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(Stroke. 2003;34:e58.)
© 2003 American Heart Association, Inc.

Research Reports

Expanded Modes of Tissue Plasminogen Activator Delivery in a Comprehensive Stroke Center Increases Regional Acute Stroke Interventions

Marilyn M. Rymer, MD; Duane Thurtchley, RN Deborah Summers, RN, MSN for the Mid America Brain and Stroke Institute Stroke Team

From the UMKC School of Medicine (M.M.R.) and Mid America Brain and Stroke Institute at Saint Luke’s Hospital (M.M.R., D.T., D.S.), Kansas City, Mo.

Correspondence to Marilyn M. Rymer, MD, Professor of Medicine, UMKC School of Medicine, Medical Director, Mid America Brain and Stroke Institute at Saint Luke’s Hospital, Room 3112, Saint Luke’s Hospital, 4401 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111. E-mail mrymer{at}saint-lukes.org

Background and Purpose— We sought to evaluate whether a comprehensive stroke center could work with regional hospitals to increase the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in acute stroke.

Methods— In 30 months, 142 patients seen at the Mid America Brain and Stroke Institute received tPA. Site of presentation, protocol selection, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results— We found that 18.2% (142 of 781) of all ischemic strokes received tPA. Of those, 70% (99 of 142) were transferred from hospitals within 100 miles of Kansas City (Mo). Mortality rate was 12.7% (18 of 142). Symptomatic hemorrhage rate was 9.2%.

Conclusions— A comprehensive stroke center can serve as a hub for a regional network and increase the number of stroke interventions with acceptable outcomes.

Key Words: stroke, ischemic • stroke units • thrombolysis • tissue plasminogen activator

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