International journal of stroke : official journal of the International Stroke Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase III study of Clot Lysis Evaluation of Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (CLEAR III).
In adults, intraventricular thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) facilitates resolution of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), reduces intracranial pressure, decreases duration of cerebrospinal fluid diversion, and may ameliorate direct neural injury. We hypothesize that patients with small parenchymal haematoma volumes (<30 cc) and relatively large IVH causing acute obstructive hydrocephalus would have improved clinical outcomes when given injections of low-dose rtPA to accelerate lysis and evacuation of IVH compared with placebo. ⋯ The primary outcome measure is dichotomized modified Rankin Scale 0-3 vs. 4-6 at 180 days. Clinical secondary outcomes include additional modified Rankin Scale dichotomizations at 180 days (0-4 vs. 5-6), ordinal modified Rankin Scale (0-6), mortality and safety events at 30 days, mortality at 180 days, functional status measures, type and intensity of intensive care unit management, rate and extent of ventricular blood clot removal, and quality of life measures.
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Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction is a life-threatening sub-type of ischemic stroke that may only be survived at the expense of permanent disability. Decompressive hemicraniectomy is an effective surgical therapy to reduce mortality and improve functional outcome without promoting most severe disability. ⋯ Nevertheless, pressing issues persist that need to be answered in future clinical trials, e.g. the acceptable degree of disability in survivors of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction, the importance of aphasia, and the best timing for decompressive hemicraniectomy. This review provides an overview of the current diagnosis and treatment of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction with a focus on decompressive hemicraniectomy and outlines future perspectives.
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Multicenter Study
Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke occurring during hospitalization for transient ischemic attack.
There are limited data regarding the use of intravenous thrombolysis in patients who experienced acute ischemic symptoms during their hospitalization for prior transient ischemic attack. ⋯ Intravenous thrombolysis for symptoms of acute ischemic stroke occurring after hospitalization for transient ischemic attack appears to be safe. These pilot data support resetting the clock if new symptoms recur shortly after transient ischemic attack.
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Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator has been shown to be beneficial up to 4.5-hours of symptom onset. ⋯ Our initial experience confirms that thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in the extended window is safe and beneficial.
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Review Meta Analysis
Intravenous insulin treatment in acute stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Poststroke hyperglycemia has been associated with unfavorable outcome. Several trials investigated the use of intravenous insulin to control hyperglycemia in acute stroke. This meta-analysis summarizes all available evidence from randomized controlled trials in order to assess its efficacy and safety. ⋯ This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials does not support the use of intravenous insulin in hyperglycemic stroke patients to improve mortality or functional outcome. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased, however.