THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY IN ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE - THE JURY NEEDS MORE EVIDENCE

Randomised controlled trials have shown that thrombolytic therapy for acute ischaemic stroke may reduce the rate of death and disability at three- or six-month follow-up, but may also increase the risk of haemo rrhage and early death. Probable predictors of increased risk are seve re neurological deficit and early signs of infarction on computed tomo graphy, but these remain to be confirmed. More research is needed to d etermine which stroke patients will benefit from thrombolysis and the best regimen to use.