Refining predictive risk models for stroke in atrial fibrillation: a scoping review and meta-analysis for Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori and Pacific peoples.

Aim: The predictive risk model CHA2DS2 VASc helps clinicians assess the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Originally developed and validated in predominantly European populations, it may not accurately reflect the stroke risk for diverse ethnic groups; in Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori and Pacific peoples with AF are at higher stroke risk. As part of global efforts to address health inequities, there is growing interest in adapting predictive models to suit local- and ethnic-specific risks better.

Ultra-Early Hematoma Expansion Is Associated With Ongoing Hematoma Growth and Poor Functional Outcome.

There is limited data on ultra-early hematoma growth dynamics and its clinical relevance in primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We aimed to estimate the incidence of hematoma expansion (HE) within the hyperacute period of ICH, describe hematoma dynamics over time, investigate the associations between ultra-early HE and clinical outcomes after ICH, and assess the effect of tranexamic acid on ultra-early HE. We performed a planned secondary analysis of the STOP-MSU international multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Stroke characteristics and outcomes in urban Tanzania: Data from the Prospective Lake Zone Stroke Registry.

Background: Stroke is a second leading cause of death globally, with an estimated one in four adults suffering a stroke in their lifetime. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, quality of care, and outcomes in adults with stroke in urban Northwestern Tanzania.

Methods: We analyzed de-identified data from a prospective stroke registry from Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, the second largest city in Tanzania, between March 2020 and October 2022.

Tenecteplase real-world data: A three phase sequential comparison.

Introduction: The New Zealand (NZ) Central Region Stroke Network, serving 1.17 million catchment population, changed to tenecteplase for stroke thrombolysis in 2020 but was forced to revert to Alteplase in 2021 due to a sudden cessation of drug supply. We used this unique opportunity to assess for potential before and after temporal trend confounding.

Limited sequence magnetic resonance imaging appears reasonable for the evaluation of stroke-like symptoms.

Nil.

Trends in the service provision and patient outcomes from 2013 to 2021 at a regional stroke centre.

Nil.

A quality improvement project to improve access to stroke clot retrieval from a regional stroke centre.

Nil.

Symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis treated with enoxaparin.

Nil.

Tranexamic acid for intracerebral haemorrhage within 2 hours of onset: protocol of a phase II randomised placebo-controlled double-blind multicentre trial.

Rationale: Haematoma growth is common early after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and is a key determinant of outcome. Tranexamic acid, a widely available antifibrinolytic agent with an excellent safety profile, may reduce haematoma growth.

Methods And Design: Stopping intracerebral haemorrhage with tranexamic acid for hyperacute onset presentation including mobile stroke units (STOP-MSU) is a phase II double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre, international investigator-led clinical trial, conducted within the estimand statistical framework.

The burden, correlates and outcomes of left ventricular hypertrophy among young Africans with first ever stroke in Tanzania.

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a pathophysiological response often due to chronic uncontrolled hypertension. Our primary aim was to investigate the magnitude, correlates and outcomes of left ventricular hypertrophy as a surrogate maker for chronic uncontrolled hypertension in young adults ≤ 45 years with stroke. Our secondary aim was to determine the accuracy of electrocardiography using Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell criteria in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy compared to echocardiography.

Pre-hospital delays in patients experiencing symptoms of acute stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Aim: Delays in seeking help following stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are associated with worse outcomes and missed treatment opportunities, including stroke reperfusion therapy. This study aims to discover the reasons for these delays.

Method: Patients admitted with stroke or TIA were eligible for inclusion.

Switching to Tenecteplase for Stroke Thrombolysis: Real-World Experience and Outcomes in a Regional Stroke Network.

Background And Purpose: Due to practical advantages, increasing trial safety data, recent Australian Guideline endorsement and local population needs we switched to tenecteplase for stroke thrombolysis from alteplase. We describe our change process and real-world outcome data.

Methods: Mixed-methods including stakeholder engagement, preimplementation and postimplementation surveys, and assessment of patient treatment rates, metrics, and clinical outcomes preimplementation and postimplementation adjusting regression analyses for age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, premorbid modified Rankin Scale score, and thrombectomy using New Zealand National Stroke Registry data.

Image of the month: Ormond's disease: A diagnostic challenge.

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disease. Symptoms include constitutional symptoms and abdominal/flank pain. Causes of retroperitoneal fibrosis include non-infectious and infectious etiologies.

Stroke mimics in patients clinically diagnosed with stroke at a tertiary teaching hospital in Tanzania: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Stroke mimics account for up to one-third of acute stroke admissions and are a heterogeneous entity which pose diagnostic challenges. Diagnosing such patients is however crucial to avoid delays in treatment and potentially harmful medication prescription. We aimed at describing the magnitude, clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of stroke mimics in patients clinically diagnosed with a stroke.