ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Pre-stroke dependency (PSD) is associated with poor outcome after stroke. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in pre-stroke dependent patients compared to pre-stroke independent patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included consecutive patients with anterior circulation acute ischaemic stroke related to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO), treated by MT between January 1st 2015 and July 1st 2018 in our single comprehensive stroke center. PSD was defined as a mRS score of 3 to 5 before stroke onset. We studied outcome variables in pre-stroke dependent vs. independent patients, by using logistic regression models. Clinical outcomes included clinical favorable outcome at 3 months (defined as modified Rankin Score 0-2 or equal to pre-stroke mRS score), successful recanalization rates and safety outcomes. RESULTS: Of 922 patients with anterior circulation AIS-LVO, 155 (16.8%) had PSD. Favorable outcome was less often achieved in patients with PSD (25.8% vs. 44.7%, p <0.001); but the difference did not remain significant in multivariable analysis (adjusted OR, 0.70; 95%CI, 0.44 to 1.12). Mortality at 90-days was significantly higher in patients with PSD (49.0% vs. 18.8%, adjusted OR, 2.63; 95%CI, 1.69 to 4.00). Successful recanalization was strongly associated with favorable outcome (adjusted OR, 8.15; 95%CI 4.97 to 13.34). CONCLUSIONS: One out of four patients with PSD had a favorable outcome after MT. Despite higher mortality rates compared to pre-stroke independent patients, PSD alone should not be used alone to deny mechanical thrombectomy.
