Browsing by Author "Can, Ufuk"

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Acute Stroke Management in Türkiye: Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Thrombectomy NöroTek: Türkiye Neurology Single Day Study
(2023) Arlier, Zulfikar; Can, Ufuk
Objective: To reveal the profile and practice in patients with acute stroke who received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) and/or neurointerventional therapy in Turkiye. Materials and Methods: On World Stroke Awareness Day, May 10, 2018, 1,790 patients hospitalized in 87 neurology units spread over 30 health regions were evaluated retrospectively and prospectively. Results: Intravenous tPA was administered to 12% of 859 cases of acute ischemic stroke in 45 units participating in the study. In the same period, 8.3% of the cases received neurointerventional treatment. The rate of good prognosis [modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-2] at discharge was 46% in 83 patients who received only IV tPA [age: 67 +/- 12 years; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS): 12 +/- 6; hospital stay, 24 +/- 29 days]; 35% in 51 patients who underwent thrombectomy (MT) alone (age: 64 +/- 13 years; NIHSS: 14.1 +/- 6.5; length of hospital stay, 33 +/- 31 days), 19% in those who received combined treatment (age: 66 +/- 14 years; NIHSS: 15.6 +/- 5.4; length of hospital stay, 26 +/- 35 days), and 56% of 695 patients who did not receive treatment for revascularization (age: 70 +/- 13 years; NIHSS: 7.6 +/- 7.2; length of hospital stay, 21 +/- 28 days). The symptom-to-door time was 87 +/- 53 minutes in the IV treatment group and 200 +/- 26 minutes in the neurointerventional group. The average door-to-needle time was 66 +/- 49 minutes in the IV tPA group. In the neurothrombectomy group, the door-to-groin time was 103 +/- 90 minutes, and the TICI 2b-3 rate was 70.3%. In 103 patients who received IV tPA, the discharge mRS 0-2 was 41%, while the rate of mRS 0-1 was 28%. In 71 patients who underwent neurothrombectomy, the mRS 0-2 was 31% and mRS 0-1 was 18%. The door-to-groin time was approximately 30 minutes longer if IV tPA was received (125 +/- 107 and 95 +/- 83 minutes, respectively). Symptomatic bleeding rates were 4.8% in IV recipients, 17.6% among those who received only MT, and 15% in combined therapy. Globally, the hemorrhage rate was 6.8% in patients receiving IV tPA and 16.9% in MT. Conclusion: IV thrombolytic and neurointerventional treatment applications in acute ischemic stroke in Turkiye can provide the anticipated results. Heterogeneity has begun to be reduced in our country with the dissemination of the system indicated by the "Directive on Health Services to be Provided to Patients with Acute Stroke."
Alteratıon of Mean Platelet Volume in The Pathogenesıs of Acute Ischemıc Stroke: Cause or Consequence?
(2018) Ayas, Zeynep Ozozen; Can, Ufuk; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8689-417X; 29465900; AAJ-2999-2021
Introduction - Platelets have a crucial role on vascular disease which are involved in pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Platelet size is measured as mean platelet volume (MPV) and is a marker of platelet activity. Platelets contain more dense granules as the size increases and produce more serotonin and tromboglobulin (p-TO) than small platelets. In this study, the alteration of MPV values were investigated in patients with acute stroke, who had MPV values before stroke, during acute ischemic stroke and 7 days after the stroke. The relationship between this alteration and risk factors, etiology and localization of ischemic stroke were also investigated. Methods - Sixty-seven patients with clinically and radiologically established diagnoses of ischemic stroke were enrolled into the study and stroke etiology was classified by modified Trial of Org 10 172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification and, modified Bamford classification was used for localization and stroke risk factors were also evaluated. The platelet counts and MPV values from patient files in patients who had values before stroke (at examination for another diseases), within 24 hours of symptom onset and after 7 further days were analysed. Results - MPV values increased after stroke (10.59 +/- 2.26) compared with acute stroke values (9.84 +/- 1.64) and the values before stroke (9.59 +/- 1.72) (p<0.0001); this alteration of MPV values occured 7 days after stroke (p<0.016). There was a positive correlation between age and MPV values during acute stroke (r=0.270; p<0.05). Patients with atrial fibrillation had higher alteration in the time of MPV compared with patients without atrial fibrillation (p>0.006). We assessed for gender, men (n=38) had a higher alteration in the time of MPV compared with women (n=29) (p=0.013). Conclusion - Although there was no alteration of platelet counts, MPV values were increased 7 days after stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Aspirin Resistance in Cerebrovascular Disease and the Role of Glycoprotein IIIa Polymorphism in Turkish Stroke Patients
(2016) Derle, Eda; Ocal, Ruhsen; Kibaroglu, Seda; Celikkol, Ceyda; Bayraktar, Nilufer; Verdi, Hasibe; Atac, Belgin F.; Can, Ufuk; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3964-268X; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7886-3688; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0591-009X; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6868-2165; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8689-417X; 26809135; V-3553-2017; AAJ-2956-2021; Y-8758-2018; V-5499-2017; ABG-9966-2020; AAJ-2999-2021
Aspirin resistance occurs in 5-45% of high-risk patients, with various mechanisms proposed for its development. This study aimed to determine the relationships among aspirin resistance, aspirin dosage, type of aspirin and glycoprotein IIIa P1A1/A2 polymorphism in patients with vascular risk factors. Two hundred and eight (75 symptomatic, 133 asymptomatic) patients with vascular risk factors who were using aspirin for primary or secondary prevention were prospectively included. The symptomatic group was further classified into two groups according to aspirin use at the time of stroke. Aspirin resistance was measured by the PFA-100 system (collagen/epinephrine cartridge) and glycoprotein IIIa P1A1/A2 polymorphism was determined by PCR. The overall prevalence of aspirin resistance was 32.2%. The mean age of patients with aspirin resistance was significantly higher than that in those who did not have resistance (P=0.009). The prevalence of aspirin resistance was similar for the symptomatic and asymptomatic under aspirin therapy groups. The resistance rate was found to be highest with 100mg enteric-coated preparation use (39.3%). Increasing the aspirin dosage and/or shifting to uncoated preparations caused a change in aspirin sensitivity of 36-60%. Repeated measurements showed development of aspirin resistance in 14% of patients who were sensitive to aspirin in previous measurements. Glycoprotein IIIaP1A1/A2 polymorphism, aspirin resistance and development of atherothrombotic stroke were not significantly related. The effect of aspirin can change by time, dosage and type of preparation used. There are no relationships among glycoprotein IIIa P1A1/A2 polymorphism, aspirin resistance and development of atherothrombotic stroke. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Association between Hypoxia Parameters with White Matter Hyperintensity and Silent Cerebral Infarcts on Brain Magnetic Resonance Images in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(2016) Avci, Aynur Yilmaz; Avci, Suat; Lakadamyali, Huseyin; Lakadamyali, Hatice; Can, Ufuk; 0000-0003-2155-8014; 0000-0001-9004-9382; 0000-0001-8689-417X; O-3636-2018; F-6770-2019; AAJ-2999-2021
Objective: This study evaluated the association between hypoxia parameters with white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) on brain magnetic resonance (MR) images of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: In this retrospective study, the study group was composed of 453 patients who were evaluated by overnight polysomnography (PSG). Data on hypoxia parameters, such as total sleep duration with oxygen saturation < 90% (ST90), percentage of cumulative time with oxygen saturation < 90% (CT90), and the lowest oxygen saturation (min SaO(2)), were obtained from PSG. The presence of WMH and SCI was evaluated in all participants using brain MR images. Results: Hypoxia parameters, such as ST90, CT90, and min SaO(2), were significantly associated with WMH (P < 0.001). The multiple regression analysis showed that CT90 was independently associated with SCI (P = 0.038). In addition, when participants were divided into two groups according to CT90 < 10% and CT90 = 10%, age (P = 0.002), sex (P = 0.015), body mass index, Apnea-Hypopnea Index score, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, and the presence of WMH, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were significantly higher in the CT90 = 10% group compared with the CT90 < 10% group (P < 0.001 for all parameters). CT90 = 10% increased the risk of WMH 2.34-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.44-3.85; P = 0.006). Conclusion: The severity of nocturnal intermittent hypoxia may contribute to the pathogenesis of WMH and SCI in patients with OSA.
