Use Of tPA Research Articles

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) Use in Persistent Loculated Ascites

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) Use in Persistent Loculated Ascites

Tissue plasminogen activator for acute branch atheromatous disease exhibits transient improvement and worsening

BackgroundTissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Although initial improvement is observed when administered for branch atheromatous disease (BAD), some cases subsequently worsen. Clinical data on the characteristics of these patients is lacking, and the benefits of tPA are unclear. ObjectiveTo analyze rebound cases and elucidate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with tPA administration in BAD. MethodsThis multicenter retrospective study was conducted in Japan. Worsening after initial improvement of a condition is termed as rebound, and such cases were compared with other types of ischemic stroke in patients with and without rebound. The characteristics of patients with BAD who rebounded were examined. ResultsThe study included 93 patients. Among the patients who were administered tPA, the NIHSS scores at 24 h and 7 days post-tPA were significantly higher in patients with BAD than in patients with other types of infarcts. The group with BAD exhibited a significantly higher rate of rebound than other groups (37.5 % vs. 0 %, P < 0.001). However, no differences were observed in outcomes between patients who experienced rebound after tPA administration and those who did not. ConclusionsReevaluation and changing the strategy of tPA use in patients with BAD may be necessary. However, this study does not totally discourage its use, as specific patients can benefit.

Use of a novel configuration of ports for patients needing intermittent long-term apheresis.

In patients with a need for frequent but intermittent apheresis, vascular access can prove challenging. We describe the migration of the use of a Vortex LP dual lumen port (Angiodynamics, Latham, NY) to one Powerflow and one ClearVUE power injectable port (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ) in a series of patients undergoing intermittent apheresis. All patients had a need for long-term intermittent apheresis. Eight had double lumen Vortex port (pre) and were exchanged for one Powerflow port and one conventional subcutaneous venous port with 90° needle entry (post) while 12 did not have any port in place and received the same configuration. IRB approval was granted. We recorded the treatment time, flow rate, and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use for five treatment sessions after placement. When available, we compared five treatments with the Vortex port and the new configuration. The mean treatment time is reduced with the new configuration (P = 0.0033). The predicted mean treatment time, adjusting for gender, race, BMI and age and accounting for correlations within a patient is 91.18 min pre and 77.96 min post. The flow rate is higher with the new configuration (P < 0.0001). The predicted mean flow rate in mL/min is 61.59 for the Vortex port and 71.89 for the new configuration. tPA use was eliminated in the population converted from Vortex ports and had a 48% reduction when compared to all other configurations in the study. The introduction of a novel device configuration of venous access ports for intermittent apheresis resulted in higher flow rates and less total time for treatment. Use of tPA was greatly reduced. These results suggest that the new configuration could result in less expense for the hospital and better throughput in a busy pheresis practice. Clinical trial registration with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04846374.

Causes, treatment, and outcome of hyphema, fibrin, and vitreal hemorrhage in horses: 219 cases (2012-2023).

To determine the causes, time to resolution, effect of therapeutics, and ocular sequelae of hyphema, fibrin, and/or vitreal hemorrhage in horses. 225 horses (219 eyes) who were diagnosed with hyphema, fibrin, and/or vitreal hemorrhage. Records were retrospectively reviewed for the horses. Signalment, ophthalmic examination findings, causes, treatments, and outcomes were evaluated. Common causes of intraocular fibrin or hemorrhage were equine recurrent uveitis (42/219 horses), corneal stromal abscess (32/219 horses), corneal stromal ulcer (25/219 horses), and trauma (21/219 horses). Eyes with fibrin that were treated with intracameral tissue plasminogen activator (TPA; n = 18 eyes) had significantly lower days to resolution (8.9 ± 12.6 days) compared to eyes not treated with TPA (28.3 ± 46.7 days). Ocular sequelae in horses with fibrin, such as cataracts (18/120 eyes), synechiae (11/120 eyes), and vision loss (17/120 eyes), were significantly less common in eyes treated with TPA. Sequelae in eyes with hyphema included cataracts (9/36 eyes), synechiae (6/36 eyes), and vision loss (5/36 eyes). Although 41 horses had an enucleation at presentation because of severe disease, 14/144 (< 10%) of horses with follow-up required an enucleation. The presence of blood products in the eyes of horses suggests severe ocular disease, but if the eye is not enucleated at presentation, the prognosis is good for maintaining the eye. Also, the use of intracameral TPA in horses with anterior chamber fibrin but not those with hyphema, results in less adverse ocular sequelae.

