Hemorrhagic transformation in patients with large-artery atherosclerotic stroke is associated with the gut microbiota and lipopolysaccharide

Hemorrhagic transformation is a major complication of large-artery atheroscle rotic stroke(a major ischemic stro ke subtype)that wo rsens outcomes and increases mortality.Disruption of the gut microbiota is an important feature of stroke,and some specific bacteria and bacterial metabolites may contribute to hemorrhagic transformation pathogenesis.We aimed to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiota and hemorrhagic transformation in largearte ry atheroscle rotic stro ke.An observational retrospective study was conducted.From May 2020 to September 2021,blood and fecal samples were obtained upon admission from 32 patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke and not undergoing intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy,as well as 16 healthy controls.Patients with stro ke who developed hemorrhagic transfo rmation(n=15)were compared to those who did not develop hemorrhagic transformation(n=17)and with healthy controls.The gut microbiota was assessed through 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing.We also examined key components of the lipopolysaccharide pathway:lipopolysaccharide,lipopolysaccharide-binding protein,and soluble CD14.We observed that bacterial diversity was decreased in both the hemorrhagic transformation and non-hemorrhagic transfo rmation group compared with the healthy controls.The patients with ischemic stro ke who developed hemorrhagic transfo rmation exhibited altered gut micro biota composition,in particular an increase in the relative abundance and dive rsity of members belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family.Plasma lipopolysaccharide and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels were higher in the hemorrhagic transformation group compared with the non-hemorrhagic transfo rmation group.lipopolysaccharide,lipopolysaccharide-binding protein,and soluble CD14 concentrations were associated with increased abundance of Enterobacte riaceae.Next,the role of the gut microbiota in hemorrhagic transformation was evaluated using an experimental stroke rat model.In this model,transplantation of the gut microbiota from hemorrhagic transformation rats into the recipient rats triggered higher plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide,lipopolysaccharide-binding protein,and soluble CD14.Ta ken togethe r,our findings demonstrate a noticeable change in the gut microbiota and lipopolysaccharide-related inflammatory response in stroke patients with hemorrhagic transformation.This suggests that maintaining a balanced gut microbiota may be an important factor in preventing hemorrhagic transfo rmation after stro ke.

Repressing iron overload ameliorates central poststroke pain via the Hdac2-Kv1.2 axis in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke

Thalamic hemorrhage can lead to the development of central post-stroke pain.Changes in histone acetylation levels,which are regulated by histone deacetylases,affect the excitability of neurons surrounding the hemorrhagic area.However,the regulato ry mechanism of histone deacetylases in central post-stroke pain remains unclea r.Here,we show that iron overload leads to an increase in histone deacetylase 2expression in damaged ventral posterolateral nucleus neurons.Inhibiting this increase restored histone H3 acetylation in the Kcna2 promoter region of the voltage-dependent potassium(Kv)channel subunit gene in a rat model of central post-stroke pain,thereby increasing Kcna2expression and relieving central pain.However,in the absence of nerve injury,increasing histone deacetylase 2 expression decreased Kcna2expression,decreased Kv current,increased the excitability of neurons in the ventral posterolateral nucleus area,and led to neuropathic pain symptoms.Moreover,treatment with the iron chelator deferiprone effectively reduced iron overload in the ventral posterolateral nucleus after intracerebral hemorrhage,reversed histone deacetylase 2 upregulation and Kv1.2 downregulation,and alleviated mechanical hypersensitivity in central post-stroke pain rats.These results suggest that histone deacetylase 2 upregulation and Kv1.2 downregulation,mediated by iron overload,are important factors in central post-stroke pain pathogenesis and co uld se rve as new to rgets for central poststroke pain treatment.

