27 Aug Only 4% of US Stroke Patients Receive Approved Medication tPA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Opeolu Adeoye, MD MS FACEP FAHA
Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine and Neurosurgery
Division of Neurocritical Care
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH 45267
Medical Research: What are the main findings of the study?
Dr. Adeoye : Despite adequate access of the US population to hospitals that can deliver acute stroke care, only 4% of stroke patients in the US received tPA, the only approved medication for treating acute ischemic stroke.
Medical Research: Were any of the findings unexpected?
Dr. Adeoye : We were aware of the low rates of treatment but the proximity of the populations to hospitals that can provide treatment were unexpected.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Adeoye : Patients should ensure they’re aware of stroke centers in their communities and seek care at these hospitals if they suspect a stroke. Clinicians should remain vigilant for stroke and be aware of resources in their region for treating stroke quickly.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Adeoye : We found that about 1 in 5 five stroke patients were discharged from hospitals that did not administer tPA once during the year of study. Future studies should investigate trends in whether stroke patients are being cared for at stroke centers over hospitals incapable of delivering acute stroke care.
Citation:
Geographic Access to Acute Stroke Care in the United States
Last Updated on August 27, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD