Performance of the ABCD2 score for stroke risk post TIA: Meta-analysis and probability modeling
Data were available for 33 studies (16,070 patients): 26 of 33 reported stroke at 2 days, 32 of 33 at 7 days, and 28 of 33 at 90 days after TIA. The ABCD2 score leads to only small revisions of baseline stroke risk, particularly in settings of low baseline risk and when used by nonspecialists.
Prevalence and significance of stroke symptoms among patients receiving maintenance dialysis
This study determined the prevalence and potential significance of stroke symptoms among patients with end-stage renal disease without a prior diagnosis of stroke or TIA. Among the 126 participants, 46 had experienced one or more stroke symptoms, suggesting that clinical stroke events may go undiagnosed.
Effect of a neurohospitalist service on outcomes at an academic medical center
Using administrative data, educational surveys, and standardized patient satisfaction surveys, this study compared outcomes in the 21 months before and the 27 months after the introduction of a neurohospitalist service. This service coincided with a reduction in length of stay and cost and a trend toward improved medical student and patient satisfaction and readmission rates.
See p. 988
C90RF72 repeat expansion in clinical and neuropathologic frontotemporal dementia cohorts
Frontotemporal dementia due to C90RF72 mutations: Clinical and imaging features
The C9ORF72 repeat expansion is a relatively common cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), especially in patients with FTD-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), psychotic features, and a strong family history. Patients with the C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion also develop behavioral variant FTD, ALS, or FTD-motor neuron disease with similar clinical and imaging features.
Higher normal fasting plasma glucose is associated with hippocampal atrophy: The PATH Study
This study investigated the association between plasma glucose levels and hippocampal and amygdalar atrophy in 266 cognitively healthy individuals without type 2 diabetes aged 60 to 64 years. High plasma glucose levels within the normal range were associated with greater atrophy of structures relevant to aging and neurodegenerative processes.
See p. 1019
Recommendations for optimal ICD codes to study neurologic conditions: A systematic review
This review assessed the validity of ICD coding in administrative data for research in 15 neurologic conditions. Excellent coding accuracy was reported for epilepsy, motor neuron disease, and multiple sclerosis; however, further validation studies are required for all conditions. Accurate case definitions are essential for neurologic research using administrative data.
See p. 1049
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN NEUROLOGIC PRACTICE: EDUCATION
Standardized sign-out improves completeness and perceived accuracy of inpatient neurology handoffs
This study documents improvement in communication skills between neurology residents using a standardized sign-out system, which may translate into improved patient safety and quality of care.
See p. 1060
From editorialists Finney & Martin-Schild: “As neurologists, we need to make the most of our time with our patients by practicing effective and efficient communications both with those we care for and those to whom we entrust our patients' care.”
See p. 967
NB: Special Editorial “The Neurology® Podcast: 2007–2012: Can you hear me now?” To check out the podcasts, point your browser to www.neurology.org and click on Download Latest Issue.
- Copyright © 2012 by AAN Enterprises, Inc.
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You May Also be Interested in
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- Performance of the ABCD2 score for stroke risk post TIA: Meta-analysis and probability modeling
- Prevalence and significance of stroke symptoms among patients receiving maintenance dialysis
- Effect of a neurohospitalist service on outcomes at an academic medical center
- C90RF72 repeat expansion in clinical and neuropathologic frontotemporal dementia cohorts
- CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN NEUROLOGIC PRACTICE: EDUCATION
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