Comparison of multimodal intra-arterial treatment versus intravenous thrombolysis for hypertensive patients with severe large vessel cerebral infarction

Since intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is often associated with poor outcomes in hypertensive patients with severe acute cerebral infarction (ACI) due to occlusions of the internal carotid, basilar, or proximal middle cerebral artery, we evaluated whether multimodal intra-arterial treatment (IAT) might improve functional outcomes in this patient population. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of eligible patients who underwent multimodal IAT including intra-arterial thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, balloon and/or stent angioplasty (IAT group) or IVT alone (IVT group). Outcomes included the revascularization rate 24 hours postprocedure, the frequency of survival at 7, 90, and 180 days postonset, and a measure of functional outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The IAT group included 62 patients and the IVT group included 31 patients. Multimodal IAT increased the revascularization rate at 24 hours (p<0.001) and the frequency of survival and functional independence (mRS ≤2) at 7 days (p<0.001 and p=0.018, respectively), 90 days (both p<0.001), and 180 days (both p<0.001). Independent predictors of longer survival were treatment with multimodal IAT (HR 0.1; 95% CI 0.0 to 0.4; p<0.001) and revascularization (HR 0.1; 95% CI 0.0 to 0.4; p<0.001), whereas a longer duration from onset to treatment was a risk factor for death (HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.8; p<0.001). There was no significant between-group difference for symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. This study found that for patients with severe hypertensive ACI with large vessel occlusions, multimodal IAT improved the outcomes, including early revascularization, survival, and functional outcome.

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Association of admission leukocyte count with clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator

Current Neurovascular Research ◽

10.2174/1567202617999201125201616 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Jie Chen ◽

Fu-Liang Zhang ◽

Shan Lv ◽

Hang Jin ◽

Yun Luo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Plasminogen Activator ◽

Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Leukocyte Count ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Tissue Plasminogen ◽

Poor Outcomes

Objective:: Increased leukocyte count are positively associated with poor outcomes and all-cause mortality in coronary heart disease, cancer, and ischemic stroke. The role of leukocyte count in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains important. We aimed to investigate the association between admission leukocyte count before thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and 3-month outcomes in AIS patients. Methods:: This retrospective study included consecutive AIS patients who received intravenous (IV) rt-PA within 4.5 h of symptom onset between January 2016 and December 2018. We assessed outcomes including short-term hemorrhagic transformation (HT), 3-month mortality, and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0–2 or 0–1). Results:: Among 579 patients who received IV rt-PA, 77 (13.3%) exhibited HT at 24 h, 43 (7.4%) died within 3 months, and 211 (36.4%) exhibited functional independence (mRS score: 0–2). Multivariable logistic regression revealed admission leukocyte count as an independent predictor of good and excellent outcomes at 3 months. Each 1-point increase in admission leukocyte count increased the odds of poor outcomes at 3 months by 7.6% (mRS score: 3–6, odds ratio (OR): 1.076, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003–1.154, p=0.041) and 7.8% (mRS score: 2–6, OR: 1.078, 95% CI: 1.006–1.154, p=0.033). Multivariable regression analysis revealed no association between HT and 3-month mortality. Admission neutrophil and lymphocyte count were not associated with 3-month functional outcomes or 3-month mortality. Conclusion:: Lower admission leukocyte count independently predicts good and excellent outcomes at 3 months in AIS patients undergoing rt-PA treatment.

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Abstract 1122‐000125: Underlying ICAD is Associated with Worse Outcome in Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Undergoing Endovascular Therapy

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000125 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Sonam Thind ◽

Ali Mansour ◽

Scott Mendelson ◽

Elisheva Coleman ◽

James Brorson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Large Vessel ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease ◽

Poor Outcomes

Introduction : Acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) can be secondary to thromboembolism or underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Data on the management of LVO due to underlying ICAD are scarce. We hypothesized that patients with ICAD would have worse clinical outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) than those without ICAD. Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent MT for LVO in a large academic comprehensive stroke center between 01/2018 and 05/2021. Presence of underlying ICAD at the site of LVO was determined by the treating interventionalist. We compared outcomes including in‐hospital mortality and 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) between those with and without underlying ICAD, adjusting for relevant covariates using logistic regression. Results : Among 195 patients (mean age 67.4+15.1 years, 56.9% female, 81% black, median NIHSS score 15), underlying ICAD was present in 39 (20.0%). Stent‐retrievers were used 196 patients with only 3 having rescue stent placement. There were no significant differences in baseline factors amongst the two groups except diabetes was more common (69.2% vs. 49.7%, p = 0.028) and intravenous thrombolysis provided less often (17.9% vs. 36.5%, p = 0.027) in those with ICAD. TICI 2B or higher was achieved in 82.1% of ICAD compared with 94.3% of non‐ICAD patients (p = 0.012). Mortality was more common (50.0% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.025) and good functional outcome (mRS 0–2) at 90 days was less common (10.8% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.002) in the ICAD group. Adjusting for age, diabetes, intravenous thrombolysis, baseline NIHSS score, and final TICI score, underlying ICAD was an independent predictor of mRS 0–2 at 90 days (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4‐14.2, p = 0.010). Conclusions : Underlying ICAD is associated with 4.5‐fold increase in poor functional outcome in patients with LVO undergoing traditional MT. Further research is needed to understand factors associated with poor outcomes investigate alternative interventional approaches and medical management in this high‐risk population.

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Antiplatelet pretreatment and outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion strokes

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2017-013532 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 828-833 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Abhi Pandhi ◽

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Rashi Krishnan ◽

Muhammad F Ishfaq ◽

Savdeep Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Few Data

BackgroundFew data are available regarding the safety and efficacy of antiplatelet (APT) pretreatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to evaluate the association of APT pretreatment with safety and efficacy outcomes following MT for ELVO.MethodsConsecutive ELVO patients treated with MT during a 4-year period in a tertiary stroke center were evaluated. The following outcomes were documented using standard definitions: symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), successful recanalization (SR; modified TICI score 2b/3), mortality, and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2).ResultsThe study population included 217 patients with ELVO (mean age 62±14 years, 50% men, median NIH Stroke Scale score 16). APT pretreatment was documented in 71 cases (33%). Patients with APT pretreatment had higher SR rates (77% vs 61%; P=0.013). The two groups did not differ in terms of sICH (6% vs 7%), 3-month mortality (25% vs 26%), and 3-month functional independence (50% vs 48%). Pretreatment with APT was independently associated with increased likelihood of SR (OR 2.18, 95% CI1.01 to 4.73; P=0.048) on multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders. A significant interaction (P=0.014) of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) pretreatment on the association of pre-hospital antiplatelet use with SR was detected. APT pretreatment was associated with SR (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.54; P=0.024) in patients treated with combination therapy (IVT and MT) but not in those treated with direct MT (OR 1.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 5.03; P=0.276).ConclusionAPT pretreatment does not increase the risk of sICH and may independently improve the odds of SR in patients with ELVO treated with MT. The former association appears to be modified by IVT.

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Prestroke Glucose Control and Functional Outcome in Patients With Acute Large Vessel Occlusive Stroke and Diabetes After Thrombectomy

10.2337/figshare.14696136.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jun Young Chang ◽

Wook-Joo Kim ◽

Ji Hyun Kwon ◽

Beom Joon Kim ◽

Joon-Tae Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Period ◽

Glucose Control ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Stroke Subtype ◽

Clinical Research Center ◽

Patients With Diabetes ◽

Index Stroke ◽

Hba1c Levels

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether prestroke glucose control is associated with functional outcomes in patients with acute large vessel occlusive stroke and diabetes who underwent intraarterial thrombectomy (IAT). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS From the Clinical Research Center for Stroke-Korea registry, we included patients with emergent large vessel occlusive stroke with diabetes who underwent IAT between January 2009 and March 2020. The association between the HbA1c level at admission and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale at 3 months after the index stroke) was assessed. RESULTS A total of 1351 patients were analyzed. Early neurological deterioration was more common in patients with higher levels of HbA1c at admission (p = 0.02 according to HbA1c quintiles, p = 0.003 according to an HbA1c cut-off value of 7.0) than in those with lower HbA1c levels. Higher HbA1c levels at admission were significantly associated with decreased odds of favorable functional outcomes at a threshold of 7.0%–7.1%. The association was consistently observed in subgroups divided according to age, sex, stroke subtype, occlusion site, degree of recanalization, thrombolysis modalities, time from symptom onset to groin puncture, and treatment period. CONCLUSIONS Prestroke glucose control with a target HbA1c of ≤ 7.0 may be beneficial for neurological recovery in patients with diabetes undergoing IAT for large vessel occlusive stroke, regardless of stroke subtype, bridging intravenous thrombolysis, occlusion site, degree of recanalization, and treatment period.

