Circadian rhythms may not influence the outcomes of thrombolysis in patients with ischemic stroke: A study from China

ABSTRACT

Circadian rhythms can affect physical or mental activities as well as the time of stroke onset. The impact of circadian rhythms on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated by recombinant alteplase (rt-PA) is still incongruent. This study aims to consider whether the outcomes of thrombolysis differ depending on stroke onset time and rt-PA infusion time in patients with AIS. A total of 447 AIS patients, who underwent rt-PA intravenous infusion within 4.5 hours after stroke onset, were enrolled in this study consecutively from June 2010 through December 2016. All of the patients were grouped based on the stroke onset time and rt-PA infusion time into two exact 12-hour intervals as daytime (06:01–18:00) and nighttime (18:01–06:00) and further divided into four subgroups at 6-hour time intervals (00:01–06:00, 06:01–12:00, 12:01–18:00 and 18:01–24:00). Major neurological improvement at 1 hour, 24 hours and 7 days, 7-day mortality rate and 24-hour hemorrhage transformation was recorded. The results showed that a total of 295 patients (66.4%) appeared with AIS and 252 (56.4%) were treated during daytime. Higher NIHSS at admission was observed when stroke occurred in nighttime, especially during 00:01–06:00. Patients with stroke onset in nighttime especially during 18:01–24:00 had a significant shorter onset-door time and onset-needle time. No differences of the major neurological improvement at 1 hour, 24 hours and 7 days, 24-hour hemorrhagic transformation and 7-day fatality rate were found among either 12-hour time frames or 6-hour time frames according to the time of stroke onset or rt-PA infusion. In conclusion, there was no evidence to predict that circadian rhythms could influence the outcomes of AIS patients treated with rt-PA in China, although stroke onset during nighttime might aggravate neurological impairment before treatment. Further, multicenter and prospective clinical trials with larger number of subjects are still needed to draw more reliable conclusions.     

Association between Statin Use and Short-Term Outcome Based on Severity of Ischemic Stroke: A Cohort Study

Background

Statins reportedly improve clinical outcomes for ischemic stroke patients. However, it is unclear whether the contribution of statin treatment varies depending on the severity of stroke. We sought to investigate the relationship between statin use and the outcome of acute first-ever ischemic stroke patients stratified by stroke severity.

Methods

A total of 7,455 acute first-ever ischemic stroke patients without statin treatment before onset were eligible from the China National Stroke Registry. A National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 0 to 4 was defined as minor stroke, and a NIHSS score of >4 was defined as non-minor stroke. We analyzed the association between statin use during hospitalization and mortality as well as functional outcome (measured by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–5) at 3 months after onset using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 3,231 (43.3%) patients received statin treatment during hospitalization. Multivariable analysis showed that statin use during hospitalization decreased mortality of ischemic stroke patients (OR, 0.51; 95%CI, 0.38–0.67), but did not improve poor functional outcomes (OR, 0.95; 95CI%, 0.81–1.11) at 3 months. The interaction between statin use and stroke severity was significant both in dependence and death outcome (P = 0.04 for dependence outcome, P = 0.03 for death outcome). After stratification by stroke severity, statin use during hospitalization decreased the mortality of stroke (OR, 0.44; 95%CI, 0.31–0.62) and poor functional outcome (OR, 0.73; 95%CI, 0.57–0.92) at 3 months in the non-minor stroke group.

Conclusions

Statin use during hospitalization may improve the clinical outcome of acute first-ever ischemic stroke depending on the severity of stroke. Non-minor stroke patients may obtain benefit from statin treatment with improvements in poor functional outcomes and mortality.     

Admission C – reactive protein after acute ischemic stroke is associated with stroke severity and mortality: The 'Bergen stroke study'

Background

There is growing evidence that inflammation plays an important role in atherogenesis. Previous studies show that C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, is associated with stroke outcomes and future vascular events. It is not clear whether this is due a direct dose-response effect or rather an epiphenomenon. We studied the effect of CRP measured within 24 hours after stroke onset on functional outcome, mortality and future vascular events.

