Factors influencing early recovery in progressive single subcortical infarction

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Single Subcortical Infarction (SSI) sometimes shows progressive neurological deterioration despite intensive treatments. However, some patients show early improvement after deterioration. This study is aimed to identify the clinical factors associated with deterioration and early recovery from the deterioration in patients with SSI. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the patients with SSI who were admitted to our hospital within 48 hours after the onset of stroke. The patients were classified into the progression group when their symptoms worsened as NIHSS scored≥ 2 points within 5 days of admission. In the progression group, the patients were classified into the recovery group when they recovered to the admission levels of NIHSS score within 3 days after a deterioration. We compared the clinical factors between the progression group and the non-progression group, and between the recovery group and the non-recovery group. Results: Out of 255 patients with SSI, 67 were classified into the progression group. The progression group was significantly older and had a higher rate of dyslipidemia. In the progression group, 28 were in the recovery group. The recovery group had a higher rate of using argatroban in the initial treatment. Modified Rankin Scale and functional independence measure at discharge did not differ between the recovery group and the non-recovery group. Conclusion: The use of argatroban in the initial treatment was associated with an early recovery from a deterioration in patients with SSI. However, it did not lead to favorable outcomes at discharge.