Awareness of Stroke among University Employees in Kigali, Rwanda: A Cross Sectional Study

Background Awareness of stroke is important for appropriate and timely stroke prevention and management. Objective To assess the level of awareness about the risk factors, signs, and appropriate responses for stroke among university employees in Rwanda. Methods We employed a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional approach. We involved 92 participants, and a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. We computed descriptive statistics and used the Chi-Square test to assess any differences in stroke awareness. Results We found that 12% and 15.2% of the participants were not aware of any risk factor and warning sign of stroke respectively. Regarding the reaction in case a warning sign of stroke was noticed, 9.8% of the participants indicated that they would do nothing or advise the victim to take rest at home. The limited awareness was significantly higher in the administrative than academic employees for both risk factors (p=0.002) and warning signs (p=0.006), but not for the appropriate responses to stroke (p=0.426). Conclusion A significant proportion of the participants were not aware of any stroke risk factor, warning sign and appropriate responses. It is important to conduct further similar studies and implement stroke education interventions in university communities

Determinants of visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability among Ghanaians with hypertension and diabetes mellitus

Objective: To identify the determinants of systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) among Ghanaians. Design: We undertook a secondary analysis of data collected in a prospective study Setting: The study involved patients with hypertension and or diabetes receiving care in five hospitals in Ghana Main outcome measures: We assessed determinants of SBPV among 2,785 Ghanaian patients. We calculated the standard deviation (SD) of systolic BP recordings of 3 to 10 visits per patient over 18 months as a measure of SBPV. A multivariate linear regression analysis was fitted to identify factors independently associated with risk visit-to-visit SBP standard deviation. Results: The mean SD of individual patient visit-to-visit SBP overall was 14.8±6.3 mm Hg. Those with hypertension and diabetes had the highest SD of 15.4 ±6.2 mm Hg followed by 15.2 ±6.5 mm Hg among those with hypertension only and then 12.0 ± 5.2 mm Hg among those with diabetes only, p<0.0001. Factors independently associated with SBPV with adjusted ß coefficients (95% CI) included age: 0.06 (0.03 ­ 0.08) for each year rise in age, eGFR -0.03 (-0.05 - -0.02) for each ml/min rise, low monthly income of <210 Ghana cedis 1.45 (0.43-2.46), and secondary level of education -1.10 (-1.69, -0.50). Antihypertensive classes were associated with SBPV, the strongest associations being hydralazine 2.35 (0.03 ­ 4.68) and Methyldopa 3.08 (2.39 ­ 3.77). Conclusion: Several socio-demographic and clinical factors are associated with SBPV. Future studies should assess the contribution of SBPV to CVD outcomes among indigenous Africans and identify actionable targets.

Facteurs de risque et étiologies des AVC de l'adulte jeune au CHU de Bogodogo à Ouagadougou / Risk factors and etiologies of stroke in young adults in Bogodogo university hospital, Ouagadougou

Introduction: Les accidents vasculaires cérébraux (AVC) sont des pathologies graves survenant le plus souvent chez le sujet âgé. Le but de ce travail était d'étudier les facteurs de risque et les étiologies de l'AVC de l'adulte jeune. Patients et méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale et rétrospective incluant tous les sujets d'âge compris entre 15 et 45 ans, hospitalisés pour AVC dans le service de neurologie du CHU de Bogodogo entre le 1er Avril 2017 et le 31 Mars 2019 et ayant un dossier complet. Résultats : Quarante-quatre cas d'AVC concernaient les sujets jeunes, soit 8,46% de l'ensemble des AVC. On notait 59,1% d'AVC ischémique et 40,9% d'AVC hémorragique. L'âge moyen était de37,45± 5,94 ans. Le sex-ratio était 2,14. La sédentarité (72,22%), l'HTA (59,09%) et le diabète (25%) étaient les principaux facteurs de risque. L'étiologie a été retrouvée chez 77,27% des patients. Il s'agissait principalement de l'athérosclérose et les cardiopathies emboligènes pour l'AVC ischémique et de l'HTA pour l'AVC hémorragique. Conclusion: Les AVC du sujet jeune sont relativement peu fréquents au CHU de Bogodogo. Une prévention des facteurs de risque vasculaire permettrait d'éviter une augmentation de leur fréquence

Introduction: Stroke is a common and serious disease occurring most often in the elderly. The aim if our study was to describe risk factors and causes of stroke in young adults. Patients and methods: This were a retrospective study including patients whose age was between 15 and 45 years, hospitalized in the neurology department of the Bogodogo University Hospital for stroke between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2019. Results: Forty-four stroke cases involved young adults, it represented 8.46% of total stroke. Among those cases, 59,1% was ischemic stroke and 40,9% was hemorrhagic stroke. The Mean age was37,45± 5,94 years. The sex-ratio was 2,14. Physical inactivity (72,22%), high blood pressure (59,09%) and diabetes (25%) were the main risk factors. etiologies were found in 77,27% of cases. They were dominated by atherosclerosis and cardio embolism in ischemic stroke, and by high blood pressure in hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusion: Stroke in young adults at Bogodogo University Hospital is relatively infrequent. Prevention of risk factors would prevent an increase in its frequency

Minimum dataset standard for cohort study of high-risk population of stroke based on regional big data platform: a consensus / 预防医学

@#A large cohort study of high-risk population of stroke based on the real world is of great significance for stroke prevention and control. However, the data element structures, variable definitions and scopes of regional big data platforms are inconsistent, which will be an obstacle for data sharing, summary, and analysis among different regions. In this study, we formed an expert consensus on a unified minimum dataset standard for the cohort study of high-risk population of stroke, considering the categories and definitions of risk factors of stroke, and the existing database of the regional big data platforms. The consensus shall provide a reference for the comparison, integration, and sharing of real world data within and between regions, and play an important role in the cohort study on risk factors of stroke, as well as the implementation and evaluation of prevention and control measures.

Role of Serum Uric Acid in the Assessment of Stroke.

Hyperuricaemia may be associated with an increased risk of stroke, but updated results from several studies have been inconsistent. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hyperuricaemia & risk of stroke.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, GSL Medical College and General Hospital, Rajamahendravaram, with a total of 144 stroke patients. Other risk factors were also noted and serum uric acid (SUA) levels were determined.RESULTSThere was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the mean levels of different categories of age and increased levels of SUA levels in both males and females. There was a significant association between hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, CAD, but no significant relationship with (p>0.05) history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), smoking and alcohol consumption. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between stratified SUA levels (normal and hyperuricaemia) and hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, coronary artery disease (CAD) and age, but no significant (p>0.05) association with history of CVA, smoking and alcohol consumption.CONCLUSIONSElevated SUA level is a significant risk factor for stroke. elevated serum uric acid level needs to be interpreted carefully in patients with risk factors for vascular events like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and a history of prior vascular events. The prevalence of hyperuricaemia was found to be high especially in patients in their seventh decade of life and later.

Tamaño del infarto cerebral aterotrombótico del territorio carotídeo según sus factores de riesgo / Size of the atherothrombotic cerebral infarction from carotid territory according to its risk factors

Introducción: La mayoría de los infartos cerebrales aterotrombóticos son debidos a aterosclerosis extracraneal y a los factores de riesgo que lo condicionan. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con ictus aterotrombótico de territorio anterior según tamaño, sexo y factores de riesgo aterotrombótico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal a 63 pacientes que acudieron al Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" con diagnóstico de infarto cerebral aterotrombótico reciente de territorio carotídeo, a los que se les realizó tomografía de cráneo simple, entre los años 2011 y 2013. Resultados: Predominaron los infartos grandes (57,1 por ciento) en hombres (80,6 por ciento) y de forma general también fue el sexo masculino el más afectado (68,3 por ciento). La mayoría de los pacientes que tuvieron tanto infartos medianos (59,3 por ciento) como infartos grandes (58,3 por ciento), refirieron de 3 a 4 factores de riesgo aterotrombótico (58,7 por ciento). Prevaleció la hipertensión arterial (82,5 por ciento), con mayor coincidencia con los infartos medianos (88,9 por ciento), que con los infartos grandes (77,8 por ciento). Conclusiones: El ictus aterotrombótico reciente de territorio de irrigación carotídeo se caracterizó en esta serie, por infartos grandes y mayor afectación de adultos mayores, hipertensos, del sexo masculino. La existencia de 3 a 4 factores de riesgo en cada paciente prevalece tanto en los que presentan infarto cerebral mediano como grande(AU)

Introduction: Most of atherothrombotic cerebral infarctions are due to extracranial atherosclerosis and the risk factors that condition it. Objective: To characterize patients with atherothrombotic stroke of the anterior territory according to size, sex and atherothrombotic risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on 63 patients attended at the "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" hospital with a diagnosis of recent atherothrombotic cerebral infarction of the carotid territory, who underwent simple skull tomography, between 2011 and 2013. Results: Large infarcts predominated (57.1 percent) in men (80.6 percent) and in general, male sex was also the most affected (68.3 percent). Most of patients who had both moderate infarcts (59.3 percent) and large infarcts (58.3 percent), reported 3 to 4 atherothrombotic risk factors (58.7 percent). Prevalence of arterial hypertension (82.5 percent), with greater coincidence with medium infarcts (88.9 percent), than with large infarcts (77.8 percent). Conclusions: The recent atherothrombotic stroke of the carotid irrigation area was characterized in this series, due to large infarcts and greater involvement of elderly, hypertensive males. The existence of 3 to 4 risk factors in each patient prevails both in those with medium cerebral infarction and large ones(AU)

Avaliação do perfil dos fatores de risco para Acidente Vascular Cerebral: estudo observacional / Evaluation of the profile of risk factors for stroke: observational study

INTRODUÇÃO: Observa-se um crescimento significativo na incidência de casos de Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC). Isto deve-se ao aumento da longevidade estando a idade entre um dos fatores mais relevantes ao desenvolvimento da doença. OBJETIVO: Identificar o perfil dos fatores de risco que predispõe o surgimento do Acidente Vascular Cerebral em frequentadores de um parque em Teresina-PI. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo transversal realizado com 117 pessoas frequentadores de um parque localizado em Teresina-PI, estipulando os seguintes critérios de inclusão: ter idade igual ou maior a 18 anos; assinar o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido e frequentarem as atividades desse espaço recreativo. A coleta de dados deu-se através de questionário com 18 questões objetivas fechadas sobre os fatores de risco predisponentes ao surgimento de AVC incluindo informações sobre o conhecimento desses fatores e ainda, peso, altura, idade, Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e Pressão Arterial (PA) dos participantes. RESULTADOS: O estudo evidenciou um perfil de pessoas com idade de 18 a 30 anos, sexo feminino com IMC normal, que prevalecem os fatores de risco como estresse (49%), sedentarismo (44%), sexo (43%), consumo de álcool (40%), dislipidemia (12%), obesidade (10%), hipertensão arterial (8%), cardiopatia (6%), diabetes (3%) e o tabagismo (2%). CONCLUSÃO: Observouse um perfil de pessoas com faixa etária de 18 a 30 anos, do sexo feminino e com IMC normal que apresentam fatores de risco vasculares modificáveis que podem estar associados a maus hábitos e falta de informações relacionadas a esses problemas de saúde. Dessa forma, tornam-se necessárias medidas preventivas com o intuito de promover ou intensificar a promoção de saúde visando à informação, o acompanhamento e o controle desses fatores, proporcionando a população em geral um envelhecimento saudável.

INTRODUCTION: There is a significant increase in the incidence of stroke (AVC) cases, due to the increase in longevity, with age being one of the factors most relevant to the development of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To identify the profile of risk factors that predisposes the appearance of stroke in visitors of a park in Teresina-PI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study carried out with 117 people attending a park located in Teresina-PI, stipulating the following inclusion criteria: being 18 years or older; sign the Free and Informed Consent Form and attend the activities of this recreational space. Data were collected through a questionnaire with 18 closed objective questions about risk factors predisposing to the onset of stroke including information on the knowledge of these factors and also, weight, height, age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Pressure Arterial (PA) of the participants. RESULTS: The study showed a profile of people aged 18 to 30 years, female with normal BMI, which prevails risk factors such as stress (49%), sedentarism (44%), sex (43%), consumption of alcohol consumption (40%), dyslipidemia (12%), obesity (10%), hypertension (8%), heart disease (6%), diabetes (3%) and smoking (2%). CONCLUSION: We observed a profile of people with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years, female and with normal BMI presenting modifiable vascular risk factors that may be associated with poor habits and lack of information related to these health problems. Thus, preventive measures are necessary in order to promote or intensify health promotion aimed at information, monitoring and control of these factors, providing the general population with a healthy aging.

Evaluating the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic plaque stability and stroke recurrence risk with high-resolution MRI / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic plaque stability and stroke recurrence risk.Methods Forty-eight patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by intracranial atherosclerosis in Guangdong Province Hospital of TCM were analyzed retrospectively.After the Essen Stroke Risk Scale (ESRS) was used to assess the risk factors for the patients,they were divided into either an ESRS ≥3 group (n=21 in the high-risk recurrence group) or an ESRS <3 group (n=27 in the low-risk recurrence group).Both groups of patients underwent high-resolution MR imaging (HR-MRI) examinations of the intracranial guilty vessels (basilar artery or unilateral middle cerebral artery).According to the signal intensity of HR-MRI on the T1-weighted imaging,T2-weighted imaging,and T1 fat suppression sequences,the intracranial atherosclerotic stable plaques and unstable plaques were distinguished.The stabilization of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques was compared in patients of both groups.Results There were significant differences in the age and incidences of hypertension,diabetes mellitus,and unstable plaques in patients of both groups (P<0.05).Further multivariate logistic regression analysis of the four factors showed that the age,hypertension,diabetes,and intracranial atherosclerotic unstable plaques were the high-risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke (ORs,87.114,159.423,8.942,and 11.551,respectively;95%CIs 4.218-1 799.078,3.235-7 855.957,1.054-75.857,and 1.011-132.043,respectively;all P<0.05).Conclusion In addition to the traditional risk factors such as age,hypertension,and diabetes,the intracranial atherosclerotic unstable plaque is an independent risk factor for high-risk recurrence of ischemic stroke.

Effects of health education on the mental health and life quality of people at high risk of stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe the effect of health education on the mental health and life quality of people at high risk of stroke.Methods Totally 3092 residents of Wuhan aged over 40 were screened for stroke risk.Of those,392 cases were assessed as at high risk of stroke and were chosen as the study's subjects.They were given a 1-year course of standard health education.Before and after the intervention,their diet,exercise,compliance with medication and smoking habits were recorded.They were also assessed using the self-rating depression scale (SDS),the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and the Spitzer quality of life index (QLI).Results Significant improvement in healthy behavior was observed after the intervention.The average SDS score and SAS score had decreased significantly,and the average QLI score was significantly higher than before the intervention.Conclusion Health education can improve the healthy behavior,mental state and life quality of people at high risk of stroke.

The predictive value of modified version Essen stroke risk score for recurrent cerebral infarction / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore the predictive value of modified version Essen stroke risk score (ESRS) for recurrent cerebral infarction in 1 year. Methods Factors ofcerebrovascular stenosisand≥ 2 lesions in diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) which reflected large vascular stenosis and unstable plaques to the ESRS were added, and the 2 factors of other cardiovascular diseases and“peripheral vascular disease”which were difficult to operate clinically and had a lower incidence compared with the European and American people were got rid of. Thus, the total score of the modified version ESRS was still 9 scores. The risk of recurrent cerebral infarction in 1 year in 263 patients with cerebral infarction were evaluated by ESRS and modified version ESRS, and the predictive value was evaluated by area under receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Results The incidence of recurrent cerebral infarction in 1 year in 263 patients with cerebral infarction was 15.59% (41/263). There were statistical differences in the incidences of recurrent cerebral infarction in 1 year for different risk stratification patients by 2 methods (P<0.01). Multiple factor Logistic regression analysis results showed that thecerebrovascular stenosisand≥2 lesions in DWIwere the independent risk factors in predicting recurrent cerebral infarction in 1 year (OR=12.48 and 18.72, 95%CI 5.083-30.641 and 7.718-43.242, P=0.000 and 0.000). The area under ROC of predicting recurrent cerebral infarction in 1 year by ESRS and modified version ESRS was 0.68 (95% CI 0.58- 0.79) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.79), and there was statistical difference (P<0.01). Conclusions The predictive value of modified version ESRS in recurrent cerebral infarction in 1 year is higher than that of ESRS, and it is an effective method.

Estimating risk of stroke in elderly people by use of Framingham Stroke Risk Profile / 上海预防医学

Objective To explore the application of Framingham Stroke Risk Profile in elderly people. Methods A total of 5 148 people aged 55 years and older who received physical examination in a community were enrolled.Information of their healthy status and risk factors were collected by interview using a questionnaire.Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure as well as fasting plasma glucose ( FPG) , and serum lipid were measured. Results The average 10-year probabilities of stroke in elderly people were 9.79% in men and 6.20% in women ( P <0.05).Besides aging factor, higher risk probability in men might be related to their higher proportions of smoking and atrial fibrillation. In addition to blood pressure and FPG which were variables associated with risk profile, WC/height ratio ( WHR) and serum triglyceride level were associated with increased risk of stroke estimated by stroke risk profile (OR=1.598, 95%CI:1.371~1.864;OR=1.487, 95%CI:1.225~1.783), respectively. Conclusion Besides factors which had been included by risk profile, it is important to pay attention to weight control and triglyceride level.For elderly male, to quit smoking is an important measure that decreases their risk of stroke.

Association of stroke risk profile and vascular cognitive impairment / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between Framingham stroke risk profile(FSRP) and vascular cognitive impairment in stroke-free patients with cerebrovascular risk factors.Methods One hundred and eighty-four stroke-free subjects,selected from Zhejiang hospital,were divided into low risk group (56 subjects),moderate risk group (70 subjects) and high risk group (58 subjects) according to their FSRP score,and their cognitive function including memory ability,attention,executive function and language ability were assessed by Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA),auditory verbal learning test (AVLT),digit symbol test,trail making test(TMT),digit span and verbal fluency test.Results The total MoCA scores which were (7.2±4.6),(13.8±3.9),(29.6± 12.7) respectively,AVLT-delay recall scores which were(8.2± 1.6),(6.7± 1.4),(5.9± 1.5) respectively,and digit symbol test score which were(34.7±9.3),(32.6± 16.4),(29.7± 13.6) respectively in low,intermediate and high risk groups,decreased with the increasing risk of stroke(P＜0.05).The elapsed time in TMT-B which were (115.2 ±36.9) s,(147.6±44.8) s,(173.9±58.5) s respectively in low,intermediate and high risk groups,prolonged with the increasing risk of stroke (P＜0.05).FSRP was associated with cognitive function,but inversely related to MoCA,AVLT-delay recall,digit symbol test,TMT-B and digit span fall back (P＜0.05),but positively related to consuming time in TMT-B (P＜ 0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that advanced age,hypertension,diabetes and smoking were the risk factors for vascular cognitive impairment(P＜0.05).Conclusion Advanced age,smoking,hypertension and diabetes are the most important in vascular risk factors for cognitive impairment.Vascular risk factors can damage cognitive function with the increased risk of stroke,among which delayed recall and executive function are the main affected cognitive area.

Predictive value of ABCD2 score for stroke risk following anterior or posterior circulation transient ische-mic attack / 医学研究生学报

Objective Many studies have proved that the ABCD 2 score can be used to predict early stroke risk after transient ischemic attack ( TIA) , but few reports are seen on its predictive value for early stroke risk after TIA in different types of circulation . This article aimed to evaluate the ABCD 2 score in predicting early stroke risk following anterior or posterior circulation TIA . Methods Patients with definitely diagnosed TIA consecutively included in Nanjing Stroke Registration System from September 2011 to December 2012 were classified into anterior and posterior circulation TIAs .Various risk factors were collected and a 90-day follow-up was conduc-ted.The ABCD2 score was obtained from each patient and its predictive value assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A total of 204 patients were analyzed in the study , including 59 (28.9%) females, 143 with anterior and 61 with posterior circulation TIA, aged 63.7 ±11.2 years.There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence rate of stroke within 90 days between the anterior and posterior circulation TIAs (11.2% vs 9.8%, P=0.776).The mean ABCD2 score was re-markably higher in the anterior than in the posterior circulation TIA (3.7 ±1.5 vs 2.5 ±1.3, P<0.001).The area under the curve (AUC) in predicting stroke risk was 0.711 for the former (95%CI:0.575-0.847, P=0.006) and 0.555 for the latter (0.298-0.820, P=0.637). Conclusion The ABCD2 score can predict early stroke risk in anterior but not in posterior circulation TIA .

