@article{KraftDrechslerGunrebenetal.2014, author = {Kraft, Peter and Drechsler, Christiane and Gunreben, Ignaz and Heuschmann, Peter Ulrich and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Regulation of Blood Coagulation Factors XI and XII in Patients with Acute and Chronic Cerebrovascular Disease: A Case-Control Study}, series = {Cerebrovascular Diseases}, volume = {38}, journal = {Cerebrovascular Diseases}, number = {5}, issn = {1015-9770}, doi = {10.1159/000368434}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-199076}, pages = {337-343}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Animal models have implicated an integral role for coagulation factors XI (FXI) and XII (FXII) in thrombus formation and propagation of ischemic stroke (IS). However, it is unknown if these molecules contribute to IS pathophysiology in humans, and might be of use as biomarkers for IS risk and severity. This study aimed to identify predictors of altered FXI and FXII levels and to determine whether there are differences in the levels of these coagulation factors between acute cerebrovascular events and chronic cerebrovascular disease (CCD). Methods: In this case-control study, 116 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transitory ischemic attack (TIA), 117 patients with CCD, and 104 healthy volunteers (HVs) were enrolled between 2010 and 2013 at our University hospital. Blood sampling was undertaken once in the CCD and HV groups and on days 0, 1, and 3 after stroke onset in patients with AIS or TIA. Correlations between serum FXI and FXII levels and demographic and clinical parameters were tested by linear regression and analysis of variance. Results: The mean age of AIS/TIA patients was 70 ± 12. Baseline clinical severity measured with NIHSS and Barthel Index was 4.8 ± 6.0 and 74 ± 30, respectively. More than half of the patients had an AIS (58\%). FXI levels were significantly correlated with different leukocyte subsets (p < 0.05). In contrast, FXII serum levels showed no significant correlation (p > 0.1). Neither FXI nor FXII levels correlated with CRP (p > 0.2). FXII levels were significantly higher in patients with CCD compared with those with AIS/TIA (mean ± SD 106 ± 26\% vs. 97 ± 24\%; univariate analysis: p < 0.05); these differences did not reach significance in multivariate analysis adjusted for sex and age. FXI levels did not differ significantly between study groups. Sex and age were significantly associated with FXI and/or FXII levels in patients with AIS/TIA (p < 0.05). In contrast, no statistical significant influence was found for treatment modality (thrombolysis or not), pre-treatment with platelet inhibitors, and severity of stroke. Conclusions: In this study, there was no differential regulation of FXI and FXII levels between disease subtypes but biomarker levels were associated with patient and clinical characteristics. FXI and FXII levels might be no valid biomarker for predicting stroke risk.}, language = {en} } @article{KraftDrechslerGunrebenetal.2014, author = {Kraft, Peter and Drechsler, Christiane and Gunreben, Ignaz and Nieswandt, Bernhard and Stoll, Guido and Heuschmann, Peter Ulrich and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Von Willebrand Factor Regulation in Patients with Acute and Chronic Cerebrovascular Disease: A Pilot, Case-Control Study}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {6}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0099851}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119588}, pages = {e99851}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background and Purpose In animal models, von Willebrand factor (VWF) is involved in thrombus formation and propagation of ischemic stroke. However, the pathophysiological relevance of this molecule in humans, and its potential use as a biomarker for the risk and severity of ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study had two aims: to identify predictors of altered VWF levels and to examine whether VWF levels differ between acute cerebrovascular events and chronic cerebrovascular disease (CCD). Methods A case-control study was undertaken between 2010 and 2013 at our University clinic. In total, 116 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transitory ischemic attack (TIA), 117 patients with CCD, and 104 healthy volunteers (HV) were included. Blood was taken at days 0, 1, and 3 in patients with AIS or TIA, and once in CCD patients and HV. VWF serum levels were measured and correlated with demographic and clinical parameters by multivariate linear regression and ANOVA. Results Patients with CCD (158±46\%) had significantly higher VWF levels than HV (113±36\%, P<0.001), but lower levels than AIS/TIA patients (200±95\%, P<0.001). Age, sex, and stroke severity influenced VWF levels (P<0.05). Conclusions VWF levels differed across disease subtypes and patient characteristics. Our study confirms increased VWF levels as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and, moreover, suggests that it may represent a potential biomarker for stroke severity, warranting further investigation.