Contemporary outcomes of acute ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation patients on anticoagulation

BackgroundLong-term anticoagulation (AC) therapy reduces the risk of stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF). However, data on the impact of AC on in-hospital stroke outcomes is lacking. MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample was used to identify adult inpatients with AF and a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke between 2016 and 2020. Data was stratified between AC users and nonusers. A multivariate regression model was used to describe the in-hospital outcomes, adjusting for significant comorbidities. ResultsA total of 655,540 hospitalizations with AF and a primary hospitalization diagnosis of ischemic stroke were included, of which 194,560 (29.7 %) were on long-term AC. Patients on AC tended to be younger (mean age, 77 vs. 78), had a higher average CHA2DS2VASc score (4.48 vs. 4.20), higher rates of hypertension (91 % vs. 88 %), hyperlipidemia (64 % vs. 59 %), and heart failure (34 % vs. 30 %) compared to patients not on long-term AC. Use of AC was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality (aOR [95 % CI]: 0.62 [0.60–0.63]), decreased stroke severity (mean NIHSS, 8 vs. 10), decreased use of tPA (aOR 0.42 [0.41–0.43]), mechanical thrombectomy (aOR 0.85 [0.83–0.87]), intracranial hemorrhage (aOR 0.69 [0.67–0.70]), gastrointestinal bleeding (aOR 0.74 [0.70–0.77]), and discharge to skilled nursing facilities (aOR 0.90 [0.89–0.91]), compared to patients not on AC (P<0.001 for all comparisons). ConclusionAmong patients with AF admitted for acute ischemic stroke, AC use prior to stroke was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality, decreased stroke severity, decreased discharge to SNF, and fewer stroke-related and bleeding complications.

Applications of turning point analysis in behavioral medicine research: A systematic scoping review

BackgroundTurning Point Analysis (TPA) is a methodological approach that allows scholars to retrospectively capture change over time by identifying instances of critical change (i.e., turning points) encountered across a given time period. While TPA has been used to examine time as a variable in health and illness experiences, the use of the method in behavioral medicine scholarship may be limited by the lack of understanding of TPA procedures and applicability. ObjectiveTo describe how TPA has been used and enhance its accessibility by identifying and synthesizing methods of TPA data collection and analysis. MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases, including Academic Source Premier, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, APA PsycInfo, and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Database, was conducted in May 2020. In July 2020, we used hand searching to identify additional articles, including forward and back tracking seminal articles on TPA. Studies were screened in duplicate. ResultsOf the 1184 studies screened for this review, we included 52. Studies used TPA to examine relational (k = 40), organizational (k = 6), and individual (k = 6) variables and included an analysis of either turning points (k = 28), the trajectories of change over time created by the turning points (k = 3), or both (k = 21). Turning points and trajectories were captured and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative analytic approaches, with most studies using either purely qualitative (k = 26) or mixed methods (k = 21). ConclusionsThe findings of this review provide insight into the varied applications of TPA and suggest the potential value of this methodological approach in better understanding health experiences across time. By synthesizing the procedural and analytic steps to conducting a TPA, this review could also increase the accessibility and use of TPA in behavioral medicine research.

Role of tPA in Aphasia Recovery: A Meta-Analysis of Recent Studies

ABSTRACT Background Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a common therapeutic agent approved to treat patients with stroke. When the agent is administered within 4.5 hours of stroke onset, tPA administration helps to restore blood flow to brain regions affected by a stroke, thereby limiting the risk of damage and functional impairment. However, research evaluating the use of tPA on aphasia – loss of the ability to understand or express speech – a common post-stroke condition is limited. A meta-analysis of available evidence was performed to assess the association between the use of tPA on aphasia post-stroke. Methods A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic database using keywords “tPA”, “tissue plasminogen activator”, “aphasia”, and “stroke” published in English since 2010. An initial search revealed 7, 069, 6,682, and 289 studies in PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS, respectively. Studies without a measure of aphasia impairment in adults as well as case studies and reviews were excluded. After quality assessment and a review of study abstracts, 14 relevant studies were identified for full text review. Among the 14, ten were deemed appropriate for inclusion and feature extraction. Results Associations between tPA and aphasia outcomes in each of the included studies were translated to odds ratios (ORs) and study features were coded for inclusion in a random effects meta regression. Results revealed a statistically significantly higher likelihood of improvement in the level of post-stroke aphasia among those receiving tPA compared with those not receiving tPA (odds ratio [OR], 2.1963, CI = 0.5994, 3.7932). Model statistics did however indicate substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96.94%, Ƭ2 = 32.65) between studies. After removal of two outliers from the analysis set, the estimates improved substantially (OR = 1.8643, CI = 1.2131, 2.5155), and heterogeneity was reduced (I2 = 76.28%, Ƭ2 = 4.22). Estimates were robust to the inclusion of study location, metric used to measure aphasia, observed recovery duration, and size of the sample. Conclusion This meta-analysis found an increased likelihood of aphasia recovery in patients receiving tPA following stroke and significant improvement in communication from tPA receipt. However, further prospective studies with greater sample heterogeneity are needed to determine the appropriate window for tPA use, the duration of improvement, and the long-term effects on communication outcomes.

STENOSIS: Long-term single versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with ischaemic stroke due to intracranial atherosclerotic disease – a randomised trial

RationaleIntracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a pathological process that causes progressive stenosis and cerebral hypoperfusion, leading to stroke occurrence and recurrence around the world. The exact duration of dual antiplatelet...

Safety and Efficacy of Ethanol for Catheter Salvage and Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Prophylaxis in Polyurethane Catheters in the PICU.

Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) is a potential method of central catheter salvage following central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) although there is potential risk of catheter damage in polyurethane catheters. Further, there is limited efficacy data across the spectrum of common pediatric catheters, and published ELT protocols describe dwell times that are not feasible for critically ill children. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ELT in polyurethane catheters using brief (30 min to 2 hr) dwell times in our PICU. Investigational pilot study using historical control data. PICU in quaternary care, free-standing children's hospital. ELT in polyurethane central venous catheters for catheter salvage. ELT with brief dwell times was used in 25 patients, 22 of whom were bacteremic. Ultimately 11 patients, comprising 14 catheters, were diagnosed with a primary CLABSI. The catheter salvage rate in primary CLABSI patients receiving ELT was 92% (13/14) and significantly higher than the salvage rate in patients receiving antibiotics alone (non-ELT) (62%, 39/64; mean difference 0.32, 95% CI [0.14-0.50], p = 0.03). The rate of catheter fracture in all patients receiving ELT was 8% (2/25) while the rate of fracture in the non-ELT group was 13% (8/64; mean difference -0.05, 95% CI [-0.18 to 0.09], p = 0.72). The rate of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use in the ELT group was 8% (2/25), whereas the rate of tPA use in the non-ELT group was significantly higher at 42% (26/64; mean difference -0.34, 95% CI [-0.49 to -0.17], p = 0.002). The use of ELT for catheter salvage and prophylaxis in the PICU is safe in a variety of polyurethane catheters. Dwell times ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours were effective in sterilizing the catheters while allowing other therapies to continue. This approach may decrease the need for frequent line changes in a medically fragile pediatric population.

Abstract 93: Upgrading to Endovascular Therapy-Performing Hospital Increases Acute Ischemic Stroke Admissions

