Beta-blockers, hypertension, and stroke outcomes

Shift from older- to newer-generation antiseizure medications in people with acute ischemic stroke in Australia: A population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the trends in antiseizure medications (ASMs) use following ischemic stroke and to examine factors associated with use of newer- and older-generation ASMs.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using state-wide linked health datasets. Patients who were hospitalized with a first-ever ischemic stroke between 2013 and 2017 and were dispensed ASM within 12 months from discharge were included. Logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of receiving newer-generation ASMs. Generalized linear modeling was used to identify factors associated with ASM use after ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

Of 19 601 people hospitalized with a first-ever ischemic stroke, 989 were dispensed an ASM within 12 months from discharge. The most prevalent first ASMs were levetiracetam (38.0%), valproate (25.8%), and carbamazepine (10.3%). Most people were dispensed ASM monotherapy (86.9%). There was a shift toward the use of newer-generation ASMs between 2013 and 2017 (odds ratio [OR] 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92-4.16). Metropolitan residents were more likely to be dispensed newer-generation ASMs as a first-line treatment (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.31-2.45). People over 85 years (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23-0.64), with dementia (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19-0.63) and psychotic comorbidities (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.96) were less likely to be dispensed newer-generation ASMs. Older age (coefficient [β] 0.23, P = 0.030), history of beta blocker use (β 0.17, P = 0.029), multiple ASMs (β 0.78, P < 0.001), and newer-generation ASM (β 0.23, P = 0.001) were associated with higher defined daily dose (DDD) of ASM whereas female sex and being married were associated with lower DDD.

SIGNIFICANCE

There has been a shift toward newer-generation ASMs for poststroke seizures and epilepsy. Concerningly, vulnerable patient groups were more likely to be dispensed older-generation ASMs. This may lead to unnecessary exposure to adverse events and drug-drug interactions. Further research is needed to evaluate comparative effectiveness and safety of newer- and older-generation ASMs in poststroke populations.

Upper Limb Energy Demand During Unilateral Arm Crank Submaximal Exercise Testing in Individuals With Chronic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To investigate upper limb (UL) energy demand during unilateral arm crank submaximal exercise testing in individuals with stroke compared with healthy controls and the relationship between UL energy demand and UL activity in individuals with stroke.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, observational study.

SETTING

Research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with chronic stroke (n=14) and controls (n=12), matched for age, sex, and body mass index (N=26).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

UL energy demand was measured as peak oxygen consumption (V̇o₂)/peak load during unilateral arm crank submaximal exercise testing. UL activity was measured using the Box and Block Test (BBT) and Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT).

RESULTS

The energy demand of the paretic side compared with the nonparetic side of the stroke group was 0.43 mL/kg/min/W (95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.83, P=.005) greater than the dominant compared with the nondominant side of the control group. The median difference between sides in peak V̇o₂/peak load was 52% for the group with stroke compared with 11% for the control group. Positive correlations between the median percentage difference between the paretic and the nonparetic side of peak V̇o₂/peak load and BBT were 0.72 (P=.004) and of V̇o₂/peak load and GPT was 0.77 (P=.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The higher energy demand of the paretic UL during unilateral arm crank submaximal exercise testing than the nonparetic and both UL of the controls together with the strong relationship between energy demand and UL activity suggest that the energy demand of the paretic UL has the potential to affect real-life UL activity after stroke.

What Is the Dose-Response Relationship Between Exercise and Cardiorespiratory Fitness After Stroke? A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Exercise after stroke improves cardiorespiratory fitness and walking capacity; however, the effect of altering exercise dose (via frequency, intensity, time, and type) on fitness or walking capacity is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to synthesize the current evidence for the effects of different doses of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and walking capacity in people after stroke.

DATA SOURCES

Seven relevant electronic databases were searched using keywords relating to stroke and cardiorespiratory fitness.

STUDY SELECTION

Trials that compared more than 1 dose of exercise for people (≥ 18 years old) after stroke and measured peak oxygen consumption or 6-minute walk test distance as an outcome were included. Two reviewers independently appraised all trials.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently extracted data from included articles. Intervention variables were extracted in accordance with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Data were synthesized narratively. Nine trials involving 279 participants were included. Three of 5 trials comparing exercise intensity showed that higher-intensity training was associated with greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. The effects of other exercise dose components (frequency, time, and type) on fitness were not determined. Overall, walking capacity improved as program length increased.

LIMITATIONS

All trials had a high risk of bias, and most had a high rate of attrition. Most trials included people more than 6 months after stroke and who walked independently, limiting the generalizability of the findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercising at an intensity greater than 70% of heart rate reserve can be more effective in increasing cardiorespiratory fitness after stroke than exercising at lower intensities. More trials that compare exercise doses by manipulating only 1 dose parameter at a time for people after stroke are needed.

Effectiveness and safety of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction for treating coronary heart disease angina: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease angina is a very common cardiovascular disease, which not only causes personal health problems, but also a serious burden on the social economy. Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZYD) has been widely adapted to clinical practice for people with coronary heart disease angina. At present, it is necessary to update the existing research, re-evaluate the effectiveness and safety of XFZYD, and provide the latest evidence for coronary heart disease angina.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The purpose of this study was to search the electronic database for XFZYD in the treatment of coronary heart disease angina. The database includes PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI), Wanfang database, Chinese Biomedical Literature database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal database (VIP). In addition, ongoing trials will be retrieved from the WHO ICTRP Search Portal, the Chinese Clinical Trial Register and The Clinical Trials Register. We will assess all the documents from the database establishment to January 31, 2019. The RevMan V.5.3 software will be used to calculate the data synthesis and perform a meta-analysis when the literature is appropriate.

RESULTS

The study will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence of XFZYD for coronary heart disease angina from the various comprehensive assessment, including Significantly effective, Effective, Invalid, Aggravation, which based on the "Guidelines for Clinical Research of New Chinese Medicine". Adverse events are also included.

CONCLUSION

The systematic review will provide evidence for assessing the effectiveness and safety of XFZYD in the treatment of coronary heart disease angina.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42019122003.