Examining outcomes following thrombolysis in an increasingly older and dependent stroke population

Thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients aged ˜80 years is evidence based, although its use in previously dependent patients is controversial.

Data from 831 thrombolysed AIS patients in our centre from 2009-2017 were used to compare demographic trends and outcomes (haemorrhage, mortality, three-month independence) in patients aged <80 and ˜80 years and with prior dependency. Comparison with UK and world registry data regarding age and pre-stroke dependency was made.

The percentage of treated patients aged ˜80 years increased year-on-year, doubling from 25% to 50% (p <0.01), with increasing average age and pre-stroke dependency in world centres. Patients ˜80 years had higher (p <0.001) stroke severity, symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (5% vs. 1.5%), mortality (35% vs. 13%) and lower three month independent survival (24% vs. 60%). Patients with pre-stroke dependency had especially higher three month mortality (57-71%, OR 3.75 [95% CI 1.97-7.15]) in both age groups.

Patients aged ˜80 years and with dependency increasingly receive thrombolysis. Given poorer outcomes thrombolysis trials are needed in pre-stroke dependent patients.