Factors and Behaviors Related to Successful Transition of Care After Hospitalization for Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND: Our objective is to describe adoption of the posthospitalization behaviors associated with successful transition of care and related baseline characteristics. METHODS: This study includes 550 participants in the Transition of Care Stroke Disparities Study, a prospective observational cohort derived from the Florida Stroke Registry. Participants had an ischemic stroke (2018-2021), discharged home or to rehabilitation, with modified Rankin Scale score=0-3 (44% women, 24% Black, 48% White, 26% Hispanic, 35% foreign-born). We collected baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. A structured telephone interview at 30-day postdischarge evaluated outcomes including medication adherence, medical appointment attendance, outpatient therapy, exercise, diet modification, toxic habit cessation, and a calculated composite adequate transition of care measure. Multivariable analyses assessed the association of baseline characteristics with 30-day behaviors. RESULTS: At 30 days, medication adherence was achieved by 89%, medical appointments by 82%, outpatient therapy by 76%, exercise by 71%, diet modification by 68%, toxic habit cessation by 35%, and adequate transition of care measure by 67%. Successful adequate transition of care participants were more likely to be used full-time (42% versus 31%, CONCLUSIONS: One in 3 patients did not attain adequate 30-day transition of care behaviors. Their achievement varied substantially among different measures and was influenced by multiple socioeconomic and clinical factors. Interventions aimed at facilitating transition of care from hospital after stroke are needed. REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; Unique identifier: NCT03452813

Ten-Year Review of Antihypertensive Prescribing Practices After Stroke and the Associated Disparities From the Florida Stroke Registry

BACKGROUND: Guideline-based hypertension management is integral to the prevention of stroke. We examine trends in antihypertensive medications prescribed after stroke and assess how well a prescriber\u27s blood pressure (BP) medication choice adheres to clinical practice guidelines (BP-guideline adherence). METHODS AND RESULTS: The FSR (Florida Stroke Registry) uses statewide data prospectively collected for all acute stroke admissions. Based on established guidelines, we defined optimal BP-guideline adherence using the following hierarchy of rules: (1) use of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker as first-line antihypertensive among diabetics; (2) use of thiazide-type diuretics or calcium channel blockers among Black patients; (3) use of beta blockers among patients with compelling cardiac indication; (4) use of thiazide, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, or calcium channel blocker class as first line in all others; (5) beta blockers should be avoided as first line unless there is a compelling cardiac indication. A total of 372 254 cases from January 2010 to March 2020 are in the FSR with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or subarachnoid hemorrhage; 265 409 with complete data were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 70±14 years; 50% were women; and index stroke subtypes were 74% acute ischemic stroke, 11% intracerebral hemorrhage, 11% transient ischemic attack, and 4% subarachnoid hemorrhage. BP-guideline adherence to each specific rule ranged from 48% to 74%, which is below quality standards of 80%, and was lower among Black patients (odds ratio, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.7-0.83]; CONCLUSIONS: This large data set demonstrates consistently low rates of BP-guideline adherence over 10 years. There is an opportunity for monitoring hypertensive management after stroke

Impact of Time to Treatment on Endovascular Thrombectomy Outcomes in the Early Versus Late Treatment Time Windows

