Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital unveils the largest comparative clinical study on stroke in Non-COVID and COVID patients

Mumbai, 28^thOctober 2020: On the occasion of World Stroke Day, Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital has unveiled one of the largest comparative study of neurological deficit, morbidity, mortality and overall clinical outcomes of ‘Stroke in Non-COVID and COVID patients.’While the risk of stroke incidence is only about 1.5% in COVID patients, they report poorer rate of recovery, functional outcomes and mortality rate as compared to their Non-COVID counterparts, the study reveals. 

42 stroke patients, treated during May 1 to August 31 were analysed as a part of the study, ‘Stroke in Pandemic.’Two groups of patients were divided equally, on the basis of their COVID status, age group and comorbid conditions for accurate clinical outcomes.

As per the study, 1.4% of total COVID patients suffered stroke as opposed to several international studies, suggesting the prevalence to be between 5% to 6%. However, post intervention functional outcomes—fluency in speech, limb movement and cognitive abilities were extremely poor in COVID patients. The Non-COVID patients who suffered stroke reported relatively better neurological and physical recovery with comparatively shorter recovery period and no complications.

While the experts found no radiological differences in the two groups, the ‘stroke in COVID,’ group reported higher levels of D-Dimer—a biological marker for blood coagulation. 

Dr Pradyumna Oak, Director and Head of Neurology, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital and principal author of the study, attributed the differences in the two groups to missing the golden hour treatment window and infection induced systemic involvement.

“The study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and intensive care in managing stroke amidst the pandemic. The understanding of increased D-Dimer levels and probability of stroke correlation, can further strengthen prevention of stroke in COVID patients,”said, Dr. Oak

The study—coauthoredby Dr. Priyanka Prabhu and Dr. Aditya Raheja will be replicated and extended to several other prominent stroke units of the city. “We have already tied up with prominent public and private hospitals of the city to replicate our study and confirm the findings in a larger patient pool. Consecutively, efforts to increase stroke awareness is a pre-requisite on the part of the medical community while spreading awareness about Covid-19 and its multifaceted effects,” Dr Oak added.

BOX:

Mumbai’s First Stroke Helpline:

On the occasion of World Stroke Day, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital has launched a one-of-its-kind 24-hour ‘Stroke Helpline.’ The helpline, ’8405050548,’ will be attended by trained neurologists who can address all queries related to signs, symptoms, detection and treatment of stroke for people at large. The core aim of the helpline is to improve the ‘Golden Hour,’ treatment rate and reduce the morbidity and mortality of stroke. 

Statistics:

Comparison of various variables between Covid & Non-covid cases

Variables	Groups	Mean
Age (years)	Covid	57.29
	Non-covid	60.95
No. of Comorbidities ^	Covid	1.86
	Non-covid	2.05
Platelet count	Covid	239423.81
	Non-covid	300123.81
D-dimer (ng/ml) ^	Covid	20301.08
	Non-covid	1553.68
Days of admission till outcome ^	Covid	13.10
	Non-covid	9.67
Modified Rankin Score #	Covid	2.90
	Non-covid	1.81

Days of admission till outcome

Days of admission till outcome		Group		Total
		Covid	Non-covid
< 5 ^	No.	3	8	11
	%	14.3%	38.1%	26.2%
5 to 9 ^	No.	5	7	12
	%	23.8%	33.3%	28.6%
10 to 14 #	No.	8	1	9
	%	38.1%	4.8%	21.4%
15 &> #	No.	5	5	10
	%	23.8%	23.8%	23.8%
Total	No.	21	21	42
	%	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%

Within golden period

Within golden period		Group		Total
		Covid	Non-covid
Yes	No.	0	6	6
	%	0.0%	28.6%	14.3%
No	No.	21	15	36
	%	100.0%	71.4%	85.7%
Total	No.	21	21	42
	%	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%

About Nanavati Hospital

The iconic healthcare institution of Mumbai, Dr. BalabhaiNanavati Hospital, blessed by Mahatma Gandhi and inaugurated in 1950 by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is now reintroduced as Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital.

Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital has been at the forefront of healthcare for 70 years. Today the 350 bed facility housing 55 speciality departments offers a plethora of services in practically every field of modern medicine and health care. Our well-equipped hospital rooms, state-of-the-art departments and technologically advanced systems are all backed by the expertise and reputation of over 350 consultants, 100 resident doctors, 475 nursing staff and 1500 employees

The hospital’s state-of-the-art Imaging Centre, spanning over 10,000 sq. ft. Nanavati Cancer Centre provides comprehensive Cancer Care with organ specific specialist teams in a holistic manner. The hospital offers advanced services for the treatment of heart conditions including Minimal Access Cardiac Bypass Surgery. The Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery) program at Nanavati is one of the largest in the region. The hospital provides a wide spectrum of Super Specialty Services in the field of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Urology, Kidney Transplant, Nephrology, Gastroenterology and Surgical Gastroenterology, Liver Transplant, Orthopaedics including Spine Surgery, Joint Replacement & Sports Medicine, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery and comprehensive Mother & Child Care.

Besides being the leader for therapeutic services, the Hospital also has region’s largest medical post-graduation program with over 70 seats in DNB and CPS aimed to create well-trained, ethical, skilled, resourceful leaders dedicated to the passion of healing that will empower the future medical fraternity.

With an aim to achieve professional excellence in delivering quality care while pushing the frontiers of care through research and education and adhering to the national and global standards in healthcare, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital provides quality healthcare to all sections of the society.

For more information: Please visit http://www.nanavatihospital.org/