Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H P Mattle

Publications and source records attributed to H P Mattle.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Impact of comorbidity on ischemic stroke outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of comorbidity on stroke outcome of patients admitted to a general ward (GW) and a stroke unit (SU). METHODS: Data of 266 patients with acute ischemic stroke (GW: 103, SU: 163) were collected prospectively for 13 months. Clinical and radiological findings, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were recorded. Predictors of outcome 4 months after stroke were analyzed. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of < or = 2, unfavorable as mRS >2. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 67.2 years (SD = 14.4), the mean CCI 1.2 (SD = 1.4). In univariate analysis, small artery disease predicted favorable outcome (P < 0.001) and age (P = 0.022), high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (P < 0.001), high CCI (P < 0.001), treatment in a GW (P = 0.004), coronary artery disease (P = 0.02), dementia (P = 0.009), diabetes (P = 0.005) and atrial fibrillation (P < 0.001) unfavorable outcome after 4 months. In multivariate analysis, high NIHSS score (P < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.004), coronary artery disease (P = 0.012) and diabetes (P = 0.031) were predictors of unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity has a significant impact on stroke outcome. In addition to stroke severity, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease and diabetes were predictors of outcome after stroke, but not the sum of the CCI.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Thrombolysis in stroke patients aged 80 years and older: Swiss survey of IV thrombolysis.

This databank-based, multicenter study compared all stroke patients with IV tissue plasminogen activator aged > or = 80 years (n = 38) and those < 80 years old (n = 287). Three-month mortality was higher in older patients. Favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale < or = 1) and intracranial hemorrhage (asymptomatic/symptomatic/fatal) were similarly frequent in both groups. Logistic regression showed that stroke severity, time to thrombolysis, glucose level, and history of coronary heart disease independently predicted outcome, whereas age did not.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Prevalence and size of directly detected patent foramen ovale in migraine with aura.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial contrast Doppler studies have shown an increased prevalence of right-to-left shunts in patients with migraine with aura compared with controls. The anatomy and size of these right-to-left shunts have never been directly assessed. METHODS: In a cross-sectional case-control study, the authors performed transesophageal contrast echocardiography in 93 consecutive patients with migraine with aura and 93 healthy controls. RESULTS: A patent foramen ovale was present in 44 (47% [95% CI 37 to 58%]) patients with migraine with aura and 16 (17% [95% CI 10 to 26%]) control subjects (OR 4.56 [95% CI 1.97 to 10.57]; p < 0.001). A small shunt was equally prevalent in migraineurs (10% [95% CI 5 to 18%]) and controls (10% [95% CI 5 to 18%]), but a moderate-sized or large shunt was found more often in the migraine group (38% [95% CI 28 to 48%] vs 8% [95% CI 2 to 13%] in controls; p < 0.001). The presence of more than a small shunt increased the odds of having migraine with aura 7.78-fold (95% CI 2.53 to 29.30; p < 0.001). Besides patent foramen ovale prevalence and shunt size, no other echocardiographic differences were found between the study groups. Headache and baseline characteristics did not differ in migraine patients with and without shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of all patients with migraine with aura have a right-to-left shunt due to a patent foramen ovale. Shunt size is larger in migraineurs than controls. The clinical presentation of migraine is identical in patients with and without a patent foramen ovale.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Multiple sclerosis--update].

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Its etiology is not known, but it is well established that auto-reactive T-cells and monocytes play an important pathogenetic role. The inflammation causes focal demyelination and loss of axons, neurons and glial cells. Typical symptoms and signs are monocular blurred vision, double vision, sensory symptoms and motor weakness, and eventually also cognitive deficits and a disturbed micturition. In younger patients the neurological deficits tend to be present for a limited time and then to improve and disappear, only to be followed by new and different deficits later on. Each relapse may leave neurological deficits which in a later course tend to progress slowly, uninterrupted by remissions. When older patients present for the first time with MS, they tend to present with primary progressive spasticity. Important ancillary tests and findings to confirm the diagnosis are multiple focal lesions on MR images, oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid, and slowed evoked potentials. Relapses are treated with corticosteroids. Immunomodulation with beta-interferons or glatiramer acetate reduce the number and severity of relapses and long-term disability. Very active forms can be treated with immunosuppression using mitoxantrone. Individual manifestations such as urinary tract infections or paroxysmal phenomena should be treated accordingly with medication.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2005

[The comatose patient].

