Stroke; a journal of cerebral circulation
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Numerous studies indicate that mild hypothermia provides substantial neuroprotection. However, current systems transfer insufficient heat to rapidly vary core temperature. We thus evaluated the safety and efficacy of endovascular cooling and rewarming for the induction and reversal of hypothermia. ⋯ The endovascular heat-exchange system effectively cooled and rewarmed pigs with large thermal mass without producing any adverse effects on blood elements, blood vessel integrity, or cardiovascular function.
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Very limited longitudinal data are available that assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of stroke survivors after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. The purpose of this research was to assess changes in HRQOL during inpatient rehabilitation and again 6 months after discharge. ⋯ Substantial gains in HRQOL during inpatient stroke rehabilitation may be followed by equally substantial declines in the 6 months after discharge. There is a need for longitudinal research into the HRQOL of stroke survivors and their families, as well as a need to ensure that adequate community services and support are available.
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Giving stroke victims who reside outside communities with hospitals that can administer tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) access to thrombolytic therapy is a challenge. Helicopter transport to a stroke center is a potential way to make rtPA available to these communities. We examined the experience of the Shands-Jacksonville Acute Stroke Transport Program, a field-to-stroke center helicopter transport program that serves rural counties in the northeastern Florida/southeastern Georgia region. ⋯ A helicopter-based transport system can link a rural region to a stroke center and promote access to thrombolytic therapy.
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SolCD39 is a soluble form of recombinant human ecto-ATP/ADPase (NTPDase1) and represents a new class of antithrombotic agents. SolCD39 blocks and reverses platelet activation, preventing recruitment of additional platelets into a growing thrombus. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of solCD39 on neurological deficit, infarct size, and extent of edema after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. ⋯ Treatment with SolCD39, administered either before or at 3 hours after MCAO, improves neurological score and reduces infarct size compared with vehicle. A pharmacological agent of this type appears to have potential for the treatment of focal ischemic stroke.