A Robust Triage Strategy Useful for Quick Evaluation and Intervention in Pediatric Stroke Cases

A 24/7 triage strategy to facilitate quick evaluation and treatment of suspected stroke in pediatric patients proved useful, according to new research presented at the 2022 European Stroke Organisation Conference.

“Delays in the diagnosis of pediatric stroke can hinder access to recanalization therapies that have the potential to improve outcome,” wrote Julie Bindslev, PhD student, Neurology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshopitalet, and co-researchers.

The Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) in Copenhagen implemented a triage strategy in 2017, which researchers aimed to validate through a 2-year observational study. From January 2020, to December 2021, a team of vascular neurologists triaged pediatric patients who registered at CSC. Based on the clinical information provided, the children were triaged to either admission to the CSC for further evaluation or to a pediatric department.

A total of 163 children with 166 suspected stroke events were triaged by the neurologists during the study period, 59 of whom were admitted to the CSC and 107 to a pediatric department.

Of those triaged to the CSC, 7 were experiencing stoke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) events while 14 were experiencing nonstroke neurological disorders.

Of those triaged to a pediatric department, 9 were experiencing stroke and TIA events while 19 were experiencing nonstroke neurological emergencies. Those experiencing stroke did not qualify for admission to the CSC because recanalization treatment was not recommended.

“[The strategy] was activated for the majority of stroke in children according to an expected incidence, allowing acute revascularisation therapy when indicated and led also to recognition of a significant number of acute nonvascular neurological disorders,” concluded Bindslev et al.

References

Bindslev J, Hansen K, Benndorf G, et al. Acute triage of childhood stroke in Copenhagen, Denmark. Poster presented at: European Stoke Organisation Conference; May 4-6, 2022; Lyon, France.