}, language = {en} } @article{PruggerHeidrichWellmannetal.2012, author = {Prugger, Christof and Heidrich, Jan and Wellmann, J{\"u}rgen and Dittrich, Ralf and Brand, Stefan-Martin and Telgmann, Ralph and Breithardt, G{\"u}nter and Reinecke, Holger and Scheld, Hans and Kleine-Katth{\"o}fer, Peter and Heuschmann, Peter U. and Keil, Ulrich}, title = {Trends in Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Patients With Coronary Heart Disease : Results From the EUROASPIRE I, II, and III Surveys in the M{\"u}nster Region}, series = {Deutsches {\"A}rzteblatt International}, volume = {109}, journal = {Deutsches {\"A}rzteblatt International}, number = {17}, doi = {10.3238/arztebl.2012.0303}, pages = {303-U21}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: Target values for cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are stated in guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We studied secular trends in risk factors over a 12-year period among CHD patients in the region of Munster, Germany. Methods: The cross-sectional EUROASPIRE I, II and III surveys were performed in multiple centers across Europe. For all three, the Munster region was the participating German region. In the three periods 1995/96, 1999/2000, and 2006/07, the surveys included (respectively) 392, 402 and 457 <= 70-year-old patients with CHD in Munster who had sustained a coronary event at least 6 months earlier. Results: The prevalence of smoking remained unchanged, with 16.8\% in EUROASPIRE I and II and 18.4\% in EUROASPIRE III (p=0.898). On the other hand, high blood pressure and high cholesterol both became less common across the three EUROASPIRE studies (60.7\% to 69.4\% to 55.3\%, and 94.3\% to 83.4\% to 48.1\%, respectively; p<0.001 for both). Obesity became more common (23.0\% to 30.6\% to 43.1\%, p<0.001), as did treatment with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs (80.4\% to 88.6\% to 94.3\%, and 35.0\% to 67.4\% to 87.0\%, respectively; p<0.001 for both). Conclusion: The observed trends in cardiovascular risk factors under-score the vital need for better preventive strategies in patients with CHD.}, language = {en} } @article{HillmannWiedmannRueckeretal.2017, author = {Hillmann, Steffi and Wiedmann, Silke and R{\"u}cker, Viktoria and Berger, Klaus and Nabavi, Darius and Bruder, Ingo and Koennecke, Hans-Christian and Seidel, G{\"u}nter and Misselwitz, Bj{\"o}rn and Janssen, Alfred and Burmeister, Christoph and Matthis, Christine and Busse, Otto and Hermanek, Peter and Heuschmann, Peter Ulrich}, title = {Stroke unit care in Germany: the German stroke registers study group (ADSR)}, series = {BMC Neurology}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, number = {49}, doi = {10.1186/s12883-017-0819-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159447}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Factors influencing access to stroke unit (SU) care and data on quality of SU care in Germany are scarce. We investigated characteristics of patients directly admitted to a SU as well as patient-related and structural factors influencing adherence to predefined indicators of quality of acute stroke care across hospitals providing SU care. Methods: Data were derived from the German Stroke Registers Study Group (ADSR), a voluntary network of 9 regional registers for monitoring quality of acute stroke care in Germany. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate characteristics influencing direct admission to SU. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) were used to estimate the influence of structural hospital characteristics (percentage of patients admitted to SU, year of SU-certification, and number of stroke and TIA patients treated per year) on adherence to predefined quality indicators. Results: In 2012 180,887 patients were treated in 255 hospitals providing certified SU care participating within the ADSR were included in the analysis; of those 82.4\% were directly admitted to a SU. Ischemic stroke patients without disturbances of consciousness (p < .0001), an interval onset to admission time ≤3 h (p < .0001), and weekend admission (p < .0001) were more likely to be directly admitted to a SU. A higher proportion of quality indicators within predefined target ranges were achieved in hospitals with a higher proportion of SU admission (p = 0.0002). Quality of stroke care could be maintained even if certification was several years ago. Conclusions: Differences in demographical and clinical characteristics regarding the probability of SU admission were observed. The influence of structural characteristics on adherence to evidence-based quality indicators was low.}, language = {en} } @article{GrubeKoenneckeWalteretal.2013, author = {Grube, Maike Miriam and Koennecke, Hans-Christian and Walter, Georg and Meisel, Andreas and Sobesky, Jan and Nolte, Christian Hans and Wellwood, Ian and Heuschmann, Peter Ulrich}, title = {Influence of Acute Complications on Outcome 3 Months after Ischemic Stroke}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {8}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {9}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0075719}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-128362}, pages = {e75719}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Early medical complications are potentially modifiable factors influencing in-hospital outcome. We investigated the influence of acute complications on mortality and poor outcome 3 months after ischemic stroke. Methods: Data were obtained from patients admitted to one of 13 stroke units of the Berlin Stroke Registry (BSR) who participated in a 3-months-follow up between June 2010 and September 2012. We examined the influence of the cumulative number of early in-hospital complications on mortality and poor outcome (death, disability or institutionalization) 3 months after stroke using multivariable logistic regression analyses and calculated attributable fractions to determine the impact of early complications on mortality and poor outcome. Results: A total of 2349 ischemic stroke patients alive at discharge from acute care were included in the analysis. Older age, stroke severity, pre-stroke dependency and early complications were independent predictors of mortality 3 months after stroke. Poor outcome was independently associated with older age, stroke severity, pre-stroke dependency, previous stroke and early complications. More than 60\% of deaths and poor outcomes were attributed to age, pre-stroke dependency and stroke severity and in-hospital complications contributed to 12.3\% of deaths and 9.1\% of poor outcomes 3 months after stroke. Conclusion: The majority of deaths and poor outcomes after stroke were attributed to non-modifiable factors. However, early in-hospital complications significantly affect outcome in patients who survived the acute phase after stroke, underlining the need to improve prevention and treatment of complications in hospital.}, language = {en} } @article{MartinMauerMalzahnetal.2022, author = {Martin, Eva and Mauer, Isabell and Malzahn, Uwe and Heuschmann, Peter Ulrich and Goebeler, Matthias and Benoit, Sandrine}, title = {Comorbid diseases among bullous pemphigoid patients in Germany: new insights from a case-control study}, series = {Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft}, volume = {20}, journal = {Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1111/ddg.14738}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-318395}, pages = {798 -- 805}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background and objectives Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Other comorbid diseases are discussed controversially. We evaluated the prevalence of comorbidity in BP patients in a representative area of Germany. Patients and methods Medical files of all BP patients treated at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital W{\"u}rzburg, Germany, between June 2002 and May 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Bullous pemphigoid was diagnosed based on established criteria. For each patient, two controls were individually matched. Records were evaluated for age, sex, laboratory values, concomitant medication and comorbidity. Conditional logistic regression, multivariable regression analysis and complex regression models were performed to compare results. Results 300 BP patients were identified and compared to 583 controls. Bullous pemphigoid was associated with neuropsychiatric disorders as well as laboratory abnormalities including leukocytosis and eosinophilia. Importantly, a highly significant association of BP with anemia (OR 2.127; 95 \% CI 1.532-2.953) and renal impairment (OR 2.218; 95 \% CI 1.643-2.993) was identified. No association was found with malignancy and arterial hypertension. Conclusions Our data revealed an increased frequency of anemia and renal impairment in BP patients. In accordance with previous studies the strong association for neuropsychiatric disorders was confirmed (p < 0.0005).}, language = {en} } @article{StanglHaasEichneretal.2020, author = {Stangl, Stephanie and Haas, Kirsten and Eichner, Felizitas A. and Grau, Anna and Selig, Udo and Ludwig, Timo and Fehm, Tanja and St{\"u}bner, Tanja and Rashid, Asarnusch and Kerscher, Alexander and Bargou, Ralf and Hermann, Silke and Arndt, Volker and Meyer, Martin and Wildner, Manfred and Faller, Hermann and Schrauder, Michael G. and Weigel, Michael and Schlembach, Ulrich and Heuschmann, Peter U. and W{\"o}ckel, Achim}, title = {Development and proof-of-concept of a multicenter, patient-centered cancer registry for breast cancer patients with metastatic disease — the "Breast cancer care for patients with metastatic disease" (BRE-4-MED) registry}, series = {Pilot and Feasibility Studies}, volume = {6}, journal = {Pilot and Feasibility Studies}, doi = {10.1186/s40814-019-0541-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-229149}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background: Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are treated with a palliative approach with focus oncontrolling for disease symptoms and maintaining high quality of life. Information on individual needs of patients andtheir relatives as well as on treatment patterns in clinical routine care for this specific patient group are lacking or arenot routinely documented in established Cancer Registries. Thus, we developed a registry concept specifically adaptedfor these incurable patients comprising primary and secondary data as well as mobile-health (m-health) data. Methods: The concept for patient-centered "Breast cancer care for patients with metastatic disease"(BRE-4-MED)registry was developed and piloted exemplarily in the region of Main-Franconia, a mainly rural region in Germanycomprising about 1.3 M inhabitants. The registry concept includes data on diagnosis, therapy, progression, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and needs of family members from several sources of information includingroutine data from established Cancer Registries in different federal states, treating physicians in hospital as well as inoutpatient settings, patients with metastatic breast cancer and their family members. Linkage with routine cancerregistry data was performed to collect secondary data on diagnosis, therapy, and progression. Paper and online-basedquestionnaires were used to assess PROMs. A dedicated mobile application software (APP) was developed to monitorneeds, progression, and therapy change of individual patients. Patient's acceptance and feasibility of data collection inclinical routine was assessed within a proof-of-concept study. Results: The concept for the BRE-4-MED registry was developed and piloted between September 2017 and May 2018.In total n= 31 patients were included in the pilot study, n= 22 patients were followed up after 1 month. Recordlinkage with the Cancer Registries of Bavaria and Baden-W{\"u}rttemberg demonstrated to be feasible. The voluntary APP/online questionnaire was used by n= 7 participants. The feasibility of the registry concept in clinical routine waspositively evaluated by the participating hospitals. Conclusion: The concept of the BRE-4-MED registry provides evidence that combinatorial evaluation of PROMs, needsof family members, and raising clinical parameters from primary and secondary data sources as well as m-healthapplications are feasible and accepted in an incurable cancer collective.