Ischemic Stroke at a Tertiary Academic Hospital in Tanzania: A Prospective Cohort Study With a Focus on Presumed Large Vessel Occlusion.

Background: Large vessel ischemic strokes account for more than one-third of all strokes associated with substantial morbidity and mortality without early intervention. The incidence of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is not known in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Definitive vessel imaging is not routinely available in resource-limited settings. Aims: We aimed to investigate the burden and outcomes of presumed LVO among patients with ischemic stroke admitted to a large tertiary academic hospital in Tanzania. Methods: This cohort study recruited all consenting first-ever ischemic stroke participants admitted at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Demographic data were recorded, and participants were followed up to 1 year using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A diagnosis of presumed LVO was made by a diagnostic neuroradiologist and interventional neurologist based on contiguous ischemic changes in a pattern consistent with proximal LVO on a non-contrast computed tomography head. We examined factors associated with presumed LVO using logistic regression analysis. Inter-observer Kappa was calculated. Results: We enrolled 158 first-ever ischemic strokes over 8 months with a mean age of 59.7 years. Presumed LVO accounted for 39.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 31.6-47.3%] and an overall meantime from the onset of stroke symptoms to hospital arrival was 1.74 days. Participants with presumed LVO were more likely to involve the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory (70.9%), p < 0.0001. Independent factors on multivariate analysis associated with presumed LVO were hypertension [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.74 (95% CI: 1.74-18.9)] and increased waist-hip ratio [aOR 7.20 (95% CI: 1.83-28.2)]. One-year mortality in presumed LVO was 80% when compared with 73.1% in participants without presumed LVO. The Cohen's Kappa inter-observer reliability between the diagnostic neuroradiologist and interventional neurologist was 0.847. Conclusion: There is a high burden of presumed LVO associated with high rates of 1-year morbidity and mortality at a tertiary academic hospital in Tanzania. Efforts are needed to confirm these findings with definitive vessel imaging, promoting cost-effective preventive strategies to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and a call for adopting endovascular therapies to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure Control Among Hypertensive Outpatients Attending a Tertiary Cardiovascular Hospital in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Notwithstanding the availability of effective treatments, asymptomatic nature and the interminable treatment length, adherence to medication remains a substantial challenge among patients with hypertension. Suboptimal adherence to BP-lowering agents is a growing global concern that is associated with the substantial worsening of disease, increased service utilization and health-care cost escalation. This study aimed to explore medication adherence and its associated factors among hypertension outpatients attending a tertiary-level cardiovascular hospital in Tanzania. Methods: The pill count adherence ratio (PCAR) was used to compute adherence rate. In descriptive analyses, adherence was dichotomized and consumption of less than 80% of the prescribed medications was used to denote poor adherence. Logistic regression analyses was used to determine factors associated with adherence. Results: A total of 849 outpatients taking antihypertensive drugs for ≥1 month prior to recruitment were randomly enrolled in this study. The mean age was 59.9 years and about two-thirds were females. Overall, a total of 653 (76.9%) participants had good adherence and 367 (43.2%) had their blood pressure controlled. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed; lack of a health insurance (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7, p<0.01), last BP measurement >1 week (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.8, p<0.01), last clinic attendance >1 month (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.6, p<0.001), frequent unavailability of drugs (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-0.9, p = 0.03), running out of medication before the next appointment (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9, p = 0.01) and stopping medications when asymptomatic (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.8, p<0.001) to be independent associated factors for poor adherence. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of hypertensive outpatients in this tertiary-level setting had good medication adherence. Nonetheless, observed suboptimal blood pressure control regardless of a fairly satisfactory adherence rate suggests that lifestyle modification plays a central role in hypertension management.

