Abstract 182: Early Perfusion Instability Profoundly Impacts Tissue Outcome In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyu An ◽  
Andria L Ford ◽  
Yasheng Chen ◽  
Katie D Vo ◽  
William J Powers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Transit Time ◽  
Mean Transit Time ◽  
Tissue Perfusion ◽  
Tissue Viability ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Dynamic Phase ◽  
Blue Line ◽  
Iv Tpa

Background: During the first hours after stroke onset, tissue perfusion in stroke patients may undergo a highly dynamic phase of instability. We examined the characteristics of this perfusion instability (improvement and deterioration) and its impact on tissue outcome. Methods: Mean transit time (MTT) and FLAIR maps were obtained in 45 acute stroke patients (mean NIHSS: 14; 73% received IV tPA) at 3.0 hrs (tp1), 6.4 hrs (tp2), and 1 month after onset. MTT prolongation (pMTT) was calculated as: MTT - (median MTT of the non-ischemic hemisphere). Tissue was classified into three subtypes: stable ( Methods: Mean transit time (MTT) and FLAIR maps were obtained in 45 acute stroke patients (mean NIHSS: 14; 73% received IV tPA) at 3.0 hrs (tp1), 6.4 hrs (tp2), and 1 month after onset. MTT prolongation (pMTT) was calculated as: MTT - (median MTT of the non-ischemic hemisphere). Tissue was classified into three subtypes: stable (|pMTT tp2-tp1| ≤ 2 sec), improving (pMTT tp2-tp1< -2 sec), and deteriorating (pMTT tp2-tp1>2 sec) perfusion. Percent volume was computed as: (the # of voxels of a tissue subtype/total # of voxels at a specific tp1 pMTT) for each subtype and their infarct probabilities (IP) were graphed (Fig A and B). To further evaluate perfusion change and the corresponding impact on IP, a 3D plot of IP (color axis, Fig. C) as a function of pMTT tp1 and tp2 was generated, pooling voxels from all patients. Results: Early perfusion instability (within 6.5 hrs) was observed in 70-85% of total volume at a specific tp1 pMTT (50-60% improving and 20-30% deteriorating perfusion) for a range of tp1 pMTT of 3-21 sec (Fig. A). Differences in IP were observed among the three tissue subtypes for pMTT 3-17 sec, while IPs were similar at small pMTT (< 3 sec) and large pMTT (>17 sec), (Fig. B). For pMTT of 3-17 sec, IP was highly dependent on perfusion changes at tp2 (Fig. C). For example, IP for voxels starting with pMTT of 12sec at tp1 ranged from 35-95% depending on perfusion change at tp2 (Fig. C, vertical blue line). Conclusions: Early perfusion changes profoundly impact tissue viability, especially with initial pMTT ranging from 3-17 sec (likely representing penumbral range). Acute stroke therapies may be effective not only by promoting reperfusion, but also by preventing deteriorating perfusion.

Abstract P119: Factors Influencing Door to Needle Administration for Acute Stroke Patients in the Emergency Department

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolle W Davis ◽  
Meghan Bailey ◽  
Natalie Buchwald ◽  
Amreen Farooqui ◽  
Anna Khanna
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Iv Tpa

Background/Objective: There is growing importance on discovering factors that delay time to intervention for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, as rapid intervention remains essential for better patient outcomes. The management of these patients involves a multidisciplinary effort and quality improvement initiatives to safely increase treatment with intravenous thrombolytic (IV tPa). The objective of this pilot is to evaluate factors of acute stroke care in the emergency department (ED) and the impact they have on IV tPa administration. Methods: A sample of 89 acute ischemic stroke patients that received IV tPa from a single academic medical institution was selected for retrospective analysis. System characteristics (presence of a stroke nurse and time of day) and patient characteristics (mode of arrival and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) on arrival) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression to address the study question. Results: The mean door to needle time is 53.74 minutes ( + 38.06) with 74.2% of patients arriving to the ED via emergency medical services (EMS) and 25.8% having a stroke nurse present during IV tPa administration. Mode of arrival ( p = .001) and having a stroke nurse present ( p = .022) are significant predictors of door to needle time in the emergency department (ED). Conclusion: While many factors can influence door to needle times in the ED, we did not find NIHSS on arrival or time of day to be significant factors. Patients arriving to the ED by personal vehicle will have a significant delay in IV tPa administration, therefore emphasizing the importance of using EMS. Perhaps more importantly, collaborative efforts including the addition of a specialized stroke nurse significantly decreased time to IV tPa administration for AIS patients. With this dedicated role, accelerated triage and more effective management of AIS patients is accomplished, leading to decreased intervention times and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Abstract P201: Octogenarian and Nonagenarian Outcomes Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
RAJAN R GADHIA ◽  
Farhaan S Vahidy ◽  
Tariq Nisar ◽  
Destiny Hooper ◽  
David Chiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Acute Stroke Treatment ◽  
Iv Tpa

Objective: Most acute stroke treatment trials exclude patients above the age of 80. Given the clear benefit of revascularization with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT), we sought to assess functional outcomes in patients treated above the age of 80. Methods: We conducted a review of all patients admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital between January 2019 and August 2020 with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presentation[MOU1] for whom premorbid, discharge, and 90 day modified Rankin Scale scores were available. Patients were categorized by acute stroke treatment (IV tPA, MT, both or none[MOU2] ). mRS values were assessed during admission prior to discharge and at 90 days post stroke event. A delta mRS (Discharge vs. 90-day [MOU3] ) was defined and grouped as no change, improved, or worsened to assess overall functional disability in regards to the index stroke presentation. Results: A total of 865 patients with AIS presentation were included, of whom 651 (75.3%) were <80 years and 214 (24.7%) were > 80 years of age at presentation. A total of 208 patients received IV tPA, 176 underwent revascularization with MT only, 71 had both treatments, and 552 had no acute intervention. In patients >80 yrs who had no acute stroke intervention. mRS improvement was noted in 71.4% compared to 54.1% observed in those patients <80 years. Among patients who received IV tPA, 81.5% of > 80 years improved vs. 61.6% in the younger cohort. A similar trend was noted in the MT and combined treatment groups (76.2% vs. 71.2% and 78.6% vs. 79.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Based on our cohort of acute stroke patients, there was no significant difference in outcomes (as measured by delta mRS) for octogenarians and nonagenarians when compared to younger patients. There was a trend towards improvement in the elderly patients. Chronological age by itself may be an insufficient predictor of functional outcome among stroke patients and age cutoffs for enrollment of patients in acute stroke trials may need additional considerations.

Abstract T P267: Development of an EMS Interfacility Ground Transport Protocol for Patients During/After IV tPA Administration for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerrin Connelly ◽  
Rishi Gupta ◽  
Raul Nogueira ◽  
Arthur Yancey ◽  
Alexander Isakov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Transport Protocol ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
The Public ◽  
State Office ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Iv Tpa

Purpose: To standardize the care of acute stroke patients who receive IV tPA being transported by ground EMS from a treating hospital to a stroke center. Background: National consensus guidelines exist for the hospital management of patients receiving IV tPA for acute ischemic stroke. Such patients require close monitoring and management to minimize risk of clinical deterioration. Although patients are often emergently transported from local hospitals to a stroke center, there are no treatment specific national guidelines for managing such patients enroute. As a result, there is a need to develop and implement a standardized approach to guide EMS personnel, particularly in states like Georgia where the public health burden of stroke is high. Methods: In 2012, the “Georgia EMS Interfacility Ground Transport Protocol for Patients during/after IV tPA Administration for Acute Ischemic Stroke” was developed in conjunction with the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry, the Georgia State Office of EMS, a representative group of Georgia hospitals and EMS providers. Stakeholders were brought together with the goal of creating a unified statewide protocol. The intent was to create a streamlined protocol which could be readily implemented by pre-hospital care providers. Results: Stakeholders discussed challenges and opportunities to change the process of pre-hospital care. Challenges included recognition of the broad diversity of EMS providers representing over 250 agencies in the state. Opportunities included establishing the framework for greater collaboration across organizations and providers. The final protocol was endorsed by both the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry and the State Office of EMS, and distributed to all EMS regions in Georgia. EMS agencies are currently implementing the protocol. Conclusion: Engaging a diverse group of statewide stakeholders to develop a new treatment protocol enhances success in implementation and serves to further the public health mission of improving care of acute stroke patients.

