-aged people who have experienced a stroke underscore the importance of multifaceted support from healthcare professionals. This support should encompass medical, psychological, informational and skill-development aspects and should involve enhanced communication and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to facilitate a successful RTW.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This study was designed without direct involvement from patients or the public in the development of the research question, the design of the study, or the conduct of the research. This decision was informed by the specific focus on qualitative experiences and perceptions of stroke survivors regarding their RTW journey, which relied heavily on personal narratives and subjective accounts collected through individual interviews. However, the insights gained from these narratives have been crucial in shaping the research outcomes, emphasizing the patient-centred approach to understanding RTW barriers and facilitators.

REPORTING METHOD

This study followed the SRQR checklist for qualitative studies as its reporting method.

Nomogram to predict 3 month prognosis of acute ischemic stroke among young adults

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the risk of 3 months adverse outcomes among young adults with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

Patients aged between 18 and 50 with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) at the Shenyang First's People Hospital, between January 1st 2017 to May 30th 2023 were included in this retrospective study. The primary outcome was a three-month unfavorable outcome, evaluated with modified Rankin Scale (mRS > 2). Univariate logistic regression was used to select the independent factors of prognosis and multivariate logistic regression to establish a new nomogram model. We used the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) to evaluate the discriminative performance and used the calibration curve with Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test to assess the calibration performance of the risk prediction model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was applied to assess the clinical utility of the nomogram.

Results

A total of 1,015 patients were enrolled. Gender (male vs. female; Odds ratio[OR], 0.5562[95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.3104-1.0478]; p = 0.053), family history of stroke (OR, 3.5698[95%CI 1.5632-8.0329], p < 0.001), prior stroke (OR, 2.1509[95%CI 1.2610-3.6577], p < 0.001), previous heart disease (OR, 3.4047[95%CI, 1.7838-6.6976], p < 0.01) toast type (cardio-embolism stroke vs. large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), OR, 0.0847[0.0043-0.5284], p < 0.01), toast type (stroke of undetermined etiology vs. LAA, OR, 0.0847[0.0439-0.5284], p < 0.01), mRS at admission (OR, 15.2446 [9.1447-26.3156], p < 0.0001), adherence to medication (OR, 2.1197[95%CI, 1.1924-3.7464], p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP; OR, 1.0145[1.0041-1.0250], p < 0.001), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; OR, 1.0060[1.0010-1.0111], p < 0.01) were related to 3 months adverse outcomes among young adults with AIS. The nomogram displayed excellent calibration and discrimination. DCA confirmed the clinical applicability of the model.

Conclusion

The nomogram comprised of gender, family history of stroke, prior stroke, previous heart disease, toast type, mRS score at admission, adherence to medication, SBP and LDH may predict 3 months adverse outcomes among young adults with AIS.

lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA of plasma and tumor-derived exosomes of cardiac myxoma-related ischaemic stroke

Cardiac myxoma (CM) is an important aetiology of stroke in young adults, and its diagnosis is difficult in patients having stroke because of the lack of diagnostic biomarkers. Tumour-derived exosomes play a crucial role in tumour growth, metastasis, immune regulation, and monitor disease development. Hence,we established an RNA-sequencing dataset for long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA) in the plasma and tumour-derived exosomes from four patients with cardiac myxoma-related ischaemic stroke (CM-IS) and six patients with cardiac myxoma without ischaemic stroke (non-IS CM). Moreover, 5,533 lncRNAs, 1,331 known miRNAs, and 412 new miRNAs were identified. Finally, gene expression profiles and differentially expressed genes were analysed in 20 samples. In the plasma samples, 74 miRNAs, 12 lncRNAs, and 693 mRNAs were identified, while tumour-derived tissue samples contained 61 miRNAs, 67 lncRNAs, and 433 mRNAs. This dataset provides a significant resource for relevant researchers to explore the potential dysregulated lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs of plasma and tumour-derived exosomes in CM-IS.

