Social vulnerability is not associated with three-month functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Medical Research

Background:

• Mechanical thrombectomy is a standard treatment for emergent large vessel occlusion.
• The impact of social factors on post-thrombectomy recovery remains under investigation.
• This study examines clinical and sociodemographic factors influencing functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between clinical and sociodemographic factors and 3-month functional outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy.
• To determine if social vulnerability impacts recovery after mechanical thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 290 patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.
• Analysis of change in modified Rankin Scale (ΔmRS) from baseline to 90-180 days post-stroke.
• Ordinal logistic regression used to assess the relationship between ΔmRS and social vulnerability, adjusting for clinical and procedural factors.

Main Results:

• Worse functional outcomes were associated with older age, male sex, higher stroke severity, and lower reperfusion success.
• Social vulnerability was not significantly associated with long-term functional outcomes post-thrombectomy.
• Clinical and procedural factors were stronger predictors of functional recovery than social vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• Functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy in this cohort were primarily influenced by clinical and procedural factors.
• While acute outcomes appeared equitable, further research is necessary to explore potential disparities in the broader stroke care continuum.
• Ongoing investigation is crucial to ensure equitable recovery and address disparities in stroke care.