BACKGROUND: The impact of time to treatment on outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) especially in patients presenting after 6 hours from symptom onset is not well characterized. We studied the differences in characteristics and treatment timelines of EVT-treated patients participating in the Florida Stroke Registry and aimed to characterize the extent to which time impacts EVT outcomes in the early and late time windows. METHODS: Prospectively collected data from Get With the Guidelines-Stroke hospitals participating in the Florida Stroke Registry from January 2010 to April 2020 were reviewed. Participants were EVT patients with onset-to-puncture time (OTP) of ≤24 hours and categorized into early window treated (OTP ≤6 hours) and late window treated (OTP \u3e6 and ≤24 hours). Association between OTP and favorable discharge outcomes (independent ambulation, discharge home and to acute rehabilitation facility) as well as symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and in-hospital mortality were examined using multilevel-multivariable analysis with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Among 8002 EVT patients (50.9% women; median age [±SD], 71.5 [±14.5] years; 61.7% White, 17.5% Black, and 21% Hispanic), 34.2% were treated in the late time window. Among all EVT patients, 32.4% were discharged home, 23.5% to rehabilitation facility, 33.7% ambulated independently at discharge, 5.1% had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and 9.2% died. As compared with the early window, treatment in the late window was associated with lower odds of independent ambulation (odds ratio [OR], 0.78 [0.67-0.90]) and discharge home (OR, 0.71 [0.63-0.80]). For every 60-minute increase in OTP, the odds of independent ambulation reduced by 8% (OR, 0.92 [0.87-0.97]; CONCLUSIONS: In routine practice, just over one-third of EVT-treated patients independently ambulate at discharge and only half are discharged to home/rehabilitation facility. Increased time from symptom onset to treatment is significantly associated with lower chance of independent ambulation and ability to be discharged home after EVT in the early time window

Prevalence of Vertebral Artery Origin Stenosis in a Multirace-Ethnic Posterior Circulation Stroke Cohort: Miami Stroke Registry (MIAMISR)

Vertebral artery origin stenosis is an important etiology for stroke in the posterior circulation. Data from the Oxford Vascular Study and New England Registry show a prevalence of vertebral artery origin disease of 26-32%. These populations are largely comprised of Caucasians. The prevalence of vertebral artery origin disease in multirace-ethnic stroke population is unknown. The study aims to assess the prevalence of vertebral artery origin stenosis in a multirace population with posterior circulation stroke. The Miami Stroke Registry is a prospective registry which offers enrollment to consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke/transient ischemic attack. Baseline demographics, vascular risk factors, and stroke topography in the posterior circulation were analyzed. All vascular imaging studies were reviewed for the presence of vertebral artery origin stenosis, and stroke etiology was adjudicated by TOAST classification. Mean age of the population was 63 ± 13 years; 149 (70%) were men. Among cases, 123 were Hispanic (58%), almost one third 70 (32%) were of African descent, and 15 (7%) were white. The most common stroke etiology was small vessel occlusion (27%), followed by large artery intracranial disease 25% (posterior cerebral arteries, basilar and vertebral arteries), cardioembolic 19%, and cryptogenic 16%. Vertebral artery origin stenosis/occlusion was present in 28 (13.1%) patients, of whom only 2 (0.9%) were bilateral; it was attributed as the direct cause of stroke in 11 (5.2%) patients. We found a lower prevalence of vertebral artery origin stenosis in a predominately non-white population with posterior circulation stroke than previously reported. Vertebral artery origin stenosis was a direct cause of posterior circulation stroke in only 5.2% of patients

Leading with inclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic: Stronger together

Inclusion is the deliberate practice of ensuring that each individual is heard, all personal traits are respected, and all can make meaningful contributions to achieve their full potential. As coronavirus disease 2019 spreads globally and across the United States, we have viewed this pandemic through the lens of equity and inclusion. Here, we discuss how this pandemic has magnified preexisting health and social disparities and will summarize why inclusion is an essential tool to traverse this uncertain terrain and discuss strategies that can be implemented at organizational and individual levels to improve inclusion and address inequities moving forward

Abstract TP49: State of the Florida Stroke Coordinator: Hospital Inventory Survey Insights

Abstract only Background: Stroke coordinators (SC’s) are essential leaders of certified stroke centers which facilitate evidence-based stroke care, improving patient outcomes. Although this role has existed since the 1970’s, significant variability of responsibilities and staffing exists. Evidence based recommendations for SC staffing are scarce. Purpose: Utilizing the 2023 Florida Stroke Registry Hospital Inventory Survey (HIS), we describe current SC roles, responsibilities, and challenges in Florida. Methods: The Florida Stroke Registry (FSR), with state funding, tracks and measures Florida’s stroke center performance. FSR recently deployed the FSR HIS, a ten-part questionnaire examining various aspects of stroke program infrastructure. The survey was disseminated to 171 sites with 38 responses in the first wave. This is preliminary data from an HIS section focusing on SC staffing, workload, resources, and perceived challenges. Results: Responding sites all report a designated SC. Figure 1 describes SC’s Status (full vs. part-time), onboarding, and resources. Of note, only 35% of SC’s manage stroke full-time at a single site, SC turnover rate is high with 63% in the role <4 yrs. Stroke coordinators abstract for multiple databases, even with data abstractor support. In free-text responses, 58% (19/33) of SC’s cited lack of time and/or corporate structure for adequate program management as the biggest challenges in their role. Discussion: The preliminary study highlights significant challenges with high SC turnover, heavy workloads, and insufficient support. Stroke programs lack clear recommendations from certifying bodies for program personnel based on program volume. Future directions of FSR HIS include conducting additional dissemination waves, and an analysis of optimal stroke program staffing by cross-referencing certification level, patient volume and SC resources

Abstract 96: Temporal Trends in Vascular Risk Factor Burden Among Young Adults With Ischemic Stroke: The Florida Stroke Registry

Abstract only Introduction: While ischemic stroke (IS) in the young (18-55) is thought to have different etiologies than in older patients, a rise in vascular risk factors (VRFs) among young adults may translate to an IS risk profile similar to the older population. We aimed to examine the prevalence of VRFs and temporal trends in VRF burden among young patients presenting with IS. Methods: Data was prospectively collected by Get With the Guidelines-Stroke® hospitals participating in the Florida Stroke Registry between January 2010 and December 2022. Patients aged 18-55 with a diagnosis of IS were included and separated into two age groups: 18-35 and 36-55. VRFs included hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Multimorbidity was defined as having ≥4 VRFs. Results: 47,792 patients with IS were included (43% female, median age 49, 51% white), comprising 4,275 patients aged 18-35 (8.9%) and 43,517 aged 36-55 (91.1%). The prevalence of each VRF was higher among patients aged 36-55 vs 18-35 (all p values <0.001), and only 15.3% of patients aged 36-55 and 40.0% of patients aged 18-35 had 0 VRFs. African American patients with IS had a significantly higher prevalence of multimorbidity than white or non-white Hispanic patients; specifically in those aged 18-35 (6.1% vs 3.5% vs 3.5%, p <0.001), while those aged 36-55 demonstrated a smaller difference (17.6% vs 17.2% vs 15.4% p <0.001).VRF burden worsened across the study period, with an increase in multimorbidity from 11.2% to 21.7% in patients 36-55 (p<0.0001) and from 1.3% to 6.6% in patients 18-35 (p= 0.0006). Conclusions: Increasingly, young stroke patients have traditional VRFs. The prevalence of multimorbidity disproportionately affects African American patients and has significantly increased over the past 12 years. Efforts targeting VRFs reduction must start as early as possible in light of the rise in VRF burden amongst young IS patients

Endovascular Treatment and Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Premorbid Disability or Dementia: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Patients with premorbid disability or dementia have generally been excluded from randomized controlled trials of reperfusion therapies such as thrombolysis and endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Consequently, stroke physicians face treatment dilemmas in caring for such patients. In this scientific statement, we review the literature on acute ischemic stroke in patients with premorbid disability or dementia and propose principles to guide clinicians, clinician-scientists, and policymakers on the use of acute stroke therapies in these populations. Recent clinical-epidemiological studies have demonstrated challenges in our concept and measurement of premorbid disability or dementia while highlighting the significant proportion of the general stroke population that falls under this umbrella, risking exclusion from therapies. Such studies have also helped clarify the adverse long-term clinical and health economic consequences with each increment of additional poststroke disability in these patients, underscoring the importance of finding strategies to mitigate such additional disability. Several observational studies, both case series and registry-based studies, have helped demonstrate the comparable safety of endovascular therapy in patients with premorbid disability or dementia and in those without, complementing similar data on thrombolysis. These data also suggest that such patients have a substantial potential to retain their prestroke level of disability when treated, despite their generally worse prognosis overall, although this remains to be validated in higher-quality registries and clinical trials. By pairing pragmatic and transparent decision-making in clinical practice with an active pursuit of high-quality research, we can work toward a more inclusive paradigm of patient-centered care for this often-neglected patient population

Factors and Behaviors Related to Successful Transition of Care After Hospitalization for Ischemic Stroke

Our objective is to describe adoption of the posthospitalization behaviors associated with successful transition of care and related baseline characteristics. This study includes 550 participants in the Transition of Care Stroke Disparities Study, a prospective observational cohort derived from the Florida Stroke Registry. Participants had an ischemic stroke (2018-2021), discharged home or to rehabilitation, with modified Rankin Scale score=0-3 (44% women, 24% Black, 48% White, 26% Hispanic, 35% foreign-born). We collected baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. A structured telephone interview at 30-day postdischarge evaluated outcomes including medication adherence, medical appointment attendance, outpatient therapy, exercise, diet modification, toxic habit cessation, and a calculated composite adequate transition of care measure. Multivariable analyses assessed the association of baseline characteristics with 30-day behaviors. At 30 days, medication adherence was achieved by 89%, medical appointments by 82%, outpatient therapy by 76%, exercise by 71%, diet modification by 68%, toxic habit cessation by 35%, and adequate transition of care measure by 67%. Successful adequate transition of care participants were more likely to be used full-time (42% versus 31%, =0.02), live with a spouse (60% versus 47%, =0.01), feel close to ≥3 individuals (84% versus 71%, <0.01), have history of dyslipidemia (45 versus 34%, =0.02), have thrombectomy (15% versus 8%, =0.02), but less likely to have a history of smoking (17% versus 32%, <0.001), coronary artery disease (14% versus 21%, =0.04), and heart failure (3% versus 11%, <0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that multiple socio-economic factors and prestroke comorbid diseases predicted fulfillment of transition of care measures. There was no difference in outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-2021) compared with prepandemic years (2018-2019). One in 3 patients did not attain adequate 30-day transition of care behaviors. Their achievement varied substantially among different measures and was influenced by multiple socioeconomic and clinical factors. Interventions aimed at facilitating transition of care from hospital after stroke are needed. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; Unique identifier: NCT03452813

Toward a Better Understanding of Sex- and Gender-Related Differences in Endovascular Stroke Treatment: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

There are many unknowns when it comes to the role of sex in the pathophysiology and management of acute ischemic stroke. This is particularly true for endovascular treatment (EVT). It has only recently been established as standard of care; therefore, data are even more scarce and conflicting compared with other areas of acute stroke. Assessing the role of sex and gender as isolated variables is challenging because they are closely intertwined with each other, as well as with patients' cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds. Nevertheless, a better understanding of sex- and gender-related differences in EVT is important to develop strategies that can ultimately improve individualized outcome for both men and women. Disregarding patient sex and gender and pursuing a one-size-fits-all strategy may lead to suboptimal or even harmful treatment practices. This scientific statement is meant to outline knowledge gaps and unmet needs for future research on the role of sex and gender in EVT for acute ischemic stroke. It also provides a pragmatic road map for researchers who aim to investigate sex- and gender-related differences in EVT and for clinicians who wish to improve clinical care of their patients undergoing EVT by accounting for sex- and gender-specific factors. Although most EVT studies, including those that form the basis of this scientific statement, report patient sex rather than gender, open questions on gender-specific EVT differences are also discussed