Metabolic Changes Induced by Bariatric Surgery May be Mediated by PAI-1 and PCSK9 Crosstalk.

BACKGROUND: Adiposity favors several metabolic disorders with an exacerbated chronic pro-inflammatory status and tissue damage, with high levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the influence of bariatric surgery on the crosstalk between PAI-1 and PCSK9 to regulate metabolic markers. METHODS: Observational and longitudinal study of 190 patients with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities who underwent bariatric surgery. We measured, before and after bariatric surgery, the anthropometric variables and we performed biochemical analysis by standard methods (glucose, insulin, triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] and TG/HDL-C ratio, PAI-1 and PCSK9 were measured by ELISA). RESULTS: PAI-1 levels decreased significantly after bariatric surgery, and were positively correlated with lipids, glucose, and TG, with significance on PCSK9 and TG/HDL-C alleviating the insulin resistance (IR) and inducing a state reversal of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with a significant decrease in body weight and BMI (p <0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis predicted a functional model in which PAI-1 acts as a regulator of PCSK9 (p <0.002), TG (p <0.05), and BMI; at the same time, PCSK9 modulates LDL-C HDL-C and PAI-1. CONCLUSIONS: After bariatric surgery, we found a positive association and crosstalk between PAI-1 and PCSK9, which modulates the delicate balance of cholesterol, favoring the decrease of circulating lipids, TG, and PAI-1, which influences the glucose levels with amelioration of IR and T2D, demonstrating the crosstalk between fibrinolysis and lipid metabolism, the two main factors involved in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in human obesity.

Competências do enfermeiro no cuidado a pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral elegíveis à terapia trombolítica / Competencias de enfermería en el cuidado de personas con accidente cerebrovascular elegibles para terapia trombolítica / Nursing competencies in the care of patients with stroke who are eligible for thrombolytic therapy

Resumo Introdução: O acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico tem como tratamento a terapia trombolítica, aplicada ainda na fase aguda, promovendo melhora importante nas sequelas acarretadas por este agravo. Considerando a complexidade da terapia trombolítica, torna-se necessário que os enfermeiros compreendam suas competências para auxiliar no cuidado. Objetivo: Identificar evidências científicas acerca das competências do enfermeiro no cuidado a pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral elegíveis à terapia trombolítica. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa composta por seis etapas em seis etapas (elaboração da questão, busca na literatura, coleta de dados, análise, discussão e apresentação da revisão), realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase e CINAHL. A busca foi realizada entre agosto e setembro de 2022 adotando como critérios de inclusão estudos primários; gratuitos, disponíveis eletronicamente na íntegra; nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Foram obtidos inicialmente 2.830 estudos, os quais passaram por uma seleção, onde foram incluídos aqueles que atendiam os critérios previamente estabelecidos. Resultados: Com base nos doze estudos incluídos nesta revisão identificaram-se competências voltadas à três atividades do cuidado: gestão do cuidado como trabalho em equipe, códigos, fluxos e protocolos, assistência ao paciente antes, durante e após a utilização da terapia trombolítica e educação em saúde para equipe, pacientes e familiares. Conclusão: Os achados desta revisão puderam evidenciar as competências do enfermeiro no cuidado aos pacientes elegíveis a terapia trombolítica, as quais perpassam diferentes áreas de atuação do enfermeiro. Para este estudo prevaleceram as competências assistências, seguida por competências gerenciais.