Abstract 2268: Trends In Reasons For Non-eligibility For tPA

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Tong ◽  
Mary G George
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Rapid Improvement ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Mild Stroke ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Iv Tpa

Background: Use of IV tPA has increased over time, as has the adherence to the NQF endorsed performance measure for receipt of IV tPA within 3 hours. Little is known about trends in the reasons for patient ineligibility for IV tPA. This study examines trends in reasons for not providing IV tPA over time and by race and gender among acute ischemic stroke patients in the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry (PCNASR), a quality improvement program for acute stroke implemented by state health departments. Methods: There were 13,164 PCNASR patients enrolled from 2008- 2010 with a clinical diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke with documentation of LKW and who arrived within 2 hours of LKW. Cochran-Armitage tests were used to test for trend on accepted reasons for not providing IV tPA within 3 hours of time last known well (LKW). Chi-square tests were used to test for differences among reasons between men and women and between non-Hispanic whites and minorities. Multiple reasons for not giving tPA could be selected. Results: Among 13,164 acute ischemic patients admitted between 2008 and 2010 with documentation of LKW and who arrived within 2 hours of LKW, 3781 (28.7%) received IV tPA, 7284 (55.3%) had documented reasons for not receiving IV tPA, and 2099 (16.0%) did not receive IV tPA. Contraindications to IV tPA, advanced age, rapid improvement and inability to determine eligibility increased over time. Mild stroke decreased over time. Conditions with warning, advanced age, limited life expectancy and family refusal were more common in women; mild stroke and rapid improvement were more common in men. Contraindications were more common in minorities; advanced age, mild stroke and rapid improvement, and family refusal were more common in non-Hispanic whites. When advanced age was selected, 46.6% of patients were over age 90 and 3.4% were under age 80. When stroke too mild was selected, 44.8% of patients had missing NIHSS scores, 42.1% of scores were 0-4, 8.8% were 5-9, and 4.3% were ≥ 10. The three most common reasons for not providing tPA were rapid improvement (40.9%), mild stroke (33.0%), and contraindications (29.2%) in 2010. Conclusions: More than half of ischemic stroke patients arriving within 2 hours of LKW were ineligible to receive IV tPA. There was little use of advanced age for patients under age 80. Documentation of stroke too mild was not substantiated by an NIHSS score in nearly half of patients. Better documentation of NIHSS score should be provided.

DWI Lesion Characteristics As A Predictor For Outcome In Acute Stroke Patients Treated By IV-tPA

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Aref ◽  
S Farag ◽  
S Helmy ◽  
H Mahmoud
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Tissue Type ◽  
P Value ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Tissue Type Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Type Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Iv Tpa

Abstract Background Thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) is a well-proved, widely used treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients, many predictors of functional outcome have been proposed as Age, vascular risk factors, initial clinical evaluation on admission using National institute of health stroke scale(NIHSS), functional state of patient(b.L) baseline before stroke and 3 months (3m) after stroke using modified Rankin stroke scale (MRS)and the most controversial Diffusion weighted image characteristics (volume, heterogeneity) Objective To evaluate DWI MRI characteristics (volume, heterogeneity) as a predictor for outcome in Acute stroke patients treated by IV-tPA Patients and Methods This study will be done on a sample of 100 acute ischemic stroke Egyptian patients receiving intra-venous tissue -type plasminogen activator presenting to Ain-Shams university hospitals Results Highly statistically significant (p-value &lt; 0.001) Positive correlation (r = 0.394) between volume (DWI) and MRS (3m) post discharge in studied patients, No statistically significant (pvalue &gt; 0.05) relation between heterogeneity and other studied parameters (MRS, NIHSS D & ADC values) in studied patients Conclusion DWI infarct volume is a predictor for outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients treated by tPA

scholarly journals Sustained Opening of the Blood-Brain Barrier with Progressive Accumulation of White Matter Hyperintensities Following Ischemic Stroke

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imama Naqvi ◽  
Emi Hitomi ◽  
Richard Leigh
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier ◽  
White Matter Hyperintensities ◽  
Brain Barrier ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Blood Brain ◽  
History Of ◽  
Iv Tpa

Objective: To report a patient in whom an acute ischemic stroke precipitated chronic blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and expansion of vascular white matter hyperintensities (WMH) into regions of normal appearing white matter (NAWM) during the following year. Background: WMH are a common finding in patients with vascular risk factors such as a history of stroke. The pathophysiology of WMH is not fully understood; however, there is growing evidence to suggest that the development of WMH may be preceded by the BBB disruption in the NAWM. Methods: We studied a patient enrolled in the National Institutes of Health Natural History of Stroke Study who was scanned with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after presenting to the emergency room with an acute stroke. After a treatment with IV tPA, she underwent further MRI scanning at 2 h, 24 h, 5 days, 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, and 1-year post stroke. BBB permeability images were generated from the perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) source images. MRIs from each time point were co-registered to track changes in BBB disruption and WMH over time. Results: An 84-year-old woman presented after acute onset right hemiparesis, right-sided numbness and aphasia with an initial NIHSS of 13. MRI showed diffusion restriction in the left frontal lobe and decreased blood flow on perfusion imaging. Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging showed bilateral confluent WMH involving the deep white matter and periventricular regions. She was treated with IV tPA without complication and her NIHSS improved initially to 3 and ultimately to 0. Permeability maps identified multiple regions of chronic BBB disruption remote from the acute stroke, predominantly spanning the junction of WMH and NAWM. The severity of BBB disruption was greatest at 24 h after the stroke but persisted on subsequent MRI scans. Progression of WMH into NAWM over the year of observation was detected bilaterally but was most dramatic in the regions adjacent to the initial stroke. Conclusions: WMH-associated BBB disruption may be exacerbated by an acute stroke, even in the contralateral hemisphere, and can persist for months after the initial event. Transformation of NAWM to WMH may be evident in areas of BBB disruption within a year after the stroke. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between chronic BBB disruption and progressive WMH in patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease and the potential for acute stroke to trigger or exacerbate the process leading to the development of WMH.

ICU Interventions in Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated Using Liberalized IV-tPA Criteria

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 2488-2495
Author(s):  
Nick M. Murray ◽  
Michael Ke ◽  
Alan Yee ◽  
Charlene Chen ◽  
Christine Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Iv Tpa

Abstract P850: Four C’s Are Vital in Improving Door to Thrombolytic Administration

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Betty A McGee ◽  
Melissa Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Survival Data ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Administration Time ◽  
System Data ◽  
The Impact

Background and Purpose: Thrombolytic therapy is a key link in the stroke chain of survival. Data suggests that four components are vital in decreasing door to thrombolytic administration in acute stroke patients eligible for treatment. Analysis of system data, pre and post implementation of a Door to Needle Project, afforded the opportunity to assess. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that commitment, collaboration, communication, and consistency (referred to as Four C’s) are vital in improving door to thrombolytic administration time in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: In this quantitative study, we utilized case data collected by a quality improvement team serving five emergency departments within a healthcare system. We retrospectively reviewed times of thrombolytic administration from admission to the emergency department in acute ischemic stroke patients. Cases were included based on eligibility criteria from American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines. Times from 2019 were compared with times through April 2020, before and after implementation of the project, which had multidisciplinary process interventions that reinforced the Four C’s. Results: The data revealed a 13.5 % reduction in median administration time. Cases assessed from 2019 had a median time of 52 minutes from door to thrombolytic administration, 95% CI [47.0, 59.0], n = 52. Cases assessed through April 2020 had a median time of 45 minutes from door to thrombolytic administration, 95% CI [39.0, 57.5], n = 18. Comparing cases through April 2020 to those of 2019, there were improvements of 38.1% fewer cases for administration in greater than 60 minutes and 27.8% fewer cases for administration in greater than 45 minutes. Conclusion: The hypothesis that Four C’s are vital in improving door to thrombolytic administration was validated by a decrease in median administration time as well as a reduction in cases exceeding targeted administration times. The impact to clinical outcomes is significant as improving administration time directly impacts the amount of tissue saved. Ongoing initiatives encompassing the Four C’s, within a Cerebrovascular System of Care, are essential in optimizing outcomes in acute stroke patients.

Abstract 10: Predictors of Poor Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients after Successful Recanalization

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy K Starosciak ◽  
Italo Linfante ◽  
Gail Walker ◽  
Osama O Zaidat ◽  
Alicia C Castonguay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Predictive Power ◽  
Rescue Therapy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
Poor Outcome

Background: Recanalization of the occluded artery is a powerful predictor of good outcome in acute ischemic stroke secondary to large artery occlusions. Mechanical thrombectomy with stent-trievers results in higher recanalization rates and better outcomes compared to previous devices. However, despite successful recanalization rates (Treatment in Cerebral Infarction, TICI, score ≥ 2b) between 70 and 90%, good clinical outcomes assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 is present in 40-50% of patients . We aimed to evaluate predictors of poor outcomes (mRS > 2) despite successful recanalization (TICI ≥ 2b) in the acute stroke patients treated with the Solitaire device of the North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) registry. Methods: The NASA registry is a multicenter, non-sponsored, physician-conducted, post-marketing registry on the use of SOLITAIRE FR device in 354 acute, large vessel, ischemic stroke patients. Logistic regression was used to evaluate patient characteristics and treatment parameters for association with 90-day mRS score of 0-2 (good outcome) versus 3-6 (poor outcome) within patients who were recanalized successfully (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction or TICI score 2b-3). Univariate tests were followed by development of a multivariable model based on stepwise selection with entry and retention criteria of p < 0.05 from the set of factors with at least marginal significance (p ≤ 0.10) on univariate analysis. The c-statistic was calculated as a measure of predictive power. Results: Out of 354 patients, 256 (72.3%) were successfully recanalized (TICI ≥ 2b). Based on 90-day mRS score for 234 of these patients, there were 116 (49.6%) with mRS > 2. Univariate analysis identified increased risk of mRS > 2 for each of the following: age ≥ 80 years (upper quartile of data), occlusion site other than M1/M2, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 18 (median), history of diabetes mellitus (DM), TICI = 2b, use of rescue therapy, not using a balloon-guided catheter (BGC) or intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA), and time to recanalization > 30 minutes (all p ≤ 0.05). Three or more passes was marginally significant (p=0.097). In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 80 years, site other than M1/M2, initial NIHSS ≥18, DM, absence of IV t-PA, use of rescue therapy and three or more passes were significant independent predictors of poor 90-day outcome in a model with good predictive power (c-index = 0.80). Conclusions: Age, occlusion site, high NIHSS, diabetes, not receiving IV t-PA, use of rescue therapy and three or more passes, were associated with poor 90-day outcome despite successful recanalization.

Abstract WP178: Acute Stroke Ischemic Symptom Onset-to-Arrival Time in Michigan Hospitals

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad U Farooq ◽  
Kathie Thomas
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Arrival Time ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
White Patients

Objectives: Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. One of the primary goals of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is to increase the number of acute stroke patients arriving at emergency departments (EDs) within 1-hour of symptom onset. Earlier treatment with thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke translates into improved patient outcomes. The objective of this abstract is to examine the association between the use of emergency medical services (EMS) and symptom onset-to-arrival time in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: A retrospective review of ischemic stroke patients (n = 8873) from 25 Michigan hospitals from January 2012-December 2014 using Get With the Guidelines databases was conducted. Symptom onset-to-ED arrival time and arrival mode were examined. Results: It was found that 17.4% of ischemic stroke patients arrived at the hospitals within 1-hour of symptom onset. EMS transported 69.1% of patients who arrived within 1-hour of symptom onset. During this 1-hour period African American patients (22%) were less likely to use EMS transportation as compared to White patients (72%). The majority of patients, 41.8%, arrived after 6-hours of symptom onset. EMS transported only 40% of patients who arrived after 6-hours of symptom onset. As before, during this 6-hour period African American patients (20%) were also less likely to use EMS transportation as compared to White patients (75%). Symptom onset-to-ED arrival time was shorter for those patients who used EMS. The median pre-hospital delay time was 2.6 hours for those who used EMS versus 6.2 hours for those who did not use EMS. Conclusions: The use of EMS is associated with a decreased pre-hospital delay, early treatment with thrombolysis and improved patient outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Community interventions should focus on creating awareness especially in minority populations about stroke as a neurological emergency and encourage EMS use amongst stroke patients.

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