["Stroke code". Shortening the delay in reperfusion treatment of acute ischemic stroke].

BACKGROUND

"Stroke Code" is a system for the rapid identification, pre-notification and transport of acute ischemic stroke patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of delay reduction for thrombolytic therapy in these patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We evaluated acute ischemic stroke patients admitted in the emergency unit within the first 6 hours after onset of symptoms and included into reperfusion clinical trials. We compared the delay for initiating reperfusion treatment related to the activation or not of the stroke code.

RESULTS

From 454 patients evaluated, 25% were admitted to the hospital in less than 6 hours from stroke onset. 59% of these patients were candidates for reperfusion treatment. "Stroke Code" was activated in 13 (55%). We observed a significant reduction in the delay since the onset of symptoms in relation to "Stroke Code" activation or not (mean X [SD]): emergency room arrival: 49.6 (48) vs 80 (48) min; Stroke Team evaluation: 65.3 (57) vs 133.6 (58) min; CT scan performing: 86.2 (60) vs 171.8 (62) min; Start of treatment; 212.9 (51) vs 287.3 (59) min.

CONCLUSIONS

"Stroke Code" activation reduced in 50% pre- and in-hospital delay to start reperfusion treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients.