1. |
- Ahmed, N, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of blood pressure lowering in the acute phase of total anterior circulation infarcts and other stroke subtypes
- 2003
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 15:4, s. 235-243
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> Lowering of blood pressure (BP) in the acute phase of stroke is reported both to worsen and to improve the outcome. To investigate whether heterogeneity exists between stroke subtypes in the response to BP lowering, we analysed data from the Intravenous Nimodipine West European Stroke Trial (INWEST). <i>Methods:</i> INWEST enrolled acute ischaemic stroke patients within 24 h (n = 295) to the following groups: placebo (n = 100), 1 mg/h nimodipine (n = 101) or 2 mg/h nimodipine (n = 94). Patients were retrospectively classified as total anterior circulation infarct (TACI) (i.e. hemiparesis + hemianopia + dysphasia) and non-TACI (exclusion of any one of these). Main outcome measures were neurological (Orgogozo) and functional (Barthel) scores at day 21. <i>Results:</i> 106 patients were labelled as TACI and 62 as non-TACI. No significant difference in BP was observed between the TACI and non-TACI subtypes at baseline, nor did the subtypes differ in BP course within the treatment groups. A higher proportion of non-TACI patients received postrandomisation antihypertensive agents in addition to the study drug compared with TACI patients (55% non-TACI vs. 26% TACI, p < 0.005). For TACI patients, there was no outcome difference between the placebo- and nimodipine-treated groups. For non-TACI patients, placebo had a significantly better neurological (p = 0.004) and functional (p = 0.04) outcome than the high-dose nimodipine group. In multivariate analysis for TACI patients, BP reduction and nimodipine treatment had no relation with outcome. Baseline stroke severity (p < 0.005) was the only significant predictor of the outcome at day 21. For non-TACI patients, diastolic BP (DBP) reduction (p = 0.03) and nimodipine treatment (p = 0.001) were related to neurological deterioration and nimodipine treatment (p = 0.01) to functional deterioration. Systolic BP reduction was associated with neurological (p < 0.005) and functional improvement (p = 0.01). Baseline stroke severity (p < 0.005) was related to both neurological and functional outcome. <i>Conclusion:</i> BP lowering and nimodipine treatment had no significant effect on outcome for TACI patients. For non-TACI patients, DBP lowering worsened the neurological outcome and high-dose nimodipine worsened both the neurological and functional outcome.
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2. |
- Ahmed, N, et al.
(författare)
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Salivary cortisol, a biological marker of stress, is positively associated with 24-hour systolic blood pressure in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
- 2004
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 18:3, s. 206-213
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background/Aim:</i> The cause of elevated blood pressure (BP) in acute stroke is unknown. Stress is often suggested as a main contributing factor. We aimed to investigate the relationship between BP and stress in patients with acute stroke. <i>Methods:</i> 58 patients with clinical symptoms of stroke were recruited prospectively after exclusion of haemorrhage by CT scan within 14 h and 15 min (mean) after symptom onset (range 2 h and 45 min–23 h and 40 min). The mean age of the patients was 66 years (range 39–86 years), and the mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 7 (range 1–26). BP and pulse rate were recorded by non-invasive automatic monitoring hourly for 24 h. Stress was evaluated by testing the level of salivary cortisol. Four samples of saliva were obtained at inclusion, on the evening of the inclusion day (20.00–22.00 h), on the morning of the next day (7.00–9.00 h) and on the afternoon of the inclusion day/next day (15.00–17.00 h) within 24 h after inclusion in the study. Logarithmic transformation was done for cortisol levels. <i>Results:</i> The 24-hour mean cortisol level (geometric mean 13.6 nmol/l) was related to 24-hour mean systolic BP [SBP; r = 0.36, p = 0.01, multivariate p = 0.02], mean night-time (22.00–6.00 h) SBP (r = 0.43, p = 0.001, multivariate p < 0.005) and mean night-time diastolic BP (r = 0.31, p = 0.02, multivariate p = 0.02). Cortisol levels at inclusion (r = 0.31, p = 0.02, multivariate p = 0.05 for 24-hour SBP) and in the evening were also statistically significantly related to the above BP variables. The morning cortisol (r = 0.28, p = 0.04, multivariate p = 0.04) was related to night-time SBP. <i>Conclusions:</i> Salivary cortisol was positively correlated with 24-hour SBP and night-time BP, suggesting that stress is a contributing factor for high BP in acute stroke.
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3. |
- Alexandrov, Andrei V., et al.
(författare)
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Suggestions for Reviewing Manuscripts
- 2009
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 28:3, s. 243-246
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Scientific reviewing is a voluntary process to determine if a manuscript deserves publication. REVIEW means: Responsibly Evaluate, Verify and Improve the manuscript, Educate the authors and editors, and Weigh your expert opinion against the submitted work. Provide your review in a respectful, unbiased and timely manner. Review Methods: Make sure editors know about your willingness to review and your particular area(s) of expertise. If you find yourself in a conflict of interest, decline to participate in reviewing. If you accept, complete reviews on time. Determine and rate (1) the methodological validity, (2) originality, (3) significance of findings, (4) the style and clarity of presentation and (5) the findings' interest to the readership of the journal for which you are asked to review a manuscript. Specifically evaluate (6) if the results support any claims or conclusions made and, most importantly, (7) if the abstract correctly reflects the full content of a manuscript. Summarize your review in specific comments to the authors. Make recommendations whether to accept, revise or reject the manuscript to the editor only. Review Results: Start with a brief summary of the manuscript's subject, strengths and key findings/claims. Present your specific criticisms and suggestions in numbered lists for the authors to address. Never use demeaning and offensive words or sarcasm since, in the first place, this reflects upon your own ethics and integrity as well as upon the journal's. Use a constructive tone, and if you see any deficiencies, educate the authors in a respectful manner so that, even if a manuscript is rejected, they will learn from you, improve the manuscript or conduct a better study in the future. Also include ratings from 1 to 7 in your comments to the authors, as far as they are relevant and may explain your final decision. Conclusions: Judge others as you would like to be judged yourself. We hope these suggestions serve to help new reviewers and refresh the willingness of battle-hardened veterans to continuously serve the medical literature. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
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4. |
- Andersson, Jonas, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
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C-reactive protein is a determinant of first-ever stroke: prospective nested case-referent study.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 27:6, s. 544-51
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a determinant of stroke, but there are no prospective studies on CRP and first ischemic stroke divided into etiologic subtypes. Our primary aim was to study CRP as a determinant of ischemic stroke, classified according to Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in a prospective study. A secondary aim was to study the relationship between the 1444C>T polymorphism, plasma levels of CRP and stroke. METHODS: The study was a prospective population-based case-referent study nested within the Northern Sweden Cohorts. We defined 308 cases of ischemic stroke and 61 ICH. Two controls for each case were defined from the same cohort. RESULTS: The OR for the highest (>3 mg/l) versus lowest group (<1 mg/l) of CRP was 2.58 (95% CI 1.74-3.84) for ischemic stroke and 1.63 (95% CI 0.67-3.93) for ICH. In a multivariate model including traditional risk factors, CRP remained associated with ischemic stroke (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.29-3.29). Small-vessel disease was associated with CRP in the multivariate model (OR 3.88; 95% CI 1.10-13.7). The CRP 1444 (CC/CT vs. TT) polymorphism was associated with plasma levels of CRP but neither with ischemic stroke nor with ICH. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective population-based study shows that CRP is significantly associated with the risk of having a first ischemic stroke, especially for small-vessel disease. No significant associations were found between the CRP 1444C>T polymorphism and any stroke subtype.
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5. |
- Anwaar, I., et al.
