Abstract
Background and purpose
To evaluate prerequisites, safety, and efficacy of i.v.-thrombolysis of ischemic stroke with rtPA in an academic medical center.Methods
Over a period of 2 years and 10 months all patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke were recruited. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for i.v.-thrombolysis were combined from large scale randomized controlled trials, the time window, however, could be extended up to 4 hours in subjects with a negative CT-scan. Prespecified outcome parameters were the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the Barthel Index (BI) at 3 months, and symptomatic hemorrhagic complications. Additionally, time parameters, such as onset-admission-time, door-Ct-time, door-needle time, and onset-needle time were recorded.Results
During the reported period 103 patients underwent i.v.-thrombolysis, corresponding to 14.9% of all patients with ischemic stroke, and 47% of patients with ischemic stroke arriving in 90. The mortality was 15%.Conclusion
The i.v.-thrombolysis of ischemic stroke with rt-PA demands appropriate organisation of the pre- and in-hospital phase and can be performed safely and efficaciously in daily clinical routine if inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as all safety measures during the critical phase after therapy are strictly obeyed.