Prevention and Treatment for Bruises in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Introduction

Background Stroke is one of the most severe diseases that causes mortality and morbidity. With the latest advances in stroke prevention and treatment, stroke incidence and mortality have significantly reduced. Advances in imaging technology have improved ischemic stroke diagnosis. The establishment of a stroke center and the improvement of procedures will allow stroke patients to be treated faster. Advances in medical technology include advances in imaging technology, endovascular thrombectomy(1, 2), and advances in pharmaceuticals include tissue plasminogen activator(3), anticoagulant(4), and antiplatelet drugs(5) lead to better outcomes for stroke patients. Current research on stroke focuses on motor function treatment. However, besides reduced limb strength, stroke patients still have many symptoms that deserve attention. Although these diseases do not directly affect motor function, they will cause physical and psychological obstacles and affect stroke patients' quality of life. For example, depression, post-stroke pain, sleep disorders, bedsores, bruises, and infection, are all common problems after a stroke and deserve attention. In addition to limb weakness in stroke patients, the occurrence of the above-mentioned conditions will prolong hospitalization time, increase hospitalization expenses, and affect treatment results. The more common problems are post-infarction bleeding, infection, and stroke. Stroke patients also often suffer from non-neurological complications, which affect patient treatment outcomes and neurological recovery (6). Common complications include cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary embolism, sleep disorders, pain, falls, venous thrombosis, infections, and bleeding. Bruising is an often- clinical issue caused by blood leaking from blood vessels and accumulating in the tissue beneath the skin. The most common cause of bruising is blunt force trauma, which leads to subcutaneous vascular rupture and blood leakage. Other common causes include drug injections, the underlying disease, or treatment for the disease. Age is also a factor influencing bruising. In elderly individuals, skin degeneration results in a thinner epidermis, fragile blood vessels, and reduced subcutaneous tissue, making them more prone to bruising (7).

Elderly patients often have more medical conditions, increasing bruising. Medications such as antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs also heighten bruising risk. Bruising can also result from vitamin deficiencies (8). Although most bruises fade over time, with color changing during the process, the timing of the bruise cannot be accurately determined by color changes, as the rate of resolution varies among individuals (9). However, bruises may sometimes indicate more severe underlying conditions (10).

For instance, abdominal bruising found might be a sign of internal bleeding. Bruising around the mastoid region or behind the ear may indicate skull fractures. Bruising in the scrotum, perineum, or anterior abdomen wall may suggest abdominal aortic rupture (11). In addition to being associated with severe diseases, bruising also increases infection risk and affects patient recovery (12).

If bruising is observed in children, especially in those who are not capable of moving on their own, abuse should be considered. Research indicates that bruising in infants is a potential marker of abuse and warrants attention. While the causes of bruises in older adults differ from those in children, unexplained bruising in the elderly also requires investigation, as elder abuse remains a concern. Bruising in older individuals may also be the result of abuse (13).

The hospital's research team found that 25.8% of stroke patients exhibit bruising. This is with 55.4% of cases occurring before hospitalization and 44.6% during hospitalization. Of these, 17.7% of bruises are unknown. These unexplained bruises could be due to minor injuries that patients are unaware of, concealment, abuse, other underlying diseases, or medication-related causes, all of which merit further investigation.

However, beyond investigating bruising causes, the most crucial steps are to treat existing bruises and prevent further occurrences. Previous research on bruising focuses on its prevention and treatment after surgery. To date, there is still no simple and effective method to prevent bruising (14).

Vitamin C is a natural vitamin. As early as 1747, the connection between scurvy and vitamin C was suspected and the first use of a randomized controlled trial was conducted to study this relationship. In the experiment, 12 scurvy patients were divided into two groups: six in the experimental group consumed foods high in vitamin C, while the control group did not. The results showed that scurvy patients who consumed vitamin C-rich foods recovered quickly, while those who did not showed no improvement.

Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for enzymes and a powerful antioxidant. It plays a critical role in synthesizing neurotransmitters, collagen, and maintaining endothelial cell function (15). An adult non-smoker typically has about 1.5 grams of vitamin C in their body, consuming about 60 milligrams daily. Smokers consume more vitamin C, approximately 140 milligrams per day. In cases of illness, such as surgery, trauma, infection, or shock, blood levels of vitamin C drop rapidly, requiring supplementation through injection (16).

Stroke patients have lower vitamin C blood concentrations than healthy individuals. Vitamin C protects neurons and reduces ischemic damage.

Vitamin C protects blood vessels. Research indicates that in patients undergoing colorectal polyp removal, administering 500 mg of vitamin C two hours before the procedure significantly reduces the post-polypectomy bleeding rate (17).

