Association of Anemia with Functional Outcomes In Patients With Mechanical Thrombectomy

Abstract Introduction Anemia at presentation is associated with worse outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aim to investigate the association of anemia parameters with functional dependence and mortality in patients who undergo mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent MT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion at a comprehensive stroke center from 1/2015 to 6/2020. Anemia was considered a dichotomous categorical variable with a cutoff point of hemoglobin (Hb) Results 188 patients met our inclusion criteria. Anemia on presentation, lower mean and minimum values of five-day Hb and HCT, and higher variability in five-day Hb and HCT parameters were associated with higher 3-month mortality. Men with lower mean and minimum values of five-day Hb and HCT had a significantly higher likelihood of functional dependence at 3-months. This finding was not replicated amongst women in our cohort. Conclusion Our study demonstrated higher 3-mortality in patients with anemia and Hb variability. Our study also demonstrated a higher likelihood of functional dependence in patients amongst men with anemia.