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Sun J, Lam C, Christie L, Blair C, Li X, Werdiger F, Yang Q, Bivard A, Lin L, Parsons M. Risk factors of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischaemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1079205. [PMID: 36891475 PMCID: PMC9986457 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1079205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) following reperfusion therapies for acute ischaemic stroke often predicts a poor prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify risk factors for HT, and how these vary with hyperacute treatment [intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT)]. Methods Electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE were used to search relevant studies. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. Results A total of 120 studies were included. Atrial fibrillation and NIHSS score were common predictors for any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after reperfusion therapies (both IVT and EVT), while a hyperdense artery sign (OR = 2.605, 95% CI 1.212-5.599, I 2 = 0.0%) and number of thrombectomy passes (OR = 1.151, 95% CI 1.041-1.272, I 2 = 54.3%) were predictors of any ICH after IVT and EVT, respectively. Common predictors for symptomatic ICH (sICH) after reperfusion therapies were age and serum glucose level. Atrial fibrillation (OR = 3.867, 95% CI 1.970-7.591, I 2 = 29.1%), NIHSS score (OR = 1.082, 95% CI 1.060-1.105, I 2 = 54.5%) and onset-to-treatment time (OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.005, I 2 = 0.0%) were predictors of sICH after IVT. Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) (OR = 0.686, 95% CI 0.565-0.833, I 2 =77.6%) and number of thrombectomy passes (OR = 1.374, 95% CI 1.012-1.866, I 2 = 86.4%) were predictors of sICH after EVT. Conclusion Several predictors of ICH were identified, which varied by treatment type. Studies based on larger and multi-center data sets should be prioritized to confirm the results. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=268927, identifier: CRD42021268927.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Sun
- Sydney Brain Centre, The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina Lam
- Melbourne Brain Centre at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren Christie
- Sydney Brain Centre, The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,Allied Health Research Unit, St Vincent's Health Network Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher Blair
- Sydney Brain Centre, The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xingjuan Li
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Freda Werdiger
- Melbourne Brain Centre at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Qing Yang
- Apollo Medical Imaging Technology Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Bivard
- Melbourne Brain Centre at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Longting Lin
- Sydney Brain Centre, The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Parsons
- Sydney Brain Centre, The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Espiritu AI, San Jose MCZ. A Call for a Stroke Referral Network Between Primary Care and Stroke-Ready Hospitals in the Philippines: A Narrative Review. Neurologist 2021; 26:253-260. [PMID: 34734903 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing stroke burden, inequity in the distribution of local neurologists, and the recent signing of the Universal Health Care Law in the Philippines provide compelling reasons for policy-makers to devise strategies to establish networks between primary care and stroke-ready hospitals. In this review, we explored the current literature and evidence that emphasized the roles of primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists, care transition, and telemedicine/teleneurology in various stages of stroke management. REVIEW SUMMARY Clear delegation of stroke care responsibilities among PCPs and specialists is needed. Due to the limited number of specialists/neurologists, PCPs may contribute to addressing the insufficiency of community knowledge of acute stroke symptoms/risk factors, coordination with specialists and stroke-ready hospitals during acute stroke, and continuity of care during the poststroke stage. At present, the Philippines has only 49 stroke-ready hospitals; thus, an efficient and functional referral system for the care transition between the PCPs and specialists must be organized in our country. To provide remote access to expert stroke care for underserved areas and to increase thrombolysis utilization, the establishment of an effective telestroke system is indispensable. The empowerment of PCPs in teleneurology may assist in strengthening communication and networking with specialists with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In the era of Universal Health Care in the Philippines, the roles of PCP and specialists must be delineated. Increased access to stroke care through the establishment of networks among PCPs and stroke-ready hospitals (ie, via effective transition of care/teleneurology) must be prioritized especially in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian I Espiritu
- Department of Neurosciences, Philippine General Hospital and College of Medicine
- the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria Cristina Z San Jose
- Department of Neurosciences, Philippine General Hospital and College of Medicine
- the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
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Adelman EE, Scott PA, Skolarus LE, Fox AK, Frederiksen SM, Meurer WJ. Protocol Deviations before and after Treatment with Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Community Hospitals. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2015; 25:67-73. [PMID: 26419527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protocol deviations before and after tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment for ischemic stroke are common. It is unclear if patient or hospital factors predict protocol deviations. We examined predictors of protocol deviations and the effects of protocol violations on symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). METHODS We used data from the Increasing Stroke Treatment through Interventional Behavior Change Tactics trial, a cluster-randomized, controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a barrier assessment and educational intervention to increase appropriate tPA use in 24 Michigan community hospitals, to review tPA treatments between 2007 and 2010. Protocol violations were defined as deviations from the standard tPA protocol, both before and after treatment. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to determine if patient and hospital variables were associated with pretreatment or post-treatment protocol deviations. RESULTS During the study, 557 patients (mean age 70, 52% male, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 12) were treated with tPA. Protocol deviations occurred in 233 (42%) patients: 16% had pretreatment deviations, 35% had post-treatment deviations, and 9% had both. The most common protocol deviations included elevated post-treatment blood pressure, antithrombotic agent use within 24 hours of treatment, and elevated pretreatment blood pressure. Protocol deviations were not associated with sICH, stroke severity, or hospital factors. Older age was associated with pretreatment protocol deviations (adjusted odds ratio [OR], .52; 95% confidence interval [CI], .30-.92). Pretreatment deviations were associated with post-treatment deviations (adjusted OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.91-5.35). CONCLUSIONS Protocol deviations were not associated with sICH. Aside from age, patient and hospital factors were not associated with protocol deviations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Adelman
- Stroke Program, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Phillip A Scott
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lesli E Skolarus
- Stroke Program, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Allison K Fox
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shirley M Frederiksen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - William J Meurer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Tampieri A, Giovannini E, Rusconi AM, Cristoni L, Bendanti D, Cenni P, Lenzi T. Safety and feasibility of intravenous rt-PA in the Emergency Department without a neurologist-based stroke unit: an observational study. Intern Emerg Med 2015; 10:181-92. [PMID: 25430677 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-014-1153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Early intravenous thrombolysis has proven to be a safe and effective therapy for selected patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Nowadays, thrombolysis is usually delivered by neurologists in "hub" referral centers. However, only a few among eligible patients actually receive treatment. Barriers to early administration of thrombolysis are represented by delays in presentation to referral centers, in-hospital and transfer delays, as well as changes in symptoms during assessment time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and rate of thrombolysis provided in Emergency Department (ED) of a district hospital without neurological stroke team. Consecutive patients with AIS treated with intravenous thrombolysis were prospectively enrolled in this observational study, conducted between May 2010 and December 2013. The main outcomes evaluated were: mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), systemic adverse events, and neurological recovery. Secondly, all patients admitted with ischemic stroke were retrospectively screened to assess the reasons for exclusion to treatment and the rate of thrombolysis delivered. During the study period, 43 patients with AIS received intravenous rt-PA treatment. The mortality rate at three months was 9.5 % (4/43; 95 % CI 2.6-22.1) and total ICH at any-time CT scan imaging was 18.6 % (8/43; 8.4-33.4). At seven days or at discharge, 35/43 patients (81.4 %; 66.6-91.6) presented a neurological improvement and 46.5 % (20/43; 31.2-62.3) a complete neurological recovery presenting a normal NIHSS, while 9.5 % of patients remained in steady conditions and other 9.5 % worsened (4/43; 2.6-22.1). Outcomes do not appear to be very different from those reported in SITS-MOST study cohort. Among the overall 732 patients with AIS, 117 (16.0 %; 13.4-18.8) were eligible for age and arrived within the three-hour window of time, and the thrombolysis rate was 5.9 % (43/732; 4.3-7.8). Administration of rt-PA in an ED setting without neurological specialized stroke unit seems to be feasible and safe after adequate training. Thrombolysis rate found seems to be favorably comparable with the national average in specialist stroke units. If such data were confirmed by studies of greater dimension, this may imply the ability to perform thrombolysis even in smaller centers without the neurologist, thus being able to treat a greater number of patients in the times proven effective for thrombolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tampieri
- Emergency Department, Ospedale Civile Santa Maria della Scaletta. Imola, Via Montericco 4, Imola (Bologna), 40026, Italy,
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Xu J, Zhang Y, Wei H, Xu Y, Wang M, Cai Z, Li X. A comparison of rt-PA thrombolysis guidelines between China and the USA: are changes needed? Neurol Res 2014; 37:57-63. [PMID: 24981554 DOI: 10.1179/1743132814y.0000000415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Thrombolytic treatment criteria vary significantly between China and the USA. We reviewed current intravenous (IV) thrombolytic therapy practices in China and the USA to determine the most appropriate. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of studies that used IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) therapy in China and the USA published between January 1950 and April 2012. RESULTS Literature search identified 17 American and 9 Chinese studies with a total of 2545 subjects. We found a significantly lower mortality rate in the US data compared with China (8% versus 13%; Chi-square = 24.412, P < 0.001). Our meta-regression analysis uncovered significant factors influencing mortality including male sex, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, and onset to treatment time (all P < 0.05). There were significantly more favorable outcomes in China than in the USA (61% versus 49%, Chi-square = 19.159, P < 0.001). No prior history of stroke and shorter onset to IV time were also significantly associated with a favorable outcome (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Onset to IV time is critical for reducing mortality and improving favorable outcomes. We suggest Chinese acute ischemic stroke treatment guidelines be revised to include an increase in the age limit of 80 years, removing contraindications such as a history of previous sever heart, liver, and kidney dysfunction, and placing more emphasis on physician expertise.
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Qureshi AI, Egila H, Adil MM, Siddiqi H, Mian N, Hassan AE, Miley JT, Rodriguez GJ, Suri MFK. “No Turn Back Approach” to Reduce Treatment Time for Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2014; 23:e317-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Miller DJ, Simpson JR, Silver B. Safety of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: a review of complications, risk factors, and newer technologies. Neurohospitalist 2013; 1:138-47. [PMID: 23983849 DOI: 10.1177/1941875211408731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) was approved for use in acute ischemic stroke in the United States in 1996. Approximately 2% to 5% of patients with acute ischemic stroke receive r-tPA. Complications related to intravenous r-tPA include symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, major systemic hemorrhage, and angioedema in approximately 6%, 2%, and 5% of patients, respectively. Risk factors for symptomatic hemorrhage include age, male gender, obesity, increased stroke severity, diabetes, hyperglycemia, uncontrolled hypertension, combination antiplatelet use, large areas of early ischemic change, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and leukoariosis. A risk factor for angioedema is the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Risk assessment scores, novel imaging strategies, and telemedicine may offer methods of optimizing the risk-benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Miller
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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8
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Meurer WJ, Kwok H, Skolarus LE, Adelman EE, Kade AM, Kalbfleisch J, Frederiksen SM, Scott PA. Does preexisting antiplatelet treatment influence postthrombolysis intracranial hemorrhage in community-treated ischemic stroke patients? An observational study. Acad Emerg Med 2013; 20:146-54. [PMID: 23406073 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after acute stroke thrombolysis is associated with poor outcomes. Previous investigations of the relationship between preexisting antiplatelet use and the safety of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis have been limited by low event rates. The objective of this study was to determine whether preexisting antiplatelet therapy increased the risk of ICH following acute stroke thrombolysis. The primary hypothesis was that antiplatelet use would not be associated with radiographic evidence of ICH after controlling for relevant confounders. METHODS Consecutive cases of thrombolysis patients treated in the emergency department (ED) were identified using multiple methods. Retrospective data were collected from four hospitals from 1996 to 2004 and 24 other hospitals from 2007 to 2010 as part of a cluster-randomized trial. The same chart abstraction tool was used during both time periods, and data were subjected to numerous quality control checks. Hemorrhages were classified using a prespecified methodology: ICH was defined as presence of hemorrhage in radiographic interpretations of follow-up imaging (primary outcome). Symptomatic ICH (sICH) was defined as radiographic ICH with associated clinical worsening. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to adjust for clinical factors previously identified to be related to postthrombolysis ICH. Sensitivity analyses were conducted where the unadjusted and adjusted results from this study were combined with those of previously published external studies on this topic via meta-analytic techniques. RESULTS There were 830 patients included, with 47% having documented preexisting antiplatelet treatment. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age was 69 (± 15) years, and the cohort was 53% male. The unadjusted proportion of patients with any ICH was 15.1% without antiplatelet use and 19.3% with antiplatelet use (absolute risk difference = 4.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.2% to 9.6%); for sICH this was 6.1% without antiplatelet use and 9% with antiplatelet use (absolute risk difference = 3.1%, 95% CI = -1% to 6.7%). After adjusting for confounders, antiplatelet use was not significantly associated with radiographic ICH (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.8 to 1.7) or sICH (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.7 to 2.2). In patients 81 years and older, there was a higher risk of radiographic ICH (absolute risk difference = 11.9%, 95% CI = 0.1% to 23.6%). The meta-analyses combined the findings of this investigation with previous similar work and found increased unadjusted risks of radiographic ICH (absolute risk difference = 4.9%, 95% CI = 0.7% to 9%) and sICH (absolute risk difference = 4%, 95% CI = 2.3% to 5.6%). The meta-analytic adjusted OR of sICH for antiplatelet use was 1.6 (95% CI = 1.1 to 2.4). CONCLUSIONS The authors did not find that preexisting antiplatelet use was associated with postthrombolysis ICH or sICH in this cohort of community treated patients. Preexisting tobacco use, younger age, and lower severity were associated with lower odds of sICH. The meta-analyses demonstrated small, but statistically significant increases in the absolute risk of radiographic ICH and sICH, along with increased odds of sICH in patients with preexisting antiplatelet use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heemun Kwok
- The Division of Emergency Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Washington; Seattle; WA
| | | | | | - Allison M. Kade
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor; MI
| | - Jack Kalbfleisch
- The Department of Biostatistics; School of Public Health; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor; MI
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Jauch EC, Saver JL, Adams HP, Bruno A, Connors JJB, Demaerschalk BM, Khatri P, McMullan PW, Qureshi AI, Rosenfield K, Scott PA, Summers DR, Wang DZ, Wintermark M, Yonas H. Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke 2013; 44:870-947. [PMID: 23370205 DOI: 10.1161/str.0b013e318284056a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3193] [Impact Index Per Article: 290.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The authors present an overview of the current evidence and management recommendations for evaluation and treatment of adults with acute ischemic stroke. The intended audiences are prehospital care providers, physicians, allied health professionals, and hospital administrators responsible for the care of acute ischemic stroke patients within the first 48 hours from stroke onset. These guidelines supersede the prior 2007 guidelines and 2009 updates. METHODS Members of the writing committee were appointed by the American Stroke Association Stroke Council's Scientific Statement Oversight Committee, representing various areas of medical expertise. Strict adherence to the American Heart Association conflict of interest policy was maintained throughout the consensus process. Panel members were assigned topics relevant to their areas of expertise, reviewed the stroke literature with emphasis on publications since the prior guidelines, and drafted recommendations in accordance with the American Heart Association Stroke Council's Level of Evidence grading algorithm. RESULTS The goal of these guidelines is to limit the morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. The guidelines support the overarching concept of stroke systems of care and detail aspects of stroke care from patient recognition; emergency medical services activation, transport, and triage; through the initial hours in the emergency department and stroke unit. The guideline discusses early stroke evaluation and general medical care, as well as ischemic stroke, specific interventions such as reperfusion strategies, and general physiological optimization for cerebral resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS Because many of the recommendations are based on limited data, additional research on treatment of acute ischemic stroke remains urgently needed.
