Predictors for recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical aspects of recanalization and to assess variables associated with early recanalization.


METHODS
In all, 27 consecutive patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis were examined with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound at presentation and at 2 and 24 hours after treatment.


RESULTS
Recanalization less than 24 hours after treatment was found in 70% of patients. Patients who recanalized had lower NIHSS score on presentation (P = .01) and significant improvement in NIHSS score at 0 to 2 hours (P = .042) and 0 to 24 hours (P = .002) compared with those who did not recanalize. Atrial fibrillation (P = .04), higher serum glucose values on presentation (P = .05), and more traditional risk factors (P = .05) were associated with no recanalization.


CONCLUSIONS
Recanalization is associated with clinical improvement. High NIHSS score, atrial fibrillation, high serum glucose, and higher number of risk factors indicate a reduced probability for recanalization.
Tandberg Askevold
Erik
E
Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. erik.askevold@gmail.com <erik.askevold@gmail.com>
Naess
Halvor
H
Thomassen
Lars
L
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015897:Comorbidity; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial; D014654:Vascular Patency / Q000187:drug effects
D001786:Blood Glucose; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator