Early ficolin-1 is a sensitive prognostic marker for functional outcome in ischemic stroke.

Background: Several lines of evidence support the involvement of the lectin pathway of complement (LP) in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke. The aim of this multicenter observational study was to assess the prognostic value of different circulating LP initiators in acute stroke.

Methods: Plasma levels of the LP initiators ficolin-1, -2, and -3 and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) were measured in 80 stroke patients at 6 h only and in 85 patients at 48 h and later.

A bioclinical pattern for the early diagnosis of cardioembolic stroke.

Background and Scope. Early etiologic diagnosis of ischemic stroke subtype guides acute management and treatment. We aim to evaluate if plasma biomarkers can predict stroke subtypes in the early phase from stroke onset.

A spontaneous decrease of blood pressure occurs in acute ischemic stroke with favourable neurological course.

Background: In the acute phase of ischemic stroke the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and clinical outcome remains not clear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of stroke severity and BP measurements in the acute phase of stroke, and whether early variation of neurological status affects BP profiles.

Methods: BP on admission was obtained with mercurial sphygmomanometer and 24h-ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) was performed on days 1(st) and 6(th).

Effect of intravenous tirofiban and aspirin in reducing short-term and long-term neurologic deficit in patients with ischemic stroke: a double-blind randomized trial.

Background: Thrombolysis with rt-PA is the only approved pharmacological therapy for acute ischemic stroke presently administrable in a 3-hour window (very recently extended to 4.5 h). After this time, the choice is limited to endovascular treatment and antiplatelet drugs, mainly aspirin (ASA), the efficacy of which in the acute phase of stroke has poorly been evaluated.

Factors influencing delay in presentation for acute stroke in an emergency department in Milan, Italy.

Background And Aims: Early treatment is critical for successful intervention in acute stroke. The aim of this study was to describe delays in presentation to hospital and in the emergency department (ED) management of patients with acute stroke and to identify factors influencing these delays in an Italian urban hospital.

Methods: The present series includes all patients presenting with acute stroke, in whom arrival delay was ascertainable.