Monitoring the Outcome of Leprosy Using Leprosy Neuropathy Scale: A Preliminary Study

The disability and progress of leprosy patients is monitored by the WHO disability grading system which has limited sensitivity in leprous neuropathy. This study aims to report the spectrum of leprosy patients at a tertiary care neurology service and compare WHO grading, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Leprosy Neuropathy Scale (LNS) in monitoring the treatment outcome. The patients with leprosy diagnosed as per WHO criteria were subjected to medical history and clinical examination. Their disability was graded as per WHO grading scale, modified Rankin scale (mRS) and LNS. These parameters were repeated and compared after six months of multiple drug therapy (MDT). Thirty-eight patients with leprosy, aged 40 (`5-80) years, 33 of whom were males have been evaluated. The duration of symptoms was 24 (91-120) months. Mononeuropathy was present in 14, mononeuropathy multiplex in 24, trophic ulcer in two, claw hand in 11, wrist drop in two, foot drop in four, facial palsy in one, Charcot’s joint in one and lepra reaction in seven patients. Their disability as per WHO grade 1 and 2 was in 19 patients each. After 6 months of MDT, WHO grade improved in two patients, mRS revealed improvement in seven and LNS in nine patients. LNS- a clinical scale, seems more effective and easier to use for monitoring the progress/ outcome of neuropathy in leprosy patients and may complement the WHO grading scale

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effects of Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate on Neurological Outcomes and Hospital Stay in Patients Admitted for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke

Introduction: Neurological stroke is the most common cause of disability and leaves nearly 65% of survivors with sensory, motor and coordinative disabilities. At present, there are no therapies to prevent long-term neurological deficits after stroke. Many neuroprotective drugs are being tested with the aim to ensure these effects. Preclinical studies have shown a modulatory effect of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on synaptic remodeling and facilitated synaptic transmission. Material and methods: This was a hospital-based, open-label pilot study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of North India. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke both ischemic and hemorrhagic, were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. The test group was given cerebroprotein hydrolysate, along with standard treatment for stroke, whereas the other group was kept on standard treatment for stroke as per the latest guidelines, without cerebroprotein. Results: A total of 50 patients of stroke, admitted in a tertiary care center were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.7 ± 11.86 years. Twenty-six (52%) were males and 24 (48%) were females. Out of the total 50 patients, 23 (46%) had ischemic stroke and 27 (54%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty (40%) had diabetes, 37 (74%) had hypertension, 8 (16%) were known cases of coronary artery disease, 28 (56%) had dyslipidemia, 22 (44%) were smokers, 7 (14%) had a history of ethanol consumption and 13 (26%) were obese. Mean Barthel score at admission was 21.2 ± 11.3 and mean Rankin score at admission was 3.6 ± 1.37. Mean Barthel score at end of treatment was 53.9 ± 28.72 and mean Rankin score at end of treatment was 2.6 ± 1.65. The mean duration of admission was 6.8 ± 3.57 days. Conclusion: The current study highlights the role of cerebroprotein hydrolysate in improving the neurological scores and reducing hospital stay among patients hospitalized with stroke.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effects of Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate on Neurological Outcomes and Hospital Stay in Patients Admitted for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke

Introduction: Neurological stroke is the most common cause of disability and leaves nearly 65% of survivors with sensory, motor and coordinative disabilities. At present, there are no therapies to prevent long-term neurological deficits after stroke. Many neuroprotective drugs are being tested with the aim to ensure these effects. Preclinical studies have shown a modulatory effect of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on synaptic remodeling and facilitated synaptic transmission. Material and methods: This was a hospital-based, open-label pilot study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of North India. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke both ischemic and hemorrhagic, were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. The test group was given cerebroprotein hydrolysate, along with standard treatment for stroke, whereas the other group was kept on standard treatment for stroke as per the latest guidelines, without cerebroprotein. Results: A total of 50 patients of stroke, admitted in a tertiary care center were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.7 ± 11.86 years. Twenty-six (52%) were males and 24 (48%) were females. Out of the total 50 patients, 23 (46%) had ischemic stroke and 27 (54%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty (40%) had diabetes, 37 (74%) had hypertension, 8 (16%) were known cases of coronary artery disease, 28 (56%) had dyslipidemia, 22 (44%) were smokers, 7 (14%) had a history of ethanol consumption and 13 (26%) were obese. Mean Barthel score at admission was 21.2 ± 11.3 and mean Rankin score at admission was 3.6 ± 1.37. Mean Barthel score at end of treatment was 53.9 ± 28.72 and mean Rankin score at end of treatment was 2.6 ± 1.65. The mean duration of admission was 6.8 ± 3.57 days. Conclusion: The current study highlights the role of cerebroprotein hydrolysate in improving the neurological scores and reducing hospital stay among patients hospitalized with stroke.

