Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Jul 2013
Validation of intracerebral hemorrhage-specific intensity of care quality metrics.
Given the considerable variation in care of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) among centers that results in differences in outcome among these patients, a new intensity of care quality metrics has been proposed. This study aimed to validate the new ICH-specific intensity of care quality metrics. ⋯ Correlation of the new ICH-specific intensity of care quality metric with in-hospital mortality supports its broader use for improving and standardizing medical care among patients with ICH.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Jul 2013
Preadmission beta-blockers are associated with decreased incidence of neurogenic stunned myocardium in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM) is a frequent complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), with a significant impact on disease course. The presumed cause is catecholamine surge at the time of aneurysm rupture. Beta-blockers, which reduce the impact of the catecholamine surge, may decrease the risk of developing NSM. ⋯ Prehospital β-blockers are associated with decreased risk of developing NSM in patients with aSAH. Estrogen may play an additional role in shaping the degree of NSM in women.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Jul 2013
Screening for NOTCH3 gene mutations among 151 consecutive Korean patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a single-gene disorder of cerebral small blood vessels caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. The initial detection of CADASIL may be more difficult among Asian populations because common clinical phenotypes and neuroimaging findings are not frequently found in these populations. The purpose of this study was to screen the NOTCH3 gene for mutations among consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke from our region in Korea. ⋯ In this region, NOTCH3 gene mutations are frequently found in acute stroke patients who present with neuroimaging features consistent with advanced small-vessel disease.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · May 2013
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyAre racial disparities in stroke care still prevalent in certified stroke centers?
Racial differences in stroke risk and risk factor prevalence are well established. The present study explored racial differences in the delivery of care to patients with acute stroke between Joint Commission (JC)-certified hospitals and noncertified hospitals. A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients sustaining ischemic stroke admitted to 5 JC-certified centers and 5 noncertified hospitals. ⋯ Important racial disparities exist in the delivery of several acute stroke care variables. Efforts must be focused on eliminating disparities in prehospital delays. Guideline-based care tendered at JC-certified centers might help narrow disparities in acute stroke care delivery.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · May 2013
Comparative StudyImpact of telemedicine implementation in thrombolytic use for acute ischemic stroke: the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center telestroke network experience.
Intravenous thrombolysis is the only therapy for acute ischemic stroke that is approved by the US Food and Drug Association. The use of telemedicine in stroke makes it possible to bring the expertise of academic stroke centers to underserved areas, potentially increasing the quality of stroke care. ⋯ Telestroke implementation was associated with an increased rate of thrombolytic use in remote hospitals within the telemedicine network.