Gut Microbiota in Acute Stroke Patients

Gut Microbiota in Acute Stroke Patients

This study is to find out the significance of gut-microbiota in acute stroke patients, including their neurological, radiological outcomes as well as their stroke mechanisms.

Patients who suffered from acute stroke and in hospitalization in Prince of Wales Hospital will be recruited in the study.

After the informed consent, their first bowel opening will be collected for storage. They will also receive assessment by the stroke team at 3 and 6 months to determine their outcomes (NIHSS and mRS). Clinically and radiologically parameters including their degree of disability, imaging findings will also be collected to determine whether there are any correlations with the stool microbiota composition against matched individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed as acute ischaemic stroke
2. Aged 18 or above Chinese
3. Radiological evidence of acute ischaemic stroke by Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient with symptoms and signs suggestive of alternative diagnoses,
2. Evidence of intracerebral haemorrhage,
3. Absence of DWI evidence of acute ischaemic infarct,
4. Pregnancy,
5. Evidence of gastrointestinal infection/ inflammation/ obstruction
6. History of partial or total resection of small or large bowel, as well as gut re-anastomosis,
7. Use of antibiotics within 2 weeks prior to symptoms onset,
8. Gastrointestinal malignancy
9. Any hospitalization within 3 months before recruitment
10. Institutionalized patients