The effect of smoking in the development of stroke in young patients 19 to 45 years old: A case-control study

Introduction@#The increasing incidence of stroke in young adults has been a growing concern, which is why research studies were generated to find out the risk factors contributing to the development of this disease. This study investigated the dose-dependent effect of smoking in the development of stroke in the young ages (19-45 years).@*Methods@#A case-control retrospective study was conducted using electronic and printed records of the patients admitted to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center last 2017-2018. There were 275 patients included in the study. The smoking status and pack-years cigarette smoking of the subjects were recorded and were correlated with the duration of hospitalization and the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS). Results were analyzed using student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s Correlation.@*Result@#The prevalence of stroke was higher in men than in women. The ORs (95% CI) of stroke were significant in current cigarette smoking at 2.71 (CI: 1.6398 to 4.4943). Compared with non-smokers and those who smoked 1 to 9 pack years, the OR of stroke was significantly increased for those who smoked 10 to 19, and ≥ 20 cigarettes per day with OR of 14.0765 (4.10 to 48.35), and 31.5854 (1.82 to 548.97), respectively (p= 0.032 for linear trends). There was a weak positive linear correlation between pack years of cigarette smoking (1-9, 10-19, >20 pack years) and days of hospitalization (r= 0.28; p for trend = 0.0168). There was also a strong positive linear correlation between stroke outcome using the Modified Rankin Scale and pack years of cigarette smoking (r = 0.72; P for trend = 0.001). This study shows an increase in the odds of stroke in current cigarette smokers with a dose-dependent relationship in its outcome.@*Conclusion@#Smoking is a significant risk factor for stroke with a dose-dependent effect on its outcome. Furthermore, quitting smoking significantly decreases the risk of developing stroke.

Study of risk factors associated with prognosis in patients with aortic acute cerebral infarction / 中国综合临床

Objective:To explore the risk factors associated with a three-month prognosis in patients with aortic acute cerebral infarction.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 191 patients with aorthropathic acute cerebral infarction included in the Department of Neurology from June 2018 to December 2019, and the patients were divided into good prognosis group (153 cases) and poor prognosis group (38 cases) according to the MRS score of the patient's 3-month prognosis, and the general data, past medical history and blood pressure variability evaluation index (BPV) between the two groups were correlated analysis. The t-test was used to compare the measurement data with normal distribution, the χ 2 test was used to compare the counting data, and the Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors. Results:The proportion of patients with diabetes history in the poor prognosis group (20.3% (31/153)), admission NIHSS score ((3.03±2.01) points), standard deviation (SD) ((12.06±4.46) mmHg) and coefficient of variation (CV) ((8.61±3.08)%) of systolic blood pressure at 24 h were lower than those in the good prognosis group (47.4% (18/38), (5.61±3.84) points, (14.75±3.46) mmHg, (10.41±2.18)%), the differences were statistically significant (the statistical values were χ 2=11.73, t=4.01, t=3.46, t=3.38; P values were 0.001, <0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Because 24 h systolic blood pressure SD and 24 h systolic blood pressure CV had obvious collinearity, they were respectively included in the Logistic regression model. Taking diabetes history, NIHSS score and 24 h systolic blood pressure SD into the variables, the multivariate Logistic regression results of adverse prognostic risk factors in patients with acute cerebral infarction showed that the history of diabetes mellitus ( OR=3.649, 95% CI: 1.545-8.648, P=0.003), NIHSS score ( OR=1.472, 95% CI: 1.247-1.725, P<0.001) and 24 h systolic blood pressure SD ( OR=1.201, 95% CI: 1.085-1.336, P<0.001). Taking diabetes history, NIHSS score and 24 h systolic blood pressure CV into consideration, multivariate Logistic regression results of adverse prognostic risk factors in patients with acute cerebral infarction showed that the history of diabetes mellitus ( OR=4.695, 95% CI: 1.873-11.766, P=0.001), admission NIHSS score ( OR=1.922, 95% CI: 1.513-2.441, P<0.001) and 24 h systolic blood pressure CV ( OR=1.220, 95% CI: 1.045-1.425, P=0.012). All are independent risk factors influencing the prognosis of patients. Conclusion:The effect of 24 h systolic blood pressure SD and 24 h systolic blood pressure CV on patient prognosis was more valuable in clinical prediction, and the prognosis value of controlling blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes was higher in patients with cerebral infarction.

Rehabilitación oportuna: un importante coadyuvante para el manejo del paciente crítico en unidades de terapia intensiva / Timely rehabilitation: an important adjuvant for management of the critical patient in intensive therapy units / Reabilitação oportuna: um coadjuvante importante para o tratamento de pacientes críticos em unidades de terapia intensiva

Resumen: Introducción: Las unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) se centran principalmente en el soporte vital y el tratamiento de pacientes críticamente enfermos, pero hay muchos supervivientes con complicaciones, como trastornos musculares generalizados, discapacidad funcional y reducción de la calidad de vida tras el alta hospitalaria, como resultado de estancias prolongadas en estas unidades. En México, a pesar de los beneficios ya reportados, la terapia de rehabilitación en unidades de cuidados intensivos es una estrategia que se lleva a cabo con muy baja frecuencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue demostrar la eficacia de la rehabilitación temprana en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte, prospectivo, observacional con grupos paralelos, conformado por pacientes ingresados a la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva que recibieron durante su estancia terapia de rehabilitación y un grupo control, pareado por edad y sexo. La eficacia de la intervención fue determinada, por la mejoría identificada por medio de la escala modificada de Rankin, evaluada al ingreso y al egreso del paciente de Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Resultados: Se estudió un total de 168 individuos, 94 conformaron la cohorte de intervención y 74 integraron el grupo control. El promedio de edad fue de 64 años y los grupos se equilibraron por género. Los datos obtenidos en este estudio demuestran que la intervención fisioterapéutica interviene en la recuperación del paciente dentro de la UTI, como un factor protector (RR 0.69 IC95% 0.61-0.81) y del mismo modo se aprecia que aquellos que no recibieron terapia de rehabilitación mostraron mayor deterioro en las condiciones de egreso que aquellos que fueron intervenidos, con diferencias hasta de dos puntos en la escala de Rankin (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: Aquí comprobamos que la rehabilitación es una excelente opción como tratamiento coadyuvante en el paciente ingresado en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. La decisión de utilizarla como un procedimiento de rutina, podría impactar de manera positiva en la calidad de vida del paciente recuperado de una condición que eventualmente mantuvo en riesgo su vida. Nosotros proponemos la integración de este tipo de manejo en guías de práctica clínica, normalizadas en todas las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva, dando la oportunidad de elevar las expectativas en los cuidados del paciente crítico, más allá del soporte vital.

Abstract: Introduction: Intensive care units focus primarily on life support and treatment of critically ill patients, but there are many survivors with complications, such as generalized muscle disorders, functional disability, and reduced quality of life after discharge from the hospital, as a result of extended stays in these units. In Mexico, despite the benefits already reported, physiotherapeutic intervention in intensive care units is a strategy that is carried out with very low frequency. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of early rehabilitation in an intensive care unit. Material and methods: A prospective, observational cohort study with parallel groups, made up of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit who received rehabilitation therapy during their stay and a control group, matched by age and sex. The efficacy of the intervention was determined by the improvement identified by means of the modified Rankin scale, evaluated at admission and discharge of the ICU patient. Results: A total of 168 individuals were studied, 94 made up the intervention cohort and 74 made up the control group. The average age was 64 years and the groups were balanced by gender. The data obtained in this study demonstrate that the physiotherapeutic intervention intervenes in the recovery of the patient within the ICU, as a protective factor (RR 0.69 CI95% 0.61-0.81) and in the same way it is appreciated that those who did not receive therapy Rehabilitation patients showed greater deterioration in discharge conditions than those who underwent surgery, with differences of up to two points on the Rankin scale (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Here we verify that rehabilitation is an excellent option as adjuvant treatment in the patient admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The decision to use it as a routine procedure could have a positive impact on the quality of life of the patient recovered from a condition that eventually kept his life at risk. We propose the integration of this type of management in clinical practice guidelines, standardized in all intensive care units, giving the opportunity to raise expectations in the care of the critical patient, beyond life support.

Resumo: Introdução: As unidades de terapia intensiva estão voltadas principalmente para suporte de vida e tratamento de pacientes críticos, mas há muitos sobreviventes com complicações, como distúrbios musculares generalizados, incapacidade funcional e redução da qualidade de vida após a alta hospitalar, como resultado de internações prolongadas em essas unidades. No México, apesar dos benefícios já relatados, a terapia de reabilitação em unidades de terapia intensiva é uma estratégia realizada com pouca frequência. O objetivo deste estudo foi demonstrar a eficácia da reabilitação precoce em unidade de terapia intensiva. Material e métodos: Estudo prospectivo, observacional, de corte com grupos paralelos, composto por pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva que receberam terapia de reabilitação durante a internação e um grupo controle, pareados por idade e sexo. A eficácia da intervenção foi determinada pela melhora identificada por meio da escala de Rankin modificada, avaliada na admissão e alta do paciente da UTI. Resultados: Foram estudados 168 indivíduos, sendo 94 da coorte intervenção e 74 do grupo controle. A média de idade foi de 64 anos e os grupos foram balanceados por gênero. Os dados obtidos neste estudo mostram que a intervenção fisioterapêutica intervém na recuperação do paciente dentro da UTI, como fator de proteção (RR 0.69 IC95% 0.61-0.81) e da mesma forma avalia-se que aqueles que não receberam terapia de reabilitação apresentaram maior deterioração das condições de alta do que aqueles que foram reabilitados, com diferenças de até 2 pontos na escala Rankin (p < 0.001). Conclusões: Aqui verificamos que a reabilitação é uma excelente opção como tratamento coadjuvante em pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. A decisão de utilizá-lo como procedimento de rotina pode ter um impacto positivo na qualidade de vida do paciente recuperado de uma condição que acabou por colocar sua vida em risco. Propomos a integração deste tipo de gestão nas diretrizes da prática clínica, padronizadas em todas as unidades de terapia intensiva, dando a oportunidade de elevar as expectativas no cuidado ao paciente crítico, além do suporte de vida.

Independência funcional após acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico em relação à fisiopatologia de acordo com TOAST / Functional independence after ischemic stroke in relation to pathophysiology according to TOAST

FUNDAMENTO: O Acidente Vascular Cerebral é uma das principais causas de morte no Brasil. O conhecimento sobre a etiologia do AVC é fundamental para uma adequada abordagem dessa doença. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se existe relação entre o subtipo de AVC isquêmico com o prognóstico dele e os fatores de risco. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 86 casos de AVC isquêmico no Ambulatório de Neurologia do Hospital Universitário da cidade de Canoas-RS, no período de outubro de 2018 a novembro de 2019. Foi analisada a relação do prognóstico (mRankinS) com fatores de risco de AVC e TOAST. RESULTADOS: Avaliando 86 pacientes com 60.5 (±10.1) anos (40 homens), identificamos que oclusão de pequenos vasos apresentou melhor prognóstico (p: 0.031) e cardioembolia um pior prognóstico de acordo com mRankinS (p< 0.001). Diabetes mellitus também apresentou um pior prognóstico (p: 0.021). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com AVC isquêmico secundário a oclusão de pequenos vasos apresentam melhor prognóstico de acordo com mRs. Mecanismos cardioembólicos e a presença de DM estão associados com o pior prognóstico neurológico

BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the main causes of death in Brazil. Knowledge about the etiology of stroke is essential for an adequate approach to this disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there is a relationship between the ischemic stroke subtype and its prognosis and risk factors. METHODS: 86 cases of ischemic stroke were evaluated at the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital in the city of Canoas-RS, from October 2018 to November 2019. The relationship between prognosis (mRankinS) and stroke risk factors and TOAST. RESULTS: Evaluating 86 patients aged 60.5 (±10.1) years (40 men), we identified that small vessel occlusion had a better prognosis (p: 0.031) and cardioembolism a worse prognosis according to mRankinS (p <0.001). Diabetes mellitus also had a worse prognosis (p: 0.021). CONCLUSION: Patients with secondary ischemic stroke small vessel occlusion have a better prognosis according to mRs. Cardioembolic mechanisms and the presence of DM are associated with a worse neurological prognosis

