Postoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predicts unfavorable outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients who achieve complete reperfusion after thrombectomy

Hyperacute intervention with DGMI for optimized stroke recovery: Modulating immune and inflammatory pathways in motor and sensory cortices

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Long-term neurological dysfunction following stroke significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Ginkgo biloba L (GBL), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has shown promise in treating ischemic stroke and related disorders. Diterpene Ginkgolides Meglumine Injection (DGMI), derived from GBL, has demonstrated improved recovery outcomes in stroke patients when administered during the hyperacute phase (HAP) in clinical studies, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Utilizing a Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (tMCAO) model, we evaluated the effects of DGMI at varying doses and administration times on neurological function, brain injury, and identified key genes/pathways via RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses, validated by RT-PCR. An in vitro LPS-induced astrocyte activation model was used to evaluate DGMI's anti-inflammatory effects.

RESULTS

DGMI administered during the hyperacute phase (HAP, 0.5 h post-tMCAO) exhibited superior neuroprotection compared to the acute phase (AP, 24 h post-tMCAO) in mice. HAP-DGMI significantly enhanced survival rates, reduced neurological deficit scores, infarct sizes, and neuronal apoptosis, with more pronounced improvements observed on days 3 and 7 post-tMCAO. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that HAP-DGMI more effectively normalized abnormal gene expression profiles, particularly in genes involved in immune and inflammatory pathways, in both motor (M1) and sensory (S1) cortices. Additionally, HAP-DGMI reversed a higher proportion of disease-characteristic pathways compared to AP.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the potential of early HAP intervention with DGMI in enhancing neuroprotection and functional recovery in AIS bymodulating key immune and inflammatory genes and pathways, providing experimental and theoretical support for the clinical application of DGMI.

Nomogram model for decompressing craniectomy after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke

The most common treatment method for patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion is mechanical thrombectomy. However, complications such as cerebral edema and hemorrhage transformation after MT can affect patient prognoses, while decompression craniectomy considerably improves patient prognoses. The aim of this study was to identify clinical indicators, such as the neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, to predict DC. A retrospective analysis was conducted in AIS-LVO patients who received MT at Huizhou Central People's Hospital and the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University. The patients were randomly divided into training, internal validation group and external validation group sets to generate and validate a nomogram model. Multivariate binary logistic analyses indicated that SBP > 178.5 mmHg, WBC > 12.05*109/L, PT > 14.54 s, and NHR > 8.874*109/mmol were independent risk factors for DC after MT in patients with AIS-LVO. In the training set, the area under the curve indicated good accuracy. Calibration curve results showed the average error in the training set was 0.038, and 0.036 in the validation set, showing good model fit. NHR was an independent risk factor for DC treatment after MT in AIS-LVO patients. A nomogram based on NHR accurately predicted if DC treatment was required after MT in patients with AIS-LVO.

Association of Alkaline Phosphatase Level with Futile Recanalization in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Endovascular Thrombectomy

OBJECTIVE

Nearly half of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) patients failed to achieve favorable outcomes despite successful reperfusion treatment. This phenomenon is referred to as Futile Recanalization (FR). Screening patients at risk of FR is vital for stroke management. Previous studies reported the diagnostic value of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in certain aspects of stroke prognosis. However, the association between serum ALP level and FR among AIS patients treated with thrombectomy remained unclear.

METHODS

We screened stroke patients who underwent thrombectomy at our center from January 2017 to June 2021, and those who achieved successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score=3) were ultimately analyzed. Demographic information, vascular risk factors, and laboratory test results were collected at admission. The 3-month unfavorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3 to 6. The effect of ALP levels on FR was investigated with a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Of 788 patients who underwent thrombectomy, 277 achieved successful reperfusion. Among them, 142 patients (51.3%) failed to realize favorable outcomes at 3 months. After adjusting for confounding variables, higher ALP levels (p =0.002) at admission were independently associated with unfavorable outcomes at three months. Adding ALP values to conventional risk factors improved the performance of prediction models for FR.

CONCLUSION

The current study found that the serum ALP levels at admission emerged as a potential biomarker for futile reperfusion in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy. Further studies are warranted to confirm the clinical applicability of ALP level for futile recanalization prediction.

Association of Systemic Inflammatory Response Index and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio on Unfavorable Functional Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients After Endovascular Therapy

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory markers for the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with endovascular therapy remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with unfavorable functional outcomes at 90-day in individuals of AIS who underwent endovascular therapy.

METHODS

A total of 128 AIS patients who had endovascular therapy were enrolled from the Nanjing Stroke Registry between September 2019 and November 2022. Peripheral venous blood was collected from patients within 24 h of admission for information on the following parameters: neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count. Then, the SIRI and NLR values were calculated and the association among SIRI, NLR, and modifled Rankin Scale scores 90 days after endovascular therapy was examined via univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to determine the best threshold for SIRI and NLR in predicting negative neurological outcomes following endovascular treatment for patients with AIS.

RESULTS

A total of 128 participants were evaluated, among which 50% had unfavorable outcomes. Linear regression analysis showed that the best threshold for SIRI was >1.407 (odds ratio = 1.265; 95% confidence interval, 1.071-1.493; P = 0.006), and for NLR it was >5.347 (odds ratio = 1.088; 95% confidence interval, 1.007-1.175; P = 0.033). These results revealed NLR and SIRI as significant predictors of unfavorable outcomes at 90 days. The area under the curve for SIRI and NLR in predicting 90-day adverse outcomes was 0.643 and 0.609, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher SIRI and NLR levels at admission may lead to unfavorable outcomes at 90 days for AIS patients with endovascular therapy.

Inflammatory biomarkers may be associated with poor outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the mainstay of treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) recently. This case-control study aimed to identify the pivotal role of inflammation in the prognosis of AIS patients after MT.

METHODS

Altogether, 70 AIS patients who underwent MT were retrospectively recruited for this study. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the inflammatory variables for predicting prognosis. A meta-analysis was performed to pool the published results together. Stata software was used for analysis.

RESULTS

There was no differences in pre-MT inflammatory biomarkers between patients who survived and those who died, as well as patients with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 and mRS ≥ 3. In contrast, post-MT C-reactive protein (CRP) levels might be a potential parameter to predict death after thrombectomy [area under the curve (AUC), 95%confidence interval (CI), 0.737, 0.587-0.887; p = 0.005; optimal cutoff value = 4.565]. Moreover, post-MT monocyte count might be an appropriate parameter to predict poor long-term prognosis after thrombectomy (AUC, 95%CI, 0.704, 0.575-0.833; p = 0.017; optimal cutoff value = 0.345). A meta-analysis revealed that the pre-MT inflammatory indices, including white blood cell count (weighted mean difference, 95%CI, 1.32, 1.01-1.63), neutrophil count (1.23, 0.95-1.51), monocyte count (0.05, 0.02-0.09), neuthrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (2.42, 1.98-2.87) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (24.65, 7.99-41.32), were higher in patients with 3-month mRS ≥ 3, and the lymphocyte count (-0.31,-0.43 to -0.18) was lower in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory indices were significantly associated with the prognosis of patients undergoing MT, especially post-MT CRP and monocyte count, which can predict long-term outcomes.

A novel nutritional inflammation index for predicting mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients: insights into advanced lung cancer inflammation index from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database

Objective

This investigation aimed to delineate the association between the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) and all-cause mortality (ACM) in individuals experiencing acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

Drawing on information from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database, release 2.2, covering the years 2012 to 2019, this research assessed the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) by factoring in body mass index (BMI), serum albumin levels (ALB), and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Patients with AIS were identified using codes from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). To address potential confounding factors, a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was utilized. The investigation identified the pivotal ALI level impacting patient survival using maximally selected rank statistics. It then examined the effects on short- and long-term ACM through multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis. Additionally, restricted cubic spline (RCS) methods were applied to delve into the linear or nonlinear nature of the relationship between ALI and ACM, with further insights gained from interaction and subgroup analyses.

Results

The cohort comprised 838 AIS patients. Post-PSM, analysis involved 199 matched patient pairs. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models indicated a significant association of low ALI (<10.38) with increased in-hospital ACM, both before (HR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.36-2.88; p < 0.001) and after PSM (HR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.32-3.52; p = 0.002). Associations of low ALI with elevated risk were consistent across ICU, 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year ACM pre- and post-PSM. Subsequent RCS analysis post-PSM underscored a negative nonlinear relationship between ALI and ACM over both short and long terms, without significant interaction effects across different subgroups for ACM.

