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P Sandercock

Publications and source records attributed to P Sandercock.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Physical methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis in stroke.

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and resulting pulmonary embolism (PE) are uncommon but important complications of stroke. There is good evidence that anticoagulants can reduce the risk of DVT and PE after stroke, but this benefit is offset by a small but definite risk of serious haemorrhages. Physical methods to prevent DVT and PE (such as compression stockings applied to the legs) are not associated with any bleeding risk and are effective in some categories of medical and surgical patients. We sought to assess their effects in stroke patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of physical methods of preventing the onset of deep vein thrombosis and fatal or non fatal pulmonary embolism in patients with recent stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched October 2001). In addition we searched the following electronic bibliographic databases: Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1999, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1966- Jan 2001), EMBASE (1980- Jan 2001) and CINAHL (1982-May 1999). The reference lists of all relevant papers were screened for additional trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: All completed randomised unconfounded trials or controlled clinical trials comparing physical methods in patients allocated to receive physical methods, applied within one week of onset of stroke, with patients allocated to no physical methods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently searched for relevant trials and three others independently checked the results. MAIN RESULTS: We identified two small trials which included 123 patients. In one trial of 97 patients, compression stockings were associated with a non significant trend towards a reduction in DVT detected by Doppler ultrasound. In one trial of 26 patients, an intermittent pneumatic compression device was not associated with a significant reduction in DVT detected by 125-I-fibrinogen scanning. Overall, physical methods were not associated with a significant reduction in DVT (Odds ratio 0.59, 95%.CI 0.24-1.48) or death (Odds ratio 5.06, 95% CI 0.96-26.78). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to support the routine use of physical methods for preventing DVT in acute stroke.

Bandages↗
PubMed2002

Lubeluzole for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have shown that ischaemic insults cause excess release of excitatory amino acid (EAA) neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate. Glutamate re-uptake is impaired under ischaemic conditions. In preclinical models of stroke, antagonists of excitatory amino acids or of glutamate release protect against ischaemic injury, even when administered after the ischaemic insult. Lubeluzole is a benzothiazole derivative that has shown neuroprotective properties in different experimental models inhibiting glutamate release, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and blocking voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ ion channels. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of lubeluzole given in the acute phase of acute ischaemic stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Stroke Group trials register was searched. Additional searches of Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL/CCTR), Medline, Embase, Pascal BioMed (1996-2001) and Current Contents CCSearch reg 7 Editions (1996-2001) were made to supplement the Stroke Group general strategy. We contacted Janssen Research Foundation to identify further studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised unconfounded trials comparing intravenous lubeluzole with placebo or open control in patients with a clinical syndrome definitely considered as an acute stroke in whom CT scanning showed an infarct or was normal. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: Five trials involving a total of 3,510 patients were included. The quality of the trials did not vary considerably. Sensitivity/subgroups analysis was not completely performed because of lack of data. Lubeluzole given at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/day for 5 days was tested against a placebo-control group. There was no evidence that Lubeluzole given at any dose either reduced the odds of death from all causes (OR=0.93, 95% CI 0.79-1.09) or reduced the odds of being dead or dependent at the end of follow-up (OR=1.04, 95% CI 0.91-1.19). On the other hand, given at any dose, Lubeluzole was associated with a significant excess of heart-conduction disorders (Q-T prolonged > 450 msec) at the end of follow-up (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.09-1.87). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Lubeluzole, given in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke, is not associated with a significant reduction of death or dependency at the end of scheduled follow-up period but seems to be associated with a significant increase of heart-conduction disorders (Q-T prolonged >450 msec).

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

In-hospital care pathways for stroke.

