Clinical Research Directory

Quality Improvement Initiative for Enhancing Early Mobilization in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients

Primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe and life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate, reaching up to 50% within the first month. Survivors are often at risk of long-term disability due to the extensive brain damage caused by the hemorrhage. Unlike ischemic stroke patients, ICH patients are typically younger, face longer hospital stays, and are more likely to experience acute complications. Modern treatment approaches have shifted from focusing solely on reducing mortality to minimizing disability and enhancing functional outcomes through early rehabilitation. However, the optimal timing and intensity of early mobilization remain unclear, especially for patients with severe ICH, where medical stability is a major concern. Delays in initiating rehabilitation may limit neuroplasticity and hinder recovery, prompting the need for a structured, multidisciplinary approach to early mobilization in ICH patients. Objective : This quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to enhance early mobilization in ICH patients by implementing a structured clinical pathway in an academic stroke center. The goal was to integrate evidence-based early mobilization pathways to improve patient mobility outcomes while ensuring safety through standardized assessments of cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological stability.

Biomarkers for Cognitive Decline in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

The goal of this clinical trial is to see if silent brain infarcts (SBIs), or stroke-like symptoms detectable during brain imaging, are a possible contributor to cognitive decline for patients diagnosed with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), or blood clot in the brain. The main questions it aims to answer are * if SBIs in sICH are associated with a lower cognitive level and more rapid cognitive decline * if SBIs in sICH are associated with certain findings on brain imaging * if SBIs in sICH are associated with higher inflammation measured by certain blood tests Participants will undergo * cognitive testing during hospitalization, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the sICH * Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain during hospitalization and 12 months after the sICH * blood draws during hospitalization and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the sICH