Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Aug 2020
A Stroke Care Model at an Academic, Comprehensive Stroke Center During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has required the adaptation of hyperacute stroke care (including stroke code pathways) and hospital stroke management. There remains a need to provide rapid and comprehensive assessment to acute stroke patients while reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure, protecting healthcare providers, and preserving personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. While the COVID infection is typically not a primary cerebrovascular condition, the downstream effects of this pandemic force adjustments to stroke care pathways to maintain optimal stroke patient outcomes. ⋯ The overall goal of the model is to preserve patient access and outcomes while decreasing potential COVID-19 exposure to patients and healthcare providers. This model also serves to reduce the use of vital PPE. It is critical that stroke providers share best practices via academic and vetted social media platforms for rapid dissemination of tools and care models during the COVID-19 crisis.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Aug 2020
Observational StudyFalling stroke rates during COVID-19 pandemic at a comprehensive stroke center.
Although there is evidence to suggest a high rate of cerebrovascular complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, anecdotal reports indicate a falling rate of new ischemic stroke diagnoses. We conducted an exploratory single-center analysis to estimate the change in number of new stroke diagnoses in our region, and evaluate the proximate reasons for this change during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary care center in New Jersey. ⋯ The observations at our tertiary care center corroborate anecdotal reports that the number of new stroke diagnoses is falling, which seems related to a smaller proportion of patients seeking healthcare services for milder symptoms. These preliminary data warrant validation in larger, multi-center studies.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Aug 2020
Case ReportsDabigatran-induced chronic progressive immune hemolytic anemia: A case report.
Dabigatran is an orally active direct thrombin inhibitor, initially approved by FDA for the prophylaxis of stroke and systemic embolism in the setting of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Major bleeding is its most common adverse event which is of great concern. ⋯ We present a case of immune hemolytic anemia (IHA) due to dabigatran use in a 72-year-old male with NVAF. This new and rare reported type of adverse event associated with dabigatran suggests that dabigatran may be a new cause of drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHI).
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Aug 2020
Postoperative Functional Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Two Types of Adult Moyamoya Diseases.
To determine the functional outcomes in each period for adult ischemic and hemorrhagic Moyamoya disease (MMD) patients and identify prognostic factors. ⋯ MMD type had no significant effect on prognosis while both types of MMD patients showed overall significant improvements in functional outcomes after surgery. Different types of MMD patients have distinct prognostic factors for short-term and long-term functional outcomes.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Aug 2020
ReviewCoronavirus Disease 2019 and Stroke: Clinical Manifestations and Pathophysiological Insights.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global health threat. Some COVID-19 patients have exhibited widespread neurological manifestations including stroke. Acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis have been reported in patients with COVID-19. ⋯ The aim of this review is to provide insights into the clinical manifestations and pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke in COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 can down-regulate ACE2 and, in turn, overactivate the classical renin-angiotensin system (RAS) axis and decrease the activation of the alternative RAS pathway in the brain. The consequent imbalance in vasodilation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombotic response may contribute to the pathophysiology of stroke during SARS-CoV-2 infection.