Cerebrovascular diseases
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyDetection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in acute stroke patients.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent cause of stroke, but detecting paroxysmal AF (pAF) poses a challenge. We investigated whether continuous bedside ECG monitoring in a stroke unit detects pAF more sensitively than 24-hour Holter ECG, and tested whether examining RR interval dynamics on short-term ECG recordings using an automated screening algorithm (ASA) for pAF detection is a useful tool to predict the risk of pAF outside periods of manifest AF. ⋯ Continuous bedside ECG monitoring is more sensitive than 24-hour Holter ECG for pAF detection in acute stroke/TIA patients. Screening patients for pAF outside AF episodes using ASA requires further development.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyAntiplatelet therapy in combination with rt-PA thrombolysis in ischemic stroke (ARTIS): rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial.
Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is currently the only approved acute therapy for ischemic stroke. After rt-PA-induced recanalization, reocclusion is observed in 20-34%, probably caused by platelet activation. In acute myocardial infarction, the combination of thrombolytic and antiplatelet therapy leads to a better outcome compared to thrombolytic treatment alone. In patients with acute ischemic stroke, several studies showed that those on antiplatelet treatment prior to rt-PA had an equal or even better outcome compared to patients without prior use of antiplatelet therapy, despite an increased risk of bleeding. ⋯ This study will answer the question whether the combination of rt-PA and antiplatelet therapy improves the functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2010
Multicenter StudyPreoperative prediction of outcome in 283 poor-grade patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a project of the Chugoku-Shikoku Division of the Japan Neurosurgical Society.
The management of patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) continues to be controversial. The objective of this study was to examine predictors of outcome of poor-grade SAH after surgical obliteration of the aneurysm. ⋯ Advanced age, WFNS grade V, improvement in WFNS grade, and LDA associated with vasospasm on CT were found to be independent predictors of clinical outcome, whereas rebleeding, early aneurysm surgery and treatment modality (surgical clipping or Guglielmi detachable coil embolization) were not independently associated with outcome in patients with poor-grade aneurysm.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyVery early rehabilitation or intensive telemetry after stroke: a pilot randomised trial.
Stroke patients are more likely to make a good recovery if they receive care in a well-organised stroke unit. However, there are uncertainties about how best to provide such care. We studied 2 key aspects of early stroke unit care: early active mobilisation (EM) and automated monitoring (AM) for physiological complications such as hypoxia. ⋯ We have demonstrated the feasibility of implementing EM and AM for physiological complications in a randomised controlled trial. Larger trials are warranted to determine whether these interventions have clinical benefits.
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The aim of the Synergium was to devise and prioritize new ways of accelerating progress in reducing the risks, effects, and consequences of stroke. ⋯ To accelerate progress in stroke, we must reach beyond the current status scientifically, conceptually, and pragmatically. Advances can be made not only by doing, but ceasing to do. Significant savings in time, money, and effort could result from discontinuing practices driven by unsubstantiated opinion, unproven approaches, and financial gain. Systematic integration of knowledge into programs coupled with careful evaluation can speed the pace of progress.