scholarly journals European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke

2021 ◽  
pp. 239698732198986
Author(s):  
Eivind Berge ◽  
William Whiteley ◽  
Heinrich Audebert ◽  
Gian Marco De Marchis ◽  
Ana Catarina Fonseca ◽  
...  

Intravenous thrombolysis is the only approved systemic reperfusion treatment for patients with acute ischaemic stroke. These European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to assist physicians in their clinical decisions with regard to intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke. These guidelines were developed based on the ESO standard operating procedure and followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The working group identified relevant clinical questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and wrote recommendations. Expert consensus statements were provided if not enough evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach. We found high quality evidence to recommend intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase to improve functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke within 4.5 h after symptom onset. We also found high quality evidence to recommend intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in patients with acute ischaemic stroke on awakening from sleep, who were last seen well more than 4.5 h earlier, who have MRI DWI-FLAIR mismatch, and for whom mechanical thrombectomy is not planned. These guidelines provide further recommendations regarding patient subgroups, late time windows, imaging selection strategies, relative and absolute contraindications to alteplase, and tenecteplase. Intravenous thrombolysis remains a cornerstone of acute stroke management. Appropriate patient selection and timely treatment are crucial. Further randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to inform clinical decision-making with regard to tenecteplase and the use of intravenous thrombolysis before mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion.

2021 ◽  
pp. 197140092110091
Author(s):  
Hanna Styczen ◽  
Matthias Gawlitza ◽  
Nuran Abdullayev ◽  
Alex Brehm ◽  
Carmen Serna-Candel ◽  
...  

Background Data on outcome of endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion suffering from intravenous thrombolysis-associated intracranial haemorrhage prior to mechanical thrombectomy remain scarce. Addressing this subject, we report our multicentre experience. Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive acute ischaemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy due to large vessel occlusion despite the pre-interventional occurrence of intravenous thrombolysis-associated intracranial haemorrhage was performed at five tertiary care centres between January 2010–September 2020. Baseline demographics, aetiology of stroke and intracranial haemorrhage, angiographic outcome assessed by the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score and clinical outcome evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days were recorded. Results In total, six patients were included in the study. Five individuals demonstrated cerebral intraparenchymal haemorrhage on pre-interventional imaging; in one patient additional subdural haematoma was observed and one patient suffered from isolated subarachnoid haemorrhage. All patients except one were treated by the ‘drip-and-ship’ paradigm. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 4/6 (67%) individuals. In 5/6 (83%) patients, the pre-interventional intracranial haemorrhage had aggravated in post-interventional computed tomography with space-occupying effect. Overall, five patients had died during the hospital stay. The clinical outcome of the survivor was modified Rankin Scale=4 at 90 days follow-up. Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with intravenous thrombolysis-associated intracranial haemorrhage is technically feasible. The clinical outcome of this subgroup of stroke patients, however, appears to be devastating with high mortality and only carefully selected patients might benefit from endovascular treatment.


QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
J N Ngiam ◽  
C W S Cheong ◽  
A S T Leow ◽  
Y -T Wei ◽  
J K X Thet ◽  
...  

Summary Background Transient hyperglycaemia in the context of illness with or without known diabetes has been termed as ‘stress hyperglycaemia’. Stress hyperglycaemia can result in poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. We investigated the association between stress hyperglycaemia and clinical outcomes in AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Methods We examined 666 consecutive patients with AIS who underwent IVT from 2006 to 2018. All patients had a glycated haemoglobin level (HbA1c) and fasting venous blood glucose measured within 24 h of admission. Stress hyperglycaemia ratio (SHR) was defined as the ratio of the fasting glucose to the HbA1c. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify predictors of poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 3–6 at 3 months) after IVT. Results Three-hundred and sixty-one patients (54.2%) had good functional outcomes. These patients tended to be younger (60.7 ± 12.7 vs. 70 ± 14.4 years, P < 0.001), male (70.7% vs. 51.5%, P < 0.001), had lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation (13.0% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.008) and lower SHR (0.88 ± 0.20 vs. 0.99 ± 26, P < 0.001). Patients with high SHR (≥0.97) were slightly older than those with low SHR (<0.97) and were more likely to have diabetes mellitus. On multivariate analysis, higher SHR was independently associated with poor functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio 3.85, 95% confidence interval 1.59–9.09, P = 0.003). Conclusion SHR appears to be an important predictor of functional outcomes in patients with AIS undergoing IVT. This may have important implications on the role of glycaemic control in the acute management of ischaemic stroke.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Morelli ◽  
Eugenia Rota ◽  
Emanuele Michieletti ◽  
Donata Guidetti

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iacopo Valente ◽  
Sergio Nappini ◽  
Leonardo Renieri ◽  
Alessandro Pedicelli ◽  
Emilio Lozupone ◽  
...  

