Background: Stroke outcomes have been shown to be worse for patients presenting overnight and on weekends (after-hours) to stroke centers compared with those presenting during business hours (on-hours). Telemedicine (TM) helps provide evaluation and safe management of stroke patients. We compared time metrics and outcomes of stroke patients who were assessed and received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) via TM during after-hours with those during on-hours.

Methods: Analysis of our TM registry from September 2015 to December 2016, identified 424 stroke patients who were assessed via TM and received IV-tPA. We compared baseline characteristics, clinical variables, time metrics, and outcomes between the after-hours (5 pm-7:59 am, weekends) and on-hours (weekdays 8 am-4:59 pm) patients.

Results: Of the 424 patients, 268 were managed via TM during after-hours, and 156 during on-hours. Baseline characteristics and clinical variables were similar between the groups. Importantly, there were no differences in all relevant time metrics including door to IV-tPA bolus time. IV-tPA complications (including all intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), any systemic bleeding, and angioedema), discharge disposition, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale were also similar in the groups.

Conclusions: There was no difference in IV-tPA treatment times, acute stroke evaluation times, or mortality between the patients treated after-hours versus on-hours. Unlike in-person neurology coverage at many centers, the coverage provided by TM does not differ depending on the hour or day. Access to stroke specialists 24/7 via TM can ensure dependable and timely clinical care for acute stroke patients regardless of the time of day or day of the week.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.09.035DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

stroke patients
20
time metrics
12
stroke
9
patients
8
patients treated
8
metrics outcomes
8
patients assessed
8
assessed received
8
baseline characteristics
8
characteristics clinical
8

Similar Publications

Despite significant advancements in achieving high recanalization rates (80%-90%) for large vessel occlusions through mechanical thrombectomy, the issue of "futile recanalization" remains a major clinical challenge. Futile recanalization occurs when over half of patients fail to experience expected symptom improvement after vessel recanalization, often resulting in severe functional impairment or death. Traditionally, this phenomenon has been attributed to inadequate blood flow and reperfusion injury.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Accurate distinction between stroke etiologic subtypes is critical for physicians to provide tailored treatment. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a marker of insulin resistance, has been associated with stroke risk but its role in distinguishing stroke etiologic subtypes remains unclear. We aimed to assess the TyG index's ability to differentiate cardioembolic (CE) from non-cardioembolic (NCE) strokes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Giant Chiari's Network in Healthy Adults.

Cureus

December 2024

Cardiovascular Surgery, Kawasaki Municipal Hospital, Kawasaki, JPN.

A 40-year-old male visited our clinic for cardiac evaluation. He had palpitations for several years, but the reason was unknown. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a hyperechoic ribbon-shaped structure that moved vigorously in the right atrium.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: The optimal timing of bypass surgery for patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) or moyamoya syndrome (MMS) following an acute stroke episode remains unclear, mainly owing to the risk of postoperative complications. In this study, we aim to validate the safety and efficacy of early intervention using multiple burr hole (MBH) and erythropoietin (EPO) therapy, thereby refining the management strategy for patients with acute stroke episode of MMD or MMS.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 70 patients with MMD or MMS who underwent MBH and EPO therapy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To establish and validate a model based on hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) radiomics features for predicting hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods: Patients with AIS who presented with HMCAS on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) at admission and underwent EVT at three comprehensive hospitals between June 2020 and January 2024 were recruited for this retrospective study. A radiomics model was constructed using the HMCAS radiomics features most strongly associated with HT.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!