Influence of pre-stroke dependency on safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the landmark trials studying endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), pre-stroke dependent (PSD) patients were generally excluded. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of EVT between PSD and pre-stroke independent (PSI) patients. METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE up to 11 November 2021 for studies assessing PSD and PSI patients, which were separately defined as pre-stroke mRS score >2 or >1, and ≤2 or ≤1 accordingly. Two authors extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. A meta-analysis was carried out using the random-effects model. Adjusted OR and 95% CI were used to estimate adjusted pool effects. The main outcomes included favorable outcomes, successful recanalization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 8,004 records met the initial search strategy, and ten studies were included in the final decision. Compared with PSI(mRS≤2), PSD(mRS>2) had a lower favorable outcome (OR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33–0.79) and higher 90-day mortality (OR 3.32; 95% CI, 2.77–3.98). No significant difference was found in successful recanalization and sICH. After adjustment, only 90-day mortality (aOR 1.99; 95% CI, 1.58–2.49) remained significantly higher in PSD(mRS>2). Compared with PSI(mRS≤1), PSD(mRS>1) had lower 90-day mortality (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.84–5.24). No significant difference was found regarding the favorable outcome, successful recanalization, and sICH. After adjustment, no significant difference was found in a favorable outcome, but a higher rate of 90-day mortality (aOR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.66–2.72) remained in PSD(mRS>1). CONCLUSIONS: PSD does not innately influence the EVT outcomes regarding sICH and favorable outcomes but may increase the risk of 90-day mortality. Until further evidence is available, it is reasonable to suggest EVT for patients with PSD.