Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity for predicting functional outcome in acute stroke

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Neurology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Acute cerebral infarction poses significant risks for long-term functional impairment.
• Accurate prognostic markers are crucial for guiding post-stroke management.
• Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is an emerging indicator of arterial stiffness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prognostic value of baPWV in predicting functional outcomes after acute cerebral infarction.
• To determine if the prognostic value of baPWV varies across different stroke subtypes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 1091 patients with first-ever acute cerebral infarction were assessed.
• baPWV measurements were taken, and stroke subtypes were classified.
• Functional outcome was assessed at 3 months using the modified Rankin Scale.

Main Results:

• 16.59% of patients experienced poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale >2).
• Elevated baPWV levels (highest tertile) were significantly associated with increased risk of poor functional outcome (aOR 1.88).
• baPWV improved the predictive discrimination for functional outcomes when added to existing models.

Conclusions:

• baPWV independently predicts functional outcomes in patients with acute cerebral infarction.
• The prognostic utility of baPWV was consistent across various stroke subtypes.
• baPWV serves as a valuable tool for assessing prognosis in stroke patients.