Methods

We prospectively studied 498 patients with ischemic stroke who were admitted within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. CRP and NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) were measured at the time of admission. Short-term functional outcome was measured by modified Rankin scale (mRS) and Barthel ADL index (BI) 7 days after admission. Patients were followed for up to 2.5 years for long-term mortality and future vascular events data.

Results

The median CRP at admission was 3 mg/L. High CRP was associated with high NIHSS (p = 0.01) and high long-term mortality (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for confounding variables, high CRP remained to be associated with high NIHSS (p = 0.02) and high long-term mortality (p = 0.002). High CRP was associated with poor short-term functional outcomes (mRS > 3; BI < 95) (p = 0.01; p = 0.03). However, the association was not significant after adjusting for confounding variables including stroke severity (p = 0.98; p = 0.88). High CRP was not associated with future vascular events (p = 0.98).

Conclusion

Admission CRP is associated with stroke severity and long-term mortality when measured at least 24 hours after onset. There is a crude association between high CRP and short-term functional outcome which is likely secondary to stroke severity. CRP is an independent predictor of long-term mortality after ischemic stroke.     

Prognostic Value of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Patients with Stroke

We aimed to evaluate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels and both clinical severity at admission and outcome at discharge in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). From June 2012 to October 2013, consecutive first-ever AIS patients admitted to the Department of Emergency of The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China were identified. Clinical information was collected. Serum 25(OH) D levels were measured at baseline. Stroke severity was assessed at admission using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Functional outcome was evaluated at discharge using the modified Rankin scale (m-Rankin). Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. During the study period, 326 patients were diagnosed as AIS and were included in the analysis. Serum 25(OH) D levels reduced with increasing severity of stroke as defined by the NIHSS score. There was a negative correlation between levels of 25(OH) D and the NIHSS (r = ? 0.389, P = 0.000). In multivariate analyses, serum 25(OH) D level was an independent prognostic marker of discharge favorable functional outcome and survival [odds ratio 3.96 (2.85–7.87) and 3.36 (2.12–7.08), respectively, P = 0.000 for both, adjusted for NHISS, other predictors and vascular risk factors] in patients with AIS. Serum 25(OH) D levels are a predictor of both severity at admission and favorable functional outcome in patients with AIS. Additional research is needed on vitamin D supplementation to improve the outcome of post-stroke patients.     

Circadian variation in clinical features and outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage: The INTERACT studies

Previous studies consistently reported a diurnal variation in the occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), with a morning peak. However, limited knowledge exists on the circadian pattern of ICH severity and outcome. This study aimed to determine possible associations between ICH onset time and admission severity and 90-day outcomes using the combined data set of the pilot and main-phase Intensive blood pressure (BP) reduction in an acute cerebral hemorrhage trial (INTERACT). The ICH onset time was categorized into three groups (1: 00:00–07:59; 2: 08:00–15:59; and 3: 16:00–23:59). We found an association between onset time and low Glasgow Coma Scale score: aOR (time 1: 1.72, 95% CI 1.12–2.66; time 3: 1.95, 95% CI 1.31–2.89, p = 0.003; in comparison to time 2). There was no association between onset time and volume of ICH (adjusted p = 0.354) or 90-day outcomes of death or major disability, and death and major disability separately (all adjusted p > 0.4). The results showed that more severe cases of ICH patients, defined by a reduced level of consciousness, had late afternoon to early morning stroke onset, but this was unrelated to baseline hematoma volume or location. There was no circadian influence on ICH clinical outcome.     

Genetic Variation at the BDNF Locus: Evidence for Association with Long-Term Outcome after Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose

Rates and extent of recovery after stroke vary considerably between individuals and genetic factors are thought to contribute to post-stroke outcome. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays important roles in brain plasticity and repair and has been shown to be involved in stroke severity, recovery, and outcome in animal models. Few clinical studies on BDNF genotypes in relation to ischemic stroke have been performed. The aims of the present study are therefore to investigate whether genetic variation at the BDNF locus is associated with initial stroke severity, recovery and/or short-term and long-term functional outcome after ischemic stroke.

