Institutional Incidence of Severe tPA-Induced Angioedema in Ischemic Cerebral Vascular Accidents

Introduction. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is commonly used in ischemic cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs). tPA is generally well tolerated; however, orolingual angioedema is a well-documented adverse effect. Angioedema is generally mild, transient, and unilateral but can manifest as severe, life-threatening upper airway obstruction requiring intubation. Reported incidence for all severities ranges from one to five percent, whereas reported incidence of severe cases ranges from 0.18 to 1 percent of patients receiving tPA for ischemic CVA. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and middle cerebral artery distribution have been associated with a higher risk of developing angioedema. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of severe tPA-induced angioedema and its effects on length of stay (LOS) and death. Methods. A retrospective chart review of patients receiving tPA for ischemic CVA from January 2014 through December 2016 was conducted at a large tertiary center with Comprehensive Stroke Center designation. Subjects were eighteen or older. Baseline demographics and clinical data were collected. Results. 147 patients were included with four developing severe angioedema due to tPA resulting in an incidence of 2.72%. All four were female. The median LOS was thirty days for patients with angioedema and twelve days for those without. The survival probability was higher in the angioedema group and mean time to death was twenty-two days in the angioedema group and twenty-one days in the nonangioedema group. Twenty-five patients died, one from the angioedema group. ACE inhibitor use was found to have an OR of 7.72. Conclusion. This study found a higher incidence of severe angioedema than that reported. Development of severe angioedema increased length of stay but was not shown to worsen outcomes in regards to death. Consistent with previous studies, ACE inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk of developing angioedema.

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Abstract P404: Causes of Recrudescent Stroke Symptoms in Emergent Stroke Evaluations

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p404 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Jeffrey Quinn ◽

Mohammad Hajighasemi ◽

Laurie Paletz ◽

Sonia Figueroa ◽

Konrad Schlick

Keyword(s):

Los Angeles ◽

Medical Center ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Ischemic Lesion ◽

Tertiary Care Medical Center ◽

Stroke Mimic ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Rule Out

Introduction: Recrudescent symptoms of remote central nervous system lesions (primarily due to prior ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke) is a specific stroke mimic that is commonly in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting for emergent stroke evaluation. To date, best practices have yet to be established in terms of ensuring accurate diagnosis and the relative rates of causative systemic illnesses are not well described. We seek to better delineate the etiologies of recrudescent stroke symptoms seen at a tertiary care medical center via emergency stroke evaluation “Code Brain” (CB) as a first step towards clarifying diagnostic criteria for this entity. Methods: Data was obtained via retrospective chart review from consecutive patients via departmental database listing all CB consults seen at a tertiary care comprehensive stroke center in Los Angeles, California between the timeframe of January 2018- June 2020. Diagnoses for each case were adjudicated by faculty Vascular neurologists, in collaboration with Vascular neurology fellows and Neurology residents. Those cases with a diagnosis of stroke recrudescence were reviewed in detail for the extent of neuroimaging they underwent, as well as for identified causes of recrudescence. Results: Records of 3,998 consecutive CB activations were reviewed. 2.1% (n=85) were found after screening to have clinical diagnosis of recrudescence or chronic stroke. Of these 85 patients, 29.4% (n=25) were not found to have a causative etiology for recrudescent neurologic deficit. Of these 25 patients, 36.0% (n=9) did not undergo MRI to evaluate for interval ischemic lesion, as compared to 46.6% of those whom a causative etiology was identified. This difference (10.6%, 95% CI -12.30 to 30.67%, p=0.3719) was not significant. Discussion: At our comprehensive stroke center, recrudescent stroke is an uncommon diagnosis amongst all CB evaluations, despite being commonly considered. Despite a diagnosis of recrudescence, MRI brain is not always performed to rule out acute ischemic stroke. Standardized neuroimaging protocols should be considered in making the diagnosis of stroke recrudescence.

