A meta-analysis of risk factors for epilepsy after acute ischaemic stroke and the development of a predictive model

Objective:To screen risk factors for epilepsy after acute ischaemic stroke based on meta-analysis and cohort study and to establish a predictive model.Methods:Computer searches of MEDLINE,Embase,Cochrane library,Web of Scinence,PubMed,CNKI,and WanFang Data data were conducted to collect literature on epilepsy after in acute ischemic stroke,from database creation to September 1,2022.The RRs and their 95%confidence intervals(CI)for risk factors for post stroke epilepsy were extracted for each study,and pooled estimates of the RRs and 95%CIs for each study were generated using either a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model.Beta coefficients for each risk factor were calculated based on the combined RR and their corresponding 95%CIs.The beta coefficients were multiplied by 10 and rounded.Results:Ten articles were identified for final inclusion in this meta-analysis,with a total of 141948 cases and 3702 cases of post stroke epilepsy.The risk factors included in the final risk prediction model were infarct size(RR 4.67,95%CI 1.41~15.47;P=0.01),stroke recuRRence(RR 2.48,95%CI 2.01~3.05;P<0.00001),stroke etiology(RR 1.70,95%CI 1.34~2.15;P<0.00001),stroke severity(RR 1.70,95%CI 1.34~2.15;P<0.00001),and stroke risk.stroke severity(RR 1.53,95%CI 1.39~1.70;P<0.00001),NIHSS score(RR 2.91,95%CI 1.64~5.61;P=0.0003),early-onset epilepsy(RR 5.62,95%CI 5.08~6.22;P<0.00001),cortical lesions(RR 3.83.95%CI 2.23~6.58;P<0.00001),total anterior circulation infarction(RR 18.94,95%CI 10.38~34.57;P<0.00001),partial anterior circulation infarction(RR 4.39,95%CI 2.29~8.40;P<0.00001),cardiovascular events(RR 1.78,95%CI 1.59~1.99;P<0.00001).Conclusion:Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis,we developed a simple risk prediction model for late epilepsy in baseline ischemic stroke that integrates clinical risk factors,including infarct size,stroke recurrence,stroke etiology,stroke severity,NIHSS score,early onset epilepsy,cortical lesions,stroke subtype,and cardiovascular events.

Prognostic,diagnostic and therapeutic potential of endothelial progenitor cells for patients with ischaemic stroke:Hype or Hope

Ischaemic stroke is a debilitating disease with immense personal,societal and economic impact.Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator remains the only approved pharmacotherapy for this disease.As each year less than 1%of eligible patients receive this therapy worldwide,efficacious new therapeutics are desperately needed.Emerging evidence suggest endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs),capable of repairing damaged vasculature,as one such therapeutics.However,questions regarding their optimal dose,delivery route and in vivo survivability remain largely unanswered.Outgrowth endothelial cells,generated in large numbers by ex vivo expansion of EPCs,enable effective assessment of these issues and may eventually serve as off-the-shelf therapeutics.Correlations between circulating EPC levels and stroke outcome imply that EPCs may also serve as clinical biomarkers for stroke.This viewpoint briefly evaluates the current evidence,pinpoints the gaps in the literature and proposes new directions for research.

Empirical anticoagulation for patients in sinus rhythm at high risk of ischaemic stroke:A review of current literature

Ischaemic stroke is one of the commonest causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and around a fifth of events can be attributed to a cardioembolic source. This is typically due to atrial fibrillation(AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. However, AF can, at times, be difficult to detect due to a relative lack of symptoms and the fact that it can be paroxysmal in nature. Studies have shown that diagnosis of AF improves as the length of cardiac monitoring increases. However, prolonged cardiac monitoring is not a costeffective way of diagnosing AF. Therefore, an alternative approach may be to empirically anticoagulate individuals who are at high risk of stroke. This article summarises current evidence surrounding stroke risk prediction, the use of anticoagulation in the secondary prevention of stroke and its use in the primary prevention of stroke in high risk groups with the aim of determining whether empirical anticoagulation is a safe and effective strategy.

Ischaemic Stroke Complicating Infective Endocarditis: Microbleeds Are the Diagnostic Clue

Introduction: Ischemic strokes represent a classic complication of infective endocarditis (IE) and are most often related to the fragmentation of valvular vegetation. In most cases, they occur in the Sylvian territory and are related to Staphylococcus aureus. MRI can demonstrate, in addition to the AVCI image, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) that are very suggestive of the diagnosis. We present the case of a patient who presented an ischemic stroke occurring in the context of infective endocarditis. Observation: A 32-year-old woman with no previous medical history initially presented with acute febrile headache, two weeks later she developed right hemiplegia with aphasia in the context of fever. Her general examination revealed lesions on the soles of her feet, in the form of nodules, infected in places, suggestive of Janeway nodules (characteristic of IE). The brain MRI showed an ischemic stroke in the Sylvian territory, with the presence of multiple microbleeds on the magnetic susceptibility sequences. The biological examination showed a severe inflammatory syndrome;the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) confirmed the presence of vegetation on the aortic valve;and the blood cultures showed a Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic therapy was started, and the patient was transferred to the cardiology department. Discussion: Our observation has a double interest. The first is clinical due to the presence of plantar nodules (Janeway’s nodules) that are characteristic of IE which should orientate the diagnosis before the installation of the stroke, and the second is radiological and linked to the discovery of microbleeds. Their presence is increasingly reported in the literature, but their pathophysiology is not yet very clear. Conclusion: Stroke is the most frequent extracardiac complication during IE. The presence of microbleeds contributes to early diagnosis, especially in asymptomatic forms.

