Low dosis of alteplase, for ischemic stroke after Enchanted and its determinants, a single center experience

Abstract Background: Low-dose alteplase (LrtPA) has been shown not to be inferior to the standard-dose (SrtPA) with respect to death/disability. Objective: We aim to evaluate the percentage of patients treated with LrtPA at our center after the ENCHANTED trial and the factors associated with the use of this dosage. Methods: Prospective study in consecutive patients with an acute stroke admitted between June 2016 and November 2018. Results: 160 patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, 50% female; mean age 65.4±18.5 years. Of these, 48 patients (30%) received LrtPA. In univariate analysis, LrtPA was associated with patient's age (p=0.000), previous modified Rankin scale scores (mRS) (p<0.000), hypertension (p=0.076), diabetes mellitus (p=0.021), hypercholesterolemia (p=0.19), smoking (p=0.06), atrial fibrillation (p=0.10), history of coronary artery disease (p=0.06), previous treatment with antiplatelet agents (p<0.000), admission International Normalized Ratio-INR (p=0.18), platelet count (p=0.045), leukoaraiosis on neuroimaging (p<0.003), contraindications for thrombolytic treatment (p=0.000) and endovascular treatment (p=0.027). Previous relevant bleedings were determinants for treatment with LrtPA. Final diagnosis on discharge of stroke mimic was significant (p=0.02) for treatment with SrtPA. In multivariate analysis, mRS (OR: 2.21; 95%CI 1.37‒14.19), previous antiplatelet therapy (OR: 11.41; 95%CI 3.98‒32.70), contraindications for thrombolysis (OR: 56.10; 95%CI 8.81‒357.80), leukoaraiosis (OR: 4.41; 95%CI 1.37‒14.10) and diagnosis of SM (OR: 0.22; 95%CI 0.10‒0.40) remained independently associated. Conclusions: Following the ENCHANTED trial, LrtPA was restricted to 30% of our patients. The criteria that clinicians apply are based mostly on clinical variables that may increase the risk of brain or systemic hemorrhage or exclude the patient from treatment with lytic drugs.

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Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma Mimicking Stroke and Its Outcome post Intravenous Thrombolysis

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000518525 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Cheuk Ling Charing Szeto ◽

Kwok Fai Hui

Keyword(s):

Epidural Hematoma ◽

Case Reports ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Final Diagnosis ◽

Tertiary Hospital ◽

Spinal Epidural Hematoma ◽

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma ◽

Stroke Mimic ◽

Christian Hospital ◽

Spinal Epidural

Background and Purpose: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare neurological emergency. Its presentation, depending on location of hematoma, could mimic stroke. While intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is recommended to commence as early as possible in case of acute ischemic stroke, it is likely that it could be given to SSEH patients. We aimed to examine the prevalence, outcome, and prognosis of such patients. Methods: We have retrospectively screened all patients given IVT from January 2008 to March 2021 admitted to United Christian Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong. We reviewed the final diagnosis of all patients and included cases diagnosed with SSEH. Their clinical and radiological features, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. We further performed a literature review to search for all cases with SSEH given IVT and review their clinical features and outcome. Results: Out of a total of 940 patients over the 12-year span, 2 patients were diagnosed with SSEH, accounting for 0.21% of cases. From our literature search, to date, there are only 10 cases that had been reported from 5 case reports where IVT was given to SSEH patients. Of the 12 cases, all presented with hemiparesis and 9 with pain. Of those with neck pain, 3 with initial computed tomography angiogram done showed SSEH which was missed initially. Eight were treated surgically and 4 conservatively. All recovered with no major disability. Conclusions: Though a rare disease, awareness toward SSEH presenting as stroke mimic should be raised.

