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Neurological Sciences

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01-02-2021 | Stroke | COVID-19

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients in Huizhou City, China

Authors: Weiliang Luo, Jiming Li, Zhuqin Li, Xuanwen Luo, Minrui Chen, Chunsheng Cai

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Background and purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Huizhou City utilized its experience with the SARS and MERS breakouts to establish a reperfusion treatment program for AIS patients.

Method

This is a retrospective study on 8 certified stroke hospitals in Huizhou City from January 2020 to May 2020. We analyzed the number of AIS patients with reperfusion therapy, stroke type (anterior/posterior circulation stroke), modes of transport to hospital, NIHSS score, onset to door time (ODT), door to needle time (DNT), and door to puncture time (DPT). The analysis was compared with baseline data from the same time period in 2019.

Result

In 2020, the number of AIS patients receiving reperfusion therapy decreased (315 vs. 377), NIHSS score increased [8 (4, 15) vs. 7 [ (1, 2)], P = 0.024], ODT increased [126 (67.5, 210.0) vs. 120.0 (64.0, 179.0), P = 0.032], and DNT decreased [40 (32.5, 55) vs. 48 (36, 59), P = 0.003]. DPT did not change. Seventy percent of AIS patients indicated self-visit as their main mode of transport to the hospital. In both periods, mild stroke patients were more likely to self-visit than utilize emergency systems [2019: 152 (57.6%) vs. 20 (45.6%), P = 0.034; 2020: 123 (56.9%) vs. 5 (14.7%), P < 0.001]. The NIHSS score for self-visiting patients was lower for patients who utilized the ambulance system in both years [self-visit: 6.00 (3.00, 12.00), ambulance: 14.00 (9.00, 19.00), P < 0.001]. The volume of reperfusion patients was lower in 2020; however, the decrease was only significant (P = 0.028) in February 2020.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the number of AIS patients receiving reperfusion therapy significantly decreased when compared to the same period in 2019. The patients’ condition increased severity, ODT increased, and the DNT decreased. DPT was not significant for self-visiting and ambulance patients. Moderate to severe stroke patients were more likely to utilize ambulance services.

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Title: Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients in Huizhou City, China
Authors: Weiliang Luo
Jiming Li
Zhuqin Li
Xuanwen Luo
Minrui Chen
Chunsheng Cai
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Stroke
COVID-19
Thrombectomy
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04938-w

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients in Huizhou City, China

Abstract

Background and purpose

Method

Result

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and purpose

Method

Result

Conclusion

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