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort study, by utilizing a nationally representative sample of United States patients with AIS, our analysis elucidates a negative correlation between the ALI and ACM in individuals with AIS, underscoring the utility of ALI as a novel, efficacious, and accessible inflammatory biomarker for prognosticating ACM. These results carry profound implications for public health policy and practice. A deeper comprehension of these associations can empower public health practitioners and researchers to devise more targeted interventions and policies, aimed specifically at catering to the distinct needs of the AIS patient population, thereby enhancing their health outcomes. The further research in other races/ethnicity is urgent, particularly before applying these findings in clinical practice.

Leukocyte counts and ratios as potential predictors of large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective cohort study

Leukocyte counts and ratios are independent biomarkers to determine the severity and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In AIS, the connection between leukocytes and large vessel occlusion (LVO) is uncertain. This study aims to determine the relationship between the existence of LVO and leukocyte counts and ratios on admission to AIS. Patients were retrospectively evaluated within six hours of AIS starting between January 2019 and April 2023. On admission, blood specimens were collected, and leukocyte subtype counts were promptly analyzed. Computed tomography or digital subtraction angiography were utilized to verify the existence of LVO. Regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to investigate the connections between the counts and ratios of leukocytes and the existence of LVO, as well as the discriminatory ability of these variables in predicting LVO. Total white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were substantially higher in the LVO existence group compared to the LVO absence group, whereas the ratio of eosinophils to neutrophils (ENR × 102) was lower (P < .001, respectively). Significant associations were observed between total WBC counts, neutrophil counts, NLR, and ENR × 102 and the existence of LVO (P < .001, respectively). Total WBC counts, neutrophil counts, NLR, and ENR × 102 had respective areas under the curves (AUC) of 0.730, 0.748, 0.704, and 0.680 for identifying LVO. Our results show that in AIS patients, the existence of LVO is independently associated with elevated total WBC and neutrophil counts, high NLR, and low ENR × 102 levels. Neutrophil and total WBC counts, as well as NLR and levels of ENR × 102, may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting LVO. Neuroinflammation, based on the existence of LVO, should be given particular attention in future investigations.

Predicting Futile Recanalization in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy: The Role of White Blood Cell Count to Mean Platelet Volume Ratio

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of AIS patients have an unfavorable outcome even after complete reperfusion. White blood cell (WBC) count to mean platelet volume (MPV) ratio (WMR) may be a promising predictive factor for futile recanalization. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of WMR in identifying individuals at higher risk of futile recanalization.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 296 patients who achieved complete reperfusion after endovascular treatment (EVT) were included in the analysis. WBC count and MPV were collected at admission. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the independent association of the WMR with functional outcomes at three months. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analyses were used to compare the accuracy of WMR for predicting futile recanalization.

RESULTS

The adjusted odds ratios for the fourth quartile of WMR were 3.142 (95% CI 1.405- 7.027, P = 0.005) for unfavorable outcomes at 3 months in comparison with the first quartile. The inclusion of WMR in the traditional model enabled a more accurate prediction of unfavorable outcomes (NRI 0.250, P = 0.031; IDI 0.022, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Elevated WMR at admission was independently associated with futile recanalization among AIS patients who received EVT and might be useful in identifying futile recanalization.

Postoperative blood glucose increase is associated with futile recanalization in patients with successful thrombectomy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Timely recognition of futile recanalization might enable a prompt response and an improved outcome in post-thrombectomy patients. This study aims to evaluate whether postoperative blood glucose increase (BGI) could act as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients receiving a successful thrombectomy.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy between February 2019 and June 2022. BGI was defined as a higher level of blood glucose at the first postoperative morning than at admission. Futile recanalization was defined as patients with a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 90 days after onset. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of BGI with futile recanalization.

RESULTS

A total of 276 patients were enrolled, amongst which 120 patients (43.5%) had BGI. Futile recanalization was more prevalent among patients with BGI compared to those without (70.0 vs. 49.4%, P = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, BGI was associated with a higher likelihood of futile recanalization (adjusted OR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.50-5.86, P = 0.002). This association was consistently observed regardless of diabetes history, occlusion site, time from symptom onset to groin puncture, or reperfusion status.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support BGI serving as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy.