A follow-up study on the prognosis of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To investigate the prognosis of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke(PAIS).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients aging from 1 month to 18 years old who were diagnosed with PAIS at the Emergency Department of Beijing Children′s Hospital from July 2015 to April 2020.We used the modified Rankin scale(MRS)to evaluate patients.We analyzed their recovery of neurological function, mortality rates, and the recurrence of PAIS, while statistically calculating the risk factors leading to disability and death caused by PAIS.Results:A total of 101 children with PAIS were involved.During the follow-up period, 32.7%(33/101)had no obvious neurological sequelae(MRS 0), and 24.8%(25/101)had mild symptoms that did not affect the patients′daily life(MRS 1). The proportion of mild disability(MRS 2)and moderate to severe disability(MRS 3-5)were 13.9%(14/101)and 9.9%(10/101), respectively.Notably, 18.8%(19/101)of the patients died during the follow-up period, and PAIS-related fatality rate was 7.9%.Of the 49 patients with MRS score of 1-5, 89.8%(44/49)had dyskinesia, 16.3%(8/49)had language disorder, 10.2%(5/49)had epilepsy, 10.2%(5/49)had intellectual impairment, and 4.1%(2/49)had memory impairment.Four children relapsed during the follow-up period.Infantile onset, cardiogenic stroke, consciousness disorder and multiple angiopathy may be the risk factors of severe disability and death of PAIS.Conclusion:PAIS has a certain probability of mortality and disability.Infantile onset, complicated with consciousness disorder, cardiogenic stroke and multiple angiopathy are risk factors for poor prognosis.

Effect of timing of acupuncture on limb dysfunction in patients with cerebral infarction: a multicenter prospective cohort pilot study / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at different timings in acute stage for limb dysfunction in patients with cerebral infarction.@*METHODS@#A total of 101 patients with cerebral infarction limb dysfunction were divided into an early exposure group (@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the mRS grade at 30 and 60 days after onset in the early exposure group was improved (@*CONCLUSION@#The timing of acupuncture is an independent factor affecting the disability status and limb motor dysfunction in patients with cerebral infarction, and the effect of early intervention may be better than late intervention.

Effect of Exercise Type on Vascular Stabilization Factor in Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in the world. The angiogenesis strategy is a new therapeutic approach to exercise in these patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous exercise on serum levels of vascular stabilizing factor and its consequences. MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial study, 30 patients with stroke who volunteered to participate in the study, aged 45 - 65 years, were selected by convenience sampling and non-random sampling method. Subjects were randomly selected. The patients were randomly divided into intervention group (4 weeks of continuous exercise in 40 - 60 minutes pedal with 60 - 65% VO2 peak intensity for 5 days per week and physiotherapy) and control group (physiotherapy only). Blood angiogenesis and motor function levels were measured at baseline and twenty-eight days after the last exercise session. Data was analyzed by using Stata software version 13 at the significance level of 0.05. ResultsIn this trial, thirty patients completed the study period, and were included in the analysis. The mean ages of patients in the control and intervention groups were 55.66 (S.D.: 6.69) and 61.46 (S.D.: 6.47) years, respectively. Serum levels of angiopoietin-1 increased after exercise at alpha level (P = 0.011). The reduction of the Modified Rankin Scale was obtained as a secondary consequence (P = 0.001). ConclusionsContinuous exercise training over four weeks can improve the prognosis of patients by altering the levels of angiogenesis-stabilizing factor in decreasing the symptoms of stroke.

Serum magnesium levels in patients of ischemic stroke and its correlation with neurological disability

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide acute ischaemic stroke accounts for 87% of strokes and mostly affects persons at the peak of their lives. Magnesium is known to have neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke through a variety of mechanisms including decrease in glutamate release and inhibition of NMDA receptors and vasodilation. Previous studies on serum magnesium levels in stroke patients have shown variable results with many of them finding lower levels than in normal subjects. This study was undertaken to compare serum magnesium levels in patients of acute ischemic stroke with those of controls and also find a correlation if any between serum magnesium levels and neurological disability.Methods: This was a prospective non-interventional case-control study in which 50 patients of acute ischemic stroke in the age group of 20 to 80 years admitted in the department of Medicine Government Medical College Jammu from October 2019 to January 2020 were taken. Their serum magnesium levels were analysed within first 24 hours of admission and neurological disability was measured using modified Rankin Score. Serum magnesium levels were also estimated in 35 healthy controls for comparison.Results: Serum magnesium was lower in the study group (mean of 1.85±0.36) as compared to the control group (mean of 2.4±0.21) which was statistically significant (p value =0.001). Modified Rankin Score was 4 to 5 in 27 patients and 2 to 3 in 23 patients and it was negatively correlated with serum magnesium levels (r =-0.67).Conclusions: Ischemic stroke patients had lower serum magnesium levels as compared to healthy subjects in our study and also lower levels were seen in those with higher neurological disability.

