INTRODUCTION:Timely transfer of patients with suspected LVO remains critical in acute stroke systems. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging tools are increasingly implemented to support triage in non-thrombectomy centres. We assessed whether integrating an AI algorithm within established tele-stroke centres reduces time to transfer decision. PATIENTS AND METHODS:We conducted a prospective, multicentre, quasi-experimental study comparing consecutive cohorts in 2 tele-stroke centres referring to a single comprehensive stroke centre, before and after implementation of the Methinks Stroke Suite, an AI algorithm for LVO detection on non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CTA. Consecutive transferred patients with suspected acute ischaemic stroke were included. Remote vascular neurologists retained responsibility for final transfer decisions. Each phase spanned approximately 15 months. The primary outcome was time from arrival at the local centre to emergency medical services activation. Secondary outcomes included workflow intervals, imaging utilisation and algorithm performance. RESULTS:We included 265 patients (136 in the post-implementation cohort; 129 in the pre-implementation cohort). Adjusted median time from arrival to transfer request did not differ (median difference - 2.40 min; 95% CI, -6.16 to 4.48). Post-implementation, time from imaging to transfer request (-7.16 min; 95% CI, -13.02 to -1.85) and arrival to groin puncture (-31.28 min; 95% CI, -60.89 to -13.74) decreased. Computed tomography angiography acquisition at referring centres increased (28%-81%), reducing repeat imaging at the comprehensive centre (79%-42%). Non-contrast CT-based AI prediction yielded a positive predictive value of 66% for endovascular treatment. CONCLUSION:Artificial intelligence implementation was not associated with a shorter time to transfer decision. Fewer redundant imaging examinations were associated with a shorter time to reperfusion.

ObjectivesDelays in hospital management resulting from the failure of emergency medical services (EMS) to activate the stroke code (SC) diminish the probability of receiving acute stroke treatment, adversely affecting patient outcomes. This study aims to analyze the proportion and characteristics of patients eligible for SC not activated by EMS, within a contemporary cohort.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on prehospital stroke patients from the Catalan SC registry from 2016 to June 2022, who were transported by ambulance. Patients were classified according to whether EMS activated SC or not. Baseline demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical episode details, and treatment timelines were analyzed.ResultsAmong 34,331 subjects, 28,221 (82%) were transported by EMS, with SC activation occurring in 22,968 (81%) cases. Patients for whom SC was not activated presented with lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores and longer intervals from symptom onset. Large vessel occlusions were more frequent in EMS-activated patients (24% vs. 18%). The non-EMS-activated cohort exhibited a higher prevalence of posterior circulation occlusions. Despite the absence of initial SC activation, 28% of these patients ultimately received reperfusion therapy, albeit with significant delays compared to the EMS-activated group.ConclusionsMost acute neurological patients who qualify for SC activation are accurately identified by EMS. However, a substantial proportion of patients are missed, leading to treatment delays. Enhancing the capacity of EMS to recognize the clinical heterogeneity of stroke presentations is essential for prompt SC activation and optimizing patient outcomes.

IntroductionHolter-SRA (Stroke Risk Analysis) is an automated analysis of ECG monitoring for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of AF in undetermined TIA/Rapidly improving stroke symptoms (RISS) patients.MethodsProspective study of undetermined TIA/RISS patients who presented to the emergency department. Early vascular studies (angio CT, transthoracic echocardiography and ECG) were performed in emergency department. The Holter-SRA device was placed for 2 h and the patients were classified into: confirmed AF, high risk of AF or low risk of AF. Prolonged ambulatory monitoring (7 days) was carried out every month for patients with a high-risk pattern. The results were evaluated until definitive detection of AF or low-risk pattern. The endpoints were rate of AF and vascular recurrence at 90 days.ResultsOver a period of 24 months, 83 undetermined TIA/RISS patients were enrolled. The mean age was 70 ± 10 years and 61% were men. The median ABCD2 score was 4 points (1–7). After 2 h of monitoring in the emergency department, AF was detected in one patient (1.2%), 51 patients with a low-risk pattern and 31 patients (37.3%) showed a high-risk pattern of AF. During the ambulatory monitoring, of the 31 patients high risk pattern patients, AF was diagnosed to 17 cases and of the 51 patients with a low-risk pattern, one case experienced a recurrent vascular due to undetected AF (1.9% false negative). Three patients (3.6%) suffered a vascular recurrence within the first 90 days, before AF diagnosis.ConclusionsIn our study, AF was detected in 22.9% of the 83 patients with indeterminate TIA/RISS. Holter-SRA has allowed us to increase the detection of AF, especially those patients with a high-risk pattern in the first 3 months.

Background and ObjectivesWhether the outcome of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) differs depending on the type of hospital where they are admitted is uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine influence of hospital type at admission (telestroke center [TSC], primary stroke center [PSC], or comprehensive stroke center [CSC]) on outcome for patients with ICH. We hypothesized that outcomes may be better for patients admitted to a CSC.MethodsThis is a multicenter prospective observational and population-based study of a cohort of consecutively recruited patients with ICH (March 2020-March 2022). We included all patients with spontaneous ICH in Catalonia (Spain) who had a pre-ICH modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0-3 and who were admitted to the hospital within 24 hours of onset. We compared patients admitted to a TSC/PSC (n = 641) or a CSC (n = 1,320) and also analyzed the subgroup of patients transferred (n = 331) or not transferred (n = 310) from a TSC/PSC to a CSC. The main outcome was the 3-month mRS score obtained by blinded investigators. Outcomes were compared using adjusted ordinal logistic regression to estimate the common odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI for a shift in mRS scores. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed for the subgroup of transferred patients.ResultsRelevant data were obtained from 1961 of a total of 2,230 patients, with the mean (SD) age of 70 (14.1) years, and 713 (38%) patients were women. After adjusting for confounders (age, NIH Stroke Scale score, intraventricular hemorrhage, hematoma volume, and pre-ICH mRS score), type of hospital of initial admission (CSC vs TSC/PSC) was not associated with outcome (adjusted common OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.93-1.38). A PSM analysis indicated that transfer to a CSC was not associated with more favorable outcomes (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.55-1.10; p = 0.16).DiscussionIn this population-based study, we found that, after adjusting for confounders, hospital types were not associated with functional outcomes. In addition, for patients who were transferred from a TSC/PSC to a CSC, PSM indicated that outcomes were similar to nontransferred patients. Our findings suggest that patient characteristics are more important than hospital characteristics in determining outcome after ICH.Trial Registration InformationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03956485.

BackgroundThe influence of vascular imaging acquisition on workflows at local stroke centers (LSCs) not capable of performing thrombectomy in patients with a suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke remains uncertain. We analyzed the impact of performing vascular imaging (VI+) or not (VI− at LSC arrival on variables related to workflows using data from the RACECAT Trial.ObjectiveTo compare workflows at the LSC among patients enrolled in the RACECAT Trial with or without VI acquisition.MethodsWe included patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke who were enrolled in the RACECAT Trial, a cluster-randomized trial that compared drip-n-ship versus mothership triage paradigms in patients with suspected acute LVO stroke allocated at the LSC. Outcome measures included time metrics related to workflows and the rate of interhospital transfers and thrombectomy among transferred patients.ResultsAmong 467 patients allocated to a LSC, vascular imaging was acquired in 277 patients (59%), of whom 198 (71%) had a LVO. As compared with patients without vascular imaging, patients in the VI+ group were transferred less frequently as thrombectomy candidates to a thrombectomy-capable center (58% vs 74%, P=0.004), without significant differences in door-indoor-out time at the LSC (median minutes, VI+ 78 (IQR 69–96) vs VI− 76 (IQR 59–98), P=0.6). Among transferred patients, the VI+ group had higher rate of thrombectomy (69% vs 55%, P=0.016) and shorter door to puncture time (median minutes, VI+ 41 (IQR 26–53) vs VI− 54 (IQR 40–70), P<0.001).ConclusionAmong patients with a suspected LVO stroke initially evaluated at a LSC, vascular imaging acquisition might improve workflow times at thrombectomy-capable centers and reduce the rate of futile interhospital transfers. These results deserve further evaluation and should be replicated in other settings and geographies.

Background Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and rituximab are considered the first-line and second-line treatments for Chronic Ataxic Neuropathy and Ophthalmoplegia with IgM-paraprotein, cold Agglutinins, and anti-Disialosyl antibodies (CANOMAD), with an overall clinical response around 50%. New anti-CD38 daratumumab, targeting long-lived plasma cells, has been reported as a promising therapy for treatment-refractory antibody-mediated disorders. We report the first case of a severe refractory CANOMAD, successfully treated with daratumumab.Methods A patient in their 70s with severe relapsing CANOMAD, refractory to IVIG, steroids, rituximab and ibrutinib developed severe tetraparesis and respiratory failure. Plasma exchange (PE) improved motor and ventilatory function; however, after 6 weeks, patient remained PE dependent. Intravenous daratumumab was initiated at 16 mg/kg weekly for 3 weeks, every 2 weeks for the second and third month, and monthly afterwards.Results After 3 weeks of starting daratumumab, PE was discontinued and, since then, the patient evolved to complete recovery. Antidisialosyl antibody titres decreased after PE and remained stable during daratumumab. Serum neurofilament light-chain levels were elevated in the exacerbation phase and normalised after daratumumab. The patient remains in clinical remission under monthly daratumumab, 12 months after initiation.Conclusions The first patient with aggressive treatment-refractory CANOMAD treated with daratumumab provides proof-of-principle evidence that daratumumab may be an effective treatment in IgM-related neuropathies.

Introduction: The observation time in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is controversial. Our aim was to assess the risk of neurological complications in mTBI with and without antithrombotic treatment.Method: We retrospectively evaluated patients with mTBI seen in the emergency room for 3 years. We considered MTBI those with Glasgow >= 13 at admission. A cranial CT was performed in all cases with >= 1 risk factor at admission and at 24 h in those with neurological impairment or initial pathological cranial CT. Complications in the following 3 months were retrospectively reviewed.Results: We evaluated 907 patients with a mean age of 73 +/- 19 years. Ninety-one percent presented risk factors, with 60% on antithrombotic treatment. We detected 11% of initial brain hemorrhage, 0.4% at 24 h, and no cases at 3 months. Antithrombotic treatment was not asso-ciated with an increased risk of brain hemorrhage (9.9% with vs. 11.9% without treatment, P=.3). 39% of the hemorrhages presented neurological symptoms (18% post-traumatic amnesia, 12% headache, 8% vomiting, 1% seizures), with 78.4% having mild symptoms. Of the 4 hemorr-hages detected at 24 h, 3 were asymptomatic and one case that worsened the initial headache. No asymptomatic patient without lesion on initial clinical cranial CT presented at 24 h.Conclusions: Our study suggests that patients with asymptomatic mTBI, without a lesion on the initial cranial CT, would not require the observation period or CT control regardless of antithrombotic treatment or INR level.(c) 2023 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

Background: Currently there is no predictive model in acute minor stroke without large vessel occlusion. Aims: Our objective was to evaluate the independent predictors that correlate with unfavourable outcome and to develop a predictive scale in acute setting. Methods: Retrospective analysis of consecutive acute minor stroke (NIHSS <5) admitted within 4.5 hours to clinical onset who were previously not disabled and without large vessel occlusion on CT angiography (intracranial or extracranial occlusion or stenosis ≥50%). Unfavourable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale 3-6 at 90 days. Independent predictors of disability were included in the model. Results: A total of 408 patients with acute minor stroke (NIHSS <5) were analyzed. Large vessel occlusion was detected in 83 (20%), who were excluded. The final analysis included 325 patients, with mean age of 68± 14 years, 59% were men and 14.5% had unfavourable outcome. On multivariate analysis, age >70 years, NIHSS >2, recurrent event, posterior circulation ischemia and previous stroke were associated with unfavourable outcome. Recurrent event was excluded to the model because this variable is not available in acute setting. With the variables detected in the logistic regression, a predictive model was made (SPAN2 scale: previous Stroke, Posterior ischemia, Age >70 or NIHSS >2). The model correctly classified 84% of the patients with unfavourable outcome. A score >2 points on the SPAN2 scale showed a sensitivity 95%, specificity 51%, PPV 25% and NPV 99% of unfavourable outcome at 90 days. Conclusions: SPAN2 scale could be useful to stratify the risk of unfavourable outcome in acute phase of minor stroke without large vessel occlusion. Future studies may validate its usefulness in the selection of patients for thrombolytic therapy.

ImportancePrehospital transfer protocols are based on rapid access to reperfusion therapies for patients with ischemic stroke. The effect of different protocols among patients receiving a final diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of direct transport to an endovascular treatment (EVT)–capable stroke center vs transport to the nearest local stroke center.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis was a prespecified secondary analysis of RACECAT, a multicenter, population-based, cluster-randomized clinical trial conducted from March 2017 to June 2020 in Catalonia, Spain. Patients were evaluated by a blinded end point assessment. All consecutive patients suspected of experiencing a large vessel occlusion stroke (Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation Scale [RACE] score in the field >4 on a scale of 0 to 9, with lower to higher stroke severity) with final diagnosis of ICH were included. A total of 1401 patients were enrolled in RACECAT with suspicion of large vessel occlusion stroke. The current analysis was conducted in October 2022.InterventionDirect transport to an EVT-capable stroke center (n = 137) or to the closest local stroke center (n = 165).Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was tested using cumulative ordinal logistic regression to estimate the common odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI of the shift analysis of disability at 90 days as assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (range, 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) in the intention-to-treat population. Secondary outcomes, included 90-day mortality, death or severe functional dependency, early neurological deterioration, early mortality, ICH volume and enlargement, rate of neurosurgical treatment, rate of clinical complications during initial transport, and rate of adverse events until day 5.ResultsOf 1401 patients enrolled, 1099 were excluded from this analysis (32 rejected informed consent, 920 had ischemic stroke, 29 had transient ischemic attack, 12 had subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 106 had stroke mimic). Thus, 302 patients were included (204 [67.5%] men; mean [SD] age 71.7 [12.8] years; and median [IQR] RACE score, 7 [6-8]). For the primary outcome, direct transfer to an EVT-capable stroke center (mean [SD] mRS score, 4.93 [1.38]) resulted in worse functional outcome at 90 days compared with transfer to the nearest local stroke center (mean [SD] mRS score, 4.66 [1.39]; adjusted common OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41-0.96). Direct transfer to an EVT-capable stroke center also suggested potentially higher 90-day mortality compared with transfer to the nearest local stroke center (67 of 137 [48.9%] vs 62 of 165 [37.6%]; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.99-1.99). The rates of medical complications during the initial transfer (30 of 137 [22.6%] vs 9 of 165 patients [5.6%]; adjusted OR, 5.29; 95% CI, 2.38-11.73) and in-hospital pneumonia (49 of 137 patients [35.8%] vs 29 of 165 patients [17.6%]; OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.53-4.44) were higher in the EVT-capable stroke center group.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this secondary analysis of the RACECAT randomized clinical trial, bypassing the closest stroke center resulted in reduced chances of functional independence at 90 days for patients who received a final diagnosis of ICH.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02795962