Association between risk of ischemic stroke and liver enzymes levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke is a major public health concern, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have suggested that alterations in liver enzymes may be linked to the risk of developing a stroke. However, the relationship between liver enzymes and ischemic stroke remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the potential role of liver enzymes as biomarkers for ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We systematically searched four databases for articles investigating the association between liver enzymes and ischemic stroke up to March 20th, 2024. Newcastle Ottawa Scale judged the quality of included studies. Risk ratio (RR), hazard ratio (HR), or odds ratio (OR) were extracted and statistically analyzed by RevMan and R software. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessed the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Increased levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) have shown statistically significant association with increased ischemic stroke risk (RR: 1.43, 95% CI: [1.30 to 1.57], P > 0.00001) and (RR: 1.60, 95% CI: [1.22 to 2.10], P = 0.0006), respectively. Conversely, increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed no significant association with ischemic stroke risk (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: [0.68 to 1.24], P = 0.58) and (RR: 1.43, 95% CI: [0.83 to 2.49], P = 0.20), respectively. The evidence for all outcomes had a low or very low level of certainty.

CONCLUSION

GGT and ALP could be potential biomarkers for increased ischemic stroke risk, which necessitates careful follow-up. However, AST and ALT did not show such association.

Etiologies and Risk Factors by Sex and Age in Young Adult Patients with Ischemic Stroke

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore etiologies and risk factors by age and sex in young adult patients with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We recruited patients with ischemic stroke aged between 18 and 49 years. We assessed pathological etiologies by the Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification and risk factors by the International Pediatric Stroke Study (IPSS) classification. We explored the distribution of etiologies and risk factors by age and sex and investigated baseline features associated with functional outcomes at 3 months.

RESULTS

Of 8521 stroke patients consecutively admitted, 1017 patients (11.9%) aged between 18-49 years, of whom large artery atherosclerosis was the most common etiology (n=375, 36.9%), followed by other determined cause (n=194, 19.1%) and undetermined cause (n=184, 18.1%). Compared to male patients, female patients had more cardioembolism (16.34% vs 8.42%) and less small artery occlusion (8.56% vs 17.76%). As age increased, the proportions of large artery atherosclerosis (P <0.001) and small artery occlusion (P <0.001) increased, and the proportion of other determined causes decreased (P <0.001). Of 184 patients with undetermined causes, 173 (94.0%) had at least one IPSS risk factor. A higher serum level of D-dimer at baseline was associated with an increased risk of unfavorable outcome (OR 1.118, 95% CI 1.052- 1.189), adjusting for the effect of age and stroke severity.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-fifth of young patients with ischemic stroke had undetermined etiology, for whom the IPSS classification helps to explore risk factors. A higher level of Ddimer was associated with a higher risk of unfavorable outcomes at 3 months.

Hematological causes of acute ischemic stroke in younger individuals

Ischemic stroke is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The majority of affected individuals are older, with clear cardiovascular or embolic risk factors; however, up to a fifth of cases may occur in patients under the age of 50 years. In this review, we discuss some common hematological causes of ischemic stroke in this age range, with a focus on antiphospholipid syndrome, myeloproliferative neoplasms, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and sickle cell disease. We review the etiology of stroke associated with these conditions and explore important management considerations that may be unique to these settings. These include the choice of antithrombotic agents, cytoreduction in myeloproliferative neoplasms, management of thrombocytopenia in immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and treatment of sickle cell disease.

A systematic review and meta-analysis show a decreasing prevalence of post-stroke infections

BACKGROUND

Infection is a common complication in the acute phase after stroke; a systematic review in 2011 reported a post-stroke infection prevalence of 30%. Despite the plethora of primary data on post-stroke infections in recent times, a systematic review that synthesizes the data to provide comprehensive information to guide preventive, control, and management efforts is yet to be undertaken. This systematic review, therefore, aimed at bridging this gap by describing the epidemiology of post-stroke infections including the global prevalence and the associated mortality rates.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science resulting in 2210 studies, of which 73 studies covering 32,109,574 stoke patients were included in the systematic review. Prevalence data on defined post-stroke infections were extracted for analysis in RStudio version 4.3.3.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of post-stroke infections and mortality rates were 9.14% and 15.91% respectively. The prevalence of post-stroke infections was highest for pneumonia (12.4%), followed by urinary tract infection (8.31%). Geographically, the prevalence of post-stroke infections for the various continents were Europe (10.41%), Africa (10.22%), South America (8.83%), North America (8.15%), Asia (8.09%), and Australia (7.88%). Common etiological agents of post-stroke infections included multidrug-resistant organisms particularly, Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.4-31.8%), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (9.8-15.4%), and Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (38.5%).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review indicates about a 3-fold decline in the global prevalence of post-stroke infections in the last decade. Pneumonia is the most common post-stroke infection. Europe and Africa have the highest prevalence of post-stroke infections.

