Treatment of stroke on an intensive stroke unit: a novel concept

Abstract

In industrialised nations stroke ranks as number three among causes of death and is the most frequent cause of disability in old age. Demographic changes will result in stroke gaining increasing importance for individuals as well as for society as a whole. Stroke is already a major cost factor for healthcare and social security systems because of its high long-term costs. Therapeutic nihilism, although still widespread among patients and some physicians, is no longer justified. Long-term outcome after stroke can be significantly improved by providing therapy in wards specialised in early rehabilitation, so-called 'stroke units'. Recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) studies, as well as lysis therapy studies have shown that the first 3-6 h are crucially important. For this reason, the concept of "intensive stroke units" also called "intensive care stroke units" has been implemented in Germany. The goal of an intensive stroke unit is the optimal care of stroke patients under intensive care conditions for the first 3-4 days with the aim of improving outcome, long-term morbidity, and reducing long-term healthcare costs. Another important objective is the development and research of new therapeutic concepts and approaches that are based on pathophysiological considerations. A further goal is the initiation of specific therapies depending on the suspected underlying pathophysiology, for example, local or systemic thrombolysis, full-dose heparinisation, platelet aggregation inhibitors, oral anticoagulants, neuroprotective agents, decompression craniotomy, sympathomimetically supported volume therapy and hypothermia. A final objective is to minimise the number of complications through intensive monitoring. Basic acute management includes optimal oxygen supply, rapid normalisation of blood glucose and body temperature, volume therapy, maintaining a high blood pressure and cardiac output to improve remaining cerebral perfusion in the presence of ischaemically impaired autoregulation, treating cerebral oedema, prophylaxis of thrombosis, and early mobilisation. Rapid and easy access to computerised tomography (CT), MRI, Doppler and duplex scanning of the brain-supplying blood vessels, and echocardiography is essential. The ready availability of intensive care monitoring (blood pressure, electrocardiography, central venous pressure, transcranial Doppler (TCD), TCD embolism detection, cerebral pressure, electroencephalography and cardiac output is also imperative. We would like to stress at this point that this manuscript is a personal view describing stroke care in Germany. Many of the principles described have not been widely adopted elsewhere, perhaps in part due to a lack of available facilities. However, many of our recommendations are based on logical principles and thus, we feel, bear further scrutiny.