[Correspondence] Questions about authorisation of alteplase for ischaemic stroke

Stroke thrombolysis can cause potentially fatal intracerebral haemorrhage, but advocates claim the potential reduction in disability justifies this risk. Alteplase was authorised following the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) trial. A 2004 review raised concerns over the trial data. Outcomes across the centres differed considerably. Bias could explain the observation that the plot of outcome (modified Rankin score 0–1) against number of patients recruited does not resemble the expected symmetrical funnel ().
Source: LANCET - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research