Browsing by Author "Almeida, Juan"
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Item Diffusion-weighted imaging determinants for acute ischemic stroke diagnosis in the emergency room(2018) Brunser, Alejandro M.; Cavada, Gabriel; Muñoz Venturelli, Paula; Olavarría, Verónica; Rojo, Alexis; Almeida, Juan; Díaz, Violeta; Hoppe, Arnold; Lavados, PabloPurpose The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical-radiological determinants of diffusion-weighted image (DWI) abnormalities in patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) seen at the emergency room (ER). Methods During the study period, 882 consecutive patients were screened at Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Chile; 786 had AIS and 711 (90.4%) were included. Results DWI demonstrated 87.3% sensitivity and 99.0% specificity, with a positive likelihood ratio of 79 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.13 for the detection of AIS. In the univariate analysis, a positive DWI in AIS was associated with admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.1%), time from symptom onset to DWI (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05), presence of a relevant intracranial artery occlusion (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.75–5.76), posterior circulation ischemia (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28–0.7), brainstem location of the AIS (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.093–0.27), infratentorial location of AIS (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28–0.70), and lacunar (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11–0.68) or undetermined stroke etiology (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.3–0.31). In multivariate analysis, only admission NIHSS score (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.13), time from symptom onset to DWI (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.13), brainstem location (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.051–0.37), and lacunar (OR: 0.4, 95% CI 0.21–0.78) or undetermined etiology (OR: 0.4, 95% CI 0.22–0.78) remained independently associated. Conclusion DWI detects AIS accurately; the positivity of these evaluations in the ER is associated only with NIHSS on admission, time to DWI, brainstem location, and AIS etiology.Item Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Severity and Mortality in the South-East of Santiago, Chile(2021) Silva Pozo, Andrés; Vallejos, José; Almeida, Juan; Martoni, Mariano; Uribe-San Martin, Reinaldo; Miranda, María; Díaz, Pablo; García, Dominga; Navia, VíctorBackground and purpose; Chile has been one of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 pandemic, with one of the highest case rates per population. This has affected the epidemiological behaviour of various pathologies. We analyze the impact of the pandemic on the number of admissions due to stroke, its severity and mortality in Santiago, Chile. Methods: a multicenter observational study based on the records of the 3 hospitals of the South East health service in Santiago, Chile. We recorded the number of patients admitted for ischemic stroke between 01 January 2020 and 30 June 2020. We grouped the cases into two periods, pre-pandemic and pandemic, according to the setting of the state of emergency in Chile. Results: 431 patients were admitted with ischemic stroke during the study period. There was a non-significant decrease in weekly admissions (17 vs 15 patients per week). No differences were observed in the proportion of patients with medical treatment (p = 0.810), IVT (p = 0.638), EVT (p = 0.503) or IVT + EVT (p = 0.501). There was a statistically significant increase in the NIHSS on admission (7.23 vs 8.78, p = 0.009) and mortality (5.2% vs 12.4%, p = 0.012). In a multivariate analysis the NIHSS on admission was associated with the increased mortality (RR 1.11, CI 1.04-1.19, p = 0.003). Conclusion: We found an increase in the severity of ischemic stroke on admission and in-hospital mortality during the pandemic period. The main factor to increase in-hospital mortality was the NIHSS on admissionItem Incidence, risk factors, prognosis, and health-related quality of life after stroke in a low-resource community in Chile (ÑANDU): a prospective population-based study(2021) Lavados, Pablo; Hoffmeister, Lorena; Moraga, Ana M.; Vejar, Angélica; Vidal, Carolina; Gajardo, Constanza; Portales, María Bernardita; San Martín, Daniela; López, Eduardo; Rojo, Alexis; Olavarría, Verónica V.; Almeida, Juan; Brunser, Alejandro M.; Muñoz Venturelli, Paula; Hoppe, Arnold; Díaz, Violeta; Sacks, ClaudioBackground Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The best estimates of local, national, and global burden of stroke are derived from prospective population-based studies. We aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors, long-term prognosis, care, and quality of life after stroke in the Ñuble region of Chile. Methods We did a prospective community-based study with use of multiple overlapping sources of hospitalised, ambulatory, and deceased cases. Standardised diagnostic criteria were used to identify and follow up all cases occurring in the resident population of the Ñuble region, Chile (in a low-income rural-urban population including predominantly people of Indigenous-European heritage), for 1 year. Participants were included if they had a clinical diagnosis of stroke confirmed according to the study criteria. All cases were adjudicated by vascular neurologists. Incidence rates of first-ever stroke were calculated from the population of Ñuble according to the 2017 national census. Findings From April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016, we ascertained 1103 stroke cases, of which 890 (80·7%) were first-ever incident cases. The mean age of patients with first-ever stroke was 70·3 years (SD 14·1) and 443 (49·8%) were women. A CT scan was obtained in 801 (90%) of 890 patients (mean time from symptom onset to scan of 13·4 h (SD 29·8). The incidence of first-ever stroke age-adjusted to the world population was 121·7 (95% CI 113·7–130·1) per 100 000. The age-adjusted incidence rates, per 100000 inhabitants, by main pathological subtypes were as follows: ischaemic stroke (101·5 [95% CI 90·9–113·0]); intracerebral haemorrhage (17·9 [13·5–23·4]), and subarachnoid haemorrhage (4·2 [2·1–7·3]). The 30-day case-fatality rate was 24·6% (21·9–27·6). At 6 months after the stroke, 55·9% (432 of 773) of cases had died or were disabled, which increased to 61·0% (456 of 747) at 12 months. Health-related quality of life in survivors was low at 6 months, improving slightly at 12 months after the stroke. Interpretation The incidence of stroke in this low-resource population was higher than our previous finding in northern Chile and within the mid-range of most population-based stroke studies. This result was due mainly to a higher incidence of ischaemic stroke, probably associated with increasing age and a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in the population studied. Our findings suggest that more should be done for the prevention and care of stroke in communities like the Ñuble population. Funding The National Agency for Research and Development and the Technology-Health Research Fund, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Meyers Squibb, The Herminda Martin Clinical Hospital of Chillán, Universidad Mayor, and Universidad de Concepción.Item Low dosis of alteplase, for ischemic stroke after Enchanted and its determinants, a single center experience(2020) Brunser, Alejandro; Mazzon, Enrico; Cavada, Gabriel; Mansilla, Eloy; Rojo, Alexis; Almeida, Juan; Olavarría, Verónica; Muñoz Venturelli, Paula; Lavados, PabloBackground: Low-dose alteplase (LrtPA) has been shown not to be inferior to the standard-dose (SrtPA) with respect to death/disability. Objective: We aim to evaluate the percentage of patients treated with LrtPA at our center after the ENCHANTED trial and the factors associated with the use of this dosage. Methods: Prospective study in consecutive patients with an acute stroke admitted between June 2016 and November 2018. Results: 160 patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, 50% female; mean age 65.4±18.5 years. Of these, 48 patients (30%) received LrtPA. In univariate analysis, LrtPA was associated with patient’s age (p=0.000), previous modified Rankin scale scores (mRS) (p<0.000), hypertension (p=0.076), diabetes mellitus (p=0.021), hypercholesterolemia (p=0.19), smoking (p=0.06), atrial fibrillation (p=0.10), history of coronary artery disease (p=0.06), previous treatment with antiplatelet agents (p<0.000), admission International Normalized Ratio-INR (p=0.18), platelet count (p=0.045), leukoaraiosis on neuroimaging (p<0.003), contraindications for thrombolytic treatment (p=0.000) and endovascular treatment (p=0.027). Previous relevant bleedings were determinants for treatment with LrtPA. Final diagnosis on discharge of stroke mimic was significant (p=0.02) for treatment with SrtPA. In multivariate analysis, mRS (OR: 2.21; 95%CI 1.37–14.19), previous antiplatelet therapy (OR: 11.41; 95%CI 3.98–32.70), contraindications for thrombolysis (OR: 56.10; 95%CI 8.81–357.80), leukoaraiosis (OR: 4.41; 95%CI 1.37–14.10) and diagnosis of SM (OR: 0.22; 95%CI 0.10–0.40) remained independently associated. Conclusions: Following the ENCHANTED trial, LrtPA was restricted to 30% of our patients. The criteria that clinicians apply are based mostly on clinical variables that may increase the risk of brain or systemic hemorrhage or exclude the patient from treatment with lytic drugs.Item Stroke care and collaborative academic research in Latin America(2022) Muñoz, Paula; González, Francisca; Urrutia, Francisca; Mazzon, Enrico; Navia, Víctor; Brunser, Alejandro; Lavados, Pablo; Olavarría, Verónica; Almeida, Juan; Guerrero, Rodrigo; Rojo, Alexis; Gigoux, Juan; Vallejos, José; Conejan, Nathalie; Esparza, Tomas; Escobar, Arturo; Soto, Álvaro; Pontes, Octavio; Arauz, Antonio; Abanto, Carlos; Carce, Cheryl; Zafra, Jessica; Liu, Hueiming; Song, Lili; Miranda, Jaime; Anderson, CraigObjective: A narrative overview of regional academic research collaborations to address the increasing burden and gaps in care for patients at risk of, and who suffer from, stroke in Latin America (LA). Materials and methods: A summary of experiences and knowledge of the local situation is presented. No systematic literature review was performed. Results: The rapidly increasing burden of stroke poses immense challenges in LA, where prevention and manage-ment strategies are highly uneven and inadequate. Clinical research is increasing through various academic consortia and networks formed to overcome structural, funding and skill barriers. However, strengthening the ability to generate, analyze and interpret randomized evidence is central to further develop effective therapies and healthcare systems in LA. Conclusions: Regional networks foster the conduct of multicenter studies -particularly randomized controlled trials-, even in resource-poor regions. They also contribute to the external validity of international studies and strengthen systems of care, clinical skills, critical thinking, and international knowledge exchange.Publication Stroke symptoms, risk factors awareness and personal decision making in Chile. A national survey(2022) Navia, Víctor; Mazzon, Enrico; Olavarría, Verónica; Almeida, Juan; Brunser, Alejandro; Lavados, Pablo; Hoffmeister, Lorena; Muñoz Venturelli, PaulaBackground: Knowledge about stroke symptoms, correct decision in front of a stroke case and recognition of stroke risk factors are crucial to fight against stroke burden. We aimed to assess the stroke awareness among a sample of the Chilean population. Methods: A closed-ended questions structured survey was applied in November 2019 using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system. Probabilistic sample, random selection and stratification for region was used. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between participants' characteristics and responses. Results: Of 706 participants, only 74.4% (95% CI 70.9-77.5) recognized at least one typical stroke symptom. Most (586, 82.4% 95% CI 75.2-89.7) chose to contact the emergency ambulance or directly go to the emergency department in case of a stroke symptom and recognized at least one risk factor (692, 97.9% CI 96.7-98.8). In multivariable analysis, sociodemographic characteristics associated to a worse recognition of at least one stroke symptom were being men (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.96), being 55 years old or older (OR 0.59 95% CI 0.37-0.93) and from the lowest socioeconomic level (SES) (OR 0.33 95% CI 0.16-0.67). Female sex was associated with lower stroke risk factor knowledge (OR 0.64 95% IC 0.47-0.87). Participants who recognized at least one typical stroke symptom and would promptly seek care at an emergency department differed significantly between SES (p=0.001) and age groups (p=0.035). Conclusions: We found insufficient knowledge about stroke symptoms and best decisions making in the Chilean population. We describe gaps that can be targeted in future stroke awareness campaigns. There is a need to strengthen tailored stroke education particularly for underserved populations.Item Yield of Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Cerebral Ischemic Events: A Single Center Cohort Study(2019) Brunser, Alejandro M.; Ibañez-Arenas, Rodrigo; Larico, Martín; Mansilla, Eloy; Almeida, Juan; Olavarría, Verónica; Muñoz Venturelli, Paula; Rojo, Alexis; Cavada, Gabriel; Lavados, PabloBackground: Echocardiography (ECO) is frequently used as a screening test in patients with acute ischemic brain disease. We aimed to evaluate the additional information and therapeutic impact resulting from ECO in these patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective study performing ECO on consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks, admitted to our centre between February 2013 and May 2017. Results: A total of 696 patients were included (female, 57.3%; mean age, 70 ± 15.3 years). Seven hundred thirty two echocardiographic examinations were performed (696 transthoracic and 36 transesophageal). Echocardiography yielded findings judged of clinical importance in 142 patients (20.4%, 95% CI 17.5-23.5). The most frequent of these were left atrial volume enlargement or a normal evaluation. Echocardiography findings resulted in changes in the management of 76 patients (10.7% 95% CI 8.8-13.4); initiation of anticoagulation therapy, administration of IV antibiotic therapy, cardiac surgeries, or other pharmacological therapies occurring in 42 cases (6%). The presence of coronary heart disease (OR: 2.64 95% CI 1.34-5.25), atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.24; 95% CI, 0.2-0.69), and admission NIHSS (OR: 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09), were the variables associated with changes in management. Conclusions: In unselected patients with acute ischemic stroke ECO had a low yield of additional information, and it changed management in a small percentage of patients.