Resumen Introducción: El accidente cerebrovascular isquémico se trata con terapia trombolítica, aplicada incluso en la fase aguda, que promueve una mejoría significativa de las secuelas provocadas por este padecimiento. Considerando la complejidad de la terapia trombolítica, es necesario que las personas profesionales de enfermería comprendan sus competencias para ayudar en el cuidado. Objetivo: Identificar evidencias científicas sobre las competencias del personal de enfermería en el cuidado de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular elegibles para terapia trombolítica. Metodología: Revisión integradora que consta de seis etapas (elaboración de la pregunta, búsqueda bibliográfica, recolección de datos, análisis, discusión y presentación de la revisión), realizada en las bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase y CINAHL. La búsqueda se realizó entre agosto y septiembre de 2022. Los criterio de inclusión fueron: estudios primarios, gratuito, disponible electrónicamente en su totalidad, en inglés, portugués y español. Inicialmente se obtuvieron 2830 estudios, los cuales fueron sometidos a un proceso de selección, que incluyó aquellos que cumplían con los criterios previamente establecidos. Resultados: A partir de los doce estudios incluidos en esta revisión, se identificaron competencias centradas en tres actividades asistenciales: gestión del cuidado como trabajo en equipo, códigos, flujos y protocolos, atención a pacientes antes, durante y después del uso de la terapia trombolítica y educación en salud para personal, pacientes y familias. Conclusión: Los hallazgos de esta revisión pudieron resaltar las competencias de las personas profesionales en enfermería en el cuidado de personas elegibles para terapia trombolítica, que abarcan diferentes áreas de actuación del personal de enfermería. Para este estudio, prevalecieron las habilidades asistenciales, seguidas de las competencias gerenciales.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ischemic stroke is treated with thrombolytic therapy, applied even in the acute phase, promoting a significant improvement in the after-effects caused by this condition. Considering the complexity of thrombolytic therapy, it is necessary for nurses to understand the skills required to assist in care. Objective: To identify scientific evidence about the competencies of nurses in the care of patients with stroke who are eligible for thrombolytic therapy. Methodology: An integrative review consisting of six stages (elaboration of the question, literature review, data collection, analysis, discussion, and presentation), conducted in MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases. The search was carried out between August and September 2022 using primary studies as the inclusion criteria: free of charge, fully available electronically, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Initially, 2.830 studies were obtained, which underwent a selection process that included only those studies that met the previously established criteria. Results: Based on the twelve studies included in this review, competencies focused on three care activities were identified: care management such as teamwork; codes; flows and protocols; patient care before, during, and after the use of thrombolytic therapy; and education health education for staff, patients, and families. Conclusion: The findings of this review highlighted the nurses' competencies in the care of patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy, which encompass different areas of the nurse's work. For this study, assistance competencies prevailed, followed by management competencies.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy vs Alteplase in Adult Patients with Acute Minor Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The efficacy and safety of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) relative to intravenous (IV) alteplase in patients with acute minor ischemic stroke are insufficiently established. Therefore, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis to compare DAPT with IV alteplase in patients with acute minor stroke. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for studies comparing DAPT with IV alteplase in patients with minor stroke. Functional and safety outcomes in 90 days were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Rstudio 4.3.1. Subanalyses were performed restricted to non-disabling minor strokes and NIHSS score ≤ 3. PROSPERO (CRD42023440986). We included five studies with a total of 6,340 patients, of whom 4,050 (63.9%) received DAPT. The follow-up period for all included studies was 90 days. There was no significant difference for individual outcomes of mRS 0-1 (OR 1.26; 95% CI 0.85-1.89; p = 0.25), mRS 0-2 (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.69-1.43; p = 0.97), or all-cause mortality (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.20-3.13; p = 0.75) between groups. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was significantly lower (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.003-0.36; p < 0.001) in patients treated with DAPT compared with IV alteplase. In terms of mRS 0-1 and mRS 0-2, we found no significant difference in both subgroup analyses. We found no statistically significant difference between DAPT and IV alteplase regarding functional outcome (mRS scores of 0-1 and 0-2) or all-cause mortality at 90 days in patients with minor ischemic stroke. Additionally, DAPT was associated with a significantly lower rate of sICH.

Intrapleural Thrombolytics as First Line Therapy for Complicated Parapneumonic Effusions and Empyema in Patients with Prohibitive Surgical Risk: A Cases Series.

OBJECTIVE: In complicated parapneumonic effusion or Empyema, approximately 25% of patients require surgical intervention which can be associated with a mortality risk of almost 20%. However, the use combination of rt-tPA and DNase in elderly patients with prohibitive surgical risk has improved outcomes. The main goal of our study is to highlight the utility of intrapleural thrombolysis in patients with prohibitive risk for surgery. METHODS: A retrospective record review study of patients (n=23) with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion or empyema treated with tPA and DNase from January 1st of 2015 to March 18th, 2019 at VACHCS. Data collected to describe the outcome of intrapleural thrombolytics included demographic, pleural fluid analysis, surgical risk assessment, diagnosis and initiation treatment day, doses, chest imaging, drainage rate, chest tube size and average days in place, inflammatory markers, microbiology, antibiotics, and complications. RESULTS: Only 21.7% of patients were considered surgical candidates. Seventy-four percent had a 30-day post-surgical mortality risk of > 2.5% using the National Surgery Office (NSO) risk calculator. Post-operative inpatient stay was 99.7% and estimated post operative ICU stay average was >80%. Primary outcome (pleural drainage improvement) obtained in 73.9%. Most common serious complications included sepsis (52.2%) and nonserious was residual hydropneumothorax (47.8%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that administration of intrapleural thrombolytics through a percutaneous pleural catheter achieved successful drainage safely and without the need for surgical interventions in a selected group of advanced age, elderly patients with pleural infections who were deemed to be high surgical risk.

Angioedema after rt-PA infusion led to airway emergency: a case report of rescue treatment with fresh frozen plasma

Abstract The authors report the case of a 71-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with acute ischemic stroke. She was treated with rt-PA and interventional endovascular revascularization and developed rapidly progressing angioedema that led to emergency intubation. The standard treatment was not very effective and the swelling improved after infusion of fresh frozen plasma. Angioedema after rt-PA infusion could be a life-threatening emergency that requires quick airway management by skilled professionals. As this condition is triggered by several factors, such as unregulated histamine and bradykinin production, the traditional treatment recommended by the guidelines may not be sufficient and the use of FFP can be considered as a safe and valuable aid.

