Intra-individual reproducibility of early and late C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in patients with non-severe ischaemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis.

Introduction: Acute and late inflammatory markers including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are associated with future vascular events after stroke. However, few longitudinal studies exist examining the intra-individual reproducibility of inflammatory biomarker measures at different time-points after atherosclerotic stroke. We sought to examine the reproducibility of hsCRP and IL-6 in a cohort of patients with minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) caused by ipsilateral carotid atherosclerosis.

Anticoagulation Usage and Thrombolytic Therapy in Subjects with Atrial Fibrillation Associated Ischaemic Stroke.

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) causes up to 20% of ischaemic strokes and 30% in some populations such as those over 80 years. Previous research in our population showed that widespread adoption of Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) prophylaxis had not been associated with a reduction in AF associated stroke prevalence but there was a considerable rate of breakthrough stroke in patients receiving anticoagulation and anticoagulation rate may be affected by increasing use of DOACs.

Aims: We undertook a more detailed study using the Irish National Audit of Stroke (INAS) to determine the characteristics of anticoagulation practice in AF associated stroke, particularly breakthrough stroke, adherence to prescribing guidelines and effect on thrombolysis rate.

Dose-Dependent Association of Inflammatory Cytokines with Carotid Atherosclerosis in Transient Ischaemic Attack: Implications for Clinical Trials.

Introduction: The 5-year recurrence risk after ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is 25-30%. Although inflammation may be a target for prevention trials, the contribution of plaque inflammation to acute cerebrovascular events remains unclear. We investigated the association of acute inflammatory cytokines and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) with recently symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in a prospective cohort study.

The association between increasing oral anticoagulant prescribing and atrial fibrillation related stroke in Ireland.

Aims: Recent increases in the number of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) prescribed oral anticoagulants (OAC) are evident in Ireland and internationally, largely due to the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This study aimed to determine the rate of stroke in the context of increasing anticoagulation utilisation, with a focus on AF-related ischaemic stroke (IS).

Methods: Dispensing data for OACs were identified for the period 2010-2018 as well as hospital discharges for IS (2005-2018).

Early repatriation post-thrombectomy: a model of care which maximises the capacity of a stroke network to treat patients with large vessel ischaemic stroke.

Background And Purpose: Healthcare systems are challenged to provide access to thrombectomy in acute stroke patients. Either the "drip and ship" or "mothership" models result in increased numbers of patients in the endovascular stroke centre (ESC). We describe our approach for a "drip, ship, retrieve and leave" model repatriating patients immediately or within 24 hours of thrombectomy.

Investigating post-stroke fatigue: An individual participant data meta-analysis.

Objective: The prevalence of post-stroke fatigue differs widely across studies, and reasons for such divergence are unclear. We aimed to collate individual data on post-stroke fatigue from multiple studies to facilitate high-powered meta-analysis, thus increasing our understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Methods: We conducted an Individual Participant Data (IPD) meta-analysis on post-stroke fatigue and its associated factors.

Outcomes among older people in a post-acute inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Purpose: Designated multidisciplinary rehabilitation units have been shown to provide several benefits for the frail older population. The aim of this research was to evaluate changes in strength, mobility, balance, endurance, frailty and quality of life (QoL) following a 6-week multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation programme.

Method: This was a prospective, observational study performed in a post-acute multidisciplinary geriatric inpatient rehabilitation service.