1. Hyperacute Stroke Treatment: Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

2. T-PA Benefit Odds ratio of favorable outcome if t-PA is given:
within 90 min of symptom onset= 2.81 (95% CI, )
Within 90 and 180 min of symptom onset= 1.55 (95% CI, )
Community registry study SITS-ISTR: frequency of favorable outcome is 56.3% (CI, %)

3. T-PA Benefit 3 to 4.5 hour
Odds ratio of excellent outcome= 1.40 (95% CI, )
ECASS III trial odds ratio mRS 0-1: odds ratio 1.34 (95% CI, )

4. T-pa Risk
Major risk is intracerebral hemorrhage with variable rates of occurrence 1.9% to 10%
Risk of hemorrhage increases in proportion to degree to which the protocol is not followed
Angioedema estimated to occur between 1.3 – 5.1%
More associated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor use
Infarct involving the insular and frontal cortex

5. Inclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA
Diagnosis of ischemic stroke causing measurable neurological deficit
Onset of symptoms < 3hours before beginning treatment
Onset time is defined as either the witnessed onset of symptoms or the time last known normal if symptom onset was not witnessed
Aged > 18 years

6. Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA
Significant head trauma or prior stroke in previous 3 months
Small stroke within 3 months may be considered but should be included in risk discussion with patient or family member
Symptoms suggest subarachnoid hemorrhage
Arterial puncture at a noncompressible site in previous 7 days

7. Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA
History of previous intracerebral hemorrhage
Intracranial neoplasm, arteriovenous malformation, aneurysm
Recent intracranial or intraspinal surgery
Elevated blood pressure (systolic >185 or diastolic >110mm Hg)

8. Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA
Active internal bleeding
Acute bleeding diathesis, including but not limited to:
Platelet count < 100,00/mm
Heparin received within 48 hours, resulting in abnormally elevated aPTT greater than the upper limit of normal
Current use of anticoagulant wit INR>1.7 or PT>15 seconds
Current use of direct thrombin inhibitors or direct factor Xa inhibitors with elevatd sensitive laboratory tests(i.e. aPTT, INR, ECT, TT, or appropriate factor Xa activity assays

9. Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA
Blood glucose concentration <50 mg/dl
Can correct and reassess patient NIHSS
CT demonstrates multilobar infarction (hypodensity> 1/3 cerebral hemisphere

10. Relative Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA
Only minor or rapidly improving symptoms (clearing spontaneously)
Pregnancy
Seizure at onset with postictal residula neurological impairments
Major surgery or serious trauma within past 14 days
Recent gastrointestinal or urinary tract hemorrhage (within past 21 days)
Recent acute myocardial infarction (within previous 3 months)

11. Relative Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA
Under some circumstances– with careful consideration and weighing of risk to benefit– patients may receive t-PA despite 1 or more relative contraindications.

12. Relative Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA
Patients without recent use of oral anticoagulants or heparin, treatment with t-PA can be initiated before coagulation test results are back. Discontinue t-PA if exclusion criteria are met.
Patients without a history of thrombocytopenia, treatment with t-PA can be initiated before platelet count is back. Discontinue t-PA if exclusion criteria are met.

13. Additional Inclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA use between 3 and 4
Additional Inclusion Criteria for Intravenous t-PA use between 3 and 4.5 hours
Diagnosis of ischemic stroke causing a measurable neurological deficit
Symptom onset within 3 to 4.5 hours before beginning treatment

14. Additional Relative Exclusion For t-PA administration within 3 to 4
Additional Relative Exclusion For t-PA administration within 3 to 4.5 hours
Aged >80 years
Severe Stroke (NIHSS> 25)
Taking an oral anticoagulant regardless of INR
History of both diabetes and prior ischemic stroke

15. Warning Signs for Significant Hemorrhagic Transformation
Sudden onset of severe headache
Acute hypertension
Acute nausea or vomiting
Worsening neurological exam
Discontinue t-PA infusion and obtain stat CT non-contrast of brain
Restart infusion if no bleed

16. Conclusions Ischemic Stroke:
Get a complete history and present history succinctly and accurately to tele-neurologist
Alert tele-neurologist of any concerns with regard to patient care or t-PA administration
Keep Communication Lines Open