INTRAVENOUS ALTEPLASE 3-6 HOURS VERSUS 0-3 HOURS IN ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE, AN EGYPTIAN BASED STUDY

Abstract

troke is a devastating disease with increasing incidence and prevalence due to population aging. The most effective approach in acute stroke therapy is still under discussion, but it appears reasonable to get the vessel recanalized to save penumbra tissue. Intravenous alteplase is FDA approved within 4.5 hours of acute ischemic stoke onset. Some studies extend the window to 6 hours. Our study was a prospective open-label controlled clinical trial conducted on 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); to compare safety and effectiveness of Alteplase given 3-6 hours versus 0-3 hours after acute ischemic stroke. Patients were subjected to full medical history, general and neurological examinations using NIHSS on admission, after infusion, after 24 hours and on deterioration, along with Modified ran king score on admission and after 30 days by phone). Investigations included; complete blood count, PT-PTT-INR, cardiac enzymes (troponin), fibrinogen, FDP, ECG, non-contrast head CT on admission, and 24 hours.