Introduction: Given the impact of endovascular therapy (EVT) on clinical outcomes and the use of pre-hospital bypass protocols to route acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients to EVT-performing hospitals (EPHs), there is substantial interest in upgrading stroke center certification to become EPHs. Here, we assess trends in patient volumes of AIS admissions at three hospitals after upgrade, in comparison to one long-standing EPH and six non-EPHs within the same urban area. Methods: From our prospectively collected, multi-institutional registry, we identified consecutive AIS admissions at ten hospitals in the Houston metropolitan area from November 2017 through March 2022. One hospital had been an EPH throughout the study period (Group A: EPH 0), three transitioned to EPHs in November 2017 (Group B: EPH 1, EPH 2, EPH 3), and six were non-EPHs (Group C). Primary outcomes were trends in volume of total AIS admissions over time determined by linear regression. Secondary outcomes included trends in volumes of tPA usage, LVO admissions, and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) determined by linear regression. Results: Among 13,099 patients with AIS presenting to ten hospitals, median age was 67 [IQR 57-78], 45% were female, median NIHSS was 4 [IQR 1-11], 17.5% were given tPA, 22% had LVO, and 9.5% underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Centers that became EPH in 2017 experienced an overall increase in AIS admissions (p=0.0007) at rates of 8 per year for EPH 1 (p=0.005), 5 per year for EPH 2 (p&lt;0.001) and 4 per year for EPH 3 (p=0.11). AIS admissions did not change significantly at the original EPH (p=0.13) nor at three of the non-EPHs (p=0.24, 0.39, 0.82), and volumes decreased at the other three non-EPHs (p=0.009, 0.02, 0.09). Changes in LVO volumes did not reach significance for any group. Volumes of tPA use and MT increased for group B (p&lt;0.005) but did not change significantly for group A (p&gt;0.18), and tPA use decreased for group C (p=0.03). Conclusions: In this observational cohort study, upgrading to EPH status resulted in increasing AIS admissions over time, as well as increases in tPA use and MT. Volumes at the previously established EPH did not change significantly over the study period, while AIS admissions decreased slightly at the non-EPHs in the surrounding area.

Abstract TP186: The Presence of Low Signal on T2*-Weighted Gradient Echo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Before MT Should Be Not Associated With Hemorrhagic Complications

Background: In patients with acute ischemic stroke with the large vessel occlusion (LVO), the presence of low signal including microbleeds on T2*-weighted gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging (T2*-positive) which suggestive of an old cerebral hemorrhage before mechanical thrombectomy (MT) may be associated with hemorrhagic change after MT, but the significance of this finding is unclear. Methods: Patients with acute stroke with LVO underwent T2* before MT. Patients were classified into two groups as T2*-positive and T2*-negative. We compared hemorrhagic change after MT, outcome at discharge and clinical characteristics between two groups. The occurrence of hemorrhagic change was assessed on CT after MT. Patients outcomes were classified into two group; good outcome as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 and poor outcome as mRS 5-6, respectively. Clinical characteristics and imaging factors associated with any ICH after MT were evaluated by multivariate regression analysis. Results: 348 patients (median age, 78 years; men, 60.1%; median NIHSS score, 16) were enrolled. The site of occlusion was the ICA (n=92, 26.4%), M1 (n=168, 48.3%), M2 (n=49, 14.1%) and BA(n=29, 8.3%). T2*-positive and T2*-negative were found in 73 (21.0%) and 275 (79.0%), respectively. There were no differences in age, history of hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and stroke, TOAST type, DWI-ASPECTS, NIHSS, use of tPA, or TICI≧2B rate between the two groups. Any ICH after MT was 28 (38.4%) in T2*-positive and 96 (34.9%) in T2*-negative (P=0.585). PH and SAH were 7 (9.6%) and 2 (2.7%) in T2*-positive and 40 (14.9%) and 25 (9.1%) in T2*-negative (P=0.337, and P=0.085), respectively. Poor outcome was 27 (37.0%) in T2*-positive and 65 (23.6%) in T2*-negative (P=0.025), respectively. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that T2*-positive was not associated with any ICH (odds ratio, 0.884; confidence interval, 0.473-1.654; P=0.700). Conclusions: In patients with acute ischemic stroke with LVO, low signal on T2* before MT should not be associated with hemorrhagic change after MT.

Abstract TMP86: Effects of Tenecteplase versus Alteplase in Stroke Patients With Large Vessel Occlusions Who Achieve Full Recanalization

