scholarly journals Exploring the Collateral Damage of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Care

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clotilde Balucani ◽  
J. Ricardo Carhuapoma ◽  
Joseph K. Canner ◽  
Roland Faigle ◽  
Brenda Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Stroke Subtype ◽  
Hospital Arrival ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Emergency Measures

Background and Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the various emergency measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus and to overcome the volume of affected patients presenting to hospitals may have had unintended consequences. Several studies reported a decrease in the number of stroke admissions. There are no data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stroke admissions and stroke care in Maryland. Methods: A retrospective analysis of quality improvement data reported by stroke centers in the State of Maryland. The number of admissions for stroke, overall and by stroke subtype, between March 1 and September 30, 2020 (pandemic) were compared with the same time period in 2019 (prepandemic). Median last known well to hospital arrival time, the number of intravenous thrombolysis and thrombectomy were also compared. Results: During the initial 7 months of the pandemic, there were 6529 total admissions for stroke and transient ischemic attack, monthly mean 938 (95% CI, 837.1–1038.9) versus prepandemic 8003, monthly mean 1156.3 (CI, 1121.3–1191.2), P <0.001. A significant decrease was observed in intravenous thrombolysis treatments, pandemic 617, monthly mean 88.1 (80.7–95.6) versus prepandemic 805, monthly mean 115 (CI, 104.3–125.6), P <0.001; there was no significant decrease for thrombectomies. The pandemic decreased the probability of admissions for stroke and transient ischemic attack by 19%, for acute ischemic stroke by 20%, for the number of intravenous thrombolysis performed by 23%. There was no difference in the number of admissions for subarachnoid hemorrhage, pandemic 199, monthly mean 28.4 (CI, 22.5–34.3) versus prepandemic 217, monthly mean 31 (CI, 23.9–38.1), respectively, P =0.507. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the acute care of unrelated cerebrovascular emergencies.

Abstract P846: The Collateral Damage of COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Care: Data From a State Stroke Registry

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clotilde Balucani ◽  
Juan R Carhuapoma ◽  
Romanus R Faigle ◽  
Brenda J Johnson ◽  
Anna C Aycock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stroke Care ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
The State ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Stroke Subtype ◽  
Hospital Arrival ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic the “stay-home” public campaign implemented to contain the spread of the virus and the reorganization of hospitals to manage the overwhelming volume of affected patients, may have had unintended consequences. Prior studies reported a decrease in the number of stroke and TIAs admissions. Most reports have been from single hospitals, there is no data available on the impact on a statewide level. Methods: A retrospective analysis of stroke quality improvement data reported to the State of Maryland. These data are from Primary, Thrombectomy-Capable, and Comprehensive Stroke Centers. The number of admissions for stroke overall and by stroke subtype are reported and compared for March-June 2020 vs. March-June 2019. Last known well (LKW) to hospital arrival, intravenous tPA (IV tPA) and thrombectomy rates were analyzed. Results: The overall number of stroke admissions from March-June 2020 compared to March-June 2019 was 1,001 vs. 1,203 in March, 809 vs. 1,112 in April, 950 vs. 1206 in May, and 937 vs. 1,261 in June. There was an average 21% decrease for the 4-month period in 2020 compared to 2019. For ischemic stroke, there was a decrease in hospital admission for each month in 2020 vs. 2019: 740 vs. 922 in March, 606 vs. 866 in April, 721 vs. 906 in May, and 698 vs. 880 in June. TIAs admission rates were similarly decreased in 2020 vs. 2019: 116 vs. 136, 74 vs. 97, 111 vs. 137, and 107 vs. 111. The number of ICH admissions in 2020 vs. 2019 was 100 vs. 107 in March, 90 vs. 112 in April, 96 vs. 116 in May, and 103 vs. 121 in June. Median LKW well to hospital arrival was 292 vs. 254 min in March, 383 vs. 293 min in April, 291.5 vs. 247 min in May, and 320 vs. 292 min in June. There was about 1% decrease in thrombectomy rates in the 4-month period in 2020 compared to 2019. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Maryland there was a consistent decrease in the volume of stroke admissions. Median LKW to hospital arrival was also increased, supporting evidence for of a delay in stroke care. While reasons for these changes need to be further explored, our findings suggest that public health campaigns for the pandemic should take into account and not adversely affect the acute care of unrelated medical emergencies.

Development of the Madrid Stroke Programme: Milestones and Changes in Stroke Trends and Mortality from 1997 to 2017

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Silvia Pastor ◽  
Elena de Celis ◽  
Itsaso Losantos García ◽  
María Alonso de Leciñana ◽  
Blanca Fuentes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Stroke Units ◽  
Health Region ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Stroke is a serious health problem, given it is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the European Union. Our study aimed to assess the impact of stroke care organization measures (such as the development of stroke units, implementation of a regional stroke code, and treatment with intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy) implemented from 1997 to 2017 on hospital admissions due to stroke and mortality attributed to stroke in the Madrid health region. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Epidemiological data were obtained from the National Statistics Institute public website. We collected data on the number of patients discharged with a diagnosis of stroke, in-hospital mortality due to stroke and the number of inhabitants in the Madrid health region each year. We calculated rates of discharges and mortality due to stroke and the number of inhabitants per SU bed, and we analysed temporal trends in in-hospital mortality due to stroke using the Daniels test in 2 separate time periods (before and after 2011). Figures representing annual changes in these data from 1997 to 2017 were elaborated, marking stroke care organizational measures in the year they were implemented to visualize their temporal relation with changes in stroke statistics. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Hospital discharges with a diagnosis of stroke have increased from 170.3/100,000 inhabitants in 1997 to 230.23/100,000 inhabitants in 2017. However, the in-hospital mortality rate due to stroke has decreased (from 33.3 to 15.2%). A statistically significant temporal trend towards a decrease in the mortality percentage and rate was found from 1997 to 2011. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our study illustrates how measures such as the development of stroke units, implementation of a regional stroke code and treatment with intravenous thrombolysis coincide in time with a reduction in in-hospital mortality due to stroke.

scholarly journals Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations for Acute Stroke Management: Prehospital, Emergency Department, and Acute Inpatient Stroke Care, 6th Edition, Update 2018

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 949-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Boulanger ◽  
MP Lindsay ◽  
G Gubitz ◽  
EE Smith ◽  
G Stotts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Stroke Management ◽  
Practice Recommendations ◽  
Prehospital Emergency ◽  
Ischemic Attack

The 2018 update of the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations for Acute Stroke Management, 6th edition, is a comprehensive summary of current evidence-based recommendations, appropriate for use by healthcare providers and system planners caring for persons with very recent symptoms of acute stroke or transient ischemic attack. The recommendations are intended for use by a interdisciplinary team of clinicians across a wide range of settings and highlight key elements involved in prehospital and Emergency Department care, acute treatments for ischemic stroke, and acute inpatient care. The most notable changes included in this 6th edition are the renaming of the module and its integration of the formerly separate modules on prehospital and emergency care and acute inpatient stroke care. The new module, Acute Stroke Management: Prehospital, Emergency Department, and Acute Inpatient Stroke Care is now a single, comprehensive module addressing the most important aspects of acute stroke care delivery. Other notable changes include the removal of two sections related to the emergency management of intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. These topics are covered in a new, dedicated module, to be released later this year. The most significant recommendation updates are for neuroimaging; the extension of the time window for endovascular thrombectomy treatment out to 24 h; considerations for treating a highly selected group of people with stroke of unknown time of onset; and recommendations for dual antiplatelet therapy for a limited duration after acute minor ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. This module also emphasizes the need for increased public and healthcare provider’s recognition of the signs of stroke and immediate actions to take; the important expanding role of paramedics and all emergency medical services personnel; arriving at a stroke-enabled Emergency Department without delay; and launching local healthcare institution code stroke protocols. Revisions have also been made to the recommendations for the triage and assessment of risk of recurrent stroke after transient ischemic attack/minor stroke and suggested urgency levels for investigations and initiation of management strategies. The goal of this updated guideline is to optimize stroke care across Canada, by reducing practice variations and reducing the gap between current knowledge and clinical practice.

Abstract 137: Neighborhood Income and 30-day Readmissions for Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith H Lichtman ◽  
Erica C Leifheit-Limson ◽  
Yun Wang ◽  
Larry B Goldstein
Keyword(s):  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Stroke Incidence ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Income Quartile

Background: Residence in a socioeconomically challenged neighborhood is associated with increased stroke incidence and shorter post-stroke survival. Little is known about the relationship between socioeconomic status and 30-day post-stroke readmissions. We used a nationally representative readmission database that includes both insured and uninsured patients to determine whether there is a relationship between community-level income and 30-day readmissions after stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: Hospitalizations were identified in the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database for patients aged ≥18y with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH; ICD-9 430), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH; ICD-9 431), ischemic stroke (IS; ICD-9 433, 434, 436), and TIA (ICD-9 435). We used mixed logistic regression models with hospital-specific random effects to assess the relationship between community income level (measured according to the median household income quartile for a patient’s ZIP code) and 30-day readmissions. Models were stratified by age and adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: There were 7,061 hospitalizations for SAH, 17,325 for ICH, 212,306 for IS, and 67,606 for TIA. In unadjusted analyses, 30-day readmission rates decreased with increasing income quartile for younger patients hospitalized with IS and SAH (figure). In adjusted analyses, this association persisted only among those with IS aged 18-44y for whom each quartile increase in income was associated with a 7% decrease in 30-day readmission (figure). There were no significant associations between income and 30-day readmission for SAH, ICH, and TIA. Conclusions: Overall, community income was not associated with readmission for hemorrhagic stroke and TIA, but higher income was associated with lower 30-day readmission for younger IS patients. Possible explanatory factors such as better access to post-stroke care warrant further research for this subgroup.