Postoperative fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio acting as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients with successful thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

Timely recognition of futile recanalization might enable a prompter response and thus improve outcomes in patients receiving successful thrombectomy. This study aims to evaluate whether postoperative fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) could act as an indicator of futile recanalization.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with acute anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy between May 2019 and June 2022. FAR was defined as postoperative blood levels of fibrinogen divided by those of albumin, and dichotomized into high and low levels based on the Youden index. Futile recanalization was defined as patients achieving a successful recanalization with a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 90 days. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of FAR with futile recanalization.

RESULTS

A total of 255 patients were enrolled, amongst which 87 patients (34.1%) had high postoperative FAR. Futile recanalization was more prevalent among patients with high FAR compared to those with low FAR (74.7% vs. 53.0%, p = .001). After adjusting for potential confounders, high postoperative FAR was found to independently correspond with the occurrence of futile recanalization (adjusted OR 2.40, 95%CI 1.18-4.87, p = .015). This association was consistently observed regardless of prior antithrombotic therapy, treatment of intravenous thrombolysis, occlusion site, time from symptom onset to groin puncture, and reperfusion status.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support high postoperative FAR serving as an indicator of futile recanalization in patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and successful thrombectomy.

Platelet-activating factor antagonist-based intensive antiplatelet strategy in acute ischemic stroke: A propensity score matched with network pharmacology analysis

BACKGROUND

Diterpene ginkgolides meglumine injection (DGMI) is a platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) antagonist that can be used to treat acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of an intensive antiplatelet strategy based on PAFR antagonists and explored the underlying mechanisms of PAFR antagonists in AIS treatment.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study applying propensity score methods to match AIS patients treated with DGMI to nontreated patients. The primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-2) at 90 days. The safety outcome was bleeding risk. We used McNemar test to compare the efficacy outcome. Subsequently, the network pharmacology analysis was performed.

RESULTS

161 AIS patients treated with DGMI in the study were matched with 161 untreated patients. Compared with untreated patients, DGMI-treated patients had a significantly higher rate of mRS ranking 0-2 at 90 days (82.0% vs. 75.8%, p < 0.001), without increased risk of bleeding. The gene enrichment analysis showed that the overlap genes of DGMI targeted and AIS-related enriched in thrombosis and inflammatory-related signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

An intensive antiplatelet strategy of DGMI plus traditional antiplatelet agents is effective in treating AIS and may work by mediating post-stroke inflammation and thrombosis.

Systemic inflammation response index as a clinical outcome evaluating tool and prognostic indicator for hospitalized stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Stroke, which is the main element of cerebrovascular disease (CVD), has become the foremost reason for death and disability on a global scale. The systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), a newly developed and comprehensive indicator, has demonstrated promise in forecasting clinical results for diverse ailments. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the assessment and prediction of clinical outcomes for stroke patients by SIRI persists, and the conflicting findings from the limited studies conducted on this matter further complicate the situation. Consequently, we performed a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the correlation between SIRI and the clinical results in individuals suffering from stroke.

METHODS

This research was registered in PROSPERO and carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. A thorough investigation was carried out on PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Furthermore, we conducted a manual search in Chinese databases, such as China national Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, VIP, and China Biology Medicine (CBM). We assessed the potential for bias in the studies included by utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. Adverse clinical outcomes were the main focus of the study, with secondary endpoints including mortality, the predictive value of SIRI, SIRI values across various endpoints, and clinical parameters associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in relation to low and high SIRI group.

RESULTS

Following rigorous evaluation, a grand total of 22 investigations, encompassing a populace of 12,737 individuals, were considered suitable for incorporation in the final analysis. The findings from our meta-analysis indicate a strong and consistent correlation between elevated SIRI levels and adverse functional outcomes, irrespective of the method used to evaluate unfavorable outcomes. Furthermore, increased SIRI values have a strong correlation with mortality rates in both the short and long term. Besides, SIRI is a useful indicator of the severity of SAH. SIRI demonstrates strong predictive ability in identifying unfavorable outcomes and stroke-related pneumonia (SAP), as higher SIRI values are typically linked to negative endpoints. Nevertheless, the meta-analysis indicated that there was no significant increase in the risk of early neurological deterioration (END) and acute hydrocephalus (AHC) in high SIRI group when comparing to low SIRI.