Introduction We report our experience with the novel stent-type clot-retrieval device EmboTrap II for the revascularization of large artery occlusions in acute ischaemic stroke. Materials and methods Twenty-nine patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large artery occlusion underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the new EmboTrap II in two Italian centres. Clinical, procedural and radiological data were collected. Angiographic results and neurological outcomes were analysed. Results Only large vessel occlusions were included. Intravenous thrombolysis was administered in 72% of patients. Successful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) was obtained in 76% of patients treated exclusively with EmboTrap II. No device-related permanent complications occurred. Conclusion In our experience, mechanical thrombectomy with EmboTrap II is safe and effective. Reperfusion rate was comparable to that obtained with other stent retrievers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Bracard ◽  
Xavier Ducrocq ◽  
Francis Guillemin ◽  
Thierry Moulin ◽  
Jean-Louis Mas

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1271
Author(s):  
Emily Louise Manchester ◽  
Dylan Roi ◽  
Boram Gu ◽  
Xiao Yun Xu ◽  
Kyriakos Lobotesis

Background: Combined intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy (IVT-MT) is a common treatment in acute ischaemic stroke, however the interaction between IVT and MT from a physiological standpoint is poorly understood. In this pilot study, we conduct numerical simulations of combined IVT-MT with various idealised stent retriever configurations to evaluate performance in terms of complete recanalisation times and lysis patterns. Methods: A 3D patient-specific geometry of a terminal internal carotid artery with anterior and middle cerebral arteries is reconstructed, and a thrombus is artificially implanted in the MCA branch. Various idealised stent retriever configurations are implemented by varying stent diameter and stent placement, and a configuration without a stent retriever provides a baseline for comparison. A previously validated multi-level model of thrombolysis is used, which incorporates blood flow, drug transport, and fibrinolytic reactions within a fibrin thrombus. Results: Fastest total recanalisation was achieved in the thrombus without a stent retriever, with lysis times increasing with stent retriever diameter. Two mechanisms of clot lysis were established: axial and radial permeation. Axial permeation from the clot front was the primary mechanism of lysis in all configurations, as it facilitated increased protein binding with fibrin fibres. Introducing a stent retriever channel allowed for radial permeation, which occurred at the fluid-thrombus interface, although lysis was much slower in the radial direction because of weaker secondary velocities. Conclusions: Numerical models can be used to better understand the complex physiological relationship between IVT and MT. Two different mechanisms of lysis were established, providing a basis towards improving the efficacy of combined treatments.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-116
Author(s):  
Richard G Thomson ◽  
Aoife De Brún ◽  
Darren Flynn ◽  
Laura Ternent ◽  
Christopher I Price ◽  
...  

BackgroundIntravenous thrombolysis for patients with acute ischaemic stroke is underused (only 80% of eligible patients receive it) and there is variation in its use across the UK. Previously, variation might have been explained by structural differences; however, continuing variation may reflect differences in clinical decision-making regarding the eligibility of patients for treatment. This variation in decision-making could lead to the underuse, or result in inappropriate use, of thrombolysis.ObjectivesTo identify the factors which contribute to variation in, and influence, clinicians’ decision-making about treating ischaemic stroke patients with intravenous thrombolysis.MethodsA discrete choice experiment (DCE) using hypothetical patient vignettes framed around areas of clinical uncertainty was conducted to better understand the influence of patient-related and clinician-related factors on clinical decision-making. An online DCE was developed following an iterative five-stage design process. UK-based clinicians involved in final decision-making about thrombolysis were invited to take part via national professional bodies of relevant medical specialties. Mixed-logit regression analyses were conducted.ResultsA total of 138 clinicians responded and opted to offer thrombolysis in 31.4% of cases. Seven patient factors were individually predictive of the increased likelihood of offering thrombolysis (compared with reference levels in brackets): stroke onset time of 2 hours 30 minutes (50 minutes); pre-stroke dependency modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 3 (mRS4); systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 185 mmHg (140 mmHg); stroke severity scores of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 5 without aphasia, NIHSS 14 and NIHSS 23 (NIHSS 2 without aphasia); age 85 years (65 years); and Afro-Caribbean (white). Factors predictive of not offering thrombolysis were age 95 years; stroke onset time of 4 hours 15 minutes; severe dementia (no memory problems); and SBP of 200 mmHg. Three clinician-related factors were predictive of an increased likelihood of offering thrombolysis (perceived robustness of the evidence for thrombolysis; thrombolysing more patients in the past 12 months; and high discomfort with uncertainty) and one factor was predictive of a decreased likelihood of offering treatment (clinicians’ being comfortable treating patients outside the licensing criteria).LimitationsWe anticipated a sample size of 150–200. Nonetheless, the final sample of 138 is good considering that the total population of eligible UK clinicians is relatively small. Furthermore, data from the Royal College of Physicians suggest that our sample is representative of clinicians involved in decision-making about thrombolysis.ConclusionsThere was considerable heterogeneity among respondents in thrombolysis decision-making, indicating that clinicians differ in their thresholds for treatment across a number of patient-related factors. Respondents were significantly more likely to treat 85-year-old patients than patients aged 68 years and this probably reflects acceptance of data from Third International Stroke Trial that report benefit for patients aged > 80 years. That respondents were more likely to offer thrombolysis to patients with severe stroke than to patients with mild stroke may indicate uncertainty/concern about the risk/benefit balance in treatment of minor stroke. Findings will be disseminated via peer-review publication and presentation at national/international conferences, and will be linked to training/continuing professional development (CPD) programmes.Future workThe nature of DCE design means that only a subset of potentially influential factors could be explored. Factors not explored in this study warrant future research. Training/CPD should address the impact of non-medical influences on decision-making using evidence-based strategies.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Jetan H Badhiwala ◽  
Farshad Nassiri ◽  
Abhaya V Kulkarni ◽  
Julian Spears ◽  
Saleh A Almenawer

