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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats
Published on: April 21, 2017
[Characteristics of ischemic stroke in children in the years 1968-1998 and 2010-2015]
Insights
Pediatric ischemic stroke diagnosis and etiology remain challenging, with computed tomography being a primary tool. Improved rehabilitation significantly reduced hospitalization times in recent years.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Stroke Medicine
Context:
- Pediatric ischemic stroke is rare and distinct from adult stroke.
- Clinical presentation varies with lesion location, extent, and patient age.
- Understanding etiological factors and clinical outcomes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose:
- To compare the clinical presentation and outcomes of pediatric ischemic stroke between two distinct time periods (1968-1998 and 2010-2015).
- To evaluate diagnostic methods and treatment strategies employed over these periods.
- To assess changes in hospitalization duration and functional recovery.
Summary:
- The study analyzed 32 children (1968-1998) and 27 children (2010-2015) with ischemic stroke.
- Computed tomography (CT) remains the primary diagnostic tool, with no significant improvement in etiological detection.
- While clinical consequences persisted, hospitalization significantly decreased in the later period due to better rehabilitation access.
Impact:
- Highlights the persistent diagnostic challenges in pediatric ischemic stroke.
- Underscores the importance of advanced neuroimaging and multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
- Demonstrates the positive impact of improved rehabilitation services on patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.
Background:
Ischemic strokes in children are rare. The etiology and risk factors for ischemic stroke in children and adolescence differ from those typical in adults. Clinical symptoms depend on the location, extent of damage of the central nervous system and age. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical picture of ischemic stroke in children at two periods.
Material And Methods:
The study included children who had a stroke: 32 children (group I) in the years 1968-1998 and 27 children (group II) in 2010-2015. In each case medical history, physical and neurological examination, laboratory tests and neuroimaging were taken. To determine the location of ischemia in children The Oxford Community Stroke Project classification was used. To determine the score of hemiparesis the Ashworth scale was used.
Results:
Pregnancy, delivery, neonatal period and neurological history in the majority of children enrolled to the study, was unbounded. Etiology of stroke in first group was found in 20 children. Diagnosis of ischemic stroke was made on the basis of angiography in 13 children, while the remaining 19 based on head CT. TACI were found in 11 children, while PACI had 21 children. In the Ashworth scale I score of paralysis was observed in 14 children; 2 score in 5 children. 3 score had 11 children and 2 children 4 score of paralysis. In the second group, the etiology of stroke was found in 6 children. Ischemic stroke in all children was diagnosed based on CT scans. Additionaly, 24 children had MRI, 4 children had CT angiography and in 5 children MRA. TACI was diagnosed in 3 children, in the next 21 children PACI and POCI in other 3 children. The Ashworth Scale score 1 paralysis were observed in 8 children and score 2 at 16. 2 children had paresis score 3, in 1 paralysis had score 4. No child in group I and II, had hemorrhagic stroke. In the pharmacological treatment of the acute phase of stroke steroidotherapy and diuretics were used, in children with infection antibiotic therapy was introduced. Antithrombotic therapy was administered in 2 children. Neuroprotective treatment (piracetam) and rehabilitation therapy was used. Children with ischemic stroke in group I were hospitalized an average of 80 days. Hospitalization time in group II was an average of 23 days.
Conclusions:
1. In spite of dynamic development of laboratory diagnosis detection of the etiology of ischemic stroke in children has not improved. 2. Computed tomography is still a primary diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of stroke in children. 3. In both groups of children hospitalization in the years 1968-1998 and 2010-2015 clinical consequences after ischemic were observed. 4. Majority of children after ischemic stroke has a small degree of paralysis. 5. Better availability of outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment enabled significantly shortened hospitalization of children in 2010-2015.
