[Thrombolytic therapy in acute cerebral infarction].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and clinical results in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis in an acute stroke unit. Results from the first three years with thrombolysis as standard treatment procedure are presented.


METHODS
All patients admitted to our department within 3 hours after an acute ischaemic stroke were considered for thrombolysis. 33 patients with median age 71 years were treated.


RESULTS
16 patients demonstrated early clinical improvement. Six patients demonstrated a substantial but slow clinical improvement. 11 patients did not improve. One patient developed an intracerebral haematoma and two developed a haemorrhagic infarction without clinical deterioration. At follow-up after six months, 16 patients (49%) had achieved independence [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2], 12 (36%) had an unfavourable outcome (mRS 3-5). Five patients (15%) died, all within the first 3 months. None died due to a treatment complication.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that thrombolysis can be administered relatively safely in an acute stroke unit without intensive care facilities. The clinical results and safety were similar to those in large randomized studies and clinical series.
Thomassen
Lars
L
Nevrologisk avdeling, Haukeland Sykehus 5021 Bergen. lars.thomassen@nevro.haukeland.no
Waje-Andreassen
Ulrike
U
Naess
Halvor
H
Moen
Gunnar
G
Smievoll
Alf Inge
AI
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000075202:Contraindications; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011379:Prognosis; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010960:Plasminogen Activators