Enhancing Enrollment in Acute Stroke Trials: Current State and Consensus Recommendations

The Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) convened a session and workshop regarding enrollment in acute stroke trials during the STAIR XII meeting on March 22, 2023. This forum brought together stroke physicians and researchers, members of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, industry representatives, and members of the US Food and Drug Administration to discuss the current status and opportunities for improving enrollment in acute stroke trials. The workshop identified the most relevant issues impacting enrollment in acute stroke trials and addressed potential action items for each. Focus areas included emergency consent in the United States and other countries; careful consideration of eligibility criteria to maximize enrollment and representativeness; investigator, study coordinator, and pharmacist availability outside of business hours; trial enthusiasm/equipoise; site start-up including contractual issues; site champions; incorporation of study procedures into standard workflow as much as possible; centralized enrollment at remote sites by study teams using telemedicine; global trials; and coenrollment in trials when feasible. In conclusion, enrollment of participants is the lifeblood of acute stroke trials and is the rate-limiting step for testing an exciting array of new approaches to improve patient outcomes. In particular, efforts should be undertaken to broaden the medical community's understanding and implementation of emergency consent procedures and to adopt designs and processes that are easily incorporated into standard workflow and that improve trials' efficiencies and execution. Research and actions to improve enrollment in ongoing and future trials will improve stroke outcomes more broadly than any single therapy under consideration.

Optimal Randomization Designs for Large Multicenter Clinical Trials: From the National Institutes of Health Stroke Trials Network Funded by National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Experience

From 2016 to 2021, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Trials Network funded by National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke initiated ten multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials. Optimal subject randomization designs are demanded with 4 critical properties: (1) protection of treatment assignment randomness, (2) achievement of the desired treatment allocation ratio, (3) balancing of baseline covariates, and (4) ease of implementation. For acute stroke trials, it is necessary to minimize the time between eligibility assessment and treatment initiation. This article reviews the randomization designs for 3 trials currently enrolling in Stroke Trials Network funded by National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the SATURN (Statins in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Trial), the MOST (Multiarm Optimization of Stroke Thrombolysis Trial), and the FASTEST (Recombinant Factor VIIa for Hemorrhagic Stroke Trial). Randomization methods utilized in these trials include minimal sufficient balance, block urn design, big stick design, and step-forward randomization. Their advantages and limitations are reviewed and compared with traditional stratified permuted block design and minimization.

Evolving Stroke Systems of Care: Stroke Diagnosis and Treatment in the Post-Thrombectomy Era

Thrombectomy became the gold-standard treatment of acute ischemic stroke caused by large-vessel occlusions (LVO) in 2015 after five clinical trials published that year demonstrated significantly improved patient outcomes. In subsequent years, advances in stroke systems of care have centered around improving access to and expanding patient eligibility for thrombectomy. The prehospital and acute stroke treatment settings have had the greatest emphasis. Numerous prehospital stroke scales now provide emergency medical services with focused physical exams to identify LVOs, and many devices to non-invasively detect LVO are undergoing clinical testing. Mobile stroke units deployed throughout Western Europe and the USA also show promising results by bringing elements of acute stroke care directly to the patient. Numerous clinical trials since 2015 have aimed to increase candidates for thrombectomy by expanding indications and the eligibility time window. Further optimizations of thrombectomy treatment have focused on the role of thrombolytics and other adjunctive therapies that may promote neuroprotection and neurorecovery. While many of these approaches require further clinical investigation, the next decade shows significant potential for further advances in stroke care.

Prehospital Stroke Care Part 1: Emergency Medical Services and the Stroke Systems of Care

Acute stroke care begins before hospital arrival, and several prehospital factors are critical in influencing overall patient care and poststroke outcomes. This topical review provides an overview of the state of the science on prehospital components of stroke systems of care and how emergency medical services systems may interact in the system to support acute stroke care. Topics include layperson recognition of stroke, prehospital transport strategies, networked stroke care, systems for data integration and real-time feedback, and inequities that exist within and among systems.

Abstract WP38: Variation In Performance On Stroke Care Delivery Measures Among Us Community Emergency Departments

Introduction: Many stroke patients initially present to non-stroke center hospitals. However, the delivery of Emergency Department (ED)-based acute stroke care at smaller, non-academic (i.e., community) EDs is less well-described than for larger, academic hospitals.

Hypothesis: There is wide variation in community EDs’ performance on acute stroke care delivery measures.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a cohort of stroke patients from EDs participating in the Emergency Quality Network (E-QUAL) stroke collaborative, a national stroke quality improvement project targeted to community EDs. Sites used ICD10 codes to identify ischemic stroke patients and submitted data using a web-based submission portal. EDs with data from at least 20 patients were included. For each site, we calculated median door-to-imaging (DTI), door-to-needle (DTN), and door-in-door-out (DIDO) times among transferred patients and ED length of stay (LOS) among admitted patients. We also determined the proportions of eligible patients arriving with 3.5 hours of last known well who received thrombolysis within 4.5 hours, of patients with documentation of severity assessment performance and of dysphagia screening. We used descriptive statistics to illustrate variation.

Results: Of the 54 participating EDs, data were available for 45, and 28 included ≥ 20 patients. Of included EDs, median annual ED volume was 34,648 (IQR 21,250-47,120) and 40% were rural. Performance varied on DTI, DIDO among transferred patients, and LOS among admitted patients (Table). Performance was more consistent on documentation of severity assessment and dysphagia screening.

Conclusions: Performance on stroke care delivery measures varied between these community EDs and data in the literature from larger hospitals that typically participate in national registries. Future efforts to improve emergency stroke care delivery should consider unique factors impacting care at smaller, community EDs.

Abstract WP176: Prior TIAs Among Patients With Ischemic Stroke In The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS)

Background: TIAs serve as an opportunity to identify and modify risk factors and to prevent future events. Given known epidemiologic differences in strokes by race and sex, our objective was to investigate the rates of prior TIAs among those with incident ischemic stroke (IS) in the GCNKSS.

Methods: We included all physician adjudicated, incident IS among adults age ≥20 years in the GCNKSS, a population-based stroke surveillance study in a 5-county region of southern Ohio/ northern Kentucky, in 2005, 2010, and 2015. We calculated the frequency of cases in which a TIA (sudden onset of focal neurologic symptoms lasting ≤ 24 hours) was documented in the 365 days prior to IS. Frequencies and proportions of prior TIA were compared by sex, race, and age, and location at which patients sought care for their TIA was described. Finally, multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate demographic and clinical predictors of cases in which TIA preceded stroke; covariates were chosen a priori.

