Pediatric stroke guidelines: where will these take future research and treatment options for childhood stroke?

Abstract

Stroke is as common as brain tumor in children and results in long-term morbidity in at least two thirds of survivors. There has been a recent explosion of research in the field of childhood stroke, reflected in the publication of three sets of clinical guidelines, two within the last year. However, there is still a poor evidence base underpinning recommendations relating to investigation and treatment of childhood stroke, which need to be specific to the vascular stroke syndrome in question, as well as to the age of the affected child. Acute stroke is still under-recognized in children and there is a role for educating healthcare professionals. Improved precision in categorization as well as investigation of disease mechanisms and treatments specific to childhood stroke, rather than extrapolation from research in adults, are essential next steps. Consortia, such as the International Pediatric Stroke Study group, will provide vital infrastructure for such work.