Introduction: Tenecteplase improves reperfusion and functional outcomes in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. TNK is more specific for fibrin than TPA, however, it is unclear if this effect could increase efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to determine if TNK is associated with higher recanalization rates and better clinical outcomes than TPA in patients who undergo MT. Methods: Electronic medical record review of acute stroke patients with LVO, age over 18 years, who received both thrombolysis with either TNK or TPA, and underwent MT at a tertiary medical center from January 2017 to April 2023 was performed. Use of TPA was converted to TNK on 1/11/2022 per hospital policy. Number of passes and time to full recanalization (defined as TICI 3) were recorded. Primary outcome was mRS at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were NIHSS at 24 hours and at discharge. Primary safety outcome was parenchymal hematoma type 2 (PH2) intracerebral hemorrhage. A t-test was used to examine association between outcomes and thrombolysis type. Fischer’s exact test was used to determine differences in recanalization and hemorrhage rates. Results: Of the 284 patients included, 213 received TPA and 71 received TNK. Mean age was 68, and 50.0% were females. Forty-three patients (60.6%) who received TNK, and 96 patients (45.1%) who received TPA achieved TICI 3 score (P=0.028). There was no difference in time to recanalization (38.5 min versus 32 min, p=0.872), median number of passes (1 versus 1, p=0.934), median 90-day mRS (2 versus 1.5, p=0.434), or the rate of PH2 hemorrhage (0% versus 2.3%, p=0.336) for TNK vs TPA in patients with TICI 3 recanalization. Median NIHSS at presentation (18.0 versus 16.0, p=0.398), at 24 hours (8.0 versus 7.0, p=0.406), and at discharge (3.0 versus 4.0, p=0.383) were similar for all patients receiving TNK and TPA, respectively. Conclusions: In our retrospective analysis, TNK showed a higher rate of TICI 3 recanalization for patients with LVO, who both received thrombolysis and underwent MT. There was no difference between TNK and TPA for number of passes, time to recanalization, parenchymal hematoma rate, and clinical outcomes in patients who achieved TICI 3. Overall clinical outcomes were also similar, irrespective of recanalization grade.

Abstract 234: Antithrombotic use in Emergent Cervical Carotid Artery Stenting in Thrombectomy

Introduction Current literature suggests a benefit in functional outcomes and reperfusion rates when carotid artery stenting (CAS) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are performed emergently. However, rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages have been inconclusive. Antithrombotic protocols used in CAS and MT tend to be heterogenous among physicians. There is no standardized data on antithrombotic therapy use during CAS and MT procedures with less associated rates of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of antithrombotic use in patients requiring CAS and MT. Additionally, we sought to analyze clinical and mortality outcomes in CAS and MT retrospectively at our institution. Methods We searched for patients who underwent emergency cervical ICA stent placement and intracranial thrombectomy with stent‐retriever and/or aspiration devices in our institution between 2019‐2023. Clinicoangiographic and antithrombotic data were analyzed. Good clinical outcomes were a &lt; 4 points of NIHSS at 24 hours, mRS (0‐3) at 90 days, and disposition to home or inpatient rehabilitation. Characteristics of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS). Clinical, radiographic, and mortality outcomes were described. Results Twenty‐seven patients were treated. The mean age was 64 years, nine females: mean occlusion time 400 minutes, mean fluoro time 32 minutes. Fourteen patients received IV tissue‐type plasminogen (tPA) activator. The admission NIHSS score mean was 16. Stent placement was feasible in all cases. Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2B was achieved in 18 patients (66.7%); the rest had a TICI 3 score. Twelve patients had improved 4 NIHSS points between admission and 24 hours. Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel was used in 15 patients before stenting. While six patients received aspirin and ticagrelor, and the rest received eptifibatide drip. Seven (26%) patients had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages. Antithrombotic type of treatment had no significant association with bad outcomes (p‐value: 0.872), neither did IV tPA use (p‐value: 0.853). Fourteen patients had good clinical outcomes (mRS 0‐3) at discharge, while eight died. At 90 days follow‐up, the median mRS was 3. Conclusion Our analysis suggests no significant association between symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation with IV tPA or heterogenous antithrombotic use. Our retrospective study has several limitations, including sample size and heterogeneous pathology. Larger studies are needed to stratify symptomatic hemorrhages' high‐risk profile in CAS and MT.

Abstract 161: Repeated administration of thrombolytic therapy in the setting of stuttering lacunar infarct

Introduction Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the standard of care for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with symptom onset within 4.5 hours. One exclusion criterion for tPA administration is stroke within 3 months due to the presumed increased risk of hemorrhage. While the rate of early recurrent stroke (ERS) within 3 months is as high as 14.5‐18.3%, the safety and effectiveness of repeated tPA administration remain unclear. An increasing number of studies pose a challenge to this recommendation. One study identified 19 patients who received tPA for ERS and found no symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Fifteen other studies with a cohort of 57 patients (including one patient receiving repeated tPA within 90 minutes) reached the same conclusion that repeated tPA is safe in ERS. We present a patient with stuttering motor weakness who received intravenous (IV) tPA twice, 3 days apart with discharged modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 3. Methods The patient was identified in routine clinical practice. Results Our patient is a 61‐year‐old right‐handed Caucasian woman with a medical history of untreated hypertension presented with sudden onset of left arm and leg weakness. IV tPA was given at the local emergency department (ED) and she was then transferred to our comprehensive stroke center. Upon arrival, her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 0. Her symptoms were completely resolved. Computed tomography (CT) head was unremarkable and CT angiography (CTA) did not show significant stenosis or occlusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was negative for an acute infarct. She was diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack and was discharged home with aspirin and a high‐intensity statin for secondary stroke prevention. She presented to the ED the next day with identical left‐sided weakness again. Her NIHSS was 5 this time and IV tPA was given again. MRI showed an acute infarct in the right posterior limb of the internal capsule. Transthoracic echo did not reveal an intracardiac shunting or thrombus. The stroke mechanism was small vessel disease, and anti‐hypertensive medications were added to the treatment. She was discharged to an acute rehabilitation center with an mRS of 3 and her 90‐day mRS was 1 on follow up. Conclusion Management of ERS is a challenging issue in stroke care. Our case adds value to the current limited literature demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of repeated tPA in ERS, especially in patients with MR negative stuttering lacunar infarct and subsequent improvement following tPA. Further research with larger registries is needed to identify appropriate selection criteria for repeated tPA use in this patient population.

SAT464 Hyperthyroidism Does Not Negatively Impact Outcomes of Adult Hospitalizations for Pulmonary Embolism: A Nationwide Analysis

Abstract Disclosure: A.G. Olafimihan: None. V. Deenadayalan: None. P.E. Ojemolon: None. R. Litvin: None. U.A. Ogar: None. E. Krishnaraju: None. F. Sami: None. E.H. Olojakpoke: None. Introduction: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a medical emergency associated with high mortality rates. Hyperthyroidism has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and PE. However, there are limited studies on its impact on the outcomes of patients with PE. We aimed to assess hyperthyroidism’s effect on in-hospital PE outcomes using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Methods: Data were extracted from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2016 to 2019. The NIS contains hospital discharge information estimating yearly US hospitalizations. We included hospitalizations with a principal discharge diagnostic code for PE using the ICD-10-CM code (E22.2). Hospitalizations of patients less than 18 years of age were excluded from the study. This cohort was divided based on the secondary diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, and secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS), total hospital charge, odds of acute respiratory failure (ARF), acute renal failure (AKI), undergoing embolectomy, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use and Inferior vena cave (IVC) filter placement. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders. Statistical significance was set at a p-value &amp;lt; 0.05. Results: There were 745,360 hospitalizations involving PE as the reason for admission, and 20.1% had comorbidity with hyperthyroidism. Admissions for PE with comorbid hyperthyroidism had similar in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR:1.17, P=0.41), mean LOS (4.9 vs 4.3 days, P=0.11) and mean THC ($53,127 vs $48,236, P=0.43) compared to those without hyperthyroidism. The odds of developing ARF (aOR: 0.93, P=0.466) or AKI (aOR: 0.95, P=0.71) were similar. Odds of undergoing embolectomy (aOR: 1.07, p=0.83), receiving tPA (aOR=1.03, P=0.87) and placing IVC filter (aOR=0.80, P=0.19) were similar between both groups. Conclusion: Hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism with hyperthyroidism had similar inpatient mortality compared to those without hyperthyroidism. Also, mean LOS, total hospital charge, ARF and AKI complications, and odds of embolectomy, tPA administration and IVC filter placement were alike for both categories. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Racial and ethnic disparities in the usage and outcomes of ischemic stroke treatment in the United States