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Abstract P149: Regional Transfer Protocols Can Improve Transfer Times and Reduce Length of Stay for Thrombectomy Candidates Seen on Telestroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Michele M Joseph ◽

Amanda L Jagolino-Cole ◽

Alyssa D Trevino ◽

Liang Zhu ◽

Alicia M Zha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Emergency Rooms ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Arrival Times ◽

Time Periods ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

One Year ◽

The Impact ◽

Transfer Times

Introduction: Our telestroke (TS) network instituted a regional transfer protocol (RTP) that allows for stroke patients in need of higher level of care to be pre-accepted and transferred to the nearest appropriate comprehensive stroke center (CSC). We studied the impact of the RTP on resource utilization and time metrics in patients transferred for evaluation of intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT). Before the RTP, all potential IAT patients were transferred to one central CSC. After the RTP was initiated, the network had the capability to transfer to two additional CSCs within the same health system that are strategically located in the Houston area. Methods: We identified patients evaluated via TS in spoke emergency rooms that were subsequently transferred for IAT evaluation from 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2017 - one year prior and one year after the RTP. Baseline demographic characteristics, transfer and IAT metrics, and outcomes were compared for the two time periods. Results: Of 220 patients, 102 patients were transferred pre-RTP, and 120 were transferred to the three CSCs post-RTP. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, except fewer patients received tPA post-RTP (Table 1). In total, 30 patients (29%) pre-RTP and 42 patients (35%) post-RTP underwent IAT (p=0.38). Post-RTP, there was a trend toward faster travel times (median 40 vs 32 minutes, p=.07) and transfer initiation times to hub arrival times (median 109 vs 100.5 minutes, p=0.09). Door to groin puncture times were not statistically different between the two time periods. Post-RTP patients had a significantly shorter length of stay (median 6 vs 5 days, p=0.03). Conclusions: Regional transfer protocols can potentially help reduce transfer times and length of stay for stroke patients at CSCs that were initially seen by TS at community hospitals; however, larger sample size is needed to study its impact on other IAT-related metrics and clinical outcomes.

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Abstract 1122‐000175: Comparison of Transradial Artery Versus Transfemoral Artery Access Mechanical Thrombectomy at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000175 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Taha Nisar ◽

Jimmy Patel ◽

Amit Singla ◽

Priyank Khandelwal

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Transfemoral Approach ◽

Outcome Parameters ◽

Significant Difference ◽

First Pass ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Introduction : The transradial approach (TRA) is being increasingly adopted by neuro‐interventionists and has emerged as an alternative to the traditional transfemoral approach (TFA) for mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aim to compare various time, technical and outcome parameters in patients who undergo MT via TRF vs. TRA approach. Methods : We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent MT at a comprehensive stroke center from 7/2016 to 12/2020. We compared patients who underwent MT via TRA vs. TRF with respect to time from angio suite arrival to puncture, first pass, second pass and recanalization; time from puncture to first pass, second pass and recanalization; time from arrival to the emergency department (ED) to puncture, first pass, second pass and recanalization; the number of passes, rate of switching, achievement of TICI≥2b score, functional independence (3‐month mRS≤2), 3‐month mortality and neurological improvement (improvement in NIHSS by ≥4 points) on day 1 and 3. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed, controlling for age, sex, NIHSS, type of anesthesia (general vs. moderate), laterality, and location of clot (internal carotid or middle cerebral artery), ASPECTS≥6, presenting mean arterial pressure, blood glucose, Hb A1C, LDL, intravenous alteplase. Results : 217 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 64.09±14.4 years. 42 (19.35%) patients underwent MT through the TRA approach. There was a significantly higher rate of conversion from TRA approach to TRF approach (11.90% vs.2.28%; OR, 105.59; 95% CI,5.71‐1954.67; P 0.002), but no difference in various time, technical and outcome parameters, as shown in the table. Conclusions : Our study demonstrates no significant difference between TRA and TRF approaches with respect to various time, technical and outcome parameters, with a notable exception of a significantly higher rate of conversion from TRA to TRF approach.

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Abstract TP391: Working Within a Stroke System of Care to Decrease Door to Transfer Times From Spoke to Hub

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.tp391 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Michelle Whaley ◽

Alissa Dell ◽

Melissa Chase ◽

Melissa Mooney ◽

Jill Hulbert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Stroke ◽

Best Practice ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Nurse Leaders ◽