MyRisk_Stroke Calculator: A Personalized Stroke Risk Assessment Tool for the General Population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is a variety of stroke risk factors, and engaging individuals in reducing their own personal risk is hugely relevant and could be an optimal dissemination strategy. The aim of the present study was to estimate the stroke risk for specific combinations of health- and lifestyle-related factors, and to develop a personalized stroke-risk assessment tool for health professionals and the general population (called the MyRisk_Stroke Calculator). METHODS: This population-based, longitudinal study followed a historical cohort formed from the 1992 or 1998 Sante Quebec Health Surveys with information for linkage to health administrative databases. Stroke risk factors were ascertained at the time of survey, and stroke was determined from hospitalizations and death records. Cox proportional hazards models were used, modeling time to stroke in relationship to all variables. RESULTS: A total of 358 strokes occurred among a cohort of 17805 persons (men=8181) who were followed for approximately 11 years (i.e., -200000 person-years). The following regression parameters were used to produce 10-year stroke-risk estimates and assign risk points: for age (1 point/year after age 20 years), male sex (3 points), low education (4 points), renal disease (8 points), diabetes (7 points), congestive heart failure (5 points), peripheral arterial disease (2 points), high blood pressure (2 points), ischemic heart disease (1 point), smoking (8 points), >7 alcoholic drinks per week (3 points), low physical activity (2 points), and indicators of anger (4 points), depression (4 points), and anxiety (3 points). According to MyRisk_Stroke Calculator, a person with 75%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MyRisk_Stroke Calculator is a simple method of disseminating information to the general population about their stroke risk.

Gender Differences in Risk Factor and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Ischemic Stroke / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVE: Gender is an important determinant for risk factors and outcomes of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to compare risk factors, and clinical outcomes after ischemic stroke between male and female patients. METHODS: The hospital records of patients with ischemic stroke were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, stroke risk factors, clinical severities and outcomes after stroke were collected and compared between male and female patients. Stroke severity and clinical disability after ischemic stroke were evaluated by means of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) respectively. RESULTS: Among 447 patients with ischemic stroke, 195 (43.6%) patients were women. The mean age at ischemic stroke was higher in women than in men (p<0.01). As compared to men, women had a significantly lower prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, smoking and drinking (all p<0.01). NIHSS and mRS scores were not different between the 2 genders. CONCLUSIONS: Profiles of risk factors differed between the 2 genders, with men having a higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, smoking and drinking. There were no gender differences in stroke severity and disability after ischemic stroke.

The 10-year stroke risk in hypertensive outpatients combined with diabetes in cardiovascular clinics of 36 tertiary hospitals in China / 中华内科杂志

Objective To assess the estimated 10-year risk of stroke among hypertensive outpatients known with diabetes from cardiovascular clinics of 36 tertiary hospitals in China and to analyze the characteristics of the risk factors and the 10-year risk of stroke between the southern and the northern patients.Methods A multi-center prevalence survey was conducted from October 2011 to June 2012.Hypertensive outpatients known with diabetes were enrolled from cardiovascular clinics of 36 tertiary hospitals in China.A total of 15 914 outpatients were included in the final analysis.The 10-year probability of stroke was evaluated by the Framingham stroke risk profile.According to the 10-year probability of stroke,patients were divided into low risk (≤ 5％),medium risk (6％ ～9％) and high risk (≥10％).Results (1) Of all the hypertensive outpatients known with diabetes,the mean age was (64.6 ± 10.1) years and the mean systolic pressure was (138.7 ± 19.3) mmHg(1 mmHg =0.133 kPa).Among them,7.4％ with atrial fibrillation,11.2％ with left ventricular hypertrophy,57.2％ with cardiovascular diseases,17.1％ smokers and 37.0％ using mono-hypoglycemic agent.The southern patients who were older with more smokers had higher proportions of men and left ventricular hypertrophy,lower Levels of systolic blood pressure,and lower proportions of other cardiovascular diseases than those of the northern patients (all P ＜ 0.05).(2) The mean 10-year probability of stroke was (20.9 ± 16.2) ％.The southern patients had a higher mean 10-year probability of stroke than that of the northern patients [(22.4 ± 17.1)％ vs (19.7 ± 15.2)％] (P ＜ 0.01).After adjusted by age and sex,the southern patients still had a higher mean 10-year probability of stroke (P ＜0.05).(3) All the patients had 7.7％ with low risk,17.4％ with medium risk,and 74.9％ with high risk.The southern patients had lower proportions of low and medium risk than those of the northern patients (6.7％ vs 8.4％,15.5％ vs 18.9％),but had a higher proportion of high risk than that of the northern patients (77.7％ vs 72.7％,all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Among the hypertensive outpatients known with diabetes from the cardiovascular clinics of our study,most of them were at the 10-year high risk of stroke.The southern patients had a higher mean 10-year probability of stroke than that of the northern patients.

