Good outcomes in ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis despite regressing neurological symptoms

Stroke. 2006 May;37(5):1332-3. doi: 10.1161/01.STR.0000217272.38455.a2. Epub 2006 Mar 23.

Abstract

Background and purpose: We evaluated the clinical course of 19 acute stroke patients with rapid early improvement of neurological deficit within the 3-hour window, treated with intravenous thrombolytics.

Results: No patient demonstrated a neurological deterioration during hospitalization. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at therapy decision and discharge were 5 (4 to 6) and 0.5 (0 to 1.5), respectively. At 3-month follow-up, 1 patient had died; in remaining patients, NIHSS was 0 (0 to 1) and modified Rankin Scale 0.5 (0 to 1; < or =1 in 15 patients).

Conclusions: Withholding of intravenous thrombolysis because of spontaneous early regression of neurological symptoms may not be justified.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stroke / drug therapy*
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Thrombolytic Therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome