Impact of pre-stroke dependency on outcome after endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke

Background and purpose Current demographic changes indicate that more people will be care-dependent due to increasing life expectancy. Little is known about impact of preexisting dependency on stroke outcome after endovascular treatment (EVT). Methods We compared prospectively collected baseline and outcome data of previously dependent vs. independent stroke patients (prestroke modified Rankin Scale score of 3-5 vs. 0-2) treated with EVT. Outcome measures were favorable 3-month outcome (mRS <= 3 for previously dependent and mRS <= 2 for independent patients, respectively), death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results Among 1247 patients, 84 (6.7%) were dependent before stroke. They were older (81 vs. 72 years of age), more often female (61.9% vs. 46%), had a higher stroke severity at baseline (NIHSS 18 vs. 15 points), more often history of previous stroke (32.9% vs. 9.1%) and more vascular risk factors than independent patients. Favorable outcome and mortality were to the disadvantage of independent patients (26.2% vs. 44.4% and 46.4% vs. 25.5%, respectively), whereas sICH was comparable in both cohorts (4.9% vs. 5%). However, preexisting dependency was not associated with clinical outcome and mortality after adjusting for outcome predictors (OR 1.076, 95% CI 0.612-1.891;p = 0.799 and OR 1.267, 95% CI 0.758-2.119;p = 0.367, respectively). Conclusion Our study underscores the need for careful selection of care-dependent stroke patients when considering EVT, given a less favorable outcome observed in this cohort. Nonetheless, EVT should not systematically be withheld in patients with preexisting disability, since prior dependency does not significantly influence outcome.

Automated summary

This study compared stroke patients with preexisting dependency to independent patients who underwent EVT. It found that the dependent patients were older, had more severe strokes, and more risk factors, but the preexisting dependency did not significantly affect clinical outcomes or mortality. Careful selection of care-dependent stroke patients for EVT is needed, as prior dependency does not greatly impact outcomes.