An algorithm for the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale assessment: A multicenter, two-arm and cluster randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a validated tool for assessing stroke severity, increasingly used by general practitioners in telemedicine services. Mobile apps may enhance its reliability. We aim to validate a digital platform (SPOKES) for NIHSS assessment in telemedicine and healthcare settings. METHODS: Hospitals using a telemedicine service were randomly allocated to control or SPOKES-user groups. The discrepancy between the NIHSS scores reported and those confirmed by experts was evaluated. Healthcare providers from comprehensive stroke centers were invited for interrater validation. Participants were randomized to assess the NIHSS using videos of real patients. Weighted Kappa (wk) statistics analyzed the agreement, and logistic regression determined the correlation with the congruency. RESULTS: A total of 299 telemedicine consultations from 12 hospitals were included. The difference between the NIHSS scores reported and double-checked was lower in the SPOKES group (p = 0.03), with a significantly higher level of complete agreement (72.5 % vs. 50.4 %, p = 0.005). Adoption of SPOKES was associated with complete congruency (OR 4.01, 95 %CI 1.42-11.35, p = 0.009). For interrater validation, 20 participants were considered. In the SPOKES group, almost-perfect and strong agreement occurred in 13.3 %(n = 6/45) and 84.4 %(n = 38/45) of ratings, respectively; in the control group, 6.7 %(n = 3/45) were almost-perfect, 28.9 %(n = 13/45) strong and 51 %(n = 23/45) were minimal. CONCLUSION: A free and reliable mobile application for NIHSS assessment can significantly improve interrater agreement between healthcare professionals, and between NIHSS-certified neurologists and general practitioners. Our results underscore the importance of ongoing training and education in enhancing the consistency and reliability of NIHSS scores.

Outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery stroke in an academic hospital in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is an important cause of death in the world. The malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) has mortality as high as 80% when clinically treated. In this setting, decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure, in spite of high morbidity among survivors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with MMCAI treated with decompressive craniectomy in a Brazilian academic tertiary stroke center. METHODS: A prospective stroke database was retrospectively evaluated, and all patients treated with decompressive craniectomy for MMCAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were included. The demographics and clinical characteristics were evaluated. The functional outcome, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), was assessed at hospital discharge, after 3-months and 1-year of follow-up. RESULTS: We included 53 patients on the final analysis. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.6 years and 64.2% were males. The median time from symptoms to admission was 4.8 (3-9.7) hours and the mean time from symptoms to surgery was 36 ± 17 hours. The left hemisphere was the affected in 39.6%. The median NIHSS at admission was 20 (16-24). The in-hospital mortality was 30.2%. After a median of 337 [157-393] days, 47.1% of patients had achieved favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 4) and 39.6% had died. CONCLUSION: Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure in the setting of MMCAI, and its effects remains important in the scenario of a middle-income country in real-world situations.

ANTECEDENTES: O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico é uma causa importante da morte em todo o mundo. O infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média (IMACM) tem mortalidade de até 80% quando tratado clinicamente. Nesse contexto, a craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas, apesar da alta morbidade entre os sobreviventes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os desfechos dos pacientes com IMACM tratados com craniectomia descompressiva em um centro acadêmico terciário de AVC no Brasil. MéTODOS: Um banco de dados prospectivo de AVC foi avaliado retrospectivamente e todos os pacientes tratados com craniectomia descompressiva para IMACM entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2017 foram incluídos. As características clínicas e demográficas foram avaliadas. Os desfechos funcionais, medidos pela escala modificada da Rankin (mRS), foram avaliados na alta hospitalar, após 3 meses e após 1 ano de seguimento. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 53 pacientes na análise final. A idade média foi 54,6 ± 11,6 anos e 64,2% eram homens. A mediana do tempo dos sintomas à admissão foi 4,8 (3­9,7) horas e o tempo médio dos sintomas à cirurgia foi 36 ± 17 horas. O hemisfério esquerdo foi o afetado em 39,6%. A pontuação na escala de AVC do National Institute of Health (NIHSS) à admissão foi 20 (16­24). A mortalidade hospitalar foi 30,2%. Após uma mediana de 337 (157­393) dias, 47,1% dos pacientes tinham atingido um desfecho favorável (mRS ≤ 4) e 39,6% tinham morrido. CONCLUSãO: Craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas no contexto do IMACM e seus efeitos permanecem importantes no cenário de um país em desenvolvimento em situação de vida real.

Outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery stroke in an academic hospital in Brazil / Desfechos da craniectomia descompressiva para infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média em um hospital acadêmico no Brasil

Abstract Background Ischemic stroke is an important cause of death in the world. The malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) has mortality as high as 80% when clinically treated. In this setting, decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure, in spite of high morbidity among survivors. Objective To evaluate the outcomes of patients with MMCAI treated with decompressive craniectomy in a Brazilian academic tertiary stroke center. Methods A prospective stroke database was retrospectively evaluated, and all patients treated with decompressive craniectomy for MMCAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were included. The demographics and clinical characteristics were evaluated. The functional outcome, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), was assessed at hospital discharge, after 3-months and 1-year of follow-up. Results We included 53 patients on the final analysis. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.6 years and 64.2% were males. The median time from symptoms to admission was 4.8 (3-9.7) hours and the mean time from symptoms to surgery was 36 ± 17 hours. The left hemisphere was the affected in 39.6%. The median NIHSS at admission was 20 (16-24). The in-hospital mortality was 30.2%. After a median of 337 [157-393] days, 47.1% of patients had achieved favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 4) and 39.6% had died. Conclusion Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure in the setting of MMCAI, and its effects remains important in the scenario of a middle-income country in real-world situations.

Resumo Antecedentes O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico é uma causa importante da morte em todo o mundo. O infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média (IMACM) tem mortalidade de até 80% quando tratado clinicamente. Nesse contexto, a craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas, apesar da alta morbidade entre os sobreviventes. Objetivo Avaliar os desfechos dos pacientes com IMACM tratados com craniectomia descompressiva em um centro acadêmico terciário de AVC no Brasil. Métodos Um banco de dados prospectivo de AVC foi avaliado retrospectivamente e todos os pacientes tratados com craniectomia descompressiva para IMACM entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2017 foram incluídos. As características clínicas e demográficas foram avaliadas. Os desfechos funcionais, medidos pela escala modificada da Rankin (mRS), foram avaliados na alta hospitalar, após 3 meses e após 1 ano de seguimento. Resultados Foram incluídos 53 pacientes na análise final. A idade média foi 54,6 ± 11,6 anos e 64,2% eram homens. A mediana do tempo dos sintomas à admissão foi 4,8 (3-9,7) horas e o tempo médio dos sintomas à cirurgia foi 36 ± 17 horas. O hemisfério esquerdo foi o afetado em 39,6%. A pontuação na escala de AVC do National Institute of Health (NIHSS) à admissão foi 20 (16-24). A mortalidade hospitalar foi 30,2%. Após uma mediana de 337 (157-393) dias, 47,1% dos pacientes tinham atingido um desfecho favorável (mRS ≤ 4) e 39,6% tinham morrido. Conclusão Craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas no contexto do IMACM e seus efeitos permanecem importantes no cenário de um país em desenvolvimento em situação de vida real.

White Matter Hyperintensities and Poststroke Apathy: A Fully Automated MRI Segmentation Study.

INTRODUCTION: Poststroke apathy (PSA) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that may affect up to 30% of stroke patients. Despite the difficulties of investigating this condition (overlapping with depression, heterogeneity of diagnostic criteria, a small number of studies), some recent diffusion tensor imaging studies have suggested that widespread microstructural white matter (WM) disruption plays a key role in the development of PSA. Therefore, we intended to investigate this hypothesis by evaluating the relationship between WM hyperintensities (WMH) and apathy in patients with cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: We studied patients with apathy (n = 7), depression (n = 13), comorbid apathy and depression (n = 13), and controls (n = 20), and we investigated the variables associated with the volume of WMH measured by an automated brain MRI segmentation software. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of PSA was 37.7% (pure and comorbid). Patients with apathy presented a higher volume of WMH in comparison to controls. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), NPI-A, and the number of cerebral microbleeds were the only variables associated with WMH. Conversely, NPI-D did not correlate to WMH. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This is an exploratory study that supports the view of PSA as a distinct syndrome from PSD mediated mainly by diffuse white matter hyperintensities, which suggests that WM disruption is an important pathway to the development of apathy in stroke patients.

Brazilian Academy of Neurology practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: part I.

The Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation are the result of a joint effort by the Scientific Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology aiming to guide professionals involved in the rehabilitation process to reduce functional disability and increase individual autonomy. Members of the group participated in web discussion forums with predefined themes, followed by videoconference meetings in which issues were discussed, leading to a consensus. These guidelines, divided into two parts, focus on the implications of recent clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in stroke rehabilitation literature. The main objective was to guide physicians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, nutritionists, and other professionals involved in post-stroke care. Recommendations and levels of evidence were adapted according to the currently available literature. Part I discusses topics on rehabilitation in the acute phase, as well as prevention and management of frequent conditions and comorbidities after stroke.

Brazilian Academy of Neurology practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: part I / Diretrizes da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia para reabilitação do acidente vascular cerebral: parte I

ABSTRACT The Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation are the result of a joint effort by the Scientific Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology aiming to guide professionals involved in the rehabilitation process to reduce functional disability and increase individual autonomy. Members of the group participated in web discussion forums with predefined themes, followed by videoconference meetings in which issues were discussed, leading to a consensus. These guidelines, divided into two parts, focus on the implications of recent clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in stroke rehabilitation literature. The main objective was to guide physicians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, nutritionists, and other professionals involved in post-stroke care. Recommendations and levels of evidence were adapted according to the currently available literature. Part I discusses topics on rehabilitation in the acute phase, as well as prevention and management of frequent conditions and comorbidities after stroke.

RESUMO As Diretrizes Brasileiras para Reabilitação do AVC são fruto de um esforço conjunto do Departamento Científico de Reabilitação Neurológica da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia com o objetivo de orientar os profissionais envolvidos no processo de reabilitação para a redução da incapacidade funcional e aumento da autonomia dos indivíduos. Membros do grupo acima participaram de fóruns de discussão na web com pré-temas, seguidos de reuniões por videoconferência em que as controvérsias foram discutidas, levando a um consenso. Essas diretrizes, divididas em duas partes, focam as implicações de recentes ensaios clínicos, revisões sistemáticas e metanálises sobre reabilitação do AVC. O objetivo principal é servir de orientação a médicos, fisioterapeutas, fonoaudiólogos, terapeutas ocupacionais, enfermeiros, nutricionistas e demais profissionais envolvidos no cuidado pós-AVC. As recomendações e níveis de evidência foram adaptados de acordo com a literatura disponível atualmente. Aqui é apresentada a Parte I sobre tópicos de reabilitação na fase aguda, prevenção e tratamento de doenças e comorbidades frequentes após o AVC.

Association between Tomographic Characteristics of the Temporal Bone and Transtemporal Window Quality on Transcranial Color Doppler Ultrasound in Patients with Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.

Transcranial color-coded Doppler (TCCD) is an ultrasonographic technique used to obtain and evaluate images of the cerebral parenchyma and to assess blood flow velocities of the intracranial vessels. One of the major limitations of TCCD is the failure to insonate through the transtemporal window, which occurs in about 5%-44% of patients. Temporal bone thickness has been strongly associated with transtemporal window failure (TWF). The aims of the study were to evaluate the association between TWF on TCCD and radiologic findings on computed tomography of the skull along with the demographic characteristics of patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and to propose a classification for transcranial window quality (TWQ) on B-mode scan of TCCD. A total of 187 consecutive patients with acute stroke or TIA were included. Among them, 21.9% had TWF and 34.8% had TWQ categorized as insufficient on B-mode scan of TCCD. On logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.12, p < 0.001), female sex (OR = 5.99, 95% CI: 2.09-17.16, p = 0.001), pneumatized temporal bone (OR = 7.90, 95% CI: 1.95-32.03, p = 0.004) and temporal bone thickness (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.73-5.35, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of TWF, even after adjusting for confounders. These findings may help to select patients in whom echogenic contrast or even other imaging methods could be used to assess intracranial vessels.

Performance evolution over 645 acute stroke thrombectomies in a public Brazilian healthcare institution.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the impact of the thrombectomy learning curve on clinical outcomes is essential for developing healthcare system protocols. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of thrombectomy case volume on procedural and clinical outcomes in a Brazilian registry. METHODS: A total of 645 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated by thrombectomy were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups regarding the period of treatment: the early period group and the late period group. RESULTS: In the adjusted analysis, treatment in the late period was an independent predictor of recanalization (odds ratio 1.91, 95% CI 1.28-2.86) and excellent neurologic outcomes at three months (odds ratio 1.77, 95% CI 1.04-3.01). Treatment in the late period had no significant association with mortality (odds ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.55-1.41). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in thrombectomy case volume for the treatment of AIS over time was an independent predictor of recanalization and excellent neurologic outcome.