Results: We included 5310 IS events; mean age was 69.7 (SD 14.8) years, 54.7% were female, and 20.4% were Black. A total of 351 patients (6.6%) had a documented TIA the year preceding their IS. Overall, 42.2% did not seek care for their TIA, 21.6% called 911 and/or came to the ED, 6.0% saw a PCP, and 6.6% sought other care. In 22.5% of cases, location of care was unknown. In adjusted results, older age, female sex, history of hypertension, and CAD were associated with having had a prior TIA, while Black race was not. NIHSS was inversely associated with prior TIA (Table). Prior TIAs were similar between study years.

Conclusions: We conservatively estimate that ≥ 6% of patients with first-ever IS had a TIA in the preceding year, though underreporting is likely. Many patients did not report seeking care for the TIA, suggesting missed opportunities for risk factor modification. Further research is needed to understand the implications of sex and race differences in frequencies of prior TIA.

Abstract WP184: Identifying Optimal Cut Points Of National Institutes Of Health Stroke Scale To Predict Mortality: A Population-based Assessment

Background: Ischemic stroke is the 5 th leading cause of death in the US. As a measure of stroke severity, initial NIHSS has been used to predict clinical outcome. We sought to identify the optimal cut-points of NIHSS at initial presentation that are associated with higher 30-day mortality.

Methods: In 2005, 2010, and 2015 all hospitalized, first acute ischemic stroke events occurring within the Greater Cincinnati area were ascertained. Potential ischemic stroke cases underwent chart abstraction and physician adjudication, including retrospective NIHSS score (range 0 - 42) based on clinical findings at initial presentation. Descriptive statistics for NIHSS were estimated by study year, demographics, and medical history. Data regarding mortality was obtained from the National Death Index. The Contal and O’Quigley method based on a modified log-rank test statistic was used to determine cut-points of the NIHSS score associated with 30-day mortality, and hazard ratios were obtained from Cox models with adjustment for sex, race, and age.

Results: In 2005, 2010, and 2015 there were 1704, 1818 and 1852 ischemic stroke events with 30-day mortality rates of 10.5%, 9.6% and 9.0%, respectively. Optimal cut-points of NIHSS <9, 9-16 and >16 were identified. Across all 3 periods, 3431 (84.5%) cases had NIHSS 0-8, 352 (8.7%) had NIHSS 9-16 and 274 (6.8%) >16. Kaplan Meier Survival Curves for the 3 NIHSS groups are shown in the Figure. Strokes with NIHSS >16 at initial presentation were associated with a 15-fold (HR with 95% CI: 13, 19) increase in the risk of death at 30-days compared to those with NIHSS <9.

Discussion: NIH Stroke Scale scores are a reliable predictor of mortality, with higher NIHSS scores having higher risk of death. The cut points reported identify subgroups of stroke patients with dramatically different prognoses. Future studies should assess if this excess mortality risk among severe strokes persists after the more widespread implementation of thrombectomy beyond 2015.

Recruitment in Acute Stroke Trials: Challenges and Potential Solutions

Randomized clinical trials of acute stroke have led to major advances in acute stroke therapy over the past decade. Despite these successes, recruitment in acute trials is often difficult. We outline challenges in recruitment for acute stroke trials and present potential solutions, which can increase the speed and decrease the cost of identifying new treatments for acute stroke. One of the largest opportunities to increase the speed of enrollment and make trials more generalizable is expansion of inclusion criteria whose impact on expected recruitment can be assessed by epidemiologic and registry databases. Another barrier to recruitment besides the number of eligible patients is availability of study investigators limited to business hours, which may be helped by financial support for after-hours call. The wider use of telemedicine has accelerated quicker stroke treatment at many hospitals and has the potential to accelerate research enrollment but requires training of clinical investigators who are often inexperienced with this approach. Other potential solutions to enhance recruitment include rapid prehospital notification of clinical investigators of potential patients, use of mobile stroke units, advances in the process of emergency informed consent, storage of study medication in the emergency department, simplification of study treatments and data collection, education of physicians to improve equipoise and enthusiasm for randomization of patients within a trial, and clear recruitment plans, and even potentially coenrollment, when there are competing trials at sites. Without successful recruitment, scientific advances and clinical benefit for acute stroke patients will lag.

Abstract WMP5: How Do Clinical Trial Exclusion Criteria Impact The Inclusivity Of Clinical Trials?

Intro: Enrolling women and under-represented minorities into clinical trials is a top priority for the stroke community. Common trial exclusions for medical conditions or demographics may negatively impact enrollment for these groups. We sought to describe the potential impact that various exclusion criteria have on trial eligibility of ischemic stroke (IS) patients by race and sex within the large, biracial Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS) population.

Methods: The GCNKSS is a population-based study of 1.3 million people living in a 5-county area of southern Ohio/ Northern Kentucky. During 7/1/14-12/31/15 for blacks, and 2015 for whites, we captured all hospitalized ischemic strokes by screening ICD-9 codes 430-436 and ICD10 codes I60-I68, and G45-46. Commonly used exclusion criteria from stroke clinical trials were applied to the GCNKSS IS population, and were compared by sex and race. All comparisons were evaluated with chi-square test and corrected for multiple comparisons, as necessary.

Results: In 2014-2015, there were 2806 ischemic stroke patients, which were 53% female, and 30% black. Table 1 presents common clinical trial exclusion criteria and the % excluded among IS patients, stratified by sex and race. Every trial exclusion evaluated had significant differences by sex, race, or both.

Discussion: Within our population, we found that commonly-used age and disability clinical trial exclusion criteria exclude more women than men, and exclusion of milder strokes affects more men than women. Blood pressure, renal function, and early arrival time criteria exclude more blacks than whites, while older age exclude more whites than blacks. Optimal clinical trial design should be informed by epidemiology data to ensure representation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials. We will continue to provide epidemiology feedback on acute trial exclusion criteria to NIH StrokeNet proposals in the future.

Abstract WP49: Clinical Performance Measures For Emergency Department Care For Adults With Nontraumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Study Objective: Though select inpatient-based performance measures exist for the care of patients with nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), Emergency Departments (EDs) lack measurement instruments designed to support and improve care processes in the hyperacute phase. To address this, we propose a set of measures applying a syndromic (rather than diagnosis-based) approach informed by performance data from a national sample of community EDs participating in the Emergency Quality Network Stroke Initiative (E-QUAL).

Methods: We convened a workgroup of experts in acute neurologic emergencies. The group considered the appropriate use case for each proposed measure (internal quality improvement [QI], benchmarking, or accountability) and examined data from E-QUAL-participating EDs to consider the validity and feasibility of proposed measures. The initially conceived set included 14 measure concepts of which 7 were selected for inclusion in the measure set after review of data and further deliberation. To inform the process, we collected data from E-QUAL participating EDs. EDs used a web-based portal to submit data from chart reviews on patients with ICH during 2020-2021. Descriptive statistics characterize performance and identify variation.

Results: Proposed measures include 2 for QI, benchmarking, and accountability, 3 for QI and benchmarking and 2 for QI only (Table). Of the E-QUAL participating EDs, 35 had sufficient case volume (≥25) and were included for review of preliminary performance data. Median annual ED volume was 44,000 (IQR 31,337-67,000) and 16 (48%) reported typically transferring patients with ICH. The Table includes available performance data.

Conclusion: Application of these measures may identify opportunities for improvement and focus QI resources on evidence-based targets. The proposed measures warrant further development and validation to support broader implementation and advance national healthcare quality goals.

Abstract 71: Temporal Trends In 30-day And 5-year Stroke Case Fatality Rates

Background: Previous studies spanning the 1990s-2010s have inconsistently identified a decline in 30-day stroke case-fatality rate (CFR), and little is known about trends in longer term stroke CFR over that period. We studied temporal trends in 30-day and 5-year CFRs in the well-defined Greater Cincinnati/Norther Kentucky (GCNK) stroke population.

Methods: The NIH-funded GCNK Stroke Study is a population-based study conducted in a 5-county region that is representative of the USA in terms of Black race, income, and education. The study ascertained all strokes in 1993/4, 1999, 2005, 2010, and 2015 using well-validated methods. All stroke subtypes were included: ischemic strokes (IS), intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs). Deaths were identified via the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess all-cause fatality, by subtype, to examine temporal trends adjusting for age, sex, and race.

Results: A total of 10372 stroke cases were ascertained over the five study periods (8428 IS, 443 SAH, and 1501 ICH). IS patients did not demonstrate a decline in 30-day CFRs over time, but did show a nonsignificant decrease in 5-year CFR. Among IS patients, female sex was associated with a lower 5-year CFR, whereas Black individuals had a lower 30-day CFR but a higher 5-year CFR. For ICH, there was a small increase in both 30-day and 5-year CFR in later study periods, although this did not reach significance in all years. SAH showed a lower 30-day CFR over time but no change in 5-year CFR. Older age was associated with a higher 30-day and 5-year CFR in all subtypes.

Discussion: Despite widespread advances in post-stroke care, adjusted 5-year CFR has not clearly improved for any stroke subtype and may have slightly worsened for ICH. 30-day CFR has shown a modest improvement among SAH patients. Future studies should investigate why Black individuals with IS experience lower early CFR but a higher late CFR.

Abstract 68: Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Ems-documented Stroke Chief Complaints In The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS)

Background: Accurate identification of stroke by EMS is necessary for triage and pre-notification within stroke systems of care. Our objective was to describe disparities in the documentation of stroke as the patient’s chief complaint (CC) by EMS in a large population-based stroke study.

Methods: We included physician-adjudicated strokes and TIAs occurring among adults ≥18 years old in 2015 in the GCNKSS study population, based in a 5-county area of Southern Ohio/Northern Kentucky. Strokes in which EMS was not used and events occurring in the hospital, during EMS transport, at an unknown location, or outside the study region were excluded. The documented CC by EMS (stroke/CVA, MI, seizure, fall, weakness/numbness, headache, or other) were compared between race/sex subgroups. Sequential multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associations between race, sex, and social determinants of health with an EMS-documented stroke CC. Social determinants included living arrangement and census tract social deprivation index (SDI).

Results: A total of 1451 stroke/TIA events were included. White women had the highest proportion of EMS-documented stroke CCs (56%), more than Black women (48%), White men (45%), and Black men (42%), (p=0.02). Black race was inversely associated with an EMS-documented stroke CC in initial models but was collinear with SDI and no longer significant when SDI was included. In the full model, age, previous stroke, and living with others were associated with an EMS-documented stroke CC, while SDI and CAD were inversely associated with EMS-documented stroke CCs. (Table)

Conclusion: Patients living in census tracts characterized by social deprivation were less likely to have EMS-documented stroke CCs, suggesting differences in either patient or EMS recognition of stroke. Further work is needed to explore potential confounders including EMS protocols and to improve identification of stroke by patients and EMS providers.

An Overview of Telehealth in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Telehealth enables the remote delivery of health care through telecommunication technologies and has substantially affected the evolving medical landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the utilization of telehealth as health care professionals were forced to limit face-to-face in-person visits. It has been shown that information delivery, diagnosis, disease monitoring, and follow-up care can be conducted remotely, resulting in considerable changes specific to cardiovascular disease management. Despite increasing telehealth utilization, several factors such as technological infrastructure, reimbursement, and limited patient digital literacy can hinder the adoption of remote care. This scientific statement reviews definitions pertinent to telehealth discussions, summarizes the effect of telehealth utilization on cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease care, and identifies obstacles to the adoption of telehealth that need to be addressed to improve health care accessibility and equity.

Getting the Most out of Consent: Patient-Centered Consent for an Acute Stroke Trial

Informed consent for clinical trials in acute stroke is characterized by challenges related to urgency, cognitive impairment, and geographical separation. Context-appropriate approaches are needed for this setting. We conducted a mixed-methods project involving focus groups and interviews as well as collaboration with a patient advisory panel and a central institutional review board (CIRB) to design and implement a patient-driven consent process for a multicenter trial incorporating adaptive randomization. Remote consent was recognized as challenging but acceptable. Adaptive randomization was viewed positively, but significant potential for misunderstanding was appreciated. Collaboration between the patient advisory panel and the CIRB resulted in a shortened, more patient-centered consent form that was approved at all sites with few modifications. An information sheet was developed as a resource for patients and surrogates after enrollment. Collaboration between investigators, patient partners, and a CIRB can facilitate innovation and implementation of patient-centered, context-appropriate consent strategies.

Abstract 113: Duration Between Stroke Onset And Presentation Over Time: A Population-based Study

Background: In acute stroke, reducing delays between symptom onset and treatment can improve outcomes. While in-hospital delays have been successfully reduced, pre-hospital delays have persisted. Public health campaigns have attempted to reduce these delays by increasing stroke symptom awareness, but it is unknown whether these efforts have improved the percentage of patients presenting early after symptom onset.

Methods: We performed an analysis of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study, a population-based study of all stroke patients in a large geographic area. We looked at the 2010 and 2015 study years. All stroke cases (ischemic and hemorrhagic) presenting to the 16 regional EDs were included. We examined the time between symptom onset and ED arrival times, dichotomized into ≤3.5 hours and >3.5 hours. In cases without a clear onset, estimates were derived using wake-up or last known well times. Comparisons were made using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Among 4633 total stroke patients, 1359 patients presented early (29%). Results of the multivariable analysis are shown in the Table . There was no improvement the rate of early presentation in 2015 (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.89-1.16). EMS utilization, night arrival, higher NIHSS scores, and better premorbid function were associated with early arrival. Patients who lived alone were less likely to arrive early.

