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Lone Star Stroke Research Consortium

The Lone Star Stroke (LSS) Research Consortium is a novel collaboration among leading medical research institutions in Texas to improve the health of Texans affected by stroke and cerebrovascular disease. The mission of LSS is to establish a state-wide network for patient-centered stroke research and therapeutic trials within Texas, linking academic health institutions with proven expertise in stroke research to community stroke centers.

Our objectives are to find better therapies and prevention strategies to improve cerebrovascular health for Texans throughout our state. The 83rd Texas Legislature appropriated $4.5 million for FY14-15 to implement the LSS Research Consortium. University of Texas System administers LSS funding through an Interagency Agreement with the Texas Department of State Health Services and contracts to LSS Hub sites. The LSS Research Consortium has established a robust, geographically diverse network of spoke sites that have the capability and infrastructure to implement studies quickly throughout Texas. This is crucial for providing the game-changing breakthroughs that are needed now by people who have or may soon develop a stroke.

UT Health participates as a hub for the LSS Research Consortium and is currently participating in the following trials that were designed by PIs at our institution:

  • Efficient Resources Utilization for Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage (EnRICH)
    PIs Sean Savitz, MD and Farhaan Vahidy, PhD
    Are 90 day outcomes for spontaneous ICH patients with same risk subset associated with level of care? What is the comparative effectiveness for management of spontaneous ICH patients at a higher level of care? This study is reviewing healthcare delivery for patients with ICH in community hospitals as well as university affiliated hospitals. We are comparing the utilization of services, costs of care and outcomes.
  • Intra-arterial Transfer Time Metric Study (IAT-TiMeS)
    PI Sean Savitz, MD

    Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for large vessel occlusion has recently been shown to improve outcomes in certain acute stroke patient populations. This had led the AHA/ASA to release guidelines recommending endovascular procedures for selected patients and that systems of care need to be organized to facilitate the delivery of this treatment. We aim to describe the current landscape of IAT transfer times at Texas Comprehensive Stroke Centers to identify barriers and delays in the transfer process (phase 1). Once we have completed phase 1, we will propose the second phase of this study to address the delays and barriers. Ultimately, faster transfer times may lead to an increased number of eligible patients undergoing IAT translating into better outcomes.
  • Lone Star Stroke Consortium Telestroke Registry (LeSTER)
    PI Charles Green PhD.

    LeSTER is a database that captures preliminary, clinical, treatment, and long-term outcomes data on all stroke patients treated via the telestroke network of the Lone Star Stroke Research Consortium. The goal of the database is to understand the patterns, mechanisms, and impact of regional stroke care in the context of expanding the telestroke network in the State of Texas. We seek to understand how stroke care is delivered and how outcomes are achieved with the use of telemedicine.