Cerebrovascular diseases
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2007
Review Biography Historical ArticleChances and battles in stroke research.
Here I have reviewed how good luck, bad luck and barriers determined my research directions in stroke over the last 30 or so years. Good luck should be exploited, and very often barriers can be not just overcome but put to good use as well. It is crucial for the young researcher to find mentors as good as I have had, and to move around to gain a broad experience, and for the experienced researchers to bring on the younger generation as I have tried to do.
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Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA)is a new biological marker of ischemia. Previous studies have found increased serum IMA levels after myocardial ischemia, but no study has investigated the possibility that stroke modifies IMA blood levels. ⋯ IMA blood levels may be a biomarker for early identification of acute stroke. Further studies are required to investigate the role of IMA in the early detection of acute stroke.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2007
Comparative StudyDevelopment of a conversion factor to facilitate comparison of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores with Scandinavian Stroke Scale scores.
The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) are commonly used in clinical stroke trials. Use of different scales in trials makes comparison of outcomes difficult. ⋯ A total of 144 patients were included (46% males, mean age = 73 years). At presentation the median SSS score was 38 (2-58), and a week later 40 (4-58), the median NIHSS score at presentation was 5 (0-29) and a week later 3 (0-27). Changes in both scales were strongly correlated, r = 0.76, p < 0.001. Both were good predictors of mortality. Linear regression analysis produced an equation relating the two: SSS = 50 - 2 x NIHSS.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2007
Comparative StudyImproved time intervals by implementation of computerized physician order entry-based stroke team approach.
The need for rapid evaluation and treatment of acute stroke patients has been well documented. A computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system can improve communication and provide immediate access to information, which may be useful for an effective team approach program targeted to reduce in-hospital time delays. ⋯ Implementation of the CPOE-based team approach program significantly reduced time from emergency department arrival to evaluations and treatment.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2007
Comparative StudyAnatomic variations in the circle of Willis in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis assessed with multidetector row CT angiography.
To assess the presence of anterior and posterior collateral pathways in the circle of Willis in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (SCAS) and to compare this to patients without carotid artery stenosis. ⋯ A compromised anterior collateral pathway, usually combined with a compromised posterior pathway, occurs more frequently in patients with SCAS as compared to controls, which suggests a relation between symptomatic carotid stenosis and an incomplete circle of Willis.