Intravenous thrombolysis in young adults with ischemic stroke: A cohort study from the international TRISP collaboration

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Previous observational data indicate that young adults treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke have more favorable outcomes and less complications when compared to older adults. Given the limited data on this topic, we aimed to provide more evidence on clinical outcomes and safety in such patients, using a large international thrombolysis registry.

METHODS

In this prospective multicenter study, we used data from the Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke Patients (TRISP) registry from 1998 to 2020. Patients who received endovascular treatment (EVT), as only treatment or in addition to IVT, were not included in this cohort. Using multivariable regression models, we compared thrombolysed young patients aged 18-49 years with those aged ⩾50 years with regards to the following outcomes: favorable outcome in stroke survivors (modified Rankin Scale ⩽2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II (ECASS II) criteria, and three-months all-cause death.

RESULTS

Of the 16,651 IVT treated patients, 1346 (8.1%) were 18-49 years. Young adults in TRISP were more often male (59.6% vs 54.0%), had a lower median NIHSS score on admission, 7 (4-13) versus 8 (5-15), and had less cardiovascular risk factors except for smoking (42.0% vs 19.0%) when compared to older patients. When compared to thrombolysed patients aged ⩾50 years, a favorable functional outcome was more likely in young adults: 81.9% versus 56.4%, aOR 2.30 (1.80-2.95), whilst sICH 1.6% versus 4.6%, aOR 0.45 (0.23-0.90) and death 2.3% versus 14.2%, aOR 0.21 (0.11-0.39) were less likely.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous thrombolysis in young adults is independently associated with higher rates of favorable outcomes and lower rates of complications.

Stroke and liminality: narratives of reconfiguring identity after stroke and their implications for person-centred stroke care

Background

The complex physical, cognitive, and psychological consequences of stroke can disrupt a survivor's sense of pre-stroke normality and identity. This can have a substantial impact on their individual and social lives. Individual reports about life after stroke have improved our understanding of this impact. However, stroke support systems, struggling with increased demands due to a growing stroke population and guideline requirements, require deeper insights based on synthesised narratives into what can enable stroke survivors to rebuild their lives and identities positively to provide person-centred care.

Methods

A qualitative study using Charmaz's Constructivist Grounded Theory (GT) method. Semi-structured interviews lasting 60-90 min were conducted. These interviews were held at least 12 months post-stroke.

Findings

Thirty participants were interviewed from across the UK (14 women, 16 men; aged 31-86; 1-25 years post-stroke). Participants reported the disruption stroke could cause to their sense of identity. The concept of liminality, that describes the ambiguous, transformative state between two distinct stages, where an individual or group exists "betwixt and between" stable conditions, explains the challenge to identity post-stroke. Participants reported developing an uncertain sense of identity as they struggled to structure identity in the same way they did before stroke. This is because the participants' characteristics, traits, hobbies, or future life plans, as well as social relationships and roles, were affected by stroke. Subsequently, participants began a process of reconfiguring their identity, an often-long-term process that involved coming to terms with, and integrating, the impact of stroke on their lives. As a result, participants could enter an indefinite period of sustained liminality as they contend with long-term change and continued uncertainty.

Conclusion

The concept of liminality, which emerged from individual stroke narratives for the first time, conveyed the adaptive and enduring nature of a stroke survivor's journey. Post-stroke liminality may continue indefinitely, sustained by a survivor's subjective individual and social situation. This new insight justifies the urgent call for long-term rehabilitation and support that is tailored towards the unique nature of a survivor's circumstances. Further work is required to understand how tailored, long-term and person-centred support can encourage survivors to positively reconfigure their identity.

Longitudinal outcomes of chronically transfused adults with sickle cell disease and a history of childhood stroke

BACKGROUND

Many children with sickle cell disease (SCD) who suffer a stroke receive chronic transfusion therapy (CTT) indefinitely; however, their adulthood neurologic outcomes have not been reported. Understanding these outcomes is critical to inform decisions regarding curative therapy in childhood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we described a cohort of adults with SCD and a history of childhood stroke who received care at a single center and compared their outcomes with matched subjects without childhood stroke using chi2 and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

Of 42 subjects with childhood stroke, all received CTT for secondary stroke prophylaxis. Five (11%) developed recurrent stroke. The rate of stroke was similar in subjects with and without childhood stroke (0.7 vs. 1.1 per 100 person·years, p = .63). Both cohorts exhibited evidence of iron overload (median ferritin 2227 vs. 1409 ng/dL, p = .10) and alloimmunization (45% vs. 45%, p = 1.0), despite receiving care in a comprehensive SCD program.

