Streamlining of prehospital stroke management: the golden hour.
TL;DR: It is recommended that all links in the prehospital stroke rescue chain must be optimised so that in the future more than a small minority of patients can profit from time-sensitive acute stroke therapy.
Abstract: Summary Thrombolysis with alteplase administered within a narrow therapeutic window provides an effective therapy for acute ischaemic stroke. However, mainly because of prehospital delay, patients often arrive too late for treatment, and no more than 1–8% of patients with stroke obtain this treatment. We recommend that all links in the prehospital stroke rescue chain must be optimised so that in the future more than a small minority of patients can profit from time-sensitive acute stroke therapy. Measures for improvement include continuous public awareness campaigns, education of emergency medical service personnel, the use of standardised, validated scales for recognition of stroke symptoms and for triaging to the appropriate institution, and advance notification to the receiving hospital. In the future, use of telemedicine technologies for interaction between the emergency site and hospital, and the strategy of treatment directly at the emergency site (mobile stroke unit concept), could contribute to more efficient use of resources and reduce the time taken to instigate treatment to within 60 min—the golden hour—of the onset of the symptoms of stroke.
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TL;DR: Compared with usual care, the use of ambulance-based thrombolysis resulted in decreased time to treatment without an increase in adverse events.
Abstract: RESULTS Time reduction was assessed in all patients with a stroke dispatch from the entire catchment area in STEMO weeks (3213 patients) vs control weeks (2969 patients) and in patients in whom STEMO was available and deployed (1804 patients) vs control weeks (2969 patients). Compared with thrombolysis during control weeks, there was a reduction of 15 minutes (95% CI, 11-19) in alarm-to-treatment times in the catchment area during STEMO weeks (76.3 min; 95% CI, 73.2-79.3 vs 61.4 min; 95% CI, 58.7-64.0; P < .001). Among patients for whom STEMO was deployed, mean alarm-to-treatment time (51.8 min; 95% CI, 49.0-54.6) was shorter by 25 minutes (95% CI, 20-29; P < .001) than during control weeks. Thrombolysis rates in ischemic stroke were 29% (310/1070) during STEMO weeks and 33% (200/614) after STEMO deployment vs 21% (220/1041) during control weeks (differences, 8%; 95% CI, 4%-12%; P < .001, and 12%, 95% CI, 7%-16%; P < .001, respectively). STEMO deployment incurred no increased risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (STEMO deployment: 7/200; conventional care: 22/323; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.42, 95% CI, 0.18-1.03; P = .06) or 7-day mortality (9/199 vs 15/323; adjusted OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.31-1.82; P = .53).
361 citations
Additional excerpts
...Median (IQR), min 12 (7-17) 14 (8-20) 20 (13-31)...
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TL;DR: Two different brain diagnostic devices based on microwave technology and the associated two first proof-of-principle measurements that show that the systems can differentiate hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke in acute stroke patients, as well as differentiate hemoragic patients from healthy volunteers are presented.
Abstract: Here, we present two different brain diagnostic devices based on microwave technology and the associated two first proof-of-principle measurements that show that the systems can differentiate hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke in acute stroke patients, as well as differentiate hemorrhagic patients from healthy volunteers. The system was based on microwave scattering measurements with an antenna system worn on the head. Measurement data were analyzed with a machine-learning algorithm that is based on training using data from patients with a known condition. Computer tomography images were used as reference. The detection methodology was evaluated with the leave-one-out validation method combined with a Monte Carlo-based bootstrap step. The clinical motivation for this project is that ischemic stroke patients may receive acute thrombolytic treatment at hospitals, dramatically reducing or abolishing symptoms. A microwave system is suitable for prehospital use, and therefore has the potential to allow significantly earlier diagnosis and treatment than today.
310 citations
Cites background or result from "Streamlining of prehospital stroke ..."
...As already mentioned, a mobile CT-equipped stroke unit enabling prehospital diagnosis and treatment has been developed, and a recent trial showed that it achieved a marked reduction of latency from symptom-onset to thrombolytic treatment compared to previous interventional studies [9], [12]....
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...While 20–30% of patients arriving at specialized stroke centers may receive thrombolytic treatment [7], [8] only 1–8% of the entire stroke patient population are given such treatment [9], mainly due to long lead times in transport to and from the diagnostic instruments [10], [11]....
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...Adding reasonably safe prehospital information about type of stroke may be expected to improve these figures further, as well as the prehospital treatment and triage [9]....
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TL;DR: In the future, mobile stroke units might allow the investigation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic options in the prehospital setting, thus functioning as a tool for research on prehospital stroke management.
