Article

Thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is currently used
throughout the world in acute ischaemic stroke management. In this review, we
will explore the status of our current knowledge about the effects of rtPA on
specific rehabilitation domains and highlight some key knowledge gaps. METHODS:
Narrative review of the larger clinical and postmarketing surveillance studies.
RESULTS: To date, most of the previous research into rtPA for acute ischaemic
stroke has focused on safety and efficacy using general outcome measures and has
ceased following patients 90 days after rtPA administration. This research has
provided valuable information about the safety and efficacy of rtPA and has
facilitated the introduction of rtPA into clinical practice for stroke
management. However there is a paucity of knowledge about the long-term recovery
patterns of patients post-rtPA, including the effect of rtPA on specific
rehabilitation domains and its impact on post-acute service delivery.
Furthermore, limited information is available about the effect of rtPA on
post-stroke quality of life and participation in society. CONCLUSION: These
knowledge gaps have substantial implications for the long-term management of
patients by rehabilitation teams. Increasing our knowledge in these areas may
assist us to predict which individuals are most likely to benefit from
thrombolysis with rtPA, and enable us to provide optimal rehabilitation programs
to maximise functional outcomes and quality of life post-stroke. IMPLICATIONS FOR
REHABILITATION: * Thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is
currently used throughout the world in acute ischaemic stroke management. *
Previous research into rtPA has focused on largely on safety and efficacy using
general outcome measures. * There is a lack of knowledge about the long-term
recovery patterns and service requirements of patients post-rtPA, which has
important implications for the management of these patients by rehabilitation
teams.

Langue : ANGLAIS