Researchers acknowledge that t-PA therapy is not the final answer for stroke. Also, the drug can acutely increase the risk for or exacerbate intracerebral hemorrhage. In addition, patients who take anticoagulants or those with blood pressure greater than 185 mm Hg over 110 mm Hg are not candidates for t-PA therapy. He spoke at a recent American Medical Association meeting on stroke. Susan C. Fagan, PharmD, associate professor of pharmacy practice at Wayne State University College of Pharmacy in Detroit, presented these results at the American Heart Association's annual conference on stroke research in February.
Stroke is considered one of the most costly medical conditions.
More Options Expected Researchers say that the introduction of t-PA is important because this treatment is the first of many stroke therapies and diagnostic aids on the horizon. Other thrombolytic therapies are being investigated in clinical trials. Although they hope that new therapies will extend the treatment window beyond 3 hours, researchers say that time will always be a crucial element in the treatment of stroke. The first link that will strengthen the chain of recovery is public education. The panel also recommended additional training for emergency workers, from 911 dispatchers to emergency medical technicians and police officers, in identifying stroke symptoms and stabilizing patients with stroke.