Background Our goal is to evaluate whether the administration of thrombolytic treatment has varying effects on clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with large‐vessel occlusion stroke, based on the type of stroke center where the treatment was given (thrombectomy‐capable center versus local stroke center). Methods We included patients with an acute ischemic large‐vessel occlusion stroke who were directly admitted to thrombectomy‐capable centers and treated with endovascular thrombectomy, or were transferred from local stroke centers as thrombectomy candidates, in Catalonia, Spain, between 2017 and 2021. The primary outcome was the shift analysis on the modified Rankin scale score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included death at 90 days and the rate of parenchymal hemorrhage and successful reperfusion. Inverse‐probability weighting clustered at the type of stroke center was used to estimate the effects. Results The analysis included 2268 patients directly admitted to thrombectomy‐capable centers, of whom 975 (49%) were treated with thrombolysis, and 938 patients transferred from local stroke centers, of whom 580 (66%) were treated with thrombolysis and 616 (67%) were treated with thrombectomy. Mean age was 72 (SD ±13) years, median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 (interquartile range, 12–21), and 1363 patients were women (48%). Patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis were younger, had shorter time from onset to first image, higher Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score, and lower rates of wake‐up stroke, atrial fibrillation, and anticoagulation intake. Patients treated with thrombolysis had better functional outcome at 90 days, with no difference between patients directly admitted to thrombectomy‐capable centers (adjusted common odds ratio [acOR], 1.50 [95% CI, 1.24–1.81]) and patients transferred from local stroke centers (acOR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.04–2.01]). Patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis had lower death rate, higher rate of parenchymal hematoma, and similar rate of successful reperfusion, with no difference according to type of center (Pinteraction>0.1). Conclusion Administration of intravenous thrombolysis in patients with a large‐vessel stroke with intention of thrombectomy was associated with lower degrees of disability, lower death rate, and higher rates of parenchymal hematoma both in thrombectomy‐capable centers and in local stroke centers.

El tiempo de observación en el traumatismo craneoencefálico leve (TCEL) es controvertido. Nuestro objetivo se basó en evaluar el riesgo de complicaciones neurológicas en el TCEL con y sin tratamiento antitrombótico. Evaluamos retrospectivamente los pacientes con TCEL atendidos en urgencias durante 3 años. Consideramos TCEL aquellos con Glasgow ≥ 13 al ingreso. Se realizó una TC craneal en todos los casos con > 1 factor de riesgo al ingreso y a las 24 h en aquellos con deterioro neurológico o TC craneal inicial patológica. Se revisó retrospectivamente las complicaciones en los siguientes 3 meses. Evaluamos 907 pacientes con una edad media de 73 ± 19 años. El 91% presentaron factores de riesgo, con un 60% en tratamiento antitrombótico. Detectamos un 11% de hemorragia cerebral inicial, 0,4% a las 24 h y ningún caso a los 3 meses. El tratamiento antitrombótico no se asoció con incremento de riesgo de hemorragia cerebral (9,9 con vs. 11,9% sin tratamiento; p = 0,3). El 39% de las hemorragias presentaron síntomas neurológicos (18% amnesia postraumática, 12% cefalea, 8% vómitos, 1% convulsiones), siendo en un 78,4% síntomas leves. De las 4 hemorragias detectadas a las 24 h, 3 fueron asintomáticas y un caso emporó la cefalea inicial. Ningún paciente asintomático sin lesión en la TC craneal inicial presentó clínica a las 24 h. Nuestro estudio sugiere que los pacientes con TCEL asintomáticos, sin lesión en la TC craneal inicial no precisarían periodo de observación ni TC craneal de control, independientemente del tratamiento antitrombótico o nivel de INR. The observation time in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is controversial. Our aim was to assess the risk of neurological complications in mTBI with and without antithrombotic treatment. We retrospectively evaluated patients with mTBI seen in the emergency room for 3 years. We considered MTBI those with Glasgow ≥13 at admission. A cranial CT was performed in all cases with >1 risk factor at admission and at 24 h in those with neurological impairment or initial pathological cranial CT. Complications in the following 3 months were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated 907 patients with a mean age of 73 ± 19 years. Ninety-one percent presented risk factors, with 60% on antithrombotic treatment. We detected 11% of initial brain hemorrhage, 0.4% at 24 h, and no cases at 3 months. Antithrombotic treatment was not associated with an increased risk of brain hemorrhage (9.9% with vs. 11.9% without treatment, P=.3). 39% of the hemorrhages presented neurological symptoms (18% post-traumatic amnesia, 12% headache, 8% vomiting, 1% seizures), with 78.4% having mild symptoms. Of the 4 hemorrhages detected at 24 h, 3 were asymptomatic and one case that worsened the initial headache. No asymptomatic patient without lesion on initial clinical cranial CT presented at 24 h. Our study suggests that patients with asymptomatic mTBI, without a lesion on the initial cranial CT, would not require the observation period or CT control regardless of antithrombotic treatment or INR level.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke patients not referred directly to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) have reduced access to endovascular treatment (EVT). The RACECAT trial is a population-based cluster-randomized trial, designed to compare mothership and drip-and-ship strategies in acute ischemic stroke patients outside the catchment area of a CSC. Aims: To analyze the evolution of performance indicators in the regions that participated in RACECAT. Methods: This retrospective longitudinal observational study included all stroke alerts evaluated by emergency medical services in Catalonia between February 2016 and February 2020. Cases were classified geographically according to the nearest SC: local SC (Local-SC) and CSC catchment areas. We analyzed the evolution of EVT rates and relevant workflow times in Local-SC versus CSC catchment areas over three study periods: P1 (February 2016 to April 2017: before RACECAT initiation), P2 (May 2017 to September 2018), and P3 (October 2018 to February 2020). Results: We included 20603 stroke alerts, 10,694 (51.9%) of which were activated within Local-SC catchment areas. The proportion of patients receiving EVT within Local-SC catchment areas increased (P1 vs. P3: 7.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.4–8.7) to 22.5% (95% CI, 20.8–24.4) p < 0.001). Inequalities in the odds of receiving EVT were reduced for patients from CSC versus Local-SC catchment areas (P1: odds ratio (OR) 3.9 (95% CI, 3.2–5) vs. P3: OR 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3–1.7) In Local-SC, door-to-image (P1: 24 (interquartile range (IQR) 15–36), P2: 24 (15–35), P3: 21 (13–32) min, p < 0.001) and door-to-needle times (P1: 42 (31–60), P2: 41 (29–58), P3: 35 (25–50) p < 0.001) reduced. Time from Local-SC arrival to groin puncture also decreased over time (P1: 188 [151–229], P2: 190 (157–233), P3: 168 (127–215) min, p < 0.001). Conclusion: An increase in EVT rates in Local-SC regions with a significant decrease in workflow times occurred during the period of the RACECAT trial.

Background: We aim to assess whether time of day modified the treatment effect in the RACECAT trial (Direct Transfer to an Endovascular Center Compared to Transfer to the Closest Stroke Center in Acute Stroke Patients With Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion Trial), a cluster-randomized trial that did not demonstrate the benefit of direct transportation to a thrombectomy-capable center versus nearest local stroke center for patients with a suspected large vessel stroke triaged in nonurban Catalonia between March 2017 and June 2020. Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of RACECAT to evaluate if the association between initial transport routing and functional outcome differed according to trial enrollment time: daytime (8:00 am–8:59 pm) and nighttime (9:00 pm–7:59 am). Primary outcome was disability at 90 days, as assessed by the shift analysis on the modified Rankin Scale score, in patients with ischemic stroke. Subgroup analyses according to stroke subtype were evaluated. Results: We included 949 patients with an ischemic stroke, of whom 258 patients(27%) were enrolled during nighttime. Among patients enrolled during nighttime, direct transport to a thrombectomy-capable center was associated with lower degrees of disability at 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [acOR], 1.620 [95% CI, 1.020–2.551]); no significant difference between trial groups was present during daytime (acOR, 0.890 [95% CI, 0.680–1.163]; Pinteraction=0.014). Influence of nighttime on the treatment effect was only evident in patients with large vessel occlusion(daytime, acOR 0.766 [95% CI, 0.548–1.072]; nighttime, acOR, 1.785 [95% CI, 1.024–3.112] ; Pinteraction<0.01); no heterogeneity was observed for other stroke subtypes (Pinteraction>0.1 for all comparisons). We observed longer delays in alteplase administration, interhospital transfers, and mechanical thrombectomy initiation during nighttime in patients allocated to local stroke centers. Conclusions: Among patients evaluated during nighttime for a suspected acute severe stroke in non-urban areas of Catalonia, direct transport to a thrombectomy-capable center was associated with lower degrees of disability at 90 days. This association was only evident in patients with confirmed large vessel occlusion on vascular imaging. Time delays in alteplase administration and interhospital transfers might mediate the observed differences in clinical outcome. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02795962.

INTRODUCTION:Previous studies have reported differences in the management and outcome of women stroke patients in comparison with men. We aim to analyze sex and gender differences in the medical assistance, access to treatment and outcome of acute stroke patients in Catalonia. PATIENTS AND METHODS:Data were obtained from a prospective population-based registry of stroke code activations in Catalonia (CICAT) from January/2016 to December/2019. The registry includes demographic data, stroke severity, stroke subtype, reperfusion therapy, and time workflow. Centralized clinical outcome at 90 days was assessed in patients receiving reperfusion therapy. RESULTS:A total of 23,371 stroke code activations were registered (54% men, 46% women). No differences in prehospital time metrics were observed. Women more frequently had a final diagnosis of stroke mimic, were older and had a previous worse functional situation. Among ischemic stroke patients, women had higher stroke severity and more frequently presented proximal large vessel occlusion. Women received more frequently reperfusion therapy (48.2% vs 43.1%, p < 0.001). Women tended to present a worse outcome at 90 days, especially for the group receiving only IVT (good outcome 56.7% vs 63.8%; p < 0.001), but not for the group of patients treated with IVT + MT or MT alone, although sex was not independently associated with clinical outcome in logistic regression analysis (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.94-1.23; p = 0.27) nor in the analysis after matching using the propensity score (OR 1.09; 95% CI, 0.97-1.22). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:We found some differences by sex in that acute stroke was more frequent in older women and the stroke severity was higher. We found no differences in medical assistance times, access to reperfusion treatment and early complications. Worse clinical outcome at 90 days in women was conditioned by stroke severity and older age, but not by sex itself.

Background Door‐in–door‐out time (DIDO) in nonthrombectomy stroke centers is a key performance indicator in acute stroke care. Nonetheless, the relative importance of DIDO on outcome in patients transferred for endovascular treatment (EVT) is not widely known. Therefore, we aim to explore the association between DIDO and clinical outcome according to onset to reperfusion time in patients undergoing EVT. Methods Observational multicenter study including patients transferred to a thrombectomy‐capable center from a local stroke center who underwent thrombectomy. The primary outcome was favorable clinical outcome, as evaluated by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months. We evaluated the association between DIDO and clinical outcome according to onset to reperfusion time and factors related to shorter DIDO time. Results Among 2710 patients transferred for thrombectomy evaluation, 970 (43.8%) patients received EVT. Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and DIDO time were 12 (interquartile range [IQR], 6–19) and 83 minutes (IQR, 66–108), respectively. Among patients undergoing EVT, no association was found between DIDO and clinical outcome. Considering only patients treated in the early time window (onset to reperfusion time ≤240 minutes), patients with favorable outcome had a shorter DIDO (60 [IQR, 52–68] versus 73 [IQR, 61–83] minutes; P =0.013). A receiver operating characteristic curve identified a cutoff of 67 minutes of DIDO time that better predicted favorable outcome (sensitivity, 70%; specificity, 73%; area under the curve, 0.741). A multivariate analysis showed that DIDO ≤67 minutes emerged as an independent factor associated with favorable outcome (odds ratio [OR], 5.29 [95% CI, 1.38–20.27]; P =0.015). Door to computed tomography time was the only factor associated with DIDO ≤67 minutes (OR, 1.113 [95% CI, 1.018–1.261]; P =0.022) in a multivariate analysis in this time frame. Conclusions In transferred patients undergoing EVT, DIDO has a significant impact on clinical outcome, mainly in the first hours from stroke onset. A benchmark of 67 minutes in DIDO time is proposed. Shorter door to computed tomography time appears to be an independent factor associated to achieve DIDO time ≤67 minutes. Measures to optimize workflow into referral centers are warranted.

Background: We analyzed the main factors associated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with minor ischemic stroke. Methods: Data were obtained from a prospective, government-mandated, population-based registry of stroke code patients in Catalonia (6 Comprehensive Stroke Centers, 8 Primary Stroke Centers, and 14 TeleStroke Centers). We selected patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≤5 at hospital admission from January 2016 to December 2020. We excluded patients with a baseline modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3, absolute contraindication for IVT, unknown stroke onset, or admitted to hospital beyond 4.5 after stroke onset. The main outcome was treatment with IVT. We performed univariable and binary logistic regression analyses to identify the most important factors associated with IVT. Results: We included 2975 code strokes; 1433 (48.2%) received IVT of which 30 (2.1%) had a symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. Patients treated with IVT as compared to patients who did not receive IVT were more frequently women, had higher NIHSS, arrived earlier to hospital, were admitted to a Comprehensive Stroke Centers, and had large vessel occlusion. After binary logistic regression, NIHSS score 4 to 5 (odds ratio, 40.62 [95% CI, 31.73–57.22]; P<0.001) and large vessel occlusion (odds ratio, 16.39 [95% CI, 7.25–37.04]; P<0.001) were the strongest predictors of IVT. Younger age, female sex, baseline modified Rankin Scale score of 0, earlier arrival to hospital (<120 minutes after stroke onset), and the type of stroke center were also independently associated with IVT. The weight of large vessel occlusion on IVT was higher in patients with lower NIHSS. Conclusions: Minor stroke female patients, with higher NIHSS, arriving earlier to the hospital, presenting with large vessel occlusion and admitted to a Comprehensive Stroke Centers were more likely to receive intravenous thrombolysis.

Importance:In nonurban areas with limited access to thrombectomy-capable centers, optimal prehospital transport strategies in patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion stroke are unknown.Objective:To determine whether, in nonurban areas, direct transport to a thrombectomy-capable center is beneficial compared with transport to the closest local stroke center.Design, Setting, and Participants:Multicenter, population-based, cluster-randomized trial including 1401 patients with suspected acute large-vessel occlusion stroke attended by emergency medical services in areas where the closest local stroke center was not capable of performing thrombectomy in Catalonia, Spain, between March 2017 and June 2020. The date of final follow-up was September 2020.Interventions:Transportation to a thrombectomy-capable center (n = 688) or the closest local stroke center (n = 713).Main Outcomes and Measures:The primary outcome was disability at 90 days based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; scores range from 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) in the target population of patients with ischemic stroke. There were 11 secondary outcomes, including rate of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator administration and thrombectomy in the target population and 90-day mortality in the safety population of all randomized patients.Results:Enrollment was halted for futility following a second interim analysis. The 1401 enrolled patients were included in the safety analysis, of whom 1369 (98%) consented to participate and were included in the as-randomized analysis (56% men; median age, 75 [IQR, 65-83] years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 17 [IQR, 11-21]); 949 (69%) comprised the target ischemic stroke population included in the primary analysis. For the primary outcome in the target population, median mRS score was 3 (IQR, 2-5) vs 3 (IQR, 2-5) (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 0.82-1.29). Of 11 reported secondary outcomes, 8 showed no significant difference. Compared with patients first transported to local stroke centers, patients directly transported to thrombectomy-capable centers had significantly lower odds of receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (in the target population, 229/482 [47.5%] vs 282/467 [60.4%]; OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45-0.76) and significantly higher odds of receiving thrombectomy (in the target population, 235/482 [48.8%] vs 184/467 [39.4%]; OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.13-1.89). Mortality at 90 days in the safety population was not significantly different between groups (188/688 [27.3%] vs 194/713 [27.2%]; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.79-1.18).Conclusions and Relevance:In nonurban areas in Catalonia, Spain, there was no significant difference in 90-day neurological outcomes between transportation to a local stroke center vs a thrombectomy-capable referral center in patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion stroke. These findings require replication in other settings.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02795962.

Background: In drip-and-ship protocols, non-invasive vascular imaging (NIVI) at Referral Centers (RC), although recommended, is not consistently performed and its value is uncertain. We evaluated the role of NIVI at RC, comparing patients with (VI+) and without (VI-) vascular imaging in several outcomes. Methods: Observational, multicenter study from a prospective government-mandated population-based registry of code stroke patients. We selected acute ischemic stroke patients, initially assessed at RC from January-2016 to June-2020. We compared and analyzed the rates of patients transferred to a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) for Endovascular Treatment (EVT), rates of EVT and workflow times between VI+ and VI-patients. Results: From 5128 ischemic code stroke patients admitted at RC; 3067 (59.8%) were VI+, 1822 (35.5%) were secondarily transferred to a CSC and 600 (11.7%) received EVT. Among all patients with severe stroke (NIHSS >16) at RC, a multivariate analysis showed that lower age, thrombolytic treatment, and VI+ (OR:1.479, CI95%: 1.117-1.960, p=0.006) were independent factors associated to EVT. The rate of secondary transfer to a CSC was lower in VI+ group (24.6% vs. 51.6%, p<0.001). Among transferred patients, EVT was more frequent in VI+ than VI -(48.6% vs. 21.7%, p<0.001). Interval times as door-in door-out (median-minutes 83.5 vs. 82, p= 0.13) and RC-Door to puncture (median-minutes 189 vs. 178, p= 0.47) did not show differences between both groups. Conclusion: In the present study, NIVI at RC improves selec-tion for EVT, and is associated with receiving EVT in severe stroke patients. Time-metrics related to drip-and-ship model were not affected by NIVI.