Methods

Four BDNF tagSNPs were analyzed in the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS; 600 patients and 600 controls, all aged 18–70 years). Stroke severity was assessed using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Stroke recovery was defined as the change in NIHSS over a 3-month period. Short- and long-term functional outcome post-stroke was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months and at 2 and 7 years after stroke, respectively.

Results

No SNP was associated with stroke severity or recovery at 3 months and no SNP had an impact on short-term outcome. However, rs11030119 was independently associated with poor functional outcome 7-years after stroke (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.92; P =  0.006).

Conclusions

BDNF gene variants were not major contributors to ischemic stroke severity, recovery, or short-term functional outcome. However, this study suggests that variants in the BDNF gene may contribute to poor long-term functional outcome after ischemic stroke.     

影响尿激酶静脉溶栓治疗急性脑梗死预后因素的初步分析

目的:对影响急性缺血性脑卒中患者应用尿激酶溶栓治疗预后的相关危险因素进行初步分析及研究,为今后选择适宜应用尿激酶溶栓的患者打下基础。方法:以2015年1月1日至2015年10月31日入院且应用尿激酶静脉溶栓的38例急性缺血性脑卒中患者,根据治疗3个月后的预后情况将患者分为A组(24例,预后良好)和B组(14例,预后不良),对两组患者的预后影响因素进行分析。结果:预后良好组患者的溶栓前NIHSS评分低于预后不良组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。多因素的Logistic回归分析显示,吸烟和HINSS评分与急性脑梗死尿激酶溶栓预后不良有关,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),且NIHSS评分是预后的独立预测因素。结论:尿激酶静脉溶栓治疗脑梗死的患者,溶栓前较高的NIHSS评分可能与溶栓预后不良有关。吸烟的患者溶栓后出现预后不良的几率是不吸烟患者溶栓后预后不良的8.83倍,溶栓前NIHSS评分每增加1分,溶栓预后不良的几率增加1.76倍。     

The effects of intravenous infusion of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells in patients with subacute middle cerebral artery infarct: a phase 2 randomized controlled trial on safety,tolerability and efficacy

Background aimsMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are characterized by paracrine and immunomodulatory functions capable of changing the microenvironment of damaged brain tissue toward a more regenerative and less inflammatory milieu. The authors conducted a phase 2, single-center, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of intravenous autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) in patients with subacute middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct.MethodsPatients aged 30–75 years who had severe ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score of 10–35) involving the MCA territory were recruited within 2 months of stroke onset. Using permuted block randomization, patients were assigned to receive 2 million BMMSCs per kilogram of body weight (treatment group) or standard medical care (control group). The primary outcomes were the NIHSS, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI) and total infarct volume on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 12 months. All outcome assessments were performed by blinded assessors. Per protocol, analyses were performed for between-group comparisons.ResultsSeventeen patients were recruited. Nine were assigned to the treatment group, and eight were controls. All patients were severely disabled following their MCA infarct (median mRS = 4.0 [4.0–5.0], BI = 5.0 [5.0–25.0], NIHSS = 16.0 [11.5–21.0]). The baseline infarct volume on the MRI was larger in the treatment group (median, 71.7 [30.5–101.7] mL versus 26.7 [12.9–75.3] mL, P = 0.10). There were no between-group differences in median NIHSS score (7.0 versus 6.0, P = 0.96), mRS (2.0 versus 3.0, P = 0.38) or BI (95.0 versus 67.5, P = 0.33) at 12 months. At 12 months, there was significant improvement in absolute change in median infarct volume, but not in total infarct volume, from baseline in the treatment group (P = 0.027). No treatment-related adverse effects occurred in the BMMSC group.ConclusionsIntravenous infusion of BMMSCs in patients with subacute MCA infarct was safe and well tolerated. Although there was no neurological recovery or functional outcome improvement at 12 months, there was improvement in absolute change in median infarct volume in the treatment group. Larger, well-designed studies are warranted to confirm this and the efficacy of BMMSCs in ischemic stroke.     

Predictors of Outcome and Hemorrhage in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Therapy with Solitaire Stent for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for acute ischemic stroke and show some advantages. However, the data of predicting clinical outcome after thrombectomy with Solitaire retriever were limited. We attempt to identify prognostic factors of clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing thrombectomy with Solitaire retriever.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive acute ischemic strokes cases treated between December 2010 and December2013 where the Solitaire stent retriever was used for acute ischemic stroke. We assessed the effect of selected demographic characteristics, clinical factors on poor outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin score 3–6), mortality at 3 months, and hemorrhage within 24 h (symptomatic and asymptomatic). Clinical, imaging and logistic variables were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables influencing clinical outcome, based on discharge NIHSS score change and mRS at 3 months.

Results

Eighty nine consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Multivariate analysis revealed that admission NIHSS score, Serum glucose and endovascular procedure duration were independently associated with clinical outcome. Sex, NIHSS score at admission, diabetes and time of operation were associated with sICH in 1 day. NIHSS score ≥20 (OR 9.38; 95% CI 2.41–36.50), onset to reperfusion >5 hours (OR 5.23; 95% CI1.34,20.41) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 10.19; 95% CI1.80,57.83) were potential predictive factors of mortality at 3 months.

Conclusion

Multiple pre- and intra-procedural factors can be used to predict clinical outcome, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular therapy. This knowledge is helpful for patients selection for endovascular mechanical thrombectomy.     

Seasonal variation of admission severity and outcomes in ischemic stroke – a consecutive hospital-based stroke registry

Different morbidities and mortalities of ischemic stroke may occur among seasons. For detecting the seasonal variations of severity after stroke onset and prognosis, we employed a retrospective analysis on a prospective regional hospital-based stroke registry and included a total of 1039 consecutive patients with onset date from January 2014 to December 2015. Patients were divided into four groups according to the onset seasons. Baseline characteristics, stroke subtypes, admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score in 90 d were recorded and compared. Ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of seasons and severity or outcomes. Higher proportion of cardiac embolisms appeared in spring and winter (p < 0.001). The median admission NIHSS score was 5 in spring, 3 in summer, 4 in fall and 4 in winter (p = 0.036). After 90 d from onset, 40.5% of patients in spring suffered poor outcome (mRS 3–6), while 24.6% in summer, 33.9% in fall and 40.1% in winter (p < 0.001). After adjusted for age, sex, stroke subtypes and other covariates, patients in spring and winter had 1.76 times (95%CI 1.14–2.70, p = 0.010) and 1.53 times (95%CI 1.08–2.18, p = 0.017) the risk of suffering higher severity category than patients in summer, respectively. Compared with summer group, risk of worse outcomes at 90 d increased to 2.30 times in spring (95%CI 1.53–3.45, p < 0.001), 1.57 times in fall (95%CI 1.14–2.16, p = 0.006) and 2.09 times in winter (95%CI 1.50–2.91, p < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, onset seasons were associated with severity and outcomes in ischemic stroke, and patients admitted in spring and winter had more severity and worse outcomes than patients in summer.     

Twenty-four-hour variation of vestibular function in young and elderly adults

ABSTRACT

Animal and human studies demonstrate anatomical and functional links between the vestibular nuclei and the circadian timing system. This promotes the hypothesis of a circadian rhythm of vestibular function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vestibular function through the vestibulo-ocular reflex using a rotatory chair at different times of the day to assess circadian rhythmicity of vestibular function. Two identical studies evaluating temporal variation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) were performed, the first in young adults (age: 22.4 ± 1.5 y), and the second in older adults (70.7 ± 4.7 y). The slow phase velocity and time constant of the VOR were evaluated in six separate test sessions, i.e., 02:00, 06:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h. In both studies, markers of circadian rhythmicity (temperature, fatigue, and sleepiness) displayed expected usual temporal variation. In young adults, the time constant of the VOR showed variation throughout the day (p < .005), being maximum 12:25 h (06:00 h test session) before the acrophase of temperature circadian rhythm. In older adults, the slow phase velocity and time constant also displayed temporal variation (p < .05). Maximum values were recorded at 10:35 h (06:00 h test session) before the acrophase of temperature circadian rhythm. The present study demonstrates that vestibular function is not constant throughout the day. The implication of the temporal variation in vestibular system in equilibrium potentially exposes the elderly, in particular, to differential risk during the 24 h of losing balance and falling.     

