IV tissue plasminogen activator use in acute stroke: What are neurologists thinking?

Stroke remains among the top 4 causes of death in the United States and, despite advances in inpatient care and rehabilitation, the leading cause of severe disability. Furthermore, despite being a proven effective therapy, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use remains dramatically low, in ~2% of all stroke patients in a community setting.1 In this issue of Neurology®, Shamy2 addresses the use of tPA in appropriate clinical settings and neurologists' rationale for their decisions. Given the mortality and morbidity associated with stroke, the data for substantial benefit with tPA use, and Food and Drug Administration approval, the limited use of tPA raises ethical and legal concerns.
Source: Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: All Cerebrovascular disease/Stroke EDITORIALS Source Type: research