Criteria for selection of older patients for thrombolytic therapy

Thrombolysis is the first effective treatment for stroke. Considerable preclinical and early clinical studies set the stage for the final, definitive demonstration of rtPA efficacy. Since the publication of the original trial, there have been a number of subsequent analyses of subgroups. In particular, the authors discuss the use of thrombolytic therapy in elderly people. There is limited evidence that rtPA is effective at all ages. Criteria for selecting patients and management guidelines are presented.