Comprehensive Observational and Longitudinal study on the Outbreak of Stroke-related Spasticity focusing on the Early Onset management with Botulinum NeuroToxin (COLOSSEO-BoNT): protocol for a real-world prospective observational study on upper limb spasticity.

INTRODUCTION: Poststroke spasticity (PSS) affects up to 40% of patients who had a stroke. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) has been shown to improve spasticity, but the optimal timing of its application remains unclear. While several predictors of upper limb PSS are known, their utility in clinical practice in relation to BoNT-A treatment has yet to be fully elucidated. The COLOSSEO-BoNT study aims to investigate predictors of PSS and the effects of BoNT-A timing on spasticity-related metrics in a real-world setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The recruitment will involve approximately 960 patients who have recently experienced an ischaemic stroke (within 10 days, V0) and will follow them up for 24 months. Parameters will be gathered at specific intervals: (V1) 4, (V2) 8, (V3) 12, (V4) 18 months and (V5) 24 months following enrolment. Patients will be monitored throughout their rehabilitation and outpatient clinic journeys and will be compared based on their BoNT-A treatment status-distinguishing between patients receiving treatment at different timings and those who undergo rehabilitation without treatment. Potential predictors will encompass the Fugl-Meyer assessment, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), stroke radiological characteristics, performance status, therapies and access to patient care pathways. Outcomes will evaluate muscle stiffness using the modified Ashworth scale and passive range of motion, along with measures of quality of life, pain, and functionality. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study underwent review and approval by the Ethics Committee of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy. Regardless of the outcome, the findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05379413.

A simple psychophysical procedure separates representational and noise components in impairments of speech prosody perception after right-hemisphere stroke.

After a right hemisphere stroke, more than half of the patients are impaired in their capacity to produce or comprehend speech prosody. Yet, and despite its social-cognitive consequences for patients, aprosodia following stroke has received scant attention. In this report, we introduce a novel, simple psychophysical procedure which, by combining systematic digital manipulations of speech stimuli and reverse-correlation analysis, allows estimating the internal sensory representations that subtend how individual patients perceive speech prosody, and the level of internal noise that govern behavioral variability in how patients apply these representations. Tested on a sample of N = 22 right-hemisphere stroke survivors and N = 21 age-matched controls, the representation + noise model provides a promising alternative to the clinical gold standard for evaluating aprosodia (MEC): both parameters strongly associate with receptive, and not expressive, aprosodia measured by MEC within the patient group; they have better sensitivity than MEC for separating high-functioning patients from controls; and have good specificity with respect to non-prosody-related impairments of auditory attention and processing. Taken together, individual differences in either internal representation, internal noise, or both, paint a potent portrait of the variety of sensory/cognitive mechanisms that can explain impairments of prosody processing after stroke.

Using status of secondary prevention medications in post-stroke dysphagia patients: time to raise awareness and develop special formulations.

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is an increasingly common complication of stroke. Despite its intuitively unfavorable impact on secondary prevention medication use, limited awareness is available regarding this issue. Herein, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the current use, patient-perceived needs and preferences for secondary prevention medications among PSD patients. To emphasize the unique context related to dysphagia, we recruited Chinese stroke patients with a duration of less than 5 years. These patients were initially categorized into PSD respondents with and without dysphagia. Among the 3490 eligible respondents, 42.7% reported experiencing dysphagia after stroke. Those PSD respondents were more likely to consume multiple medications and suffer from anticoagulants-associated gastrointestinal bleeding as compared to non-PSD ones (p < 0.001). More crucially, 40.2% of them had frequent difficulty in swallowing pills, 37.1% routinely crushed solid oral dosage forms (SODFs), and 23.5% coughed frequently when taking SODFs. In consequence, 87.4% responded a need for PSD-specific formulations where safe swallowing, easy swallowing, and reduced medication frequency were preferred pharmaceutical factors. These findings demonstrate an unsatisfactory situation and definite needs for PSD patients in using secondary prevention medications. Awareness should be increased to develop PSD-specific formulations for safe and effective secondary prevention.

