Real-World Effectiveness of Intravenous Stroke Thrombolysis is more than the Expectation of Practicing Neurologists.

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study was to compare the actual results of intravenous thrombolytic therapy (IVTT) in acute ischemic stroke with results anticipated by neurologists in practice.

METHODS

Neurologists practicing in Thrissur metropolitan region, covering a population of 1.8 million, were telephonically surveyed about the number of yearly IVTT and their expert opinion/comment about effects of thrombolysis. This was compared with the results of IVTT from a single institution in the same region from 2012 to 2016.

RESULTS

Eight neurologists in the region give approximately 140-150 IVTT per year. Nearly 20%-40% (median 32%) patients have good outcome, 5%-10% (median 9%) have intracerebral hematoma (ICH), and 25%-35% (median 30%) have death/bad outcome. Two neurologists from a tertiary care hospital in the region treated 122 cases of ischemic strokes with IVTT from 2012 to 2016. Age ranged from 8 to 88 years and 88 were males. Average delay in reaching hospital was 138.1 min and the door-to-needle time was 56.3 min. There were 26 cases of posterior-circulation strokes and 14 cases of cardioembolic strokes. At presentation, average National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 14.7; Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0.4; and CT Alberta Stroke Program Early Computerized Tomography Scores was 9.5. Good and sustained benefit (GSB) (>4 reduction in NIHSS at 24 h and 7 days) was there in 49% and no improvement (NI)/worsening in 36%. mRS 0-2 at discharge/30 days was documented in 57.3%. Symptomatic ICH was 10% (12/122) and mortality rate was 11.5% (14/122). GSB in posterior circulation strokes was 69.2% and NI/worsening in only 7.7%. mRS was 0-2 in 77% of posterior circulation strokes.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to the popular belief of the practicing neurologists, IVTT has a high percentage of good outcome with a reasonable bleeding risk and low rates of absolute futility.