Use and Outcomes of Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients ≥90 Years of Age

Rohan Arora, Elliott Salamon, Jeffrey M. Katz, Margueritte Cox, Jeffrey L. Saver, Deepak L. Bhatt, Gregg C. Fonarow, Eric D. Peterson, Eric E. Smith, Lee H. Schwamm, Ying Xian, Richard B. Libman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Purpose - Intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is a proven treatment for acute ischemic stroke, but there has been limited evaluation among patients aged ≥90 years. Methods - We analyzed data from the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke national quality improvement registry from January 2009 to April 2013. Frequency, determinants, and outcomes of tPA use were compared among patients aged ≥90 and 3 younger age groups (18-64, 65-79, and 80-89 years). Results - Among 35 708 patients from 1178 sites who arrived within 2 hours of time last known well and received tPA, 2585 (7.2%) were ≥90 years. Compared with younger patients, the rate of tPA use among patients without a documented contraindication was lower among patients aged ≥90 years (67.4% versus 84.1% in 18-89-year olds; P<0.0001). Discharge outcomes among individuals aged ≥90 years included discharge to home or acute rehabilitation in 31.4%, independent ambulation at discharge in 13.4%, symptomatic hemorrhage in 6.1%, and in-hospital mortality or hospice discharge in 36.4%. On multivariable analysis, good functional outcomes generally occurred less often and mortality more often among patients aged ≥90 years. The risk of symptomatic hemorrhage was increased compared with patients <65 years but was not significantly different than the risk in 66- to 89-year olds. Conclusions - The use of intravenous tPA among those aged ≥90 years is lower than in younger patients. When fibrinolytic therapy is used, the risk of symptomatic hemorrhage is not higher than in 66- to 89-year olds; however, mortality is higher and functional outcomes are lower.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2347-2354
Number of pages8
JournalStroke
Volume47
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • hospices
  • hospital mortality
  • stroke
  • thrombolytic therapy
  • tissue-type plasminogen activator

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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