Abstract: In acute stroke management, time is brain. Bringing swift treatment to the patient, instead of the conventional approach of awaiting the patient's arrival at the hospital for treatment, is a potential strategy to improve clinical outcomes after stroke. This strategy is based on the use of an ambulance (mobile stroke unit) equipped with an imaging system, a point-of-care laboratory, a telemedicine connection to the hospital, and appropriate medication. Studies of prehospital stroke treatment consistently report a reduction in delays before thrombolysis and cause-based triage in regard to the appropriate target hospital (eg, primary vs comprehensive stroke centre). Moreover, novel medical options for the treatment of stroke patients are also under investigation, such as prehospital differential blood pressure management, reversal of warfarin effects in haemorrhagic stroke, and management of cerebral emergencies other than stroke. However, crucial concerns regarding safety, clinical efficacy, best setting, and cost-effectiveness remain to be addressed in further studies. In the future, mobile stroke units might allow the investigation of novel diagnostic (eg, biomarkers and automated imaging evaluation) and therapeutic (eg, neuroprotective drugs and treatments for haemorrhagic stroke) options in the prehospital setting, thus functioning as a tool for research on prehospital stroke management.
156 citations
TL;DR: The use of STEMO increases the percentage of patients receiving thrombolysis within the golden hour, which entails no risk to the patients' safety and is associated with better short-term outcomes.
Abstract: Importance The effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke is time dependent. The effects are likely to be highest if the time from symptom onset to treatment is within 60 minutes, termed the golden hour . Objective To determine the achievable rate of golden hour thrombolysis in prehospital care and its effect on outcome. Design, Setting, and Participants The prospective controlled Prehospital Acute Neurological Treatment and Optimization of Medical Care in Stroke study was conducted in Berlin, Germany, within an established infrastructure for stroke care. Weeks were randomized according to the availability of a specialized ambulance (stroke emergency mobile unit (STEMO) from May 1, 2011, through January 31, 2013. We included 6182 consecutive adult patients for whom a stroke dispatch (44.1% male; mean [SD] age, 73.9 [15.0] years) or regular care (45.0% male; mean [SD] age, 74.2 [14.9] years) were included. Interventions The STEMO was deployed when the dispatchers suspected an acute stroke during emergency calls. If STEMO was not available (during control weeks, when the unit was already in operation, or during maintenance), patients received conventional care. The STEMO is equipped with a computed tomographic scanner plus a point-of-care laboratory and telemedicine connection. The unit is staffed with a neurologist trained in emergency medicine, a paramedic, and a technician. Thrombolysis was started in STEMO if a stroke was confirmed and no contraindication was found. Main Outcomes and Measures Rates of golden hour thrombolysis, 7- and 90-day mortality, secondary intracerebral hemorrhage, and discharge home. Results Thrombolysis rates in ischemic stroke were 200 of 614 patients (32.6%) when STEMO was deployed and 330 of 1497 patients (22.0%) when conventional care was administered ( P P P = .21 and 0.69 [95% CI, 0.32-1.53]; P = .36) and were more likely to be discharged home (adjusted odds ratio, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.09-3.41]; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance The use of STEMO increases the percentage of patients receiving thrombolysis within the golden hour. Golden hour thrombolysis entails no risk to the patients’ safety and is associated with better short-term outcomes. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01382862
152 citations
Seoul National University1, Eulji University2, Catholic University of Korea3, Dong-a University4, University of Ulsan5, Inje University6, Chung-Ang University7, Chonnam National University8, Hallym University9, Hanyang University10, Sungkyunkwan University11, Ewha Womans University12, Chosun University13, Soonchunhyang University14, Korea University15, New Generation University College16, Kyungpook National University17
TL;DR: The great burden of stroke in Korea can be reduced through more concentrated efforts to control major attributable risk factors for age and sex, reorganize emergency medical service systems to give patients with stroke more opportunities for reperfusion therapy, disseminate stroke unit care, and reduce regional disparities.
Abstract: Despite the great socioeconomic burden of stroke, there have been few reports of stroke statistics in Korea. In this scenario, the Epidemiologic Research Council of the Korean Stroke Society launched the “Stroke Statistics in Korea” project, aimed at writing a contemporary, comprehensive, and representative report on stroke epidemiology in Korea. This report contains general statistics of stroke, prevalence of behavioral and vascular risk factors, stroke characteristics, pre-hospital system of care, hospital management, quality of stroke care, and outcomes. In this report, we analyzed the most up-to-date and nationally representative databases, rather than performing a systematic review of existing evidence. In summary, one in 40 adults are patients with stroke and 232 subjects per 100,000 experience a stroke event every year. Among the 100 patients with stroke in 2014, 76 had ischemic stroke, 15 had intracerebral hemorrhage, and nine had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stroke mortality is gradually declining, but it remains as high as 30 deaths per 100,000 individuals, with regional disparities. As for stroke risk factors, the prevalence of smoking is decreasing in men but not in women, and the prevalence of alcohol drinking is increasing in women but not in men. Population-attributable risk factors vary with age. Smoking plays a role in young-aged individuals, hypertension and diabetes in middle-aged individuals, and atrial fibrillation in the elderly. About four out of 10 hospitalized patients with stroke are visiting an emergency room within 3 hours of symptom onset, and only half use an ambulance. Regarding acute management, the proportion of patients with ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment was 10.7% and 3.6%, respectively. Decompressive surgery was performed in 1.4% of patients with ischemic stroke and in 28.1% of those with intracerebral hemorrhage. The cumulative incidence of bleeding and fracture at 1 year after stroke was 8.9% and 4.7%, respectively. The direct costs of stroke were about ₩1.68 trillion (KRW), of which ₩1.11 trillion were for ischemic stroke and ₩540 billion for hemorrhagic stroke. The great burden of stroke in Korea can be reduced through more concentrated efforts to control major attributable risk factors for age and sex, reorganize emergency medical service systems to give patients with stroke more opportunities for reperfusion therapy, disseminate stroke unit care, and reduce regional disparities. We hope that this report can contribute to achieving these tasks.
