Dyslipidemias and stroke prevention: recommendations of the Study Group of Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Spanish Society of Neurology

Objetivo: Actualizar las recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Neurología para la prevención del ictus, tanto primaria como secundaria, en pacientes con dislipidemia. Desarrollo: Se ha realizado una revisión sistemática en Pubmed evaluando los principales aspectos relacionados con el manejo de las dislipidemias en la prevención primaria y secundaria del ictus, elaborándose una serie de recomendaciones relacionadas con los mismos. Conclusiones: En prevención primaria se recomienda determinar el riesgo vascular del paciente con el fin de definir los objetivos de LDLc. En prevención secundaria tras un ictus de origen aterotrombótico se recomienda un objetivo de LDLc < 55 mg/dl, mientras que en ictus isquémicos de origen no aterotrombótico, dado que su relación con dislipidemias es incierta, se establecerán los objetivos en función del grupo de riesgo vascular de cada paciente. Tanto en prevención primaria como secundaria las estatinas son los fármacos de primera elección, pudiendo asociarse ezetimiba y/o inhibidores de PCSK9 en aquellos casos que no alcancen los objetivos terapéuticosObjective We present an update of the Spanish Society of Neurology's recommendations for prevention of both primary and secondary stroke in patients with dyslipidaemia. Development We performed a systematic review to evaluate the main aspects of the management of dyslipidaemias in primary and secondary stroke prevention and establish a series of recommendations. Conclusions In primary prevention, the patient's vascular risk should be determined in order to define target values for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In secondary prevention after an atherothrombotic stroke, a target value < 55 mg/dL is recommended; in non-atherothombotic ischaemic strokes, given the unclear relationship with dyslipidaemia, target value should be established according to the vascular risk group of each patient. In both primary and secondary prevention, statins are the drugs of first choice, and ezetimibe and/or PCSK9 inhibitors may be added in patients not achieving the target valu

Systematic Review of Medicine-Related Problems in Adult Patients with Atrial Fibrillation on Direct Oral Anticoagulants

New oral anticoagulant agents continue to emerge on the market and their safety requires assessment to provide evidence of their suitability for clinical use. There-fore, we searched standard databases to summarize the English language literature on medicine-related problems (MRPs) of direct oral anticoagulants DOACs (dabigtran, rivaroxban, apixban, and edoxban) in the treatment of adults with atri-al fibrillation. Electronic databases including Medline, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstract (IPA), Scopus, CINAHL, the Web of Science and Cochrane were searched from 2008 through 2016 for original articles. Studies pub-lished in English reporting MRPs of DOACs in adult patients with AF were in-cluded. Seventeen studies were identified using standardized protocols, and two reviewers serially abstracted data from each article. Most articles were inconclusive on major safety end points including major bleeding. Data on major safety end points were combined with efficacy. Most studies inconsistently reported adverse drug reactions and not adverse events or medication error, and no definitions were consistent across studies. Some harmful drug effects were not assessed in studies and may have been overlooked. Little evidence is provided on MRPs of DOACs in patients with AF and, therefore, further studies are needed to establish the safety of DOACs in real-life clinical practice

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

¿Se ha producido un cambio en la etiología del ictus isquémico en las últimas décadas? Análisis y comparación de una base de datos de ictus actual frente a las históricas

Resumen: Objetivos: Comprobar si han existido variaciones en la etiología del ictus isquémico en los últimos años e investigar las posibles causas que lo justifiquen. Pacientes y métodos: Análisis de los antecedentes epidemiológicos y factores de riesgo vascular de los pacientes diagnosticados de ictus isquémico en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete (CHUA) entre 2009 y 2014. La clasificación etiológica del ictus isquémico se realizó según los criterios TOAST. Se compararon los resultados con los de la clásica Stroke Data Bank (SDB) y se contrastaron ambas series con otros registros hospitalarios publicados en el periodo que las separa. Resultados: Se analiza a 1.664 pacientes, 58% varones, mediana de edad 74 años. Según la clasificación etiológica los resultados obtenidos son (CHUA/SDB): aterotrombóticos (12%/9%), lacunares (13%/25%), cardioembólicos (32%/19%), causa infrecuente (3%/4%) e indeterminados (40%/44%). El 63% de los pacientes del CHUA era mayor de 70 años, en la SDB solo el 42% superaba esa edad. En ambos registros el subtipo cardioembólico era más prevalente en mayores de 70 años. La HTA no tratada era más frecuente en la SDB (SDB = 31% vs. CHUA = 10%). El análisis de otras bases de datos muestra una tendencia progresiva a escala mundial al aumento en la prevalencia del ictus cardioembólico. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio muestra tanto en nuestro centro como a escala mundial una disminución del porcentaje de ictus lacunares y un aumento del de cardioembólicos respecto a la SDB. Estas diferencias pudieran justificarse por el envejecimiento de los pacientes, el mejor control de la HTA actualmente y mayor capacidad para detectar arritmias cardioembólicas en las Unidades de Ictus. Abstract: Objectives: We aimed to determine whether the aetiology of ischaemic stroke has changed in recent years and, if so, to ascertain the possible reasons for these changes. Patients and methods: We analysed the epidemiological history and vascular risk factors of all patients diagnosed with ischaemic stroke at Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete (CHUA) from 2009 to 2014. Ischaemic stroke subtypes were established using the TOAST criteria. Our results were compared to data from the classic Stroke Data Bank (SDB); in addition, both series were compared to those of other hospital databases covering the period between the two. Results: We analysed 1664 patients (58% were men) with a mean age of 74 years. Stroke aetiology in both series (CHUA, SDB) was as follows: atherosclerosis (12%, 9%), small-vessel occlusion (13%, 25%), cardioembolism (32%, 19%), stroke of other determined aetiology (3%, 4%), and stroke of undetermined aetiology (40%, 44%). Sixty-three percent of the patients from the CHUA and 42% of the patients from the SDB were older than 70 years. Cardioembolic strokes were more prevalent in patients older than 70 years in both series. Untreated hypertension was more frequent in the SDB (SDB  =  31% vs CHUA  =  10%). The analysis of other databases shows that the prevalence of cardioembolic stroke is increasing worldwide. Conclusions: Our data show that the prevalence of lacunar strokes is decreasing worldwide whereas cardioembolic strokes are increasingly more frequent in both our hospital and other series compared to the SDB. These differences may be explained by population ageing and the improvements in management of hypertension and detection of cardioembolic arrhythmias in stroke units. Palabras clave: Base de Datos de Ictus, Etiología del ictus, Subtipos de ictus, TOAST, Factores de riesgo vascular, Fibrilación auricular, Keywords: Stroke Data Bank, Stroke aetiology, Stroke subtypes, TOAST, Vascular risk factors, Atrial fibrillatio

Has the aetiology of ischaemic stroke changed in the past decades? Analysis and comparison of data from current and historical stroke databases

Objectives: We aimed to determine whether the aetiology of ischaemic stroke has changed in recent years and, if so, to ascertain the possible reasons for these changes. Patients and methods: We analysed the epidemiological history and vascular risk factors of all patients diagnosed with ischaemic stroke at Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete (CHUA) from 2009 to 2014. Ischaemic stroke subtypes were established using the TOAST criteria. Our results were compared to data from the classic Stroke Data Bank (SDB); in addition, both series were compared to those of other hospital databases covering the period between the two. Results: We analysed 1664 patients (58% were men) with a mean age of 74 years. Stroke aetiology in both series (CHUA, SDB) was as follows: atherosclerosis (12%, 9%), small-vessel occlusion (13%, 25%), cardioembolism (32%, 19%), stroke of other determined aetiology (3%, 4%), and stroke of undetermined aetiology (40%, 44%). Sixty-three percent of the patients from the CHUA and 42% of the patients from the SDB were older than 70 years. Cardioembolic strokes were more prevalent in patients older than 70 years in both series. Untreated hypertension was more frequent in the SDB (SDB = 31% vs CHUA = 10%). The analysis of other databases shows that the prevalence of cardioembolic stroke is increasing worldwide. Conclusions: Our data show that the prevalence of lacunar strokes is decreasing worldwide whereas cardioembolic strokes are increasingly more frequent in both our hospital and other series compared to the SDB. These differences may be explained by population ageing and the improvements in management of hypertension and detection of cardioembolic arrhythmias in stroke units. Resumen: Objetivos: Comprobar si han existido variaciones en la etiología del ictus isquémico en los últimos años e investigar las posibles causas que lo justifiquen. Pacientes y métodos: Análisis de los antecedentes epidemiológicos y factores de riesgo vascular de los pacientes diagnosticados de ictus isquémico en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete (CHUA) entre 2009 y 2014. La clasificación etiológica del ictus isquémico se realizó según los criterios TOAST. Se compararon los resultados con los de la clásica Stroke Data Bank (SDB) y se contrastaron ambas series con otros registros hospitalarios publicados en el periodo que las separa. Resultados: Se analiza a 1.664 pacientes, 58% varones, mediana de edad 74 años. Según la clasificación etiológica los resultados obtenidos son (CHUA/SDB): aterotrombóticos (12%/9%), lacunares (13%/25%), cardioembólicos (32%/19%), causa infrecuente (3%/4%) e indeterminados (40%/44%). El 63% de los pacientes del CHUA era mayor de 70 años, en la SDB solo el 42% superaba esa edad. En ambos registros el subtipo cardioembólico era más prevalente en mayores de 70 años. La HTA no tratada era más frecuente en la SDB (SDB = 31% vs. CHUA = 10%). El análisis de otras bases de datos muestra una tendencia progresiva a escala mundial al aumento en la prevalencia del ictus cardioembólico. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio muestra tanto en nuestro centro como a escala mundial una disminución del porcentaje de ictus lacunares y un aumento del de cardioembólicos respecto a la SDB. Estas diferencias pudieran justificarse por el envejecimiento de los pacientes, el mejor control de la HTA actualmente y mayor capacidad para detectar arritmias cardioembólicas en las Unidades de Ictus. Keywords: Stroke Data Bank, Stroke aetiology, Stroke subtypes, TOAST, Vascular risk factors, Atrial fibrillation, Palabras clave: Base de Datos de Ictus, Etiología del ictus, Subtipos de ictus, TOAST, Factores de riesgo vascular, Fibrilación auricula

Stroke prevention in patients with arterial hypertension: recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Stroke Study Group

Objective: To update the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology on primary and secondary stroke prevention in patients with arterial hypertension. Development: We proposed several questions to identify practical issues for the management of blood pressure (BP) in stroke prevention, analysing the objectives of blood pressure control, which drugs are most appropriate in primary prevention, when antihypertensive treatment should be started after a stroke, what levels we should aim to achieve, and which drugs are most appropriate in secondary stroke prevention. We conducted a systematic review of the PubMed database and analysed the main clinical trials to address these questions and establish a series of recommendations. Conclusions: In primary stroke prevention, antihypertensive treatment should be started in patients with BP levels > 140/90 mmHg, with a target BP of < 130/80 mmHg. In secondary stroke prevention, we recommend starting antihypertensive treatment after the acute phase (first 24 hours), with a target BP of < 130/80 mmHg. The use of angiotensin-II receptor antagonists or diuretics alone or in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is preferable

Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology for the prevention of stroke. Interventions on lifestyle and air pollution

Objective: to update the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology regarding lifestyle interventions for stroke prevention. Development: We reviewed the most recent studies related to lifestyle and stroke risk, including randomised clinical trials, population studies, and meta-analyses. The risk of stroke associated with such lifestyle habits as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles was analysed, and the potential benefits for stroke prevention of modifying these habits were reviewed. We also reviewed stroke risk associated with exposure to air pollution. Based on the results obtained, we drafted recommendations addressing each of the lifestyle habits analysed. Conclusions: Lifestyle modification constitutes a cornerstone in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke. Abstinence or cessation of smoking, cessation of excessive alcohol consumption, avoidance of exposure to chronic stress, avoidance of overweight or obesity, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil and nuts, and regular exercise are essential measures in reducing the risk of stroke. We also recommend implementing policies to reduce air pollution

Prevención de ictus en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 o prediabetes. Recomendaciones del Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares de la Sociedad Española de Neurología.

To update the Spanish Society of Neurology's guidelines for stroke prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, analysing the available evidence on the effect of metabolic control and the potential benefit of antidiabetic drugs with known vascular benefits in addition to conventional antidiabetic treatments in stroke prevention. PICO-type questions (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) were developed to identify practical issues in the management of stroke patients and to establish specific recommendations for each of them. Subsequently, we conducted systematic reviews of the PubMed database and selected those randomised clinical trials evaluating stroke as an independent variable (primary or secondary). Finally, for each of the PICO questions we developed a meta-analysis to support the final recommendations. While there is no evidence that metabolic control reduces the risk of stroke, some families of antidiabetic drugs with vascular benefits have been shown to reduce these effects when added to conventional treatments, both in the field of primary prevention in patients presenting type 2 diabetes and high vascular risk or established atherosclerosis (GLP-1 agonists) and in secondary stroke prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (pioglitazone)

Dislipidemias y prevención del ictus: recomendaciones del Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares de la Sociedad Española de Neurología.

We present an update of the Spanish Society of Neurology's recommendations for prevention of both primary and secondary stroke in patients with dyslipidaemia. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the main aspects of the management of dyslipidaemias in primary and secondary stroke prevention and establish a series of recommendations. In primary prevention, the patient's vascular risk should be determined in order to define target values for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In secondary prevention after an atherothrombotic stroke, a target valu