Assessment of Capillary Blood Glucose Levels as a Prognostic Indicator in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Acute Stroke is an abrupt onset of a neurological deficit attributable to a focal vascular cause. The diagnosis of stroke is based on clinical examination, and brain imaging. Cerebral ischemia is caused by a reduction in blood flow lasting longer than several seconds with manifestation of neurologic symptoms due to infarction or death of brain tissue because neurons utilise only glucose and lack glycogen stores, so energy failure is rapid. Neurologic signs and symptoms lasting for >24 hours or brain infarction demonstrated on brain imaging is known as Acute Stroke.[1] Abnormal blood glucose at the time of acute stroke is associated with poor clinical outcomes, longer in-hospital stay and mortality. We wanted to evaluate the influence of abnormal capillary glucose levels on functional outcomes by grading the Acute Ischemic Stroke patient on modified Rankin scale.METHODSThis cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months in the medicine and neurology wards, ICU in a tertiary care rural hospital in central India and included a total of 35 patients after obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance. The capillary blood glucose samples were taken using a standard glucometer. Capillary blood glucose was determined at the time of admission, each day within the first 72 hrs. Two values of blood glucose were considered; admission value and max. value within the 1st 72 hrs. Functional prognosis was assessed on Modified Rankin scale at the time of discharge or 1 month. The categorical variables were assessed using chi-square test and odd’s ratio and p-value were calculated and assessed. The association of altered capillary glucose levels with functional outcomes on modified Rankin scale were analysed. The data were entered in excel spreadsheet and all the statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.2 software.RESULTSA significant correlation between the higher admission capillary blood glucose levels with the outcomes on modified Rankin scale after 1 month or after discharge was found (p-0.0032). Hyperglycaemia at the time of admission with poor prognosis on mRS (p-value 0.007) was also found.CONCLUSIONSThe results of the study reveal that the patients with admission hyperglycaemia have poor prognosis as compared to the normoglycemic patients. There is a significantly positive correlation between the altered capillary blood glucose levels at the onset of stroke and functional prognosis of the patients with stroke after treatment.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein level in cerebrovascular accident

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide according to WHO. High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is an acute phase reactant which is being studied extensively to delineate its role in development of stroke as well as in prognostication. This study was done to assess correlation of hs-CRP with risk factors of stroke and its association with types of stroke and prognosis.Methods: A prospective case control study of 100 patients with acute stroke along with 100 controls was conducted with informed consent. At baseline, hs-CRP levels were measured and Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was assessed. On day 90 the Modified Rankin Scale was assessed again. Patients were divided into groups based on hs-CRP levels and MRS and the results were analysed.Results: Prevalence of stroke was more in men than women (p=0.0002). Statistically significant difference was found between mean hs-CRP levels in men (4.722±0.8982 mg/L) and women (4.133±0.9446 mg/L) (p=0.005) and between cases and controls (p=0.0003). There was no significant association with type of stroke (p=0.456). Mean total cholesterol levels between cases and controls showed statistically significant difference (p=0.0005). High MRS was significantly associated with high hs-CRP levels (p=0.003). Higher hs-CRP on day 1 correlated with higher MRS on day 90.Conclusions: hs-CRP level is increased in stroke and shows significant association with severity of stroke and prognosis.