DISCUSSION

For adults with SCD who had a childhood stroke, our results suggest CTT returns the risk of stroke to that of age-matched stroke naïve patients with SCD.

Unraveling the influences of hemodynamic lag and intrinsic cerebrovascular reactivity on functional metrics in ischemic stroke

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a prominent tool for investigating functional deficits in stroke patients. However, the extent to which the hemodynamic lags (LAG) and the intrinsic cerebrovascular reactivity (iCVR) may affect the rs-fMRI metrics in different scales needs to be clarified for ischemic stroke. In this study, 73 ischemic stroke patients and 74 healthy controls (HC) were recruited to investigate how the correction of the LAG and/or iCVR would influence resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) metrics of three different spatial scales (local-scale, meso-scale and global-scale) in ischemic stroke. The analysis revealed that the Stroke pattern of all functional metrics using different correction strategies resembled the HC pattern. The highest overlap was observed in the Stroke pattern with correction for both LAG and iCVR, while the pattern without correction showed the lowest overlap. Most functional metrics after correction showed higher sensitivity in detecting between-group differences than those without correction. Moreover, our results were generally reproducible in an independent dataset. Collectively, these findings emphasize the necessity of considering LAG and iCVR effects to investigate stroke-related functional alterations, and highlight the significance of correction strategies for accurately interpreting the findings in rs-fMRI study of ischemic stroke.

Adolescent Blood Pressure and Early Age Stroke

BACKGROUND

Underdiagnosis of relevant risk factors has contributed to the increasing stroke incidence in young adults. Blood pressure cut-off values for adolescents are neither sex specific nor based on cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

This nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study included all Israeli adolescents 16-19 years of age who were medically evaluated before compulsory military service from 1985 to 2013, including routine blood pressure measurements. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of a stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) at a young age (≤52 years), as documented in the Israeli National Stroke Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were stratified by sex and adjusted for birth year, sociodemographic variables, and adolescent body mass index.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 1,897,048 adolescents (42.4% women). During 11,355,476 person-years of follow-up, there were 1470 first stroke events at a young age. In men, an adolescent diastolic blood pressure value of ≥80 mmHg, compared with the reference group (diastolic blood pressure value of <70 mmHg), was associated with an increased risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.58), while a diastolic blood pressure value of 70-79 mmHg was not associated with an increased risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.11; 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34). Among women, an adolescent diastolic blood pressure value of ≥80 mmHg, compared with the reference group (diastolic blood pressure value of <70 mmHg) was associated with an increased risk of stroke at a young age (adjusted hazard ratio 1.38; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.88), as was a diastolic blood pressure value of 70-79 mmHg (adjusted hazard ratio 1.41; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.81). Elevated adolescent systolic blood pressure values (≥120 mmHg) were not associated with an increased risk of stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Diastolic blood pressure values of ≥80 mmHg in adolescence were associated with an increased risk of stroke at a young age in both men and women. No similar association was observed for elevated systolic blood pressure.

Development of predictive model for post-stroke depression at discharge based on decision tree algorithm: A multi-center hospital-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common and severe neuropsychological sequelae after stroke. Using a prediction model composed of multiple predictors may be more beneficial than verifying the predictive performance of any single predictor. The primary objective of this study was to construct practical prediction tools for PSD at discharge utilizing a decision tree (DT) algorithm.

METHODS

A multi-center prospective cohort study was conducted from May 2018 to October 2019 and stroke patients within seven days of onset were consecutively recruited. The independent predictors of PSD at discharge were identified through multivariate logistic regression with backward elimination. Classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm was employed as the DT model's splitting method.

