The effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy in the acute phase of ischemic stroke based on the experience of the rural community of the Lublin Province in eastern Poland

Abstract

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis - recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is currently popular among the recommended treatments for fresh ischemic stroke, mainly within 4 – 5 hours of the first symptoms. Still too many patients are delayed or not eligible for causal treatment because of a time out. Despite the growing public awareness associated with brain vascular diseases, there are still environments where it seems inadequate. This mainly applies to rural areas. Evaluation of the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy in the acute phase of ischemic stroke on the background of differences related to the time of measurement. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy in the acute phase of ischemic stroke based on the experience of the rural community of the Lublin Province in eastern Poland. Methods: The diagnostic survey method with the survey technique was used. A standardized research tool was used - the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The study involved 81 patients of the Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit of the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Lublin, reporting their place of residence in rural areas. Results: The biggest difference in patients treated with alteplase was observed in measurements between day 1 and 10 (Z = 3.951, p <0.001), where the average NIHSS score on the first day it brought M = 10.36, and on the 10th day M = 4.04. A slight difference in NIHSS scores was observed in patients who did not receive thrombolytic therapy. The largest difference was observed between day 1 and 10 (Z = 5.408 p <0.001), where the average NIHSS score on day 1 was M = 9.08 and on 10. M = 5.21. Conclusions: Among patients who received thrombolytic therapy there was a faster improvement in neurological status compared to patients who did not receive such treatment.