Platelet-to-neutrophil ratio predicts hemorrhagic transformation and unfavorable outcomes in acute ischemic stroke with intravenous thrombolysis

BACKGROUND Acute ischemic stroke(AIS)retains a notable stance in global disease burden,with thrombolysis via recombinant tissue plasminogen activator(rtPA)serving as a viable management approach,albeit with variable outcomes and the potential for complications like hemorrhagic transformation(HT).The platelet-to-neutrophil ratio(P/NR)has been considered for its potential prognostic value in AIS,yet its capacity to predict outcomes following rtPA administration demands further exploration.AIM To elucidate the prognostic utility of P/NR in predicting HT and clinical outcomes following intravenous rtPA administration in AIS patients.METHODS Data from 418 AIS patients treated with intravenous rtPA at Thammasat University Hospital from January 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The relationship between P/NR and clinical outcomes[early neurological deterioration(E-ND),HT,delayed ND(D-ND),and 3-mo outcomes]was scrutinized.RESULTS Notable variables,such as age,diabetes,and stroke history,exhibited statistical disparities when comparing patients with and without E-ND,HT,D-ND,and 3-mo outcomes.P/NR prognostication revealed an optimal cutoff of 43.4 with a 60.3%sensitivity and a 52.5%specificity for 90-d outcomes.P/NR prognostic accuracy was statistically significant for 90-d outcomes[area under the curve(AUC)=0.562],D-ND(AUC=0.584),and HT(AUC=0.607).CONCLUSION P/NR demonstrated an association with adverse 3-mo clinical outcomes,HT,and D-ND in AIS patients post-rtPA administration,indicating its potential as a predictive tool for complications and prognoses.This infers that a diminished P/NR may serve as a novel prognostic indicator,assisting clinicians in identifying AIS patients at elevated risk for unfavorable outcomes following rtPA therapy.

Advances in the Mechanisms of Hemorrhagic Transformation and Therapeutic Agents after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is an important disease leading to death and disability for all human beings, and the key to its treatment lies in the early opening of obstructed vessels and restoration of perfusion to the local infarcted area. Intravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is one of the effective therapies to achieve revascularization, but it faces strict indications with a narrow therapeutic time window, and significantly increases the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation, HT, after reperfusion of the infarcted foci, which greatly reduces the incidence of patients with ischemic stroke. which significantly increases the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after reperfusion of the infarcted focus, greatly reducing patient utilization and clinical benefit. Since the mechanism of HT has not been fully elucidated, and the related molecular mechanisms are complex and interactive, there is no specific and effective therapy to avoid the occurrence of HT. In this article, we focus on the research progress on the mechanism of HT after tPA intravenous thrombolysis in ischemic stroke patients from the aspects of vascular integrity disruption, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammatory response and the corresponding therapeutic strategies, in order to improve the safety and prognosis of tPA intravenous thrombolysis in the clinic.

Early antiplatelet therapy used for acute ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage

In this editorial we comment on the article published by Zhang et al in the recent issue of World Journal of Clinical Cases.We evaluate their claims on the benefit of use of Aspirin in the early management of patients with ischemic stroke.We also comment on their contention of using aspirin in the early management of patients with intracranial hemorrhage,a practice not seen in modern medicine.Large clinical trials such as the International Stroke Trial and the Chinese Acute Stroke Trial have shown the benefit of Aspirin use within 48 h of patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.The findings were corroborated in the open-label trial performed by Zhang et al in a smaller sample group of 25 patients where they showed improvement in functional scores at 90 days without an increase in adverse events.As such,this intervention is also recommended by the American Heart Association stroke guidelines from 2021.With regard to Intracranial hemorrhage,traditional practice has been to discontinue or avoid antiplatelet therapy in these patient groups.However,no studies have been done to evaluate this management strategy that is more borne out of the mechanism behind Aspirin’s effect on the coagulation pathway.Zhang et al evaluate the benefits of Aspirin on patients with low-volume intracranial hemorrhage,i.e.,less than 30 mL on computed tomo-graphy imaging,and show no increase in mortality.The caveat of this finding is that all outcomes were pooled into one group for results,and the number of patients was low.While more studies with larger patient groups are required,the data from Zhang et al suggests that patients with small-volume intracranial hemorrhages may benefit from Aspirin administration in the acute phase of management.

Serum prealbumin as an effective prognostic indicator for determining clinical status and prognosis in patients with hemorrhagic stroke

Serum prealbumin is a recognized marker of malnutrition,but its prognostic role in patients with hemorrhagic stroke remains unclear.In this study,we retrospectively reviewed the records of 105 patients with hemorrhagic stroke admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University,China,from January to December 2015.We collected demographic and radiological data,and recorded serum prealbumin levels at admission and on days 1,3,6,9,and 14-21.The existence of infections and gastrointestinal hemorrhage,and clinical condition at discharge were also recorded.Serum prealbumin levels during hospitalization were significantly lower in patients with infections compared with those without infections,and also significantly lower in patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage compared with those without.Serum prealbumin levels at discharge were significantly higher in patients with good recovery than in those with poor recovery.We conclude that regular serum prealbumin measurements in patients with hemorrhagic stroke may be a useful indicator for determining clinical status and prognosis,which may therefore help to guide clinical decision-making.

Correlation between muscular strength and basal nuclei ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke-induced corticospinal tract injury,as detected by diffusion tensor imaging and tractography

BACKGROUND： Conventional neuroimaging diagnosis does not assist with the monitoring or evaluation of basal nuclei ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, or motor functional recovery. Magnetic resonance, diffusion tensor imaging, and diffusion tensor tractography have all been used to observe features of cerebral white matter fibrous structures. In addition, diffusion tensor tractography is the only non-invasive imaging method to display the corticospinal tract in vivo. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the impairment degree of corticospinal tract induced by basal nuclei ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke through the use of magnetic resonance, diffusion tensor imaging, and diffusion tensor tractography, and to analyze the correlation to muscular strength. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A retrospective case analysis was performed at the Department of Medical Imaging, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Area Command of Chinese PLA between November 2002 and June 2008. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 15 patients with acute or subacute cerebral ischemic stroke and nine with hemorrhagic stroke in the basal nuclei were selected. METHODS： Magnetic resonance, diffusion tensor imaging, and diffusion tensor tractography results and data were analyzed. Fractional anisotropy and directionally encoded color maps were obtained. Three-dimensional tractography of bilateral corticospinal tract was created, and corticospinal tract integrity was graded. Fractional anisotropy of infarct region and corresponding contralateral normal regions were measured, and hematoma volume in hemorrhagic stroke patients was determined. Hand motor function ability was evaluated using Brunstorm criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Fractional anisotropy of infarct region and corresponding contralateral normal regions; hematoma volume in hemorrhagic stroke patients; correlation between muscular strength and corticospinal tract impairment degree in ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke patients before and after treatment. RESULTS： In ischemic stroke patients, the fractional anisotropy value was significantly lower in the infarct area of white matter than in the normal hemisphere （P 〈 0.01）. The impairment degree of corticospinal tract negatively correlated with muscular strength of the corresponding hand （r = -0.97 P 〈 0.01）. The hematoma volume of hemorrhagic stroke patients significantly negatively correlated with Spearman test results for muscular strength of the corresponding hand （r = -0.88, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Corticospinal tract impairment severity negatively correlated with muscular strength and motor functional recovery, which suggested that diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion tensor tractography could be used to evaluate corticospinal tract motor function.

Does computed tomography permeability predict hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke?

AIM: To use perfusion-derived permeability-surface area product maps to predict hemorrhagic transformation following thrombolytic treatment for acute ischemic stroke.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively kept acute stroke database over five consecutive months for patients with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke(AIS) who had computed tomography(CT) perfusion(CTP) done at arrival. Patients included in the analyses also had to have a follow-up CT. The permeability-surface area product maps(PS) was calculated for the side of the ischemia and/or infarction and for the contralateral unaffected side at the same level. The cerebral blood flow map was used to delineate the ischemic territory. Next, a region of interest was drawn at the centre of this territory on the PS parametric map. Finally, a mirror region of interest was created on the contralateral side at the same level. The relative permeability-surface area product maps(r PS) provided an internal control and was calculated as the ratio of the PS on the side of the AIS to the PS on the contralateral side. A student t-test was performed after log conversion of r PS between patients with and without hemorrhagic transformation. Log conversion was used to convert the data into normal distribution to use t-test. For the group of patients who experienced intracranial bleed, a student t-test was performed between those with only petechial hemorrhage and those with more severe parenchymal hematoma with subarachnoid haemorrhage.RESULTS: Of 84 patients with AIS and CTP at admission, only 42 patients had a follow-up CT. The r PSderived using the normal side as the internal control was significantly higher(P = 0.003) for the 15 cases of hemorrhagic transformation(1.71 + 1.64) compared to 27 cases that did not have any(1.07 + 1.30). Patients with values above the overall mean r PS of 1.3 had an increased likelihood of subsequent hemorrhagic transformation. The sensitivity of using this score to predict hemorrhagic transformation was 71.4, the specificity was 78.6, with a positive predictive value of 62.5 and negative predictive value of 84.6. The accuracy was 76.2. The odds ratio of an event occurring with such an r PS was 9.2. Of the 15 cases of hemorrhagic transformation, there was no difference(P = 0.35) in the r PS between the eight cases of petechial and the seven cases of more severe hemorrhagic events.CONCLUSION: Pretreatment PS can predict the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation on follow-up of AIS patients with relatively high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value.

Effects of iodinated contrast on various magnetic resonance imaging sequences and field strength: Implications for characterization of hemorrhagic transformation in acute stroke therapy

AIM: To characterize the effects of iodinated contrast material(ICM) on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) comparing different sequences and magnetic fields, with emphasis to similarities/differences with well-known signal characteristics of hemorrhage in the brain. METHODS: Aliquots of iopamidol and iodixanol mixed with normal saline were scanned at 1.5T and 3T. Signal intensity(SI) was measured using similar spin-echo(SE)-T1, SE-T2, gradient-echo(GRE) and fluid-attenuationinversion-recovery(FLAIR) sequences at both magnets. Contrast to noise ratio(CNR)(SI contrast-SI saline/SD noise) for each aliquot were calculated and Kruskall-wallis test and graphic analysis was used to compare different pulse sequences and ICMs. RESULTS: Both ICM showed increased SI on SE-T1 and decreased SI on SE-T2, GRE and FLAIR at both 1.5T and 3T, as the concentration was increased. By CNR measurements, SE-T2 had the greatest conspicuity at 3T with undiluted iopamidol(92.6 ± 0.3, P < 0.00) followed by iodixanol(77.5 ± 0.9, P < 0.00) as compared with other sequences(CNR range: 15-40). While SE-T2 had greatest conspicuity at 1.5T with iopamidol(49.3 ± 1, P < 0.01), SE-T1 showed similar or slightly better conspicuity(20.8 ± 4) than SE-T2 with iodixanol(23 ± 1.7). In all cases, hypo-intensity on GRE was less conspicuous than on SE-T2.CONCLUSION: Iodixanol and iopamidol shorten T1 and T2 relaxation times at both 1.5T and 3T. Hypo-intensity due to shortened T2 relaxation time is significantly more conspicuous than signal changes on T1-WI, FLAIR or GRE. Variations in signal conspicuity according to pulse sequence and to type of ICM are exaggerated at 3T. We postulate T2 hypointensity with less GRE conspicuity differentiates ICM from hemorrhage; given the wellknown GRE hypointensity of hemorrhage. Described signal changes may be relevant in the setting of recent intra-arterial or intravenous ICM administration in translational research and/or human stroke therapy.