Extended Time Window Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation within 6 hours of symptoms onset and can be performed with an extended window up to 24 hours in selected patients. Nevertheless, the outcomes of MT with extended window are unknown in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: Explore the safety and efficacy of MT for AIS performed beyond 6 hours from symptoms onset in Brazil. METHODS: We reviewed data from AIS patients treated with MT beyond 6 hours of stroke onset, from 2015 to 2018 in a Brazilian public hospital. Patients had an occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery and/or proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery. CT Perfusion mismatch was evaluated using the RAPID® software. We evaluated the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and mortality at 90 days, and rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 65.6 ± 16.1 years, 55.6% were male, and the median NIHSS score at presentation was 17. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b to 3) was obtained in 92.6% of patients and sICH rate was 11.1%. Overall, 34% of the patients had a good outcome (mRS ≤2) at 90 days and the mortality rate was 20.3%. CONCLUSION: Our study, the first series of MT for AIS treated with extended window reported in Latin America, shows that MT can be performed with safety and lead to adequate functional outcomes in this context. Further studies should explore the barriers to broad implementation of MT for AIS in Latin America.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Positive Airway Pressure Device for Sleep Apnea Detection in Acute Stroke Patients.

Background and Purpose- Sleep apnea has been associated with a poor outcome in acute stroke patients. Polysomnography is the gold standard diagnostic method for sleep apnea, but it is not feasible as a routine in the acute stroke setting. The current generation of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices can detect the different types of respiratory events. This study aimed to compare the algorithms used in PAP device to manually scored events on polysomnography in patients with acute stroke. Methods- A sleep study was performed with standard polysomnography and PAP device, simultaneously, within the first 48 hours after acute stroke onset. Results- We prospectively evaluated 29 patients with acute stroke (59.5±12.1 years). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for each apnea-hypopnea index value was above 0.90 by PAP device. There was a good correlation of apnea-hypopnea index (rs=0.92; P<0.001), hypopnea index (rs=0.89; P<0.001), and apnea index (rs=0.70; P<0.001) between device-detected events and manually scored polysomnography. Conclusions- Given the high frequency of sleep apnea during the acute phase of stroke and the complexity of a full polysomnography study in this setting, PAP device on diagnostic mode can be used as an alternative tool for sleep apnea detection in acute stroke patients.

Collateral Scores and Outcomes after Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Artery Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare stroke subtype with high mortality rates. Best BAO reperfusion strategy is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe outcomes of BAO patients submitted to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in a comprehensive stroke center in Brazil and analyze which previous published computed tomography angiography (CTA) collateral score better predict functional outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive BAO patients. CTA was used to evaluate the posterior circulation collateral score (PC-CS), the basilar artery on CTA score, and for the presence of posterior communicating arteries. A favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Score ≤3 at 90-days. After univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression was used to identify if any collateral score independently predicts favorable outcomes. RESULTS: Between January 2011 and April 2017, 27 (85% male) BAO patients with median NIHSS 26 (IQR 15-32) were identified. Twenty-five (93%) patients were treated with MT devices, and only 2 (7%) patients were treated with angioplasty and stenting. Successful recanalization rate was 85%, and only 1 (3.7%) patient had symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. Favorable outcomes were reached in 10 (37%) patients. In univariate analysis, female sex, NIHSS, Glasgow coma scale, mild-to-moderate symptoms on admission, onset-to-groin time, and PC-CS predicted favorable outcomes. In multivariate analysis, PC-CS (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.10-2.60; p = 0.016) and NIHSS (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.77-0.93; p = 0.001) remained the only independent predictors of favorable outcomes. The PC-CS AUC was 0.80 (95% CI 0.62-0.98; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: MT is a promising strategy for BAO treatment. Among collateral scores, PC-CS was the only independent predictor of favorable outcomes in the present study.

Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing after stroke and TIA: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) after stroke. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase (Ovid), the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL (from their commencements to April 7, 2017) for clinical studies reporting prevalence and/or severity of SDB after stroke or TIA. Only sleep apnea tests performed with full polysomnography and diagnostic devices of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine categories I-IV were included. We conducted random-effects meta-analysis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017072339. RESULTS: The initial search identified 5,211 publications. Eighty-nine studies (including 7,096 patients) met inclusion criteria. Fifty-four studies were performed in the acute phase after stroke (after less than 1 month), 23 studies in the subacute phase (after 1-3 months), and 12 studies in the chronic phase (after more than 3 months). Mean apnea-hypopnea index was 26.0/h (SD 21.7-31.2). Prevalence of SDB with apnea-hypopnea index greater than 5/h and greater than 30/h was found in 71% (95% confidence interval 66.6%-74.8%) and 30% (95% confidence interval 24.4%-35.5%) of patients, respectively. Severity and prevalence of SDB were similar in all examined phases after stroke, irrespective of the type of sleep apnea test performed. Heterogeneity between studies (I 2) was mostly high. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of SDB after stroke and TIA, which persists over time, is important in light of recent studies reporting the (1) feasibility and (2) efficacy of SDB treatment in this clinical setting.