The Role of Tryptophan Catabolism along the Kynurenine Pathway in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Post-stroke inflammation may induce upregulation of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway for tryptophan (TRP) oxidation, resulting in neuroprotective (kynurenic acid, KA) and neurotoxic metabolites (3-hydroxyanthranillic acid, 3-HAA). We investigated whether activity of the kynurenine pathway in acute ischemic stroke is related to initial stroke severity, long-term stroke outcome and the ischemia-induced inflammatory response. Plasma concentrations of TRP and its metabolites were measured in 149 stroke patients at admission, at 24 h, at 72 h and at day 7 after stroke onset. We evaluated the relation between the KYN/TRP ratio, the KA/3-HAA ratio and stroke severity, outcome and inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR)). KYN/TRP but not KA/3-HAA correlated with the NIHSS score and with the infarct volume. Patients with poor outcome had higher mean KYN/TRP ratios than patients with more favourable outcome. The KYN/TRP ratio at admission correlated with CRP levels, ESR and NLR. The activity of the kynurenine pathway for tryptophan degradation in acute ischemic stroke correlates with stroke severity and long-term stroke outcome. Tryptophan oxidation is related to the stroke-induced inflammatory response.     

Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke--our experiences

Intravenous (i.v.) thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the only available pharmacological therapy to improve the outcome of acute ischemic stroke. We compared 71 patients presenting with ischaemic stroke and given intravenous rt-PA (0.9 mg/kg total dose) within 3 h with 71 patients who present to the hospital more than 3 hours after stroke symptom onset. The primary endpoint was the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days, dichotomised for favourable and unfavourable (score 2-6). Outcome measures were symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage within 36 h (haemorrhage associated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] > or = 4 points deterioration), and mortality at 3 months. More patients had favourable outcome with the rt-PA-treated group than with the control group (64.79% vs. 22.54%; p = 0.0001). The greater proportion of patients left with minimal or no deficit 90 days after rt-PA treatment, as compared with the control group. In the treated group symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient who recovered to a level of functional independence, and asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was observed in 2 patients. Our experience of an acute stroke thrombolysis service shows that we are able to provide this treatment safely and in accordance with established treatment guidelines. We recommend thrombolytic treatment in acute ischemic stroke for selected population.     

Dimethylarginine Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Hyperacute Ischemic Stroke Patients are Associated with Stroke Severity

We hypothesise that asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, SDMA) are released in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to ischemia-induced proteolysis and that CSF dimethylarginines are related to stroke severity. ADMA and SDMA were measured in CSF of 88 patients with ischemic stroke or TIA within 24 h after stroke onset (mean 8.6 h) and in 24 controls. Stroke severity was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission. Outcome was evaluated by institutionalization due to stroke and the modified Rankin scale. Dimethylarginine levels were higher in patients with stroke than in TIA patients, who had higher levels than controls and correlated with the NIHSS. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that dimethylarginines were independently associated with stroke severity. The SDMA/ADMA ratio did not differ significantly between controls and stroke patients. CSF dimethylarginine levels are increased in hyperacute ischemic stroke and are associated with stroke severity. R. Brouns is a research assistant of the Fund for Scientific research Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen).     