PEMOCS: Evaluating the effects of a concept-guided, PErsonalised, MOtor-Cognitive exergame training on cognitive functions and gait in chronic Stroke-study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many stroke survivors remain with residual cognitive and motor impairments despite receiving timely acute and sub-acute rehabilitation. This indicates that rehabilitation following stroke should be continuous to meet the needs of individual stroke patients. Both cognitive and motor functions are essential for mastering daily life and, therefore, should be aimed at with rehabilitation. Exergames, motor-cognitive exercises performed using video games, are an auspicious method to train both motor and cognitive functions and at the same time may foster the long-term motivation for training. This study aims to assess the effect of concept-guided, personalised, motor-cognitive exergame training on cognitive and motor functions in chronic stroke survivors. METHODS: This study is a single-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Assessments are performed at baseline, after a 12-week intervention, and at a 24-weeks follow-up. Chronic stroke patients (≥ 18 years old, ≥ 6 months post-stroke) able to stand for 3 min, independently walk 10 m, follow a two-stage command, and without other neurological diseases apart from cognitive deficits or dementia are included. Participants in the intervention group perform the exergame training twice per week for 30 (beginning) up to 40 (end) minutes additionally to their usual care programme. Participants in the control group receive usual care without additional intervention(s). Global cognitive functioning (total Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score) is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, specific cognitive functions, single- and dual-task mobility, and spatiotemporal gait parameters. The target sample size for this trial is 38 participants. Linear mixed models with the post-outcome scores as dependent variables and group and time as fixed effects will be performed for analysis. DISCUSSION: Superior improvements in global cognitive functioning and in the abovementioned secondary outcomes in the intervention group compared to the control group are hypothesised. The results of this study may guide future design of long-term rehabilitation interventions after stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05524727). Registered on September 1, 2022.

Effects of virtual reality-based robot therapy combined with task-oriented therapy on upper limb function and cerebral cortex activation in patients with stroke.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based robot therapy combined with task-oriented therapy on cerebral cortex activation and upper limb function in patients with stroke. METHODS: This study included 46 patients with hemiplegia within 1 year of stroke onset. Patients were divided into an experimental group (n = 23) and a control group (n = 23) using a computer randomization program. The experimental group received VR-based robot and task-oriented therapies, whereas the control group received only task-oriented therapy. All participants received interventions for 40 minutes per session, 5 times a week, for 8 weeks. For the pre- and post-evaluation of all participants, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper extremity, manual function test, motor activity log, and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test were used to evaluate changes in upper limb function and motor-evoked potential amplitudes were measured to compare cerebral cortex activation. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, experimental group demonstrated an improvement in the function of the upper limb (P < .01) and activation of the cerebral cortex (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The combined intervention of VR-based robot and task-oriented therapies is valuable for improving upper limb function and cerebral cortex activation in patients with stroke.

The impact of physical therapy intervention of dysphagia on preventing pneumonia in acute stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dysphagia is a common complication following stroke. It corresponds to the development of pneumonia, which is always associated with bad prognosis, longer hospital stays and increased mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of physical therapy intervention of dysphagia on preventing pneumonia in acute stroke patients. METHODS: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out on 70 ischemic stroke patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, age ranged from 49 to 65 years. They were randomly assigned to two groups (control and study) of equal number. Patients in the control group received oral care and nasogastric tube feeding, while patients in the study group received the same program in addition to the designed physical therapy program (exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation). The intervention program was applied for 40 min/session, 1 session/day, and 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS), and stroke associated pneumonia (SAP) control and prevention criteria were used to assess dysphagia and incidence of pneumonia at baseline, after two and 4 weeks of intervention for both groups. RESULTS: Before treatment, all patients were susceptible to pneumonia after two and 4 weeks of intervention; there were a significant increase in GUSS score in both groups with more improvement in favor of the study group (p < 0.05) and a statistically significant increase in incidence of SAP after 2 weeks of intervention only in the control group (p < 0.05). The results also showed a significant negative correlation between GUSS score and SAP (r = - 0.3662, p = 0.0018) IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE: adding physical therapy (exercise therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation) to oral care and nasogastric tube feeding is effective in improving oropharyngeal dysphagia and decreasing the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Challenges in Assessment and Management of Postoperative Agitation and Delirium in a Stroke Patient with Limited English Proficiency: Case Report.

While Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 mandates use of interpreters for patients with limited English proficiency, significant disparities persist in intensive postsurgical care. We present the case of a 60-year-old Vietnamese-speaking man with a Type A aortic dissection requiring postoperative mechanical ventilation and stroke care. Despite use of a remote video interpreter, our language-discordant nursing and physician providers faced challenges in managing agitation and delirium and assessing neurological function. This case highlights the need for adequate interpretation equipment, linguistic diversity among providers, and interventions to promote and enable consistent certified and professional medical interpreter use.

[Effect of interactive scalp acupuncture on upper limb function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of interactive scalp acupuncture combined with task-oriented mirror therapy on hemiplegia after stroke. METHODS: A total of 86 patients with hemiplegia after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (43 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a control group (43 cases, 2 cases dropped out). Both groups received routine treatment and rehabilitation treatment for stroke. The control group was treated with task-oriented mirror therapy, 40 min each time, once a day, 6 days a week. The observation group was treated with interactive scalp acupuncture at ipsilateral upper 1/5 and 2/5 of the parietal and temporal anterior oblique line and upper 1/5 and 2/5 of the parietal and temporal posterior oblique line on the basis of the treatment as the control group, 45 min each time, once a day, 6 days a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment and in follow-up of 8 weeks after treatment completion, the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) score, modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score, shoulder abduction angle, wrist dorsiflexion angle and N20 latency and amplitude of somatosensory evoked potential were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores were increased (P<0.01), the MAS scores were decreased (P<0.01) compared with those before treatment in the two groups; the FMA scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01), the MAS scores were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment and in follow-up, the shoulder abduction angle and wrist dorsiflexion angle was increased (P<0.01), the N20 latency was shortened and amplitude was increased (P<0.01) compared with that before treatment in both groups; the shoulder abduction angle and wrist dorsiflexion angle in the observation group was greater than that in the control group (P<0.01), the N20 latency was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.01), and the N20 amplitude was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Interactive scalp acupuncture combined with task-oriented mirror therapy can improve upper limb function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke, and reduce the muscular tone of the affected limb.

[Acupuncture combined with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation for mild to moderate post-stroke depression: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for mild to moderate post-stroke depression. METHODS: Ninety patients with mild to moderate post-stroke depression were randomly divided into a combination group (30 cases, 4 cases dropped out), an acupuncture group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a rTMS group (30 cases, 5 cases dropped out). All the three groups received basic treatment, the combination group was treated with acupuncture combined with rTMS, the acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture, and the rTMS group was treated with rTMS. The acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 24+) , Danzhong (CV 17) and bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6). All the three groups were treated once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The Hamilton depression scale (HAMD-17) score, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score and event-related potential were compared among the three groups before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the HAMD-17 scores and PSQI scores in the three groups were reduced compared with those before treatment (P<0.01) , and the HAMD-17 score and PSQI score in the combination group were lower than those in the acupuncture group and the rTMS group (P<0.05). After treatment, the latency of event-related potential (P300, mismatch negativityï¼»MMNï¼½) in the three groups was shortened compared with that before treatment (P<0.05), and the latency of event-related potential in the combination group was shorter than that in the acupuncture group and the rTMS group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with rTMS can effectively alleviate the depressive state of patients with mild to moderate post-stroke depression, improve the sleep quality and the latency of event-related potential P300 and MMN.

Research progress in the application of pressing needle embedding needle in dysphagia after stroke: A review.

Stroke is characterized by "three highs," and dysphagia is a common dysfunction after stroke. Although some patients can gradually recover from dysphagia with the prolongation of the course of the disease, it is easy to change the prognosis of patients due to complications in the early stage of the disease, and clinical research has shown that pressing needle embedding needles can improve the outcome of patients with dysphagia after stroke. We reviewed the clinical related literature on the treatment of dysphagia after stroke by pressing needle and embedding needle in recent years. The application of press needle embedding can improve swallowing function after stroke, and have more significant effects, which can change the clinical outcome of patients. Pressing needle embedding has significant clinical advantages in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke, which can improve the prognosis of patients.