}, language = {en} } @article{RueckerKeilFitzgeraldetal.2016, author = {R{\"u}cker, Viktoria and Keil, Ulrich and Fitzgerald, Anthony P and Malzahn, Uwe and Prugger, Christof and Ertl, Georg and Heuschmann, Peter U and Neuhauser, Hannelore}, title = {Predicting 10-Year Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Disease in Germany: An Update Based on the SCORE-Deutschland Risk Charts}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0162188}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-166804}, pages = {e0162188}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Estimation of absolute risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), preferably with population-specific risk charts, has become a cornerstone of CVD primary prevention. Regular recalibration of risk charts may be necessary due to decreasing CVD rates and CVD risk factor levels. The SCORE risk charts for fatal CVD risk assessment were first calibrated for Germany with 1998 risk factor level data and 1999 mortality statistics. We present an update of these risk charts based on the SCORE methodology including estimates of relative risks from SCORE, risk factor levels from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008-11 (DEGS1) and official mortality statistics from 2012. Competing risks methods were applied and estimates were independently validated. Updated risk charts were calculated based on cholesterol, smoking, systolic blood pressure risk factor levels, sex and 5-year age-groups. The absolute 10-year risk estimates of fatal CVD were lower according to the updated risk charts compared to the first calibration for Germany. In a nationwide sample of 3062 adults aged 40-65 years free of major CVD from DEGS1, the mean 10-year risk of fatal CVD estimated by the updated charts was lower by 29\% and the estimated proportion of high risk people (10-year risk > = 5\%) by 50\% compared to the older risk charts. This recalibration shows a need for regular updates of risk charts according to changes in mortality and risk factor levels in order to sustain the identification of people with a high CVD risk.}, language = {en} } @article{TuetuencueOlmaKunzeetal.2022, author = {T{\"u}t{\"u}nc{\"u}, Serdar and Olma, Manuel C. and Kunze, Claudia and Kr{\"a}mer, Michael and Dietzel, Joanna and Schurig, Johannes and Filser, Paula and Pfeilschifter, Waltraud and Hamann, Gerhard F. and B{\"u}ttner, Thomas and Heuschmann, Peter U. and Kirchhof, Paulus and Laufs, Ulrich and Nabavi, Darius G. and R{\"o}ther, Joachim and Thomalla, G{\"o}tz and Veltkamp, Roland and Eckardt, Kai-Uwe and Haeusler, Karl Georg and Endres, Matthias}, title = {Levels and dynamics of estimated glomerular filtration rate and recurrent vascular events and death in patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack}, series = {European Journal of Neurology}, volume = {29}, journal = {European Journal of Neurology}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1111/ene.15431}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-287271}, pages = {2716 -- 2724}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background and purpose Impaired kidney function is associated with an increased risk of vascular events in acute stroke patients, when assessed by single measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). It is unknown whether repeated measurements provide additional information for risk prediction. Methods The MonDAFIS (Systematic Monitoring for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke) study randomly assigned 3465 acute ischemic stroke patients to either standard procedures or an additive Holter electrocardiogram. Baseline eGFR (CKD-EPI formula) were dichotomized into values of < versus ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m\(^{2}\). eGFR dynamics were classified based on two in-hospital values as "stable normal" (≥60 ml/min/1.73 m\(^{2}\)), "increasing" (by at least 15\% from baseline, second value ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m\(^{2}\)), "decreasing" (by at least 15\% from baseline of ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m\(^{2}\)), and "stable decreased" (<60 ml/min/1.73 m\(^{2}\)). The composite endpoint (stroke, major bleeding, myocardial infarction, all-cause death) was assessed after 24 months. We estimated hazard ratios in confounder-adjusted models. Results Estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline was available in 2947 and a second value in 1623 patients. After adjusting for age, stroke severity, cardiovascular risk factors, and randomization, eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m\(^{2}\) at baseline (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.2, 95\% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40-3.54) as well as decreasing (HR = 1.79, 95\% CI = 1.07-2.99) and stable decreased eGFR (HR = 1.64, 95\% CI = 1.20-2.24) were independently associated with the composite endpoint. In addition, eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.732 at baseline (HR = 3.02, 95\% CI = 1.51-6.10) and decreasing eGFR were associated with all-cause death (HR = 3.12, 95\% CI = 1.63-5.98). Conclusions In addition to patients with low eGFR levels at baseline, also those with decreasing eGFR have increased risk for vascular events and death; hence, repeated estimates of eGFR might add relevant information to risk prediction.}, language = {en} }