Abstract TP220: Is Fibrinogen a Reliable Lab to Follow in Acute Ischemic Stoke After Thrombolysis

Background: American Heart Association suggests empirical therapies (cryoprecipitate, FFP and platelets) for post-IVtpa hemorrhage but acknowledges the lack of evidence to support any specific therapy. Different institutions have developed care pathways for post-IVtpa sICH involving frequent fibrinogen level checks. During thrombolysis, circulating fibrinogen is decreased, and thus rapid administration of cryoprecipitate is recommended. A marker of fibrinogen of <100-150 mg/dL has been traditionally used as a cutoff to suggest effective thrombolysis or administration of cryoprecipitate or to assess the risk of bleeding complications. Monitoring of fibrinogen level has been used to guide the reversal therapy in the setting of post-IVtpa hemorrhage. This practice is not fully addressed in the literature. Purpose: To determine the significance of fibrinogen level in relation to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) based on our single center experience. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed fibrinogen levels in two groups of patients with AIS who presented to our comprehensive stroke center. First group included 50 patients who received IVtpa including two patients w/ post-IVtpa sICH and second group included 50 patients with AIS who could not receive IVtpa due to contraindication. Fibrinogen level was checked in immediate post-IVtpa period usually within 2hr of IVtpa or 6hr from onset. Results: The mean fibrinogen level in first group with patients with AIS who received IVtpa is 321.65 mg/dl with range from 102 to 533 mg/dl. Normal reference range is 220-410mg/dl. The mean fibrinogen level in second group without IVtpa is 376mg/dl with range from 124 to 583mg/dl. The fibrinogen level in two patients with post-IVtpa sICH was 216 and 282 mg/dl. Conclusions: No significant correlation is found between fibrinogen level (<100mg/dl) and IVtpa use. We also found no significant change in fibrinogen level in patients with post-IVtpa sICH even though there are only two cases included so far. Above finding suggests that we should focus our research on mechanism other than decrease fibrinogen level to be an underlying cause of post-IVtpa hemorrhage in order to develop agent for better reversal and to prevent continued hematoma expansion.

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Abstract WMP88: Shorter Door-to-Needle Times of Intravenous Alteplase Improve “Efficiency” of Care and Moderately Affect “Quality” of Care: Study Based on a Large Comprehensive Stroke Center

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wmp88 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Suja S Rajan ◽

Jessica N Wise ◽

Marquita Decker-palmer ◽

Thanh Dao ◽

Cynthia Salem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Care ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Heart Association ◽

P Value ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Inpatient Mortality ◽

Care Outcomes ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Introduction: The American Heart Association (AHA) recently raised the bar on timely treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with intravenous (IV) alteplase, by recommending door-to-needle times of 30 minutes or less for 50% or more of the AIS patients. Our study looks at the effectiveness of this new standard, by examining the effect of varying door-to-needle times on efficiency and quality of care, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Our study examined 762 AIS patients treated with IV alteplase in a large academic health system from 2015-2018, and compared their outcomes after treatment within 30, 45 and 60 minutes of arrival. The outcomes compared were: 1) Efficiency of care outcome - Length of stay (LOS); 2) Quality of care outcomes - Inpatient mortality and Disability at discharge; 3) Clinical outcomes - Discharge and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Post-alteplase (24 hr) NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Adjusted logistic and linear regression analyses were used, after controlling for baseline patient socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Based on the adjusted regression analyses (Table 1), being treated within 30 minutes of arrival reduced the average LOS by 1.3 days (p-value: 0.02), but did not affect the quality of care outcomes. Similarly, being treated within 45 minutes of arrival reduced LOS by 0.9 days (p-value: 0.04). Being treated within 60 minutes of arrival did not affect LOS, but reduced the odds of inpatient mortality by 68% (p-value: 0.00), and disability at discharge by 29% (p-value: 0.08). Being treated within 30 minutes of arrival was associated with better mRS and NIHSS scores as compared with being treated within 45 or 60 minutes. Conclusion: Quicker IV alteplase treatment significantly improved efficiency of care and clinical outcomes. Quality of care outcomes did not improve beyond the 60 minute door-to-needle threshold. This study provides evidence supporting AHA’s new recommendation of 30 minutes or less door-to-needle time.