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Comparison of Fibrinolytic versus Surgical Therapy in the Treatment of Obstructive Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis: A Single-Center Experience

The Heart Surgery Forum ◽

10.1532/hsf98.20101062 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 87 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Necip Ermis ◽

Hakan Atalay ◽

Hakan Altay ◽

Muhammet Bilgi ◽

Suleyman Binici ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Prosthetic Heart Valve ◽

Heart Association ◽

International Normalized Ratio ◽

Fibrinolytic Therapy ◽

Surgical Approaches ◽

Specific Patient ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Surgery Group ◽

Valve Thrombosis

Objective: Prosthetic heart valve thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but severe cardiac condition. There are only a few data regarding comparison of the fibrinolytic and surgical approaches for the treatment of PVT. In this study, we compared the results of fibrinolytic therapy versus surgery in patients who presented to our institution with a diagnosis of obstructive-type PVT.Methods: From January 2001 to August 2008 in our institution, 33 patients who met clinical and echocardiographic criteria for obstructive-type PVT were included in the study. Fifteen of these patients underwent fibrinolytic treatment with streptokinase, which consisted of an initial bolus of 250,000 U followed by 100,000 U/h. Eighteen patients were treated with surgery.Results: The 2 groups had similar baseline characteristics, including New York Heart Association functional status, types and positions of prosthetic valves, international normalized ratio values, and presentation symptoms. Full hemodynamic success was achieved in 12 patients who underwent fibrinolytic therapy and in 15 patients in the surgery group. The mean (SD) streptokinase infusion time was 17.8 11.1 hours. Two major hemorrhages and 2 cases of systemic embolism were observed in the fibrinolytic group. The 2 groups did not differ with respect to mortality rate (P = .79). The duration of hospitalization was longer in the fibrinolytic group than in the surgery group (10.7 6.6 days versus 6.9 6.7 days, P = .045).Conclusions: Although fibrinolytic therapy is generally recommended for the treatment of PVT for specific patient groups, our results suggest that it may be as efficacious and safe as surgery, depending on patient selection.

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Treatment with Delipid Extracorporeal Lipoprotein Filter from Plasma after Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Experience

Cerebrovascular Diseases Extra ◽

10.1159/000511050 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 148-158

Author(s):

Yu Cui ◽

Zhong-He Zhou ◽

Xiao-Wen Hou ◽

Hui-Sheng Chen

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Before And After ◽

Prospective Trials ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Rate Of Improvement

Introduction: The delipid extracorporeal lipoprotein filter from plasma (DELP) has been approved for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) by the China Food and Drug Administration, but its effectiveness and mechanism are not yet fully determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of DELP treatment on AIS patients after intravenous thrombolysis. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on AIS patients with no improvement within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis who were subsequently treated with or without DELP. Primary outcome was the proportion with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0–1 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were changes in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from 24 h to 14 days after thrombolysis, and the rate of improvement in stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). The main safety outcomes were the rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. To investigate its mechanisms, serum biomarkers were measured before and after DELP. Results: A total of 252 patients were recruited, 63 in the DELP group and 189 matched patients in the NO DELP group. Compared with the NO DELP group, the DELP group showed an increase in the proportion of mRS 0–1 at 90 days (p = 0.042). More decrease in NIHSS from 24 h to 14 days (p = 0.024), a higher rate of improvement in SAP (p = 0.022), and lower mortality (p = 0.040) were shown in DELP group. Furthermore, DELP decreased levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, E-selectin, malondialdehyde, matrix metalloprotein 9, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and fibrinogen, and increased superoxide dismutase (p< 0.05). Conclusions: DELP following intravenous thrombolysis should be safe, and is associated with neurological function improvement, possibly through multiple neuroprotective mechanisms. Prospective trials are needed.

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Abstract 14767: Thrombolysis of Stroke Mimics via Telestroke

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.14767 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Ravyn Howell ◽

Randheer S Yadav ◽

Sushil Lakhani ◽

Sharon Heaton ◽

Karen L Wiles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Final Diagnosis ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Factitious Disorder ◽

Emergency Rooms ◽

Stroke Mimics ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Stroke Diagnosis ◽