ObjectivesThis study explores racial and ethnic differences in 1) receiving tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) as treatment for ischemic stroke and 2) outcomes and quality of care after use of tPA or EVT in the US. Materials and MethodsAn observational analysis of 89,035 ischemic stroke patients from the 2019 National Inpatient Sample was conducted. We performed weighted logistic regressions between race and ethnicity and 1) tPA and EVT utilization and 2) in-hospital mortality. We also performed a weighted Poisson regression between race and ethnicity and length of stay (LOS) after tPA or EVT. ResultsNon-Hispanic (NH) Black patients had significantly lower odds of receiving tPA (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.85, 95 % Confidence Internal [C.I.]: 0.80-0.91) and EVT (AOR = 0.75, 95 % CI: 0.70-0.82) than NH White patients. Minority populations (including but not limited to NH Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Native American, and Asian) had significantly longer hospital LOS after treatment with tPA or EVT. We did not find a significant difference between race/ethnicity and in-hospital mortality post-tPA or EVT. ConclusionsWhile we failed to find a difference in in-hospital mortality, racial and ethnic disparities are still evident in the decreased usage of tPA and EVT and longer LOSs for racial and ethnic minority patients. This study calls for interventions to expand the utilization of tPA and EVT and advance quality of care post-tPA or EVT in order to improve stroke care for minority patients.

Impact of presenting stroke severity and thrombolysis on outcomes following urgent carotid interventions

BackgroundCarotid interventions are increasingly performed in select patients following acute stroke. We aimed to determine the effects of presenting stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]) and use of systemic thrombolysis (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) on discharge neurological outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS]) after urgent carotid endarterectomy (uCEA) and urgent carotid artery stenting (uCAS). MethodsPatients undergoing uCEA/uCAS at a tertiary Comprehensive Stroke Center (January 2015 to May 2022) were divided into two cohorts: (1) no thrombolysis (uCEA/uCAS only) and (2) use of thrombolysis before the carotid intervention (tPA + uCEA/uCAS). Outcomes were discharge mRS and 30-day complications. Regression models were used to determine an association between tPA use and presenting stroke severity (NIHSS) and discharge neurological outcomes (mRS). ResultsTwo hundred thirty-eight patients underwent uCEA/uCAS (uCEA/uCAS only, n = 186; tPA + uCEA/uCAS, n = 52) over 7 years. In the thrombolysis cohort compared with the uCEA/uCAS only cohort, the mean presenting stroke severity was higher (NIHSS = 7.6 vs 3.8; P = .001), and more patients presented with moderate to severe strokes (57.7% vs 30.2% with NIHSS >4). The 30-day stroke, death, and myocardial infarction rates in the uCEA/uCAS only vs tPA + uCEA/uCAS were 8.1% vs 11.5% (P = .416), 0% vs 9.6% (P < .001), and 0.5% vs 1.9% (P = .39), respectively. The 30-day stroke/hemorrhagic conversion and myocardial infarction rates did not differ with tPA use; however, the difference in deaths was significantly higher in the tPA + uCEA/uCAS cohort (P < .001). There was no difference in neurological functional outcome with or without thrombolysis use (mean mRS, 2.1 vs 1.7; P = .061). For both minor strokes (NIHSS ≤4 vs NIHSS >4: relative risk, 1.58 vs 1.58, tPA vs no tPA, respectively, P = .997) and moderate strokes (NIHSS ≤10 vs NIHSS >10: relative risk, 1.94 vs 2.08, tPA vs no tPA, respectively; P = .891), the likelihood of discharge functional independence (mRS score of ≤2) was not influenced by tPA. ConclusionsPatients with a higher presenting stroke severity (NIHSS) had worse neurological functional outcomes (mRS). Patients presenting with minor and moderate strokes were more likely to have discharge neurological functional independence (mRS of ≤2), regardless of whether they received tPA or not. Overall, presenting NIHSS is predictive of discharge neurological functional autonomy and is not influenced by the use of thrombolysis.

