Acute ischemic stroke and measurement of apixaban and rivaroxaban: an observational cohort implementation study.

Background: Treatment with intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated with intake of apixaban/rivaroxaban in the last 48 hours. Recent European Stroke Organization guidelines suggest that thrombolysis can be considered if anti-factor Xa activity (AFXa) is <0.5 × 10 IU/L with low-molecular-weight (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) calibrated assays.

Prestroke Physical Activity and Poststroke Cognitive Performance.

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is associated with a lower risk of stroke and stroke mortality as well as a favorable stroke outcome. PA may also prevent general cognitive decline. Poststroke cognitive impairment is both common and disabling, and focusing on all possible preventive measures is important.

Predictors for wellbeing and characteristics of mental health after stroke.

Background: Poor mental health after stroke is common and complex. We aimed to identify predictors of poor wellbeing and to examine the overlap of poor wellbeing, fatigue, and depression.

Method: Consecutive first-ever ischemic stroke-patients filled in questionnaires on wellbeing, fatigue, and depression at baseline and at one and six months.

Antiplatelet effects of citalopram in patients with ischaemic stroke: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

We evaluated the effect of SSRI treatment on platelet aggregation in patients with ischaemic stroke and included patients from the randomized double-blind controlled study of citalopram in acute ischaemic stroke (TALOS). Patients on clopidogrel were included 6 months after acute ischaemic stroke. Platelet parameters, including P2Y12 platelet reactivity using the VerifyNow System, were measured at the last day of study treatment and repeated after a 14-day wash-out period.

Serotonergic Regulation and Cognition after Stroke: The Role of Antidepressant Treatment and Genetic Variation.

Introduction: Serotonin affects several brain functions including cognition. The serotonin transporter (SERT) regulates brain serotonin levels through reuptake into neurons. The gene encoding this transporter, the SERT gene, has several functional polymorphisms affecting the number of transporters and thereby the serotonin levels.

Neuroregeneration and Vascular Protection by Citalopram in Acute Ischemic Stroke (TALOS).

Background and Purpose- Recent studies indicate a possible beneficial effect on neuroregeneration and vascular protection of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors after stroke. We conducted a national multicentre study to explore these effects. Methods- The TALOS study (The Efficacy of Citalopram Treatment in Acute Stroke) is a Danish placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of citalopram started within 7 days after symptom onset to detect improvement in functional outcomes and cardiovascular protection in nondepressed, first-ever ischemic stroke.

The Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Ischemic Stroke.

Introduction: Serotonin is known as a neurotransmitter; however, it also plays an important role in platelet aggregation as it is released upon platelet activation. The serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for the uptake of serotonin into platelets. Functional polymorphisms in the SERT gene may influence platelet activity, as they result in different levels of transporters and thereby different levels of serotonin in platelets.

TALOS: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test the effects of citalopram in patients with acute stroke.

Rationale: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) are effective in the treatment of post-stroke depression and may have potential neuroprotective and vascular effects. Data from registry studies have further indicated a protective effect against recurrent ischemic events, but also an increased risk of bleeding in patients with ischemic stroke. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of SSRI treatment after acute ischemic stroke.

[Anticoagulant therapy in stroke patients].

Stroke is a common disease, which is associated with high morbidity and high mortality. Up to 25% of cerebral ischaemic infarcts are caused by cardio-embolic events, most commonly associated with atrial fibrillation. It has previously been shown that antithrombotic therapy is insufficiently used in patients at increased risk of stroke.