History Of ◽

Stroke Mimic ◽

Similar Episode

Introduction: Telestroke allows stroke expertise for thrombolysis decision making remotely using high-quality bidirectional audiovisual technology. Hypothesis: Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IVtPA) is administered via telestroke network to a proportion of patients without a stroke diagnosis (i.e. stroke mimic) Methods: Our academic comprehensive stroke program telestroke program includes 26 spoke Emergency rooms (ERs) through which IVtPA is administered throughout central Ohio. From July 1, 2016 to Sept 30, 2017, nearly all patients who received IVtPA at the outside hospital telestroke ERs were transferred to our institution for post-IVtPA care. Data was collected on final diagnosis, demographics, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), door to needle (DTN) time, and outcomes. Results: Among 270 acute ischemic stroke patients who received IVtPA via telestroke, we identified 64 (23.7%) with a stroke mimic diagnosis. Stroke mimics were younger (mean age 56.4 vs 68.2, p <0.0001), more likely female (60.9% vs 45.6%, p 0.03), and had higher DTN times (85.3 vs 69.9 minutes, p 0.0008). The increase in DTN was due to longer time to recommend by the telestroke neurologist for stroke mimic (65.0 vs 53.2 minutes, p 0.0034). The stroke mimic diagnosis included Migraine 26 (40.6%), Factitious disorder 12 (18.8%), Encephalopathy 7 (10.9%), and Unmasking 6 (9.4%). The stroke mimics did not differ from each other based upon initial NIHSS, DTN, or sex. Compared to the other stroke mimics, Migraine and Factitious disorder patients were younger (51.2 vs 63.9 years, p <0.0006), more likely to have a personal history of migraines (42.1% vs 0%, p < 0.0001), and more likely to have functional exam findings (42.1% vs 3.8%, p 0.0007). There were no hemorrhagic complications in the stroke mimic patients. Among all stroke mimics, 26 (40.6%) had a history of similar prior episodes and 10 (15.6%) would have future recurrence of another similar episode, with 2 patients receiving IVtPA again in the future (1 Migraine and 1 Factitious disorder). Conclusions: In a tertiary academic telestroke network, nearly one-quarter of patients receive IVtPA for a non-stroke diagnosis, with migraine and factitious disorder being the most commonly seen.

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MO226A NEW DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR CKD PATIENTS: CONTRAST-ENHANCED ULTRASONOGRAPHY. A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfab092.00104 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mirela Liana Gliga ◽

Cristian Chirila ◽

Paula Chirila ◽

Adriana Gomotarceanu ◽

Imola Torok ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Tool ◽

Final Diagnosis ◽

Medical System ◽

Focal Lesions ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Contrast Enhanced ◽

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography ◽

Malignant Lesions ◽

Guidelines And Recommendations

Abstract Background and Aims Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool available for diagnosing microvascular disturbances in tumors and many vascular pathologies. Unlike other radiological contrast agents, it is completely harmless for CKD patients and therefore it is used for the safe diagnosis of many diffuse or focal pathologies. Method We used CEUS examination in 50 CKD patients for the following pathologies: 10 atypical cysts, 15 liver focal lesions, 2 splenic focal lesions, 3 renal infarcts, 12 kidney focal lesions and 8 other organ involvements. Examination was made using a VOLUSON E8 machine (GE Medical System Kreztechnik GmbH Tiefenbach 15, Austria) with a 3.5 MHz convex array abdominal transducer. 2.4 ml of microbubble contrast-agent was administered intravenously and recording of the results were made for 3-5 minutes after injection. Results Depending on the organ vascular characteristics, contrast enhancement and/or wash-out were suggestive for the final diagnosis. In liver lesions there are three phases and in kidneys, spleen, gallbladder, adenopathies there are two vascular phases. We obtained a very good positive predictive value and sensitivity in detecting malignant lesions. Conclusion According to The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for the Clinical Practice of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound they are used both for hepatic and Non-Hepatic Applications. Being non-invasive and non-irradiating it could be the main diagnostic examination in CKD population in the future.