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Effect of short-term blood pressure variability on functional outcome after intra-arterial treatment in acute stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/s12883-019-1457-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tianli Zhang ◽

Xiaolong Wang ◽

Chao Wen ◽

Feng Zhou ◽

Shengwei Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Blood Pressure Variability ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Short Term ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Poor Outcomes

Abstract Background Endovascular treatment (EVT) is advocated for acute ischaemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion (LVO), but perioperative periods are challenging. This study investigated the relationship between post-EVT short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) and early outcomes in LVO patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 72 LVO patients undergoing EVT between June 2015 and June 2018. Hourly systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively) were recorded in the first 24 h post-EVT. BPV were evaluated as standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and successive variation (SV) separately for SBP and DBP. Functional independence at 3 months was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2. Results For 58.3% patients with favorable outcomes, the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores on admission were 14 and 8, respectively. The maximum SBP ([154.3 ± 16.8] vs. [163.5 ± 15.6], P = 0.02), systolic CV ([8. 8% ± 2.0%] vs. [11.0% ± 1.8], P < 0.001), SV ([11.4 ± 2.3] vs. [14.6 ± 2.0], P < 0.001), and SD ([10.5 ± 2.4] vs. [13.8 ± 3.9], P < 0.001) were lower in patients with favorable outcomes. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, systolic SV (OR: 4.273, 95% CI: 1.030 to 17.727, P = 0.045) independently predicted unfavorable prognosis. The area under the curve was 0.868 (95% CI: 0.781 to 0.955, P < 0.001), and sensitivity and specificity were 93.3% and 73.8%, respectively, showing excellent predictive value for 3-month poor-outcomes. Conclusions Decreased systolic SV following intra-arterial therapies result in favorable outcomes at 3 months. Systolic SV may be a novel predictor of functional prognosis in LVO patients.

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Abstract TP28: Intravenous Thrombolysis is Associated With Better Functional Outcomes in Endovascular Thrombectomy Patients Requiring Multiple-Passes to Achieve Reperfusion

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.tp28 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Christopher Blair ◽

Cecilia Cappelen-Smith ◽

Dennis Cordato ◽

Leon Edwards ◽

Amer Mitchelle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcomes ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Independent Effect ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽

Multiple Pass ◽

First Pass

Introduction: In patients with anterior circulation stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO), recent data suggest that successful reperfusion (mTICI≥2b) after a single device pass results in more favourable functional outcomes in comparison to patients requiring multiple passes. It is unclear if this effect represents an epiphenomenon or a true independent effect. Methods: A prospectively maintained database of EVT was interrogated for patients presenting with anterior circulation LVO with onset to groin puncture times of ≤ 6 hours from January 2016 to March 2019. Three-month functional outcomes were compared between first-pass reperfusion and multiple-pass reperfusion patients using logistic regression. Results: A total of 169 patients were identified (mean age 71 yrs, 44% female, median NIHSS 17, intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in 47%). Successful reperfusion (mTICI≥2b) was achieved with the first-pass (FP) in 80 patients (47%) and multiple-passes (MP) in 89 patients (53%). First pass patients had better outcomes when compared to MP patients (mRS 0-2 71% vs 31%, p < 0.001). No difference in functional outcomes was seen between FP patients who received IVT and those that did not (mRS 0-2 68% vs 75%, p = 0.459). Multiple-pass patients who received IVT achieved higher rates of functional independence than those who did not (mRS 0-2 40% vs 27%, p = 0.035). Conclusion: Intravenous thrombolysis may improve functional recovery in EVT patients requiring multiple-passes to achieve reperfusion. Prospective studies should be considered.

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Abstract W MP3: Endovascular Therapy in Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes with ASPECTS of 5-7 May Result in Reduced Infarct Volumes and Better Functional Outcomes

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.46.suppl_1.wmp3 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ali R Noorian ◽

Srikant Rangaraju ◽

C H Sun ◽

Kumiko Owada ◽

Rishi Gupta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Therapy ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Strong Trend ◽

Mri Scans ◽

Low Probability

Introduction: Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for large vessel occlusions strokes (LVOS) has been increasingly utilized. The benefit of endovascular reperfusion in patients with mid-range ASPECTS remains to be established. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of LVOS patients with ASPECTS 5-7 treated with IAT (n=86) or medical therapy alone (±IV t-PA; n=15) at two academic centers from 2009-2012. Definitions employed: Symptomatic ICH: any parenchymal hematoma; Successful reperfusion: modified TICI≥2B; Good and acceptable clinical outcomes: 90-day mRS 0-2 and 0-3, respectively. Final infarct volumes were calculated based on 24-hour post-procedure CT or MRI scans. Results: Mean age (67±14 vs. 67±19 years) and baseline NIHSS (20±5 vs. 20±6) were similar in the IAT and medical treatment groups. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 58 (67%) IAT patients. Symptomatic and asymptomatic ICH occurred in 9 (10%) and 31 (36%) IAT patients, respectively. The IAT rates of 90-day good and acceptable outcomes were 20% (17/86) and 33% (28/86), respectively. Successful reperfusion in IAT patients was associated with smaller FIV (p=0.015) and higher rates of good (p=0.02) and acceptable (p=0.03) outcomes. The median final infarct volume was significant lower with IAT vs. medical therapy (80ml [IQR, 38-122] vs. 190ml [121-267], p=0.015). There was a strong trend towards a higher hemicraniectomy requirement in medically vs. endovascularly treated patients (20% versus 6%, p=0.06) despite similar in-hospital mortality (20% versus 26.7 %, p=0.75). Conclusions: Despite a low probability of achieving functional independence, IAT in LVOS patients with ASPECTS 5-7 appears to result in smaller final infarct volumes leading to a reduction in the need for hemicraniectomy and decreasing the degree of overall disability. Therefore, it may be a reasonable option for patients and families who favor a shift from severe to moderate disability. Prospective studies utilizing shift in outcome measures are warranted to confirm these results.

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Effect of stress-induced hyperglycemia after non-traumatic non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage on clinical complications and functional outcomes

10.21203/rs.3.rs-944631/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zeyu Zhang ◽

Yue Zhao ◽

Yibo Liu ◽

Xiaoyu Wang ◽

Houshi Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Cerebral Infarction ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Poor Outcome ◽

Clinical Complications ◽

Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽

Poor Outcomes

Abstract Background Despite having an overall benign course, non-traumatic non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (naSAH) is still accompanied by a risk of clinical complications and poor outcomes. Risk factors and mechanisms of complications and poor outcomes after naSAH remain unknown. Our aim was to explore the effect of stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) on complication rates and functional outcomes in naSAH patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with naSAH admitted to our institution between 2013 and 2018. SIH was identified according to previous criterion. Symptomatic vasospasm, delayed cerebral infarction, and hydrocephalus were identified as main complications. Outcomes were reviewed using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge, 3 months, and 12 months. A statistical analysis of clinical, radiological, and laboratory risk factors of complications and outcomes was conducted. Results 244 naSAH patients were incorporated in the cohort with 74 (30.3%) SIH. After adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, Hunt and Hess (HH) grade, modified Fisher Scale (mFS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and subarachnoid blood distribution, SIH was significantly associated with symptomatic vasospasm (P < 0.001, 12.176 [4.904–30.231]), delayed cerebral infarction (P < 0.001, 12.434 [3.850-40.161]), hydrocephalus (P = 0.008, 5.771 [1.570-21.222]), and poor outcome at 12 months (P = 0.006, 5.506 [1.632–18.581]), whereas the correlation between SIH and poor outcome at discharge (P = 0.064, 2.409 [0.951-6.100]) or 3 months (P = 0.110, 2.029 [0.852–4.833]) was not significant. Incorporation of SIH increased the area under curve (AUC) of ROC in the combined model for predicting symptomatic vasospasm (P = 0.002), delayed cerebral infarction (P = 0.024), hydrocephalus (P = 0.037), and 12-month poor outcome (P = 0.087). Conclusions SIH is a significant and independent risk factor for symptomatic vasospasm, delayed cerebral infarction, hydrocephalus, and long-term poor outcome in naSAH patients. Identifying SIH early after naSAH is important for decision-making and treatment planning.

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Abstract WP110: Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion and Mild Stroke Severity

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wp110 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Nitin Goyal ◽

Aristeidis H Katsanos ◽

Konark Malhotra ◽

Michael T Frohler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Safety Outcomes

Introduction: We investigated the effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and mild neurological deficits defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores <6 points (mELVO). Methods: The primary efficacy outcome was three-month functional independence (FI; mRS-scores of 0-2) that was compared between patients with and without IVT treatment. Other efficacy outcomes of interest included three-month favorable functional outcome (FFO; mRS-scores of 0-1) and mRS-scores distribution at discharge and at 3 months. The safety outcomes comprised all-cause 3-month mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), asymptomatic ICH and severe systemic bleeding. Results: We evaluated 336 AIS patients with mELVO (mean age: 63±15 years, 45% women). Patients treated with IVT (n=162) had higher FI (85.6% vs. 74.8%, p=0.027) with lower mRS scores at hospital discharge (p=0.034) compared to the rest. Three-month mRS-scores tended to be lower in the IVT group (p=0.069). No differences were detected in any of the safety outcomes including symptomatic ICH, asymptomatic ICH, severe systemic bleeding and 3-month mortality (p>0.1). IVT was associated with higher likelihood of 3-month FI (OR=2.19, 95%CI: 1.09-4.42), 3-month FFO (OR=1.99, 95%CI: 1.10-3.57) and functional improvement at discharge [cOR (per 1-point decrease in mRS-score)=2.94, 95%CI: 1.67-5.26] and at 3 months (cOR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.06-2.86) on multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders including mechanical thrombectomy. Conclusion: IVT is independently associated with higher odds of improved discharge and three-month functional outcomes in AIS patients with mELVO. IVT does not increase the risk of systemic or intracranial bleeding.

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'Drip-and-ship' intravenous thrombolysis and outcomes for large vessel occlusion thrombectomy candidates in a hub-and-spoke telestroke model

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2021-017819 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2021-017819

Author(s):

Robert W Regenhardt ◽

Joseph A Rosenthal ◽

Amine Awad ◽

Juan Carlos Martinez-Gutierrez ◽

Neal M Nolan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Hub And Spoke ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Intravenous Alteplase ◽

Model Versus

BackgroundRandomized trials have not demonstrated benefit from intravenous thrombolysis among patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, these trials included primarily patients presenting directly to an EVT capable hub center. We sought to study outcomes for EVT candidates who presented to spoke hospitals and were subsequently transferred for EVT consideration, comparing those administered alteplase at spokes (i.e., ‘drip-and-ship’ model) versus those not.MethodsConsecutive EVT candidates presenting to 25 spokes from 2018 to 2020 with pre-transfer CT angiography defined emergent large vessel occlusion and Alberta Stroke Program CT score ≥6 were identified from a prospectively maintained Telestroke database. Outcomes of interest included adequate reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b–3), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), discharge functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2), and 90 day functional independence.ResultsAmong 258 patients, median age was 70 years (IQR 60–81), median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 13 (6-19), and 50% were women. Ninety-eight (38%) were treated with alteplase at spokes and 113 (44%) underwent EVT at the hub. Spoke alteplase use independently increased the odds of discharge mRS ≤2 (adjusted OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.46, p=0.03) and 90 day mRS ≤2 (adjusted OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.65 to 7.22, p=0.001), even when controlling for last known well, NIHSS, and EVT; it was not associated with an increased risk of ICH (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.78, p=0.94), and there was a trend toward association with greater TICI 2b–3 (OR 3.59, 95% CI 0.94 to 13.70, p=0.06).ConclusionsIntravenous alteplase at spoke hospitals may improve discharge and 90 day mRS and should not be withheld from EVT eligible patients who first present at alteplase capable spoke hospitals that do not perform EVT. Additional studies are warranted to confirm and further explore these benefits.

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