scholarly journals Peak Troponin I Levels Are Associated with Functional Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 72-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan T. Gerner ◽  
Katrin Auerbeck ◽  
Maximilian I. Sprügel ◽  
Jochen A. Sembill ◽  
Dominik  Madžar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Myocardial Damage ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Unfavorable Outcome ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
The Impact

Background: Troponin I is a widely used and reliable marker of myocardial damage and its levels are routinely measured in acute stroke care. So far, the influence of troponin I elevations during hospital stay on functional outcome in patients with atraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. Methods: Observational single-center study including conservatively treated ICH patients over a 9-year period. Patients were categorized according to peak troponin I level during hospital stay (≤0.040, 0.041–0.500, > 0.500 ng/mL) and compared regarding baseline and hematoma characteristics. Multivariable analyses were performed to investigate independent associations of troponin levels during hospital stay with functional outcome – assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; favorable 0–3/unfavorable 4–6) – and mortality after 3 and 12 months. To account for possible confounding propensity score (PS)-matching (1: 1; caliper 0.1) was performed accounting for imbalances in baseline characteristics to investigate the impact of troponin I values on outcome. Results: Troponin elevations (> 0.040 ng/mL) during hospital stay were observed in 308 out of 745 (41.3%) patients and associated with poorer status on admission (Glasgow Coma Scale/National Institute of Health Stroke Scale). Multivariable analysis revealed troponin I levels during hospital stay to be independently associated with unfavorable outcome after 12 months (risk ratio [95% CI]: 1.030 [1.009–1.051] per increment of 1.0 ng/mL; p = 0.005), but not with mortality. After PS-matching, patients with troponin I elevation (≥0.040 ng/mL) versus those without had a significant higher rate of ­unfavorable outcome after 3 and 12 months (mRS 4–6 at 3 months: < 0.04 ng/mL: 159/265 [60.0%] versus ≥0.04 ng/mL: 199/266 [74.8%]; p < 0.001; at 12 months: < 0.04 ng/mL: 141/248 [56.9%] versus ≥0.04 ng/mL: 179/251 [71.3%]; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Troponin I elevations during hospital stay occur frequently in ICH patients and are independently associated with functional outcome after 3 and 12 months but not with mortality.

Influence of the Extent of Intraventricular Hemorrhage on Functional Outcome and Mortality in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 245-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian S. Roeder ◽  
Maximilian I. Sprügel ◽  
Jochen A. Sembill ◽  
Antje Giede-Jeppe ◽  
Kosmas Macha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Intraventricular Hemorrhage ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
External Ventricular Drain ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Unfavorable Outcome ◽  
Unfavorable Clinical Outcome ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Background and Objective: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a verified independent prognostic parameter in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the impact of the extent of IVH on clinical outcomes is unestablished. Methods: We analyzed 1,112 consecutive primary ICH patients of the UKER-ICH cohort (NCT03183167) and hypothesized that there is no difference in outcome between patients without IVH and patients with minor IVH not leading to obstructive hydrocephalus. Propensity score matching and multivariable analyses were performed to account for imbalances in baseline characteristics. Primary outcome was defined as functional outcome 3 months after ICH ­assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) dichotomized into favorable (mRS = 0–3) and unfavorable outcome (mRS = 4–6). Secondary outcomes included mortality at 3  months and a Graeb score-based threshold analysis for association of the extent of IVH with unfavorable clinical outcome. Results: Among the 461 out of 1,112 (41.5%) ICH patients with IVH, 191 out of 461 (41.4%) showed IVH without obstructive hydrocephalus and no requirement of external ventricular drain (EVD) placement. After adjusting for baseline imbalances we found no difference in functional outcome at 3 months between patients without IVH (No-IVH) and patients with IVH not requiring EVD (IVH-w/o-EVD): mRS 0–3: No-IVH 64/161 (39.8%) vs. IVH-w/o-EVD 53/170 (31.2%); p = 0.103. However, there was a trend toward a higher mortality in IVH-w/o-EVD patients (mRS 6: No IVH 40/161 [24.8%] vs. IVH-w/o-EVD 57/170 [33.5%]; p = 0.083). Multivariable analysis revealed that a Graeb score >2 was independently associated with unfavorable outcome (mRS 4–6: OR 3.16 [1.54–6.48]; p = 0.002), and higher mortality (mRS 6: OR 2.57 [1.40–4.74]; p = 0.002) in IVH patients. Conclusions: Small amounts of intraventricular blood (Graeb score ≤2) not leading to obstructive hydrocephalus are not associated with unfavorable outcome or death after ICH. Thus, IVH per se should not be considered a binary variable in outcome prediction for ICH patients.

