Open AccessChronic remote ischemic conditioning for symptomatic internal carotid or middle cerebral artery occlusion: A prospective cohort study
Author(s) -
Li Sijie,
Zhao Wenbo,
Liu Guiyou,
Ren Changhong,
Meng Ran,
Wang Yuan,
Song Haiqing,
Ma Qingfeng,
Ding Yuchuan,
Ji Xunming
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
cns neuroscience and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1755-5949
pISSN - 1755-5930
DOI - 10.1111/cns.13874
Subject(s) - medicine , middle cerebral artery , internal carotid artery , stroke (engine) , occlusion , cardiology , stenosis , prospective cohort study , ischemia , mechanical engineering , engineering
Abstract Aims Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has been demonstrated to reduce recurrent stroke in patients with intracranial artery stenosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of RIC in patients with the symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Methods This study is based on a high‐volume single‐center prospective cohort study in China, which included patients with symptomatic ICA or MCA occlusion with impaired hemodynamics and receiving chronic RIC. Clinical follow‐up visits were performed regularly, and cardio‐cerebrovascular events were assessed. Results In total, 131 patients (68 with ICA occlusion and 63 with MCA occlusion; mean age, 52.6 ± 13.7 years; stroke, 73.5%; transient ischemic attack TIA, 26.5%) qualified for the analysis; the mean follow‐up period was 8.8 years (range, 3–14 years). The compliance of RIC was 95.6 ± 3.7%, and no associated severe adverse events happened. The annual risk of ischemic stroke and ischemic cerebrovascular events was 2.4% and 3.3%, respectively. The cumulative probabilities of ischemic cerebrovascular events and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were 32.8% and 44.8% at 14 years, respectively. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICA or MCA occlusion with impaired hemodynamics, chronic RIC is well‐tolerated, and it appears to be associated with a low annual risk of ischemic stroke and cardio‐cerebrovascular events.