Sex and race-ethnic disparities in door-to-CT time in acute ischemic stroke: The Florida Stroke Registry

Background Less than 40% of acute stroke patients have computed tomography (CT) imaging performed within 25 minutes of hospital arrival. We aimed to examine the race-ethnic and sex differences in door-to-CT (DTCT) ≤25 minutes in the FSR (Florida Stroke Registry). Methods and Results Data were collected from 2010 to 2018 for 63 265 patients with acute ischemic stroke from the FSR and secondary analysis was performed on 15 877 patients with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator-treated ischemic stroke. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine predictors of DTCT ≤25. DTCT ≤25 was achieved in 56% of cases of suspected acute stroke, improving from 36% in 2010 to 72% in 2018. Women (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87-0.93) and Black (OR, 0.88; CI, 0.84-0.94) patients who had strokes were less likely, and Hispanic patients more likely (OR, 1.07; CI, 1.01-1.14), to achieve DTCT ≤25. In a secondary analysis among intravenous tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients, 81% of patients achieved DTCT ≤25. In this subgroup, women were less likely to receive DTCT ≤25 (0.85, 0.77-0.94) whereas no significant differences were observed by race or ethnicity. Conclusions In the FSR, there was considerable improvement in acute stroke care metric DTCT ≤25 in 2018 in comparison to 2010. However, sex and race-ethnic disparities persist and require further efforts to improve performance and reduce these disparities

Repeat knot formation in a patient with an indwelling ureteral stent

A patient treated for nephrolithiasis formed knots in 2 occasions, in 2 separate indwelling ureteral stents. This rare complication may make stent removal difficult. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of repeat knot formation in a single patient

Abstract P119: Hypertension Trends in Florida Stroke Patients. The Florida Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities

Aim: To describe hypertension prevalence (HTN) in a race diverse stroke registry and investigate associated presentation in patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and hemorrhagic stroke in Florida hospitals participating in the Florida Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (CReSD). Background: HTN affects about 30% of U.S. adults and this prevalence doubles among stroke survivors. HTN is a major risk factor for incident stoke and recurrent stroke. Quantifying the prevalence of HTN in stroke survivors is important to guide secondary stroke prevention. Methods: 121,333 stroke cases were analyzed from 69 FL hospitals participating in the AHA Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Program and FL CReSD Stroke Registry. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure >140mmHg. Demographics and CV risk factors were collected at admission. We investigated the differences in HTN prevalence between race groups: white (65%), black (20%) and Hispanic (15%) as well as between age groups: 18-60, 61-80 and >80 years old. Temporal trends of HTN prevalence were also analyzed from 2010 to 2016. Results: In our stroke population, mean age was 70±15 and 60,667 were women (50%). HTN prevalence was 65% (78,553/121,333). Patients with HTN were significantly older (mean age 72±14 vs. 67±16 in non-HTN patients) and presented significantly higher prevalence of other CV risk factors such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia and had more previous stroke/TIAs. Women had greater prevalence of HTN (66% vs. 64% in males) in all age groups. Greater HTN prevalence was in blacks (70%) compared to white (64%) and Hispanics (58%) in all age groups. Interestingly, a significantly higher prevalence of HTN was found in AIS compared to hemorrhagic stroke but a higher SBP was observed in hemorrhagic strokes compared to AIS. Prevalence of HTN decreased of 8% from 2010 to 2016. Largest decline was observed among women (9%) and blacks (13%). Conclusions: In our large Stroke Registry we observed higher prevalence of HTN in women, blacks and AIS. We also observe a decreasing trend over the past 7 years, especially among women and minorities (blacks and Hispanics). These findings provide an opportunity to design and implement interventions to reduce disparities in HTN and improve stroke outcome

Abstract P870: Disparities in Timelines of Hospital Presentation in Patients With Ischemic Stroke: Florida Stroke Registry

Introduction: Characterizing the population of ischemic stroke (IS) patients presenting in the delayed reperfusion window is important to ensure equitable implementation of recently updated acute IS treatment guidelines. Methods: Florida Stroke Registry (FSR) data from Jan 2010 - Jan 2020, provided a complete dataset of 98,372 IS cases presenting within 24 hrs of symptom onset. Generalized linear regression analysis was used to identify differences between delayed IS cases (>4.5 hours) versus those presenting within the early time window (≤ 4.5 hr). Results: A total of 60,311 presented with 4.5 hr (median age 74 (interquartile range (IQR) 62-83), 49% women, 67% white, 15% Black, 18% Hispanic), and 38,061 presented in the delayed window (median age 72 (IQR 61- 82), 49% women, 63% white, 18% Black, 19% Hispanic). As compared to early presenters, delayed window patients were younger (OR 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-1.29); more Black vs. White (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18), have higher NIHSS (OR 1.05, 95% 1.01-1.10), insured (OR 1.18, 95% 1.11-1.25), presenting to an academic hospital (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.09-1.40) in South Florida (OR 1.23, 95% CI (1.08, 1.41)); less likely to arrive by EMS (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.56-0.62) and less likely to receive reperfusion therapies (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.94). In multivariable analysis adjusting for age, race, NIHSS, EMS, reperfusion therapies, hospital academic status and region, delayed window presentation was negatively associated with discharge home (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.76-0.89), and ambulatory status at discharge (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84-0.93). Conclusion: We found significant race, ethnic, socioeconomic and geographical disparities amongst those presenting in the delayed vs early reperfusion time windows with consequential effects on patient outcomes. Stroke education to younger minorities and adaptation of regional stroke systems of care are urgently needed

Abstract WP26: Covid Pandemic Versus Pre-pandemic Care Of Stroke Patients Within The Florida Stroke Registry

Background: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all aspects of stroke care delivery and resource allocation. We sought to study this effect utilizing the Florida Stroke Registry (FSR), which collects data from hospitals in large metropolitan cities and small communities, each facing pandemic peaks at different timepoints and within various healthcare system organizations. Methods: From March 2019 to March 2021, the FSR identified 82,899 patients with the final diagnosis of ischemic stroke and TIA. Stroke care metrics were compared in patients enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to February 2021) to those enrolled in the immediate pre-pandemic year. These metrics included utilization of intravenous thrombolytic (IVT), Endovascular therapy (EVT), Door-To-Needle time (DTN), Door-To-Puncture time (DTP), Door-To-Computed Tomography time (DTCT) and overall Defect-Free Care (DFC). Results: Pre-pandemic patients (n= 41,929, 49.0% female, mean age 70.1 ± 14.6 years, 64.3% white, 20.4% black, 15.3% Hispanic) had similar demographics to pandemic patients (48.8% female, mean age 69.9 ± 14.4 years, 65.4% white, 19.9% black, 14.7% Hispanic). Pandemic stroke patients had more severe presentations (median NIHSS 3 [IQR 8] vs 3 [7], p < .0001), longer onset-to-arrival time (242 [677] vs 229 [654] minutes, p = 0.002), and were more likely to arrive via emergency medical services (62.3% vs. 60.8%, p < .0001) than pre-pandemic stroke patients. Although both groups received IVT equally (13.4% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.67), pandemic stroke patients were more likely to receive EVT (7.0% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.005) and had longer DTP (84 [60] vs. 81 [64] minutes, p = 0.01), shorter DTCT (22 [52] vs 23 [56] minutes, p = 0.01) and similar DTN (36 [22] vs. 37 [22] minutes, p = 0.05) times, with an increased DFC rate of 2.2% (86.6% vs. 84.4%, p < .0001). Conclusions: In this large registry based study, we found that compared to pre-pandemic care, ischemic stroke patients treated during the COVID19 pandemic presented sicker and later to the hospital and were more likely to receive EVT, but had longer door-to-puncture times. Despite many healthcare delivery challenges imposed by COVID19, Florida hospitals within the FSR maintained high quality of stroke care overall

Preexisting Depression and Ambulatory Status After Stroke: Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities

Stroke is a global public health burden, and therefore it is critical to identify modifiable risk factors to reduce stroke incidence and improve outcomes. Depression is such a risk factor; however, the association between preexisting depression and stroke outcomes, such as independent ambulation, is not well studied, especially among racial-ethnic minority groups. To address this gap in the literature, effects of preexisting depression on ambulatory status at hospital discharge after stroke were evaluated among individuals participating in the racially and ethnically diverse Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities project. Data were analyzed from a total of 42,031 ischemic stroke patients, who were independently ambulatory prior to their stroke, after discharge from 84 hospitals between 2014 and 2017. Preexisting depression was confirmed by medical history or antidepressant medication use. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of preexisting depression with independent ambulation at hospital discharge. Effects of sex and race-ethnicity on this association were examined. Of 42,031 participants (mean±SD age=70.4±14.2 years; 48% were female; race-ethnicity: 16% Black, 12% Hispanic living in Florida, and 7% Hispanic living in Puerto Rico), 6,379 (15%) had preexisting depression. Compared with participants without depression, those with preexisting depression were older, were more likely to be female and non-Hispanic White, and had a greater burden of vascular risk factors or comorbid conditions. Independent ambulation at hospital discharge was less frequent among women, Black participants, and individuals with vascular risk factors or comorbid conditions. In multivariate models, preexisting depression decreased the likelihood of independent ambulation at discharge (odds ratio=0.88, 95% CI=0.81, 0.97). No interactions were found between preexisting depression and race-ethnicity or sex. Preexisting depression was independently associated with dependent ambulation at hospital discharge after stroke, regardless of sex and race-ethnicity. Treating depression may contribute to primary stroke prevention and could improve ambulatory status at discharge

Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment Mediates Mortality in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage With Impaired Consciousness

Impaired level of consciousness (LOC) on presentation at hospital admission in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may affect outcomes and the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment (WOLST). Patients with ICH were included across 121 Florida hospitals participating in the Florida Stroke Registry from 2010 to 2019. We studied the effect of LOC on presentation on in-hospital mortality (primary outcome), WOLST, ambulation status on discharge, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition. Among 37 613 cases with ICH (mean age 71, 46% women, 61% White, 20% Black, 15% Hispanic), 12 272 (33%) had impaired LOC at onset. Compared with cases with preserved LOC, patients with impaired LOC were older (72 versus 70 years), more women (49% versus 45%), more likely to have aphasia (38% versus 16%), had greater ICH score (3 versus 1), greater risk of WOLST (41% versus 18%), and had an increased in-hospital mortality (32% versus 12%). In the multivariable-logistic regression with generalized estimating equations accounting for basic demographics, comorbidities, ICH severity, hospital size and teaching status, impaired LOC was associated with greater mortality (odds ratio, 3.7 [95% CI, 3.1-4.3], <0.0001) and less likely discharged home or to rehab (odds ratio, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.3-0.4], <0.0001). WOLST significantly mediated the effect of impaired LOC on mortality (mediation effect, 190 [95% CI, 152-229], <0.0001). Early WOLST (<2 days) occurred among 51% of patients. A reduction in early WOLST was observed in patients with impaired LOC after the 2015 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association ICH guidelines recommending aggressive treatment and against early do-not-resuscitate. In this large multicenter stroke registry, a third of ICH cases presented with impaired LOC. Impaired LOC was associated with greater in-hospital mortality and worse disposition at discharge, largely influenced by early decision to withhold or WOLST

Association of Acute Alteration of Consciousness in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Outcomes and Early Withdrawal of Care

Early consciousness disorder (ECD) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is understudied. ECD may influence outcomes and the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment. We studied patients with AIS from 2010 to 2019 across 122 hospitals participating in the Florida Stroke Registry. We studied the effect of ECD on in-hospital mortality, withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST), ambulation status on discharge, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition. Of 238,989 patients with AIS, 32,861 (14%) had ECD at stroke presentation. Overall, average age was 72 years (Q1 61, Q3 82), 49% were women, 63% were White, 18% were Black, and 14% were Hispanic. Compared to patients without ECD, patients with ECD were older (77 vs 72 years), were more often female (54% vs 48%), had more comorbidities, had greater stroke severity as assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (score ≥5 49% vs 27%), had higher WLST rates (21% vs 6%), and had greater in-hospital mortality (9% vs 3%). Using adjusted models accounting for basic characteristics, patients with ECD had greater in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.23, 95% CI 1.98-2.51), had longer hospitalization (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.33-1.44), were less likely to be discharged home or to rehabilitation (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.52-0.57), and were less likely to ambulate independently (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.57-0.64). WLST significantly mediated the effect of ECD on mortality (mediation effect 265; 95% CI 217-314). In temporal trend analysis, we found a significant decrease in early WLST (<2 days) (R 0.7, = 0.002) and an increase in late WLST (≥2 days) (R 0.7, = 0.004). In this large prospective multicenter stroke registry, patients with AIS presenting with ECD had greater mortality and worse discharge outcomes. Mortality was largely influenced by the WLST decision