缺血性脑卒中患者血清超敏C反应蛋白、糖化血红蛋白水平及其与神经功能缺损的关系

目的:探讨缺血性脑卒中患者血清超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)水平及其与神经功能缺损的关系。方法:选择2016年10月~2017年9月我院接诊的123例缺血性脑卒中患者作为观察组及同期于我院进行体检的健康人群123例作为对照组,检测和比较两组血清hs-CRP、HbA1c水平的差异,并分析缺血性脑卒中患者血清hs-CRP、HbA1c水平与其美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分的关系。结果:观察组患者血清hs-CRP、Hb A1c水平显著高于对照组[(6.23±1.97)mg/L、(7.96±0.65)%vs.(2.54±0.85)mg/L、(5.21±0.30)%],NIHSS评分明显高于对照组[(4.08±3.12)分vs. 8.62±3.25)分],差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);缺血性脑卒中患者血清hs-CRP、Hb A1c水平与NIHSS评分呈显著正相关(r=-0.465,-0.564,P0.05)。结论:缺血性脑卒中患者血清hs-CRP和HbA1c水平均明显上调,二者可以在一定程度上反映缺血性脑卒中患者神经功能缺损的严重程度。     

Solitaire AB支架取栓联合动脉溶栓治疗急性缺血性脑卒中的临床疗效

目的:探讨Solitaire AB支架取栓联合动脉溶栓治疗急性缺血性脑卒中的临床疗效。方法:收集2014年8月至2016年8月我院收治的15例急性缺血性脑卒中患者,进行Solitaire AB支架取栓联合动脉溶栓治疗,通过评价患者治疗前后的美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表评分(NIHSS评分)比较治疗效果,通过评价患者随访期间的改良Rankin评分(m RS)和哥拉斯哥昏迷评分(GCS)比较预后情况。结果:15例患者通过动脉溶栓联合1~3次Solitaire AB取栓后,14例患者均达到部分或完全再通,1例患者因生命体征不稳而终止取栓手术,再通率为93.3%。患者出院时NIHSS评分为(4.33±1.45),显著低于术前的(12.93±4.25)(P0.05)。15例患者均通过3个月的术后随访,改良Rankin(m RS)评分均显示良好,其中2例为2分,5例为1分,8例为0分。所有患者均未发生血管再闭塞等相关并发症。结论:Solitaire AB支架取栓联合动脉溶栓治疗急性缺血性脑卒中的临床效果良好且安全性高。     

缺血性脑卒中患者血清PTX3、Cat S、IL-17A及miR-32-3p水平及其临床意义

目的:探讨缺血性脑卒中患者血清正五聚蛋白3(Pentraxin 3,PTX3)、组织蛋白酶S(Cathepsin S,Cat S)、白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-17A及mi R-32-3水平及其临床意义。方法:选取2015年1月至2019年2月在我院神经内科住院诊治的缺血性脑卒中患者112例作为病例组,同期选择正常健康人群80例作为对照组。检测和比较两组血清PTX3、Cat S、IL-17A及mi R-32-3p含量与全血组织mi R-32-3p的表达,评估患者的神经缺损功能并进行相关性分析。结果:病例组血清PTX3、Cat S、IL-17A含量及全血mi R-32-3p相对表达均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。病例组平均NIHSS评分为9.58±1.28分,直线相关分析显示患者的NIHSS评分与血清PTX3、Cat S、IL-17A含量和全血mi R-32-3p相对表达水平均呈显著正相关性(P0.05)。COX回归分析显示血清PTX3、Cat S、IL-17A含量和全血mi R-32-3p相对表达都为影响NIHSS评分的主要因素(P0.05)。结论:缺血性脑卒中患者血清PTX3、Cat S、IL-17A与全血组织mi R-32-3p呈高表达,可能作为评价患者神经缺损功能的参考指标。     

Effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on upper extremity motor recovery and functional outcomes in chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was suggested as a preconditioning method that would increase brain plasticity and that it would be optimal to combine rTMS with intensive rehabilitation.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of inhibitory rTMS on upper extremity motor recovery and functional outcomes in chronic ischemic stroke patients.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, experimental group received low-frequency (LF) rTMS to the primary motor cortex of the unaffected side?+?physical therapy (PT), and control group received PT.