CONCLUSION

This study could potentially pave the way for groundbreaking insights into the relationship between SIRI and stroke patient outcomes, as it appears to be the first meta-analysis to explore this association. Given the critical role of the inflammatory response in stroke recovery, closely monitoring patients with high SIRI levels could represent a promising strategy for mitigating brain damage post-stroke. Thus, further investigation into SIRI and its impact on clinical outcomes is essential. While our initial findings offer valuable insights into this area, continued research is necessary to fully elucidate the potential of SIRI, ideally through dynamic monitoring and large-scale, multi-center studies. Ultimately, this research has the potential to inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes following stroke.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ ; Identifier CRD42023405221.

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Futile Recanalization in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy: Prevalence, Factors, and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Futile recanalization (FR) continues to raise concern despite the success of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Understanding the prevalence of FR and identifying associated factors are crucial for refining patient prognoses and optimizing management strategies.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to comprehensively assess the pooled prevalence of FR, explore the diverse factors connected with FR, and establish the association of FR with long-term clinical outcomes among AIS patients undergoing EVT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Incorporating studies focusing on FR following EVT in AIS patients, we conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to assess the pooled prevalence and its association with various clinical and imaging risk factors linked to FR. Summary estimates were compiled and study heterogeneity was explored.

RESULTS

Our comprehensive meta-analysis, involving 11,700 AIS patients undergoing EVT, revealed a significant pooled prevalence of FR at 51%, with a range of 48% to 54% (Effect Size [ES]: 51%; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 48-54%; z = 47.66; p < 0.001). Numerous clinical factors demonstrated robust correlations with FR, including atrial fibrillation (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.39, 95% CI 1.22 1.59; p < 0.001), hypertension (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.41 1.92; p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.47 1.99; p < 0.001), previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR 1.298, 95% CI 1.06 1.59; p = 0.012), prior anticoagulant usage (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08 1.63; p = 0.007), cardioembolic strokes (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.10 1.63; p = 0.003), and general anesthesia (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.35 1.74; p < 0.001). Conversely, FR exhibited reduced likelihoods of smoking (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57 0.77; p < 0.001), good collaterals (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.23 0.49; p < 0.001), male sex (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 0.97; p = 0.016), and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 0.86; p < 0.001). FR was strongly associated with increasing age (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.49, 95% CI 0.42 0.56; p < 0.0001), baseline systolic blood pressure (SMD 0.20, 95% CI 0.13 0.27; p < 0.001), baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Severity Score (SMD 0.75, 95% CI: 0.65 0.86; p < 0.001), onset-to-treatment time (SMD 0.217, 95% CI 0.13 0.30; p < 0.001), onset-to-recanalization time (SMD 0.38, 95% CI 0.19; 0.57; p < 0.001), and baseline blood glucose (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.22 0.41; p < 0.001), while displaying a negative association with reduced baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (SMD -0.37, 95% CI -0.46 -0.27; p < 0.001). Regarding clinical outcomes, FR was significantly associated with increased odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (OR 7.37, 95% CI 4.89 11.12; p < 0.001), hemorrhagic transformations (OR 2.98, 95% CI 2.37 3.75; p < 0.001), and 90-day mortality (OR 19.24, 95% CI 1.57 235.18; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

The substantial prevalence of FR, standing at approximately 51%, warrants clinical consideration. These findings underscore the complexity of FR in AIS patients and highlight the importance of tailoring management strategies based on individual risk factors and clinical profiles.

Association Between Inflammatory Burden Index and Unfavorable Prognosis After Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Inflammatory burden index (IBI) is a systemic inflammation indicator that reflects the inflammatory status. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of IBI after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We enrolled patients treated with EVT from a multicenter cohort between June 2020 and December 2021. The IBI was calculated as C-reaction protein × neutrophil / lymphocyte count. The primary outcome was the unfavorable functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale score 3-6). C-statistics and net reclassification indexes were used to assess the predictive accuracy. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between IBI and unfavorable outcome.

Results

A total of 295 patients (mean age, 64.0 ± 12.8 years; male, 63.7%) were enrolled in this study. In multivariable models, higher IBI levels were associated with an increased risk of 90-day unfavorable outcome after EVT (per 1-SD: odds ratio, 1.754; 95% confidence interval, 1.241-2.587; P = 0.002). Restricted cubic spline curve displayed a linear relationship between the IBI level and 90-day unfavorable outcome (P for nonlinearity = 0.410). Besides, IBI was a more accurate biomarker for predicting unfavorable outcomes with the highest predictive accuracy and reclassification indexes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that higher IBI was associated with an increased risk of 90-day unfavorable outcome in acute ischemic stroke treated with EVT.