scholarly journals Bottlenecks in the Acute Stroke Care System during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Catalonia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Anna Ramos-Pachón ◽  
Álvaro García-Tornel ◽  
Mònica Millán ◽  
Marc Ribó ◽  
Sergi Amaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Prehospital Delays ◽  
The Impact

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant healthcare reorganizations, potentially striking standard medical care. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute stroke care quality and clinical outcomes to detect healthcare system’s bottlenecks from a territorial point of view. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Crossed-data analysis between a prospective nation-based mandatory registry of acute stroke, Emergency Medical System (EMS) records, and daily incidence of COVID-19 in Catalonia (Spain). We included all stroke code activations during the pandemic (March 15–May 2, 2020) and an immediate prepandemic period (January 26–March 14, 2020). Primary outcomes were stroke code activations and reperfusion therapies in both periods. Secondary outcomes included clinical characteristics, workflow metrics, differences across types of stroke centers, correlation analysis between weekly EMS alerts, COVID-19 cases, and workflow metrics, and impact on mortality and clinical outcome at 90 days. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Stroke code activations decreased by 22% and reperfusion therapies dropped by 29% during the pandemic period, with no differences in age, stroke severity, or large vessel occlusion. Calls to EMS were handled 42 min later, and time from onset to hospital arrival increased by 53 min, with significant correlations between weekly COVID-19 cases and more EMS calls (rho = 0.81), less stroke code activations (rho = −0.37), and longer prehospital delays (rho = 0.25). Telestroke centers were afflicted with higher reductions in stroke code activations, reperfusion treatments, referrals to endovascular centers, and increased delays to thrombolytics. The independent odds of death increased (OR 1.6 [1.05–2.4], <i>p</i> 0.03) and good functional outcome decreased (mRS ≤2 at 90 days: OR 0.6 [0.4–0.9], <i>p</i> 0.015) during the pandemic period. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> During the COVID-19 pandemic, Catalonia’s stroke system’s weakest points were the delay to EMS alert and a decline of stroke code activations, reperfusion treatments, and interhospital transfers, mostly at local centers. Patients suffering an acute stroke during the pandemic period had higher odds of poor functional outcome and death. The complete stroke care system’s analysis is crucial to allocate resources appropriately.

scholarly journals Acute and Chronic Kidney Dysfunction and Outcome After Stroke Thrombectomy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Fandler-Höfler ◽  
Balazs Odler ◽  
Markus Kneihsl ◽  
Gerit Wünsch ◽  
Melanie Haidegger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Unfavorable Outcome ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Kidney Dysfunction ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
The Impact

AbstractData on the impact of kidney dysfunction on outcome in patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion are scarce. The few available studies are limited by only considering single kidney parameters measured at one time point. We thus investigated the influence of both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) on outcome after mechanical thrombectomy. We included consecutive patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke receiving mechanical thrombectomy at our center over an 8-year period. We extracted clinical data from a prospective registry and investigated kidney serum parameters at admission, the following day and throughout hospital stay. CKD and AKI were defined according to established nephrological criteria. Unfavorable outcome was defined as scores of 3–6 on the modified Rankin Scale 3 months post-stroke. Among 465 patients, 31.8% had an impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at admission (< 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Impaired admission eGFR was related to unfavorable outcome in univariable analysis (p = 0.003), but not after multivariable adjustment (p = 0.96). Patients frequently met AKI criteria at admission (24.5%), which was associated with unfavorable outcome in a multivariable model (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.73–5.30, p < 0.001). Moreover, patients who developed AKI during hospital stay also had a worse outcome (p = 0.002 in multivariable analysis). While CKD was not associated with 3-month outcome, we identified AKI either at admission or throughout the hospital stay as an independent predictor of unfavorable prognosis in this study cohort. This finding warrants further investigation of kidney–brain crosstalk in the setting of acute stroke.