BACKGROUND: Care within a stroke unit reduces death or dependency after stroke. However, studies have found significant variations in clinical practice, access to stroke unit care, organisation of patient care, and clinical outcome. Stroke care pathways have been introduced as a method to promote organised and efficient patient care that is based on best evidence and guidelines. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the effects of care pathways, as compared to standard medical care, among patients with acute stroke who had been admitted to hospital. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Specialised Trials Register (last searched in May 2001), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 4, 2000), MEDLINE (1975-2000), EMBASE (1980-2000), CINAHL (1982-2000), the Index to Scientific and Technical Proceedings (ISTP, May 2001), and HealthSTAR (May 2001). We also handsearched the Journal of Managed Care (1997 to 1998), which was later renamed the Journal of Integrated Care (1998 to 2001). Reference lists of articles were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies (quasi-randomised trials, comparative studies, controlled and uncontrolled before and after studies, and interrupted time series) that compared care pathway care with standard medical care. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One reviewer selected studies for inclusion and the other independently checked the decisions. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies. One reviewer extracted the data and the other checked the extracted data. Data from randomised and non-randomised studies were analysed separately. We found significant statistical heterogeneity in the analysis of two outcomes (computed tomography brain scanning and duration of stay). MAIN RESULTS: There were three randomised controlled trials (total of 340 patients) and seven non-randomised studies (total of 1673 patients) that compared care pathway care with standard medical care. We found no difference between care pathway and control groups in terms of death, dependency, or discharge destination. Evidence from mainly non-randomised studies suggests that patients managed using a care pathway may be: a) less likely to suffer a urinary tract infection (OR 0.38, CI 0.18 to 0.79), b) less likely to be readmitted (OR 0.11, CI 0.03 to 0.39), and c) more likely to have a computed tomography brain scan (OR 3.66, CI 1.45 to 9.27) or carotid duplex study (OR 2.45, CI 1.3 to 4.61). Evidence from randomised trials suggests that patient satisfaction and quality of life may be significantly lower in the care pathway group (P=0.02 and P<0.005 respectively). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The use of care pathways to manage stroke patients in hospital may be associated with both positive and negative effects on the process of care and clinical outcomes. Since most of the results have been derived from non-randomised studies, they are likely to be influenced by potential biases and confounding factors. There is currently insufficient supporting evidence to justify routine implementation of care pathways for acute stroke management or stroke rehabilitation.

Critical Pathways↗
PubMed2002

Anticoagulants versus antiplatelet agents for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelet agents produce a small, but worthwhile benefit in long-term functional outcome and survival, and have become standard treatment for acute ischaemic stroke. Anticoagulants are often used as an alternative treatment, despite evidence that they are ineffective in producing long-term benefits. We wanted to review trials which have directly compared anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, to assess whether any anticoagulant regimen offers net advantages over antiplatelet agents, overall or in some particular category of patients (e.g. patients with atrial fibrillation). OBJECTIVES: a) To assess the effectiveness of anticoagulants compared with antiplatelet agents in acute ischaemic stroke b) To assess whether the addition of anticoagulants to antiplatelet agents offers any net advantage over antiplatelet agents alone. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Central/CCTR), the trials register held by the Antithrombotic Therapy Trialists' Collaboration, MEDLINE (1966-2000), and EMBASE (1980-2000). All searches were performed during April and May 2001. SELECTION CRITERIA: Truly unconfounded, randomised-controlled trials comparing anticoagulants with antiplatelet agents, or anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents with antiplatelet agents alone, given within 14 days of onset of presumed or confirmed ischaemic stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Both reviewers independently selected trials for inclusion in the review, assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 16,558 patients from four trials contributed to the analyses. The methodological quality was high in all four trials. The anticoagulants tested were unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular-weight heparin. Aspirin was used as control in all trials. Overall, there was no evidence that anticoagulants were superior to aspirin in reducing 'death or dependency' at long-term follow-up (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.98-1.15). Compared with aspirin, anticoagulants were associated with a small but significant increase in the number of deaths at the end of follow-up (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.29), equivalent to 20 more deaths (95% CI 0-30) per 1000 patients treated; a significant increased risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.49-3.46); and a non-significant increased risk of 'any recurrent stroke' during treatment (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.99-1.46). These neutral or adverse effects outweighed a small, but significant effect on symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.58), equivalent to 10 fewer (95% CI 0-30) DVTs by 14 days per 1000 patients treated with anticoagulants instead of aspirin. Subgroup analysis could not identify any type, dose, or route of administration of anticoagulants associated with net benefit, or any benefit in patients with atrial fibrillation. Overall, the combination of UFH and aspirin did not appear to be associated with a net advantage over aspirin alone. A subgroup analysis showed that, compared with aspirin, the combination of low-dose UFH and aspirin was associated with a marginally significant reduced risk of 'any recurrent stroke' (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56-1.03) and a marginally significant reduced risk of death at 14 days (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.69-1.01), and with no clear adverse effect on death at end of follow-up (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.85-1.12). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulants offered no net advantages over antiplatelet agents in acute ischaemic stroke. The combination of low-dose UFH and aspirin appeared in a subgroup analysis to be associated with net benefits compared with aspirin alone, and this merits further research.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed2002

The MRC CRASH Trial: study design, baseline data, and outcome in 1000 randomised patients in the pilot phase.

OBJECTIVES: To test the design and feasibility of a large scale multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a high dose corticosteroid infusion after head injury. To assess whether large numbers of patients could be enrolled and treated within eight hours from injury and then followed up at six months. METHODS: Randomised placebo controlled multicentre trial of a 48 hour corticosteroid infusion after significant head injury. All head injured adults who were observed while in hospital to have GCS of 14 or less (out of a maximum score of 15), and who were within eight hours of the injury, were eligible for trial entry. Analysis of baseline and outcome data (for both treatment groups combined) for 1000 patients enrolled in the pilot phase of the MRC CRASH Trial. RESULTS: Fifty two hospitals in 14 countries participated in the pilot phase, recruiting an average of one patient per hospital per month. Of the 1000 randomised patients, 330 (33%) had mild head injury, 289 (29%) had moderate head injury, and 381 (38%) had severe head injury. Seven hundred and nine (71%) patients were randomised within three hours of injury. Outcome at two weeks from injury was known for 991 (99%) patients, of whom 170 (17%) patients died. At the time of writing, six month follow up for the first 500 patients was nearly complete. Vital status was known for 465 (93%) of the 500 patients, of whom 97 (21%) had died. Functional status based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale was known for 438 (88%) of the 500 patients: 21% were dead, 17% were severely disabled, 22% were moderately disabled, and 34% had made a good recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The trial procedures proved practicable and a wide variety of patients were recruited in the emergency department within eight hours of injury. Using simple outcome measures, large numbers of patients can be successfully followed up.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Acute ischaemic stroke.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2000

Anticoagulants for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Most ischaemic strokes are caused by blood clots blocking an artery in the brain. Clot prevention with anticoagulant therapy could have a significant impact on patient survival, disability and recurrence of stroke. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effect of anticoagulant therapy in the early treatment of patients with acute ischaemic stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register (most recent search: March 1999) and consulted MedStrategy (1995). We also contacted drug companies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing early anticoagulant therapy (started within two weeks of stroke onset) with control in patients with acute presumed or confirmed ischaemic stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-one trials involving 23,427 patients were included. The quality of the trials varied considerably. The anticoagulants tested were standard unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparins, heparinoids, oral anticoagulants, and thrombin inhibitors. Based on eight trials (22,450 patients) there was no evidence that anticoagulant therapy reduced the odds of death from all causes (odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence intervals 0.98-1.12). Similarly, based on five trials (21, 846 patients), there was no evidence that anticoagulants reduced the odds of being dead or dependent at the end of follow-up (odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence intervals 0.94-1.05). Although anticoagulant therapy was associated with about 9 fewer recurrent ischaemic strokes per 1000 patients treated, it was also associated with a similar sized 9 per 1000 increase in symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages. Similarly, anticoagulants avoided about 4 pulmonary emboli per 1000, but this benefit was offset by an extra 9 major extracranial haemorrhages per 1000. Sensitivity analyses did not identify a particular type of anticoagulant regimen or patient characteristic associated with net benefit. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Immediate anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke is not associated with net short- or long-term benefit. The data from this review do not support the routine use of any type of anticoagulant in acute ischaemic stroke.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed2000

Antiplatelet therapy for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute ischaemic stroke, platelets become activated. Antiplatelet therapy might reduce the volume of brain damaged by ischaemia and reduce the risk of early recurrent ischaemic stroke. This might reduce the risk of early death and improve long-term outcome in survivors. However, antiplatelet therapy might also increase the risk of fatal or disabling intracranial haemorrhage. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to assess the net result of antiplatelet therapy in acute ischaemic stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register (most recent date of search March 1999), the register of trials held by the Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration, and MedStrategy (1995). We also contacted relevant pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing antiplatelet therapy started within 14 days of the stroke with control in patients with definite or presumed ischaemic stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria and assessed trial quality, and for the included trials, extracted and cross-checked the data. MAIN RESULTS: Eight trials involving 41,325 patients were included. Two trials testing aspirin 160 to 300 mg once daily started within 48 hours of onset contributed 98% of the data. The maximum follow-up was six months. With treatment, there was a significant decrease in death or dependency at the end of follow-up (OR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.91 - 0.98). In absolute terms, 13 more patients were alive and independent at the end of follow-up for every 1000 patients treated. Furthermore, treatment increased the odds of making a complete recovery from the stroke (OR = 1.06; 95% CI 1.01 - 1.11). In absolute terms, 10 patients made a complete recovery for every 1000 patients treated. Antiplatelet therapy was associated with a small but definite excess of 2 symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages for every 1000 patients treated, but this was more than offset by a reduction of 7 recurrent ischaemic strokes for every 1000 patients treated. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin 160 to 300 mg daily, given orally (or per rectum in patients who cannot swallow), and started within 48 hours of onset of presumed ischaemic stroke reduces the risk of early recurrent ischaemic stroke without a major risk of early haemorrhagic complications and improves long-term outcome.

Brain Ischemia↗
PubMed2000

Low-molecular-weight heparins or heparinoids versus standard unfractionated heparin for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Low molecular weight heparins and heparinoids may be associated with lower risks of haemorrhage and more powerful antithrombotic effects than standard unfractionated heparin. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to compare the effects of low molecular weight heparins or heparinoids with those of unfractionated heparin in people with acute confirmed or presumed ischaemic stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register and MedStrategy (1995). We also contacted pharmaceutical companies. Date of most recent search: April 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing heparinoids or low molecular weight heparins with standard unfractionated heparin in people with acute ischaemic stroke. Only trials where treatment was started within 14 days of stroke onset were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: Five trials involving 705 people were included. Four trials compared a heparinoid (danaparoid), and one compared a low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin), with standard unfractionated heparin. Overall, 55/414 (13%) of the patients allocated danaparoid or enoxaparin had deep vein thrombosis compared with 65/291 (22%) of those allocated unfractionated heparin. This reduction was significant (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.56 - 0.79). However, the number of more major events (pulmonary embolism, death, intra-cranial or extra-cranial haemorrhage) was too small to provide a reliable estimate of more important benefits and risks. No information was reported for recurrent stroke or functional outcome in survivors. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Low molecular weight heparin or heparinoid appear to decrease the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis compared to standard unfractionated heparin, but there are too few data to provide reliable information on their effect on other important outcomes, including death and intracranial haemorrhage.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed2000

Anticoagulants for preventing recurrence following ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

BACKGROUND: After a first stroke, further vascular events (especially myocardial infarction and recurrent stroke) are common and often fatal. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effect of prolonged anticoagulant therapy following presumed non-embolic ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register. We contacted companies marketing anticoagulant agents. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing anticoagulant therapy, for at least one month, with control in people with previous non-embolic presumed ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials involving 1214 patients were included. The quality of all trials was poor. All pre-dated routine computerised tomography scanning and use of the International Normalised Ratio to monitor anticoagulation. Anticoagulant therapy did not significantly reduce the odds of death or dependency (two trials, odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.52 to 1.34). Death from any cause (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.72 to 1.23), and death from vascular causes (odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 1.13) were not significantly different between treatment and control across all nine trials. Anticoagulant therapy did not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.56 to 1.13). However, fatal intracranial haemorrhage increased (odds ratio 2.54, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 5.45), as did major extracranial haemorrhage (odds ratio 4.87, 95% confidence interval 2.50 to 9.49). This means anticoagulant therapy caused 11 additional fatal intracranial haemorrhages and 25 additional major extracranial haemorrhages per year for every 1000 patients given anticoagulant therapy. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no clear benefit from long-term anticoagulant therapy in people with non-embolic presumed ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. There appears to be a significant bleeding risk associated with anticoagulant therapy.

Anticoagulants↗