(författare)
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Increasing levels of leukocyte-derived inflammatory mediators in plasma and cAMP in platelets during follow-up after acute cerebral ischemia
- 1998
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 8:6, s. 310-317
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Inflammatory mediators secreted by activated leukocytes play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. They may also affect the production of vasodilatory and platelet antiaggregatory factors such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) from the vascular endothelium. Production of NO and PGI2, the effecs of which are mediated by cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), respectively, is disturbed in atherosclerosis, whereas increased NO levels have been found in acute cerebral ischemia. To investigate leukocyte activation and its possible influence upon endothelial function in cerebral ischemia we measured plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor protein-1 (sTNFR-1) by ELISA, and intraplatelet cAMP and cGMP by radioimmunoassay in 59 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (mean age 71 years, 27 males) and after a 1-year follow-up in 57/59 (97%) patients. NGAL (152 ± 58 vs. 126 ± 48 μg/l), sTNFR-1 (3.50 ± 2.2 vs. 2.59 ± 1.31 μg/l), and cAMP(5.12 ± 1.71 vs. 4.06 ± 0.92 pmol/109 platelets) were higher (p < 0.001) after follow-up than in acute cerebral ischemia. At follow-up sTNFR-1 and cGMP partially correlated (r = 0.31; p < 0.05), controlling for age and platelet count. In conclusion, plasma NGAL and sTNFR-1 and intraplatelet AMP increase after acute cerebral ischemia, indicating chronic inflammatory activity and endothelial activation. Plasma sTNFR-1 levels are related to intraplatelet cGMP levels.
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8. |
- Appelros, P, et al.
(författare)
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Lacunar infarcts: functional and cognitive outcomes at five years in relation to MRI findings
- 2005
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 20:1, s. 34-40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> There are few long-term follow-up studies of patients with lacunar infarcts (LIs). The purpose of this 5-year follow-up study was to assess functional and cognitive outcome in relation to MRI findings. <i>Methods:</i> 81 patients with a first-ever LI were followed for 5 years with respect to mortality, stroke recurrence, functional and cognitive outcome. T<sub>2</sub>-weighted MRI was performed at baseline and at 5 years. The presence of basal ganglia lesions and white matter lesions was scored according to the European Task Force rating scale. Functional outcome was assessed with the Oxford Handicap Scale (OHP). Cognition was assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). <i>Results:</i> The 5-year mortality was 19%. Predictors for death were age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11), ischemic heart disease (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.1) and impairment score (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.32). 30% of the patients had a recurrent stroke. Predictors for recurrent stroke were diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–7.4) and amount of white matter lesions (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.7). 36% of the patients were functionally dependent (defined as OHP >2). Predictors for functional dependency were impairment score (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.12–2.59), MMSE (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.91) and stroke recurrence (OR = 84, 95% CI 9.4–745). 16% of the patients had cognitive impairment (defined as MMSE <24). Stroke recurrence and white matter score, but not basal ganglia score, were correlated to cognitive impairment. <i>Conclusions:</i> Many LI patients have a good functional outcome at 5 years. For older patients, for patients with an initial severe stroke, and with additional vascular risk factors, however, the prognosis is more severe, with an increased risk for mortality, stroke recurrence, and physical and cognitive decline.
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9. |
- Appelros, Peter, 1953-, et al.
(författare)
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Long-Term Risk of Stroke after Transient Ischemic Attack
- 2017
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - Basel, Switzerland : S. Karger. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 43:1-2, s. 25-30
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: In the absence of active management, the stroke risk after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) may be high. Almost 10 years ago, the results of the EXPRESS and SOS-TIA studies called for a more rapid management of TIA patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the other stroke risks in the longer term, after the implementation of a more active approach to TIA. We also wanted to assess the predictive value of the ABCD2 score in this context.Methods: Riksstroke is the national stroke registry in Sweden. Data from Riksstroke's TIA module, and the national cause-of-death register, for the years 2011 and 2012 were used in this study. Stroke occurrence was monitored via Riksstroke. Cox's regression was used for risk evaluation. The predictive value of the ABCD2 score was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve.Results: A total of 15,068 TIA episodes occurred in 14,102 patients. The follow-up time varied between 0 and 819 days, with an average of 417 days. The mortality for all TIA patients during the follow-up time was 7.1%. Of the unique patients, 545 had one or more strokes (3.9%), corresponding to 34 events per 1,000 person years. Significant risk factors for stroke were: age, previous TIA, atrial fibrillation (AF), oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment, hypertension treatment, and the ABCD2 items speech impairment, unilateral weakness, and diabetes mellitus. The ABCD2 score correlated with a subsequent stroke, but its predictive value was low.Conclusion: The risk of stroke is low after the acute phase of a TIA, probably lower than in previous studies. This may be due to better secondary prevention in recent years. Several risk factors predict stroke, notably hypertensive treatment, which may be inadequate; and AF, where OACs may be under-used. It is difficult to identify the role of the ABCD2 score in clinical practice.
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10. |
- Appelros, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Trends in baseline patient characteristics during the years 1995-2008 : observations from Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 30:2, s. 114-119
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Reported improvements in outcome in stroke patients treated in hospital are often attributed to advances in stroke care. However, secular trends in patient characteristics that are present already on admission to hospital may also contribute to improved outcome. METHODS: Time trends for baseline data (289,854 stroke admittances) in Riks-Stroke, the Swedish national quality register for stroke care, were analyzed for the years 1995 through 2008. The following data were included: number of strokes for each year, age, sex, risk factors, stroke subtype, stroke severity, functional status and need of external home service before the stroke. RESULTS: The number of annually reported strokes increased until 2005. The proportion of recurrent strokes decreased from 28.0 to 25.9%. The mean age at first-ever stroke increased in women, but not in men. The proportion of smokers dropped, and the proportion of patients who had treated hypertension increased. The stroke severity decreased in men. The prestroke functional status (walking, dressing, toileting) improved in both sexes over these years. More patients lived alone in 2008 than in 1995, and more had home help service. CONCLUSIONS: Many baseline parameters in Riks-Stroke have changed over the years. This has consequences for the interpretation of outcome data. Some changes may be due to inclusion bias, others due to alterations in general health, evolution of vascular risk factors or demographics.
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11. |
- Appelros, Peter, 1953-, et al.
(författare)
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Trends in Stroke Treatment and Outcome between 1995 and 2010 : Observations from Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register
- 2014
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 37:1, s. 22-29
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Continuous changes in stroke treatment and care, as well as changes in stroke characteristics, may alter stroke outcome over time. The aim of this paper is to describe time trends for treatment and outcome data, and to discuss if any such changes could be attributed to quality changes in stroke care. Methods: Data from Riks-Stroke, the Swedish stroke register, were analyzed for the time period of 1995 through 2010. The total number of patients included was 320,181. The following parameters were included: use of computed tomography (CT), stroke unit care, thrombolysis, medication before and after the stroke, length of stay in hospital, and discharge destination. Three months after stroke, data regarding walking, toileting and dressing ability, as well social situation, were gathered. Survival status after 7, 27 and 90 days was registered. Results: In 1995, 53.9% of stroke patients were treated in stroke units. In 2010 this proportion had increased to 87.5%. Fewer patients were discharged to geriatric or rehabilitation departments in later years (23.6% in 2001 compared with 13.4% in 2010), but more were discharged directly home (44.2 vs. 52.4%) or home with home rehabilitation (0 vs. 10.7%). The need for home help service increased from 18.2% in 1995 to 22.1% in 2010. Regarding prevention, more patients were on warfarin, antihypertensives and statins both before and after the stroke. The functional outcome measures after 3 months did improve from 2001 to 2010. In 2001, 83.8% of patients were walking independently, while 85.6% were independent in 2010. For toileting, independence increased from 81.2 to 84.1%, and for dressing from 78.0 to 80.4%. Case fatality (CF) rates after 3 months increased from 18.7% (2001) to 20.0% (2010). This trend is driven by patients with severe strokes. Conclusions: Stroke outcomes may change over a relatively short time period. In some ways, the quality of care has improved. More stroke patients have CT, more patients are treated in stroke units and more have secondary prevention. Patients with milder strokes may have benefited more from these measures than patients with severe strokes. Increased CF rates for patients with severe stroke may be caused by shorter hospital stays, shorter in-hospital rehabilitation periods and lack of suitable care after discharge from hospital.
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12. |
- Appelros, P, et al.
(författare)
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What causes increased stroke mortality in patients with prestroke dementia?
- 2005
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 19:5, s. 323-327
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background and Purpose:</i> In patients with dementia, the incidence of stroke is higher and strokes are more severe and lethal. The purpose of this population-based study was to describe in what way previous dementia affects mortality in stroke patients. <i>Methods:</i> Subjects were all persons ≧65 years old who had a first-ever stroke during 1 year (n = 327). The prestroke dementia (PSD) diagnosis was made at the time of the stroke diagnosis using data from next of kin and from patient records. Patients were followed prospectively and causes of death were evaluated. <i>Results:</i> The 28-day case fatality was 44% for PSD patients and 15% for non-PSD patients. Corresponding ratios at 1 year were 71 and 36%, respectively. Twenty-eight percent of the PSD patients had a new stroke during the first year, compared to 8% of the non-PSD patients. More patients in the PSD group died as a direct or indirect consequence of their stroke. Multivariate analysis showed that PSD, in addition to age, atrial fibrillation and stroke severity, was an independent predictor of mortality. <i>Conclusions:</i> The PSD patients more often had a stroke-related death, even when we adjusted for a number of other factors. The cause for this is most likely multifactorial, including an increased tendency to contract complications in the acute phase, and iatrogenic causes. The brain of the PSD patients may also be frailer and more susceptible to ischemic or hemorrhagic damage than the nondemented brain.
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13. |
- Asplund, Kjell, et al.
(författare)
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Stroke in the elderly
- 1999
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 2, s. 152-157
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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14. |
- Basile, Anna Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Age, hypertension, and lacunar stroke are the major determinants of the severity of age-related white matter changes
- 2006
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Ingår i: CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 21:5-6, s. 315-322
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> Age-related white matter changes (ARWMC), seen on neuroimaging with high frequency in older people, are thought to be consequent to the effect of vascular risk factors and vascular diseases including hypertension and stroke. Among the proofs conventionally required for a factor to be considered a risk factor for a definite pathology, there is the demonstration of a trend in risk exposure related to disease severity. We sought whether such a trend existed in the association of vascular risk factors or comorbidities with the severity of ARWMC aiming particularly at further elucidating the relative roles of hypertension and stroke in this regard. <i>Methods:</i> The LADIS (Leukoaraiosis and Disability) Study is evaluating the role of ARWMC as an independent determinant of the transition to disability in the elderly. Six hundred and thirty-nine nondisabled subjects (mean age 74.1 ± 5.0, M/F: 288/351) with ARWMC of different severity grades on MRI (mild, moderate, or severe according to the Fazekas scale) were assessed at baseline for demographics, vascular risk factors, and comorbidities, and are being followed up for 3 years. <i>Results:</i> Age, frequency of hypertension and history of stroke increased along with increasing ARWMC severity independently of other factors. For hypertension, however, this occurred only in subjects without a stroke history, while for stroke history, it mainly depended on lacunar stroke. The amount of cigarettes smoked and the interaction between hypercholesterolemia and smoking predicted only the most severe ARWMC grade. <i>Conclusions:</i> The LADIS Study confirms that age, hypertension and lacunar strokes are the major determinants of ARWMC. Smoking and hypercholesterolemia provide additional risk.
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15. |
- Basile, Anna Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Age, hypertension, and lacunar stroke are the major determinants of the severity of age-related white matter changes. The LADIS (Leukoaraiosis and Disability in the Elderly) Study.
- 2006
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Ingår i: Cerebrovasc Dis. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 21:5-6, s. 315-22
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> Age-related white matter changes (ARWMC), seen on neuroimaging with high frequency in older people, are thought to be consequent to the effect of vascular risk factors and vascular diseases including hypertension and stroke. Among the proofs conventionally required for a factor to be considered a risk factor for a definite pathology, there is the demonstration of a trend in risk exposure related to disease severity. We sought whether such a trend existed in the association of vascular risk factors or comorbidities with the severity of ARWMC aiming particularly at further elucidating the relative roles of hypertension and stroke in this regard. <i>Methods:</i> The LADIS (Leukoaraiosis and Disability) Study is evaluating the role of ARWMC as an independent determinant of the transition to disability in the elderly. Six hundred and thirty-nine nondisabled subjects (mean age 74.1 ± 5.0, M/F: 288/351) with ARWMC of different severity grades on MRI (mild, moderate, or severe according to the Fazekas scale) were assessed at baseline for demographics, vascular risk factors, and comorbidities, and are being followed up for 3 years. <i>Results:</i> Age, frequency of hypertension and history of stroke increased along with increasing ARWMC severity independently of other factors. For hypertension, however, this occurred only in subjects without a stroke history, while for stroke history, it mainly depended on lacunar stroke. The amount of cigarettes smoked and the interaction between hypercholesterolemia and smoking predicted only the most severe ARWMC grade. <i>Conclusions:</i> The LADIS Study confirms that age, hypertension and lacunar strokes are the major determinants of ARWMC. Smoking and hypercholesterolemia provide additional risk.
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16. |
- Berglund, Annika, et al.
(författare)
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Face Arm Speech Time Test use in the prehospital setting, better in the ambulance than in the emergency medical communication center
- 2014
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - Basel, Switzerland : S. Karger. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 37:3, s. 212-216
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Prehospital identification of acute stroke increases the possibility of early treatment and good outcome. To increase identification of stroke, the Face Arm Speech Time (FAST) test was introduced in the Emergency Medical Communication Center (EMCC). This substudy aims to evaluate the implementation of the FAST test in the EMCC and the ambulance service.METHODS: The study was conducted in the region of Stockholm, Sweden during 6 months. The study population consisted of all calls to the EMCC concerning patients presenting at least one FAST symptom or a history/finding making the EMCC or ambulance personnel to suspect stroke within 6 h. Positive FAST was compared to diagnosis at discharge. Positive predictive values (PPV) for a stroke diagnosis at discharge were calculated.RESULTS: In all, 900 patients with a median age of 71 years were enrolled, 667 (74%) by the EMCC and 233 (26%) by the ambulances. At discharge, 472 patients (52%) were diagnosed with stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), 337 identified by the EMCC (71%) and 135 (29%) by the ambulances. The PPV for a discharge diagnosis of stroke/TIA was 51% (CI 47-54%) in EMCC-enrolled and 58% (CI 52-64%) in ambulance-enrolled patients. With a positive FAST the PPV of a correct stroke/TIA diagnosis increased to 56% (CI 52-61%) and 73% (CI 66-80%) in EMCC- and ambulance-enrolled patients, respectively. Positive FAST from EMCC was also found in 44% of patients with a nonstroke diagnosis at discharge. A stroke/TIA diagnosis at discharge but negative FAST was found in 58 and 27 patients enrolled by the EMCC and ambulances, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: The PPV of FAST is higher when used on the scene by ambulance than by EMCC. FAST may be a useful prehospital tool to identify stroke/TIA but has limitations as the test can be negative in true strokes, can be positive in nonstrokes, and FAST symptoms may be present but not identified in the emergency call. For the prehospital care situation better identification tools are needed.
