Cerebrovascular Diseases
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The Cerebrovascular Diseases Group focuses on both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, with research activities spanning clinical and translational studies. The team is primarily composed of clinical neurologists specialized in stroke, including investigators with predoctoral and postdoctoral training, and is complemented by laboratory researchers with expertise in biotechnology, as well as personnel dedicated to clinical trial coordination and support. The group is actively involved in the design and conduct of clinical trials in stroke. The group develops both intramural and extramural research projects, working independently and in collaboration with other groups within the institution, as well as with national and international partners.
Main lines of research
- Atherosclerosis and Plaque Vulnerability. This line focuses on the cerebrovascular complications of carotid atherosclerosis, with special emphasis on the study of plaque vulnerability and its role in stroke risk and prevention. (Camps Renom, Pol).
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Research in this area addresses different aspects of intracerebral hemorrhage, including hemorrhage related to anticoagulant therapy, strategies to prevent hematoma expansion, the development of perihematomal edema, and the management and prevention of complications such as those related to atrial fibrillation or lipid-lowering therapy. (Prats Sanchez, Luis Antonio; Ramos Pachon, Anna).
- Reperfusion Therapies in Acute Ischemic Stroke. This line focuses on the benefits, risks, and optimization of reperfusion therapies, including intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment. Specific areas of interest include post-procedural management, such as blood pressure control, and factors influencing treatment outcomes. (Perez De La Ossa Herrero, Natalia; Camps Renom, Pol).
- Prehospital Care in Acute Stroke Patients. This line explores strategies to improve the early identification and management of acute stroke patients in the prehospital setting, aiming to optimize triage, reduce treatment delays, and improve access to reperfusion therapies. (Perez De La Ossa Herrero, Natalia).
Scientific Challenges
- Atherosclerosis and Plaque Vulnerability. Future challenges within this line include:
- The identification of novel plasma and imaging biomarkers associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and the risk of future stroke, with the aim of improving risk stratification and guiding carotid revascularization strategies.
- The establishment of national and international collaborative networks to accelerate biomarker research in this field.
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Key goals include:
- The identification of novel plasma and imaging biomarkers that predict hematoma expansion and improve the understanding of secondary injury mechanisms following intracerebral hemorrhage.
- To lead and conduct clinical trials aimed at preventing hematoma growth and mitigating secondary brain injury.
- Reperfusion Therapies in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Future research will focus on:
- Identifying prognostic markers of response to reperfusion therapies in the acute phase of ischemic stroke.
- To lead and conduct clinical trials testing adjunctive therapies designed to maximize the benefits of mechanical thrombectomy.
- Prehospital Care in Acute Stroke Patients. Development of digital tools to facilitate the prehospital diagnosis of stroke, with the goal of improving patient triage pathways and enabling the early delivery of targeted therapies in the prehospital setting.