Predictors of 30-day mortality among patients with stroke admitted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Northwestern Tanzania: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with the highest mortality rates in low- to middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to investigate the predictors of 30-day mortality among patients with stroke admitted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Northwestern Tanzania. Methods: This cohort study recruited patients with the World Health Organization's clinical definition of stroke. Data were collected on baseline characteristics, the degree of neurological impairment at admission (measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), imaging and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, and post-stroke complications. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess stroke outcomes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe survival, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine predictors of mortality. Results: A total of 135 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 64.5 years. Hypertension was observed in 76%, and 20% were on regular anti-hypertensive medications. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 37%. Comparing patients with hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, 25% had died by day 5 [25th percentile survival time (in days): 5 (95% CI: 2-14)] versus day 23 [25th percentile survival time (in days): 23 (95% CI: 11-30) (log-rank p < 0.001)], respectively. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common medical complication, occurring in 41.3% of patients. ECG abnormalities were observed in 54.6 and 46.9% of patients with hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, respectively. The most common patterns were as follows: ST changes 29.6 vs. 30.9%, T-wave inversion 34.1 vs. 38.3%, and U-waves 18.2 vs. 1.2% in hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, respectively. Independent predictors for case mortality were as follows: mRS score at presentation (4-5) [aHR 5.50 (95% CI: 2.02-15.04)], aspiration pneumonia [aHR 3.69 (95% CI: 1.71-13.69)], ECG abnormalities [aHR 2.28 (95% CI: 1.86-5.86)], and baseline stroke severity [aHR 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02-1.17)]. Conclusion: Stroke is associated with a high 30-day mortality rate in Northwestern Tanzania. Concerted efforts are warranted in managing patients with stroke, with particular attention to individuals with severe strokes, ECG abnormalities, and swallowing difficulties to reduce early morbidity and mortality.

The burden, correlates and outcomes of left ventricular hypertrophy among young Africans with first ever stroke in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a pathophysiological response often due to chronic uncontrolled hypertension. Our primary aim was to investigate the magnitude, correlates and outcomes of left ventricular hypertrophy as a surrogate maker for chronic uncontrolled hypertension in young adults ≤ 45 years with stroke. Our secondary aim was to determine the accuracy of electrocardiography using Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell criteria in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy compared to echocardiography. METHODS: This cohort study recruited young strokes who had undergone brain imaging, electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography at baseline. The modified Poisson regression model examined baseline correlates for left ventricular hypertrophy. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale assessed stroke severity and the modified Rankin Scale assessed outcomes to 30-days. Performance of electrical voltage criterions was estimated using receiver operator characteristics. RESULTS: We enrolled 101 stroke participants. Brain imaging revealed ischemic strokes in 60 (59.4%) and those with intracerebral hemorrhage, 33 (86.8%) were localized to the basal ganglia. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 76 (75.3%:95%CI 65.7%-83.3%), and 30 (39.5%) and 28 (36.8%) had moderate or severe hypertrophy respectively. Young adults with premorbid or a new diagnosis of hypertension were more likely to have left ventricular hypertrophy, 47 (61.8%), and 26 (34.2%). On multivariable analysis, left ventricular hypertrophy was independently associated with not being on anti-hypertensive medications among hypertensives participants {adjusted risk ratio 1.4 (95%CI:1.04-1.94). The mean National Institute of Health Stroke score was 18 and 30-day mortality was 42 (43.3%). The sensitivity and specificity for Sokolow-Lyon in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy was 27% and 78%, and for Cornell was 32% and 52% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a high proportion of left ventricular hypertrophy in young adults with stroke associated with chronic undertreated hypertension. While the study methodology does not allow us to determine causation, this association and knowledge of pathophysiological processes supports the notion that chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for young strokes associated with high mortality. Our findings did not support the use of the electrical voltage criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy. We recommend low cost interventions like blood pressure screening and treatment to reduce this burden.

Comparative Effectiveness of Reperfusion Strategies in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Secondary Analysis of the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala (ACS QUIK) Trial.

Introduction: Substantial heterogeneity exists in reperfusion strategies for patients with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We sought to compare outcomes associated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and non-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (nPPCI) reperfusion strategies in patients with STEMI in Kerala, India. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with STEMI (n = 8665) from the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala (ACS QUIK) randomized trial receiving either PPCI (n = 6623) or nPPCI (n = 2042). nPPCI included all PCI strategies implemented when PPCI was not available including all post-fibrinolysis PCI strategies and PCI without fibrinolysis. Clinical outcomes among patients undergoing PPCI and nPPCI were compared after propensity-score matching. The main outcomes were the rates of in-hospital and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the composite of death, reinfarction, stroke, and major bleeding. Results: In the propensity-score matched cohort (n = 1266 in each group), nPPCI had longer symptom onset to hospital arrival time (347.5 vs. 195.0 minutes, p < 0.001), door to balloon time (108 minutes vs. 75 minutes, p < 0.001), and were less likely to receive a coronary stent (89.4% vs. 95%, p < 0.001), including drug-eluting stents (89.5% vs. 94.4%, p < 0.001). There were no clinically meaningful differences in discharge medical therapy. However, patients treated with nPPCI were less commonly referred for cardiac rehabilitation (20.2% vs. 24.2%; p = 0.019). In-hospital (3.6% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.74%) and 30-day (4.4% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.77) MACE did not differ between nPPCI and PPCI matched groups. Conclusion: In a large, contemporary population of STEMI patients from a LMIC, patients treated with a nPPCI reperfusion strategy had comparable short- and intermediate-term outcomes compared to PPCI despite differences in hospital presentation time and coronary stent use. These findings are reassuring but highlight the need for continued quality improvement in the delivery of STEMI care in resource-limited settings.