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18. |
- Berntsson, John, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma Natriuretic Peptides and Incidence of Subtypes of Ischemic Stroke.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 37:6, s. 444-450
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and Purpose: Natriuretic peptides predict poor outcomes in cardiovascular disease. However, the knowledge of their relationship to stroke is limited and prospective studies from the general population are few. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) plasma levels and the risk for ischemic stroke and its subtypes. Methods: NT-proBNP and MR-proANP were measured in fasting blood samples from 4,862 subjects (40.2% men, mean age 57.5 ± 6.0 years) without cardiovascular disease from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a prospective, population-based study in Sweden. Incidence of ischemic stroke was monitored over a mean follow-up of 14.9 ± 3.0 years. Stroke cases were etiologically classified according to the TOAST classification. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to study the incidence of stroke in relationship to NT-proBNP and MR-proANP. Results: During follow-up, 227 had a first-ever ischemic stroke (large-artery atherosclerosis, n = 35; cardioembolic stroke, n = 44; small-artery occlusion, n = 80; undetermined cause, n = 68). In the age- and sex-adjusted model, only NT-proBNP was associated with total ischemic stroke. This association was completely explained by an increased incidence of cardioembolic stroke. Adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, body mass index and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), the hazard ratios (HRs, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI) for cardioembolic stroke were 1.00 (reference), 1.42 (0.34-6.00), 2.79 (0.77-10.12) and 5.64 (1.66-19.20), respectively, for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles of NT-proBNP. The corresponding HRs (95% CIs) for quartiles of MR-proANP were 1.00 (reference), 1.83 (0.55-6.14), 1.20 (0.33-4.34) and 3.96 (1.31-11.99), respectively. In total, 335 (6.9%) subjects were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation during follow-up. Among the cardioembolic stroke cases, 30% were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation before the stroke event and another 36% within 6 months after the stroke. Of the cardioembolic stroke cases with atrial fibrillation, 59% were in the top quartile of NT-proBNP, 69% in the top quartile of MR-proANP and 79% were either in the top quartile of NT-proBNP or in the top quartile of MR-proANP. Conclusion: High plasma levels of NT-proBNP and MR-proANP are associated with a substantially increased risk of cardioembolic stroke, but not with other subtypes of ischemic stroke. The results suggest that assessment of stroke risk, including electrocardiography, is warranted in subjects with high NT-proBNP or MR-proANP. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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19. |
- Bersano, A., et al.
(författare)
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Research Progresses in Understanding the Pathophysiology of Moyamoya Disease
- 2016
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 41:3-4, s. 105-118
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The pathogenesis of moyamoya disease (MMD) is still unknown. The detection of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in MMD patients' biological fluids supports the hypothesis that an abnormal angiogenesis is implicated in MMD pathogenesis. However, it is unclear whether these anomalies are the consequences of the disease or rather causal factors as well as these mechanisms remain insufficient to explain the pathophysiology of MMD. The presence of a family history in about 9-15% of Asian patients, the highly variable incidence rate between different ethnic and sex groups and the age of onset support the role of genetic factors in MMD pathogenesis. However, although some genetic loci have been associated with MMD, few of them have been replicated in independent series. Recently, RNF213 gene was shown to be strongly associated with MMD occurrence with a founder effect in East Asian patients. However, the mechanisms leading from RNF213 mutations to MMD clinical features are still unknown. Summary: The research on pathogenic mechanism of MMD is in its infancy. MMD is probably a complex and heterogeneous disorder, including different phenotypes and genotypes, in which more than a single factor is implicated. Key Message: Since the diagnosis of MMD is rapidly increasing worldwide, the development of more efficient stratifying risk systems, including both clinical but also biological drivers became imperative to improve our ability of predict prognosis and to develop mechanism-tailored interventions.
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20. |
- Bousser, MG, et al.
(författare)
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Rationale and design of a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study of terutroban 30 mg/day versus aspirin 100 mg/day in stroke patients: the prevention of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events of ischemic origin with terutroban in patients with a history of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (PERFORM) study
- 2009
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 27:5, s. 509-518
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and a major contributor to neurological disability and dementia. Terutroban is a specific TP receptor antagonist with antithrombotic, antivasoconstrictive, and antiatherosclerotic properties, which may be of interest for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. This article describes the rationale and design of the Prevention of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular Events of ischemic origin with teRutroban in patients with a history oF ischemic strOke or tRansient ischeMic Attack (PERFORM) Study, which aims to demonstrate the superiority of the efficacy of terutroban versus aspirin in secondary prevention of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. <i>Methods and Results:</i> The PERFORM Study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study being carried out in 802 centers in 46 countries. The study population includes patients aged ≥55 years, having suffered an ischemic stroke (≤3 months) or a transient ischemic attack (≤8 days). Participants are randomly allocated to terutroban (30 mg/day) or aspirin (100 mg/day). The primary efficacy endpoint is a composite of ischemic stroke (fatal or nonfatal), myocardial infarction (fatal or nonfatal), or other vascular death (excluding hemorrhagic death of any origin). Safety is being evaluated by assessing hemorrhagic events. Follow-up is expected to last for 2–4 years. Assuming a relative risk reduction of 13%, the expected number of primary events is 2,340. To obtain statistical power of 90%, this requires inclusion of at least 18,000 patients in this event-driven trial. The first patient was randomized in February 2006. <i>Conclusions:</i> The PERFORM Study will explore the benefits and safety of terutroban in secondary cardiovascular prevention after a cerebral ischemic event.
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21. |
- Broeren, Jurgen, et al.
(författare)
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Virtual rehabilitation in an activity centre for community-dwelling persons with stroke. The possibilities of 3-dimensional computer games.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 26:3, s. 289-96
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study was to place a virtual reality (VR) system, designed to assess and to promote motor performance in the affected upper extremity in subjects after stroke, in a nonhospital environment. We also wanted to investigate if playing computer games resulted in improved motor function in persons with prior stroke. METHODS: The intervention involved 11 patients after stroke who received extra rehabilitation by training on a computer 3 times a week during a 4-week period. The control group involved 11 patients after stroke who continued their previous rehabilitation (no extra computer training) during this period. The mean age of all was 68 years (range = 47-85) and the average time after stroke 66 months (range = 15-140). The VR training consisted of challenging games, which provided a range of difficulty levels that allow practice to be fun and motivating. An additional group of 11 right-handed aged matched individuals without history of neurological or psychiatric illnesses served as reference subjects. RESULTS: All the participants reported that they were novel computer game players. After an initial introduction they learned to use the VR system quickly. The treatment group demonstrated improvements in motor outcome for the trained upper extremity, but this was not detected in real-life activities. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this research suggest the usefulness of computer games in training motor performance. VR can be used beneficially not only by younger participants but also by older persons to enhance their motor performance after stroke.
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22. |
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23. |
- Carlsson, Gunnel, 1950, et al.
(författare)
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Consequences of mild stroke in persons <75 years -- a 1-year follow-up.
- 2003
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 16:4, s. 383-8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mild strokes can be neglected regarding subtle sequels as fatigue, and cognitive and emotional changes. We have addressed this topic by exploring late consequences of an initially mild stroke (Barthel score >or=50). Accordingly, we assayed impairment, disability and handicap data 1 year after the first-ever stroke in persons <75 years, focusing on symptoms as fatigue, concentration difficulties, memory disturbances, emotional lability, stress resistance, anxiety and uneasiness, symptoms comprised in the astheno-emotional disorder (AED), and its relation to life satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean value of the Barthel Index was 99.5 (SD 0.5) and 25% scored 0-1 on the Oxford Handicap Scale. AED was diagnosed in 71% of the patients, and fatigue was experienced by 72%. AED correlated significantly with life satisfaction, handicap and depression. Life satisfaction was significantly below that of norm values according to satisfaction with life as a whole, sex life and ability to manage selfcare. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize that 'hidden dysfunctions' not so easily discovered within the hospital context are common consequences of mild stroke. The concept of mild stroke as principally founded in motor function or ability in P-ADL therefore seems to be insufficient with respect to the patient long-term perspective.
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24. |
- Claesson, Lisbeth, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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Cognitive impairment after stroke - impact on activities of daily living and costs of care for elderly people. The Göteborg 70+ Stroke Study.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 19:2, s. 102-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The economic burden of stroke is substantial and is likely to increase with an increasing number of elderly individuals in the population. There is thus a need for information on the use of health care resources and costs among these elderly stroke patients. We examined the impact of the cognitive impairments on the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and utilization and costs of health care in a cohort of elderly stroke patients. METHODS: One hundred and forty-nine patients aged >/=70 years with acute stroke were included. The patients were assessed regarding their ability to carry out ADL and health resource utilization and cost during the first year after stroke. Cognitive impairments were assessed 18 months after the index stroke. RESULTS: Stroke severity in acute stroke and cognitive impairment at 18 months after stroke onset was associated with impairment in ADL and increased costs for utilisation of care during the first year. Patients with cognitive impairment were more dependent on personal assistance in ADL. Costs per patient during the study were three times higher for patients with cognitive impairment. Hospital care, institutional living and different kinds of support from society accounted for the highest costs. CONCLUSIONS: Costs of care utilisation during the first year after stroke were associated with cognitive impairments, stroke severity and dependence in ADL. The results should be interpreted cautiously as the assessment of cognitive function was made 18 months after stroke onset and costs were estimated for the first year after stroke.
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25. |
- Cruz-Rojas, A., et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence and incidence of Carotid-Fetal-Posterior syndrome
- 2023
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 52:6, s. 643-650
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Carotid-Fetal-Posterior (CFP) syndrome is a posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory ischemic stroke/TIA caused by symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion via fetal posterior communicating artery. We aimed to assess the incidence of CFP syndrome and prevalence of CFP syndrome among symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion as these are unknown. Methods: We reassessed consecutive CTAs from 4042 persons, and included locally admitted patients with >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion. These were assessed for symptoms and signs of possible posterior circulation stroke/TIA (suspicion of CFP syndrome). Among these, those with unilateral PCA territory stroke/TIA, ipsilateral stenosis and fetal/fetal type PCA were considered CFP syndrome. Results: We included 208 locally admitted patients with >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion, 33 (16%) patients had suspicion of CFP syndrome, of which 3 (9%) had CFP syndrome. The prevalence of CFP syndrome was 2.9% of symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion; incidence was 4.23 per 1 000 000 person-years. Also, we found a lower prevalence of CFP-syndrome (0.9%, p=0.047) among referred patients with symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion than among locally admitted patients with symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion. Discussion/Conclusion: CFP syndrome has a low incidence and low prevalence among symptomatic carotid stenosis cases. Given lower prevalence of CFP syndrome among referred cases than local, CFP-syndrome seems susceptible to underdiagnosis. On the other hand, few cases with suspicion of CFP syndrome had CFP syndrome, why CFP syndrome also seems susceptible to overdiagnosis if detailed assessment is not employed.
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26. |
- Cruz-Rojas, Agneta, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence and incidence of Carotid-Fetal-Posterior syndrome
- 2023
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 52:6, s. 643-650
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Carotid-Fetal-Posterior (CFP) syndrome is a posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory ischemic stroke/TIA caused by symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion via fetal posterior communicating artery. We aimed to assess the incidence of CFP syndrome and prevalence of CFP syndrome among symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion as these are unknown.Methods: We reassessed consecutive CTAs from 4042 persons, and included locally admitted patients with >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion. These were assessed for symptoms and signs of possible posterior circulation stroke/TIA (suspicion of CFP syndrome). Among these, those with unilateral PCA territory stroke/TIA, ipsilateral stenosis and fetal/fetal type PCA were considered CFP syndrome.Results: We included 208 locally admitted patients with >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion, 33 (16%) patients had suspicion of CFP syndrome, of which 3 (9%) had CFP syndrome. The prevalence of CFP syndrome was 2.9% of symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion; incidence was 4.23 per 1 000 000 person-years. Also, we found a lower prevalence of CFP-syndrome (0.9%, p=0.047) among referred patients with symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion than among locally admitted patients with symptomatic >= 50% carotid stenosis or occlusion.Discussion/Conclusion: CFP syndrome has a low incidence and low prevalence among symptomatic carotid stenosis cases. Given lower prevalence of CFP syndrome among referred cases than local, CFP-syndrome seems susceptible to underdiagnosis. On the other hand, few cases with suspicion of CFP syndrome had CFP syndrome, why CFP syndrome also seems susceptible to overdiagnosis if detailed assessment is not employed.
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27. |
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28. |
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29. |
- Diener, Hans-Christoph, et al.
(författare)
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Stroke prevention using the oral direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran inpatients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Pooled analysis from the SPORTIF III ad V studies.
- 2006
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 21:4, s. 279-293
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: To show results of a prespecified pooled analysis of the studies SPORTIF III (open-label) and SPORTIF V (double-blind), to assess the homogeneity of the results and to explore subgroup analyses and adverse events. Methods and Results: 7,329 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and 1 additional stroke risk factor were randomized to warfarin (international normalized ratio 2.0-3.0) or ximelagatran (36 mg twice daily). Over 11,346 patient-years (mean 18.5 months/patient), 184 patients developed primary events of stroke and systemic embolism (ximelagatran 1.62 vs. warfarin 1.65%/year; p = 0.94). Heterogeneity between trials with respect to the primary event rate (study-by-treatment interaction p = 0.026) was found. This could not be explained statistically by baseline patient characteristics or by treatment (except perhaps by the better anticoagulation with warfarin in SPORTIF V) and was not evident for secondary end-points. There was no conclusive difference in major bleeding rates (ximelagatran 1.88 vs. warfarin 2.46%/year; p = 0.054), but combined minor plus major bleeding was lower with ximelagatran (31.7 vs. 38.7%/year; p < 0.0001). Elevation of liver enzymes occurred more frequently in patients taking ximelagatran (6.1% vs. warfarin 0.8%; p < 0.0001) and was reversible except in rare cases. Conclusions: Fixed-dose oral ximelagatran without coagulation monitoring prevented stroke and systemic embolism as effectively as warfarin in patients with AF. Differences in the results of the two trials might relate to consistency of warfarin anticoagulation, different degree of blinding in the two trials, other concomitant therapies or chance. Further investigation is required to explore the long-term safety profile of ximelagatran.
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30. |
- Edsfeldt, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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High Plasma Levels of Galectin-3 Are Associated with Increased Risk for Stroke after Carotid Endarterectomy.
- 2016
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 41:3-4, s. 199-203
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been suggested to have both pro- and anti-atherogenic properties. High plasma Gal-3 levels are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) death. However, it has so far not been investigated if plasma Gal-3 levels can predict the risk for future stroke in patients suffering from carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Gal-3 could be used as a marker to predict postoperative cerebrovascular ischemic events among patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
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31. |
- Ekblom, Kim, 1970-, et al.