A comprehensive study found that supplementing vitamin C in individuals with low blood levels reduces the incidence of gum bleeding and retinal hemorrhages (18). Previous research showed that administering high doses of vitamin C to patients with severe brain injuries decreases the extent of brain edema around the injury site and lowers mortality rates (19).

Previous studies demonstrated that high-dose vitamin C enhances critically ill patients' response to vasopressors, preserves endothelial barrier function, prevents cell apoptosis, and increases recovery rates after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in critically ill patients (20). However, other studies have shown that while high-dose vitamin C in sepsis patients reduces vasopressor use and the rate of acute organ failure, it does not lower mortality rates (21).

A study found that patients with atrophic gastritis who took high doses of vitamin C (500 mg daily) over an extended period, compared to those taking 50 mg daily, had significantly reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are aging and cancer-inducing factors, in their blood (22). Long-term use of vitamin C reduces oxidative stress, decreases protein aggregation in the brain, and may help mitigate neurodegenerative diseases.

Vitamin C is a safe and inexpensive medication, and it is safe beyond doubt. In an animal study by Judy et al., it was found that in rats experiencing middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion, administering oxidized vitamin C reduced the infarct size by 53% to 59% (23). In an animal experiment, rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 30 or 60 minutes. Rats injected with vitamin C had higher blood levels of Ten eleven translocase and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine than those not injected with vitamin C, and the infarct size was smaller (24). Stroke patients aged 65 and older with higher blood concentrations of vitamin C had a 50% reduced mortality rate than those with low concentrations (25). In comparison to healthy adults, stroke patients had lower blood concentrations of vitamin C, and increased levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, ICAM-1, MCP-1), and increased oxidative stress (8-epiPGF2), indicating an inflammatory response in stroke patients (26). A meta-analysis found that individuals who consumed more vitamin C and had higher blood concentrations of vitamin C had a lower risk of stroke (27).

Based on previous research showing that high-dose vitamin C injections can decrease bleeding rates during colorectal polyp removal (17) and decrease the incidence of gum and retinal bleeding (18), the first hypothesis of this study is that vitamin C has a protective effect on blood vessels. It may aid in vascular repair, reduce bruising, and accelerate bruise recovery. Since high-dose vitamin C has been shown to reduce brain ischemia (15, 28), the second hypothesis is that acute stroke patients have low blood vitamin C levels. Vitamin C injections can improve micro-vascular blood flow in the brain, aiding stroke patients' recovery (29).

Beyond its visual impact, bruising can also affect psychologically (30), increase the risk of infection, influence patient outcomes (12, 31), and impact physicians' medication choices. Currently, there is limited research on bruising in stroke patients, and few studies explore the relationship between vitamin C and ischemic stroke. This study aims to enhance understanding of the impact of bruising in stroke patients, its prevention and treatment, and the effects of vitamin C on stroke outcomes.

Methods This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Chia Yi Christian Hospital (Approval Number: IRB2024099). The research subjects were ischemic stroke patients at Chia Yi Christian Hospital.

A. Study Design: This study adopted a parallel design, enrolling hospitalized ischemic stroke patients confirmed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients meeting any exclusion criteria for the study were not included. During the study, participants could withdraw at any time upon request. If adverse drug reactions occurred during the study, the principal investigator could terminate the patient's participation.

To investigate the incidence, causes, and impact of hematoma on stroke patients' treatment outcomes, this study observed and recorded the timing, quantity, resolution time, and resolution rate of hematoma. In addition, it recorded its causes. To explore whether hematoma occurrence could be reduced and recovery accelerated, and to improve stroke patients' treatment outcomes, a double-blind, randomized study design was used. This study focuses on bleeding issues related to stroke patients. It explores the causes and impacts of bruising on treatment outcomes and stroke recurrence, and examines methods of bruising prevention and treatment.

B. Randomized Assignment Randomization was conducted using the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trial Tool (NIH > National Cancer Institute Clinical Trial Tool). Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group. The experimental group received daily injections of 4 grams of vitamin C, while the control group received injections of an equivalent volume of normal saline.

C. Participants:

1. Number of Participants (Sample Size):

   The sample size was estimated using G-power. With an alpha error of 0.05, a power of 0.95, and an effect size of 0.2, at least 314 participants were required. This study plans to recruit 400 participants, with 200 in the experimental group and 200 in the control group.

   The evaluation metric is the occurrence of newly formed hematomas during hospitalization.

2. Recruitment of Potential Participants (Target Population, Methods, Locations, etc.):

The recruitment target comprises patients with acute ischemic stroke. Physicians and research assistants from the research team will explain the study's purpose and methods to patients on the stroke ward. Upon consent, the study will proceed.

