Study opens way for later treatment of acute stroke

The time span in which treatment should be given for acute ischaemic stroke – i.e. stroke caused by a clot or other obstruction to the blood supply – can be lengthened. This according to a study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet, the results of which can bring about more effective and safer treatments for stroke sufferers.

In the event of acute ischemic stroke, treatment with ‘clot-busting’ drugs – thrombolysis – should be administered as early as possible. Failure to do so might leave the treatment doing harm than good since it increases the danger of haemorrhage. Prevailing praxis is for thrombolysis to be given only to patients who reach hospital within three hours after the onset of stroke.

However, an international study led by Professor Nils Wahlgren at Karolinska Institutet now shows that it is safe to administer the treatment up to four and a half hours after the stroke. 

The researchers compared 11,865 patients treated within three hours of stroke with 644 patients who, for various reasons, were treated within three to four and a half hours afterwards. The results show that the risk of haemorrhage complications and death was not significantly higher for the later treatment. Nor was there any difference between the two groups in the percentage of patients displaying impaired functionality in everyday activities three months after stroke.

“The data we are now publishing will make it possible for many more patients to receive thrombolysis,” says Professor Wahlgren. “This is important, because it’ll not only alleviate their suffering, but also help to reduce the costs of stroke for society.”

Possible changes to the European guidelines for the treatment of stroke will be under discussion at Karolinska Stroke Update, a conference due to be held in Stockholm on 16-18 November. Here, consideration will also be taken of the results of another, as yet unpublished, randomised study co-led by Professor Wahlgren.

###

Publication: ‘Thrombolysis with alteplase 3-4.5 h after acute ischaemic stroke: an observational study’, Nils Wahlgren, Niaz Ahmed, Antoni Dávalos, Werner Hacke, Mónica Millán, Keith Muir, Risto O Roine, Danilo Toni, Kennedy R Lees, for the SITS investigators, Lancet 15 September 2006

For further information, please contact:

Professor Nils Wahlgren
Tel: +46 (0)8-517 756 00
Mobie: +46 (0)70-484 14 99
Email:

Press Officer Katarina Sternudd
Tel: +46 (0)8-524 838 95
Mobile: +46 (0)8-2243895
Email:

Karolinska Institutet is one of the leading medical universities in Europe. Through research, education and information, Karolinska Institutet contributes to improving human health. Each year, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Contact: Katarina Sternudd

46-852-483-895
Karolinska Institutet

RELATED STORIES:
Depressed stroke patients use more health services   Magnetic stimulation of brain aids stroke recovery   Smoking doubles stroke risk in younger women   EMS programs improve stroke awareness, short-term   Women less likely to receive critical care after a stroke, MSU researchers find   Stroke Patients Re-learn to Walk Correctly Again Using Special Treadmill   Researcher Finds Growing Gender Gap In Stroke Prevalence   Preventing Another Stroke: What You Should Know   Can Chocolate Lower Your Risk of Stroke?   CPAP reduces death risk in stroke patients with OSA   Occupational therapy is an effective way of improving the daily life of stroke patients   Hereditary stroke more common in women

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]