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 308-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Flynn ◽  
Richard Francis ◽  
Kristoffer Halvorsrud ◽  
Eduardo Gonzalo-Almorox ◽  
Dawn Craig ◽  
...  

Purpose Intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy combined with appropriate patient selection (image-based selection of acute ischaemic stroke patients with large artery occlusion) yields improved clinical outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, with trial sequential analysis to understand the benefits, risks and impact of new trials reporting in 2016 on the magnitude/certainty of the estimates for clinical effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy. Method Random effects’ models were conducted of randomised clinical trials comparing mechanical thrombectomy (stent retriever or aspiration devices) with/without adjuvant intravenous thrombolysis with intravenous thrombolysis and other forms of best medical/supportive care in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. Study inclusion and risk of bias were assessed independently by two reviewers. Functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) and mortality at 90 days, including symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage rate were extracted. Trial sequential analysis established the strength of the evidence derived from the meta-analyses. Findings Eight trials of mechanical thrombectomy with a total sample size of 1841 (916 patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy and 925 treated without mechanical thrombectomy) fulfilled review inclusion criteria. The three most recent trials more precisely defined the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2; OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.70 to 2.51 based on data from eight trials versus OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.88 to 3.04 based on data from five trials). Meta-analyses showed no effect on mortality (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.61 to 1.07) or symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.80 to 1.85) as found in analysis of first five trials. Trial sequential analysis indicated that the information size requirement was fulfilled to conclude the evidence for mechanical thrombectomy is robust. Discussion The impact of three recent trials on effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy was a more precise pooled effect size for functional independence. Trial sequential analysis demonstrated sufficient evidence for effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy. Conclusion No further trials of mechanical thrombectomy versus no mechanical thrombectomy are indicated to establish clinical effectiveness. Uncertainty remains as to whether mechanical thrombectomy reduces mortality or increases risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage.


VASA ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naz Ahmed ◽  
Damian Kelleher ◽  
Manmohan Madan ◽  
Sarita Sochart ◽  
George A. Antoniou

Abstract. Background: Insufficient evidence exists to support the safety of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischaemic stroke. Our study aimed to report a single-centre experience of patients treated over a five-year period. Patients and methods: Departmental computerised databases were interrogated to identify patients who suffered an ischaemic stroke and subsequently underwent thrombolysis followed by CEA. Mortality and stroke within 30 days of surgery were defined as the primary outcome end points. Results: Over a five-year period, 177 out of a total of 679 carotid endarterectomies (26 %) were performed in patients presenting with acute ischaemic stroke. Twenty-five patients (14 %) received IVT prior to CEA in the form of alteplase. Sixty percent of patients were male with a mean age of 68 years. Sixteen patients (64 %) underwent CEA within 14 days of IVT and the median interval between thrombolysis and CEA was 7.5 days (range, 3–50 days). One female patient died of a further intraoperative stroke within 30 days of surgery, yielding a mortality rate of 4 %. Two patients (8 %) suffered from cardiac complications postoperatively resulting in a short high dependency unit stay. Another two patients (8 %) developed local wound complications, which were managed conservatively without the need for re-operation. The median hospital length of stay was 4.5 days (range, 1–33 days). Conclusions: Our experience indicates that CEA post-thrombolysis has a low incidence of mortality. Further high quality evidence is required before CEA can be routinely recommended following IVT for acute ischaemic stroke.


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