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Abstract 16884: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Guided by Spatiotemporal Electrogram Dispersion

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.16884 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Brian Liu ◽

Arismendy Nunez-Garcia ◽

Cao Tran ◽

Michael Wu

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Atrial Tachycardia ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

External Validation ◽

Posterior Wall ◽

High Rate ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) guided by spatiotemporal dispersion (SD) of electrograms has been proposed as an ablation strategy to treat patients with persistent AF. However, external validation of this technique is lacking. Here we report a single center experience using ablation by SD. Hypothesis: Targeting regions with SD is associated with a high rate of termination and favorable freedom from AF among patients with persistent AF. Methods: Patients with persistent AF who underwent SD from November 2018 to January 2020 were included in this study. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in addition to targeting areas of SD. Lesions on areas of electrogram dispersion were anchored to the PVI or to mitral or posterior wall lines where appropriate. EKG, Holter, event monitors or device interrogations were obtained at 3 and 6 months to assess for arrhythmia recurrence. Results: 44 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The patients had a mean age of 69±8 years and were 68 % male. The prevalence of comorbidities was as follows: hypertension (89%), diabetes (21%), OSA (37%) and CAD (26%). Average CHADSVASC score was 2.9±1.4, LVEF was 53±11% and left atrium (LA) diameter was 5.2±1 cm. The recurrence rate of AF at 6 months was 14% whereas the recurrence of atrial tachycardia was 20%. Acute AF termination was observed in 73% of the patients. Termination to sinus occurred in 38% of the patients and the remaining terminated to atrial tachycardia which was subsequently ablated to sinus. The mean procedure duration was 240±90 minutes. Univariate analysis showed recurrence was associated with LA diameter (r=.52; p<.001). No recurrences were observed among patients with a LA diameter < 5 cm. Termination rates were higher among patients with LA diameter < 5 cm when compared to LA diameter ≥ 5 cm. However, it did not reach statistical significance (80% vs. 60%; p=.21). Conclusions: The target of electrograms with SD during AF ablation added to PVI was associated with a high termination rate and a good freedom from AF recurrence at 6 months. The ideal candidate for this procedure may be those with LA diameter < 5 cm among persistent AF. The long-term efficacy of this technique merits further studies in larger populations.

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

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2017-013532 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 828-833 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Abhi Pandhi ◽

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Rashi Krishnan ◽

Muhammad F Ishfaq ◽

Savdeep Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Few Data

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

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Effectiveness and safety of infliximab dose escalation in patients with refractory Takayasu arteritis: A real-life experience from a monocentric cohort

Modern Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/mr/roab012 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alessandro Tomelleri ◽

Corrado Campochiaro ◽

Silvia Sartorelli ◽

Francesco Baldassi ◽

Federico Fallanca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Takayasu Arteritis ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Dose Group ◽

Life Experience ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Standard Dose ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Real Life ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Observational Cohort

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate effectiveness and safety of infliximab dose escalation in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) patients. To identify factors associated with refractoriness to standard-dose infliximab. Methods Medical records of infliximab-treated TAK patients from a large single-centre observational cohort were reviewed. Infliximab therapy duration, concomitant therapies, and reasons for dose escalation and therapy suspension were evaluated. Occurrence of adverse events was recorded. A comparison between patients who maintained infliximab standard-dose and those who needed dose-escalation was performed. Factors associated with refractoriness to standard dose were analysed. Results Forty-one patients were included. Starting infliximab dose was 5 mg/kg 6-weekly and 28 patients (68%) needed dose escalation. Persistence/recurrence of clinical symptoms was the most frequent reason for escalation. Median therapy duration was 39 (IQR, 26–61) months in the standard-dose group and 68 (38–87) months in the intensified-dose group. In the intensified-dose-group, infliximab was suspended in eight patients (29%) after a median of 38 (31–71) months, due to loss of response (n = 7) or patient’s request (n = 1). Patients in the intensified-dose group had a higher number of relapses (3.4 vs 0.8 events/patient) and received a higher cumulative steroid dose (1.7 [1.6–2.3] vs 1.3 [1–1.6] g/month of prednisone). Three patients from the intensified-dose group had serious infections; one patient from the standard-dose group developed paradoxical psoriasis. At univariate analysis, age at diagnosis and age at infliximab start were associated with infliximab escalation. Conclusion In TAK, dose escalation is safe and allows to optimise infliximab durability in refractory patients. Younger patients seem to be more refractory to standard dosages.

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Abstract P274: Evaluation of Glycemic Variability and Discharge Outcomes in Patients Presenting With Ischemic Stroke Following Intravenous Thrombolysis

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p274 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mackenzie Steck ◽

Omar Saeed ◽

Balaji Krishnaiah ◽

Samarth Shah ◽

Jaclyn Stoffel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Glycemic Variability ◽

P Value ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Discharge Disposition ◽

Discharge Outcomes

Presentation Objective: Does glycemic variability worsen Modified Rankin Score (mRS) following ischemic stroke in patients treated with thrombolytics (tPA)? Background/Purpose: Acute hyperglycemia and strict glucose control have been identified as predictors of hemorrhage, increased length of stay and hypoglycemia following ischemic stroke. However, the role of glucose variability in patients with ischemic stroke treated with tPA is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of glycemic variability on discharge outcomes in patients treated with tPA for ischemic stroke. Methodology: A retrospective review of adults with ischemic stroke who received tPA was completed. Patients hospitalized for at least 48 hours with image-confirmed ischemic stroke and symptom onset within 4.5 hours of presentation were included. Glycemic variability was measured using the J-index calculation and groups were defined as patients with normal or abnormal J-indices. Logistic regression models were developed to determine odds ratios for defined outcomes including NIHSS score, mRS and disposition at discharge. Statistical significance was a p-value of <0.05. Results: Of the 229 patients included, 132 (58%) had a normal J-index (4.7 – 23.6). In the univariate analysis, abnormal J-index was associated with higher rates of hypertension (94% vs 73%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (74% vs 12%), chronic kidney disease (34% vs 11%), higher initial blood glucose values (220 ±172 vs 111 ±20) and HbA1c, and worse outcomes in terms of NIHSS score, mRS and disposition at discharge. In the multivariate analysis, patients with an abnormal J-index had higher odds of unfavorable outcomes in terms of discharge mRS (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.0 – 4.3, p=0.045) and hemorrhagic transformation (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.7 – 10.2, p=0.002). There was no difference in discharge disposition (OR 1.4; 95% CI 0.7 – 3.0 p=0.4). Conclusion: Glycemic variability, following ischemic stroke, may result in unfavorable patient outcomes in patients treated with tPA. Additional studies are needed to determine the appropriate glucose management strategy.

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Abstract TMP25: Effects of Age and Ethnicity on the Benefits and Risks of Low- versus Standard-dose Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: The Enchanted Trial

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.tmp25 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Xia Wang ◽

Thompson Robinson ◽

Hisatomi. Arima ◽

Joseph Broderick ◽

Andrew Demchuk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Treatment Effects ◽

Low Dose ◽

Standard Dose ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Open Label ◽

Poor Outcome ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Stroke Study

Background and Purpose: As lower doses of alteplase reduce the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), older and Asian people may benefit more from low-dose alteplase than other patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: Data from the ENhanced Control of Hypertension ANd Thrombolysis strokE study (ENCHANTED), an international, multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial, were analyzed to assess effects of low- (0.6mg/kg body weight) vs. standard-dose (0.9mg/kg) alteplase in AIS patients, by age and ethnicity (Asian vs. non-Asian), pre-specified subgroup analyses, on key efficacy and safety outcomes. Results: 3297 patients (1248 female), mean age 67 years were included. After adjusting for baseline characteristics and management variables over the first seven days, increasing age was associated with poor outcome, defined by ordinal analysis of the modified Rankin score (mRS) (shift to a less favorable outcome, P trend <0.0001). In the comparison between low- and standard-dose alteplase, no significant differences were observed for 90-day poor outcome by age deciles and ethnicity. Less sICH was observed with low-dose alteplase, and this was consistent for age and ethnicity. There was no ethnic difference in the treatment effects by age, severity, and time to treatment. Conclusions: Increasing age predicts poor outcome in thrombolysis-treated AIS patients. There was no heterogeneity in the treatment effects of low- vs. standard-dose alteplase. Decisions about intravenous thrombolysis should be based on variables other than age and ethnicity.

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