Study Objective ◽

Team Members ◽

Imaging Results ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background: Best practice recommends that hospitals treating acute stroke patients have protocols in place to ensure rapid transfer to an advanced facility for a higher level of care, if needed. Our system of hospitals consists of five primary stroke centers (PSC) and one comprehensive stroke center (CSC) in a major metropolitan area. PSCs utilize telemedicine for acute stroke decision-making and patients are transferred to the CSC for consideration of advanced treatments when deemed appropriate by the care team. Purpose: Our study objective was to streamline processes at our PSCs to decrease the door to transport time (DTT) to the CSC. Methods: Stroke coordinators from the six sister hospitals meet quarterly to collaborate and share best practices in patient care. Our team of nurse leaders determined potential strategies to eliminate wasted time in the transfer process. Team members went back to their home facilities with the goal of generating buy-in from individual caregivers to decrease the time to transport out to the CSC. An overall attitude of urgency was encouraged during meetings with stroke councils and providers. Preliminary imaging results were used to guide decision to transfer, rather than waiting for final results. Some hospitals chose to notify the flight team of potential transport earlier in the emergency department stay, while others are still in the process of affecting change. We collected data on transferred patients with a diagnosis of acute stroke between the dates of 2/1/15-7/31/15 (n=23) and compared against the same time period in 2014 (n=11). Results: A total of 34 patients were included in our retrospective chart review. The number of patients transferred for consideration of additional acute treatment increased from 11 in 2014 to 23 during the study period in 2015. When examining patients who transferred and actually received endovascular treatment for acute stroke (n=8 in 2014 versus n=11 in 2015), the mean DTT decreased from 84 minutes in 2014, to 77 minutes in 2015. We also noted that patient transfers were faster during day time hours when compared to night. Conclusions: A system-wide, collaborative approach between PSCs and CSCs can decrease DTT when nurse leaders and providers streamline processes.

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The effect of polysomnography on pediatric adenotonsillectomy postoperative management

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1016/j.otohns.2004.10.007 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 132 (2) ◽

pp. 263-270 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Anthony A. Rieder ◽

Valerie Flanary

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Airway Obstruction ◽

Complication Rate ◽

Chart Review ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Postoperative Management ◽

Postoperative Course

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively investigated the effect and predictability of preoperative polysomnography (PSG) on the postoperative course of younger pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients 3 years of age and younger who had undergone adenotonsillectomy between July 1997 and July 2002 at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-two patients were identified. Forty-three patients had preoperative PSG. No correlation between the severity of PSG results and postoperative course was identified. CONCLUSIONS: The role of PSG in upper airway obstruction and OSA remains controversial. This study suggests that although the complication rate may be higher in this younger population, these complications do not appear to have a large impact on their length of stay. SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that the 3-years-and-younger group, in the absence of other comorbidities, can safely undergo adenotonsillectomy without undergoing preoperative PSG. EBM raing: C.

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Abstract P136: Feasibility and Safety of an Expedited Emergency Department TIA Evaluation

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p136 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Anisha Garg ◽

Ilavarasy Maran ◽

Kelsey Vlieks ◽

Kaile Neuschatz ◽

Anna Coppola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Emergency Room ◽

Low Risk ◽

Smoking History ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Abcd2 Score ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Ischemic Attack ◽

Get With The Guidelines

Introduction: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) can portend impending stroke, but it is unclear whether a TIA evaluation necessitates inpatient admission. We assessed feasibility and safety of a TIA protocol in the emergency room for low-risk TIA patients. Methods: We studied low-risk TIA patients (ABCD2 score < 4, no significant vessel stenosis) before (January 2018-July 2019) and after (August 2019-March 2020) the implementation of an expedited, emergency room TIA protocol at a comprehensive stroke center. The pre-intervention cohort consisted of TIA patients in the institutional Get-With-The-Guidelines database who met pre-specified criteria ( Figure ) and were admitted. The post-intervention patients met the same criteria and underwent an expedited MRI with selected sequences. If the MRI showed no ischemia, patients were scheduled with rapid, outpatient stroke clinic follow-up and outpatient echocardiogram as indicated. We compared differences in outcomes of interest between the pre-and post-intervention cohorts including length of stay, radiographic and echocardiogram findings, and recurrent neurovascular events within 30 days. Results: In total, 120 TIA patients met criteria (71 pre-intervention, 49 patient post-intervention). Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar except the pre-intervention pathway had a higher proportion of patients with a smoking history and presenting symptom of aphasia and dysarthria. Median time from MRI order to completion was 2.3 hours in the post-intervention cohort. Median length of stay was 7.7 hours (IQR 5.2-9.7) in the post-intervention cohort compared to 28.8 hours (IQR 24.4-42.4) pre-intervention. There were no differences in neuroimaging or echocardiographic findings and 30-day re-presentation for stroke, TIA, or mortality. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the feasibility and suggests safety of an expedited TIA protocol. Further study is needed to determine its generalizability.