Atrial Fibrillation Management in Acute Stroke Patients in Türkiye: Real-life Data from the NöroTek Study
(2023) Arlier, Zulfikar; Can, Ufuk
Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common directly preventable cause of ischemic stroke. There is no dependable neurology-based data on the spectrum of stroke caused by AF in Turkiye. Within the scope of NoroTek-Turkiye (TR), hospital-based data on acute stroke patients with AF were collected to contribute to the creation of acute-stroke algorithms.Materials and Methods: On May 10, 2018 (World Stroke Awareness Day), 1,790 patients hospitalized at 87 neurology units in 30 health regions were prospectively evaluated. A total of 929 patients [859 acute ischemic stroke, 70 transient ischemic attack (TIA)] from this study were included in this analysis.Results: The rate of AF in patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke/TIA was 29.8%, of which 65% were known before stroke, 5% were paroxysmal, and 30% were diagnosed after hospital admission. The proportion of patients with AF who received "effective" treatment [international normalization ratio >= 2.0 warfarin or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) at a guideline dose] was 25.3%, and, either no medication or only antiplatelet was used in 42.5% of the cases. The low dose rate was 50% in 42 patients who had a stroke while taking NOACs. Anticoagulant was prescribed to the patient at discharge at a rate of 94.6%; low molecular weight or unfractionated heparin was prescribed in 28.1%, warfarin in 32.5%, and NOACs in 31%. The dose was in the low category in 22% of the cases discharged with NOACs, and half of the cases, who received NOACs at admission, were discharged with the same drug.Conclusion: NoroTekTR revealed the high but expected frequency of AF in acute stroke in Turkiye, as well as the aspects that could be improved in the management of secondary prophylaxis. AF is found in approximately one-third of hospitalized acute stroke cases in Turkiye. Effective anticoagulant therapy was not used in three-quarters of acute stroke cases with known AF. In AF, heparin, warfarin, and NOACs are planned at a similar frequency (one-third) within the scope of stroke secondary prophylaxis, and the prescribed NOAC dose is subtherapeutic in a quarter of the cases. Non-medical and medical education appears necessary to prevent stroke caused by AF.
Baş dönmesi ile başvuran hastaların demografik ve etyolojik özelliklerinin retrospektif değerlendirilmesi
(Başkent Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, 2014) Güler, Tülay; Can, Ufuk
Baş dönmesi hem en sık görülen şikayetlerden hem de acil servis ve polikliniklere en sık başvuru nedenlerinden biridir. Baş dönmesi toplumda çok sık görülmesi ve bunun sonucunda toplumun çok geniş bir kısmını etkilemesi, bazen de hayati tehlike yaratabilecek hastalıkların belirtisi olması nedeniyle etyolojisine yönelik yapılan çalışmalar önem taşımaktadır. Bu çalışmada baş dönmesi ile başvuran hastaların yaklaşımında faydalı olması amacıyla, etyolojik ve semptomatolojik özellikler ve alt gruplar belirlendi. Çalışmada Ağustos 2012-Ağustos 2013 tarihleri arasında Başkent Üniversitesi Ankara Hastanesi Nöroloji Anabilim Dalı tarafından baş dönmesi nedeniyle değerlendirilen, 491 kadın (%61,8), 303 erkek (%38,2) toplam 794 hastanın verileri retrospektif olarak incelendi. Baş dönmesi hastaları semptom ve tanılarına göre gruplandırıldı. Çalışmamızın sonuçlarına göre hastaların yaş ortalaması 59,9±18,2 idi. Hastalar tanılarına göre gruplandığında periferik grupta 408 (%51,4), santral grupta 129 (%16,2), psikojenik grupta 37 (%4,7), sistemik grupta 55 (%6,9) ve tanısı belirsiz grupta 165 (%20,8) hasta yer aldı. Hastalar ana semptomlarına göre gruplandığında vertigo grubunda 481 (%60,6), dengesizlik grubunda 157 (%19,8), presenkop grubunda 21 (%2,6), nonspesifik sersemlik hissi grubunda 135 (%17) hasta yer aldı. Hastaların tümünde ve tüm tanı gruplarında kadın cinsiyet sayıca üstün bulundu, psikojenik grupta bu üstünlük istatistiksel olarak anlamlıydı. Dengesizlik grubunda erkek cinsiyet, diğer semptom gruplarında kadın cinsiyet sayıca üstün bulundu. Psikojenik grupta ortalama yaş istatistiksel olarak anlamlı şekilde daha düşük izlendi. Dengesizlik grubunda ortalama yaş, vertigo ve nonspesifik sersemlik hissi grubuna göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı şekilde daha yüksek saptandı. Ana semptom olarak periferik grupta vertigo (%93,9), santral grupta dengesizlik (%46,5) ve vertigo (43,3), psikojenik ve sistemik grupta nonspesifik sersemlik hissi (%48,6 ve %52,7), tanısı belirsiz grupta nonspesifik sersemlik hissi (%41,8) ve dengesizlik (%40,6) daha fazla izlenmiştir. Bulantı-kusma ve kulak şikayeti periferik grupta, baş ağrısı, ek santral semptom ve ataksi santral grupta, psikojenik semptom psikojenik grupta daha fazla saptandı. Hipertansiyon (HT) sistemik grupta, geçirilmiş iskemik inme santral ve sistemik grupta, koroner arter hastalığı (KAH) santral, sistemik ve tanısı belirsiz grupta, dislipidemi tanısı belirsiz ve psikojenik grupta diğer gruplara göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı şekilde iv daha fazla saptandı. Santral grupta en sık iskemik inme (%38), parkinson (%13,2), migrenöz vertigo (%13,2), geçici iskemik atak (%7); periferik grupta en sık benign paroksismal pozisyonel vertigo (BPPV) (%34,3), vestibüler nörit (%4,9), Ménière hastalığı (%3,4); sistemik grupta en sık ortostatik hipotansiyon (%27,3), tansiyon dengesizliği (%25,5), vazovagal presenkop (%9,1) ve ilaç yan etkisi (%9,1) saptandı. Tüm hastalar birlikte değerlendirildiğinde en sık izlenen spesifik nedenler sırasıyla BPPV, iskemik inme, psikojenik nedenler, vestibüler nörit, migrenöz vertigo olarak belirlendi. Bu bulgular, baş dönmesi ile başvuran hastaların çoğunda özellikle vertigo tanımlayanlarda periferik nedenler görülmekle birlikte diğer nedenlerin de oldukça çok hastada görülmesi ve çok çeşitli olması nedeniyle gözardı edilmemesi gerektiğini göstermektedir.
Beyin manyetik rezonans görüntülemede hiperintes odağı olan migren hastalarında tromboza eğilim yaratan genetik faktörlerin rolü
(Başkent Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, 2007) Öcal, Ruhsen; Can, Ufuk
Migren, tüm dünyada sık karsılasılan sorunlardan biridir. Đnme ve migrende normal popülasyona göre beyin manyetik rezonans görüntülemede (MRG) subklinik hiperintens beyin lezyonları daha sık görülmektedir. Ayrıca migren tek basına inme için risk faktörü olarak kabul edilmistir. Tromboza eğilim yaratan genetik faktörler ve migren birlikteliğini arastıran çalısmalar sonucunda henüz tutarlı bir sonuç elde edilememistir ve bu durum etnik köken farklılığına bağlanmıstır. Bu çalısmada migrenli hastalarda faktör V Leiden, protrombin G20210A, metilentetrahidrofolat redüktaz geni C677T mutasyonu ve anjiyotensin konverting enzim geni (ACE) I/D (insersiyon/delesyon) polimorfizmi sıklığı ve bu faktörlerin beyin MRG’deki subklinik hiperintens lezyonlar ile iliskisi arastırılmıstır. Amacımız beyin MRG’de hiperintens lezyon olusumu ve tromboza eğilim yaratan moleküler faktörler arasındaki iliskiyi arastırmak, migrenli hasta grubu ile kontrol grubunu karsılastırmak ve saptanabilecek bir iliskiden yola çıkarak migren inme birlikteliğinin ortak patogenezine ısık tutmaktır. Daha önceden beyin MRG tetkiki bulunan ve migren tanısı konulan 160 hasta çalısmaya alındı. Tüm hastalardan bilgilendirilmis onam formu alındıktan sonra DNA izolasyonu için EDTA’lı tüplere 10 cc. kan örneği alındı. Đzole edilen genomik DNA’dan gerçeklestirilen moleküler analizler ile koagülasyon kaskadında görevli yukarıda adı geçen faktörlerin genotiplemesi gerçeklestirildi. Elde edilen bulgular sağlıklı Türk popülasyon çalısmalarının sonuçları ile de karsılastırıldı. Migrenli grupta ACE D/D genotipi sıklığının sağlıklı Türk popülasyonuna göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede fazla olduğu saptandı (p=.0001). Ayrıca beyin MRG’de hiperintens lezyonu olan grupta, lezyonu olmayan gruba göre ACE I/D genotipinin istatistiksel olarak anlamlı (p=.02) derecede fazla olduğu görüldü. Arastırılan diğer genlerdeki mutasyonlar için migrenliler ve sağlıklı popülasyon arasında, ayrıca auralı ve aurasız migrenliler arasında ve beyin MRG’de hiperintens lezyon olup olmamasına göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark saptanmadı. Sonuç olarak; bu çalısmada ACE D/D genotipinin migren hastalığı için bir risk faktörü ve ACE I/D genotipinin ise migrenlilerde beyin MRG’de gözlenen hiperintens lezyonlar açısından bir risk faktörü olabileceği bulunmustur. Bu konuda farklı etnik gruplar ve daha fazla sayıda hastayla ACE I/D polimorfizminin migren inme birlikteliğine katkısının arastırılması için yeni çalısmaların yapılması faydalı olabilir.