Rest-Activity Rhythm Differences in Acute Rehabilitation Between Poststroke Patients and Non-Brain Disease Controls: Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythm disruptions are a common concern for poststroke patients undergoing rehabilitation and might negatively impact their functional outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Our research aimed to uncover unique patterns and disruptions specific to poststroke rehabilitation patients and identify potential differences in specific rest-activity rhythm indicators when compared to inpatient controls with non-brain-related lesions, such as patients with spinal cord injuries. METHODS: We obtained a 7-day recording with a wearable actigraphy device from 25 poststroke patients (n=9, 36% women; median age 56, IQR 46-71) and 25 age- and gender-matched inpatient control participants (n=15, 60% women; median age 57, IQR 46.5-68.5). To assess circadian rhythm, we used a nonparametric method to calculate key rest-activity rhythm indicators-relative amplitude, interdaily stability, and intradaily variability. Relative amplitude, quantifying rest-activity rhythm amplitude while considering daily variations and unbalanced amplitudes, was calculated as the ratio of the difference between the most active 10 continuous hours and the least active 5 continuous hours to the sum of these 10 and 5 continuous hours. We also examined the clinical correlations between rest-activity rhythm indicators and delirium screening tools, such as the 4 A's Test and the Barthel Index, which assess delirium and activities of daily living. RESULTS: Patients who had a stroke had higher least active 5-hour values compared to the control group (median 4.29, IQR 2.88-6.49 vs median 1.84, IQR 0.67-4.34; P=.008). The most active 10-hour values showed no significant differences between the groups (stroke group: median 38.92, IQR 14.60-40.87; control group: median 31.18, IQR 18.02-46.84; P=.93). The stroke group presented a lower relative amplitude compared to the control group (median 0.74, IQR 0.57-0.85 vs median 0.88, IQR 0.71-0.96; P=.009). Further analysis revealed no significant differences in other rest-activity rhythm metrics between the two groups. Among the patients who had a stroke, a negative correlation was observed between the 4 A's Test scores and relative amplitude (ρ=-0.41; P=.045). Across all participants, positive correlations emerged between the Barthel Index scores and both interdaily stability (ρ=0.34; P=.02) and the most active 10-hour value (ρ=0.42; P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the relevance of circadian rhythm disruptions in poststroke rehabilitation and provides insights into potential diagnostic and prognostic implications for rest-activity rhythm indicators as digital biomarkers.

Effectiveness of an institution-based adapted physical activity programme versus a home-based self-management programme for chronic poststroke adults: protocol for a randomised controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) protects the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of stroke recurrence. However, most stroke survivors have significantly lower daily PA levels than those recommended. Adapted PA programmes provide a useful means of increasing the daily PA levels of this population. PA programmes designed to encourage people walking have been found to be more effective than no intervention. Some programmes have been applied in institutional settings while others are done on an independent basis. The aim of this study will be to compare the two methods in terms of their impact on the daily walking rates of subjects with spastic hemiparesis following a chronic stroke. Secondary outcomes will include effects on walking ability, endurance, balance, quality of life and motivation for exercise. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This French single-centre randomised (1:1), controlled, two-arm, parallel, single-blind study will include 40 adults with chronic stroke spastic hemiparesis who are able to walk for 6 min. The primary outcome will be the participants' daily activity measured via the number of steps performed per day using a Stepwatch device. We expect to establish that the institution-based programme will be more effective than a self-managed programme as a means of increasing the PA of chronic stroke subjects. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was approved by an independent National Ethics Committee (Comité de Protection des personnes Est IV). Participants will be asked to provide their signed informed consent prior to the study. The results will be disseminated via publications in the scientific literature, oral and poster presentations by partners at international scientific meetings and associations of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06061770.

The effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognitive function in post-stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is considered as a promising treatment option for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).Some meta-analyses have indicated that TMS can be effective in treating cognitive decline in stroke patients, but the quality of the studies included and the methodologies employed were less than satisfactory. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TMS for treating post-stroke cognitive impairment. METHODS: We searched online databases like PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TMS for the treatment of patients with PSCI. Two independent reviewers identified relevant literature, extracted purpose-specific data, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Scale was utilized to assess the potential for bias in the literature included in this study. Stata 17.0 software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies involving 414 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that TMS was significantly superior to the control group for improving the overall cognitive function of stroke patients (SMD = 1.17, 95% CI [0.59, 1.75], I2 = 86.1%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that high-frequency rTMS (HF-rTMS), low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS), and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) all have a beneficial effect on the overall cognitive function of stroke patients. However, another subgroup analysis failed to demonstrate any significant advantage of TMS over the control group in terms of enhancing scores on the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT) scales. Nonetheless, TMS demonstrated the potential to enhance the recovery of activities of daily living in stroke patients, as indicated by the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) (SMD = 0.76; 95% CI [0.22, 1.30], I2 = 52.6%, P = 0.121). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis presents evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of TMS as a non-invasive neural modulation tool for improving global cognitive abilities and activities of daily living in stroke patients. However, given the limited number of included studies, further validation of these findings is warranted through large-scale, multi-center, double-blind, high-quality randomized controlled trials. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022381034.

Combined Prolotherapy and Physical Therapy in a 60-Year-Old Man with Left Shoulder Pain and Limited Range of Motion (Frozen Shoulder) Following a Hemiplegic Stroke: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Frozen shoulder with limited range of motion is a common and debilitating condition that occurs on the affected side following a stroke. The effectiveness of therapy was reported to be negatively correlated with the complexity of pathogenesis. Prolotherapy involves injection into the joint of a small amount of irritant, such as dextrose, which enhances tissue strength and facilitates healing by targeting joint spaces. The treatment is used to relieve pain. This report describes the effects of combined prolotherapy and physical therapy in a 60-year-old man with left shoulder pain and limited range of motion (frozen shoulder) following a hemiplegic stroke. CASE REPORT A 60-year-old man had left shoulder pain and limited ROM for 9 months, which disrupted daily life, with a NRS of 7 and a DASH score of 58.3%. The patient had an ischemic stroke 1 year ago, with left extremity weakness. On physical examination, joint active ROM was significantly restricted and the joint was tender upon palpation. Therapy is carried out using prolotherapy combined with exercise and physical therapy for 6 weeks. At the 6-week follow-up, he had good outcomes for pain relief, increasing ROM, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The use of prolotherapy with physical therapy may be an effective treatment for painful frozen shoulder following a hemiplegic stroke.

Characteristics of Stroke-related Seizures and their Predictive Factors: A Tertiary Care Center Experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Various risk factors have been described in the literature that increase the risk of seizures associated with stroke. This study was aimed to determine the occurrence rate of poststroke seizures (PSSs) and the associated risk factors in Arab population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study included all stroke patients aged >18 years with a minimum follow-up of 24 months following stroke to identify seizure occurrence. Patient's hospital records for all admissions and clinic visits were reviewed. Seizures were classified into early PSS if they occur within 1 week of stroke, and late PSS if they occur after 1 week of stroke. RESULTS: Out of 594 patients, 380 were males. Seizure occurrence was higher in anterior circulation infarctions (94.8%, P < 0.05), cortical location (80.5%, P < 0.05), large artery atherosclerosis (63.8%, P < 0.05), lower activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (P = 0.0007), patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) (P = 0.01), and those who underwent craniotomy (P = 0.001). Nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol was inversely related to PSS (P = 0.01). Higher stroke severity (89%) and confusion (67%) at the time of presentation were independently related to PSS. CONCLUSIONS: Eighty-two (13.8%) patients had PSS. Greater stroke severity at presentation with altered sensorium was independent risk factors for the development of PSS. Patients with underlying IHD, lower APTT, and undergoing neurosurgical intervention require vigilant monitoring for PSS.

