Thrombolysis for stroke in a tertiary care center from Hyderabad

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) within 4.5 hours of symptom onset is currently approved for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. It improves the rate of favourable outcomes despite the risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Aim: To study the outcomes of IV thrombolysis. Materials and methods: All patients who came to the emergency with in window period with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute ischmeic stoke were included in the study. CT brain plain was done to rule out ICH. Base line glucose and BP was recorded. NIHSS was calculated. Patients whose score was between 5-25 were given IV thrombolysis with rTPA or tenecteplase. Drug was given according to availability and it was free of cost Results: Total of 41 patients was given thrombolysis. 28 were given alteplase and 13 were given tenecteplase. Improvement in NIHSS was 3.34 points at the time of discharge. Almost 40% improved significantly improved in follow up mRS scores Conclusion: Our study concluded that thrombolysis for ischemic stroke provides early functional ability and decreased morbidity without any significant risk of bleeding.