Background and Purpose In real-world practice, the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is uncertain in stroke patients with very favorable or poor prognostic profiles at baseline. We studied the effectiveness of MT versus medical treatment stratifying by different baseline prognostic factors. Methods Retrospective analysis of 2,588 patients with an ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion nested in the population-based registry of stroke code activations in Catalonia from January 2017 to June 2019. The effect of MT on good functional outcome (modified Rankin Score ≤2) and survival at 3 months was studied using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis in three pre-defined baseline prognostic groups: poor (if pre-stroke disability, age >85 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] >25, time from onset >6 hours, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <6, proximal vertebrobasilar occlusion, supratherapeutic international normalized ratio >3), good (if NIHSS <6 or distal occlusion, in the absence of poor prognostic factors), or reference (not meeting other groups’ criteria). Results Patients receiving MT (n=1,996, 77%) were younger, had less pre-stroke disability, and received systemic thrombolysis less frequently. These differences were balanced after the IPTW stratified by prognosis. MT was associated with good functional outcome in the reference (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0 to 4.4), and especially in the poor baseline prognostic stratum (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.6 to 5.9), but not in the good prognostic stratum. MT was associated with survival only in the poor prognostic stratum (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.0 to 3.3).Conclusions Despite their worse overall outcomes, the impact of thrombectomy over medical management was more substantial in patients with poorer baseline prognostic factors than patients with good prognostic factors.

Evaluar la influencia del tratamiento de los puntos gatillo miofasciales (PGM) en el balance motor y en la autonomía funcional en pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo. Se incluyeron 22 pacientes con ictus isquémico de menos de cinco días de evolución, con paresia braquial y/o crural en un estudio piloto, aleatorizado, a doble ciego, de tratamiento experimental vs. control. Durante la hospitalización, ambos grupos recibieron la fisioterapia. Adicionalmente, al grupo experimental (GE) se le trataron los PGM detectados en hombro y cadera paréticos y al grupo control (GC) se le aplicó un tratamiento sin efectos sobre los PGM. Fueron registrados al alta y a los 90 días postictus el grado fuerza de las extremidades paréticas mediante la National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, y el grado de autonomía funcional mediante la escala de Rankin modificada. Se detectó una mejoría tanto en la fuerza de las extremidades paréticas (probabilidad al alta de un mejor balance motor del 75,6% en la extremidad superior y del 69% en la extremidad inferior), como en la autonomía funcional (probabilidad de una mejor funcionalidad del 68%) en el GE comparado con el GC. Estos resultados no se mantuvieron a los 90 días de seguimiento. El tratamiento de los PGM como complemento al tratamiento de fisioterapia durante el ingreso hospitalario parece mejorar el balance motor y el grado de autonomía funcional al alta. Son necesarios futuros estudios que permitan confirmar nuestros resultados y evaluar el beneficio de una intervención más allá del ingreso hospitalario. To assess the influence of treatment of MTrPs on motor balance and functional autonomy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. 22 patients with ischaemic stroke of less than 5 days’ evolution, with brachial and / or leg paresis were included in a randomized, double-blind, pilot study of experimental versus control treatment. During hospitalization, both groups received physiotherapy. In addition, the MTrPs detected in the paretic shoulder and hip were treated in the experimental group (EG). In contrast, the control group (CG) were given treatment without effects on the MTrPs. At the time of hospital discharge and 90 days post-stroke, we recorded the degree of strength of the paretic limbs using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and the degree of functional autonomy using the modified Rankin Scale. We detected an improvement both in the strength of the paretic limbs (probability at discharge of a better motor balance of 75.6% in the upper limb and 69% in the lower limb) and in functional autonomy (68% probability of better functionality) in the EG compared to the CG. These results were not maintained at 90 days of follow-up. Treatment of MTrPs as a complement to physiotherapy treatment during hospital admission seems to improve the degree of strength of paretic limbs and the degree of functional autonomy at hospital discharge. Future studies are necessary to confirm our results and evaluate the benefit of an intervention beyond hospital admission.