P59: Treatment of Impella 5.5 Purge Dysfunction with Tissue Plasminogen Activator Prevents Subsequent Pump Exchanges

Background: The Impella 5.5 is a temporary, percutaneous left ventricular assist device (VAD) that contains a purge system to prevent blood from entering the motor housing. Acute pump failure can occur if purge flow is significantly disrupted and can be predicted by changes in purge pressure or flow rate. The use of alteplase (tPA) in a temporary purge solution is one intervention used to salvage pumps at risk of failure. We share our center’s experience using tPA to treat purge dysfunction in the Impella 5.5 population. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all Impella 5.5 patients implanted at a single academic center from November 2020 to January 2023 (n=90). Cases were identified by tPA use in the purge system and purge dysfunction was verified by EMR documentation of a notable change in purge pressure or flow rate. Results: tPA was used to treat purge system dysfunction in 10 patients (11.1%) supported for an average of 25 days (Table 1). Nine patients (90%) had dextrose and sodium bicarbonate purge solution with systemic bivalirudin anticoagulation, and one patient had dextrose and heparin purge solution with systemic heparin anticoagulation. On average, purge dysfunction requiring tPA use occurred on post-operative day 13 and required 10 ± 9 mg of tPA in solution. Nine patients (90%) had successful restoration of baseline purge pressure and flow following tPA administration, while the other patient was transitioned to comfort measures shortly after and success could not be determined. No patients required a pump exchange for continued purge dysfunction. Of those treated with tPA, 6 patients (55%) survived to discharge. Other than an incidental finding in one patient questionable for subarachnoid hemorrhage that not impacting clinical care, there were no other major bleeding events or strokes within 48 hours of tPA administration. Conclusion: In cases of identified purge dysfunction prior to pump failure, tPA is an effective intervention for resolution and return to baseline purge function in the Impella 5.5 device preventing the need for surgical pump exchange.

Management of multiple frostbite casualties at a burn center: San Antonio, Texas, 12–20 February 2021

BackgroundFrostbite is an insidious disease that normally affects people of cold climates. Winter Storm Uri, which occurred from February 12–20, 2021, created unique metrological conditions for Texas. It caused prolonged sub-freezing temperatures and led to rolling blackouts, affecting 2.8 million Texans including 300,000 people in San Antonio. We report 13 frostbite patients admitted to one burn center during this event. ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the at-risk population for frostbite, to categorize their injury severity, and to describe their treatment. A secondary aim was to describe the rehabilitation management of these patients. MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective study. Each patient’s injuries were assessed by a topographical grading system. Comparisons were made among those who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), admitted to the progressive care unit (PCU), and treated as outpatients. ResultsThirteen patients were identified. Ten (76.9 %) considered themselves homeless, and 9 (69.2 %) were directly exposed to the elements. The median delay between time of injury and presentation to a medical facility was 3 days (IQR 1–6). Only 3 patients presented to a medical facility within 24 h. Six (46 %) sustained grade 2 injuries, 2 (15 %) sustained grade 3 injuries, and 5 (38%) sustained grade 4 injuries. Only one patient met criteria to receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which was discontinued due to hematochezia. Patients admitted to the ICU, when compared to patients admitted to the ward, had a longer length of stay (median 73 days v. 12 days, p = 0.0215), and required more amputations at below-the-knee or higher levels (3 v. 0, p-value 0.0442). ConclusionIn a region unaccustomed and perhaps unprepared to deal with winter storms, the population is particularly vulnerable to frostbite. Lack of awareness of frostbite injuries likely led to the delay in the presentation of patients, which prevented the timely use of tPA. Increasing public awareness may increase readiness.

Use of Intracameral Tissue Plasminogen Activator During Uveitic Cataract Surgery

ABSTRACT Purpose To report the outcomes of intracameral tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use during uveitic cataract surgery. Design Retrospective case series from a single United States tertiary center of 36 eyes from 31 consecutive patients with established uveitis who received intraoperative intracameral tPA during cataract surgery between 2016 and 2020. Results Mean visual acuity (VA) improved from logMAR 1.0 ± 0.7 preoperatively to logMAR 0.7 ± 0.8 by POM12. VA improved from baseline postoperatively (POM1 p = 0.0002, POM6 p = 0.006 and POM12 p = 0.007). Minimal to no anterior chamber inflammation was achieved in 47.2% of the eyes by POW1 and 80.0% of the eyes by POM1. Mean clock-hours of posterior synechiae improved from 8.2 ± 3.8 preoperatively to 0.1 ± 0.6 by POM12. Six eyes developed hyphema and/or vitreous hemorrhage, four of which resolved spontaneously. Conclusions Adjunctive intracameral tPA during uveitic cataract surgery improves VA and intraocular inflammation, but risks postoperative hemorrhage. Intraoperative tPA as adjunctive anti-inflammatory therapy warrants randomized prospective studies.