Abstract P141: Global Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Acute Stroke and Mechanical Thrombectomy - An International Survey

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dileep R Yavagal ◽  
Vasu Saini ◽  
Violiza Inoa ◽  
Hannah E Gardener ◽  
Sheila O Martins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Treatment Practices ◽  
Global Impact ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the healthcare systems across the world but its impact on acute stroke care is just being elucidated. We hypothesized a major global impact of COVID-19 not only on stroke volumes but also on thrombectomy practice. Methods: A 19-item questionnaire survey aimed to identify the changes in stroke volumes and treatment practices seen during COVID-19 pandemic was designed using Qualtrics software. It was sent to stroke and neuro-interventional physicians around the world who are part of the executive committee of a global coalition, Mission Thrombectomy 2020 (MT2020) between April 5 th to May 15 th , 2020. Results: There were 113 responses across 25 countries. Globally there was a median 33% decrease in stroke admissions and a 25% decrease in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) procedures during COVID-19 pandemic compared to immediately preceding months (Figure 1A-B). This overall median decrease was despite a median increase in stroke volume in 4 European countries which diverted all stroke patients to only a few selected centers during the pandemic. The intubation policy during the pandemic for patients undergoing MT was highly variable across participating centers: 44% preferred intubating all patients, including 25% centers that changed their policy to preferred-intubation (PI) vs 27% centers that switched to preferred-conscious-sedation (PCS). There was no significant difference in rate of COVID-19 infection between PI vs PCS (p=0.6) or if intubation policy was changed in either direction (p=1). Low-volume (<10 stroke/month) compared with high-volume stroke centers (>20 strokes/month) are less likely to have neurointerventional suite specific written personal protective equipment protocols (74% vs 88%) and if present, these centers are more likely to report them to be inadequate (58% vs 92%). Conclusion: Our data provides a comprehensive snapshot of the impact on acute stroke care observed worldwide during the pandemic.

Circulating Erythrocyte Microparticles and the Biochemical Extent of Myocardial Injury in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Cardiology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Giannopoulos ◽  
Dimitrios A. Vrachatis ◽  
Georgios Oudatzis ◽  
Georgios Paterakis ◽  
Christos Angelidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Myocardial Damage ◽  
Primary Angioplasty ◽  
St Elevation Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Vascular Effects ◽  
St Elevation

Objectives: Red blood cell microparticles (RBCm) have potential adverse vascular effects and they have been shown to be elevated in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The purpose of this study is to investigate their relationship with biochemical infarct size. Methods: RBCm were quantified with flow cytometry in blood drawn from 60 STEMI patients after a primary angioplasty. The creatine kinase-myocardial brain fraction (CK-MB) was measured at predefined time points and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Results: RBCm count was correlated with CK-MB AUC (Spearman's ρ = 0.83, p < 0.001). The CK-MB AUC values per RBCm quartile (lower to upper) were: 3,351 (2,452-3,608), 5,005 (4,450-5,424), 5,903 (4,862-10,594), and 8,406 (6,848-12,782) ng × h/ml, respectively. From lower to upper quartiles, the maximal troponin I values were: 42.2 (23.3-49.3), 49.6 (28.8-54.1), 59.2 (41.4-77.3), and 69.1 (48.0-77.5) ng/ml (p = 0.005). In multivariable analysis, RBCm remained a significant predictor of CK-MB AUC (standardized β = 0.63, adjusted p = 0.001). Conclusions: Erythrocyte microparticles appear to be related to the total myocardial damage biomarker output. The exact pathophysiologic routes, if any, for this interaction remain to be identified. However, these results suggest that erythrocytes may be a - thus far virtually ignored - player in the pathogenesis of ischemic injury.

Abstract 2270: Preoperative Metabolic Therapy Improves Cardiac Surgical Outcomes: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin L Rosenfeldt ◽  
Jee Y Leong ◽  
Salvatore Pepe ◽  
Juliana Van der Merwe ◽  
Donald S Esmore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Lipoic Acid ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Myocardial Damage ◽  
Postoperative Hospital Stay ◽  
Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Metabolic Therapy