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Haematological, Oxidative Stress and Trace Elements Variations Associated with Emaciation in Pre-Slaughter White Fulani Cows

10.21203/rs.3.rs-776309/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Funmilola Clara Thomas ◽

Richard Edem Antia ◽

Fakilahyel Mshelbwala ◽

Eyitayo Solomon Ajibola ◽

Obokparo Godspower Ohore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Trace Elements ◽

Reference Range ◽

Jugular Vein ◽

Redox Homeostasis ◽

Oxidative Stress Marker ◽

Normal Reference Range ◽

The Mean ◽

White Fulani ◽

Haematological Analysis

Abstract Pre-slaughter White Fulani cows were purposively sampled on the basis of body condition: emaciated (n=37) and non-emaciated (n=37), with the objective of understanding the intricate interplay of oxidative stress, trace elements and haematological variations during emaciation. Blood was drawn from the jugular vein for haematological analysis and accruing serum was used for the evaluation of malondialdehyde (oxidative stress marker), antioxidant enzymes and compounds, serum protein, electrolytes as well as trace elements. Significant (p < 0.05) differences between the emaciated and non-emaciated cows were established only in the values of copper and reduced glutathione (GSH), which were lower in emaciated cows (EC). None of the animals had packed cell volume (PCV) below the normal reference range, however values above the normal (> 46%) were seen, suggesting dehydration. The PCV in emaciated cattle was slightly lower than in non-emaciated cows. The mean malondialdehyde concentration in non-emaciated cattle was higher than that in emaciated ones, however antioxidants SOD, catalase, Vitamin C and zinc were slightly higher in non-emaciated cows (NEC). Overall, the results indicate that emaciation in studied White Fulani cows (WFC) displayed a variable redox homeostasis confounded by dehydration and depletion of antioxidants.

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Abstract TP414: Support from a Comprehensive Stroke Center Improves Door to tPA Times at Primary Stroke Centers

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.tp414 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Julie M Fussner ◽

Kelly Montgomery ◽

Tinatin Gumberidze ◽

Erin Supan

Keyword(s):

Gap Analysis ◽

Heart Association ◽

Measure Data ◽

Quality Improvement Initiative ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

National Quality ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

System Average

Target Stroke, a national quality improvement initiative of the American Heart Association /American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) to improve the timeliness of administration of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to eligible stroke patients, was launched in 2010. The door-to-needle time goal is 60 minutes (mins) from hospital arrival. Earlier administration of IV t-PA is associated with greater functional recovery. Since 2009 University Hospitals Comprehensive Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center (UHCSCC) has meet quarterly with its 7 system community hospitals to share stroke core measure data, review clinical practice guidelines and address new system initiatives for the care of the stroke patient. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) can assist a primary stroke center (PSC) to improve their door to tPA treatment times. In 2010 to support the primary stroke centers, the UHCSCC developed standardized stroke education for nurses including an online course for tPA. In 2014 an additional online interactive module was created to assist nurses in programing the Alaris IV pump to improve their speed. In 2013 the quarterly system meetings started to include door to CT and door to tPA data with discussions about best practices and challenges. The AHA Target Stroke campaign recommendations and evidenced-based strategies were reviewed and a gap analysis at each hospital was completed to identify opportunities. Throughout 2012-2013 the stroke coordinator at UHCSCC led monthly conference calls with the community stroke coordinators. Since 2014 the stroke operations manager visits each community hospital monthly to work with the stroke coordinator and their teams reviewing TPA cases. Finally, a formal feedback took was developed and is sent to the PSC to provide patient outcomes and opportunities on all TPA cases that are transferred to the CSC. The AHA Get With The Guidelines stroke registry is used to monitor compliance. In 2012 the University Hospitals Health System average door to tPA in 60 mins was only 41%. January - June 2015, the system average has improved 86%. Community primary stroke centers benefit from the comprehensive stroke center interventions and support to improve door to tPA in 60 mins.

