[Thrombolytic therapy in acute cerebral infarction]

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.

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.

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.

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.