Brain Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Neurological Complications of Liver and Kidney Transplantation
(2018) Rahatli, Feride Kural; Agildere, Muhtesem; Donmez, Fuldem Yildirim; Can, Ufuk; Benli, Sibel; Gulsen, Salih; Altinors, Nur; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-4226-4034; 0000-0003-4223-7017; 0000-0003-4502-106X; 0000-0001-8689-417X; 0000-0002-9975-3170; 0000-0002-7535-1804; 0000-0002-3462-7632; AAL-9808-2021; AAB-5802-2020; AAE-5528-2021; AAJ-2999-2021; AAJ-4403-2021; AAJ-5746-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Clinical results of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy
(2016) Derle, Eda; Akinci, Tuba; Kibaroglu, Seda; Harman, Ali; Kural, Feride; Cinar, Pinar; Kilinc, Munire; Akay, Hakki T.; Can, Ufuk; Benli, Ulku S.; 0000-0002-7386-7110; 0000-0002-4226-4034; 0000-0002-9975-3170; 0000-0003-2122-1016; 0000-0002-3964-268X; 0000-0001-8689-417X; 27744460; AAI-8830-2021; AAJ-2956-2021; K-9824-2013; AAL-9808-2021; AAJ-4403-2021; AAJ-2999-2021
Objective: To review our results of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: We evaluated the medical records of patients undergoing carotid artery revascularization procedure, between 2001 and 2013 in Baskent University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Carotid artery stenting or CEA procedures were performed in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (=70%) or symptomatic stenosis (=50%). Demographic data, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Primary outcome measures were in 30-day stroke/transient ischemic attacks (TIA)/amaurosis fugax or death. Secondary outcome measures were nerve injury, bleeding complications, length of stay in hospital, stroke, restenosis (ICA patency), and all-cause death during long-term follow-up. Results: One hundred ninety-four CEA and 115 CAS procedures were performed for symptomatic and/or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. There is no significant differences 30-day mortality and neurologic morbidity between CAS (13%) and CEA procedures (7.7%). Length of stay in hospital were significantly longer in CEA group (p=0.001). In the post-procedural follow up, only in symptomatic patients, restenosis rate was higher in the CEA group (p=.045). The other endpoints did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Endovascular stent treatment of carotid artery atherosclerotic disease is an alternative for vascular surgery, especially for patients that are high risk for standard CEA. The increasing experience, development of cerebral protection systems and new treatment protocols increases CAS feasibility.
The Effects Of Corrective Surgical Treatment On Cerebral Hemodynamics İn Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease
(2021) Can, Ufuk
Background: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is meticulously regulated by various powerful mechanisms. Both acute and chronic changes in cardiac output have been shown to cause changes in CBF. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the chronic effects of total corrective surgical treatment on cerebral hemodynamics in children with cyanotic and non-cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 34 patients with cyanotic (n = 12) and non-cyanotic (n = 22) CHD aged between 6 months and 6 years were included in the study. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow rates were measured with transcranial Doppler (TCD) twice, preoperatively and between 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: When the preoperative and postoperative MCA values of non-cyanotic patients were compared, it was observed that postoperative MCA values, decreased end-diastolic flow velocity and resistance index (RI) values increased. When the preoperative and flows of cyanotic patients were compared, postoperative MCA values were found increased in the RI, pulsatility index and systolic/diastolic ratio values. These changes were statistically significant in the positive direction. Conclusions: Our results show that CBF returns to normal in non-cyanotic patients due to the improvement of cerebral autoregulation after corrective surgical treatment, and there is partial improvement in cyanotic patients.
Evaluation of Neuroimaging Findings of Central Nervous System Complications in Heart Transplant Recipients
(2020) Turnaoglu, Hale; Agildere, Ahmet Muhtesem; Rahatli, Feride Kural; Donmez, FuldemYildirim; Ocal, Ruhsen; Sezer, Taner; Can, Ufuk; Sezgin, Atilla; Aslamaci, Sait; 0000-0002-2278-1827; 0000-0001-8689-417X; 0000-0003-4223-7017; 29790456; AAJ-5931-2021; AAJ-2999-2021; AAB-5802-2020
Objectives: In this study, we presented neuroradiologic findings and diagnoses of neurologic complications in a series of heart transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at Baskent University Hospital. We searched the hospital and radiology databases and identified 109 heart transplant recipients. Thirty-one of these recipients had neuroradiologic evaluations secondary to presentation of neurologic symptoms after heart transplant, with 18 patients evaluated with computed tomography and 22 patients evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (overlap of imaging-defined groups occurred in 9 recipients). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies were retrieved from the Picture Archiving and Communication System, with each type of imaging retrospectively evaluated on consensus by 2 radiologists. Results: Radiopathologic findings related to symptoms were detected in 12 of the 31 study patients. The most common abnormality was posterior reversible leuko-encephalopathy syndrome (5 patients, 4.6%). The other abnormalities were ischemic stroke (3 patients, 2.8%), hemorrhagic stroke (1 patient, 0.9%), intracranial abscess (2 patients, 1.8%), and intracranial dissemination of sinusoidal fungal infection and related hemorrhagic infarct (1 patient, 0.9%). The other 19 heart transplant recipients who underwent computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging for neurologic complaints showed no neuroradiologic findings related to neurologic symptoms. Conclusions: Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome and ischemic stroke were the most common neurologic complications in our heart transplant recipients. The other complications were hemorrhagic stroke, intracranial abscess, and intracranial dissemination of sinusoidal fungal infection. Neurologic complications are common in heart transplant recipients and should be identified promptly for early treatment. For the recognition of these complications, computed tomography should be performed for initial evaluation to rule out edema or hemorrhage. However, in the presence of serious neurologic symptoms that cannot be explained by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging should be indicated.
Gastrostomy in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Stroke: "NoroTek" Turkey Point Prevalence Study Subgroup Analysis
(2022) Arlier, Zulfikar; Can, Ufuk
Objective: Nutritional status assessment, dysphagia evaluation and enteral feeding decision are important determinants of prognosis in acute neurovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: NoroTek is a point prevalence study conducted with the participation of 87 hospitals spread across all health sub regions of Turkey conducted on 10-May-2018 (World Stroke Awareness Day). A total of 972 hospitalized neurovascular patients [female: 53%, age: 69 +/- 14; acute ischemic stroke in 845; intracerebral hematoma (ICH) in 119 and post-resuscitation encephalopathy (PRE) in 8] with complete data were included in this sub-study. Results: Gastrostomy was inserted in 10.7% of the patients with ischemic stroke, 10.1% of the patients with ICH and in 50% of the patients with PRE. Independent predictors of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) administration were The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission [exp (ss): 1.09 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.14, per point] in ischemic stroke; and mechanical ventilation in ischemic [exp (ss): 6.18 (95% CI: 3.16-12.09)] and hemorrhagic strokes [exp (ss): 26.48 (95% CI: 1.36-515.8)]. PEG was found to be a significant negative indicator of favorable (modified Rankin's scale score 0-2) functional outcome [exp (ss): 0.032 (95% CI: 0.004-0.251)] but not of in-hospital mortality [exp (ss): 1.731 (95% CI: 0.785-3.829)]. Nutritional and swallowing assessments were performed in approximately two-thirds of patients. Of the nutritional assessments 69% and 76% of dysphagia assessments were completed within the first 2 days. Tube feeding was performed in 39% of the patients. In 83.5% of them, tube was inserted in the first 2 days; 28% of the patients with feeding tube had PEG later. Conclusion: The NoroTek study provided the first reliable and large-scale data on key quality metrics of nutrition practice in acute stroke in Turkey. In terms of being economical and accurate it makes sense to use the point prevalence method.
Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea with duloxetine in neuropathic pain management
(2021) Derle, Eda; Can, Ufuk; 34671951
Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that is widely used in chronic pain treatment in various diseases. Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea are rare side effects of this medication. Here, we reported a 34-year-old female with multiple sclerosis who used duloxetine for pain management and mood disorder and experienced galactorrhea.
Intrathecal Methotrexate-Induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
(2014) Guler, Tulay; Cakmak, Ozden Yener; Toprak, Selami Kocak; Kibaroglu, Seda; Can, Ufuk; 24764745
Left Atrial Mechanics For Secondary Prevention From Embolic Stroke Of Undetermined Source
(2022) Sade, Leyla Elif; Keskin, Suzan; Can, Ufuk; Colak, Ayse; Yuce, Deniz; Ciftci, Orcun; Ozin, Bulent; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3737-8595; 33206942; AAQ-7583-2021
Aims Anticoagulation is not justified unless atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected in cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients. We sought to explore whether left atrial (LA) remodelling is associated with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Methods and results In this prospective study, we evaluated consecutively 186 patients in sinus rhythm who presented with an acute ischaemic stroke (embolic and non-embolic) and sex- and age-matched controls. We performed continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to capture paroxysmal AF episodes as recommended by the guidelines. After 12 months of follow-up, continuous ECG monitoring was repeated in patients with undetected AF episodes. We quantified LA reservoir and contraction strain (LASr and LASct) by speckle-tracking, LA volumes by 3D echocardiography. Out of 186 patients, 149 were enrolled after comprehensive investigation for the source of ischaemic stroke and divided into other cause (OC) (n = 52) and CS (n = 97) groups. CS patients were also subdivided into AF (n = 39) and ESUS (n = 58) groups. Among CS patients, LA strain predicted AF independently from CHARGE-AF score and LA volume indices. ESUS group, despite no captured AF, had significantly worse LA metrics than OC and control groups. AF group had the worst LA metrics. Moreover, LASr predicted both CS (embolic stroke with and without AF) and ESUS (embolic stroke with no detected AF) independently from LAVImax and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score. LASr >26% yielded 86% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 92% positive, and 86% negative predictive values for the identification of ESUS (areas under curve: 0.915, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval: 0.86-0.97). Conclusion Echocardiographic quantification of LA remodelling has great potential for secondary prevention from ESUS.
Lentiform Fork Sign in A Case with End-Stage Renal Disease and Metabolic Acidosis
(2015) Derle, Eda; Kibaroglu, Seda; Cinar, Pinar; Ocal, Ruhsen; Can, Ufuk; 0000-0002-3964-268X; 0000-0001-8689-417X; 0000-0003-2122-1016; 25381213; AAJ-2956-2021; V-3553-2017; AAJ-2999-2021; AAI-8830-2021
Migraine and Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Endothelial Dysfunction Biomarkers and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Case-Control Study
(2019) Avci, Aynur Yilmaz; Akkucuk, Mehmet Husamettin; Torun, Ebru; Arikan, Serap; Can, Ufuk; Tekindal, Mustafa Agah; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9004-9382; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4569-1143; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5752-3812; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8689-417X; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4060-7048; 30645751; F-6770-2019; AAJ-2828-2021; AAJ-1289-2021; AAJ-2999-2021; U-9270-2018
Background Migraine is a common neurovascular disease associated with vascular risks, especially in young adult females, but the mechanism underlying these associations remains unknown. This study evaluated the relationships between plasma endothelial dysfunction biomarkers and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in young adult females with migraine. Methods This case-control study included 148 female patients (age range: 18-50years). Migraine was diagnosed according to the International Headache Society-IIIb criteria. Endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, such as von Willebrand factor (vWF), C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, total nitrate/nitrite concentration, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), were evaluated in plasma. Carotid IMT was measured by a radiologist with sonography. Results The CRP, TBARS, vWF, and IMT levels were increased in the migraine compared with the control group (p<0.001, p=0.02, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). After adjusting for confounders, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that systolic arterial blood pressure, CRP, vWF, TBARS, and right and left internal carotid artery (ICA) IMT were independently positively correlated with migraine (p<0.01, p=0.004, p=0.023, p=0.024, p=0.032, and p=0.048, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that right ICA IMT was independently associated with ergotamine and triptan and left ICA IMT was independently associated with ergotamine (p=0.013, p=0.026, and p=0.017, respectively). In addition, significant correlations were found between LDL lipoprotein and carotid IMT in the migraine group (p<0.05). Conclusions Carotid IMT enhancement and elevated TBARS, vWF, and CRP levels in migraine subjects during a migraine attack could be regarded as consequences of migraine attack pathophysiology. The independent associations between triptan and ergotamine consumption and enhanced carotid IMT suggest that repeated use of these vasoconstrictive antimigraine agents may have additional effects on carotid IMT.
