ABACUS Stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Asymmetrical Bioimpedance in the Anterior Circulation for Urgent Stratification of Stroke (ABACUS Stroke): a diagnostic accuracy study
IRAS ID
246914
Contact name
Christopher Price
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Making a diagnosis of stroke can be difficult, Some people suffer symptoms which suggest a stroke but assessments and tests at hospital confirm a different diagnosis such a migraine or infection. When a stroke does occur, faster treatments for some types of stroke can improve the chances of making a full recovery. However, some stroke treatments are only available in very specialised regional hospitals.
Currently there are no specific tests that can be used in emergency ambulances to help make a diagnosis of stroke or to determine the type of stroke. Consequently, some patients have to be transferred to a second hospital after initial assessments and tests have been conducted at a first hospital.
This research project is evaluating a simple new test which may help to make a diagnosis of certain types of stroke. The test is a non invasive device which is worn on the head like a pair of spectacles. Taking just 3 minutes, the test measures differences in fluid levels in the brain which change in stroke. Readings produced by the device may be able to distinguish certain types of stroke.
Patients taking part in the study will undergo this new test and all routine tests which would be conducted to investigate a possible stroke. The results of the new test will be compared with routine tests to determine if this new test is useful.
The project aims to recruit 124 patients with symptoms which suggest a stroke. Whilst the most important future use for this test is in emergency ambulances, this project will be conducted with patients immediately after arrival at hospital to obtain provisional data on the usefulness of the test. If the results of this study are encouraging, further research will be carried out using the test in emergency ambulances.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NE/0219
Date of REC Opinion
24 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion