Intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Weighing the risks and benefits of tissue plasminogen activator.
The use of intravenous tPA within 3 hours after acute ischemic stroke has been proved to increase the number of good outcomes. However, tPA is a toxic therapy that carries a substantial risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. To decrease the risk, tPA use must be restricted to a carefully selected patient population. Treatment must be administered in an intensive care setting and directed by physicians with expertise in diagnosing and managing stroke.
Koller
R L
RL
Koller Clinic of Neurology, Bend, Oregon 97701, USA. rkoller@bendnet.com
Anderson
D C
DC
D000208:Acute Disease; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D018579:Patient Selection; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator