Evaluation of Patients with High National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale as Thrombectomy Candidates Using the Kentucky Appalachian Stroke Registry.

TitleEvaluation of Patients with High National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale as Thrombectomy Candidates Using the Kentucky Appalachian Stroke Registry.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsGrewal P, Dobbs MR, Pennypacker K, Kryscio RJ, Kitzman P, Wolfe M, Elkins K, Bix GJ, Fraser JF
JournalCerebrovasc Dis
Volume48
Issue3-6
Pagination251-256
Date Published2019
ISSN1421-9786
KeywordsAge Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Appalachian Region, Brain Ischemia, Clinical Decision-Making, Comorbidity, Cross-Sectional Studies, Decision Support Techniques, Disability Evaluation, Female, Health Status, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Selection, Predictive Value of Tests, Registries, Retrospective Studies, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, Sex Factors, Stroke, Thrombectomy, Treatment Outcome
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical thrombectomy has become standard of care for emergent large vessel occlusive stroke. Estimates of incidence for thrombectomy eligibility vary significantly. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 10 or greater is highly predictive of large vessel occlusion. Using our Kentucky Appalachian Stroke Registry (KApSR), we evaluated temporal trends in stroke admissions with NIHSS ≥10 to determine patient characteristics among that group along with effects and needs in thrombectomy utilization.

METHODS: Using the KApSR database that captures patients throughout the Appalachian region in our stroke network, we evaluated patients admitted with ischemic stroke with NIHSS ≥10. We recorded demographics, comorbidities, treatment (thrombectomy, decompressive craniectomy), and county of origin. Change in NIHSS from admission to discharge was used as an indicator of inpatient outcome.

RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2016, 1,510 patients were admitted with NIHSS ≥10. 87.2% had high blood pressure, 69.6% had dyslipidemia, and 41.7% used tobacco. There were significant sex differences in the types of patients presenting with NIHSS ≥10 with females being older on average and having more atrial fibrillation and obesity. There was an increase in thrombectomy utilization from 2010 to 2016, but only 7.5% of the potentially eligible patients underwent the procedure. In comparison to the period 2010-2014, the 2015-2016 period had higher rates of obesity and tobacco abuse.

CONCLUSION: Among patients with significant burden of ischemic stroke, the most common coexisting medical condition was high blood pressure. Patients who underwent thrombectomy had significantly better inpatient clinical improvement. These data support the need to maximize utilization of thrombectomy along with need to devote increased resources on modifiable stroke risk factors.

DOI10.1159/000504834
Alternate JournalCerebrovasc. Dis.
PubMed ID31851968
PubMed Central IDPMC6960339
Grant ListUL1 TR001998 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States