Consciousness and wakefulness require normal functioning of the cerebral cortex, as well as of the midbrain reticular formation and its ascending projections. Bilateral structural lesions or functional disturbances of these brain areas can impair consciousness and can produce coma. The bodily posture and brainstem reflexes of the comatose patient provide clues as to whether the lesion lies in the brainstem or in the cerebral hemispheres. Brainstem reflexes are usually preserved in coma due to bilateral hemispheric dysfunction, including metabolic, anoxic, and toxic coma. Ancillary tests are used to answer specific diagnostic questions. The treatment of coma depends on its etiology.

Brain Injuries↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of intra-arterial thrombolysis with conventional treatment in patients with acute central retinal artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Several case series and a recent meta-analysis indicate that intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) is effective for the treatment of acute central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). METHODS: A total of 37 patients with acute monocular blindness because of unilateral thromboembolic CRAO were treated with IAT using urokinase within six hours of the onset of symptoms. Visual outcome was compared with a control group of 19 patients, also seen within six hours, who did not undergo thrombolytic treatment. In both groups some patients were treated by paracentesis and/or acetazolamide. Predictors of visual outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Visual improvement was more likely with IAT (p = 0.01) as were the chances to regain visual acuity of >0.6 significantly better (p = 0.04): 8/37 patients (22%) regained visual acuity of >0.6 in the IAT group and none (0/19) in the control group. Younger patients were more likely to regain some vision with (p = 0.012) or without IAT (p = 0.026). Three patients had minor treatment related cerebral ischaemic events, two had transient ischaemic attacks and one a minor stroke. There were no haemorrhagic complications. CONCLUSIONS: This series of patients with CRAO demonstrated that IAT enhanced the chances of visual improvement compared with conventional treatment only. Furthermore, younger patients have a better chance to achieve some visual recovery.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

Ischaemic stroke in young adults: predictors of outcome and recurrence.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information about predictors of outcome and recurrence of ischaemic stroke affecting young adults. OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive value of the presenting characteristics for both outcome and recurrence in young stroke victims. METHODS: Clinical and radiological data for 203 patients aged 16 to 45 years were collected prospectively; they comprised 11% of 1809 consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke. The National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), the Bamford criteria, and the trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) classification were used to define stroke severity, subtype, and aetiology. The clinical outcome of 198 patients (98%) was assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and categorised as favourable (score 0-1) or unfavourable (score 2-6). RESULTS: Stroke was caused by atherosclerotic large artery disease in 4%, cardioembolism in 24%, small vessel disease in 9%, another determined aetiology in 30%, and undetermined aetiology in 33%. Clinical outcome at three months was favourable in 68%, unfavourable in 29%, and lethal in 3%. Thirteen non-fatal stroke, two fatal strokes, and six transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) occurred during a mean (SD) follow up of 26 (17) months. High NIHSS score, total anterior circulation stroke, and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of unfavourable outcome or death (p<0.0001, p = 0.011, and p = 0.023). History of TIA predicted stroke recurrence (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Severe neurological deficits at presentation, total anterior circulation stroke, and diabetes mellitus predict unfavourable outcome. Previous TIA are associated with increased risk of recurrence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Recanalisation of middle cerebral artery occlusion after intra-arterial thrombolysis: different recanalisation grading systems and clinical functional outcome.