Clinical factors in patients with ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke in East China

BACKGROUND：Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity of vascular diseases, and its incidence maintains at a high level around the world. In China, stroke has been a major public health problem. Because the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke is different from that of hemorrhagic stroke, their clinical factors would not be the same. Therefore to investigate the different effects of various effect factors on ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke and then to enhance the prevention are crucial to decrease the incidence.METHODS：A total of 692 patients, consisting of 540 ischemic stroke patients and 152 hemorrhagic stroke patients from East China, were included in this study. The related factors of stroke subtypes were collected and analyzed.RESULTS：The factors significantly associated with ischemic stroke as opposed to hemorrhagic stroke were family history of stroke, obesity, atherosclerotic plaque of the common carotid artery, atrial fibrillation, hyperfibrinogenemia, transient ischemic attack （TIA）, atherosclerotic plaque of the internal carotid artery, coronary heart, lower high-density lipoproteins （lower HDL）, increasing age, diabetes mellitus, and gender （male） （P〈0.05）. Leukocytosis, hypertension and family history of hypertension were the significant factors associated with hemorrhagic stroke versus ischemic stroke. Smoking, drinking, kidney diseases and lower HDL-C were the significant factors contributing to ischemic stroke in man. Obesity, family history of hypertension, family history of stroke, hypercholesteremia and myocardial ischemia were the significant factors for females with ischemic stroke.CONCLUSIONS：The most prominent factors for overall stroke in East China were hypertension, followed by higher pulse pressure and hypercholesteremia. The factors for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are not the same. Different effects of risk factors on stroke are found in male and female patients.

Blood microRNAs as potential diagnostic markers for hemorrhagic stroke

Proper medical treatment of a stroke victim relies on accurate and rapid differentiation between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke,which in current practice is performed by computerized tomography（CT） or magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） scans.A panel of micro RNAs could be an extremely useful clinical tool for distinguishing between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.This review has shown that blood miRNA profile can distinguish hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke in patients and in experimental animal models.It also seems likely they can differentiate between intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage stroke.The miRNA profile in cerebrospinal fluid could be a useful diagnostic tool for subarachnoid hemorrhagic stroke.Decreased or increased miRNA levels may be needed either as prevention or treatment of stroke.Administration in vivo of miR-130 a inhibitor or miRNA mimic（miR-367,miR-223） in an intracerebral hemorrhage animal model improved neurological outcomes.

Advances in minimally invasive treatment of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke

Cerebrovascular diseases,including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes,affect more than 6 million US adults annually.Strokes cause high rates of morbidity and mortality due to the central nervous system’s sensitivity to disruptions in blood flow,and are refractory to traditional surgical interventions.A variety of minimally invasive surgical and endovascular approaches have recently been developed to improve patient outcomes following stroke.

The potential mechanism and clinical application value of remote ischemic conditioning in stroke

Some studies have confirmed the neuroprotective effect of remote ischemic conditioning against stroke. Although numerous animal researches have shown that the neuroprotective effect of remote ischemic conditioning may be related to neuroinflammation, cellular immunity, apoptosis, and autophagy, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. This review summarizes the current status of different types of remote ischemic conditioning methods in animal and clinical studies and analyzes their commonalities and differences in neuroprotective mechanisms and signaling pathways. Remote ischemic conditioning has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for improving stroke-induced brain injury owing to its simplicity, non-invasiveness, safety, and patient tolerability. Different forms of remote ischemic conditioning exhibit distinct intervention patterns, timing, and application range. Mechanistically, remote ischemic conditioning can exert neuroprotective effects by activating the Notch1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway, improving cerebral perfusion, suppressing neuroinflammation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, activating autophagy, and promoting neural regeneration. While remote ischemic conditioning has shown potential in improving stroke outcomes, its full clinical translation has not yet been achieved.

