INTRODUCTION:
In-hospital stroke (IHS) presents a different treatment challenge than out of hospital stroke. IHS often has contraindication to IV tPA, such as such as recent surgery, MI, and use of anticoagulation. Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) with tPA and/or mechanical thrombectomy is an option for large vessel acute IHS with contraindications to or fail to recanalize with IV tPA, to restore cerebral perfusion.
Objective:
To assess the characteristics and outcomes of patients with in-hospital strokes large vessel occlusion who receive IAT.
Methods:
From our database of patients from 1/1/2008 to 12/31/2011 who had IAT for an acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion, in hospital strokes and out of hospital strokes were identified. Patient characteristics, imaging, and outcomes were retrospectively collected. Statistical analysis was performed on JMP 9.0.
Result:
151 patients were included, 23 (15%) were in-hospital strokes (IHS) and 128 (85%) were out of hospital strokes (OHS). Initial median NIHSS of 17 and 16 respectively (p=0.3). IHS were frequently in the cardiology/CTS service (14, 60%) for CHF and cardiac valve repair (12, 52%). Other comorbidities present were atrial fibrillation (68%), hypertension (68%), and hyperlipidemia (56%). Seven (30%) were on warfarin prior to admission, but all had subtherapeutic INR. Three (13%) IHS received IV tPA. The time from last known well (LKW) to non-contrast CT brain was 80 min, and to CTA was 113 min in IHS, and 147 min and 229 min respectively in OHS (p = 0.0003). 20 (87%) had lesion in the anterior circulation. LKW to IAT recanalization was 248 min in IHS, compared to 375 min in OHS. Recanalization rate was 68% for IHS and 81% for OHS (p=0.2). Nine (39%) IHS had favorable mRS of 1 to 3 at 90 days, compared to 44 (34%) OHS, (p = 0.6). Despite faster recanalization time, there was no difference in the 90 day mortality of IHS v OHS (48% vs 30%, p = 0.1), and IHS had greater 1 year mortality (65% vs 30%, p = 0.005).
Discussion:
In-hospital strokes have higher mortality than out of hospital strokes. There is a role for IAT In carefully selected IHS with large vessel occlusion. A multicenter study is needed to reveal the characteristics of IHS patients who may benefit from IAT.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Minor and Mild Stroke Patients Harboring Large Vessel Occlusion in the Anterior Circulation