Large Vessel Occlusion Score: A Screening Tool to Detect Large Vessel Occlusion in the Acute Stroke Setting.

BACKGROUND: The results of recent trials of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke have increased the demand for identification of patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) at the primary stroke center, where a prompt detection may expedite transfer to a comprehensive stroke center for endovascular treatment. However, in developing countries, a noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) may be the only neuroimaging modality available at the primary stroke center scenario, what calls for a screening strategy accurate enough to avoid unnecessary transfers of noneligible patients for endovascular therapy. Algorithms based on National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and NCCT findings can be used to screen for LVO in patients with anterior circulation stroke (ACS). OBJECTIVE: To test the accuracy of a score based on NIHSS and NCCT to detect LVO in patients with ACS. METHODS: We evaluated 178 patients from a prospective stroke registry of patients admitted to an academic tertiary emergency unit. NIHSS and vessel attenuation values of the middle cerebral artery on NCCT absolute vessel attenuation (VA) were collected by 2 investigators that were blind to CT angiography (CTA) findings. We used receiver operating characteristics curve analysis and C-statistics to predict LVO on CTA. RESULTS: NIHSS and vessel attenuation were highly associated with LVO with an area under the curve (AUC) of .86 and .77. The LVO score, built by logistic regression coefficients of the NIHSS and VA, showed the highest accuracy for the presence of LVO on CTA (AUC of .91). CONCLUSION: The LVO score may be a useful screening approach to identify LVO in patients with ACS.

Rapid eye movements sleep as a predictor of functional outcome after stroke: a translational study.

Study Objectives: Sleep disturbances are common in acute stroke patients and are linked with a negative stroke outcome. However, it is also unclear which and how such changes may be related to stroke outcome. To explore this link, we performed a sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) study in animals and humans after ischemic stroke. Methods: (1) Animal study: 12 male rats were assigned to two groups: ischemia (IS) and sham surgery (Sham). In both groups, sleep architecture was investigated 24 h before surgery and for the following 3 days. (2) Human study: 153 patients with ischemic stroke participating in the SAS-CARE prospective, multicenter cohort study had a polysomnography within 9 days after stroke onset. Functional stroke outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge (short-term outcome) and at a 3-month follow-up (long-term outcome). Results: (1) Animal study: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was significantly reduced in the IS group compared to the Sham group. (2) Human study: patients with poor short-term functional outcome had a reduction of REM sleep and prolonged REM latency during the acute phase of stroke. REM latency was the only sleep EEG variable found to be significantly related to short- and long-term functional impairment in a multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusions: Acute ischemic stroke is followed by a significant reduction of REM sleep in animals and humans. In humans, this reduction was linked with a bad stroke outcome; in addition, REM latency was found to be an independent predictor of stroke evolution. Potential explanations for this role of REM sleep in stroke are discussed. Clinical Trial Registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01097967.

