INTRAVENOUS THROMBOLYSIS (IVT) OF CEREBRAL INFARCTION: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF CAEN (FRANCE)

Aim To report the results of our IVT experience of cerebral infarction at the University Hospital of Caen and compare them with literature data. Methods Retrospective study of patients treated between the 1st of January, 2008 and the 30th of September, 2011. The parameters analyzed included the 24 hours NIHSS score (early outcome considered good if NIHSS score <= 2), the rate of symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage, the 3-month Rankin scale (3-month outcome considered good if mRS <= 1 and fair if mRS <= 2). Results One hundred and sixty five patients (5.7% of all cerebral infarctions) were included. TIV was performed in all patients within 4.5 hours after onset. 22.4% of patients had a 24h-NIHSS score <= 2 and 9.7% had symptomatic brain hemorrhage. At 3 months, 31.3% of patients had mRS <= 1 and 47.3% mRS <= 2. The overall mortality rate was 19.6%. Young age, low initial and 24h NIHSS score, low blood sugar, short stay and early thrombolysis were associated with a better prognosis at 3 months. Patients over 80 (28.5%) had a higher mortality rate (32.6% vs 14.7%, p = 0.01) and a poorer recovery (mRS <= 2) than younger patients(31.9% vs 54.4%, p = 0.01). Conclusion Our results are comparable to the literature data. The prognosis was significantly worse in older patients.