Evaluating Stroke Code Activation Pathway in Emergency Departments study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Code Stroke activations in an ED and determine predictors of a final diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) diagnosis. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of Code Stroke activations through an ED over 2 years at a quaternary stroke referral centre. Stroke Registry data was used to identify cases with clinical information abstracted from electronic medical records. The primary outcome was a final diagnosis of acute stroke or TIA and the secondary outcome was access to reperfusion therapies (thrombolysis and or endovascular clot retrieval). RESULTS: The study analysed data from 1354 Code Stroke patients in ED. Of all Code Strokes, 51% had a stroke or TIA diagnosis on discharge. Patient characteristics independently associated with increased risk of stroke were increasing age, pre-arrival notification by ambulance, elevated BP or presence of weakness or speech impairment as the initial presenting symptoms. Dizziness/vertigo/vestibular neuritis were the most common alternative diagnoses. One hundred and thirty-five patients (10%) underwent reperfusion therapy. Pre-arrival notification by ambulance was associated with higher proportion of eventual stroke/TIA diagnosis (68% vs 46%, P < 0.001) and significantly lower door to CT and door to needle times for patients undergoing thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients requiring Code Stroke activation in an ED, increased age, systolic blood pressure and weakness and speech impairment increased the risk of stroke. Prehospital notification was associated with lower door to needle times for patients undergoing thrombolysis.

Telangiectatic Matting is Associated with Hypersensitivity and a Bleeding Tendency.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the pathogenesis of telangiectatic matting (TM) and identify possible risk factors. METHODS: This study had two parts. The clinical records of consecutive patients were retrospectively analysed to identify risk factors for TM. In the second part, the haemostatic and coagulation profile of the subset of patients with TM were analysed and compared with controls using standard coagulation tests, platelet function and a global assay of coagulation (rotational thromboelastometry, ROTEM). RESULTS: In 352 consecutive patients presenting to a phlebology practice, 25 patients had TM (7.1%). All 25 patients were female with the median age of 45 (27-57) years. A comprehensive medical history was taken. Among 27 possible risk factors assessed, statistically significant associations included recurrent epistaxis, easy bruising, hypersensitivity (eczema, hives, hay fever, and rhinitis), previous treatment with sclerotherapy or endovenous laser for lower limb veins, and a family history of telangiectasias. Variables not associated with TM included oral contraceptive intake, hormone replacement therapy, and age. The haemostatic and coagulation profile of 12 patients (6 male and 6 female) with TM did not differ significantly from those without TM. CONCLUSION: TM is associated with both hypersensitivity and a bleeding tendency. This study revealed no significant increase in the incidence of haemostatic abnormalities in patients with TM compared with the control group. Given the significant association with hypersensitivity disorders, the underlying mast cell hyper-reactivity may contribute to both hypersensitivity and a bleeding tendency and predispose patients to TM.