Delayed functional independence after thrombectomy: temporal characteristics and predictors.

BACKGROUND

Variability in early neurological improvement after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is well documented. Understanding the temporal progression of functional independence after EVT, especially delayed functional independence in patients who do not experience early improvement, is essential for prognostication and rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of early and delayed functional independence and identify associated predictors after EVT.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on patients undergoing EVT in the setting of anterior circulation LVO was performed. Demographic, clinical, radiological, treatment, and procedural information were analyzed. Incidence and predictors of early functional independence (EFI, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2 at discharge) and delayed functional independence (DFI, mRS score 0-2 at 90 days in non-EFI patients) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty-five patients met the study criteria. 55% were women and mean age was 71±15. Mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 17±6 and median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was 9 (8-10). EFI was observed in 21% (73) of patients. Among non-EFI patients (282), DFI was observed in 30% (85) of patients. Shorter time to treatment (p=0.03), lower 24 hours NIHSS score (p<0.001), and smaller follow-up infarct volume (p=0.003) were independent predictors of EFI. Younger age (p=0.011), lower 24 hours NIHSS score (p=0.001), and absence of parenchymal hemorrhage (PH2; p=0.039) were independent predictors of DFI.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-fifth of patients experience EFI and one-third of non-early improvers experience DFI. Younger age, lower 24 hours NIHSS score, and absence of parenchymal hemorrhage were independent predictors of DFI among non-early improvers. Further studies are required to improve our understanding of DFI.