Multimarker Approach in Discriminating Patients with Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Atherosclerotic Carotid Artery Stenosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several circulating biomarkers have been implicated in carotid atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombosis; however, their clinical utility remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the role of a large biomarker panel in the discrimination of symptomatic (S) vs. asymptomatic (A/S) subjects in a contemporary population with carotid artery stenosis (CS). METHODS: Prospective sampling of circulating cytokines and blood lipids was performed in 300 unselected, consecutive patients with > or =50% CS, as assessed by duplex ultrasound (age 47-83 years; 110 with A/S and 190 with S) who were referred for potential CS revascularization. RESULTS: CS severity and pharmacotherapy did not differ between the A/S and S patients. The median values of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) did not differ, but high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly higher (p1.37 (third quartile). In S-CS, osteoprotegerin and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) were elevated in those with recent vs. remote symptoms (p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In an all-comer CS population on contemporary pharmacotherapy, low HDL-cholesterol (but not other previously implicated or several novel circulating biomarkers) is an independent predictor of S-CS status. In addition, an increase in circulating osteoprotegerin and Lp-PLA2 may transiently indicate S transformation of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque.

Survey of Knowledge about Stroke and Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the knowledge of stroke risk factors, early symptoms, and rehabilitation in stroke patients. Methods 1043 cases with stroke were stratified randomly sampled from 10 hospitals at different levels in Gansu, and were surveyed with self-designed questionnaire. Results For risk factors for stroke, hypertension was the most aware (61.55%), 6.42% knew all the factors. For the prevention and treatment, reasonable diet was the most aware (56.18%), followed with giving up smoking and drinking (52.92%). For the early symptoms, dysaesthesia of one side body was the most aware (53.88%), and then the headache and dizzy (50.14%). It was less than 30% to know the blurring, nausea and vomiting, and stiff tongue, etc. as the early symptoms. 60% of the patients did not know any about the rehabilitation, 22% did not know if rehabilitation be needed. 80% of the patients with stroke chose medication regardless of family income, and rehabilitation was chosen less than 30%. Conclusion It is important to popularize the knowledge of risk factors, early symptoms, and rehabilitation of stroke.

National Stroke Registry (NSR): Terengganu and Seberang Jaya Experience

The National Stroke Registry (NSR) was established in 2009 under National Neurology Registry (NNeuR) . The main objectives of NSR were to describe the demographic and disease pattern of stroke patients in Malaysia, to examine the risk factors and evaluate the specified treatment and outcomes. This prospective observational study was carried out from August 2009 until December 2010 using a standardized case report form which involved two participating hospital, namely Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu and Hospital Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang. There were 1018 patients registered. Ischemic stroke accounted for the majority of cases (73.3%). The most common risk factor was hypertension (75.5 %), followed by diabetes mellitus, previous stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), hyperlipidemia and active smoker: 45.6%, 25.1%, 22.4%, and 19.4%, respectively. Overall, our stroke management, based on nine stroke key performance indicators (KPI) still needs to be improved. There was a total of 121 mortality cases with the main contributing factor was massive cerebral bleed (21.6%). In conclusion, the findings highlight the important of primary and secondary stroke management. Further and continuous observation with more site date provider (SDP) involvement is needed to get a more comprehensive data on stroke in Malaysia.