CPAP as treatment of sleep apnea after stroke: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in stroke patients with sleep disordered breathing (SDB). METHODS: In a systematic literature search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) from 1980 to November 2016, we identified RCTs that assessed CPAP compared to standard care or sham CPAP in adult patients with stroke or TIA with SDB. Mean CPAP use, odds ratios (ORs), and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. The prespecified outcomes were adherence to CPAP, neurologic improvement, adverse events, new vascular events, and death. RESULTS: Ten RCTs (564 participants) with CPAP as intervention were included. Two studies compared CPAP with sham CPAP; 8 compared CPAP with usual care. Mean CPAP use across the trials was 4.53 hours per night (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.97-5.08). The OR of dropping out with CPAP was 1.83 (95% CI 1.05-3.21, p = 0.033). The combined analysis of the neurofunctional scales (NIH Stroke Scale and Canadian Neurological Scale) showed an overall neurofunctional improvement with CPAP (SMD 0.5406, 95% CI 0.0263-1.0548) but with a considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 78.9%, p = 0.0394) across the studies. Long-term survival was improved with CPAP in 1 trial. CONCLUSION: CPAP use after stroke is acceptable once the treatment is tolerated. The data indicate that CPAP might be beneficial for neurologic recovery, which justifies larger RCTs.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion in Brazil: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular therapy (EVT) were proven safe and effective for anterior circulation proximal occlusions. However, the most appropriate recanalization strategy in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is still controversial. This study aimed to assess outcomes of patients with BAO at an academic stroke center in Brazil. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with BAO from a prospective stroke registry at Ribeirão Preto Medical School. Primary outcomes were mortality and favorable outcome (modified Rankin score [mRS] ≤3) at 90 days. After univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of primary outcomes. RESULTS: Between August 2004 and December 2015, 63 (65% male) patients with BAO and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 31 (interquartile range: 19-36) were identified. Twenty-nine (46%) patients received no acute recanalization therapy, 15 (24%) received IVT, and 19 (30%) received EVT (68% treated with stent retrievers). Twenty-four (83%) patients treated conservatively died, and only 2 (7%) achieved an mRS less than or equal to 3. Among patients treated with acute recanalization therapies, 15 (44%) died, and 9 (26.5%) had a favorable outcome. On multivariate analysis, baseline systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] = .97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .95-0.99; P = .023), posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (OR = .62; 95% CI: .41-0.94; P = .026), and successful recanalization (OR = .18; 95% CI: .04-0.71; P = .015) were independent predictors of lower mortality. Baseline NIHSS (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.08-1.82; P = .012), prior use of statins (OR = .003; 95% CI: .001-0.28; P = .012), and successful recanalization (OR = .05; 95% CI: .001-0.27; P = .009) were independent predictors of favorable outcome. There was no significant difference between the IVT group and the EVT group on primary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: BAO is associated with high morbidity and mortality in Brazil. Access to acute recanalization therapies may decrease mortality in those patients.

Experience on Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke Treatment in a Brazilian University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is a developing country struggling to reduce its extreme social inequality, which is reflected on shortage of health-care infrastructure, mainly to the low-income class, which depends exclusively on the public health system. In Brazil, less than 1% of stroke patients have access to intravenous thrombolysis in a stroke unit, and constraints to the development of mechanical thrombectomy in the public health system increase the social burden of stroke. OBJECTIVE: Report the feasibility of mechanical thrombectomy as part of routine stroke care in a Brazilian public university hospital. METHODS: Prospective data were collected from all patients treated for acute ischemic stroke with mechanical thrombectomy from June 2011 to March 2016. Combined thrombectomy was performed in eligible patients for intravenous thrombolysis if they presented occlusion of large artery. For those patients ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, primary thrombectomy was performed as long as there was no evidence of significant ischemia for anterior circulation stroke (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score >6) within a 6-hour time window, and also for those patients with wake-up stroke or posterior circulation stroke, regardless of the time of symptoms onset. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were evaluated, resulting in an overall successful recanalization rate of 76% and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate of 6.8%. At 3 months, 36% of the patients had modified Rankin Scale score less than or equal to 2. The overall mortality rate was 23%. CONCLUSION: Our study, the first ever large series of mechanical thrombectomy in Brazil, demonstrates acceptable efficacy and safety results, even under restricted conditions outside the ideal scenario of trial studies.

Sleep-disordered breathing among acute ischemic stroke patients in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is very common in acute stroke patients and has been related to poor outcome. However, there is a lack of data about the association between SDB and stroke in developing countries. The study aims to characterize the frequency and severity of SDB in Brazilian patients during the acute phase of ischemic stroke; to identify clinical and laboratorial data related to SDB in those patients; and to assess the relationship between sleep apnea and functional outcome after six months of stroke. METHODS: Clinical data and laboratorial tests were collected at hospital admission. The polysomnography was performed on the first night after stroke symptoms onset. Functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: We prospectively evaluated 69 patients with their first-ever acute ischemic stroke. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 37.7 ± 30.2. Fifty-three patients (76.8%) exhibited an AHI ≥ 10 with predominantly obstructive respiratory events (90.6%), and thirty-three (47.8%) had severe sleep apnea. Age (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-1.15; p= 0.004) and hematocrit (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.34; p= 0.01) were independent predictors of sleep apnea. Age (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03-1.24; p= 0.01), body mass index (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.54-2.18; p= 0.01), and hematocrit (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.01-1.40; p= 0.04) were independent predictors of severe sleep apnea. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.1-1.5; p= 0.001) and severe sleep apnea (OR: 9.7; 95% CI: 1.3-73.8; p= 0.03) were independently associated to mRS >2 at six months, after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute ischemic stroke in Brazil have a high frequency of SDB. Severe sleep apnea is associated with a poor long-term functional outcome following stroke in that population.