Stroke; a journal of cerebral circulation
-
Ticagrelor is an effective antiplatelet therapy among patients with atherosclerotic disease and, therefore, could be more effective than aspirin in preventing recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events among patients with embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS), which includes patients with ipsilateral stenosis <50% and aortic arch atherosclerosis. ⋯ URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01994720.
-
Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Real-World Setting Comparison of Nonvitamin-K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin-K Antagonists for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Evidence from the real-world setting complements evidence coming from randomized controlled trials. We aimed to summarize all available evidence from high-quality real-world observational studies about efficacy and safety of nonvitamin-K oral anticoagulants compared with vitamin-K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation. ⋯ This meta-analysis confirms the main findings of the randomized controlled trials of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban in the real-world setting and, hence, strengthens their validity.
-
Renal dysfunction (RD) is associated with poor prognosis after stroke. We assessed the effects of RD on outcomes and interaction with low- versus standard-dose alteplase in a post hoc subgroup analysis of the ENCHANTED (Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study). ⋯ URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01422616.
-
Observational Study
Palliative Care for Hospitalized Patients With Stroke: Results From the 2010 to 2012 National Inpatient Sample.
Substantial variability exists in the use of life-prolonging treatments for patients with stroke, especially near the end of life. This study explores patterns of palliative care utilization and death in hospitalized patients with stroke across the United States. ⋯ Palliative care use is increasing nationally for patients with stroke, especially in larger hospitals. Persistent disparities in PCE use and mortality exist in regards to age, sex, race, region, and hospital characteristics. Given the variations in PCE use, especially at the end of life, the use of mortality rates as a hospital quality measure is questioned.