Effect of rt-PA thrombolysis combined with antiplatelet therapy on recurrent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with mild acute ischemic stroke / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the effect of recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator(rt-PA) intravenous thrombolytic therapy combined with antiplatelet therapy on the recurrence of cardio cerebral vascular adverse events in patients with mild acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods From December 2015 to December 2017,74 patients with mild AIS treated in Shaoxing Central Hospital were selected in the research.According to the random number table method,the patients were divided into two groups,with 37 cases in each group.The control group received rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis,and the combined group was treated with antiplatelet therapy on the basis of the control group.The serum creatinine(SCr),alanine transaminase(ALT) and platelet count(PLT) were compared before and after treatment in the two groups,and the scores of the Barthel index scale and the modified Rankin scale were compared between the two groups.The incidence of cardiovascular adverse events in 3 months of the two groups was also recorded.Results There were no statistically significant differences in liver and kidney function indicators between the two groups before and after treatment (t =0.30,0.27,0.20,0.77,0.03,0.64,all P ＞ 0.05).Before treatment,the Barthel index scale scores in the combined group and control group[(74.97 ±4.74)points,(61.95 ± 4.24) points] were significantly increased,and the increasing degree in the combined group was more significant than that in the control group(t =12.45,P ＜ 0.05).The modified Rankin scale scores in the combined group and control group[(1.16 ± 0.37) points,(2.05 ± 0.45) points] were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment,and the reduction degree of the combined group was more significant than that in the control group(t =9.29,P ＜ 0.05).The total incidence rate of bleeding events,cardiovascular events,cerebrovascular events and death events in the combined group(5.41％) was significantly lower than that of the control group(27.03％) (x2 =4.87,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion rt-PA intravenous thrombolytic therapy combined with antiplatelet therapy can effectively improve the nerve function and daily activity of patients with mild AIS.It can also effectively reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events,and thus help to improve the prognosis and improve the quality of life.Therefore,it has good clinical application value.

Efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retriever for anterior circulation distal vessel occlusion / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retriever for the anterior circulation distal vessel occlusion. Methods Consecutive cases with anterior circulation distal vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy in Stroke Center of Changhai Hospital of Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Sep. 2013 to May 2018 were enrolled. According to whether undergoing intravenous thrombolysis, the patients were divided into bridging group and direct thrombectomy group. The primary outcome was the neurological functional prognosis at 90 d after operation measured with modified Rankin Scale (mRS, mRS score≤2 reflected good prognosis). The secondary outcomes were the rate of recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia [mTICI] grade≥2b), the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score at 24 h after operation, complications and mortality. Results Totally 36 patients aged (68.3±13.6) years (ranging from 26 to 88 years) were included. There were 27 cases with middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 segment occlusion, 5 cases with anterior cerebral artery (ACA) A1/A2 segment occlusion and 4 cases with MCA M2 segment accompanied with ACA A2 segment occlusion. The rate of recanalization of the occluded distal vessels was 91.7% (33/36) after mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retriever. The rate of good prognosis at 90 d after operation was 52.8% (19/36). The most common complication was vasospasm (33.3%, 12/36), followed by hemorrhagic transformation (16.7%, 6/36). The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 5.6% (2/36) and the mortality was 8.3% (3/36). There were 14 cases in the brigding group and 22 cases in the direct thrombectomy group. The preoperative NIHSS score of the bridging group was significantly higher than that of the direct thrombectomy group (Z=3.025, P=0.002). While there were no significant differences in the NIHSS score at 24 h after operation, times of thrombectomy, the rate of recanalization, the rate of good prognosis at 90 d after operation, the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation or mortality between the bridging group and the direct thrombetomy group (all P>0.05). Conclusion The mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retriever for the anterior circulation distal vessel occlusion is likely safe and effective, and it is beneficial for vascular recanalization and good outcomes at 90 d.

Effect of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Add on Therapy on Acute Stroke Outcome

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration stimulate the secretion of the brain insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration and IGF-1 is a pleiotropic neurotropic peptide to exert beneficial effect for the injured brain tissues. Citicoline (cytidine-59-diphosphocholine; CDP-choline) is well known to improve neurological outcome in acute stroke. This study aimed to evaluate whether rhGH can potentiate citicoline effect on functional recovery in acute stroke patient. Thirty patients were enrolled. Ten patients were treated with rhGH subcutaneous injection for 6 months on top of citicoline for 6 weeks (GH6 group), and 10 patients for 3 months (GH3 group) with 6 weeks of citicoline treatment as well, and final 10 patients only with citicoline (control group). Functional outcome was determined by Korean modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Seven and 4 patients withdrew from GH6 and GH3 group, respectively. Final 3 patients in GH6 group, 6 patients in GH3 group and 10 patients in control group were analyzed. The K-MBI, and mRS scores from all 3 groups increased in 6 months compared to baseline in intra-group comparison. In inter-group comparison, however, GH6 but not GH3 showed statistically significant improvement compared to control. Administration of rhGH for 6 months on top of 6-week citicoline treatment resulted in further improvement in K-MBI and mRS in acute stroke patients. Further studies in increasing injection dose or injection period is needed.