In the current era the typical patient presenting for cardiac surgery is elderly with multiple co-morbidities. These high-risk patients contribute disproportionately to postoperative morbidity and mortality. We have shown that metabolic therapy with antioxidants such as coenzyme Q 10 (Co Q 10 ) and lipoic acid as well as energy substrate precursors such as orotate have protective effects on the stressed myocardium. We postulated that such therapy would reduce myocardial damage and improve post-operative recovery. Aim: To assess the effects of perioperative metabolic therapy on clinical and biochemical outcomes of cardiac surgery. Methods: Patients ( n =117), mean age 65 years, 74% male, undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or valve surgery were randomised to receive daily for a minimum of 2 weeks before, and 4 weeks after surgery, metabolic therapy consisting of CoQ 10 300mg, magnesium orotate 1.2g, alpha lipoic acid 300mg, fish oil 999 mg and selenium 200 μg or placebo. Results: In the whole group, metabolic therapy vs placebo was associated (multivariate analysis) with lower 24-hour postoperative plasma troponin I (1.44 ± 0.25 vs 2.65 ± 0.61 ug/L, p =0.003) and reduced postoperative hospital stay (6.9± 0.04 vs 8.1 ± 0.04 days, p =0.002). In CABG alone group (n=70), metabolic therapy reduced the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (23% vs 46%, p =0.04, multivariate analysis). Conclusions: Metabolic therapy before cardiac surgery is associated with: Reduced myocardial damage (troponin I release); Shortened postoperative hospital stay; Reduced incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in CABG patients. Clinical and economic benefits may be expected from general application of this therapy.

Abstract 21: Are Stroke Outcomes Influenced by New Starting Residents? The July Effect: Myth or Reality?

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tai Hwan Park ◽  
Jitphapa Pongmoragot ◽  
Shudong Li ◽  
Gustavo Saposnik ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Stroke Outcomes ◽  
July Effect ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
To Receive

Background: Acute stroke care provided by comprehensive stroke centers usually follows prespecified protocols. However, there are concerns about lower quality of care and poorer stroke outcomes early after new trainnees (e.g.) residents start in July in academic/teaching hospitals. This has been called ‘the July effect’. Objective: To evaluate access to specialized care and outcomes among patients admitted with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in July and other months. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that there were no significant differences in access to stroke care and outcomes for patients admitted in July when new trainees start at academic centers. Methods: Patients presenting with an AIS at 11 stroke centers in Ontario, Canada, between 2003 and 2009 were identified from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network. We compared performance measures and functional outcomes (death at 30 days, modified Rankin Scale 3 to 5 at discharge) between AIS patients admitted in July of each studied year and those who admitted during other months. Results: Of 10,319 eligible patients with an AIS, 882 (8.5%) were admitted in July. There was not difference in age, sex, or baseline stroke severity between patients admitted in July or other months. Among the performance measures analyzed, AIS admitted in July were less likely to receive thrombolysis (12.1% vs. 16.0%, p=0.002), swallowing test (64.4% vs. 67.9%, p=0.033), and admission to stroke unit (61.9% vs. 67.6%, <0.001). There was no difference in death at 30-days (16.4% vs. 16.1%, p=0.823) or poor functional outcome (61.0% vs. 63.5%, p=0.14) between two groups (Table). Conclusion: AIS patients admitted in July were less likely to receive thrombolysis and be admitted to stroke units compared to patients admitted on the rest of the year. However, there was no negative effect of “admission on July” on functional outcome or death.

Abstract P128: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Houston on Stroke Care in a Health System of 10 Stroke Centers

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujan T Reddy ◽  
Tzu-ching Wu ◽  
Suja S Rajan ◽  
Amirali Tahanan ◽  
Mohammad H Rahbar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Health System ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Pandemic Preparedness ◽  
Initial Drop ◽  
Mild Stroke ◽  
Transferred Patients ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: We assessed the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on stroke admissions and care metrics within a health system of 10 stroke centers, with 4 comprehensive stroke centers (CSC) in the greater Houston region. Methods: Between January-June 2019 and January-June 2020, we compared the proportion of ischemic strokes (total & direct CSC presentations) & intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) relative to total admissions using logistic regression, and among the direct CSC presentations, we compared door to tPA and thrombectomy times using Wilcoxon Rank Sum. Results: A total of 4808 cases were assessed (Table 1). There was an initial drop of ~30% in cases at the pandemic onset (Fig.1). Numerically fewer patients in the 2020 period were seen at primary and CSCs (Table 1). Compared to 2019, there was a significant reduction in transferred patients [N(%), 829 (36) vs. 637 (34), p=0.02], in hospital strokes [N(%), 111 (5) vs. 69 (4), p=0.04], and mild strokes (NIHSS 1-5) [N (%), 891 (43) vs. 635 (40),p=0.02], and no significant differences in the proportions of total ischemic strokes [OR (95% CI)=0.92 (0.79, 1.06), p=0.23], direct CSC presentations [OR (95% CI) =0.96 (0.86, 1.08), p=0.48] and ICH [OR (95% CI) =1.14 (0.98, 1.33), p=0.08] in 2020 (Fig. 1). Among the direct ischemic strokes at CSCs, there were similar mean (SD) (mins) door to tPA [44 (17) vs. 42 (17), p=0.14] but significantly prolonged door to thrombectomy times [94 (15) vs. 85 (20), p=0.005] in 2020. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced mild stroke admissions, transfers and in hospital stroke alerts, & prolonged door to thrombectomy times. Identifying reasons to mitigate this discrepancy is crucial for next pandemic preparedness.

Abstract TMP86: Telestroke Improves Guideline-Based Comprehensive Stroke Care: The TELECAST Trial

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher D Streib ◽  
Oladi Bentho ◽  
Kathryn Bard ◽  
Eric Jaton ◽  
Sarah Engkjer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Composite Score ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Specialist Service ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Limited access to stroke specialist expertise produces disparities in inpatient stroke treatment. The impact of telestroke on the remote delivery of guideline-based inpatient stroke care is yet to be comprehensively studied. The TELECAST trial (NCT03672890) prospectively examined the impact of a 24-7 telestroke specialist service dedicated to inpatient acute stroke care spanning admission to discharge. Methods: AHA stroke guidelines were used to derive outcome metrics in the following acute stroke inpatient care categories: diagnostic stroke evaluation (DSE), secondary stroke prevention (SSP), health screening and evaluation (HSE), and stroke education (SE). Adherence to AHA guidelines for stroke inpatients pre-telestroke (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2018) and post-telestroke intervention (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019) were studied. The primary outcome was a composite score of all guideline-based stroke care. Secondary outcomes consisted of subcategory composite scores in DSE, SSP, HSE, and SE. Chi-squared tests were utilized to assess primary and secondary outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 15.0. Results: Following institution of a comprehensive inpatient telestroke service, overall adherence to guideline-based metrics improved (composite score: 85% vs 94%, p<0.01) as did adherence to DSE guidelines (subgroup score: 90 vs 95%, p<0.01). SSP, HSE, and SE subgroup scores were not significantly different. See Table 1. Conclusion: The implementation of a 24-7 inpatient telestroke service improved adherence to AHA guidelines for inpatient acute stroke care. Dedicated inpatient telestroke specialist coverage may improve inpatient stroke care and reduce stroke recurrence in hospitals without access to stroke specialists.

scholarly journals Effects of centralizing acute stroke services

Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. e236-e248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidsel Hastrup ◽  
Soren P. Johnsen ◽  
Thorkild Terkelsen ◽  
Heidi H. Hundborg ◽  
Paul von Weitzel-Mudersbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Acute Hospital ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
Stroke Units ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Stroke Services

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of centralizing the acute stroke services in the Central Denmark Region (CDR).MethodsThe CDR (1.3 million inhabitants) centralized acute stroke care from 6 to 2 designated acute stroke units with 7-day outpatient clinics. We performed a prospective “before-and-after” cohort study comparing all strokes from the CDR with strokes in the rest of Denmark to discover underlying general trends, adopting a difference-in-differences approach. The population comprised 22,141 stroke cases hospitalized from May 2011 to April 2012 and May 2013 to April 2014.ResultsCentralization was associated with a significant reduction in length of acute hospital stay from a median of 5 to 2 days with a length-of-stay ratio of 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.38–0.75, data adjusted) with no corresponding change seen in the rest of Denmark. Similarly, centralization led to a significant increase in strokes with same-day admission (mainly outpatients), whereas this remained unchanged in the rest of Denmark. We observed a significant improvement in quality of care captured in 11 process performance measures in both the CDR and the rest of Denmark. Centralization was associated with a nonsignificant increase in thrombolysis rate. We observed a slight increase in readmissions at day 30, but this was not significantly different from the general trend. Mortality at days 30 and 365 remained unchanged, as in the rest of Denmark.ConclusionsCentralizing acute stroke care in the CDR significantly reduced the length of acute hospital stay without compromising quality. Readmissions and mortality stayed comparable to the rest of Denmark.

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