Pattern of Stroke Admissions, Radiodiagnostic Compliance, and Outcomes in the Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Hospital, South-South, Nigeria

Background: Stroke patients form an integral part of patients admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU);and may need airway maintenance, supplemental oxygen and even endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation. Method: In this retrospective study, the medical records and radiological investigations of the patients were assessed. Also, their socio-demographics, and clinical diagnosis and background co-morbidities were noted. The radiological diagnosis post CT was used to determine the type of stroke for those compliant;while clinical assessment alone was used to determine the diagnosis in those who did not do CT. They were also classified into 2 groups: those requiring mechanical ventilation (for ICU care) and those without the need for mechanical ventilation (for high dependency Unit (HDU) care). The eventual clinical outcome was noted. Result: A total of eighty-eight cases, 67% (n = 59) were males and 33% (n = 29) females. 89.8% (n = 79) had hypertension, 3.4% (n = 3) had diabetes while 6.8% (n = 6) had both hypertension and diabetes. Of the hypertensives, 36.7% (n = 29) had hemorrhagic stroke and 66.3% (n = 50) had ischaemic stroke. 53.3% (n = 46) patients had High dependency Unit (HDU care while 47.7% (n = 42) were mechanically ventilated. Of the number in HDU, 51.5% (n = 17) were haemorrhagic, while 52.7% (n = 29) were ischaemic. Clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke was done in 55 (62.5%) and hemorrhagic stroke in 37.5% (n = 33). Of the lot, only 19.3% (n = 17) of them did CT and 80.7% (n = 71) did not have CT done. None did MRI. Late presentation (beyond 24 hrs) was a common feature for most of the patients, for whom immediate cardio-respiratory support became necessary. Overall mortality rate was 62.5% (n = 55). 39.1% (n = 18) of the HDU (46) patients died, while 88.1% (n = 37) of the ventilated (42) patients died. 56.6% (n = 26) were discharged from the HDU and 4.3% (n = 2) referred to another facility. Of the 42 patients on mechanical ventilation 88.1% (37) died, 9.5% (n = 4) discharged, and 2.4% (n = 1) referred to another health facility. Summary: Low neuroimaging compliance by Stroke patients in our environment and late presentation to hospital, impacts negatively on good outcome of the disease. This, coupled with the high cost of these facilities, makes their use unaffordable, suggesting a strong indication for comprehensive quality and affordable health care and health insurance in the country.

Case Report: Dual Antiplatelet in Capsular Warning Syndrome

Background: Capsular warning syndrome (CWS) is defined as a recurrent stereotype transient lacunar syndrome without cortical symptoms. However, to date, there is limited literature proposed on the definitive treatment options for the prevention of persistent stroke in cases of capsular warning syndrome. Aim: The aim of this case report is to address dual antiplatelet therapy as a treatment choice in CWS to prevent progressive stroke. Case presentation: A 56-year-old man with several comorbidities experienced recurrent periods of limb weakness and dysarthria lasting 5 - 20 minutes with a complete resolution of symptoms in between. The fluctuating episodes lasted for 72 hours followed by a persistent minor stroke. A gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan of the brain revealed a right basal ganglia infarct. He was treated with dual antiplatelet, and his functional outcome was favourable at 90 days post stroke. Conclusion: Dual antiplatelet may be a beneficial therapeutic option in CWS in improving functional outcomes in the early neurological deficit and decreasing the clinical fluctuation.

Use of secondary preventive medications in patients with atherosclerotic disease in urban China： a cross-sectional study of 16 860 patients

Background Despite considerable improvements in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease in various populations over the last few decades, there are still limited data about long-term treatment patterns among patients with various atherosclerotic vascular conditions in China, especially the use of statin therapy. Methods Between June 2007 and October 2009, 16 860 patients aged 50-80 years with established history of atherosclerotic vascular disease （coronary heart disease （CHD）, atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease （CVD）, or peripheral arterial disease （PAD）） from 51 hospitals in 14 cities of China were screened for a large randomized trial. Detailed information about current use of statins and various other treatments was recorded and analyzed by prior disease history, adjusting for various baseline characteristics. Results Among the 16 860 patients, the mean age was 63 years and 74% were male. Overall, 78% of the patients had documented CHD, 40% had CVD, 5% had PAD and 21% reported more than one condition. The median time from initial diagnosis of vascular disease to screening was 18 months. At screening, the proportions who took various treatments were 83% for antiplatelet agents, 49% for beta-blockers, 47% for statins and 28% for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The proportion treated with statin was much higher in CHD than in CVD or PAD patients （61% vs. 10% vs. 22% respectively） and decreased significantly with time from initial diagnosis. Simvastatin （mainly 20 mg） and atorvastatin （mainly 10 mg） each accounted for about 40% of total statin use. Conclusions In urban China, there is still significant underuse of various proven secondary preventive therapies, with particularly low use of statins in patients with ischaemic stroke.