E. Implementation Methods:

1. The execution process:

   After confirmation of ischemic stroke via computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), patients meeting the inclusion criteria and willing to participate will be included in the study.

   Participant assessment

   1. Initial Evaluation: Each participant will undergo an assessment of stroke severity (NIHSS) during hospitalization. The NIHSS score is defined as the sum of 15 individually evaluated elements. The NIHSS ranges from 0 to 42. Stroke severity was categorized as follows: 0, no stroke symptoms; 1-4, minor stroke; 5-15, moderate stroke; 16-20, moderate to severe stroke; and 21-42, severe stroke.

      Participants will also undergo a detailed skin evaluation.

   2. Treatment: All participants will receive standard stroke treatment. The experimental group will receive intravenous injections of 4 grams of vitamin C daily for 4 days.

   The control group will receive equivalent volumes of normal saline. Nursing staff will administer injections. The saline solution will be packaged and prepared to match the vitamin C injections in appearance and volume. Dispensing will be done by the clinical trial pharmacy.

2. Follow-Up and Necessary Care Plan for Participants:

   Researchers will assess participants' bruise development and recovery progress during hospitalization and after discharge until three weeks after stroke onset. Researchers will assess participants' functional abilities for up to 3 months.

   For unexplained hematomas, necessary diagnostic tests will be performed to investigate potential underlying diseases.

3. Primary and Secondary Outcomes:

O Primary Outcomes:

1. The rate of hematoma occurrence (in any location) up to 2 weeks post-stroke. 2. Comparison of hematoma resolution rates up to 3 weeks post-stroke, using a benchmark of a reduction in hematoma area greater than 30%. This applies to both pre-existing and newly developed hematomas.

O Secondary Outcomes:

1. Changes in stroke severity, comparing NIHSS scores at admission and discharge. This will evaluate whether vitamin C injections reduce post-stroke neurological deterioration. A NIHSS increase of more than 3 is considered neurological deterioration.

2. Functional outcomes at three months post-stroke, measured using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A mRS do not exceeding 2 is considered a good outcome, and a mRS exceeding 2 is considered a poor outcome.

3. Investigation of hematoma causes, including exploration of whether hematomas indicate other underlying conditions.

O Safety Outcomes:

1. Evaluation of vitamin C injection safety, including adverse reaction monitoring.

2. In cases of adverse drug reactions, the principal investigator will assess whether to terminate the patient's participation in the study.

3 Random Allocation Table. After the patient signs the consent form, participants will be grouped according to the severity of the stroke.

The groups are divided into two based on stroke severity: one group includes 200 participants with mild strokes (NIHSS 0-4) and one group includes participants with NIHSS 5-20.

Participants in treatment

1. Preparation of medication:

   Research Assistant (A) prepares the list of medications needed for the day and organizes the required injections.

   Based on the patient's group assignment, the medication is provided to the attending nurse, who administers the injection.

2. Skin and Hematoma Assessment:

Research Assistant (B) collaborates with the nurse to assess the patient's skin condition, recording and photographing any hematomas present.

The skin and hematoma condition will be monitored and tracked for one month post-discharge.

Statistical analysis

1. Descriptive Statistics: Percentages will be used to describe bruising occurrence rates and the causes of different types of bruising.

   Bruising will be calculated in terms of days before and after hospitalization. An analysis of the bruises will be presented as counts and percentages. Broken rates in different age groups will be shown as percentages. Bruising resolution rates will be presented in days. The bleeding area will be estimated using square centimeters, and changes will be compared. A reduction of 30% in the bruising area after 4 days of treatment will be considered a response.

   This method will be used for presenting the main outcomes. Differences between the two groups will be compared using the Chi-square test.

2. Inferential Statistics: For normally distributed continuous data, the mean ± standard deviation (mean ± SD) will be applied; for non-normally distributed data, the median will be applied. Normally distributed data will be compared using a T-test (e.g., age, PT, PTT, INR). Non-normally distributed data (e.g., NIHSS, mRS) will be compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

For categorical variables, differences will be assessed using the Chi-square or Fisher exact test (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and other stroke risk factors).

Logistic regression will be used for multivariable analysis. (3) Period Analysis: A mid-term analysis will be conducted at the end of the first year.

Expected tasks to be completed

1. Understand the prevalence of bruising in stroke patients and its impact on them.

2. Clearly identify the causes of bruising and explore the proportion associated with medications or medical interventions.

3. Understand the psychological and physiological effects of bruising on stroke patients.

4. Determine if high-dose vitamin C injections can reduce bruising in stroke patients and promote early resolution.

5. Clearly assess the impact of high-dose vitamin C injections on ischemic stroke treatment outcomes.