Stroke code simulation benefits advanced practice providers similar to neurology residents.

BACKGROUND: Advanced practice providers (APPs) are important members of stroke teams. Stroke code simulations offer valuable experience in the evaluation and treatment of stroke patients without compromising patient care. We hypothesized that simulation training would increase APP confidence, comfort level, and preparedness in leading a stroke code similar to neurology residents. METHODS: This is a prospective quasi-experimental, pretest/posttest study. Nine APPs and 9 neurology residents participated in 3 standardized simulated cases to determine need for IV thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and blood pressure management for intracerebral hemorrhage. Emergency medicine physicians and neurologists were preceptors. APPs and residents completed a survey before and after the simulation. Generalized mixed modeling assuming a binomial distribution was used to evaluate change. RESULTS: On a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree), confidence in leading a stroke code increased from 2.4 to 4.2 (p < 0.05) among APPs. APPs reported improved comfort level in rapidly assessing a stroke patient for thrombolytics (3.1-4.2; p < 0.05), making the decision to give thrombolytics (2.8 vs 4.2; p < 0.05), and assessing a patient for embolectomy (2.4-4.0; p < 0.05). There was no difference in the improvement observed in all the survey questions as compared to neurology residents. CONCLUSION: Simulation training is a beneficial part of medical education for APPs and should be considered in addition to traditional didactics and clinical training. Further research is needed to determine whether simulation education of APPs results in improved treatment times and outcomes of acute stroke patients.

Utility of Urgent Computed Tomography Angiography in the Setting of Intraparenchymal Brain Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients presenting with an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) generally have an initial noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) of the brain. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) can help identify secondary causes of ICH and detect a "spot sign." We hypothesized that performing an urgent CTA in the setting of a presumed primary ICH has only limited utility and did not alter urgent management. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients presenting with a primary ICH identified from the Duke University Stroke Registry from 2010 to 2013 who had an ICH detected on an initial NCCT. Patients with hemorrhages related to tumor, hemorrhagic conversion of an ischemic stroke, and known secondary causes were excluded. CTA within the first 10 hours of presentation was considered "urgent." RESULTS: Of 246 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 53% had an urgent CTA. Those who underwent a CTA were younger (61 ± 1 versus 70 ± 1 years, P < .0001) and more commonly had deep bleeds (50% versus 45%, P = .048). CTA identified 12 aneurysms (10 incidental) and 2 arteriovenous malformations; 87% were normal. Urgent CTA was associated with a change in management in 3 cases (2.2%); each had historic or other findings suggestive of a secondary cause of hemorrhage and none led to urgent treatment changes. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of features suggesting a secondary cause, the results of an urgent CTA did not alter the urgent management of a consecutive series of patients with ICH. CTAs may be safely delayed until after the acute period in these patients.

Chronic kidney disease and stroke.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In addition to shared risk factors, this higher cerebrovascular risk is mediated by several CKD-associated mechanisms including platelet dysfunction, coagulation disorders, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. CKD can also modify the effect of treatments used in acute stroke and in secondary stroke prevention. We review the epidemiology and pathophysiology that link CKD and stroke and the impact of CKD on stroke outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaboration between nephrologists, pharmacists, hematologists, nutrition therapists, primary care physicians, and neurologists in providing care to these subjects may potentially improve outcomes.