Stroke Drug Works Within 4.5-Hour Window

A recent study supports the idea that the stroke drug alteplase can improve outcomes if administered within 4.5 hours of a stroke.

Werner Hacke, M.D., at the department of neurology at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and colleagues published research showing alteplase brought better results than placebo when used within a 3.0 to 4.5 hour window after patients experience a stroke.

The study involved 418 patients assigned to alteplase and 403 to placebo. In all cases, researchers observed a trend in favor of alteplase.

“Our results support the use of this thrombolytic drug in the extended period across a broad range of patient subgroups who meet the requirements of the European product label but miss the approved treatment window,” study authors wrote. “Even with these encouraging findings, the most important principle of acute stroke intervention should, however, not be lost — i.e., time remains critical and fast treatment still provides the greatest chance of recovery.” – Lancet Neurology