Management of acute ischemic stroke

BMJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. l6983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S Phipps ◽  
Carolyn A Cronin
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in developed countries and one of the top causes of mortality worldwide. The past decade has seen substantial advances in the diagnostic and treatment options available to minimize the impact of acute ischemic stroke. The key first step in stroke care is early identification of patients with stroke and triage to centers capable of delivering the appropriate treatment, as fast as possible. Here, we review the data supporting pre-hospital and emergency stroke care, including use of emergency medical services protocols for identification of patients with stroke, intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke including updates to recommended patient eligibility criteria and treatment time windows, and advanced imaging techniques with automated interpretation to identify patients with large areas of brain at risk but without large completed infarcts who are likely to benefit from endovascular thrombectomy in extended time windows from symptom onset. We also review protocols for management of patient physiologic parameters to minimize infarct volumes and recent updates in secondary prevention recommendations including short term use of dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent recurrent stroke in the high risk period immediately after stroke. Finally, we discuss emerging therapies and questions for future research.

scholarly journals The decrease in hospitalizations for transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke, especially in mild cases, during the COVID-19 epidemic in Japan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Nagano ◽  
Daisuke Takada ◽  
Jung-ho Shin ◽  
Tetsuji Morishita ◽  
Susumu Kunisawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Stroke Diagnosis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe epidemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected health care systems globally. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on hospital admissions for stroke in Japan.MethodsWe analyzed administrative (Diagnosis Procedure Combination) data for cases of inpatients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with stroke (ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), hemorrhagic stroke, or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)) and discharged from hospital during the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. The number of patients with each stroke diagnosis, various patient characteristics, and treatment approaches were compared before and after the epidemic. Changes in the trend of the monthly number of inpatients with each stroke diagnosis were assessed using interrupted time-series analyses.ResultsA total of 111,922 cases (ischemic stroke: 74,897 cases; TIA: 5,374 cases; hemorrhagic stroke: 24,779 cases; SAH: 6,872 cases) in 253 hospitals were included. The number of cases for all types of stroke decreased (ischemic stroke: -13.9%; TIA: -21.4%; hemorrhagic stroke: -9.9%; SAH: -15.2%) in April and May 2020, compared to the number of cases in 2019. Ischemic stroke and TIA cases, especially mild cases (modified Rankin Scale = 0), decreased, with a statistically significant change in trend between the before- and after-epidemic periods.ConclusionsThese data showed a marked reduction in the number of hospital admissions due to stroke during the COVID-19 epidemic. The change in Ischemic stroke and TIA cases, especially mild cases, was statistically significant.

Abstract TP316: Appraising the Quality of Patient Care in Hospitalization for Transient Ischemic Attack

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kavelin Rumalla ◽  
Adithi Y Reddy ◽  
Ashna Rajan ◽  
Manoj K Mittal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Pressure Ulcers ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
Healthcare Research ◽  
Adjusted Risk ◽  
Patient Safety Indicators ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) patient safety indicators (PSIs) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) are federally implemented quality metrics. The necessity of hospitalization for transient ischemic attack (TIA) remains controversial. Here, we report the incidence, risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes associated with HACs and PSIs in this population. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011) was queried for all records coded as primary diagnoses of TIA. The impact of demographics, insurance status, comorbidities, and in-hospital procedures on the occurrence of PSIs and HACs and the effect of these events on length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, and mortality was examined in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 52,969 PSIs and 21,612 HACs were identified among 2,117,247 TIA hospitalizations. The most frequent PSIs were pressure ulcers (1,173 per 100,000 patients), deep vein thrombosis (376 per 100,000 patients), and respiratory failure (329 per 100,000 patients) while the most frequent HACs were falls/trauma (942 per 100,000 patients), poor glycemic control (33 per 100,000 patients), and stage III/IV pressure ulcers (31 per 100,000 patients). In adjusted analyses, age 85+ (odds ratios [ORs]: 3.81, 1.50), Medicare (ORs: 1.62, 1.37), Medicaid (ORs: 2.01, 1.34), and 3+ comorbidities (ORs: 2.83, 1.30) were independent predictors of PSI or HAC occurrence, respectively (all p<0.0001). Adjusted risk factors of PSI occurrence included: black race (OR: 1.21), in-hospital ischemic stroke (OR: 1.97), thrombolytic therapy (OR: 2.54), coronary angioplasty (OR: 1.81), and coronary artery bypass graft (OR: 7.18) (all p<0.0001). PSI or HAC in TIA patients independently predicted prolonged LOS, increased total costs, and adverse discharges (all p<0.0001). In TIA patients suffering a PSI or HAC, odds of mortality were increased by factors of 30.1 and 4.08, respectively (all p<0.0001). Conclusion: Among TIA hospitalizations, patient age, race, payer status, pre-existing comorbidity, hospital characteristics, and procedural management significantly impact the occurrence of PSIs and HACs, further affecting patient outcomes.

Abstract P651: Should I Stay or Go: Seeking Stroke Care During Covid-19

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathyrn J Libby ◽  
Linda Couts ◽  
Paige Schoenheit-Scott ◽  
Lindsay L Olson-Mack ◽  
Amelia Kenner Brininger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
San Diego ◽  
Arrival Time ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
San Diego County ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Hospital Arrival ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Introduction: On March 16, 2020 San Diego County implemented a stay at home order in response to COVID-19 pandemic; followed by the state of California instituting a shelter in place order. Locally, San Diego County’s stroke receiving centers (SRC) determined a 30% drop in stroke code activations between March-April 2020 compared to the same time in 2019 indicating a possible delay in seeking care. Utilizing discharge data, we sought to understand the impact of the stay at home order on the timeliness of seeking care. Hypothesis: We hypothesized an increase in last known normal (LKN) to hospital arrival time and a decrease in alteplase (tPA) and endovascular therapy (EVT) treatment rates between March 16-June 30 2020 compared to March 16-June 30 2019. Methods: AIS patients presenting to one of 16 SRC in San Diego County between March 16-June 30 in 2019 and 2020, discharged from the hospital or treated in the ED and transferred to another facility were included. Patients arriving as transfers from another facility were excluded. Results: In 2019, of 1,342 AIS cases LKN time was recorded for 85.6% of cases; of 1,092 cases in 2020 86.4% of cases had a LKN. Average LKN to arrival was 20.5 hours in 2019 and 32.4 hours in 2020 (p = .001, 95% CI [4.79, 18.93]). In 2019, 209 (15.6%) received tPA and 91 (6.8%) had EVT. In 2020, 144 (13.2%) received tPA and 75 (6.9%) had EVT. Odds that a case in 2019 received tPA was 1.21 times that of cases in 2020 (p=.09). Odds that a case in 2019 had EVT was .99 times that of cases in 2020 (p=.93). Conclusion: Ischemic stroke patients arriving between March 16-June 30, 2020 had a longer LKN to arrival time compared to the same time frame in 2019. The longer time to arrival may have been due to patients waiting longer to seek care, as anecdotal information from patients eluded to. The odds of receiving tPA or EVT treatment in 2020 compared to 2019 were not statistically significant. This may be due to patients experiencing acute symptoms accessing healthcare at the same rate in 2020 as 2019. Analysis of percent of patients arriving within 4 hours of LKN and average NIHSS are important next steps to determine this. Regardless, during a time of community crisis, it is important to broadcast community messaging focusing on the importance of seeking emergency care for stroke-like symptoms.

The Effect of Intravenous Thrombolysis on Transient Ischemic Attack and Cerebral Infarction Patients Under the Guidance of Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 590-594
Author(s):  
Aixia Song ◽  
Jing Chen ◽  
Yan Sun ◽  
Xiaoqin Wang ◽  
Jichao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Thrombolytic Therapy ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Neurological Prognosis ◽  
Multimodal Mri ◽  
Ischemic Attack

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) and cerebral infarction with multimodal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Patients with acute cerebral infarction diagnosed and treated with intravenous thrombolysis were enrolled in the study. Multimodal MRI was performed to determine the location and type of cerebral infarction. Based on routine treatment and care, the rt-PA (Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator) intravenous thrombolytic therapy was applied. The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) scores of patients before and after treatment were evaluated and compared to analyze the neurological prognosis. Results: The NIHSS scores after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the neurological prognosis was good. Three different forms of ACVS (asymmetric cortical venous signs) after treatment could be observed by SWI (drug-sensitive weighted imaging) images, which could help to assess the prognosis. Conclusion: Multimodal MRI could evaluate the type and severity of acute cerebral infarction. The rt-PA intravenous thrombolytic therapy could effectively promote the recovery of neurological functions in patients with cerebral infarction, which was worthy of clinical promotion.

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