Abstract W P63: Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Nonagenarians

Abstract

The safety and effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been established for populations older than 80 years of age . However, management of AIS in nonagenerians is not clear. Previous reports suggest that the rate of ICH after i.v. alteplase is not increased and the rate of early improvement is similar in nonagenerians compared to younger groups, but there is concern with overall mortality and functional outcomes. We report on 20 consecutive patients with AIS treated with i.v. alteplase within 3 hours of onset in two Comprehensive Stroke Centers in San Jose, CA. Methods: Patients were immediately evaluated by members of the Stroke Team of each hospital. . Patients were eligible if they had disabling neurological symptoms, no contraindications for i.v.alteplase and were independent in ADLs prior to the index event. Non-contrast CT brain scan, CT perfusion and CT angiography of head and neck were used to determine the presence of potentially salvageable brain. Results (Table): Mean age was 91 years (range 90 - 98 years). The initial NIHSS was 15.7 ± 6.8. The median NIHSS at hospital discharge was 7.4 ± 8.4 (p <0.001). The median door to needle time was 50.5 minutes (range 36 - 74 minutes). There was no hemorrhagic transformation and no in-hospital mortality. The overall mortality rate at 90 days was 30% (6 of 20 patients) and the rate of good outcome in survivors, defined as mRS ≤ 3 at 90 days was 35.7% (5 of 14 patients). Comment: Intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in nonagenerians is safe and effective, with good rates of immediate improvement. However, the l90 days mortality rate is high and the long term functional outcome is poor. This data can be useful in helping families make treatment decisions in the most elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke.