Researchers Find Stroke Treatment Allows More Time

Researchers have found that treatment of stroke sufferers are effective within four and a half hours rather than the three hour time period previously recommended.

Every 40 seconds, an American has a stroke according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the non-profit, Los Angeles based industry professional organization.  Some 600,000 people will have their first stroke explains Jesse Slome, executive director.

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment benefits stroke patients when used up to 4.5 hours after a stroke, according to German researchers who said their findings provide further evidence to increase the tPA treatment window from the current three hours to 4.5 hours.

Previously published findings indicated that tPA treatment led to better outcomes than placebo in stroke patients treated from three hours to 4.5 hours post-stroke.

In this new study, medical researchers at the University of Heidelberg, and colleagues conducted a secondary analysis of data using different endpoints. They focused on the efficacy and safety of tPA treatment and also looked for any factors or patient subgroups that might affect treatment outcome.

The study included patients who received alteplase from three hours to 4.5 hours after a stroke, and patients who received a placebo. The results showed a clear benefit from treatment with alteplase in all types of patients, including those younger and older than 65 years, men and women, and those with or without a history of diabetes, stroke or high blood pressure.

The researchers also found that alteplase was beneficial, regardless of the severity of the stroke.

The study was released online in advance of publication in the December print issue of The Lancet.   Medical experts explain that a physician must, as always, diligently undertake a careful history and physical examination, look at the non-contrast brain CT scan carefully, and follow the appropriate protocol. All of these steps will result in substantial benefit to public health and will safely benefit many patients. But 'time is brain,' and therapy must be given as soon as possible after the patient arrives and there is indeed not a moment to lose, they add.     SOURCE: The Lancet, news release, Oct. 20, 2009.