A protocol‐driven model for the rapid initiation of stroke thrombolysis in the emergency department

OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy and safety of a 24-hour comprehensive protocol-driven model for rapid assessment and thrombolysis of stroke patients in the emergency department. DESIGN: Prospective open observational study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: All patients with acute stroke presenting within 3 hours to the St Vincent's Hospital (Sydney) emergency department between 1 December 2004 and 30 July 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of patients treated, patient demographics, clinical outcome, adverse events and time to treatment parameters. RESULTS: 134 patients (100 stroke; 34 transient ischaemic attack) were admitted to the stroke unit during the study period. Of the 100 stroke patients, 40 presented within 3 hours of symptom onset. Fifteen patients had no contraindications and received intravenous thrombolysis. At 3 months, 10 patients (67%) were independent (modified Rankin score [mRS], 0-2) and seven (47%) had an excellent functional outcome (mRS < or = 1). Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage was not observed. The median time from symptom onset to tissue plasminogen activator treatment was 155 minutes (range, 105-197 min). Median onset-to-door, door-to-computed tomography, and door-to-needle times were 48, 25, and 87 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Rapid assessment of stroke in the emergency department according to a comprehensive protocol allows identification and treatment of acute ischaemic stroke patients eligible for thrombolysis.