RESULTS

A total of 876 stroke patients who were discharged from the neurology departments of three large general Class A tertiary hospitals in Wuhan were eligible for analysis. Firstly, we divided these 876 patients into PSD and non-PSD groups, history of coronary heart disease (OR = 1.835; 95 % CI, 1.106-3.046; P = 0.019), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.040; 95 % CI, 1.013-1.069; P = 0.001), NIHSS score (OR = 1.124; 95 % CI, 1.052-1.201; P = 0.001), and Mini mental state examination (MMSE) score (OR = 0.935; 95 % CI, 0.893-0.978; P = 0.004) were significant predictors. The subgroup analysis results have shown that hemorrhagic stroke, history of hypertension and higher modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) score were associated with PSD at discharge in the young adult stroke patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Several predictors of PSD at discharge were identified and convenient DT models were constructed to facilitate clinical decision-making.

National and Subnational Trends of Mortality and Years of Life Lost Due to Stroke and Its Subtypes in Young Adults in China, 2005-2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The incidence of stroke among young adults was rising globally, but the death burden of stroke in young adults in China is lacking. We aimed to examine the temporal trends in mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) caused by stroke among young adults from 2005 to 2020 across China.

METHODS

Based on the data from the National Mortality Surveillance System in China, we estimated the number and age-standardized rate of mortality and YLLs due to stroke and its subtypes among young adults aged 15-49 years during 2005-2020, for both China and its 31 mainland provinces.

RESULTS

During 2005-2020, the age-standardized mortality rate of stroke among young adults aged 15-49 years in China decreased by 21.0%, from 5.9/100,000 to 4.7/100,000, and the YLL rate decreased from 286.9/100,000 to 229.5/100,000. The age-standardized mortality rate among young adults due to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) showed a significant downward trend with a decrease of 26.3% while that of ischemic stroke (IS) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) decreased by 4.5% and 0.6%, respectively. In 2020, the mortality rate of ICH was 3.5 times higher than that of IS (3.3/100,000 vs 0.9/100,000) among young adults in China. The male/female ratio of age-standardized mortality rate of stroke in young adults increased from 2.0 in 2005 to 3.1 in 2020. The age-standardized mortality rate of IS and SAH in young men increased by 11.0% and 2.5%, respectively. In 2020, Tibet (18.4/100,000), Jilin (10.4/100,000), and Qinghai (8.3/100,000) were the top 3 provinces holding the highest age-standardized mortality rate due to stroke among young adults. Tibet was found to have the highest mortality rate due to ICH and SAH while that of IS was higher in northeast China.

DISCUSSION

In China, the death burden caused by ICH among young adults was substantially higher than that of IS. The increasing death burden of IS and SAH among young men requires special attention. Evidence-based intervention strategies are needed to improve the outcomes of stroke and alleviate the death burden due to stroke among young adults in Chinese population.

Stroke due to small-vessel disease and migraine: A case-control study of a young adult with ischemic stroke population

BACKGROUND

Migraine with aura (MWA) is a risk factor for stroke, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Our aim was to assess the association between MWA and cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD) ischemic stroke after adjustment for vascular risk factors in a population of young patients hospitalized for a first-ever ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Patients aged 18-54 years consecutively hospitalized for a first-ever acute ischemic stroke at the neurovascular unit of our university hospital between January 2017 and July 2021 were included in this retrospective cohort study. CSVD lesions were assessed and classified according to ASCOD (Atherosclerosis, Small-Vessel Disease, Cardiac pathology, Others causes, Dissection) classification criteria.

RESULTS

In total, 646 patients were included (median (SD) age, 44.03 (9.01) years; 61.8% male) including 115 patients with MWA and 110 patients with migraine without aura (MWoA). Grade S1, potentially causal, CSVD lesions were significantly less frequent in patients with MWA (odds ratio (OR) = 0.35, 95% cofdence interval (CI)  =  0.13-0.95, p = 0.048) compared to non-migraine patients in univariate analysis. Logistic regression adjusting for vascular risk factors showed no significant association of CSVD of any grade (S1, S2 or S3 vs. S0) with migraine: OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.48-1.28, p = 0.34; MWoA: OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.42-1.47, p = 0.51; and MWA: OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.43-1.56, p = 0.60, as well as no association of grade S1 CSVD lesions with migraine: OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.40-1.92, p = 0.81; MWoA: OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.42-2.64, p = 0.81; and MWA: OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.20-1.98, p = 0.56.

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective study including almost 650 young adults hospitalized for a first ischemic stroke, MWA was not associated with CSVD cause of stroke after adjustment for vascular risk factors.