Systemic inflammation response index predicts 3-month outcome in patients with mild acute ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis

Introduction

A crucial aspect of stroke progression is the inflammatory response. As novel inflammatory and prognostic markers, the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) have recently been studied. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of SII and SIRI in mild acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).

Methods

Our study screened the clinical data of patients with mild AIS admitted to the Minhang Hospital of Fudan University for retrospective analysis. The SIRI and SII were examined by the emergency laboratory before IVT. Functional outcome was evaluated 3 months after the onset of stroke using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). mRS ≥ 2 was defined as an unfavorable outcome. The relationship between SIRI and SII and the 3-month prognosis was determined using both univariate and multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to evaluate the predictive value of SIRI for AIS prognosis.

Results

A total of 240 patients were included in this study. Both SIRI and SII were higher in the unfavorable outcome group than in the favorable outcome group [1.28 (0.70-1.88) vs. 0.79 (0.51-1.08), P < 0.001 and 531.93 (377.55-797.12) vs. 397.23 (263.32-577.65), P < 0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that SIRI was significantly associated with 3-month unfavorable outcome of mild AIS patients [odds ratio (OR) = 2.938, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.805-4.782, P < 0.001], conversely, SII had no prognostic value. When SIRI combined with the established clinical factors, the area under the curve (AUC) showed a significant improvement (0.773 vs. 0.683, P for comparison = 0.0017).

Conclusions

Higher SIRI could be valuable in predicting poor clinical outcomes for patients with mild AIS following IVT.

Prognostic role of dynamic neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in acute ischemic stroke after reperfusion therapy: A meta-analysis

Background

The prognostic role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammatory marker, in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after reperfusion therapy remains controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis sought to assess the correlation between the dynamic NLR and the clinical outcomes of patients with AIS after reperfusion therapy.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched to identify relevant literature from their inception to 27 October 2022. The clinical outcomes of interest included poor functional outcome (PFO) at 3 months, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and 3-month mortality. The NLR on admission (pre-treatment) and post-treatment was collected. The PFO was defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) of >2.

Results

A total of 17,232 patients in 52 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The admission NLR was higher in the 3-month PFO (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35-0.57), sICH (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.30-0.85), and mortality at 3 months (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.34-0.87). An elevated admission NLR was associated with an increased risk of 3-month PFO (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09-1.17), sICH (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.06-1.16), and mortality at 3 months (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.07-1.20). The post-treatment NLR was significantly higher in the 3-month PFO (SMD = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.62-0.99), sICH (SMD = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.97-2.10), and mortality at 3 months (SMD = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.31-1.69). An elevated post-treatment NLR was significantly associated with an increased risk of 3-month PFO (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.16-1.35), sICH (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01-1.29), and mortality at 3 months (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09-1.50).

Conclusion

The admission and post-treatment NLR can be used as cost-effective and easily available biomarkers to predict the 3-month PFO, sICH, and mortality at 3 months in patients with AIS treated with reperfusion therapy. The post-treatment NLR provides better predictive power than the admission NLR.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022366394.

Symmetric collateral pattern on CTA predicts favorable outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion stroke

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has revolutionized large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke management, but often requires advanced imaging. The collateral pattern on CT angiograms may be an alternative because a symmetric collateral pattern correlates with a slowly growing, small ischemic core. We tested the hypothesis that such patients will have favorable outcomes after EVT. Consecutive patients (n = 74) with anterior LVOs who underwent EVT were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were available CTA and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). CTA collateral patterns were symmetric in 36%, malignant in 24%, or other in 39%. Median NIHSS was 11 for symmetric, 18 for malignant, and 19 for other (p = 0.02). Ninety-day mRS ≤2, indicating independent living, was achieved in 67% of symmetric, 17% of malignant, and 38% of other patterns (p = 0.003). A symmetric collateral pattern was a significant determinant of 90-day mRS ≤2 (aOR = 6.62, 95%CI = 2.24,19.53; p = 0.001) in a multivariable model that included age, NIHSS, baseline mRS, thrombolysis, LVO location, and successful reperfusion. We conclude that a symmetric collateral pattern predicts favorable outcomes after EVT for LVO stroke. Because the pattern also marks slow ischemic core growth, patients with symmetric collaterals may be suitable for transfer for thrombectomy. A malignant collateral pattern is associated with poor clinical outcomes.