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Abstract P188: Transfer Time From Spoke ER Arrival to CSC Arrival in a Hub-Spoke Transfer Model of Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p188 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Vivien H Lee ◽

Paul A Segerstrom ◽

Ciarán J Powers ◽

Sharon Heaton ◽

Shahid M Nimjee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Transfer Model ◽

Transfer Time ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

The Mean ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Er Status

Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who present to a spoke Emergency Room (ER) and require transfer to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) hub face potential delays Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 269 suspected AIS patients who received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) from July 2016 to October 2017 in our academic telestroke network. During this period, nearly all tPA patients were transferred to the CSC hub. Data was collected on patient demographics, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), door to needle time (DTN), and distance to CSC. ER-to-CSC was defined as the time from patient arrival at Spoke ER to arrival at CSC. Top volume ER status was assigned to the 4 Spoke ERs with the highest volume of tPA. Results: Among 269 AIS patients who received tPA at spoke ERs, the mean age was 65.4 years (range, 21 to 95), 49% were female, and 91.8% were white. The initial median NIHSS was 6 (range, 0 to 30) and the mean DTN was 73.1 minutes (range, 14 to 234). The mean distance from Spoke ER to CSC was 55.2 miles (range 5.8 to 125) and the mean ER-to-CSC was 2.6 hours (range 0.62 to 6.3) (Figure 1). In univariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with ER-to-CSC: distance (p < 0.0001), DTN (p < 0.0001), NIHSS (p 0.0007), and top volume ER status (p 0.0034). Patient sex, age, race, SBP, weight, initial NIHSS, daytime shift, and weekend status were not significantly associated with ER-to-CSC. Significant variables from the univariate analysis were included in multivariate linear regression model in which DTN (P < 0.0001), distance (P < 0.0001), and NIHSS (P 0.024) association with ER-to-CSC remained significant. Conclusions: In our series of AIS tPA patients transferred to CSC, the mean time from spoke ER arrival to CSC arrival was 2.6 hours. Factors associated with CSC arrival time include markers of ER performance (DTN), severity (NIHSS), and distance. Further study is warranted to improve transfer time in AIS.

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Abstract WP331: Does Successful Reperfusion Mean Successful Outcome in Elderly Stroke Patients?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wp331 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Amber N Ruiz ◽

Agnelio Cardentey ◽

WT Longstreth ◽

David L Tirschwell ◽

Claire J Creudtzfeldt

Keyword(s):

Elderly Patients ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

Successful Outcome ◽

Good Outcome ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) suggest a benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) even for individuals ≥ 80 years of age; however, this population has not been consistently included in RCTs, and the eldest (≥85 years) are underrepresented. Small observational studies suggest that elderly patients experience a higher proportion of in-hospital complications, mortality, and poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale Score (mRS) ≥4. While MT is generally recommended in this population, little is known about how decisions are made to undergo MT or subsequently to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatments (WoLST). The goal of this study was to describe a single center experience of elderly patients who underwent MT. Methods: We identified all patients admitted to our comprehensive stroke center from June 2016 - June 2018 who were ≥85 years old and underwent successful MT, defined as TICI 2a to 3. We collected data from the electronic medical record, including WoLST. A good outcome was defined as a mRS of 0-2 at 90 days. Results: We identified a total of 29 patients with successful MT with a mean age of 88.4 years (SD=3.6); 66% were women. Only one patient (3.4%) achieved a good outcome, while 65.5% died (see figure). Among decedents, 47.4% expired during their initial hospitalization, while 15.8% were discharged to hospice. A decision for WoLST was made in 11 patients, 88.9% of in-hospital decedents. Discussion: In our retrospective study of 29 elderly patients who underwent successful MT, only one achieved good functional outcome, and most died in the setting of WoLST. These observations may raise the question about the appropriateness of MT in this cohort, emphasizing the need for further research aimed (1) to identify determinants of outcome and MT success specific to elderly MT candidates and (2) to better understand the process of clinical decision making for this growing, vulnerable population of elderly patients.

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Abstract WP238: Safety and Outcomes of Stroke Mimics After Thrombolysis: A Single Center Experience

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.awp238 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Kathleen Mays-Wilson ◽

Patricia Penstone ◽

Daniel Miller ◽

Panayiotis D Mitsias ◽

Christopher A Lewandowski

Keyword(s):

Treatment Time ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Conversion Disorder ◽

Bleeding Complications ◽

Published Data ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Stroke Mimics ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Primary Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background: Administration of intravenous (IV) t-PA for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) improves outcomes. The most dreaded complication is intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Some patients have symptoms that impersonate an AIS but are later found to have an alternate diagnosis; these are termed stroke mimics (SM). SM treated with IV t-PA are exposed to hemorrhagic complications without benefit. Objectives: To describe the characteristics, safety, and outcomes of SM patients treated with t-PA under 4.5 hours. Methods: We reviewed all patients hospitalized after IV t-PA treatment at a tertiary care hospital and primary stroke center from January 2008 through December 2011. SMs were determined by review of clinical and imaging findings. SM are described and compared to t-PA treated patients with AIS for demographics, ICH, bleeding complications, and outcomes. Results: We identified 38 SM (12%) and 285 AIS (88%) t-PA treated patients. Compared to AIS, SM patients were younger (55.1 vs. 67.0 yrs, p<.001), more often women (68% vs.49%, p=.025), and reported a history of stroke more often (45% v 14%, p<.001). There were no differences in race, baseline stroke scale (9.4 v 10.9, p=.26), or onset to treatment time (164 min v 159 min, p=.63); 12 SM were in the 3-4.5 hour window. There were no ICHs or deaths in SM patients. There were two (5.2%) SM systemic hemorrhages; a femoral artery bleed post cardiac catheterization requiring transfusion, and an UGI bleed after a nasogastric tube not requiring transfusion. The average SM length of stay was 3.4 +/- 2.2 days. The mean discharge NIHSS score was 1.3 +/-2.5 in the SM v 4.6+/-5.7 in the AIS patients (p<.001). SM discharges were: home (84%), rehab center (12%), Nursing home 3%, and other (3%). The most common cause of SM was conversion disorder (47%) seizures (32 %) and migraine (8%). Conclusion: SM are not uncommon. Treatment of SM with IV t-PA appears to be safe in this cohort. The most common etiologies of stroke mimics were conversion disorder, seizures, and migraine. These results are consistent with existing published data on use of IV t-PA in SMs. Until more specific diagnostics are available, suspected SM should not be a reason to withhold t-PA treatment.

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Abstract 1122‐000179: Very Low Rates of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients Transferred for Mechanical Thrombectomy

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000179 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Yazan Radaideh

Keyword(s):

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

True Value ◽

Intravenous Alteplase ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Repeat Imaging

Introduction : Background: A common convention among stroke patients being transferred for mechanical thrombectomy, particularly if intravenous thrombolysis has been given, is to undergo a repeat plain brain CT at the treating stroke center. The most concerning among several concerns is the discovery of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) which would obviate the value of thrombectomy. This practice has been shown in a previous series to result in a median treatment delay of 20 minutes[1]. By determining the actual incidence of any ICH seen on neuroimaging in patients who undergo repeat imaging on arrival to comprehensive stroke center prior to intervention, we can better determine the true value of this convention of repeat imaging. Methods : Retrospective review of all patients transferred to a single academic comprehensive stroke center for mechanical thrombectomy. We evaluated for the frequency of repeat imaging, the rate of ICH and the rate of undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Results : There were 682 patients transferred directly for mechanical thrombectomy evaluation over the study period. Intravenous Alteplase was administered to 391 patients prior to arrival and 2 had it on arrival to destination hospital. Plain head CT was repeated at the hub hospital in 590/682 patients (86.5%) (348 with thrombolytics and 242 without. A new intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was detected in 9 patients. In only 3 of the 9 patients was mechanical thrombectomy deferred solely due to the ICH (other 6 had no evidence of LVO (4), low ASPECTS (1) or exam improvement (1)). Conclusions : In patients being transferred for mechanical thrombectomy, the rate of ICH on arrival to site hospital was 1.5%. In only one third of those patients (0.5%) was the decision to not proceed with mechanical thrombectomy related to the new ICH. Given the delays in door to puncture times associated with repeat imaging indicated in literature and the low yield in detecting ICH in transfer patients, repeating neuroimaging at comprehensive stroke center obtained for the purpose of ruling out ICH on patients transferred for MT should be reconsidered. Limitations: Our study reflects a single center experience. Other indications for repeat imaging at comprehensive stroke center such as assessment of infarcted core, and presence of large vessel occlusion might still warrant repeat imaging at comprehensive stroke center.

