Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
05:52
Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
Published on: November 26, 2013
Open label tissue plasminogen activator for stroke: the Oregon experience.
Summary
Community treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) for acute stroke is feasible. Outcomes in patients receiving t-PA mirrored those from the NINDS trial, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world settings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a primary treatment for acute stroke.
- This study evaluated t-PA treatment outcomes in a community setting following its 1996 approval.
- The Oregon Stroke Center network facilitated the study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and outcomes of community-based t-PA treatment for acute stroke.
- To compare community treatment results with established clinical trial data.
Main Methods:
- Screened patients within a 6-hospital network for t-PA eligibility.
- Assessed outcomes using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at baseline and 24 hours.
- Evaluated 3-month outcomes with the Modified Rankin scale.
Main Results:
- 33 patients treated within 3 hours of symptom onset; most had anterior circulation or cardioembolic strokes.
- NIHSS scores showed modest improvement at 24 hours post-t-PA (mean 14.7 from 16.6).
- 36% achieved minimal/no deficits at 3 months; 9% experienced symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, with a 6% fatality rate.
Conclusions:
- Community-based t-PA treatment for acute stroke is feasible.
- Achieved recovery rates align with findings from the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) trial.
- Highlights the successful integration of t-PA therapy into community stroke care.