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Abstract 1122‐000123: Association of 24‐hour Blood Pressure Parameters Post‐Thrombectomy with Functional Outcomes According to Collateral Status

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000123 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Taha Nisar ◽

Toluwalase Tofade ◽

Konrad Lebioda ◽

Osama Abu‐Hadid ◽

Priyank Khandelwal

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Good Functional Outcome ◽

Ct Angiogram ◽

Ischemic Brain Tissue ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Introduction : Higher blood pressure (BP) most post mechanical thrombectomy (MT) can restore perfusion to the ischemic brain tissue depending on collateral status. We aim to determine the association of 24‐hour post‐MT BP parameters with the functional outcome depending on the pre‐MT collateral status. Methods : We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent MT at a comprehensive stroke center from 7/2014 to 12/2020. The patients were divided into two groups (good versus bad) depending on collateral status. A board‐certified neuroradiologist, who was blinded to the clinical outcomes, used collateral grading scales of Mass ≥3 and modified‐Tan>50% to designate good collaterals on the pre‐MT CT Angiogram. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed, controlling for age, sex, NIHSS, ASPECTS≥6, TICI score≥2b, time to thrombectomy, LDL, Hemoglobin‐A1C, intravenous‐alteplase, with the 24‐hour post‐MT BP parameters as the predictors. The outcomes were good functional outcome (3‐month mRS≤2) and mortality. Results : 220 patients met the inclusion criteria. 24‐hour BP parameters of standard deviation (SD) SBP (OR, 1.16; 95% CI,1.01‐1.33; P 0.047) and maximum DBP (OR, 1.05; 95% CI,1.01‐1.09; P 0.036) had an association with a good functional outcome, while SD SBP (OR, 1.15; 95% CI,1.01‐1.31; P 0.045), coefficient variation (CV) SBP (OR, 1.19; 95% CI,1.01‐1.41; P 0.043), SBP range (OR, 1.04; 95% CI,1.01‐1.07; P 0.046), maximum DBP (OR, 0.95; 95% CI,0.91‐0.99; P 0.016), pulse pressure (OR, 1.09; 95% CI,1.02‐1.16; P 0.022) and SBP ≥140 (OR, 5.85; 95% CI,1.11‐30.85; P 0.038) had an association with mortality in patients with good collaterals according to Mass grading. 24‐hour BP parameters of SD SBP (OR, 1.13; 95% CI,1.04‐1.24; P 0.007), CV SBP (OR, 1.18; 95% CI,1.05‐1.32; P 0.006), SBP range (OR, 1.04; 95% CI,1.01‐1.06; P 0.008) and maximum DBP (OR, 0.97; 95% CI,0.94‐1; P 0.02) had an association with mortality in patients with good collaterals according to modified‐Tan grading. There was no such association in patients with bad collaterals Conclusions : Various 24‐hour BP parameters post‐MT are associated with a functional outcome or mortality in patients with good collaterals, unlike in patients with bad collaterals.

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Abstract TP49: Acute Intracranial Stenting With Mechanical Thrombectomy Shows No Difference in Discharge Outcomes Compared With Mechanical Thrombectomy Alone

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.tp49 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ameer E Hassan ◽

Victor M Ringheanu ◽

Wondwossen G Tekle ◽

Laurie Preston ◽

Adnan I Qureshi

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Intracranial Stenting ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Discharge Outcomes ◽

Poor Outcomes ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Proven Method

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a proven method of treating patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from a large vessel occlusion. However, there has been controversy regarding the safety and efficacy of incorporating acute intracranial stenting in addition to standard MT especially after the WEAVE trial results which showed a significant increase in stroke and hemorrhage in patients receiving wingspan stenting within 7 days of index ischemic event. We compared the outcomes of all AIS patients treated with acute intracranial stenting + MT versus MT alone. Methods: Through the utilization of a prospectively collected endovascular database at a comprehensive stroke center between 2012-2019, variables such as demographics, co-morbid conditions, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), mortality rate at discharge, and good/poor outcomes in regard to modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score (TICI) and modified Rankin Scale at discharge (mRS dc) were examined. The outcomes between patients receiving acute intracranial stenting + MT and patients that underwent MT alone were compared. Results: There were a total of 439 AIS patients who met criteria for the study (average age 70.38 ± 13.46 years; 45.6% were women). Analysis of 36 patients from the acute stenting + MT group (average age 66.72 ± 13.17 years; 30.6% were women), and 403 patients from the MT Alone group (average age 70.71 ± 13.45 years; 46.9% were women); see Table 1 for baseline characteristics and outcomes. Three patients (8.3%) in the acute stenting + MT group experienced ICH versus forty-four patients (10.9%) in the MT alone group (P=0.631); no significant increases were noted in length of stay (9.08 days vs 9.84 days; P=0.620) or good mRS scores at dc (P=0.636). Conclusion: Acute intracranial stenting in addition to MT was not associated with an increase in ICH rates, overall length of stay, or poor outcome upon discharge of patients. Prospective studies are recommended.

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Abstract P364: Use of the Electronic Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score Software to Guide Treatment of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p364 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Danielle L Weiss ◽

Dennis Y Chuang ◽

Ali Fadhil ◽

Kelsey R Duncan ◽

Alexa Weiss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chart Review ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Community Hospitals ◽

Ct Head ◽

Logistic Regressions ◽

Transferred Patients ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Contrast Ct ◽

The Relationship

Introduction: Rapid recognition of large-vessel middle cerebral artery (lvMCA) stroke in patients with acute stroke symptoms is critical to guide thrombectomy and hemicraniectomy decisions. The Electronic Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (e-ASPECTS; Brainomix, LLC) is an automated, artificial intelligence software which quantifies acute ischemic volume (AIV) on CT head scans in the MCA territory. In this study, we investigate if e-ASPECTS-derived AIV could help guide treatment and predict outcomes for patients transferred from community hospitals. Hypothesis: E-ASPECTS can help identify patients that may benefit from thrombectomy or hemicraniectomy. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review on patients age 18-90 transferred to our comprehensive stroke center (CSC) between 2013-2017. Non-contrast CT head scans performed at community hospitals prior to transfer were processed by e-ASPECTS to calculate AIV. Logistic regressions were used to test the relationship between AIV and eventual treatment (thrombectomy, hemicraniectomy). Results: 228 patient CT scans were analyzed by e-ASPECTS. In all transferred patients, higher AIV predicted patients with later confirmed lvMCA strokes (defined as an ICA or M1 occlusion; OR 1.03, CI 1.02-1.05, P<0.001). Higher AIV also trended toward thrombectomy but was not statistically significant (P=0.15). In the subgroup analysis of patients later confirmed to have lvMCA strokes, lower AIV was predictive for thrombectomy (OR 0.95, CI 0.92-0.97, P<0.001). Additionally, higher AIV predicted outcomes of malignant cerebral edema (MCE; OR 1.03, CI 1.02-1.05, P<0.001) and hemicraniectomy (OR 1.04, CI 1.00-1.07, P=0.03). Conclusions: Our study suggests that e-ASPECTS may be useful in identifying patients who would, or would not, benefit from transfer to a CSC from hospitals without thrombectomy or hemicraniectomy resources. Patients with stroke mimics or lvMCA strokes with large penumbras have lower AIVs, while patients with higher AIVs are at risk for MCE and may benefit from hemicraniectomy.

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IV tPA is associated with increase in rates of intracerebral hemorrhage and length of stay in patients with acute stroke treated with endovascular treatment within 4.5 hours: should we bypass IV tPA in large vessel occlusion?

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2020-016045 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2020-016045 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ameer E Hassan ◽

Victor M Ringheanu ◽

Laurie Preston ◽

Wondwossen Tekle ◽

Adnan I Qureshi

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Poor Outcomes ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Iv Tpa

BackgroundEndovascular treatment (EVT) is a widely proved method to treat patients diagnosed with intracranial large vessel occlusions (LVOs); however, there has been controversy about the safety and efficacy of incorporating intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) as pretreatment for EVT.ObjectiveTo compare the outcomes of all patients with LVO treated with IV tPA +EVT versus EVT alone within 4.5 hours of stroke onset.MethodsA prospectively collected endovascular database at a comprehensive stroke center between 2012 and 2019 was used to examine variables such as demographics, comorbid conditions, symptomatic/asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), mortality rate, and good/poor outcomes as shown by the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) assessment at discharge. The outcomes between patients receiving IV tPA+EVT on admission and patients who underwent EVT alone were compared.ResultsOf 588 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with EVT, a total of 189 met the criteria for the study (average age 70.44±12.90 years, 42.9% women). Analysis of 109 patients from the group receiving EVT+IV tPA (average age 68.17±14.28 years, 41.3% women), and 80 patients from the EVT alone group was performed (average age 73.54±9.84 years, 45.0% women). Four patients (5.0%) in the EVT alone group experienced symptomatic ICH versus 15 patients (13.8%) in the IV tPA+EVT group (p=0.0478); significant increases were also noted in the length of stay for patients treated with IV tPA (8.2 days vs 11.0 days; p=0.0056).ConclusionIV tPA in addition to EVT was associated with an increase in the rate of ICH in patients with LVO treated within 4.5 hours and in patients’ length of stay. Further research is required to determine whether EVT treatment alone in patients with LVO treated within 4.5 hours is a more effective option.

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