ECASS: lessons for future thrombolytic stroke trials

Article Abstract:

The European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) suggests new and more precise ways of approaching the numerous factors that should be considered in clinical trials on and the actual administration of thrombolytic therapy to stroke patients. There is danger of brain hemorrhage in some patients resulting from thrombolytic therapy, but ECASS showed computed tomography can identify patients likely to benefit from thrombolytics. Selected patients who received thrombolytic treatment demonstrated enhanced neurological recovery. Single-photon emission computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and other types of vascular imaging could also be used to identify patients at risk for hemorrhage and those that would benefit from thrombolytic therapy. The ability of such imaging technology to provide information within 10 minutes could greatly aid physicians in the treatment of stroke patients and assist the research on the effectiveness of new therapies.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Methods, Usage, Dosage and administration, Fibrinolytic agents, Diagnostic imaging, Thrombolytic drugs

---

Cranial computed tomography interpretation in acute stroke: physician accuracy in determining eligibility for thrombolytic therapy

Article Abstract:

Many physicians may not be able to interpret a CT scan well enough to tell if a stroke patient has intracranial bleeding. Drugs that break up blood clots have been approved for patients who are admitted to an emergency room with a stroke. However, these thrombolytic drugs can increase the risk of intracranial bleeding. Researchers tested 38 emergency physicians, 29 neurologists and 36 radiologists to see whether they could correctly identify intracranial bleeding on a CT scan. Only half the radiologists, 40% of the neurologists and 17% of the emergency physicians could consistently do so.

Analysis, Medical examination, CT imaging, CAT scans, Brain, Brain hemorrhage, Clinical competence

---

Thrombolytic Therapy for Deep Venous Thrombosis?

Article Abstract:

Researchers discuss the successful use of thrombolytic therapy in a patient with deep vein thrombosis but caution that this treatment may not be appropriate for all such patients. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the large veins in the legs. Thrombolytic therapy involves using drugs that can break up these blood clots. The treatment was very successful in this case because the clot was very large and the man could not walk because of the pain. However, thrombolytic drugs can cause excessive bleeding and other complications.

Drug therapy, Thrombosis, Deep vein, Deep vein thrombosis

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Quantification of HTLV-II proviral copies by competitive polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Italian injecting drug users, Central Africans, and Amerindians
• Abstracts: Consensus statement. Effect of antibody to HIV-1 Tat protein on viral replication in vitro and progression of HIV-1 disease in vivo
• Abstracts: A 79-year-old musician with asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Causes and Severity of Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis
• Abstracts: That oestrogen replacement for osteoporosis prevention should no longer be a bone of contention. Exercise in primary prevention of osteoporosis in women
• Abstracts: Foundations and principles of human reproduction. Should we always tell children the truth?

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.