Thyroid hormone levels during early periods of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke could serve as an indicator of prognosis

BACKGROUND： Predicting the outcome of stroke during the acute phase is difficult. Accurate methods for predicting outcomes could assist clinicians and families to make correct decisions in resource-poor environments. OBJECTIVE： To determine thyroid hormone levels in patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at the early stage, and to investigate its correlation with stroke prognosis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A comparative, observational study was performed at the Department of Emergency, Tertiary-care University Affiliated Hospital from January 2004 to January 2006. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 113 patients presenting to the Emergency Department within 3 hours of stroke symptom onset were approached for enrollment in the study. The patients were diagnosed by computer tomography examination, and comprised 87 ischemic stroke and 26 hemorrhagic stroke patients. METHODS： Following a thorough history and examination by emergency physicians, venous blood samples were collected from each patient. Thyroid-stimulating hormone （TSH）, free triiodothyronine （free T3）, and free thyroxine （free T4） levels were measured using a chemiluminescence method. The nerve function of patients was evaluated with Glasgow Coma Scale （GCS） score, and the patients were accordingly assigned to two subgroups-mild stroke （GCS ≥ 9） and severe stroke （GCS ≤ 8）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Blood levels of TSH, free T3 and free T4; mortality at 7 days. RESULTS： Mean TSH values in hemorrhagic stroke patients with GCS ≤ 8 were significantly greater than those in ischemic stroke patients with GCS ≤ 8 and GCS ≥ 9 （P 〈 0.05）. Compared with patients who survived, the highest TSH levels were detected in patients that had died within 7 days. Correlation analysis results revealed a significant negative relationship between GCS values and TSH levels in patients with hemorrhagic stroke （r= 0.552, P〈 0.01）, and no correlation was determined between GCS values and TSH levels in patients with ischemic stroke （r = 0.239, P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： In patients with hemorrhagic stroke, high TSH levels were observed within the first 3 hours of stroke onset, which could be considered an indicator of poor prognosis.

Reorganization of injured anterior cingulums in a hemorrhagic stroke patient

In this study, we reported on a patient who showed a new neural tract between the injured anterior cingu- lums and the basal forebrain, as shown by diffusion tensor tractography （DTT）.

Hemorrhagic transformation after acute ischemic stroke caused by polycythemia vera:Report of two case

BACKGROUNDPolycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized byan increase in red blood cells in the peripheral blood. Previous work has reportedthe occurrence of thrombosis or hemorrhage arising in the cerebral vasculaturesecondary to PV. However, hemorrhagic transformation after PV-associated acuteischemic stroke has not been previously described.CASE SUMMARYWe herein present two cases of PV where hemorrhagic transformation occurredafter an acute ischemic stroke. Case 1 was a 57-year-old woman with a history ofhypertension who was admitted for left-sided weakness. Case 2 was a 68-year-oldman who was admitted for a 10-d sudden left arm weakness. Imaging examinationsfor the two patients revealed hemorrhagic transformation after acuteischemic stroke. Both patients had JAK-2-V617F mutation and receivedantiplatelet therapy. Both of them had a good prognosis during the follow-up.CONCLUSIONThis report suggested that hemorrhagic transformation may occur in acuteischemic stroke caused by PV. Antiplatelet drugs do not seem to influence thelong-term outcomes in such patients. Future research should focus on establishinga standard antiplatelet treatment strategy for this condition.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: About a Pediatric Case

Stroke is a rare but serious condition with high mortality and morbidity. We report the case of a 10-year-old child with no known pathological history who was transferred to the pediatric department for hemorrhagic stroke. He had been hospitalized 6 days earlier in a peripheral center for a tonic-clonic seizure accompanied by loss of consciousness and fever. Clinical examination revealed meningeal syndrome, facial paralysis, right hemiparesis, ataxia with disturbed balance, aphasia, and a peripapillary hemorrhage on the fundus. A cerebral computed tomography (CT) scan showed a hemorrhagic stroke with ventricular flooding. A lumbar puncture was performed and a hematic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with 12 leukocytes and 8000 red blood cells was obtained. The evolution was marked by the extinction of the infectious and meningeal syndromes, the regression of the pyramidal syndrome and the persistence of the dysarthria justifying a neuropsychological and speech therapy follow-up. Several challenges (diagnostic, therapeutic) exist in the management of children with stroke. Prospective studies with a larger sample are needed to fill the observed gaps.

Clinical Study of Xingnaojing Injection Combined with Craniocerebral Hypothermia Apparatus in the Treatment of Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of Xingnaojing injection combined with craniocerebral hypothermia apparatus in the treatment of acute hemorrhagic stroke.Methods:Seventy-two patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke admitted to our hospital from March 2018 to September 2019 were randomly divided into two groups,with 36 cases in each group.The control group(n=36)was treated with craniocerebral hypothermia apparatus,and the observation group(n=36)was treated with Xingnaojing injection combined with craniocerebral hypothermia apparatus.The clinical efficacy,the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score and the activity of daily living(MBI score)after 1 month of treatment were compared.Results:The effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);NIHSS score was decreased in both groups(P<0.05);MBI score was increased in both groups,and the change range of the observation group was greater than that of the control group,showing statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion:Xingnaojing injection combined with craniocerebral hypothermia apparatus can improve the clinical efficacy,the neurological impairment and activity of daily living in the treatment of acute hemorrhagic stroke,which is worthy of clinical application.

Leukoaraiosis is associated with clinical symptom severity,poor neurological function prognosis and stroke recurrence in mild intracerebral hemorrhage:a prospective multi-center cohort study

Leukoaraiosis(LA)results from ischemic injury in small cerebral vessels,which may be attributable to decreased vascular density,reduced cerebrovascular angiogenesis,decreased cerebral blood flow,or microcirculatory dysfunction in the brain.In this study,we enrolled 357 patients with mild intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)from five hospitals in China and analyzed the relationships between LA and clinical symptom severity at admission,neurological function prognosis at 3 months,and 1-year stroke recurrence.Patients were divided into groups based on Fazekas scale scores:no LA(n=83),mild LA(n=64),moderate LA(n=98)and severe LA(n=112).More severe LA,larger hematoma volume,and higher blood glucose level at admission were associated with more severe neurological deficit.More severe LA,older age and larger hematoma volume were associated with worse neurological function prognosis at 3 months.In addition,moderate-to-severe LA,admission glucose and symptom-free cerebral infarction were associated with 1-year stroke recurrence.These findings suggest that LA severity may be a potential marker of individual ICH vulnerability,which can be characterized by poor tolerance to intracerebral attack or poor recovery ability after ICH.Evaluating LA severity in patients with mild ICH may help neurologists to optimize treatment protocols.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University(approval No.12)on March 10,2011.

Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Patient with a Past History of Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intravenous thrombolysis remains the gold standard in the management of acute ischemic stroke if the patient presents within the window period. Endovascular thrombectomy is another line of therapy in selected cases. Nonetheless, one of the most devastating complications of IV thrombolysis is intracranial hemorrhage (ICH);in such cases, the previous history of ICH is considered a potential contraindication to thrombolysis. Evidence regarding the safety of thrombolysis administration in patients with a previous history of ICH is scarce. We encountered a patient with acute ischemic stroke with a past history of hypertensive ICH. A 59-year-old female, presented with complete right-sided body weakness, global aphasia and gaze preference. A computed tomography (CT) brain perfusion scan revealed a mismatch suggestive of left middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke. The patient received intravenous thrombolysis and showed significant clinical improvement with no subsequent complications or ICH. In reporting this case, we aim to provide evidence supporting the safety of thrombolytic therapy in selected cases with a previous history of ICH when no alternative line of management is available.