Specificity and sensitivity of the SeLECT score in predicting late seizures in patients undergoing intravenous thrombolytic treatment and the effect of diabetes mellitus and leukoaraiosis / Especificidade e sensibilidade do escore SeLECT na predição de convulsões tardias em pacientes submetidos a tratamento trombolítico intravenoso e o efeito do diabetes mellitus e leucoaraiose

Abstract Background Seizures after stroke can negatively affect the prognosis of ischemic stroke and cause a decrease in quality of life. The efficacy of intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment in acute ischemic stroke has been demonstrated in many studies, and IV rt-PA treatment has been increasingly used around the world. The SeLECT score is a useful score for the prediction of late seizures after stroke and includes the severity of stroke (Se), large artery atherosclerosis (L), early seizure (E), cortical involvement (C), and the territory of the middle cerebral artery (T). However, the specificity and sensitivity of the SeLECTscore have not been studied in acute ischemic stroke patients that received IV rt-PA treatment. Objective In the present study, we aimed to validate and develop the SeLECT score in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving IV rt-PA treatment. Methods The present study included 157 patients who received IV thrombolytic treatment in our third-stage hospital. The 1-year seizure rates of the patients were detected. SeLECT scores were calculated. Results In our study, we found that the SeLECT score had low sensitivity but high specificity for predicting the likelihood of late seizure after stroke in patients administered IV rt-PA therapy. In addition to the SeLECT score, we found that the specificity and sensitivity were higher when we evaluated diabetes mellitus (DM) and leukoaraiosis. Conclusion We found that DM was an independent risk factor for late seizures after stroke in a patient group receiving thrombolytic therapy, and late seizures after stroke were less frequent in patients with leukoaraiosis.

Resumo Antecedentes As convulsões após o AVC podem afetar negativamente o prognóstico do AVC isquêmico e causar uma diminuição na qualidade de vida. A eficácia do tratamento com ativador do plasminogênio tecidual recombinante (rt-PA) intravenoso (IV) no AVC isquêmico agudo foi demonstrada em muitos estudos, e o tratamento com rt-PA IV tem sido cada vez mais usado em todo o mundo. A pontuação SeLECT é uma pontuação útil para a previsão de convulsões tardias após AVC e inclui a gravidade do AVC (Se), aterosclerose de grandes artérias (L), convulsão precoce (E), envolvimento cortical (C) e o território do meio artéria cerebral (T). No entanto, a especificidade e a sensibilidade do escore SeLECT não foram estudadas em pacientes com AVC isquêmico agudo que receberam tratamento IV com rt-PA. Objetivo No presente estudo, objetivamos validar e desenvolver o escore SeLECT em pacientes com AVC isquêmico agudo recebendo tratamento IV com rt-PA. Métodos O presente estudo incluiu 157 pacientes que receberam tratamento trombolítico IV em nosso hospital de terceiro estágio. As taxas de convulsão de 1 ano dos pacientes foram detectadas. Os escores SeLECT foram calculados. Resultados Em nosso estudo, descobrimos que o escore SeLECT apresentou baixa sensibilidade, mas alta especificidade para prever a probabilidade de convulsão tardia após AVC em pacientes que receberam terapia IV com rt-PA. Além do escore SeLECT, descobrimos que a especificidade e a sensibilidade foram maiores quando avaliamos diabetes mellitus (DM) e leucoaraiose. Conclusão Descobrimos que DM foi um fator de risco independente para convulsões tardias após AVC em um grupo de pacientes recebendo terapia trombolítica, e convulsões tardias após AVC foram menos frequentes em pacientes com leucoaraiose.

Serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels in patients with major depressive disorder vs. healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Etiologically, several factors may play a role in its development. Previous studies have reported elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in patients with depression, suggesting that PAI-1 levels might be linked to the etiology of MDD. METHODS: We systematically searched the following online databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 10, 2020, to identify studies in which PAI-1 levels were reported in subjects with MDD. Subsequently we used RevMan 5.3 to perform a meta-analysis of data extracted from the included studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PICO criteria for the search and analysis. RESULTS: Six studies that reported mean ± standard deviation (SD) were included in the analysis, with a total of 507 MDD patients and 3,453 controls. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) was 0.27 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.01-0.53). PAI-1 serum levels were 0.27 SDs higher in MDD patients than in controls. The test for overall effect was significant (z = 2.04, p = 0.04). Substantial heterogeneity was detected among the studies, demonstrated by the inconsistency test (I² = 72%) and the chi-square test (χ² = 18.32; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that MDD might be related to elevated PAI-1 levels. We propose larger prospective clinical studies to further investigate this clinical correlation and validate the clinical significance of these observations.

Angioedema after rt-PA infusion led to airway emergency: a case report of rescue treatment with fresh frozen plasma.

The authors report the case of a 71-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with acute ischemic stroke. She was treated with rt-PA and interventional endovascular revascularization and developed rapidly progressing angioedema that led to emergency intubation. The standard treatment was not very effective and the swelling improved after infusion of fresh frozen plasma. Angioedema after rt-PA infusion could be a life-threatening emergency that requires quick airway management by skilled professionals. As this condition is triggered by several factors, such as unregulated histamine and bradykinin production, the traditional treatment recommended by the guidelines may not be sufficient and the use of FFP can be considered as a safe and valuable aid.