Neurologic Complications After Liver Transplant: Experience at a Single Center
(2015) Derle, Eda; Kibaroglu, Seda; Ocal, Ruhsen; Kirnap, Mahir; Can, Ufuk; Benli, Sibel; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0003-2122-1016; 0000-0002-3964-268X; 0000-0001-8689-417X; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 0000-0002-9975-3170; 25894184; V-3553-2017; AAH-9198-2019; AAI-8830-2021; AAJ-2956-2021; AAJ-2999-2021; AAJ-8097-2021; AAJ-4403-2021
Objectives: Neurologic complications occur frequently after liver transplants. Up to 43% of patients experience severe postsurgical neurologic complications. These complications are significantly associated with longer hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the type and incidence of neurologic complications after liver transplants in adult patients. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 176 adult patients who had undergone liver transplants between 1995 and 2013. We recorded the demographic data, type of neurologic complications, type, and level of immunosuppressive treatment, and cause of liver failure. Results: Our study sample consisted of 48 deceased-donor liver transplants and 128 living-donor transplants (n = 176). Fifty-three of the patients (30.1%) were female. The age range of the total sample was 18 to 66 years (mean age, 43.1 +/- 13.7 y). As immunosuppressive treatment, most patients received tacrolimus alone (52%) or tacrolimus combined with mycophenolate mofetil (33%). Neurologic complications occurred in 74 of the patients (42%). The most common neurologic complications were diffuse encephalopathy (22.2%) and seizure (14.2%). Other neurologic complications were posterior reversible encephalopathy (1.7%), peripheral neuropathy (1.7%), cerebrovascular disease (1.1%), and central nervous system infection (1.1%). Age, cause of liver failure, and type of transplant were not associated with occurrence of neurologic complications. Conclusions: There was a high incidence of neurologic complications after liver transplants. Diffuse encephalopathy and seizure were common complications. Physicians should be aware of the high risk of neurologic complications after liver transplants. Factors such as immunosuppressive toxicity and metabolic imbalance that predispose patients to neurologic complications after liver transplants should be evaluated immediately, and treatment of postoperative neurologic complications should be initiated as early as possible.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, stroke severity and short term clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke
(2021) Iyigundogdu, Ilkin; Derle, Eda; Kibaroglu, Seda; Can, Ufuk; 0000-0001-7860-040X; 0000-0002-3964-268X; AAJ-2053-2021; AAJ-2956-2021
Background: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is an easily evaluated systemic inflammation indicator. However, there are limited reports on neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and functional outcome in ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and stroke severity, short term functional outcomes and mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The clinical data of patients who were > 18 age-old and hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke in Baskent University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between January 2018 and May 2019 were studied retrospectively. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were measured. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, mortality during hospitalization and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge of the patients with acute ischemic stroke were correlated. Results: Among the acute ischemic stroke patients due to the exclusion criteria, the data of 134 patients were evaluated. Median age of the patients were 76 +/- 12.5 years and 82 patients (61.2%) were male. The median NIHSS scores of the patients at admission was 5 +/- 4.5. Mortality during the hospitalization was seen in 8 patients (6%). The median neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio value of the patients at admission were found to be 2.6 +/- 3.4. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and NIHSS scores of the patients at admission, duration of the hospitalization, mRS scores at discharge and mortality during hospitalization were found to be positively correlated. Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple and easily measured marker and can be used as a potential indicator for prognosis in acute ischemic stroke. However further prospective multicenter investigations are required to confirm the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for predicting the prognosis in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome After Solid Organ Transplantation
(2016) Ulas, Aydin; Ozdemirkan, Aycan; Can, Ufuk; Zeyneloglu, Pinar; Pirat, Arash; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8689-417X; AAH-7003-2019; AAJ-2999-2021