Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
-
J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Apr 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyImplementation of a Community-Based Triage for Patients with Suspected Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke Study: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.
Japan has the highest number of magnetic resonance imaging units in the world, and citizens can freely choose medical care at any hospital or clinic. We aimed to investigate the triage of patients with suspected transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke in this unique Japanese healthcare system. ⋯ This study demonstrates that hospitals and clinics with imaging facilities play a major role in triage and that the ABCD2 score, 5-item high-risk categorization, and AICS classification are useful as triage tools for patients with suspected TIA or minor stroke.
-
J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Apr 2016
Door to Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator Time and Hospital Length of Stay in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients, Georgia, 2007-2013.
Ischemic stroke patients benefit most from intravenous thrombolysis when they receive the treatment as quickly as possible after symptom onset. Hospitals participating in the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry reduced the time from patient arrival to administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. This study evaluates the benefit of reducing door-to-treatment (DTT) time as measured by hospital length of stay (LOS). ⋯ Shortening the door-to-treatment time is associated with a decrease in patient LOS and better patient outcomes. Hospitals should be encouraged to measure, monitor, and reduce DTT time progressively for a better patient outcome.
-
J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Apr 2016
Multicenter StudyInter-rater Agreement in Three Perfusion-Computed Tomography Evaluation Methods before Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.
There is ongoing debate on which method of perfusion computed tomography (PCT) evaluation in ischemic stroke is the most appropriate for improved selection of patients for endovascular treatment. We sought to test different assessment methods for inter-rater reliability. ⋯ PCT evaluation methods used before endovascular therapy for acute anterior circulation stroke are subject to substantial inter-rater disagreement. QPRs in PCT evaluation had better inter-rater reliability than the often used VME and ASPECTS-PCT assessment.