Research & Projects

Research and Collaboration

Explore MENA-SINO research initiatives, guidelines, collaborations, and regional projects. Use the relevant contact route to discuss opportunities for professional collaboration.

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MENA-SINO Registry Project

Recent MENA-SINO Publications

MENA-SINO Publications on COVID 19

Recanalization Outcomes and Procedural Complications in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and COVID-19 Receiving Endovascular Treatment
No abstract
Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Mortality
No abstract
Safety and Outcome of Revascularization Treatment in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and COVID-19: The Global COVID-19 Stroke Registry
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: COVID-19-related inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy may increase the bleeding risk and lower the efficacy of revascularization treatments in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to evaluate the safety and outcomes of revascularization treatments in patients with AIS and COVID-19.
Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Volumes and Cerebrovascular Events: A 1-Year Follow-up
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Declines in stroke admission, IV thrombolysis (IVT), and mechanical thrombectomy volumes were reported during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a paucity of data on the longer-term effect of the pandemic on stroke volumes over the course of a year and through the second wave of the pandemic. We […]
Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Mortality
CONCLUSIONS: During the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic, CVT hospitalization volume and CVT in-hospital mortality did not change compared to the prior year. COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with higher CVT in-hospital mortality. During the first 5 months of 2021, there was an increase in CVT hospitalization volume and increase in CVT-related mortality, partially attributable […]
Characteristics of a COVID-19 Cohort With Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter International Study
CONCLUSION: COVID-19 was an independent predictor of incomplete revascularization and poor outcomes in patients with stroke due to LVO. Patients with COVID-19 with LVO were younger, had fewer cerebrovascular risk factors, and suffered from higher morbidity/mortality rates.
Lessons learned in stroke care during COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for future pandemics in the MENA+ region: A consensus statement from the MENA+-SINO
CONCLUSION: Stroke care is very complex, particularly in the initial hours after onset of symptoms. A successful outcome requires very close collaboration between clinical personnel from multiple specialties. Preparedness for future pandemics requires the improvement of care plans that allow for rapid assessment of stroke patients and ensuring that regular 'mock exercises' familiarize quintessential services […]
Clinical and Radiological Characteristics of Acute Cerebrovascular Diseases Among Egyptian Patients With COVID-19 in Upper Egypt
Background and Purpose: There is little information on the acute cerebrovascular complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Egypt. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of acute cerebrovascular disease (CVD) among COVID-19 patients and evaluate their clinical and radiological characteristics in comparison with non-COVID-19 CVD. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective […]
Decline in subarachnoid haemorrhage volumes associated with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased volumes of stroke admissions and mechanical thrombectomy were reported. The study's objective was to examine whether subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions demonstrated similar declines.
Global Impact of COVID-19 on Stroke Care and IV Thrombolysis
CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a global decline in the volume of stroke hospitalizations, IVT, and interfacility IVT transfers. Primary stroke centers and centers with higher COVID-19 inpatient volumes experienced steeper declines. Recovery of stroke hospitalization was noted in the later pandemic months.

Recent Publication By MENA-SINO group

MENA-adapted guidelines for acute ischemic stroke management: a regional approach to global evidence
CONCLUSION: These guidelines provide the first comprehensive, resource-stratified framework for acute ischemic stroke management across the MENA region, with practical adaptations addressing diverse healthcare settings while preserving essential evidence-based care components.
Accreditation of stroke programs at the MENA + region; between aspiration and reality
CONCLUSION: An accreditation program that is specifically tailored to the regional needs in the MENA + countries might be the solution. In this brief review, we will discuss potential challenges faced by such a program and we will put forward a well-defined 5-step accreditation process, beginning with a letter of intent, through processing the request […]
Stroke services in the Middle East and adjacent region: A survey of 34 hospital-based stroke services
CONCLUSION: This is the first large study on the availability of resources for the management of acute stroke in the MENA+ region. We noted the disparity in stroke care between high-income and low-income countries. Concerted efforts are required to improve stroke care in low-income countries. Accreditation of stroke programs in the region will be helpful.
Lessons learned in stroke care during COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for future pandemics in the MENA+ region: A consensus statement from the MENA+-SINO
CONCLUSION: Stroke care is very complex, particularly in the initial hours after onset of symptoms. A successful outcome requires very close collaboration between clinical personnel from multiple specialties. Preparedness for future pandemics requires the improvement of care plans that allow for rapid assessment of stroke patients and ensuring that regular 'mock exercises' familiarize quintessential services […]
Decline in subarachnoid haemorrhage volumes associated with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased volumes of stroke admissions and mechanical thrombectomy were reported. The study's objective was to examine whether subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions demonstrated similar declines.
Current Recommendations for the Management of Stroke Patients in the Middle East in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic; Statement from the MENA SINO
COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in the way we manage acute medical illnesses. This pandemic had a negative impact on stroke care worldwide. The World Stroke Organization (WSO) has raised concerns due to the lack of available care and compromised acute stroke services globally. The numbers of thrombolysis and thrombectomy therapies are declining. […]
MENA-SINO Consensus Statement on Implementing Care Pathways for Acute Neurovascular Emergencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In the unprecedented current era of the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges have arisen in the management and interventional care of patients with acute stroke and large vessel occlusion, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and ruptured vascular malformations. There are several challenges facing endovascular therapy for stroke, including shortages of medical staff who may be deployed for COVID-19 coverage […]

Presenting the PLANE Initiative: Mapping the MENA Stroke Landscape 🌍

Welcome aboard the PLANE Initiative, where we’re taking flight to navigate the vast landscape of stroke-related data in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). Our mission is to create a comprehensive Stroke Registry that sheds light on this critical health issue, providing valuable insights and fostering collaboration among medical professionals, researchers, and communities.

🔍 What PLANE Stands For:

Patient Data Insights: Gather and analyze anonymized patient data to gain a deeper understanding of stroke trends and risk factors across the MENA region.

Linking Medical Experts: Connect medical professionals and researchers to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices for stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Advancing Research: Provide a platform for researchers to access a wealth of stroke-related data, accelerating the development of effective strategies and interventions.

Networking Communities: Establish a network of support for stroke survivors and their families, offering resources, information, and a sense of belonging.

Educational Outreach: Raise awareness about stroke prevention and early intervention through community outreach, education, and public campaigns.

Embark on this journey with us to make a lasting impact on stroke care and research in the MENA region.

Registry Committee

Farouk Hassan (Egypt)

Seby John (UAE)

Atilla Ozcan Ozdimair (Turkey)

Nadia Hammami (Tunisia)

Faisal Alghamdi (KSA)