BACKGROUND: Different grading systems of arterial recanalisation have never been compared in large series of stroke patients treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT). METHODS: Clinical and angiographic findings and outcome were analysed in 147 patients with M1 or M2 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery treated with IAT. Associations of the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grading system and the Mori grading system with clinical outcome were compared. RESULTS: The median NIHSS score on admission was 15 and the mean time from symptom onset to IAT was 242 minutes. After three months the outcome was favourable (defined as modified Rankin scale score (mRS) < or = 2) in 85 patients (58%) and poor (mRS 3 to 5) in 44 (30%); 18 patients (12%) were dead. Recanalisation was categorised as TIMI grade 0 in 17 patients (12%), TIMI 1 in 16 (11%), TIMI 2 in 83 (56%), and TIMI 3 in 31(21%). Seventeen patients (12%) showed Mori grade 0 reperfusion, 16 (11%) Mori 1, 37 (25%) Mori 2, 46 (31%) Mori 3, and 31 (21%) Mori 4. In both TIMI and Mori grading systems, reopening the artery was an independent predictor of a favourable clinical outcome (p < 0.0001). When recanalisation was partial, outcome was better in patients with reperfusion >50% (Mori 3) than in those with reperfusion <50% (Mori 2) (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Both TIMI and Mori grading systems are useful for predicting outcome after stroke and IAT. When recanalisation is partial the Mori classification is more refined in giving prognostic information.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Acute stenting and thromboaspiration in basilar artery occlusions due to embolism from the dominating vertebral artery.

Intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) is the only treatment that has demonstrated benefit in patients with acute basilar artery occlusions (ABAO). IAT may be difficult to perform when access to the occluded basilar artery (BA) is prevented by pathology of the vertebral arteries (VA). We report on two patients with ABAO due to embolism from the dominating VA. Catheter navigation through the occluded VA and thromboaspiration enabled access to the BA. Thromboaspiration alone or in addition to IAT resulted in a complete recanalization of the BA and a favorable clinical outcome. A stent was deployed at the site of the stenosis in the VA either prior to or immediately after BA recanalization.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale reduces the frequency of migraine attacks.

Among 215 patients referred for percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) after presumed paradoxical embolism, we assessed the prevalence of migraine. In the year prior to PFO closure, 48 (22%) patients had migraine, twice the expected prevalence of 10 to 12% in the general European population. In patients with migraine with aura, percutaneous PFO closure reduced the frequency of migraine attacks by 54% (1.2 +/- 0.8 vs 0.6 +/- 0.8 per month; p = 0.001) and in patients with migraine without aura by 62% (1.2 +/- 0.7 vs 0.4 +/- 0.4 per month; p = 0.006). PFO closure did not have an effect on headache frequency in patients with nonmigraine headaches (1.4 +/- 0.9 vs 1.0 +/- 0.9 per month; p = NS).

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Uric acid and multiple sclerosis].

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Its etiology is not known, but it is well established that auto-reactive T-cells and monocytes play an important pathogenetic role. Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) of mice serves as disease model for MS. In both EAE and MS inflammatory cells produce nitric oxide and its oxidizing congeners such as peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite and other reactive nitrogen oxide species exert a toxic effect on neurons, axons and glia cells and enhance apoptosis. In addition, they increase the blood-CNS-barrier permeability and can therefore promote invasion of inflammatory cells into the CNS. On the other hand, uric acid, a peroxynitrite scavenger inhibits blood-CNS-barrier permeability changes, CNS inflammation and tissue damage in EAE. Epidemiological studies have shown that MS and gout are almost mutually exclusive diseases. Uric acid levels in MS patients are lower than in controls and in patients with active disease lower than in MS patients in remission. Inosine, a uric acid precursor, can be used to raise uric acid levels in serum and may provide some benefit in MS patients. A small study of ten patients with progressive MS has demonstrated some improved function in three of them and no sign of progression or relapse in the other. However, this study does not justify a recommendation for use of inosine in MS patients yet. At present, uric acid can solely be regarded as a marker of disease activity in MS. In addition, the current knowledge of uric acid and MS supports hypotheses which predict a positive effect of radical scavengers in MS.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed2004

Cerebrovascular response to repetitive visual stimulation in interictal migraine with aura.

Cortical hypersensitivity and absent habituation to different stimuli have been observed in migraine patients. These features might also be transmitted to the cerebral vasoreactivity, but results are conflicting so far. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) was used to assess cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) changes in the middle (MCA) and posterior cerebral arteries (PCA) in relation to repetitive checkerboard visual stimulation. Stimulation consisted of 10 consecutive cycles, each comprising 10 s stimulation and 10 s rest. TCD recordings were analysed using stimulus-related averaging algorithm. Data of 19 interictal migraineurs with aura were compared to those of 19 headache-free healthy volunteers. The CBFV increase in PCA and in MCA during visual stimulation was significantly larger and steeper in migraineurs than in controls (P = 0.017 and P = 0.005). The response in PCA remained stable over the 10 stimulation cycles, both in migraineurs and in controls. The response in MCA was stable only in migraineurs. In controls it decreased over the last 5 stimulation cycles compared with the first 5 cycles (P = 0.04). Migraineurs with aura exhibit a larger cerebrovascular response to repetitive visual stimulation compared to headache-free subjects. A reduced adaptation to environmental stimuli in migraine is suggested, since there was no habituation in migraineurs in contrast to healthy controls.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Clinical and radiological predictors of recanalisation and outcome of 40 patients with acute basilar artery occlusion treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis.

OBJECTIVE: To define predictors of recanalisation and clinical outcome of patients with acute basilar artery occlusions treated with local intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT). METHODS: Vascular risk factors, severity of the neurological deficit graded by the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), and radiological findings were recorded at presentation. Outcome was measured using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) three months later and categorised as favourable (mRS 0-2), poor (mRS 3-5), or death (mRS 6). RESULTS: 40 patients were studied. Median NIHSS on admission was 18. Mean time from symptom onset to treatment was 5.5 hours (range 2.3 to 11). Outcome was favourable in 14 patients (35%) and poor in nine (23%); 17 (42%) died. There were two symptomatic cerebral haemorrhages (5%). Recanalisation of the basilar artery was achieved in 32 patients (80%); it was complete (TIMI grade 3) in 20% and partial (TIMI grade 2) in 60%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, low NIHSS score on admission (p = 0.002) and vessel recanalisation (p = 0.005) were independent predictors of favourable outcome. Recanalisation occurred more often with treatment within six hours of symptom onset (p = 0.003) and when admission computed tomography showed a hyperdense basilar artery sign (p = 0.007). In a univariate model, quadriplegia (p = 0.002) and coma (p = 0.004) were associated with a poor outcome or death. CONCLUSIONS: Low baseline NIHSS on admission and recanalisation of basilar artery occlusions predict a favourable outcome after intra-arterial thrombolysis. Early initiation of IAT and the presence of a hyperdense basilar artery sign on CT were associated with a higher likelihood of recanalisation.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

[Anticoagulation and antiaggregation in neurological patients].

Aspirin is the drug of choice in most patients with acute stroke, if thrombolysis is contraindicated. Heparin is only used in acute stroke due to cerebral venous thrombosis, extracranial carotid or vertebral artery dissection and cardiac emboli with high risk of recurrence. In the prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with a noncardioembolic ischemic stroke antiplatelet agents are used. Aspirin is the first-line agent. Clopidogrel or a combination aspirin/dipyridamol are recommended for patients with several risk factors or recurrent cerebrovascular events. Warfarin has demonstrated a clear efficacy in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, cerebral venous thrombosis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Other, less well established possible indications for warfarin in the secondary prevention of stroke are symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis, large aortic atheroma, extracranial carotid or vertebral artery dissection and patent foramen ovale.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

[Pathophysiology, etiology and diagnosis of stroke].

Vascular diseases including stroke increase with advancing age. Their occurrence reflects the lifestyle and eating habits of a society. In industrialized countries stroke causes a significant loss of DALYs. Each year, approximately 150 persons per 100,000 inhabitants suffer a stroke. Half a year after the stroke, two of three stroke victims are dead or dependent, and all stroke survivors are at risk to suffer recurrent strokes. Stroke is due to a focal ischemia. In the core of the ischemia blood flow is reduced substantially, mostly to a level below the infarction threshold. In the borderzone collaterals can still provide sufficient blood to preserve the neurons though the reduced blood flow does not suffice for neuronal functioning. This state below functional and above infarction threshold is called penumbra. When the stroke signs are recognized early and the occluded vessel is recanalized with thrombolytics or mechanically the brain tissue in the penumbra can be preserved and the fate of the stroke victim is improved compared to spontaneous course. Before administration of thrombolytics neurological examination and imaging of the brain using CT or MRI are necessary. After stroke, survivors will benefit significantly from secondary prevention. In order to perform an individually tailored prevention, additional investigations such as neurovascular and cardiac ultrasound, cardiac monitoring and blood examinations are necessary to define the cause of the stroke. In addition, recognition and modification of individual vascular risk factors are of paramount importance.

Atrial Fibrillation↗
PubMed2003

[Atrial fibrillation and stroke].

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The prevalence of AF is 0.4% in the general population and increases with age up to 6-8% in octogenarians. In Switzerland, approximately 68,000 persons are in atrial fibrillation, and in the EU countries 3.5 millions. Atrial fibrillation disturbs synchronous mechanical atrial activity and impairs the haemodynamics. This can give rise to thrombus formation, mostly in the left atrial appendage, and embolism to the systemic circulation. Clinical manifestations are most often neurological such as transient ischaemic attacks or ischaemic strokes, on average 5% per year. Of all strokes, one in every six occurs in patients with AF. Antiarrhythmic therapy is useful to improve cardiac rate and function in AF. However, to reduce first or recurrent emboli, antithrombotic therapy is of paramount importance. Adjusted-dose warfarin reduces first or recurrent strokes by about 60%. When patients with non-valvular AF are anticoagulated, the odds against ischaemic stroke and intracranial bleeding favour an INR between 2.0 and 3.0. Acetylsalicylic acid is less efficacious than warfarin in AF patients, reducing the risk of stroke by about 20%. Therefore, anticoagulation is the current treatment modality in AF patients at high or intermediate risk, i.e. patients with history of transient ischaemic attack or stroke, those aged > 65 years, those with a history of hypertension, diabetes, heart failure or structural heart disease, valvular disease or significant systolic dysfunction. Antiplatelet agents should be used only for young (< 65 years) AF patients at low risk.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Intra-arterial thrombolysis in 24 consecutive patients with internal carotid artery T occlusions.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety, efficacy, and predictors of favourable outcome of intra-arterial thrombolysis in acute stroke attributable to internal carotid "T"occlusion METHODS: The authors analysed 24 consecutive patients with T occlusions of the internal carotid artery treated by local intra-arterial thrombolysis using urokinase. RESULTS: The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 19. The average time from symptom onset to treatment was 237 minutes. Four patients (16.6%) had a favourable (modified Rankin Scale score (mRS</=2)) and 10 patients (41.7%) a poor outcome (mRS 3 or 4) after three months. Ten patients (41.7%) died. One symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (4.2%) occurred. Partial recanalisation of the intracranial internal carotid artery was achieved in 15 (63%), of the middle cerebral artery in four (17%), and of the anterior cerebral artery in eight patients (33%). Complete recanalisation never occurred. Sufficient leptomeningeal collaterals as seen on arteriography (p=0.02) and age <60 years (p=0.012) were the only predictors of favourable clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Acute stroke attributable to carotid T occlusion remains a condition with a generally poor prognosis even when intra-arterial thrombolysis is performed. Favourable outcome was seen only in patients with sufficient leptomeningeal collaterals.

Adult↗