(författare)
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Bilirubin and UGT1A1*28 are not associated with lower risk for ischemic stroke in a prospective nested case-referent setting
- 2010
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 30:6, s. 590-596
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Bilirubin, an antioxidant, has been associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. A major cause of elevated plasma bilirubin is the common UGT1A1*28 promoter polymorphism in the gene of the bilirubin-conjugating enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-1A1, which reduces transcription by 70%. Earlier studies reporting a protective effect of bilirubin on stroke, have not included analysis of UGT1A1*28. The purpose of this study is to investigate if bilirubin and UGT1A1*28 are protective against ischemic stroke in a prospective case-referent setting.Methods: Cases with first-ever ischemic stroke (n=231; median lag time 4.9 years), and 462 matched referents from the The Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study Cohort were included. Plasma bilirubin was measured and UGT1A1*28 was analyzed by fragment analysis.Results: Plasma bilirubin was lower in cases than in referents, but the difference reached significance only for women. The UGT1A1*28 polymorphism (allele frequency 30%), showed a strong gene-dose relationship with bilirubin levels both among cases and referents, but was not associated with risk for stroke. Among multiple other variables analysed the strongest correlation with bilirubin was found for plasma iron.Conclusions: There was no evidence for a protective effect of the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism against stroke and consequently neither for bilirubin. The findings suggest that other factors influencing the risk for stroke also might affect bilirubin levels.
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32. |
- Ekblom, Kim, 1970-, et al.
(författare)
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Iron stores and HFE genotypes are not related to increased risk of ischemic stroke. : a prospective nested case-referent study
- 2007
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 24:5, s. 405-411
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: High iron levels can increase the formation of noxious oxygen radicals, which are thought to contribute to cerebrovascular disease. The aim of this prospective study was to determine if iron status and HFE genotypes constitute risk factors for stroke. Methods: First-ever stroke cases (231 ischemic and 42 hemorrhagic) and matched double referents from the population-based Northern Sweden cohorts were studied in a nested case-referent setting. Results: For total iron binding capacity, an increased risk of ischemic stroke was seen in the highest quartile (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.14-2.83; p for trend 0.012). The highest quartile of transferrin iron saturation showed a decreased risk of ischemic stroke in men (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.22-0.87; p for trend 0.028), but not in women. There was an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in the second (OR 4.07; 95% CI 1.09-15.20) and third quartile (OR 4.22; 95% CI 1.08-16.42) of ferritin. Neither quartiles of plasma iron concentrations nor the HFE C282Y and H63D genotypes were associated with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions: Iron stores were not positively related to increased risk of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, HFE genotypes did not influence the risk of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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33. |
- Endres, Matthias, et al.
(författare)
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Improving outcome after stroke: Overcoming the translational roadblock
- 2008
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 25:3, s. 268-278
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stroke poses a massive burden of disease, yet we have few effective therapies. The paucity of therapeutic options stands contrary to intensive research efforts. The failure of these past investments demands a thorough re-examination of the pathophysiology of ischaemic brain injury. Several critical areas hold the key to overcoming the translational roadblock: (1) vascular occlusion: current recanalization strategies have limited effectiveness and may have serious side effects; (2) complexity of stroke pathobiology: therapy must acknowledge the 'Janus-faced' nature of many stroke targets and must identify endogenous neuroprotective and repair mechanisms; repair; stroke outcome is modulated by the interaction of the injured brain with the immune system; (4) regeneration: the potential of the brain for reorganization, plasticity and repair after injury is much greater than previously thought; (5) confounding factors, long-term outcome and predictive modelling. These 5 areas are linked on all levels and therefore need to be tackled by an integrative approach and innovative therapeutic strategies.
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34. |
- Englund, Elisabet
(författare)
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Neuropathology of white matter lesions in vascular cognitive impairment.
- 2002
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 13 Suppl 2:Suppl 2, s. 11-15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The white matter is an important locus for tissue damage in vascular cognitive impairment and white matter lesions often dominate over gray matter changes. The spectrum of ischemic white matter lesions histopathologically represents focal and diffuse lesions, the most common form being the combination of both, in varying proportions. In the combined pathology, the diffuse lesion represents a gradient zone of damage towards surrounding normal tissue and may hold over 200 times the volume of an identified focal lesion, the lacunar infarct. Pathogenetically, the focal lesion results from the acute reaction to regional ischemia, while the diffuse white matter lesion represents the adjustment to altered perfusional and physiological conditions within the tissue. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
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35. |
- Engström, Gunnar, et al.
(författare)
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Marital Dissolution Is Followed by an Increased Incidence of Stroke.
- 2004
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 18:4, s. 318-324
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> Many studies have reported lower mortality in married people. The relation between marital status and incidence of haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke is unclear. It is largely unknown whether the risk of stroke is increased the first years after divorce or death of spouse. <i>Methods:</i> Incidence of first-ever stroke (n = 6,184) was followed over 10 years in a cohort consisting of all 40- to 89-year-old inhabitants (n = 118,134) in the city of Malmö, Sweden. Marital dissolution (i.e. divorce or death of spouse) prior to the date of stroke was compared in a nested case-control design (3,134 initially married stroke cases, 9,402 initially married controls). <i>Results:</i> As compared to the married groups, the incidence of stroke was increased in divorced men and women (RR = 1.23, CI: 1.10–1.39 and RR = 1.26, CI: 1.12–1.41, respectively) and widowed men and women (RR = 1.13, CI: 0.99–1.28 and RR = 1.13, CI: 1.02–1.24, respectively) after adjustments for age, country of birth and socioeconomic indicators. The risk of stroke was not increased in never married men. Marital dissolution was followed by increased risk of stroke, which was significant for men (adjusted odds ratio: 1.23, CI: 1.03–1.5) and borderline significant for women below 65 years of age (odds ratio: 1.45, CI: 0.99–2.14). <i>Conclusion:</i> The incidence of stroke is increased in divorced and widowed individuals. Never married men do not have an increased incidence. The risk of stroke is elevated during the first years after divorce or death of spouse.
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36. |
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37. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Functional outcome 3 months after stroke predicts long-term survival
- 2008
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 25:5, s. 423-429
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: When reporting stroke survival and prognostic factors with a possible effect on outcome, the starting point for the observation of a clinical cohort usually is the onset of stroke or the acute admission of a patient. Thus, acute and early mortality inflict prognosis on long-term outcome. In order to give a more robust analysis of long-term survival after the acute period we chose to start our observation with 3-month survivors. Methods: We used data from Riks-Stroke, the Swedish quality register for stroke care, together with survival information from the Swedish population register to explore the influence of disability level 3 months after stroke on long-term survival. The main analysis included 15,959 stroke patients, registered during 2001-2002, who had been independent in primary activities of daily living before stroke, had suffered an ischaemic or a haemorrhagic stroke and reported no previous stroke. Results: Impaired functional outcome after stroke was an independent predictor of poor survival. Patients with modified Rankin scale (mRS) grades 3, 4 and 5 had hazard ratios of 1.7, 2.5 and 3.8, respectively, as compared with patients with lower mRS grades. In addition to high mRS, male sex, high age, diabetes, smoking, hypertension therapy at stroke onset, atrial fibrillation and depressed mood were also recognized as significant predictors of poor survival using a multiple Cox regression model. Conclusion: The influence of disability on survival is stronger than that of several other well-known prognostic factors. This finding indicates that any intervention in the acute phase that may improve functional status at 3 months will also have favourable secondary effects on survival in the long term.
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38. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(författare)
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The disparity in long-term survival after a first stroke in patients with and without diabetes persists : the Northern Sweden MONICA Study
- 2012
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - Basel : S. Karger. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 34:2, s. 153-160
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Diabetes is an established risk factor for stroke. Compared to nondiabetic patients, diabetic patients also have an increased risk of new vascular events and death after stroke. We analyzed how differences in long-term survival between diabetic and nondiabetic stroke patients have changed over time, and if differences varied with respect to sex and age.Methods: This population-based study included 12,375 first-ever stroke patients, 25-74 years old, who were registered in the Northern Sweden MONICA Stroke Registry 1985-2005. Uniform diagnostic criteria for stroke case ascertainment were used throughout the study period. The diagnosis of diabetes was based on medical records or diabetes diagnosed during the acute stroke event. Patients were separated into four cohorts according to year of stroke and followed for survival until August 30, 2008.Results: The diabetes prevalence at stroke onset was 21%, similar in men and women, and remained stable throughout the study period. The diabetic patients were an average of 2 years older, more often nonsmokers and more likely to have antihypertensive treatment, antithrombotics, atrial fibrillation, and a history of myocardial infarction or transient ischemic attack than the nondiabetic patients. The total follow-up time was 86,086 patient-years during which a total of 1,930 (75.7%) of the diabetic patients and 5,744 (58.5%) of the nondiabetic patients died (p < 0.001). Median survival was 60 months (95% CI: 57-64) in diabetic patients and 117 months (113-120) in the nondiabetic patients. Survival improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). A Cox regression, adjusting for possible confounders (age, sex, antihypertensive medication, antithrombotics or other thrombolytic agents, history of myocardial infarction, type of stroke, diabetes, cohort and the diabetes-by-sex, diabetes-by-age and diabetes-by-cohort interactions), showed a hazard ratio of 1.67 (1.58-1.76) comparing survival in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients. The reduced survival in diabetic stroke patients was more pronounced in women (p = 0.02) and younger patients (p < 0.001). There was a tendency that the difference in survival decreased between the earlier cohorts and the 2000-2005 cohort, but the test for interaction did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.08).Conclusion: Long-term survival after a first stroke has improved in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Survival is markedly lower in diabetics, especially in women and younger patients, and the disparity persisted over 24 years. Decreasing the disparity in stroke survival is a challenge for stroke and diabetes care. New treatment methods in combination with intense secondary prevention in diabetic patients, especially in younger women, are needed.
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39. |
- Eriksson, Sven-Erik, 1949-, et al.
(författare)
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Survival and recurrent strokes in patients with different subtypes of stroke : A fourteen-year follow-up study
- 2001
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 12:3, s. 171-180
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study, 339 patients (154 men, 185 women) with a median age of 74 years (range 23-97) admitted to the Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology in 1986, have been followed up for 14 years. The diagnoses were intra-cerebral hemorrhage (ICH, 30, 8.8%), cardioembolic cerebral infarction (CE, 71, 20.9%), lacunar infarction (LI, 47, 13.9%) and atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (ACI, 191, 56.3%). The cumulative probabilities of recurrent stroke rates at 1-, 5- and 10-year follow-ups were 13.5% (95% confidence interval, CI, 9.6-17.4), 38.7% (95% CI 32.6-44.8) and 53.9% (95% CI 46.7-61.1). According to Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, age, severity of stroke, previous stroke and systolic blood pressure are each of importance in predicting recurrent stroke. During the observation period, 290 patients (85.5%) died. The mortality rate of 24.5% during the first year was 4.5 times higher compared to the normal population of the same age and gender. Patients with LI had lower mortality rates compared to ICH by the log rank test (p =0.0275), to CE (p =0.000) and to ACI (p =0.049). Thirty-nine percent of all vascular deaths after the first year were caused by recurrent strokes. Fatal index/recurrent stroke occurred statistically more frequently in the CE group versus the non-CE one (p =0.005). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis indicated that age, severity of stroke, previous stroke, heart failure and fasting blood glucose exceeding 6 mmol/l or history of diabetes were each predictors of mortality. In conclusion, this study has shown the worse outcomes for all subtypes of stroke compared to the normal population and also clearly pointed out independent predictors of recurrent stroke or death at the time of diagnosis. Copyright
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40. |
- Fatemi, Shahab, et al.
(författare)
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Circulating Biomarkers Predict Symptomatic but Not Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis
- 2022
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 51:5, s. 623-629
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Subjects exposed to risk factors such as age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking are prone to atherosclerotic events. Aims: The main aim of this longitudinal cohort study was to determine whether the role of novel plasma biomarkers for atherosclerotic carotid artery disease is different in subjects developing symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (CAS), as opposed to those with incident asymptomatic CAS. Methods: The following biomarkers were measured in 5,550 middle-aged subjects in a population-based cohort study: C-reactive protein (CRP), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass and activity, proneurotensin, midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), copeptin, and cystatin C. After exclusion of those with prevalent CAS, subjects were thereafter followed in national patient registers for 23.4 (interquartile range 19.5-24.3) years regarding incident symptomatic and asymptomatic CAS. Results: Among 110 patients with confirmed incident CAS, 56 were symptomatic and 54 were asymptomatic. When including conventional risk markers in a Cox regression analysis, NT pro-BNP (hazard ratio [HR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-2.11), MR-proADM (HR 1.40; CI: 1.13-1.73), cystatin C (HR 1.21; CI: 1.02-1.43), and CRP (HR 1.53; CI: 1.13-1.73) were independently associated with incident symptomatic CAS, whereas no plasma biomarker was associated with incident asymptomatic CAS. Conclusion: Plasma biomarkers NT pro-BNP, MR-proADM, cystatin C, and CRP were independently associated with incident symptomatic CAS, whereas no such association could be demonstrated with incident asymptomatic CAS. As these biomarkers indicate future development of clinically relevant atherosclerotic CAS, their potential utility in relation to intensified preventive measures and selection of potential candidates for carotid surgery should be further evaluated.
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41. |
- Fazekas, F, et al.
(författare)
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CT and MRI rating of white matter lesions
- 2002
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 1313 Suppl 2, s. 31-36
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rating scales play an important role in the evaluation of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance-detected white matter lesions (WML). Unfortunately, this type of visual semiquantitative assessment is not yet an optimal tool because commonly agreed concepts regarding its use are lacking. To generate a discussion platform for further improvement of CT and MRI rating, we will provide some basic definitions, summarize the advantages and disadvantages of scoring schemes and review current efforts towards the improvement of this tool. Future research will have to concentrate on deepening our understanding of the histopathologic substrates of WML and on strategies to document their progression.
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42. |
- Feliziani, FT, et al.
(författare)
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Cognitive performance in elderly patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting: a twelve-month follow-up study
- 2010
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 30:3, s. 244-251
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> It is still a matter of debate if and to what extent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) impair cognitive functioning in the elderly. <i>Methods:</i> We conducted a nonrandomized clinical trial on subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis comparing CEA (n = 28; 24 males and 4 females; 72.6 ± 5.8 years old) with CAS (n = 29; 17 males and 12 females; 75.1 ± 5.7 years old). Cognition, mood and functional status were evaluated by a broad spectrum of tests performed on the day prior to carotid reopening as well as 3 and 12 months after. <i>Results:</i> No significant differences in scores on cognitive tests including the Babcock story recall test and Rey’s auditory verbal learning test (memory), category naming test (verbal fluency), trail-making test parts A and B (attention and executive function) and controlled oral word association test (executive functioning) were observed 3 and 12 months after carotid reopening independent of the technique used. Only scores on the copy drawing test (visuospatial and constructional abilities) slightly but significantly (p < 0.05) worsened in the CAS group 12 months after the intervention. No significant differences between the CEA and CAS groups were detected regarding mood and functional status after 3 and 12 months. <i>Conclusions:</i> CEA and CAS seem to be safe procedures in elderly patients in terms of cognitive, mood and functional status in the short and long term. CAS might be preferred for the shorter hospital stay, but further studies with a larger number of old and oldest old subjects with a longer follow-up are needed to better understand the cost-effectiveness of both treatments.
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43. |
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44. |
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46. |
- Glader, Eva-Lotta, et al.