Stroke mimics in patients clinically diagnosed with stroke at a tertiary teaching hospital in Tanzania: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke mimics account for up to one-third of acute stroke admissions and are a heterogeneous entity which pose diagnostic challenges. Diagnosing such patients is however crucial to avoid delays in treatment and potentially harmful medication prescription. We aimed at describing the magnitude, clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of stroke mimics in patients clinically diagnosed with a stroke. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled patients admitted with a World Health Organization clinical criteria for stroke at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Baseline data was collected and the simplified version of the FABS scale was used to determine its usefulness in predicting stroke mimics. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Modified Rankin Scale were used to assess for admission stroke severity and outcomes respectively. RESULTS: Among 363 patients with suspected stroke on admission, the final diagnosis was stroke mimics in 24 (6.6%) who had a mean age of 65.8 ± 15 years. Patients with stroke mimics were less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors for stroke including premorbid hypertension (7 (29.2%) vs 263 (77.6%), p < 0.001) and increased waist-hip ratio (9 (37.5%) vs 270 (79.6%) p < 0.001) for mimics and true strokes respectively. Clinical findings such as hypertension and the presence of cortical features in neurological examination occurred less in patients with stroke mimics. The simplified FABS score of ≥3 could identify patients with stroke mimics with a sensitivity and specificity of 38 and 80% respectively. The most common causes of mimics were brain tumors 6 (25%), meningoencephalitis 4 (16.7%) and epileptic seizures 3 (12.5%). The majority of patients with stroke mimics had severe disease on admission and the 30-day mortality in these patients was 54.5%. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the proportion of stroke mimics among patients clinically diagnosed with stroke was 6.6% and brain tumors was a common etiology. Stroke mimics were less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors and cortical signs during evaluation. We recommend further studies that can help develop clinical scales used for predicting stroke mimics in an African population.

The burden and outcomes of stroke in young adults at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania: a comparison with older adults.

BACKGROUND: Stroke burden in young adults is growing associated with unique risk factors and devastating outcomes. We aimed to investigate the magnitude, risk factors and outcomes of first ever stroke in young adults ≤45 years compared to older adults > 45 years. METHODS: All patients with a World Health Organization clinical definition of stroke at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania were enrolled. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Modified Rankin Scale were used to assess admission stroke severity and outcomes respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe survival and Cox-proportional hazards model was used to examine predictors of fatality. RESULTS: We enrolled 369 first ever stroke participants over 8 months. First strokes accounted for one quarter of the medical admissions in both younger and older groups, 123/484 {(25.4%) [95% CI 21.5-29.3%]} and 246/919 {(26.8%) [95% CI 23.9-29.6%]} respectively. Hemorrhagic stroke occurred in 47 (42.3%) vs 62 (27.2%) for the young and old respectively p = 0.005. Factors associated with stroke in the young were: a new diagnosis of hypertension in 33 (26.8%) vs 23 (9.3%) p < 0.001, HIV infection 12 (9.8%) vs 7 (2.8%) p = 0.005, use of hormonal contraception in females 33 (48.5%) vs 13 (9.4%) p < 0.001, elevated serum low density lipoproteins 28 (27.7%) vs 29 (16.4%) p = 0.024, hypercholesteremia 34 (31.2%) vs 40 (20.2%), p = 0.031, sickle cell disease 11 (9.7%) vs 9 (4.2%) p = 0.047 and thrombocytosis 12 (16.9%) vs 8 (5.6%) p = 0.007. The overall 30-day fatality rate was 215 (61.3%); 57 (49.1%) vs 158 (67.2%) in the young and old respectively. Independent predictors of fatality were: severe stroke {HR 10.35 (95% CI: 1.397-76.613)}, leukocytosis {HR 2.23 (95% CI: 1.448-3.419)} and fever {HR 1.79 (95% CI: 1.150-2.776)}. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high burden of stroke in young adults that is coupled with a high 30-day fatality rate. Screening and management of hypertension is crucial in the prevention of stroke. More research is needed to identify factors which cause death, allowing the development of sustainable interventions to reduce early post stroke fatality in this group.