CYP2C19 loss-of-function variants are independent risk factors for premature cerebral infarction: a hospital based retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) plays an vital role in the course of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by affecting lipid metabolism. Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) is a comprehensive index composed of triglyceride and blood glucose, has relationship with some diseases. There was no research report on the association CYP2C19 polymorphisms, TyG with premature cerebral infarction (CI) (onset ≤ 65 years old) susceptibility.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed 1953 CI patients aged ≤ 65 years old from December 2018 to March 2024, and 1919 age-matched individuals with non-CI as controls. The relationship between CYP2C19 polymorphisms, TyG and premature CI risk were analyzed.

RESULTS

The proportion of hypertension, and diabetes mellitus in patients with premature CI was higher than those in controls. The serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and TyG levels in patients with premature CI were significantly higher than those in controls (all p < 0.05). The patients had lower CYP2C19 *1 allele frequency (63.3% vs. 69.6%, p < 0.001) and higher CYP2C19 *2 allele frequency (31.3% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.001) than controls. Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking history (odds ratio (OR): 1.193, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-1.422, p = 0.048), hypertension (OR: 3.371, 95% CI: 2.914-3.898, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.911, 95% CI: 1.632-2.237, p < 0.001), CYP2C19 intermediate metabolizer (IM) + poor metabolizer (PM) phenotypes (OR: 1.424, 95% CI: 1.243-1.631, p < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (OR: 1.294, 95% CI: 1.077-1.554, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for premature CI.

CONCLUSIONS

History of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and CYP2C19 IM + PM phenotypes were independently associated with premature CI susceptibility.

Impact of cannabis abuse on the occurrence of stroke in young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The occurrence of stroke in young people has risen significantly. This can easily lead to physical disabilities, swallowing difficulties, and cognitive impairment, among other issues, having a profound impact on families and society. Risk factors for stroke in young people differ from those for traditional stroke, with cannabis abuse emerging as a significant high-risk factor. However, the extent of the impact of cannabis abuse on the occurrence of stroke and the rate of disability in young people remains unclear. To clarify this issue and provide evidence supporting the primary prevention of stroke in young people, this systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the latest findings from previous studies.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted until April 2023. The review included observational studies comparing stroke risk estimates between cannabis abusers and non-users.

Results

This review included six observational studies focusing on cannabis abuse, involving 119,284,152 participants. A significant association was found between cannabis abuse and an increased risk of stroke [OR = 1.14, 95% CI (1.08, 1.20)]. However, there was substantial heterogeneity among the studies (I 2 = 89%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders such as smoking and alcohol abuse, we found a stronger association between cannabis abuse and stroke in young adults [OR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.12, 1.29)]. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant difference in stroke risk between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes (p = 0.43).

Conclusion

The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that cannabis abuse has a more significant effect on the occurrence of stroke in young people; however, it was not possible to distinguish whether cannabis abuse is more likely to cause ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Further research is needed to explore the impact of different drug types, dosages, and behaviors on stroke risk.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, Identifier CRD42023443261.

Predicting 3-month poor functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke in young patients using machine learning

BACKGROUND

Prediction of short-term outcomes in young patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may assist in making therapy decisions. Machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in healthcare due to its high accuracy. This study aims to use a ML-based predictive model for poor 3-month functional outcomes in young AIS patients and to compare the predictive performance of ML models with the logistic regression model.

METHODS

We enrolled AIS patients aged between 18 and 50 years from the Third Chinese National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III), collected between 2015 and 2018. A modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥ 3 was a poor functional outcome at 3 months. Four ML tree models were developed: The extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosted Machine (lightGBM), Random Forest (RF), and The Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), compared with logistic regression. We assess the model performance based on both discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

A total of 2268 young patients with a mean age of 44.3 ± 5.5 years were included. Among them, (9%) had poor functional outcomes. The mRS at admission, living alone conditions, and high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at discharge remained independent predictors of poor 3-month outcomes. The best AUC in the test group was XGBoost (AUC = 0.801), followed by GBDT, RF, and lightGBM (AUCs of 0.795, 0, 794, and 0.792, respectively). The XGBoost, RF, and lightGBM models were significantly better than logistic regression (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ML outperformed logistic regression, where XGBoost the boost was the best model for predicting poor functional outcomes in young AIS patients. It is important to consider living alone conditions with high severity scores to improve stroke prognosis.