A wider treatment window for stroke
As of the end of 2008, physicians can use tPA to treat ischemic strokes for up to a maximum of three hour after the onset of symptoms. This narrow treatment window is justified both by the inefficacy of tPA after the three hour time point, and by the increased risk of hemorrhagic conversion, which can be defined as the chance that an ischemic stroke will turn into a hemorrhagic one. But a study published in Sept 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that tPA treatment might be efficacious and just as safe even if it is used out to 4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms.
The study used just over 400 patients for each treatment arm, tPA and placebo.
Although the study is encouraging, the implementation of its conclusions into clinical practice await further investigation.
Recommended reading:
What is a Stroke?
Stroke Treatments
Mini Stroke
Blood Thinners and Stroke Prevention
Comments
I just wanted to introduce myself as I came across your post today since I just did a similar one here:
http://www.yourerdoc.com/stroke-symptoms-and-tpa/
I look forward to reading your well done blog often and also linking to it in the future.
Tahnk you!