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Scott PA, Meurer WJ, Frederiksen SM, Kalbfleisch JD, Xu Z, Haan MN, Silbergleit R, Morgenstern LB. A multilevel intervention to increase community hospital use of alteplase for acute stroke (INSTINCT): a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Lancet Neurol 2012; 12:139-48. [PMID: 23260188 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(12)70311-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of alteplase improves outcome in some patients with stroke. Several types of barrier frequently prevent its use. We assessed whether a standardised, barrier-assessment, multicomponent intervention could increase alteplase use in community hospitals in Michigan, USA. METHODS In a cluster-randomised controlled trial, we selected adult, non-specialty, acute-care community hospitals in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA. Eligible hospitals discharged at least 100 patients who had had a stroke per year, had less than 100 000 visits to the emergency department per year, and were not academic comprehensive stroke centres. Using a computer-generated randomisation sequence, we selected 12 matched pairs of eligible hospitals. Within pairs, the hospitals were allocated to intervention or control groups with restricted randomisation in January, 2007. Between January, 2007, and December, 2007, intervention hospitals implemented a multicomponent intervention that included qualitative and quantitative assessment of barriers to alteplase use and ways to address the findings, and provided additional support. The primary outcome was change in alteplase use in patients with stroke in emergency departments between the pre-intervention period (January, 2005, to December, 2006) and the post-intervention period (January, 2008, to January, 2010). Physicians in participating hospitals and the coordinating centre could not be masked to group assignment, but were masked to progress made in paired control hospitals. External medical reviewers who were masked to group assignment assessed outcomes. We did intention-to-treat (ITT) and target-population (without one pair that was excluded after randomisation) analyses. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00349479. FINDINGS All 24 hospitals completed the study. Overall, 745 of 40 823 patients with stroke received intravenous alteplase treatment. In the ITT analysis, the proportion of patients with stroke who were admitted and treated with alteplase increased between the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods in intervention hospitals (89 [1·25%] of 7119 patients to 235 [2·79%] of 8419) to a greater extent than in control hospitals (99 [1·25%] of 7946 to 194 [2·10%] of 9222), but the difference between groups was not significant (relative risk [RR] 1·37, 95% CI 0·96-1·93; p=0·08). In the target-population analysis, the increase in alteplase use in intervention hospitals (59 [1·00%] of 5882 to 191 [2·62%] of 7288) was significantly greater than in control hospitals (65 [1·09%] of 5957 to 120 [1·72%] of 6989; RR 1·68, 95% CI 1·09-2·57; p=0·02), but was still clinically modest. INTERPRETATION The intervention did not significantly increase alteplase use in patients with ischaemic stroke. The increase in use of alteplase in the target population was significant, but smaller than the effect to which the study was powered. Additional strategies to increase acute stroke treatment are needed. FUNDING National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A Scott
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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11
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Majersik JJ, Meurer WJ, Frederiksen SA, Sandretto AM, Xu Z, Goldman EB, Scott PA. Observational study of telephone consults by stroke experts supporting community tissue plasminogen activator delivery. Acad Emerg Med 2012; 19:E1027-34. [PMID: 22978729 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2012.01438.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Barriers to intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use in ischemic stroke include limited treatment experience of community physicians. Models of acute stroke care have been designed to address these limitations by providing community support. These include support by telephone or televideo, with or without subsequent transport to tertiary care centers. The authors describe the frequency, characteristics, and effect of community phone consultations to a 24/7 stroke "hotline" staffed by stroke physicians at an academic stroke center using such a model. METHODS Twelve intervention hospitals participating in the INcreasing Stroke Treatment through Interventional behavior Change Tactics (INSTINCT) trial were provided a single-access number ("hotline") for expert consultation on tPA use. Experts consisted of stroke-trained physicians at an academic medical center. Hotline use was not mandated by the study protocol, nor was patient transfer required. Consultants were required to record all treatment questions in a Web-based log. All patients discussed over the hotline and/or treated with tPA in an INSTINCT hospital underwent multilevel chart review by trained nurse coordinators. Cases were linked to logged hotline calls, based on the time of treatment and the initial treating hospital. Physician adjudicators assessed appropriateness of tPA treatment, presence of deviation from standard guidelines, and treatment complications (intracranial hemorrhage [ICH], systemic hemorrhage, or death). RESULTS Over 27 months, there were a total of 204 hotline calls regarding 116 patients. Ninety-one percent of calls were between 8 a.m. and midnight, and 77% of questions explored issues of eligibility for IV tPA, particularly for minor stroke or improving stroke (26%). A total of 243 patients were treated with IV tPA at the 12 intervention hospitals, 54 of which were following hotline consult. Seventy-six percent of hotline patients in whom tPA was recommended actually received tPA, while 2% of those in whom tPA was not recommended received the medication. There were no differences in protocol deviations (27.8% hotline group vs. 23.8% nonhotline group), incidence of symptomatic ICH (5.6% vs. 7.3%), or in-hospital mortality (5.6% vs. 13.2%). No medico-legal issues have been reported for any case in the study. CONCLUSIONS Providing tPA decision-making support via telephone consult to community physicians is feasible and safe. Consultants may play a more prominent role in determining tPA ineligibility than acceptance. Future work should include a real-time survey of physician providers to ascertain such potential qualitative benefits of a stroke hotline.