Conclusion: We found no evidence for improvement in the rate of early presentation over the years studied. Work is needed to address other barriers to early hospital arrival, including underutilization of EMS.

Abstract 93: Utility Of Routine Inpatient Echocardiography In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Established Stroke Etiology: A Population Study

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, with stroke etiology having an important role in work-up, management, and prognosis. The current AHA/ASA guidelines cite routine echocardiography as reasonable but not mandatory for the work-up of ischemic stroke. We sought to identify how often transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) results would show a potentially treatment-altering finding.

Methods: Using the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS) for years 2005, 2010, and 2015, we selected patients with a new diagnosis of AIS using ICD-9/10 codes in adults ≥18yrs of age presenting to the emergency department and who had a TTE with stroke etiology of Cardioembolic, Small Vessel, or Large Vessel. All cases were physician reviewed and stroke etiology determined based on our epidemiologic criteria. Demographic information, medical history, electrocardiograms with atrial fibrillation (Afib), and TTE features were collected for each patient and compared across stroke etiology groups using Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate.

Results: There were 5,490 patients presenting with AIS in the GCNKSS in 2005, 2010, and 2015 and 3,984 (73%) had a TTE performed. Of those with TTE, 2,422 (61%) had a presumed etiology of Small Vessel, Large Artery Atherosclerosis (LAA), or Cardioembolic (120 identified as “Other,” 1442 identified as “Undetermined”). Potential findings of TTE that could change management were 1% in Small Vessel, 2% in LAA, and 7% in Cardioembolic etiology strokes.

Conclusion: In patients presenting with Small Vessel or LAA stroke etiologies, routine inpatient TTE rarely had management-changing findings. Future studies are needed in order to assess cost effective use of TTE in patients with established stroke etiology.

Abstract WP192: Ischemic Stroke Mechanisms By Sex And Race Over Time In The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study

Background: Identifying the mechanism of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is critical to determining secondary stroke prevention strategies. As past data conflict on sex and race differences in stroke mechanism, we aimed to describe stroke mechanisms by sex and race over time in a population-based study of AIS cases with a focus on strokes with unknown mechanism.

Methods: We included physician adjudicated, hospital ascertained incident AIS among adults over five study periods (1993/4, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015) from the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study. Stroke mechanisms were adjudicated by trained study physicians and included: small vessel disease, cardioembolic, large artery disease, other, and unknown. The percentage of AIS cases in each of the 5 categories was reported by sex and race in each of our five 1-year study periods, and trends over time by subgroup were tested using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.

Results: We included 8349 AIS over 5 study periods: 4693 (56%) were women, 1607 (19%) were Black, mean age was 70.5 (14.3). Over the 22-year time period, the proportion of strokes whose mechanism was ‘unknown’ decreased in women (46.1%, 1993/4 to 38.5%, 2015 , p<0.0001), men (46.2%, 1993/4 to 33.9%, 2015, p<0.0001), Black (51.8%, 1993/4 to 40.7%, 2015, p=0.004), and White (45.0%, 1993/4 to 40.7%, 2015, p<0.0001) patients. The proportion of small vessel strokes increased over time in men, strokes of ‘other’ mechanisms increased in all subgroups, and cardioembolic strokes increased in women and White individuals only (Figure).

Conclusions: In a large population-based stroke study, the proportion of AIS with an unknown mechanism has decreased over time in all demographic groups, while trends in those categorized as cardioembolic or small vessel disease varied by sex and/or race. As changes in imaging utilization may be a contributor to our findings, future work investigating possible sex and race differences in diagnostic evaluations of AIS is warranted.

Abstract WP7: Critical Importance Of Enrollment Hours For Successful Recruitment In Acute Stroke Trials

Introduction: Recruitment into hyperacute stroke trials is challenging but ultimately depends on on-call availability of treating investigators, study coordinators, and pharmacists. These data may not be considered in initial decision-making for site selection and estimates of site recruitment are frequently based upon registry data from sites that includes all clinical cases.

Hypothesis: Site recruitment on a per month basis is associated with time open for enrollment.

Methods: We surveyed all Multi-arm Optimization of Stroke (MOST) trial centers open for enrollment to determine which were open for trial recruitment during business hours during Monday through Friday only, business hours 7 days a week, extended hours beyond business hours, or 24 hours/7 days a week. We also surveyed about pharmacy availability. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the average monthly enrollment by survey responses.

Results: Sites open for enrollment only during business hours, Monday through Friday recruited at a rate of 0.14 participants per month compared to 0.36 per month for sites that enroll 7 days a week (see graphic). Restriction of pharmacy availability to business hours Monday through Friday was associated with decreased recruitment rate as well.

Conclusions: Ability to recruit trial participants 7 days a week should be the standard for site selection, successful acute stroke trial recruitment, and estimates of needed sites. Methods to increase financial support for hours outside of week-day business hours is a potential method to enhance recruitment into acute stroke trials.

Abstract WP206: Temporal Trends In Stroke Patients Who Had Prior Transient Ischemic Attack And Did Not Present To The Emergency Room: A Population Study

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with up to 30% of cases preceded by transient ischemic attack (TIA). Urgent evaluation of TIA symptoms is recommended to reduce risk of stroke, but not all patients with TIA symptoms seek evaluation. Our goal was to assess temporal trends in the demographics of such patients.

Methods: Using the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS) for years 2005, 2010, and 2015, we selected patients with a diagnosis of AIS using ICD-9/10 codes in adults ≥18yrs of age presenting to the ED. We identified patients who had a preceding TIA based on symptoms within 60 days of presentation, as judged by an adjudicating physician. Demographics, histories, and proportion of patients with TIA were compared across study years using Wilcoxon rank sum test or chi-square test.

Results: We identified 5977 patients presenting with AIS across three epochs. Of these 207 (3%) had prior suspected TIA and did not seek immediate medical attention; 56/1790 (3%) in 2005, 62/1993 (3%) in 2010, and 70/2194 (3%) in 2015 (p-value=0.99). Patients with suspected TIA had increasing rates of previously diagnosed HLD and DM over the three time periods. No other risk factors or demographics showed a change over time. Known HTN was consistently prevalent across epochs (Table 2).

Conclusion: Over the three epochs, 3% of AIS patients consistently did not seek emergent medical attention for a recent preceding TIA. A substantial proportion of these patients were increasingly already diagnosed with DM and HLD over the study periods, and the majority were persistently diagnosed with HTN. This is an opportune cohort for future targeted outreach.

Abstract WP177: Trends In The Clinical Phenotype Of Infective Endocarditis Related Stroke From 2005-2015: A Population-Based Study Of The Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky Region

Background: Prior studies have demonstrated a rising incidence of infective endocarditis related stroke (IERS) in the US due to the opioid epidemic. The Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (GCNK) region has one of the highest opioid abuse rates in the nation. A modern epidemiologic description is necessary to understand the impact of the opioid epidemic on the clinical phenotype of IERS.

Methods: Using the GCNK Stroke Study, all patients hospitalized with IERS in 2005, 2010, and 2015 were abstracted and physician reviewed. IERS was defined as an acute stroke clinically attributed to infective endocarditis in patients meeting modified Duke Criteria for possible or definite endocarditis. Comparison between years were by chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables; ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test for numerical variables. Cochran-Armitage test was used to examine trend. Secondary analysis compared characteristics between intravenous drug users (IVDU) and non-IVDU.

Results: A total of 54 patients with IERS were identified in 2005, 2010, and 2015. Over the period, there was a significant decline in hypertension (91.7% in 2005, 36.0% in 2015; p=0.0005) and increase in IVDU (8.3% in 2005, 44.0% in 2015; p=0.02). They trended towards increased white race, younger age, and fewer vascular risk factors. Compared to non-IVDU, IVDU were significantly younger (41.1±14.1vs 63.1±14.3 years; p<0.001), less often female (12.5% vs 47.4%; p=0.02), had higher rates of sepsis (50% vs 18.4%; p=0.04), less atrial fibrillation (0% vs 31.6%; p=0.01), and less renal disease (0% vs 23.7%; p=0.045). The incidence of IERS per 100,000 increased from 1.31 (CI: 0.56-2.06) in 2005, to 1.66 (CI: 0.87-2.45) in 2010, and to 2.41(CI:1.46-3.36) in 2015.

Conclusion: From 2005 to 2015, IERS was increasingly associated with IVDU and an absence of hypertension. These trends likely reflect the demographics of the opioid epidemic, which has affected younger patients with less comorbidities.

Abstract P264: Trends in Diagnostic Testing and Mechanism of Stroke Determination

Introduction: A main goal for hospital admission following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is to establish the mechanism of stroke (MoS) allowing for patient specific secondary prevention of stroke interventions. We previously reported on diagnostic testing trends and MoS determination from 1993 through 2010. We updated this analysis with 2015 data to better understand the effects of trends in diagnostic testing on MoS determination.

Methods: Patients with AIS aged > 20 years from all study time periods (Table) of the population based GCNKSS were included. Charts were abstracted in a systematic way for tests performed during the hospital stay. Only first-ever ischemic stroke cases, evaluated in an emergency department were used for this analysis. Stroke experts reviewed these events and adjudicated the mechanism of stroke according to modified TOAST criteria. We looked at and compared trends for testing and MoS.

Results: Our analysis included 7226 patients. Basic patient demographics, MoS categories and tests across study periods are detailed in the Table. There were significant increases in EKG (7%), TTE (35%), TEE (7%), HCT (4%), brain MRI (65%), MRA (30%) and CTA (28%). Across study periods, cardioembolic (4.1%), small vessel disease (3%), large artery disease (0.9%) and other (1.5%) MoS increased while unknown MoS decreased (-9.5%).

Discussion: From 1993/1994 to 2015 there has been a significant increase of in-hospital testing in AIS and decreases in undetermined MoS. Cardioembolic and small vessel disease MoS categories increased the most. Despite a significant increase in vessel imaging, large artery disease and “other determined” MoS categories are largely unchanged. Further research is required to elucidate the occult MoS underlying the undetermined category. Based on our analysis it appears unlikely to be significantly associated with our current definition of stroke associated with large artery disease defined as ≥ 50% ipsilateral stenosis.

Abstract P224: Management of TIA Over Time in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study

Introduction: The availability of rapid tissue and vessel imaging for TIA has increased, but the utilization rates of these and other diagnostic and management strategies for TIA over time are unknown.

Objective: To investigate trends in TIA diagnostic and management strategies over time in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS).

Methods: The GCNKSS is a population-based study of 1.3 million people living in a 5-county area of southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. For this study, all physician-adjudicated, first-ever cases of TIA (defined clinically as sudden onset of focal symptoms lasting < 24 hours) presenting to an emergency department over five study periods (1993/4, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015) were included. Use of AHA-recommended aspects of TIA management as well as disposition of TIA patients (admission to hospital or discharge from ED) and length of stay were compared across study periods. Rates of acute infarct on MRI were also reported. Trends were examined using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend.

Results: In total, over all study periods, there were 2251 first-ever TIAs. Overall, 14% (n=311) occurred in Black individuals, and 57% (n=1275) occurred in women. Utilization of diagnostic modalities [non-contrast CT brain, vascular imaging (CTA, MRA, or carotid dopplers), tissue imaging (MRI), and echocardiogram] increased significantly over time (all p<0.0001). In terms of management, both admission to the hospital and discharge from the hospital on an antiplatelet agent increased over time (both p<0.0001; Table).

Conclusions: The management of TIA has changed significantly over time. Utilization of tissue and vessel imaging as well as echocardiogram during the hospital stay has increased; in 2015, the vast majority of patients with TIA in this population-based study received each of these testing modalities and were admitted to a hospital for TIA work-up. Further work is needed to understand the best practices for work-up of suspected TIA.

Abstract 19: Prehospital Identification of Acute Ischemic Stroke is Associated With Faster and More Frequent Thrombolysis

Background: Functional outcomes are improved when AIS patients receive faster treatment. The first medical contact for many AIS patients is with emergency medical services (EMS) providers. We hypothesize that AIS treatment is faster when EMS providers suspect stroke.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study, a comprehensive study of stroke patients in a large geographical area with 1.3 million inhabitants whose demographics are representative of the United States. We compared AIS patients age ≥18 years transported by EMS in 2015 with an EMS impression of “stroke” or “weakness/numbness” to those with other EMS impressions. Primary outcome was thrombolysis rate, and secondary outcomes were times from EMS scene arrival to ED arrival, CT, and treatment and times from ED arrival to CT and treatment. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare treatment rates and times, respectively. Logistic regression (for rates) and median regression (for times) adjusted for NIHSS, GCS, age, sex, race, and prior stroke history.

Results: Among 2,486 confirmed AIS patients from 1/1/2015-12/31/2015, 868 were transported by EMS, including 595 (69%) with EMS suspected stroke. Compared to EMS non-suspected strokes, patients with EMS suspected stroke patients were more likely to receive thrombolysis (18% vs 8%; OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.63-4.47) and had faster prehospital transport (30 vs 32 min, p=0.02), ED arrival to CT (27 vs 46 min, p<0.01) and thrombolysis (64 vs 83 min, p=0.03), and EMS scene arrival to thrombolysis (91 vs 118 min, p=0.03) and EVT (164 vs 250 min, p=0.03). Findings were maintained in the adjusted models except for EMS arrival to EVT (Table).

Conclusions: In a large population-based study, EMS stroke identification is associated with a higher rate of and faster thrombolysis. Efforts to increase accuracy of EMS stroke identification is likely to have significant clinical impact by shortening treatment times.

Abstract P602: Stroke Risk Factors Among the Young Over Time in the GCNKSS

Background: Data from the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS) have demonstrated stable or increasing stroke incidence rates in young adults with differences by sex and race, suggesting the need for targeted approaches to stroke prevention in the young. We aimed to describe trends over time in prevalence of stroke risk factors among adults ages 20-54 with stroke by sex and race.

Methods: Cases of incident stroke (IS, ICH, SAH) occurring in those 20-54 years old and living in a 5-county area of southern Ohio/northern Kentucky were ascertained during 5 study periods (1993-1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015). All physician-adjudicated inpatient events and a sampling of outpatient events were included, excluding nursing home events. Data on risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity (BMI≥30), and high cholesterol) diagnosed prior to stroke were abstracted from medical records, and prevalence of each risk factor was reported over time in race/sex groups. Trends over time were examined using the Cochran-Armitage test.

Results: Over the 5 study periods, 1204 incident strokes were included; 49% were women, 33% were black, and mean age was 46 (SD 7) years. Premorbid hypertension increased over time in Black women (48% in 1993/4 to 76% in 2015, p=0.005) but not in any other race/sex group (all p>0.05). Premorbid high cholesterol increased significantly in all race/sex groups (Figure, all p<0.05) except for White men (p=0.06). There were no significant trends over time in pre-stroke diagnoses of diabetes or obesity in any of the race/sex groups (Figure).

Conclusions: Among patients aged 20-54 with incident stroke in a large population-based study, the change in the prevalence of hypertension and high cholesterol differed by sex and race, while obesity and diabetes were stable over time in all race/sex groups. Future research is needed to address risk factor control at a population level and to understand the role of undiagnosed pre-stroke risk factors in the young.

Abstract P716: Factors Associated With Functional Dependence at Hospital Discharge in Patients With Low NIHSS Strokes Who Do Not Receive Intravenous Alteplase

Introduction: Patients without prior functional deficits who suffer mild stroke (NIHSS <6) have a 20-30% likelihood of disability (mRS ≥2). Predictors of disability have been described mostly in clinical trials and single center registries. We identified variables associated with functional dependence (mRS ≥3) in mild stroke using a retrospective population-based sample.

Methods: Hospitalized strokes from the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study were used. Included patients had an initial NIHSS <6 and baseline mRS 0, both extrapolated from chart review. To minimize the inclusion of patients with disabling symptoms, tPA treatment was excluded. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed by discharge disability status. A multivariable logistic model with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression analysis identified independent predictors of disability.

Results: Of 1268 ischemic strokes, 353 (28%) were functionally dependent at discharge. Increased baseline NIHSS was associated with worse outcome on the mRS. Leg, LOC questions, and sensation NIHSS subscores were the best predictors of outcome. Multivariable analysis identified age, race, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and post-stroke dysphagia as independently associated with discharge mRS ≥3.

Discussion: Our results agree with and complement the results of prior studies. They are not limited by inclusion/exclusion criteria or referral bias. Rather, our major limitation is the retrospective estimation of NIHSS and mRS based on physician descriptive documentation rather than direct score assessment. Our results may allow for modeling to better predict outcome which in turn can inform clinical decision making and trial design.

Abstract P638: Racial Disparities in Blood Pressure at Time of Acute Ischemic Stroke Emergency Department Presentation Within a Population

Background: Hypertension is an important risk factor in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). African American (AA) race is strongly associated with both hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension despite treatment, yet little is known about racial differences in presenting blood pressure (BP) in AIS. This study sought to describe differences in presenting BP and acute antihypertensive treatment between AA and white AIS patients who received and did not receive alteplase within a population.

Methods: Using the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS) database for years 2005, 2010 and 2015, we selected patients with a diagnosis of AIS using ICD-9/10 codes in adults ≥ 18 yrs of age presenting to a local ED within 4.5 hrs of symptom onset. Candidates were stratified by race and alteplase use. Socio-demographics, stroke risk factors, stroke severity, BP on arrival, and acute BP treatment were compared using chi-square, t-tests or Wilcoxon rank sum test, as appropriate.

Results (Table 1): Of 1838 AIS patients included in the analysis, 392 (21%) received IV alteplase. AA patients were younger in both groups who received and did not receive alteplase. On presentation, AA stroke patients had higher diastolic BP. AA patients were more likely to receive 2 or more BP lowering medications compared to white patients in the alteplase treated group and the untreated group.

Conclusion: AA patients presenting within 4.5 hours of AIS symptom onset are more likely to have elevated diastolic BP and to receive multiple BP lowering medications compared to white patients. These findings were significant regardless of alteplase treatment. To our knowledge, we report the first population-based distribution of BP, and medical treatment of BP, upon presentation to an ED in AIS. Further study is needed to determine if these racial differences in elevated BP and refractoriness of BP and/or aggressive treatment contribute to outcome differences.

Abstract P250: A Strategy for Reliable Identification of Ischemic Stroke, Thrombolytics, and Thrombectomy in Large Administrative Databases

Background: Administrative data are frequently used in stroke research. Ensuring accurate identification of ischemic stroke patients, and those receiving thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is critical to ensure representativeness and generalizability. We examined differences in patient samples based on different modes of identification, and propose a strategy for future patient and procedure identification in large administrative databases.

Methods: We used nonpublic administrative data from the state of California to identify all ischemic stroke patients discharged from an emergency department or inpatient hospitalization from 2010-2017 based on ICD-9 (2010-2015), ICD-10 (2015-2017), and MS-DRG discharge codes. We identified patients with interhospital transfers, patients receiving thrombolytics, and patients treated with EVT based on ICD, CPT and MS-DRG codes. We determined what proportion of these transfers and procedures would have been identified with ICD versus MS-DRG discharge codes.

Results: Of 365,099 ischemic stroke encounters, most (87.7%) had both a stroke-related ICD-9 or ICD-10 code and stroke-related MS-DRG code; 12.3% had only an ICD-9 or ICD-10 code, and 0.02% had only a MS-DRG code. Nearly all transfers (99.9%) were identified using ICD codes. We identified32,433 thrombolytic-treated patients (8.9% of total) using ICD, CPT, and MS-DRG codes; the combination of ICD and CPT codes identified nearly all (98%). We identified 7,691 patients treated with EVT (2.1% of total) using ICD and MS-DRG codes; both MS-DRG and ICD-9/-10 codes were necessary because ICD codes alone missed 13.2% of EVTs. CPT codes only pertain to outpatient/ED patients and are not useful for EVT identification.

Conclusions: ICD-9/-10 diagnosis codes capture nearly all ischemic stroke encounters and transfers, while the combination of ICD-9/-10 and CPT codes are adequate for identifying thrombolytic treatment in administrative datasets. However, MS-DRG codes are necessary in addition to ICD codes for identifying EVT, likely due to favorable reimbursement for EVT-related MS-DRG codes incentivizing accurate coding.

Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: 2019 Update to the 2018 Guidelines for the Early Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Background and Purpose- The purpose of these guidelines is to provide an up-to-date comprehensive set of recommendations in a single document for clinicians caring for adult patients with acute arterial ischemic stroke. The intended audiences are prehospital care providers, physicians, allied health professionals, and hospital administrators. These guidelines supersede the 2013 Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Guidelines and are an update of the 2018 AIS Guidelines. Methods- Members of the writing group were appointed by the American Heart Association (AHA) Stroke Council's Scientific Statements Oversight Committee, representing various areas of medical expertise. Members were not allowed to participate in discussions or to vote on topics relevant to their relations with industry. An update of the 2013 AIS Guidelines was originally published in January 2018. This guideline was approved by the AHA Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee and the AHA Executive Committee. In April 2018, a revision to these guidelines, deleting some recommendations, was published online by the AHA. The writing group was asked review the original document and revise if appropriate. In June 2018, the writing group submitted a document with minor changes and with inclusion of important newly published randomized controlled trials with >100 participants and clinical outcomes at least 90 days after AIS. The document was sent to 14 peer reviewers. The writing group evaluated the peer reviewers' comments and revised when appropriate. The current final document was approved by all members of the writing group except when relationships with industry precluded members from voting and by the governing bodies of the AHA. These guidelines use the American College of Cardiology/AHA 2015 Class of Recommendations and Level of Evidence and the new AHA guidelines format. Results- These guidelines detail prehospital care, urgent and emergency evaluation and treatment with intravenous and intra-arterial therapies, and in-hospital management, including secondary prevention measures that are appropriately instituted within the first 2 weeks. The guidelines support the overarching concept of stroke systems of care in both the prehospital and hospital settings. Conclusions- These guidelines provide general recommendations based on the currently available evidence to guide clinicians caring for adult patients with acute arterial ischemic stroke. In many instances, however, only limited data exist demonstrating the urgent need for continued research on treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

2018 Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide an up-to-date comprehensive set of recommendations for clinicians caring for adult patients with acute arterial ischemic stroke in a single document. The intended audiences are prehospital care providers, physicians, allied health professionals, and hospital administrators. These guidelines supersede the 2013 guidelines and subsequent updates.

METHODS

Members of the writing group were appointed by the American Heart Association Stroke Council's Scientific Statements Oversight Committee, representing various areas of medical expertise. Strict adherence to the American Heart Association conflict of interest policy was maintained. Members were not allowed to participate in discussions or to vote on topics relevant to their relations with industry. The members of the writing group unanimously approved all recommendations except when relations with industry precluded members voting. Prerelease review of the draft guideline was performed by 4 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council's Scientific Statements Oversight Committee and Stroke Council Leadership Committee. These guidelines use the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2015 Class of Recommendations and Levels of Evidence and the new American Heart Association guidelines format.

RESULTS

These guidelines detail prehospital care, urgent and emergency evaluation and treatment with intravenous and intra-arterial therapies, and in-hospital management, including secondary prevention measures that are appropriately instituted within the first 2 weeks. The guidelines support the overarching concept of stroke systems of care in both the prehospital and hospital settings.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are based on the best evidence currently available. In many instances, however, only limited data exist demonstrating the urgent need for continued research on treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Telemedicine Quality and Outcomes in Stroke: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

PURPOSE

Telestroke is one of the most frequently used and rapidly expanding applications of telemedicine, delivering much-needed stroke expertise to hospitals and patients. This document reviews the current status of telestroke and suggests measures for ongoing quality and outcome monitoring to improve performance and to enhance delivery of care.

METHODS

A literature search was undertaken to examine the current status of telestroke and relevant quality indicators. The members of the writing committee contributed to the review of specific quality and outcome measures with specific suggestions for metrics in telestroke networks. The drafts were circulated and revised by all committee members, and suggestions were discussed for consensus.

RESULTS

Models of telestroke and the role of telestroke in stroke systems of care are reviewed. A brief description of the science of quality monitoring and prior experience in quality measures for stroke is provided. Process measures, outcomes, tissue-type plasminogen activator use, patient and provider satisfaction, and telestroke technology are reviewed, and suggestions are provided for quality metrics. Additional topics include licensing, credentialing, training, and documentation.

Scientific Rationale for the Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Purpose—

To critically review and evaluate the science behind individual eligibility criteria (indication/inclusion and contraindications/exclusion criteria) for intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (alteplase) treatment in acute ischemic stroke. This will allow us to better inform stroke providers of quantitative and qualitative risks associated with alteplase administration under selected commonly and uncommonly encountered clinical circumstances and to identify future research priorities concerning these eligibility criteria, which could potentially expand the safe and judicious use of alteplase and improve outcomes after stroke.

Methods—

Writing group members were nominated by the committee chair on the basis of their previous work in relevant topic areas and were approved by the American Heart Association Stroke Council’s Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and the American Heart Association’s Manuscript Oversight Committee. The writers used systematic literature reviews, references to published clinical and epidemiology studies, morbidity and mortality reports, clinical and public health guidelines, authoritative statements, personal files, and expert opinion to summarize existing evidence and to indicate gaps in current knowledge and, when appropriate, formulated recommendations using standard American Heart Association criteria. All members of the writing group had the opportunity to comment on and approved the final version of this document. The document underwent extensive American Heart Association internal peer review, Stroke Council Leadership review, and Scientific Statements Oversight Committee review before consideration and approval by the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee.

Results—

After a review of the current literature, it was clearly evident that the levels of evidence supporting individual exclusion criteria for intravenous alteplase vary widely. Several exclusionary criteria have already undergone extensive scientific study such as the clear benefit of alteplase treatment in elderly stroke patients, those with severe stroke, those with diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia, and those with minor early ischemic changes evident on computed tomography. Some exclusions such as recent intracranial surgery are likely based on common sense and sound judgment and are unlikely to ever be subjected to a randomized, clinical trial to evaluate safety. Most other contraindications or warnings range somewhere in between. However, the differential impact of each exclusion criterion varies not only with the evidence base behind it but also with the frequency of the exclusion within the stroke population, the probability of coexistence of multiple exclusion factors in a single patient, and the variation in practice among treating clinicians.

In vivo testing of a non-invasive prototype device for the continuous monitoring of intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a stroke subtype with the highest mortality rate. Hematoma expansion and re-bleeding post-ICH are common and exacerbate the initial cerebral insult. There is a need for continuous monitoring of the neurologic status of patients with an ICH injury.

NEW METHOD

A prototype device for non-invasive continuous monitoring of an ICH was developed and tested in vivo using a porcine ICH model. The device consists of receiving and transmitting antennae in the 400-1000 MHz frequency range, placed directly in line with the site of the ICH. The device exploits the differences in the dielectric properties and geometry of tissue media of a healthy brain and a brain with an ICH injury. The power received by the receiving antenna is measured and the percent change in power received immediately after infusion of blood and 30 min after the infusion, allowing for the blood to clot, is calculated.

RESULTS

An increase in the received power in the presence of an ICH is observed at 400 MHz, consistent with previous in vitro studies. Frequency sweep experiments show a maximum percent change in received power in the 750-1000 MHz frequency range.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

Currently, CT, MRI and catheter angiography (CA) are the main clinical neuroimaging modalities. However, these techniques require specialized equipment and personnel, substantial time, and patient-transportation to a radiology suite to obtain results. Moreover, CA is invasive and uses intra-venous dye or vascular catheters to accomplish the imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The device has the potential to significantly improve neurologic care in the critically ill brain-injured patient.

The incidence of seizures in patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia after resuscitation from cardiac arrest

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Non-convulsive seizures/status epilepticus occur in approximately 20% of comatose, non-cardiac arrest intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and are associated with increased mortality. The prevalence and clinical significance of seizures in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest undergoing therapeutic hypothermia is not well described.

METHODS

At this urban level I trauma center, every patient undergoing therapeutic hypothermia is monitored with continuous video encephalography (cvEEG). We abstracted medical records for all cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia during 2010. Clinical data were extracted in duplicate. cvEEGs were independently reviewed for seizures by two board-certified epileptologists.

RESULTS

There were 33 patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest in 2010 who met inclusion criteria for this study. Median age was 58 (range 28-86 years), 63% were white, 55% were male, and 9% had a history of seizures or epilepsy. During cooling, seizures occurred in 5/33 patients (15%, 95%CI 6%-33%). 11/33 patients (33%, 95% CI 19%-52%) had seizures at some time during hospitalization. 13/33 (39%) survived to discharge and of these, 7/13 (54%) survived to 30 days. 9/11 patients with seizures died during hospitalization, compared with 11/22 patients without seizures (82% vs. 50%; difference 32%, CI 951%-63%). No patient with seizures was alive at 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Seizures are common in comatose patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest. All patients with seizures were deceased within 30 days of discharge. Routine use of EEG monitoring could assist in early detection of seizures in this patient population, providing an opportunity for intervention to potentially improve outcomes.

Malignant MCA territory infarction in the pediatric population: subgroup analysis of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study

PURPOSE

Malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions are thought to be rare in children. In a recent hospital-based study, only 1.3 % of pediatric ischemic strokes were malignant MCA infarctions. However, population-based rates have not been published. We performed subgroup analysis of a population-based study to determine the rate of malignant MCA infarctions in children.

METHODS

In 2005 and 2010, all ischemic stroke-related emergency visits and hospital admissions among the 1.3 million residents of the five-county Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area were ascertained. Cases that occurred in patients 18 years and younger were reviewed in detail, and corresponding clinical and neuroimaging findings were recorded. Infarctions were considered malignant if they involved 50 % or more of the MCA territory and resulted in cerebral edema and mass effect.

RESULTS

In 2005, eight pediatric ischemic strokes occurred in the study population, none of which were malignant infarctions. In 2010, there were also eight ischemic strokes. Of these, two malignant MCA infarctions were identified: (1) a 7-year-old boy who underwent hemicraniectomy and survived with moderate disability at 30 days and (2) a 17-year-old girl with significant prestroke disability who was not offered hemicraniectomy and died following withdrawal of care. Thus, among 16 children over 2 years, there were two malignant MCA infarctions (12.5 %, 95 % CI 0-29).

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant MCA infarctions in children may not be as rare as previously thought. Given the significant survival and functional outcome benefit conferred by hemicraniectomy in adults, future studies focusing on its potential role in pediatric patients are warranted.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction: is life worth living?

OBJECT

Although decompressive hemicraniectomy has been shown to reduce death and improve functional outcome following malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction, there is ongoing debate as to whether surgery should be routinely performed, considering the very high rates of disability and functional dependence in survivors. Through a systematic review of the literature, the authors sought to determine the outcome from a patient's perspective.

METHODS

In September 2010, a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature was performed using various combinations of 12 key words. A total of 16 papers were reviewed and individual study data were extracted.

RESULTS

There was significant variability in study design, patient eligibility criteria, timing of surgery, and methods of outcome assessment. There were 382 patients (59% male, 41% female) with a mean age of 50 years, 25% with dominant-hemisphere infarction. The mortality rate was 24% and the mean follow-up in survivors was 19 months (range 3-114 months). Of 156 survivors with available modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, 41% had favorable functional outcome (mRS Score ≤ 3), whereas 47% had moderately severe disability (mRS Score 4). Among 157 survivors with quality of life assessment, the mean overall reduction was 45%: 67% for physical aspect and 37% for psychosocial aspect. Of 114 screened survivors, depression affected 56% and was moderate or severe in 25%. Most patients and/or caregivers (77% of the 209 interviewed) were satisfied and would give consent again for the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high rates of physical disability and depression, the vast majority of patients are satisfied with life and do not regret having undergone surgery.

alpha1-acid glycoprotein in late-life depression: relationship to medical burden and genetics

Serum alphal-acid glycoprotein (AAG) concentrations were examined in relationship to age, medical burden, depression, and mental status in elderly control (n = 19, mean age = 72.1 +/- 6.8 years) and depressed (n = 58, mean age = 71.9 +/- 7.1 years) subjects. DNA was analyzed for allelic variants of the AGP1 (ORM1) gene in both groups. Depressed subjects' AAG serum levels were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment. Before treatment, depressed subjects had significantly higher serum AAG concentrations than nondepressed controls (t49.2 = -3.48, P = .0011). Pretreatment AAG levels also correlated with degree of medical burden, measured by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatrics (r = 0.28, P = .0303), but not with age, depression severity, or cognitive scores. There was no significant difference between responders and nonresponders on changes in AAG levels from baseline to week 6. Frequency differences in ORM1 allelic variants apparently did not influence increased AAG concentrations in depressed patients.