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Risk of Aneurysm Rupture After Thrombolysis in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000012771 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 97 (18) ◽

pp. e1790-e1798

Author(s):

Jyri Juhani Virta ◽

Daniel Strbian ◽

Jukka Putaala ◽

Miikka Korja

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Aneurysms ◽

Aneurysm Rupture ◽

Radiology Reports ◽

Stroke Study ◽

Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽

The Mean ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background and ObjectivesUnruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are considered to be a relative contraindication for IV thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Currently, however, data are limited on the risk of UIA rupture after IVT. Our objective was to assess whether IVT for AIS can lead to a UIA rupture and intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs) in patients with unruptured UIAs.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients treated in a comprehensive stroke center between 2005 and 2019. We assessed radiology reports and records at the Finnish Care Register for Health Care to identify patients with UIAs among all patients with AIS treated with IVT at the center. We analyzed patient angiograms for aneurysm characteristics and other brain imaging studies for ICHs after IVT. The main outcome was in-hospital ICHs attributable to a UIA rupture after IVT. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital symptomatic ICHs (European-Australian Cooperative Acute Stroke Study [ECASS-2] criteria, i.e., NIH Stroke Scale score increase ≥4 points) and any in-hospital ICHs.ResultsA total of 3,953 patients were treated with IVT during the 15-year study period. One hundred thirty-two (3.3%) of the 3,953 patients with AIS had a total of 155 UIAs (141 saccular and 14 fusiform). The mean diameter of UIAs was 4.7 ± 3.8 mm, with 18.7% being ≥7 mm and 9.7% ≥10 mm in diameter. None of the 141 saccular UIAs ruptured after IVT. Three patients (2.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6%–5.8%) with large fusiform basilar artery UIAs had a fatal rupture at 27 hours, 43 hours, and 19 days after IVT. All 3 were administered anticoagulation treatments after IVT, and anticoagulation took effect during the UIA rupture. Any ICHs and symptomatic ICHs were detected in 18.9% (95% CI 12.9%–26.2%) and 8.3% (95% CI 4.4%–13.8%) of all patients with AIS, respectively.DiscussionIVT appears to be safe in patients with AIS with saccular UIAs, including larges UIAs (≥10 mm). Anticoagulation after AIS in patients with large fusiform posterior circulation UIAs may increase the risk of aneurysm rupture.

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Abstract WMP89: Outcomes No Different in Real World Including Direct vs Drip-and-Ship Patients: Power of Reperfusion From Mechanical Thrombectomy

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wmp89 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Darshan G Shah ◽

Aravi Loganathan ◽

Dan Truong ◽

Fiona Chan ◽

Bruce Campbell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Real World ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Excellent Functional Outcome ◽

