Stroke Treatment Window May Allow a Bit More Time
TUESDAY, Oct. 20 (HealthDay News) -- 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 from the ECASS III study 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, Dr. Werner Hacke, of the University of Heidelberg, and colleagues conducted a secondary analysis of ECASS III data using different endpoints. They focused on the efficacy and safety of tPA treatment (using alteplase) and also looked for any factors or patient subgroups that might affect treatment outcome.
The study included 418 patients who received alteplase from three hours to 4.5 hours after a stroke, and 403 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.
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