(författare)
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Reduced inequality in access to stroke unit care over time : A 15-year follow-up of socioeconomic disparities in Sweden
- 2013
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 36:5-6, s. 407-411
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite the compelling scientific evidence on the superiority of stroke unit care, far from all acute stroke patients have access to stroke unit care. In congruence with what has been observed when other new methods are introduced in health care, we hypothesized that there has been an inequality in the buildup phase of stroke units but that the gradients between patient groups have decreased as the total capacity of stroke unit care has increased. The purpose of this study was to explore if patients in a national sample who were socioeconomically disadvantaged (low education or low income) had reduced access to stroke unit care and if differences varied over time. Methods: All patients 18-74 years of age registered between 1995 and 2009 in Riks-Stroke, the Swedish stroke register, were included. The Stroke Unit Trialists' definition of a stroke unit has been adopted by Riks-Stroke and hospitals participating in the registry. Basic patient characteristics, stroke risk factors, process and outcome variables are recorded in Riks-Stroke. Socioeconomic data were accessed from Statistics Sweden. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for stroke unit care between prespecified patient subgroups. Results: A total of 319,240 stroke patients were included in Riks-Stroke during the years 1995-2009, and 124,173 were aged between 18 and 74 years; they were included in the final analyses. After adjustment for confounders in a multiple regression model, women were treated in stroke units slightly less often [OR 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-0.99]. There were no statistically significant associations between stroke unit care and age or between stroke unit care and cohabiting or living alone. The highest level of education predicted access to stroke unit care (secondary vs. primary school: OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07; university vs. primary school: OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10). Differences according to level of education diminished over time (p = 0.001). Income was not independently associated with stroke unit care, and over time the proportion of patients treated in stroke units increased at a similar rate in all income groups (p = 0.12). Conclusions: Even in a country with modest socioeconomic differences in the general population and public financing of all acute hospital care, socioeconomic inequalities in access to stroke unit care were evident during the early years, but they diminished as the total capacity for stroke unit care increased.
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47. |
- Gouw, AA, et al.
(författare)
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Reliability and sensitivity of visual scales versus volumetry for evaluating white matter hyperintensity progression
- 2008
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 25:3, s. 247-253
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> Investigating associations between the change of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and clinical symptoms over time is crucial for establishing a causal relationship. However, the most suitable method for measuring WMH progression has not been established yet. We compared the reliability and sensitivity of cross-sectional and longitudinal visual scales with volumetry for measuring WMH progression. <i>Methods:</i> Twenty MRI scan pairs (interval 2 years) were included from the Amsterdam center of the LADIS study. Semi-automated volumetry of WMH was performed twice by one rater. Three cross-sectional scales (Fazekas Scale, Age-Related White Matter Changes Scale, Scheltens Scale) and two progression scales (Rotterdam Progression Scale, Schmidt Progression Scale) were scored by 4 and repeated by 2 raters. <i>Results:</i> Mean WMH volume (24.6 ± 27.9 ml at baseline) increased by 4.6 ± 5.1 ml [median volume change (range) = 2.7 (–0.6 to 15.7) ml]. Measuring volumetric change in WMH was reliable (intraobserver:intraclass coefficient = 0.88). All visual scales showed significant change of WMH over time, although the sensitivity was highest for both of the progression scales. Proportional volumetric change of WMH correlated best with the Rotterdam Progression Scale (Spearman’s r = 0.80, p < 0.001) and the Schmidt Progression Scale (Spearman’s r = 0.64, p < 0.01). Although all scales were reliable for assessment of WMH cross-sectionally, WMH progression assessment using visual scales was less reliable, except for the Rotterdam Progression scale which had moderate to good reliability [weighted Cohen’s ĸ = 0.63 (intraobserver), 0.59 (interobserver)]. <i>Conclusion:</i> To determine change in WMH, dedicated progression scales are more sensitive and/or reliable and correlate better with volumetric volume change than cross-sectional scales.
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49. |
- Hachinski, Vladimir, et al.
(författare)
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Stroke: Working toward a Prioritized World Agenda
- 2010
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 30:2, s. 127-147
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and Purpose: The aim of the Synergium was to devise and prioritize new ways of accelerating progress in reducing the risks, effects, and consequences of stroke. Methods: Preliminary work was performed by 7 working groups of stroke leaders followed by a synergium (a forum for working synergistically together) with approximately 100 additional participants. The resulting draft document had further input from contributors outside the synergium. Results: Recommendations of the Synergium are: Basic Science, Drug Development and Technology: There is a need to develop: (1) New systems of working together to break down the prevalent 'silo' mentality; (2) New models of vertically integrated basic, clinical, and epidemiological disciplines; and (3) Efficient methods of identifying other relevant areas of science. Stroke Prevention: (1) Establish a global chronic disease prevention initiative with stroke as a major focus. (2) Recognize not only abrupt clinical stroke, but subtle subclinical stroke, the commonest type of cerebrovascular disease, leading to impairments of executive function. (3) Develop, implement and evaluate a population approach for stroke prevention. (4) Develop public health communication strategies using traditional and novel (e. g., social media/marketing) techniques. Acute Stroke Management: Continue the establishment of stroke centers, stroke units, regional systems of emergency stroke care and telestroke networks. Brain Recovery and Rehabilitation: (1) Translate best neuroscience, including animal and human studies, into poststroke recovery research and clinical care. (2) Standardize poststroke rehabilitation based on best evidence. (3) Develop consensus on, then implementation of, standardized clinical and surrogate assessments. (4) Carry out rigorous clinical research to advance stroke recovery. Into the 21st Century: Web, Technology and Communications: (1) Work toward global unrestricted access to stroke-related information. (2) Build centralized electronic archives and registries. Foster Cooperation Among Stakeholders (large stroke organizations, nongovernmental organizations, governments, patient organizations and industry) to enhance stroke care. Educate and energize professionals, patients, the public and policy makers by using a 'Brain Health' concept that enables promotion of preventive measures. Conclusions: To accelerate progress in stroke, we must reach beyond the current status scientifically, conceptually, and pragmatically. Advances can be made not only by doing, but ceasing to do. Significant savings in time, money, and effort could result from discontinuing practices driven by unsubstantiated opinion, unproven approaches, and financial gain. Systematic integration of knowledge into programs coupled with careful evaluation can speed the pace of progress. Copyright (C) 2010 American Heart Association. Inc., S. Karger AG, Basel, and John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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50. |
- Holm, Hannes, et al.
(författare)
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N-Terminal Prosomatostatin and Risk of Vascular Dementia
- 2017
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Ingår i: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 44:5-6, s. 259-265
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Increased somatostatin plasma concentration has been found in patients with vascular dementia. However, it is unknown whether or not somatostatin levels may predict dementia development in the general population. To this end, we sought to assess the association of circulating N-terminal prosomatostatin (NT-proSST) with incident dementia among community-dwelling older adults.METHODS: In the prospective population-based Malmö Preventive Project, 5,347 study participants (mean age: 69 ± 6years; 70% men) provided plasma for the determination of NT-proSST concentration. Of these, 373 participants (7%) were diagnosed with dementia (120 Alzheimer's disease, 83 vascular, 102 mixed, and 68 other aetiology) during a follow-up period of 4.6 ± 1.3 years. The association of NT-proSST with the risk of dementia and its subtypes was studied using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models controlling for age, gender, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive treatment, smoking, diabetes, lipid levels and prevalent stroke.RESULTS: Higher levels of NT-proSST were significantly associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 SD: 1.29; 95% CI 1.05-1.59; p = 0.016), whereas no association was observed with Alzheimer's disease (HR per 1 SD: 0.99; 95% CI 0.81-1.20; p = 0.91), all-cause dementia (HR per 1 SD: 1.04; 95% CI 0.94-1.16; p = 0.44), and mixed dementia (HR per 1 SD: 0.98; 95% CI 0.79-1.21; p = 0.84). Levels of NT-proSST above 563 pmol/L (highest quartile) conferred distinctly increased risk of vascular dementia (HR 1.66; 95% CI 1.05-2.63; p = 0.029) compared with lower values.CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of circulating N-terminal-prosomatostatin are associated with increased incidence of vascular dementia. Our findings might be of importance for the understanding of dementia development in older adults.
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