Predictive value of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in prognosis of acute ischemic stroke / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective·To study the change of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients within one week after attack,and the correlation of cEPCs with the prognosis.Methods·Ninty-two patients with AIS (AIS group) and 20 patients with risk factors (Risk group) were recruited.The proportion of cEPCs (CD34TKDR+ cells) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AIS patients was measured by flow cytometry (FCM) on the first day of admission and the seventh day after attack.Functional recovery was assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on the 90th day after onset.The cEPCs percentages of AIS patients with different mRS were compared to analyze their correlation.Results·Compared with Risk group,cEPCs percentage of AIS group on the 1st day of admission was lower (P=0.016).In AIS group,compared with poor prognosis group (mRS＞2),eEPCs percentage of good prognosis group on the 7th day after onset (mRS ≤ 2) elevates (P=0.002).The result of multiple linear regression showed that cEPCs percentage on the 7th day after onset was positively correlated with mRS on the 90th day (t=4.608,P=0.011).Conclusion·The percentage of cEPCs in peripheral blood of AIS patients decreases significantly during the acute phase.The percentage on the 7th day after onset is correlated with prognosis of AIS patients.

The clinical effects and prognosis evaluation of enhanced external counterpulsation on acute cerebral ischemic stroke / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and prognosis of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP)on acute cerebral ischemic stroke,to provide clinical evidence for the treatment of patients with acute cerebral ischemic stroke.Methods Total171 patients with acute cerebral ischemic stroke were enrolled and measured the NIHSS and mRS,before EECP,after36 hours EECP,and 3-month after attack.Then contrast the difference of these indicators.Result Compare with the control group,after EECP treatment and after 3-month attack,the scores of NIHSS were statistically significant,(after EECP:44.1％ vs 31.5％;after 3-month attack:55.6％ vs 40.5％),(P＜ 0.05).Compare with the control group,after 3-month attack,the score of mRS in EECP group was declined statistically significant,and the rate of favourable prognosis rise obviously (P＜0.05).Conclusion EECP can effectively improve neurological function and promote health and improve prognosis in the patients with acute cerebral ischemic stroke.

Clinical characteristics of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis in children and adults / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To compare and analyze differences in clinical characteristics, auxiliary examination and im?munotherapy between children with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) receptor encephalitis and adults. Methods Clinical data was retrospectively collected from 34 cases anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. All people were divided into the child group and the adult according to the age of onset and the inpatient department. Score of Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) before and after treatment and follow-up period (6 months~24 months) were compared to estimate the neurologi?cal outcomes. Results Data from 34 patients including 19 children and 15 adults was analyzed. Hypoventilation, epilep?sy and status epilepticus were more common in the adult group than in the child. The positive rate of EEG delta brush was higher in child group than in adult group. Two women were complicated by suspicious ovarian teratoma. Intravenous immune globulin was used commonly in the child group, while the plasma exchange or immunosuppressant used common?ly in the adult group. Time of onset to hospital admission and final diagnosis were shorter in the child group than in the adult. Patients requiring ICU were fewer in the child group than in the adult. The scores of mRS were significantly lower in the child group than in the adult at hospital discharge (P<0.05). Conclusion Clinical characteristics is more compli?cated in adults with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis compared with children including a worse disease severity and a poorer short-term outcome.

Effects of statin therapy on the outcome of acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To analyze quantitatively the safety and efficacy of statin therapy in acute phrase for acute ischemic stroke with the method of meta-analysis.Methods We performed a systematic literature search including the Cochrane Library,MEDLINE and EMBASE for published trials about statin therapy and the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke.Then we performed a meta-analysis with included studies to investigate the association between statin therapy and clinical outcome and mortality.All of the data were pooled and meta-analyzed by Cochrane Collaboration RevMan 5.3 meta-analysis software.Statistical heterogeneity between studies was evaluated by the chi-square and I-square tests.Forest plots were used to summarize study data and Egger tests were used to assess publication bias.Results A total of 27 studies including 52 034 patients,comprising 19 212 statin users and 32 822 non-statin users met the inclusion criteria,4 studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs),and 23 were observational trials (OTs).Both pre-or post-stroke statin use was associated with reduced mortality.Statin use is associated with favorable functional outcome at hospital discharge and on the ninetieth day regardless of initiation time for pre-stroke group and post-stroke group.The results from observational trials were consistent with randomized controlled trials.There was no evidence of publication bias for all comparisons by Egger tests.Conclusions Statin therapy before or after AIS is safe and effective.