146 citations
References
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TL;DR: As compared with placebo, intravenous alteplase administered between 3 and 4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms significantly improved clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke; altePlase was more frequently associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.
Abstract: Background Intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase is the only approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke, but its efficacy and safety when administered more than 3 hours after the onset of symptoms have not been established. We tested the efficacy and safety of alteplase administered between 3 and 4.5 hours after the onset of a stroke. Methods After exclusion of patients with a brain hemorrhage or major infarction, as detected on a computed tomographic scan, we randomly assigned patients with acute ischemic stroke in a 1:1 double-blind fashion to receive treatment with intravenous alteplase (0.9 mg per kilogram of body weight) or placebo. The primary end point was disability at 90 days, dichotomized as a favorable outcome (a score of 0 or 1 on the modified Rankin scale, which has a range of 0 to 6, with 0 indicating no symptoms at all and 6 indicating death) or an unfavorable outcome (a score of 2 to 6 on the modified Rankin scale). The secondary end point was a global outcome analysis of four neurologic and disability scores combined. Safety end points included death, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and other serious adverse events. Results We enrolled a total of 821 patients in the study and randomly assigned 418 to the alteplase group and 403 to the placebo group. The median time for the administration of alteplase was 3 hours 59 minutes. More patients had a favorable outcome with alte plase than with placebo (52.4% vs. 45.2%; odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.76; P = 0.04). In the global analysis, the outcome was also improved with alteplase as compared with placebo (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.65; P<0.05). The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was higher with alteplase than with placebo (for any intracranial hemorrhage, 27.0% vs. 17.6%; P = 0.001; for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 2.4% vs. 0.2%; P = 0.008). Mortality did not differ significant ly between the alteplase and placebo groups (7.7% and 8.4%, respectively; P = 0.68). There was no significant difference in the rate of other serious adverse events. Conclusions As compared with placebo, intravenous alteplase administered between 3 and 4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms significantly improved clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke; alteplase was more frequently associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00153036.)
5,491 citations
TL;DR: The American Heart Association's 2020 Impact Goals for Cardiovascular Diseases and Disorders are revealed, with a focus on preventing, treating, and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Abstract: Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .e3
1. About These Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .e7
2. American Heart Association's 2020 Impact Goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .e10
3. Cardiovascular Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .e21
4. Subclinical Atherosclerosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .e45
5. Coronary Heart Disease, Acute Coronary Syndrome, and Angina Pectoris . . . . . . . . .e54
6. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Disease) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .e68
7. High Blood Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .e88
8. Congenital Cardiovascular Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .e97
9. Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .e102
10. Disorders …
5,260 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The goal is to provide an overview of the current evidence about components of the evaluation and treatment of adults with acute ischemic stroke.
Abstract: Chelsea Kidwell, Patrick D. Lyden, Lewis B. Morgenstern, Adnan I. Qureshi, Robert Brass, Anthony Furlan, Robert L. Grubb, Randall T. Higashida, Edward C. Jauch, Harold P. Adams, Jr, Gregory del Zoppo, Mark J. Alberts, Deepak L. Bhatt, Lawrence Guidelines for the Early Management of Adults With Ischemic Stroke : ISSN: 1524-4628 Copyright © 2007 American Heart Association. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0039-2499. Online Stroke is published by the American Heart Association. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 72514 doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.107.181486 2007, 38:1655-1711: originally published online April 12, 2007 Stroke http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/38/5/1655 located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ http://stroke.ahajournals.org/ An erratum has been published regarding this article. Please see the attached page for:
2,687 citations
TL;DR: The article covers referral and emergency management, Stroke Unit service, diagnostics, primary and secondary prevention, general stroke treatment, specific treatment including acute management, management of complications, and rehabilitation.
Abstract: This article represents the update of the European Stroke Initiative Recommendations for Stroke Management. These guidelines cover both ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attacks, which are now considered to be a single entity. The article covers referral and emergency management, Stroke Unit service, diagnostics, primary and secondary prevention, general stroke treatment, specific treatment including acute management, management of complications, and rehabilitation.
2,125 citations