Coronary heart disease, which includes acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is a major cause of death and morbidity. Treatment for this condition includes dual anti-platelet treatment combined with an anti-coagulant and an anti-dyslipidemic. Bleeding complications may occur and one fatal adverse event is intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). ACS cases in a tertiary hospital for the years 2014-2018 showed that there were 7 patients who presented with symptomatic ICH after treatment administration that accounts for 0.01% of a total of 1,097 patients. These patients were over the age of 50, but with no sex predilection. Common comorbidities were hypertension and malignancy. All patients presented with acute onset neurologic deficits within 1-4 days after administration of ACS regimen, with ICH scores of 3-4 signifying a high mortality rate of 72-90%. 6 out 7 patients had significant volume of ICH with mass effects, and 1 with subarachnoid hemorrhage. This lead to poor outcome in all patients with 6 out of 7 mortalities and 1 left with substantial disability. It was found that given the total number of patients administered with the said treatment, there is a low incidence of ICH.
Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the gold standard of care for large vessel occlusion strokes, but is underutilized in developing countries.

METHODOLOGY

This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent EVT during the period of September 2018 to April 2023. Data collected were demographics, underlying co-morbidities, use of anti-thrombotics/coagulants, CT or MR ASPECTS, thrombolysis prior to EVT, technique, timing, TICI score, occlusion site, discharge and 90-day MRS.

RESULTS

Of the 1,595 stroke patients, 57 (3%) cases underwent EVT. The mean age was 65 with a male to female ratio of 6:5. Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes were the common comorbidities. Majority of patients (90%, n=54) presented with moderate to severe disability (MRS 3-5). Majority were in the anterior circulation (89%, n=51). Stentriever technique was mostly used (59% n=34) with a 77% (n=44) recanalization rate. Early neurologic improvement (ENI) was seen in 7% (n=4), 2 of which translated to a favorable outcome after 90-days. Mortality occurred in 24% (n=14) of cases, mostly from neurological complications. 24% (n=14) had favorable outcome of MRS 0-2 after 90 days. Among those grouped in the unfavorable outcome, 53% (n=23) were MRS 3, still showing marked improvement of quality of life.

CONCLUSION

EVT outcomes in this study is aligned with the landmark trials which exhibited a number needed to treat of 2.8-7.4. This local data highlights that EVT is a possible and effective treatment for large vessel strokes despite wide gap in accessibility and use in the country.

Human ; Thrombectomy

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an extraordinary challenge to the operations of private hospitals involved in neurological residency training. Numerous adaptations were made to restructure the hospital, including the special units and diagnostic centers. Teaching and training activities were swiftly transitioned to online platforms and research activities were streamlined. Manpower allocation into teams with active duties followed by mandatory quarantine periods became the norm.

Objective. To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the neurology training program by comparing two periods: pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.

Methods. We reviewed the changes implemented by the hospital in response to the pandemic. We also looked into our residency training program pre-pandemic and the subsequent changes instituted to adapt to the pandemic.

Results. Due to the community quarantine imposed by the government, there was a drastic drop by as much as 70.5% in the out-patient census, 38.4% in the in-patient census, and 46.9% in neurodiagnostic (electroencephalography and electrodiagnostic medicine). The residents were reorganized into three teams of 4 residents, further divided into COVID and non-COVID rotations for 5 days straight duty. Consultants were also stratified into high-risk (on-call for emergency referrals in a work-from-home scheme) and non-high-risk (COVID patient rounds). Teleconsultation was likewise utilized. Academic activities were shifted to blended online learning.

Conclusion. There was a need to reorganize resident staffing brought about by the hospital changes as well, to ensure safety during the pandemic. The pandemic has forced us to shift to alternative methods of teaching and examination, such as teleneurology. Regular assessments and adjustments to the training program will need to be done to adapt to an evolving situation.

Neurology ; COVID-19 ; Pandemics