No abstract

In addition to all the advantages of the recently proposed permutation-based approach, our method generates confidence intervals without the need for intensive computational power. The resulting generalized odds ratios are particularly suitable for inclusion in meta-analyses and have a simple and intuitive connection with the number-needed-to-treat measure.

IMPORTANCE So far, uncertainty remains as to whether there is sufficient cumulative evidence that mobile stroke unit (MSU; specialized ambulance equipped with computed tomography scanner, point-of-care laboratory, and neurological expertise) use leads to better functional outcomes compared with usual care.OBJECTIVE To determine with a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature whether MSU use is associated with better functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

There is a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients transported by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and to investigate the surge capacity of and operational implications for the RFDS in dealing with COVID-19. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. To determine the characteristics of patients transported for confirmed or suspected COVID-19, we included patient data from February 2, 2020, to May 6, 2020. To investigate the surge capacity and operational implications for the RFDS in dealing with COVID-19, we built and validated an interactive operations area-level discrete event simulation decision support model underpinned by RFDS air medical activity data from 2015 to 2019 (4 years). This model was subsequently used in a factorial in silico experiment to systematically investigate both the supply of RFDS air medical services and the increased rates of demand for these services for diseases of the respiratory system. Results: The RFDS conducted 291 patient episodes of care for confirmed or suspected COVID-19. This included 288 separate patients, including 136 men and 119 women (sex missing = 33), with a median age of 62.0 years (interquartile range, 43.5-74.9 years). The simulation decision support model we developed is capable of providing dynamic and real-time support for RFDS decision makers in understanding the system's performance under uncertain COVID-19 demand. With increased COVID-19−related demand, the ability of the RFDS to cope will be driven by the number of aircraft available. The simulation model provided each aviation section with estimated numbers of aircraft required to meet a range of anticipated demands. Conclusion: Despite the lack of certainty in the actual level of COVID-19−related demand for RFDS services, modeling demonstrates that the robustness of meeting such demand increases with the number of operational and medically staffed aircraft.

Background The utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale, representing patient perspectives of quality of life, is a newly proposed measure to improve the interpretability of the modified Rankin Scale. Despite obvious advantages, such weighting imperfectly reflects the multidimensional patterns of post-stroke burden. Aims To investigate multidimensional patterns of post-stroke burden formed by individual domains of Assessment of Quality of Life and Barthel Index for each modified Rankin Scale category. Methods In the A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (n = 2104), modified Rankin Scale scores and modified Rankin Scale-stratified Barthel Index scores of Self-care and Mobility, and Assessment of Quality of Life scores of Independent Living, Senses, Mental Health and Relationships were collected at three months. The multivariate relationship between individual Assessment of Quality of Life and Barthel Index domains, and modified Rankin Scale was investigated using random effects linear regression models with respective interaction terms. Results Of 2104 patients, simultaneously collected Assessment of Quality of Life, Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale scores at three months were available in 1870 patients. While individual Assessment of Quality of Life and Barthel Index domain scores decreased significantly as modified Rankin Scale increased (p < 0.0001), the patterns of decrease differed by domains (p < 0.0001). Patients with modified Rankin Scale 0–1 had the largest post-stroke burden in the Mental Health and Relationship domains, while patients with modified Rankin Scale >3 showed the greatest burden in Independent Living, Mobility and Self-care domains. Conclusions Across the modified Rankin Scale, individual domains are varyingly impacted demonstrating unique patterns of post-stroke burden, which facilitates appropriate assessment, articulation and interpretation of the modified Rankin Scale and utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale.

Background The utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale (UW-mRS) is an outcome measure recently proposed to improve statistical efficiency and interpretability of the mRS. Statistical properties of the UW-mRS have been well investigated, but construct validity has yet to be established. Aims To investigate the construct validity of the UW-mRS as a primary outcome measure by assessing variability in utility values within and between mRS categories, over time post-stroke, and by different derivation methods. Methods UW-mRS was derived using assessment of quality of life (AQoL-4D) and mRS scores at 3 and 12 months ( n = 2030) from a large randomized controlled trial, A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis of AQoL-4D was conducted to differentiate between sequential mRS categories. Intraclass correlation was used to explore variability in utility values over time post-stroke, UW-mRS values, and derivation methods from multiple studies. Results UW-mRS values for mRS categories 0–6 at three months were 0.80, 0.78, 0.63, 0.37, 0.11, 0.03, and 0. Based on AQoL-4D utility values, areas under the ROC curve varied from 0.54 to 0.87. Time post-stroke explained 42%–56% of variability in AQoL-4D utility values in patients with no change in mRS between 3 and 12 months. The choice of the derivation method contributed to 25% of the variability in UW-mRS values. Conclusions The high variability in utility values between and within mRS categories, over time post-stroke, and using different derivation methods is not adequately reflected in the UW-mRS. These threats to construct validity warrant caution when using UW-mRS as a primary outcome measure. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12606000185561).

Backgrounds and objectives:Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is effective for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke patients with smaller volumes of computed tomography perfusion (CTP)-defined ischemic core. However, the benefit of EVT is unclear in those with a core>70mL. We aimed to compare outcomes of EVT and non-EVT patients with an ischemic core≥70mL, hypothesizing that there would be a benefit from EVT for fair outcome (three-month modified Rankin Scale, mRS, 0-3) after stroke.Methods:Retrospective analysis of patients enrolled into a multi-center (Australia, China and Canada) registry (2012-2020) who underwent CTP within 24 hours of stroke onset and had a baseline ischemic core≥70mL. Primary outcome was the estimation of the association of EVT in patients with core volume ≥70mL, as well as within 70-100mL and ≥100mL subgroups with fair outcome.Results:Of the 3283 patients in the registry, 299 had CTP core≥70 mL and 269 complete data (135 had core volume between 70-100mL and 134≥100mL). EVT was performed in 121(45%) patients. EVT-treated patients were younger (median 69 versus 75 years; p=0.011), had lower pre-stroke mRS, and smaller median core volumes, 92[79-116.5]mL versus 105.5[85.75-138]mL, (p=0.004). EVT–treated patients had higher odds of achieving fair outcome in adjusted analysis (30% versus 13.9% in the non-EVT group; aOR 2.1(95% CI 1, 4.2), p=0.038). The benefit was seen predominantly in those with 70-100mL core (71 /135 (52.6%) EVT-treated), with 54.3% in EVT-treated versus 21% in non-EVT group achieving a fair outcome (aOR 2.5 (95% CI 1, 6.2), p=0.005). Of those with a core≥100mL, 50 /134(37.3%) underwent EVT. Proportions of fair outcome were very low in both groups (8.1% versus 8.7%; p=0.908).Discussion:We found a positive association of EVT with 3-month outcome after stroke in patients with a baseline CTP ischemic core volume 70-100 mL but not in those with ≥100 mL. Randomized data to confirm these findings is required.Classification of Evidence:This study provides Class III evidence that EVT is associated with better motor outcomes 3 months following CTP-defined ischemic stroke with core of 70-100 mL.

ObjectiveTo determine how young stroke survivors want their unmet needs to be addressed, we undertook an international online survey of people living with stroke.MethodsParticipants self-selected to complete an online survey that included a questionnaire on demographics and stroke-related characteristics, the Young Stroke Needs Screening Tool, and a questionnaire on how they wanted their needs to be met.ResultsOne hundred seventy-one responses were received (68% female respondents, mean age 45 years, interquartile range 36–51 years). Preferences for methods of meeting needs varied depending on the domain of need and participants' demographic and stroke-related characteristics. Face-to-face contact with a health care professional was a popular means of meeting needs, but methods outside of a traditional health care setting such as a succinct list of tips or peer support were widely acceptable and sometimes preferred.ConclusionThis work provides the impetus for developing alternative methods of meeting young stroke survivors' needs, many of which are not resource intensive or do not require an appointment with a health care professional.