Results: No statistically significant difference was found in baseline demographical and clinical characteristics of the subjects including stroke severity or severity of paralysis prior to intervention. There were statistically significant improvements in all clinical outcome measures except for the Brunnstrom Recovery Stages. Fugl–Meyer Assessment, Box and Block test, motor and total scores of Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS) scores were significantly increased in both groups, however, these changes were significantly greater in the rTMS group except for FAS score. FIM cognitive scores and standardized mini-mental test scores were significantly increased and distal and hand Modified Ashworth Scale scores were significantly decreased only in the rTMS group (p?Conclusions: LF-rTMS can safely facilitate upper extremity motor recovery in patients with chronic ischemic stroke. TMS seems to be a promising treatment for motor, functional, and cognitive deficits in chronic stroke. Further studies with a larger number of patients with longer follow-up periods are needed to establish its effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation.     

老年H型高血压合并急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清omentin-1、Irisin水平与病情及预后的关系研究

目的:探讨老年H型高血压合并急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清网膜素-1(omentin-1)、鸢尾素(Irisin)水平与病情及预后的关系。方法:选择2017年6月-2019年9月我院收治的老年H型高血压合并急性缺血性脑卒中患者92例,记作合并脑卒中组,根据美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分将患者分为轻症组28例(NIHSS评分≤4分)、中症组39例(5分≤NIHSS评分≤20分)和重症组25例(NIHSS评分>20分),根据改良Rankin量表(mRS)评分将患者分为预后不良组28例(mRS评分>2分)和预后良好组64例(mRS评分≤2分)。另选择同期我院收治的单纯老年H型高血压患者90例作为单纯H型高血压组,分析合并脑卒中组患者血清omentin-1、Irisin水平及omentin-1、Irisin与NIHSS评分、mRS评分的相关性,并应用ROC曲线分析血清omentin-1、Irisin水平对患者预后的预测价值。结果:合并脑卒中组血清omentin-1、Irisin水平显著低于单纯H型高血压组(P<0.05),随脑卒中神经缺损严重程度的升高,H型高血压合并急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清omentin-1、Irisin水平逐渐降低(P<0.05),预后不良组血清omentin-1、Irisin水平显著低于预后良好组(P<0.05)。老年H型高血压合并急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清omentin-1、Irisin水平与NIHSS评分及mRS评分均呈负相关(P<0.05)。omentin-1最佳临界值为105.36 ng/ml,敏感度为78.23%,特异度为83.44%;Irisin最佳临界值为90.77 ng/L,敏感度为71.00%,特异度为61.43%。结论:老年H型高血压合并急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清omentin-1、Irisin水平异常降低,其水平与神经缺损程度和预后呈负相关,血清omentin-1、Irisin对老年H型高血压发生急性缺血性脑卒中的预后评估具有一定价值。     

Time of symptom onset and value of myocardial blush and infarct size on prognosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the time of onset of ischemia has been associated with myocardial infarction (MI) size. Myocardial blush grade (MBG) reflects myocardial response to ischemia/reperfusion injury, which may differ according to time of the day. The aim of our study was to explore the 24-hour variation in MBG and MI size in relation to outcomes in STEMI patients. A retrospective multicenter analysis of 6970 STEMI patients was performed. Time of onset of STEMI was divided into four 6-hour periods. STEMI patients have a significant 24-hour pattern in onset of symptoms, with peak onset around 09:00 hour. Ischemic time was longest and MI size, estimated by peak creatine kinase concentration, was largest in patients with STEMI onset between 00:00 and 06:00 hours. Both MBG and MI size were independently associated with mortality. Time of onset of STEMI was not independently associated with mortality when corrected for baseline and procedural factors. Interestingly, patients presenting with low MBG between 00:00 and 06:00 hours had a better prognosis compared to other groups. In conclusion, patients with symptom onset between 00:00 and 06:00 hours have longer ischemic time and consequently larger MI size. However, this does not translate into a higher mortality in this group. In addition, patients with failed reperfusion presenting in the early morning hours have better prognosis, suggesting a 24-hour pattern in myocardial protection.