Dietary polyphenols and their relationship to the modulation of non-communicable chronic diseases and epigenetic mechanisms: A mini-review.

Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have been considered a global health problem, characterized as diseases of multiple factors, which are developed throughout life, and regardless of genetics as a risk factor of important relevance, the increase in mortality attributed to the disease to environmental factors and the lifestyle one leads. Although the reactive species (ROS/RNS) are necessary for several physiological processes, their overproduction is directly related to the pathogenesis and aggravation of NCDs. In contrast, dietary polyphenols have been widely associated with minimizing oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition to their antioxidant power, polyphenols have also drawn attention for being able to modulate both gene expression and modify epigenetic alterations, suggesting an essential involvement in the prevention and/or development of some pathologies. Therefore, this review briefly explained the mechanisms in the development of some NCDs, followed by a summary of some evidence related to the interaction of polyphenols in oxidative stress, as well as the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in the management of NCDs.

Serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels in patients with major depressive disorder vs. healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Etiologically, several factors may play a role in its development. Previous studies have reported elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in patients with depression, suggesting that PAI-1 levels might be linked to the etiology of MDD. Methods We systematically searched the following online databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 10, 2020, to identify studies in which PAI-1 levels were reported in subjects with MDD. Subsequently we used RevMan 5.3 to perform a meta-analysis of data extracted from the included studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PICO criteria for the search and analysis. Results Six studies that reported mean ± standard deviation (SD) were included in the analysis, with a total of 507 MDD patients and 3,453 controls. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) was 0.27 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.01-0.53). PAI-1 serum levels were 0.27 SDs higher in MDD patients than in controls. The test for overall effect was significant (z = 2.04, p = 0.04). Substantial heterogeneity was detected among the studies, demonstrated by the inconsistency test (I2 = 72%) and the chi-square test (χ2 = 18.32; p = 0.003). Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that MDD might be related to elevated PAI-1 levels. We propose larger prospective clinical studies to further investigate this clinical correlation and validate the clinical significance of these observations.

Ischemic stroke with unknown onset of symptoms: current scenario and perspectives for the future / Acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico com tempo indeterminado de início dos sintomas: cenário atual e perspectivas para o futuro

Abstract Background Stroke is a major cause of disability worldwide and a neurological emergency. Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are effective in the reperfusion of the parenchyma in distress, but the impossibility to determine the exact time of onset was an important cause of exclusion from treatment until a few years ago. Objectives To review the clinical and radiological profile of patients with unknown-onset stroke, the imaging methods to guide the reperfusion treatment, and suggest a protocol for the therapeutic approach. Methods The different imaging methods were grouped according to current evidence-based treatments. Results Most studies found no difference between the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with wake-up stroke and known-onset stroke, suggesting that the ictus, in the first group, occurs just prior to awakening. Regarding the treatment of patients with unknown-onset stroke, four main phase-three trials stand out: WAKE-UP and EXTEND for intravenous thrombolysis, and DAWN and DEFUSE-3 for mechanical thrombectomy. The length of the therapeutic window is based on the diffusion weighted imaging-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (DWI-FLAIR) mismatch, core-penumbra mismatch, and clinical core mismatch paradigms. The challenges to approach unknown-onset stroke involve extending the length of the time window, the reproducibility of real-world imaging modalities, and the discovery of new methods and therapies for this condition. Conclusion The advance in the possibilities for the treatment of ischemic stroke, while guided by imaging concepts, has become evident. New studies in this field are essential and needed to structure the health care services for this new scenario.

Resumo Antecedentes O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é uma das principais causas de incapacidade em todo o mundo, e uma emergência neurológica. A trombólise intravenosa e a trombectomia mecânica são eficazes na reperfusão do parênquima em sofrimento, mas a impossibilidade de determinar o tempo exato de início era uma causa importante de exclusão ao tratamento até alguns anos atrás. Objetivos Revisar o perfil clínico-radiológico dos pacientes com AVC de tempo indeterminado, os métodos de imagem para guiar o tratamento de reperfusão, e sugerir um protocolo para a abordagem terapêutica. Métodos Os diferentes métodos de imagem foram agrupados de acordo com os tratamentos atuais baseados em evidências. Resultados A maioria dos estudos não encontrou diferença entre as características clínicas e de imagem dos pacientes com AVC reconhecido ao despertar e AVC de tempo definido, o que sugere que o icto, no primeiro grupo, ocorre próximo ao acordar. Quanto ao tratamento do AVC de tempo indeterminado, quatro grandes estudos na fase três sobressaem: WAKE-UP e EXTEND para trombólise intravenosa, e DAWN e DEFUSE-3 para trombectomia mecânica. A ampliação da janela terapêutica fundamenta-se nos paradigmas de incompatibilidade da imagem ponderada de difusão-recuperação da inversão atenuada por fluidos (diffusion weighted imaging-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, DWI-FLAIR, em inglês), do núcleo isquêmico e penumbra, e clínico-radiológico. Os desafios na abordagem do AVC de tempo indeterminado envolvem a ampliação da janela terapêutica, a reprodutibilidade das modalidades de imagem no mundo real, e a identificação de novos métodos e tratamentos para essa condição. Conclusão É evidente o avanço nas possibilidades de tratamento do AVC isquêmico guiado pelos conceitos de imagem. Novos estudos nesse campo são essenciais, com necessidade de estruturar os serviços de saúde para esse novo cenário.

Self-reported dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with adipose tissue markers and glucose metabolism in apparently healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and resistin are associated with dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT)-related metabolic complications. The role of dietary eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids in this relationship is unknown. AIM: To investigate the association of EPA and DHA with PAI-1 and resistin, as well as the role of this association on the glucose metabolism of apparently healthy subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six healthy individuals were included. Validated food frequency questionnaires were used to analyse dietary habits. Inflammatory and glucose metabolism markers were quantified. Subcutaneous AT samples were obtained, and adipocyte number, area, and macrophage content were assessed. RESULTS: In 36 subjects aged 56 ± 8 years and with a body mass index of 26 ± 4 kg/m2, logEPA, and logDHA showed significant association with logresistin and a marginal association with PAI-1. Adipocyte number, area, and lognumber of macrophages per adipocyte significantly correlated with PAI-1 but not with logresistin. Although logEPA and logDHA were independently associated with loginsulin, loginsulin resistance, and C-Peptide, the addition of logresistin, but not of PAI-1, into the multivariable model, abolished the associations. CONCLUSIONS: EPA and DHA could modulate glucose metabolism across AT functional states. Our data indicate that this association is independent of other metabolic risk factors.

Short-Term Efficacy Outcomes of Tenecteplase versus Alteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of 5 Randomized Trials.

Tenecteplase (TNK) has been shown to be noninferior to Alteplase (ALT) for long term efficacy and safety outcomes. Whether this also applies to short term efficacy outcomes such as early clinical improvement and recanalization is unknown. To compare TNK and ALT regarding the short term efficacy outcomes: early neurological improvement and recanalization. The PRISMA was used to conduct a meta analysis, adapted to noninferiority analysis. The primary outcome was early (24-72 h) neurological improvement, defined as either NIHSS score 0 or reduction of at least 8 points compared to baseline. Recanalization was a secondary outcome. The noninferiority margin was set at 6.5%. Search strategy yielded 5 randomized clinical trials (1585 patients: 828 TNK, 757 ALT). Mean age was 70.8, 58.8% were men, mean baseline NIHSS was 7, and mean onset to treatment time was 148 min. Patients in intervention group received TNK at doses of 0.1 mg/kg (6.8%), 0.25 mg/kg (24.6%), and 0.4 mg/kg (68.6%), while all ALT patients received 0.9 mg/kg. In random effects meta analysis, TNK was noninferior to ALT for the primary outcome, early major neurological improvement (risk difference 8% in favor of TNK, 95% CI 1%-15%). Recanalization was also noninferior for the TNK compared to the ALT group (risk difference 9% in favor of TNK, 95% CI 6% to 23%). Fixed effects models yielded similarly noninferior results and signaled for a possible TNK superiority for both early neurological improvement and recanalization. TNK is noninferior to ALT at the short term efficacy outcomes: early neurological improvement and recanalization.

Cerebrovascular disease and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a Latin American country, Peru / Accidente cerebrovascular y mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 en un país de Latinoamérica, Perú

SUMMARY Objective : This study aimed at: 1) Assessment of the frequency of stroke and related mortality rate in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in two major hospital referral centers in Peru; 2) Exploration of factors associated to mortality and dependency in these patients; 3) Comparisons of frequency of admissions of stroke patients and reperfusion treatments in similar periods of time prior to (2019) and during the pandemia occurrence. Material and Methods : A retrospective cohort study was conducted in two of the largest referral hospital centers for COVID-19 in Peru. The study included patient victims of stroke and COVID-19, hospitalized between April and August 2020. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data, radiological findings, and severity levels measured by the NIHSS scale were collected. Poisson regression models to evaluate associated factors to mortality and dependency were applied. Results : A 31% reduction of admissions for stroke, and of 81% of intravenous reperfusion treatment, respectively, were found in 2020 when compared with 2019. 1.37% of the patients with COVID-19 experienced a stroke, with an overall mortality rate of 40.6%, and a dependency rate of 68.3% at discharge time (Rankin > 2). An age increase of 10 years was found in mortality, associated with a 29% increase in mortality risk. As well, having hypertension, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory markers (D dimer and ferritin) and the severity of the stroke were associated with mortality. Finally, the severity of stroke, lymphopenia, and inflammatory markers (D dimer and fibrinogen) were associated with greater risk of dependency. Conclusions : The care system of stroke patients was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in two of Perú's major public hospitals. There was a decrease in admissions and reperfusion treatments of stroke cases, and 1.37% of patients with COVID-19 presented a stroke. Age, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory markers and severity of stroke were associated with mortality in these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo : Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron: 1) Evaluar la frecuencia de accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y de la tasa de mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 en dos importantes centros hospitalarios de referencia en Perú, 2) Exploración de factores asociados a mortalidad y dependencia en estos pacientes, 3) Comparar la frecuencia de admisiones de pacientes con ACV y de los tratamientos de reperfusión en tiempo de pandemia y en periodos previos (2019). Material y Métodos : Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en dos de los mayores centros hospitalarios de referencia en Perú, incluyendo pacientes con ACV y COVID-19 hospitalizados entre abril y agosto del 2020. Se recolectó información demográfica, clínica y de laboratorio, hallazgos radiológicos y niveles de severidad medidos por la escala NIHSS, y se utilizó un modelo de regresión de Poisson para evaluar los factores asociados a mortalidad y dependencia. Resultados : Se encontró una disminución del 31% de admisiones hospitalarias de pacientes con ACV (ictus) y del 81% de los tratamientos de reperfusión endovenosa en el 2020 con respecto al 2019. Un 1.37% de pacientes con COVID-19 experimentaron ACV, con una mortalidad global de 40.6% y dependencia al alta del 58.3% (rankin >2). Un incremento de 10 años en edad se asoció con un aumento del 29% en el riesgo de mortalidad. Hipertensión arterial, enfermedad renal crónica, marcadores inflamatorios (Dímero D y ferritina) y la gravedad del ictus se encontraron asociados con mortalidad. La gravedad del ictus, la linfopenia y los marcadores inflamatorios (Dimero D y fibrinógeno) estuvieron asociados a un mayor riesgo de dependencia. Conclusión : El sistema de atención de ACVs se vio afectado por la pandemia del COVID-19 en dos de los centros hospitalarios públicos más grandes del Perú. Se encontró una disminución en las admisiones hospitalarias y en los tratamientos de reperfusión de estos pacientes durante la pandemia. Edad, hipertensión, enfermedad renal crónica, marcadores inflamatorios y gravedad del ictus fueron factores asociados con la mortalidad de pacientes con COVID-19 y ACV.

Calidad de la atención en salud en ataque cerebrovascular en un hospital de referencia en Colombia / Quality of health care in stroke in a reference hospital in Colombia

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La evaluación de la calidad de la atención del ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) es una prioridad para los sistemas de salud, debido a su relación con la disminución de la discapacidad y la muerte. En este estudio se analizan los marcadores de calidad en ACV en un hospital de referencia en Nariño, Colombia. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los marcadores de calidad de atención en ACV en el Hospital Universitario Departamental de Nariño E. S. E., entre junio del 2018 y diciembre del 2019. Como referencia se comparó con los registros de Colombia en la plataforma RES-Q. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes con ACV atendidos intrahospitalariamente. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante la plataforma RES-Q, en tanto que el análisis se efectuó por medio de estadísticos descriptivos y frecuencias absolutas y relativas y las diferencias con pruebas analíticas. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 457 pacientes con predominio de ACV isquémico y se llevó a cabo trombólisis endovenosa al 7,2% en el 2018 y al 9,2 % en el 2019, el 27,7 % con tiempo puerta aguja menor a 60 minutos en el 2018 y el 42,8 % en el 2019. Entre los marcadores de calidad, se encontró mejoría en realización de NIHSS, evaluación de disfagia en las primeras 24 horas, realización de doppler carotideo en los primeros siete días. En comparación con Colombia, se encontró un porcentaje inferior en trombólisis endovenosa y trombectomía. La mayoría de los indicadores de atención en ACV es similar al promedio nacional. CONCLUSIONES: La mejoría en el cumplimiento de marcadores de calidad en ACV refleja el impacto de programas de atención en ACV. El monitoreo de los parámetros de calidad permite generar programas para fortalecer la atención integral del ataque cerebrovascular en la región.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of the quality of care for Stroke is a priority for health systems, given its relationship with disability and death. In this study, Stroke quality markers are analyzed in stroke in a referral hospital in Narino, Colombia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the markers of quality of care in stroke in the Hospital Departamental Universitario de Narino E.S.E between June 2018 and December 2019. As a reference, the outcomes were compared with the Colombian registries on RES-Q platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of patients treated in-hospital with stroke, data collection was performed using the RES-Q platform. The analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and absolute and relative frequencies and the differences with analytical tests. RESULTS: 457patients were evaluated, with ischemic stroke predominance, endovenous thrombolysis was performed in 7.2 % in 2018, and 9.2 % in 2019, 27.7 % of patients had door to needle time less than 60 minutes in 2018 and 42.8 % in 2019. Among the quality markers evaluated, an improvement was found in the performance of NIHSS, dysphagia evaluation, and carotid doppler performance in ischemic stroke. Compared with Colombian registry, a lower percentage was found in endovenous thrombolysis and thrombectomy. Most of Stroke Care Markers are similar to national average. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement in compliance of standard of Stroke Care Quality Markers reflects the impact of stroke care programs. The monitoring of quality parameters allows the generation of comprehensivestroke care programs in the region.

Experiencia en el manejo del ataque cerebrovascular isquémico en dos centros de tercer nivel de la ciudad de Ibagué (Colombia) entre junio del 2019 y junio del 2020 / Ischemic stroke management - Experience in two third-level hospitals in Ibague (Colombia) from June 2019 to June 2020

RESUMEN INTRODUCCION: El ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) de etiología isquémica es una patología cuya incidencia y mortalidad aumentaron en la última década. Cuando se maneja oportunamente, mediante trombólisis como terapia inicial, mejora su desenlace y funcionalidad. En el departamento del Tolima (Colombia) no hay registros de esta patología y en el país la bibliografía al respecto es limitada. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los desenlaces clínicos del manejo agudo con r-tPA en los pacientes que presentaron ACV isquémico en dos instituciones de la ciudad de Ibagué, capital de dicho departamento, entre junio del 2019 y junio del 2020, e identificar los tiempos de atención hospitalaria y las principales variables asociadas con el grupo de pacientes que fallecieron. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal del manejo del ACV isquémico con r-tPA, en el que se describen las variables sociodemográficas, la escala NIHSS como evaluación neurológica inicial, los tiempos de atención (inicio-aguja, puerta-tac y puerta-aguja), los desenlaces postoperatorios y el Rankin modificado al egreso. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 38 pacientes con una media de 67,37 años, el 60,53 % fueron mujeres. La escala NIHSS al ingreso fue 13,47 puntos (DE 5,24). Los tiempos de atención fueron 183 minutos (DE 72,63) inicio-aguja, 41 minutos (RIQ 17-72) puerta-TAC y 101,50 minutos (RIQ 77 - 137,25) puerta-aguja. La mortalidad fue del 23,68 %. CONCLUSION: La mortalidad y el desenlace funcional del ACV en nuestra población fueron similares a los reportados en la literatura nacional e internacional, sin embargo, es preciso implementar protocolos de atención del infarto cerebral para incrementar el número de pacientes con desenlace favorable, acortando los tiempos de atención en toda la cadena del tratamiento adecuado del infarto cerebral.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Ischemic stroke is a growing disease in the last decade, increasing both its incidence and its mortality. However, timely thrombolysis management as initial therapy can improve both disease progression as well as an individual's functionality. In Tolima, there are no registries of this disease and in Colombia in general, the literature is limited. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of the acute management of ischemic stroke using r-tPA as well as identifying in-hospital treatment times, at two institutions in Ibague between 2019 and 2020. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Using a cross-sectional descriptive study, we describe the management of ischemic stroke using r-tPA, describing sociodemographic variables, NIHSS scale as the initial neurological evaluation, in-hospital treatment times (symptoms-to-needle, door-to-TAC, door-to-needle), the clinical outcomes, and lastly the modified Rankin score upon discharge. RESULTS: We included 38 patients with median age of 67,37 years, 60,53 % were females. The initial average NIHSS scale upon admission was 13,47 (DE 5,24). In-hospital attention time averages were: symptoms-to-needle 183 minutes (DE 72,63), door-to-CAT 41 minutes (RIQ 17-72), and door-to-needle 101,50 minutes (RIQ 77-137,25). Overall the rate of mortality was 23,68 %. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality and functionality outcomes of the stroke population observed was similar to previously reported, both nationally and internationally. However, protocols should be implemented for the timely ischemic stroke management to improve the number of patients with favorable outcomes, by reducing the in-hospital attention times in all areas of the management chain.

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor levels are predictive of COVID-19 severity in Afro-Caribbean patients.

Aim: To investigate association between soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) plasma levels at admission and incidence of complications in COVID-19 patients. Patients & methods: We considered Afro-Caribbean patients (n = 64) admitted to the hospital between 1 February 2020 and 28 February 2021. Primary outcome was time from the hospital admission until intensive care unit care or death. Results: Primary outcome (hazard ratio, HR [95%CI]) was associated with higher CT scan severity score (3.18 [1.15-8.78], p = 0.025), National Early Warning Score (NEWS2; 1.43 [1.02-2.02], p = 0.041) and suPAR (1.28 [1.06-2.06], p = 0.041). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated patients with suPAR level above 8.95 ng/ml had a worse outcome (7.95 [3.33-18.97], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study suggests that COVID-19 patients with increased baseline suPAR levels are at a high risk of complications.

Plain language summary Our aim was to investigate association between the plasma levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) at admission and incidence of complications in COVID-19 patients. Increased suPAR level has been previously associated with activation of inflammation and coagulation, which important features of COVID-19. We considered Afro-Caribbean patients admitted to the hospital between 1 February 2020 and 28 February 2021. Primary outcome was time from the hospital admission until intensive care unit care or death. The use of an integrative prediction tool which combines simple clinical score (NEWS2), imaging technique (chest CT severity score) and suPAR plasma levels has potent predictive value for COVID-19 outcome.

