Stroke; a journal of cerebral circulation
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Comparative Study
Nicotine replacement therapy after subarachnoid hemorrhage is not associated with increased vasospasm.
A significant number of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are active smokers and at risk for acute nicotine withdrawal. There is conflicting literature regarding the vascular effects of nicotine and theoretical concern that it may worsen vasospasm. The literature on the safety of nicotine replacement therapy and its effects on vasospasm is limited. ⋯ Nicotine replacement therapy was not associated with increased angiographic vasospasm and was associated with less clinical vasospasm and better Glasgow Outcome Score scores on discharge.
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Comparative Study
High levels of apolipoprotein B/AI ratio are associated with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.
The apolipoprotein B (apoB)/apoAI ratio is recognized as a better indicator of cardiovascular disease than other cholesterol measures. Whether intracranial or extracranial atherosclerosis is more closely associated with an increased apoB/apoAI ratio has not been investigated. ⋯ A higher apoB/apoAI ratio is a predictor of ICAS rather than of extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis or no cerebral atherosclerotic stenosis. The apoB/apoAI ratio might be a biomarker for ICAS in Asian patients with stroke.
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The EQ-5D measures quality of life based on self-reported health status in 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. In this study, the EQ-5D was evaluated as an outcome measure for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. ⋯ The evaluation of the EQ-5D reveals age-related differences in the nature of the challenges faced by these patients.
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Comparative Study
Emergency department shift change is associated with pneumonia in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Emergency department (ED) nurses play a pivotal role in early acute ischemic stroke patient management. We hypothesized that patients exposed to ED nursing shift changes (SC) may develop pneumonia (PNA) more frequently and have worse early outcomes than do patients who have continuity of care until stroke unit admission. ⋯ In our center, acute ischemic stroke patients present during an ED nursing SC experienced higher rates of PNA and had decreased rates of favorable discharge disposition compared with patients with continuity of care. Strategies to prevent PNA and improve hand-off communication during SC may reduce this risk.
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Comparative Study
Multimodality monitoring for cerebral perfusion pressure optimization in comatose patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
Limited data exist to recommend specific cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) targets in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. We sought to determine the feasibility of brain multimodality monitoring for optimizing CPP and potentially reducing secondary brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage. ⋯ P(bt)O(2) monitoring can be used to identify CPP targets for optimal brain tissue oxygenation. In patients who do not undergo multimodality monitoring, maintaining CPP >80 mm Hg may reduce the risk of BTH.