Résumé Ontexte et objectif:Divers facteurs de risque ont été décrits dans la littérature qui augmentent le risque de convulsions associées à un AVC. Cette étude visait à déterminer le taux d'occurrence des crises post-AVC (PSS) et les facteurs de risque associés dans la population arabe.Matériels et Méthodes:L'étude a inclus tous les patients victimes d'AVC âgés de plus de 18 ans avec un suivi minimum de 24 mois après l'AVC pour identifier la survenue d'une crise. Les dossiers hospitaliers des patients pour toutes les admissions et visites à la clinique ont été examinés. Les saisies ont été classées en premiers PSS s'ils surviennent dans la semaine suivant l'AVC, et PSS tardif s'ils surviennent après 1 semaine de l'AVC.Résultats:Sur 594 patients, 380 étaient des hommes. Crise d'épilepsie la fréquence était plus élevée dans les infarctus de la circulation antérieure (94,8 %, P < 0,05), la localisation corticale (80,5 %, P < 0,05), l'athérosclérose des grandes artères (63,8 %, P < 0,05), un temps de thromboplastine partielle activé (APTT) inférieur (P = 0,0007), les patients atteints de cardiopathie ischémique (IHD) (P = 0,01) et ceux ayant subi une craniotomie (P = 0,001). Le cholestérol des lipoprotéines non de haute densité était inversement lié au PSS (P = 0,01). Course supérieure la gravité (89 %) et la confusion (67 %) au moment de la présentation étaient indépendamment liées au PSS.Conclusions:Quatre-vingt-deux (13,8 %) patients avait PSS. Une plus grande gravité de l'AVC lors de la présentation avec un sensorium altéré était un facteur de risque indépendant pour le développement du PSS. Les patients avec une IHD sous-jacente, un APTT inférieur et une intervention neurochirurgicale nécessitent une surveillance vigilante du PSS.

Systolic blood pressure and early neurological deterioration in minor stroke: A post hoc analysis of ARAMIS trial.

BACKGROUND: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was a predictor of early neurological deterioration (END) in stroke. We performed a secondary analysis of ARAMIS trial to investigate whether baseline SBP affects the effect of dual antiplatelet versus intravenous alteplase on END. METHODS: This post hoc analysis included patients in the as-treated analysis set. According to SBP at admission, patients were divided into SBP ≥140 mmHg and SBP <140 mmHg subgroups. In each subgroup, patients were further classified into dual antiplatelet and intravenous alteplase treatment groups based on study drug actually received. Primary outcome was END, defined as an increase of ≥2 in the NIHSS score from baseline within 24 h. We investigated effect of dual antiplatelet vs intravenous alteplase on END in SBP subgroups and their interaction effect with subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 723 patients from as-treated analysis set were included: 344 were assigned into dual antiplatelet group and 379 into intravenous alteplase group. For primary outcome, there was more treatment effect of dual antiplatelet in SBP ≥140 mmHg subgroup (adjusted RD, -5.2%; 95% CI, -8.2% to -2.3%; p < 0.001) and no effect in SBP <140 mmHg subgroup (adjusted RD, -0.1%; 95% CI, -8.0% to 7.7%; p = 0.97), but no significant interaction between subgroups was found (adjusted p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with minor nondisabling acute ischemic stroke, dual antiplatelet may be better than alteplase with respect to preventing END within 24 h when baseline SBP ≥140 mmHg.

Effects of acupuncture combined with trunk strengthening training on balance and gait abilities in stroke hemiplegic patients.

This study aimed to observe the effects of acupuncture combined with trunk strengthening training on balance and gait abilities in stroke hemiplegic patients. Sixty stroke hemiplegic patients were selected and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation training and trunk strengthening exercises, while the treatment group received acupuncture in addition to the same interventions. Before and after 8 weeks of treatment, patients were assessed using the Holden Functional Ambulation Categories and Berg Balance Scale, and measurements were taken for step length, step width, and gait speed. Prior to treatment, there were no significant differences in Holden scores, Berg scores, step length, step width, or gait speed between the 2 groups (P > .05). After 8 weeks of treatment, significant improvements were observed in the aforementioned parameters in both groups (P < .05), with the acupuncture group showing significantly greater improvement compared to the control group (P < .05). Acupuncture combined with trunk strengthening training can significantly improve balance and gait impairments in stroke hemiplegic patients.