Terapia intervencionista da embolia pulmonar aguda: onde estamos e para onde vamos? / Interventional therapy of acute pulmonary embolism: where are we and where are we heading towards?

A embolia pulmonar, uma doença com risco de vida, é prevalente em todo o mundo, afetando grande porcentagem da população e representando uma das principais causas de morte cardiovascular. Para reduzir sua mortalidade e morbidade e melhorar os desfechos, é fundamental uma estratificação precoce do risco. Há uma ampla variação na gravidade de uma embolia pulmonar, desde leve até com risco de vida. Quando um paciente tem uma embolia pulmonar de alto risco e está em choque ou parada cardíaca, é razoável realizar trombólise sistêmica ou embolectomia de emergência, mas a anticoagulação isolada tem ótimos resultados na embolia pulmonar de baixo risco. Há várias estratégias para aproveitar os benefícios da trombólise e minimizar seus riscos, mas a experiência clínica com essas novas estratégias de intervenção é limitada. A equipe de resposta à embolia pulmonar, composta de cardiologista intervencionista, radiologista intervencionista, cirurgião cardíaco, radiologista especializado em imagem cardíaca e intensivista, pode ajudar a determinar o tipo de intervenção em um determinado paciente. Este artigo traz um esboço das terapias intervencionistas endovasculares atuais e seu contexto.

This life-threatening condition, known as pulmonary embolism, is prevalent throughout the world, affecting a large percentage of population and representing one of the leading causes of cardiovascular death. To reduce mortality and morbidity and improve outcomes, early risk stratification is critical. There is a wide range in the severity of a pulmonary embolism, from mild to life-threatening. When a patient has a high-risk pulmonary embolism and is in shock or cardiac arrest, emergency systemic thrombolysis or embolectomy is reasonable, but anticoagulation alone has great results in low-risk pulmonary embolism. Multiple strategies exist to capture the benefits of thrombolysis while minimizing its risks, but clinical experience with such novel intervention strategies is limited. The pulmonary embolism response team comprises interventional cardiologist, interventional radiologist, cardiac surgeon, cardiac radiologist, and critical care specialist, can help determine the type of intervention in a given patient. This article provides an outline of current endovascular interventional therapies and their context.

Pediatric Acute Stroke Protocols in the United States and Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe existing pediatric acute stroke protocols to better understand how pediatric centers might implement such pathways within the context of institution-specific structures. STUDY DESIGN: We administered an Internet-based survey of pediatric stroke specialists. The survey included questions about hospital demographics, child neurology and pediatric stroke demographics, acute stroke response, imaging, and hyperacute treatment. RESULTS: Forty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents practiced at a large, freestanding children's hospital with a moderate-sized neurology department and at least 1 neurologist with expertise in pediatric stroke. Although there was variability in how the hospitals deployed stroke protocols, particularly in regard to staffing, the majority of institutions had an acute stroke pathway, and almost all included activation of a stroke alert page. Most institutions preferred magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over computed tomography (CT) and used abbreviated MRI protocols for acute stroke imaging. Most institutions also had either CT-based or magnetic resonance-based perfusion imaging available. At least 1 patient was treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) or mechanical thrombectomy at the majority of institutions during the year before our survey. CONCLUSIONS: An acute stroke protocol is utilized in at least 41 pediatric centers in the US and Canada. Most acute stroke response teams are multidisciplinary, prefer abbreviated MRI over CT for diagnosis, and have experience providing IV-tPA and mechanical thrombectomy. Further studies are needed to standardize practices of pediatric acute stroke diagnosis and hyperacute management.

Immunohistochemical study of the plasminogen activator system in benign epithelial odontogenic lesions

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the immunohistochemical expression of plasminogen activator system (PAS) proteins (uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1) in ameloblastomas (AMBs), odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), and dental follicles (DFs) representing normal odontogenic tissue, as well as to investigate possible correlations between these proteins. Twenty AMBs, 20 OKCs, and 10 DFs were selected for immunohistochemical analysis. In each case, the immunoexpression of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 was evaluated semiquantitatively based on the percentage of positivity in odontogenic epithelial and connective tissue cells. The epithelial immunoexpression of uPA was significantly lower in AMBs when compared to OKCs (p = 0.001) and DFs (p = 0.029). Significantly higher epithelial immunostaining for uPAR was observed in AMBs when compared to OKCs (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the epithelial immunoexpression of PAI-1 between AMBs and OKCs (p = 1.000). The correlations found for the expression of the studied proteins were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, the epithelial and connective tissue expressions of uPAR have a strong positive and statistically significant correlation in AMBs. The present results suggest that uPA is involved in the pathogenesis of OKCs and that uPAR may participate in tumorigenesis in AMBs. The high percentage of PAI-1-positive cells suggests a possible role for this protein in the development of AMBs and OKCs. Furthermore, the studied proteins do not seem to act synergistically in AMBs, OKCs, and DFs.