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A Clinically Relevant Rabbit Embolic Stroke Model for Acute Ischemic Stroke Therapy Development: Mechanisms and Targets. Transl Stroke Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-9530-8_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Intracranial hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition, the outcome of which can be improved by intensive care. Intracranial hemorrhage may be spontaneous, precipitated by an underlying vascular malformation, induced by trauma, or related to therapeutic anticoagulation. The goals of critical care are to assess the proximate cause, minimize the risks of hemorrhage expansion through blood pressure control and correction of coagulopathy, and obliterate vascular lesions with a high risk of acute rebleeding. Simple bedside scales and interpretation of computed tomography scans assess the severity of neurological injury. Myocardial stunning and pulmonary edema related to neurological injury should be anticipated, and can usually be managed. Fever (often not from infection) is common and can be effectively treated, although therapeutic cooling has not been shown to improve outcomes after intracranial hemorrhage. Most functional and cognitive recovery takes place weeks to months after discharge; expected levels of functional independence (no disability, disability but independence with a device, dependence) may guide conversations with patient representatives. Goals of care impact mortality, with do-not-resuscitate status increasing the predicted mortality for any level of severity of intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Future directions include refining the use of bedside neuro-monitoring (electroencephalogram, invasive monitors), novel approaches to reduce intracranial hemorrhage expansion, minimizing vasospasm, and refining the assessment of quality of life to guide rehabilitation and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Naidech
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Meurer WJ. Reply. Int J Stroke 2011; 6:278-279. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2011.00586_1.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William J. Meurer
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Neurology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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Meurer WJ, Caveney AF, Lo A, Zhang L, Frederiksen SM, Sandretto AM, Silbergleit R, Scott PA. Lack of association between pretreatment neurology consultation and subsequent protocol deviation in tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients with stroke. Stroke 2010; 41:2098-101. [PMID: 20689081 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.110.588491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We evaluated the hypothesis that consultation with neurology would be associated with fewer protocol deviations in tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients with stroke. METHODS A retrospective analysis of consecutive tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients with acute patients was performed. Using chi(2) tests, the proportion of patients with a protocol deviation was calculated and compared between those with evidence of a neurology consultation and those without. Logistic regression was then used to determine the OR for protocol deviation at the same time as controlling for clinical presentation covariates. RESULTS Two hundred seventy-three subjects were included. Protocol deviation rates did not significantly differ between those with (44%) and those without (41%) a consultation. The adjusted OR for deviation comparing any consultation versus nonconsultation was 1.25 (95% CI: 0.58 to 2.68). There was no statistically significant difference between symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and in-hospital mortality rates between the groups. The proportion of patients with pretreatment deviations not related to timing was low in both the consultation (9.7%) and nonconsultation groups (8.1%). CONCLUSIONS Neurological consultation was not found to be associated with decreased protocol deviations in this cohort, although the high proportion of deviations with and without consultation suggests that quality improvement is needed. Most observed pretreatment deviations were attributable to timing. As acute stroke care becomes more efficient and additional methods in reducing door-to-treatment times are sought, models in which emergency physicians direct the initial phase of treatment may merit further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Meurer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich, USA.
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