Abstract TP271: Long-term Results of an EMS-driven Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation (RACE) Protocol for Triage of Acute Strokes

Abstract

Background and Purpose: We previously reported on the successful implementation of a EMS-driven bypass protocol using the Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation (RACE) score for triage of acute strokes. Here, we describe the long-term results of our RACE alert protocol. Methods: Patients with a RACE score > 5, who are last seen normal within 12 hours, wakeup with stroke symptoms, or have unknown time of symptoms onset were directly transferred as RACE alerts (RA) to our two stroke centers (one primary with interventional capabilities and one comprehensive) with interventional capacity in Lucas County, Ohio. Data including baseline demographics, RACE score, diagnosis, treatments and procedures, and clinical and angiographic outcomes were captured in a prospective database. Results: From July 2015 to July 2018, 511 RAs were triaged. Median age of RA patients was 73 (IQR 63-82), 55.8% were female, and median RACE score was 7 (IQR 5-8). Median time from 911 dispatch to ER was 31 minutes (IQR 22-38) and onset to arrival was 85 minutes (IQR 47-307). Of the 511 RAs, 52.3% were diagnosed with an ischemic stroke, 13.5% intracerebral hemorrhage, 6.5% transient ischemic attack, 12.9% seizure, and 7.8% encephalopathy. The rate of IV-tPA use was 24.5% and median door to needle time was 33 min (IQR 24-48). The rate of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was 24.3%, with median door to puncture and door to revascularization times of 64 (IQR 48.5-78.5) and 91 minutes (IQR 79.3-114.8), respectively. The majority of occlusions were MCA (73.2%). Successful revascularization (TICI≥2b) was achieved in 84.7%. Ninety-day favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) and mortality was 47.2% and 25.4% in patients who underwent MT. Conclusions: Our results show the long-term feasibility and efficiency of an EMS-driven early stroke triage protocol using the RACE score.