The Mean ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) became standard care in 2015 after positive trials in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) 0-6h and in 2018 for selected patients up to 24h from symptom onset. Objective: To evaluate whether patients receiving MT at our center would have comparable outcomes in patients presenting to our comprehensive stroke center (direct) vs transfer patients (drip-and-ship) Methods: This is a retrospective observational study utilising prospectively collected stroke database for patients receiving MT for LVO in anterior and posterior circulation in South Brisbane network of 7 hospitals (6 drip-and-ship centers and 1 MT-capable center), Australia which serves 1.6 million. Day 90 modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess functional outcomes via outpatient follow up at direct or referral center. The association of drip and ship versus mothership treatment with day 90 mRS was tested in ordinal logistic regression adjusted for age, baseline NIHSS and IV thrombolysis. Results: Of 191 patients who underwent Mechanical Thrombectomy from 2015 to June 2018 at our center, 22 patients were excluded from analysis as either their baseline mRS was >1 (13) or follow up data was missing (9). The mean age was 64.4 years. Median (inter-quartile range, IQR) NIHSS was 16 (9-21) on admission and 7 (2-18) on day 1. Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) ≥2b was achieved in 88.9%. At 90 days, 50.9% achieved excellent functional outcome (mRS 0-1), 61.4% achieved good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) and 69% achieved favorable outcome (mRS 0-3). Median mRS was 1 (IQR 0-5) in 96 patients presenting directly to the endovascular center and 1 (IQR 1-4) in 73 drip-and-ship patients (common odds ratio 1.07 (95%CI 0.62-1.83), p=0.82) Conclusion: Our 7-center network experience confirms real world reproducibility of trial results, interestingly with no difference in functional outcomes for direct vs drip-and-ship patients.

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Abstract MP24: Pitfalls of Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit - A Single Center Review

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.mp24 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mangala Gopal ◽

Ciaran Powers ◽

Shahid M Nimjee ◽

Sharon Heaton ◽

Vivien Lee

Keyword(s):

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Final Diagnosis ◽

Acute Stroke Care ◽

Treatment Unit ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

The Mean ◽

Suspected Stroke ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Introduction: Although Mobile Stroke Treatment Units (MSTU) can reduce time to intravenous thrombolysis (IVtPA), limitations in MSTU care have not been well described. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients transported by MSTU to our academic comprehensive stroke center (CSC) from May 2019 to August 2020 for suspected stroke to assess for potential limitations of care. The Columbus MSTU is owned by a separate health system, but represents a collaborative venture with 3 CSCs and the Columbus Division of Fire, operating daily from 7am-7pm. Data was abstracted on demographics, clinical presentation, last known normal (LKN) time, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), neuroimaging, and IVtPA administration. Results: Among 93 patients transported to our CSC by MSTU, the mean age was 65 years (range, 21-93) and 61 (66%) were female. The mean initial NIHSS was 7.1 (range, 0 to 33) and 52 (55.9%) had a final diagnosis of stroke (4 hemorrhagic, 48 ischemic). IVtPA was administered in 15 (16.1%) with a mean LKN to IVtPA time of 120 minutes (range, 41 to 243). Among 15 patients treated with IVtPA, 10 received IVtPA in MSTU and 5 in CSC ED. In 7 patients who underwent thrombectomy, mean door to groin time was 57 minutes (range, 28 to 88). Among the overall group, 9 (9.7%) cases were identified with limitations in MSTU care, including 2 patients who received IVtPA by MSTU that were more than 10% off from ideal dosing (underdosed by 9mg and overdosed by 21mg), 1 warfarin-associated hemorrhage requiring intubation who did not receive reversal in MSTU but did upon arrival to CSC ED, and 5 patients who received IVtPA after arrival to CSC ED. The reasons for withholding IVtPA included inability to confirm LKN, patient declination, lack of translator, incorrect LKN, and seizure requiring intubation. The LKN to IVtPA time was significantly longer in the ED compared to MSTU (197 vs 82 minutes, p <0.0001). Conclusion: In our series of suspected stroke patients evaluated by MSTU, gaps identified within MSTU acute stroke care were related to limitations of resources and included errors in weight-based IVtPA dosing, inability to administer IVtPA, or reversal for anti-coagulation related hemorrhage. Clinicians need to be aware of potential pitfalls of MSTU evaluation.

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