Stroke in the Middle-East and North Africa: A 2-year prospective observational study of intravenous thrombolysis treatment in the region. Results from the SITS-MENA Registry. Issue 9 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al-Rukn, S; Mazya, M; Akhtar, N; Hashim, H; Mansouri, B; Faouzi, B; Aref, H; Abdulrahman, H; Kesraoui, S; Hentati, F; Gebelly, S; Ahmed, N; Wahlgren, N; Abd-Allah, F; Almekhlafi, M; Moreira, T
• Is Part Of: International journal of stroke. Volume 15:Issue 9(2020)
• Page Start: 980
• Page End: 987
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Ischemic stroke -- hemorrhagic stroke -- door-to-needle -- door-to-imaging -- burden of stroke; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1177/1747493019874729
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4930

Abstract

Background and methods: Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke in the Middle-East and North African (MENA) countries is still confined to the main urban and university hospitals. This was a prospective observational study to examine outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis-treated stroke patients in the MENA region compared to the non-MENA stroke cohort in the SITS International Registry. Results: Of 32, 160 patients with ischemic stroke registered using the SITS intravenous thrombolysis protocol between June 2014 and May 2016, 500 (1.6%) were recruited in MENA. Compared to non-MENA (all p < 0.001), median age in MENA was 55 versus 73 years, NIH Stroke Scale score 12 versus 9, onset-to-treatment time 138 versus 155 min and door-to-needle time 54 min versus 64 min. Hypertension was the most reported risk factor, but lower in MENA (51.7 vs. 69.7%). Diabetes was more frequent in MENA (28.5 vs. 20.8%) as well as smoking (20.8 vs. 15.9%). Hyperlipidemia was less observed in MENA (17.6 vs. 29.3%). Functional independence (mRS 0–2) at seven days or discharge was similar (53% vs. 52% in non-MENA), with mortality slightly lower in MENA (2.3% vs. 4.8%). SICH rates by SITS-MOST definition were low (<1.4%) in both groups. Conclusions: Intravenous thrombolysis patients in MENA were younger, had more severe strokes and more often diabetes. Although stroke severity was higher in MENA, short-term functional independency and mortality were not worse compared to non-MENA, which could partly be explained by younger age and shorter OTT in MENA. Decreasing the burden of stroke in this young population should be prioritized.