Comparisons of outcomes in stroke subtypes after intravenous thrombolysis

Outcome of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients with small vessel disease

INTRODUCTION

Lacunar stroke (LS) subtype accounts for a quarter of ischemic strokes. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is known to improve overall stroke outcomes. Very few studies have focused on the outcome of IVT in lacunar strokes.

AIM

To detect the outcome of IVT in LS patients compared to non-thrombolysed LS patients.

METHODS

Fifty patients presenting with LS received the standard protocol of IVT (Group I). They were compared to fifty matched LS patients who presented beyond the time window and were selected as the control group (Group II). Clinical outcome was measured using NIHSS within 24 h, NIHSS at discharge, and MRS after 3 months. Risk factors that could have affected clinical outcomes were compared in the thrombolysis group.

RESULTS

The short-term clinical outcome of Group I showed statistically significant improvement of NIHSS after 24 hrs compared to Group II (mean NIHSS = 5.52±3.89 and 7.44±1.82 respectively), as well as on discharge (mean NIHSS = 3.88±3.50 and 5.78±2.97) respectively. For long-term outcomes, 94 % of GroupⅠ reached MRS 0, 1, and 2 (n = 47/50) versus 74 % (n = 36/50) in Group II. Longer door-to-needle time, severe WMCs (Fazekas score), and pneumonia were shown to be significant predictor factors for the worst outcome.

CONCLUSION

IVT has improved short- and long-term outcomes in LS patients. Longer door-to-needle time, severe WMCs, and pneumonia were shown to be significant predictor factors for the worst outcome.

Blood pressure variability and outcome in atherosclerosis versus cardioembolism cerebral large vessel occlusion after successful thrombectomy

Higher blood pressure variability (BPV) has been proven associated with worse functional outcome after endovascular treatment (EVT). However, this association is not established according to different stroke etiologies. In this study, we compared patients with the two highest proportions of stroke etiologies-cardioembolism (CE) and large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), aiming to explore appropriate strategies of BP management for different etiologies. We enrolled patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in anterior circulation who underwent EVT and achieved successful recanalization retrospectively. 24-h blood pressure (BP) and BPV measured as blood pressure reduction (BPr), standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), successive variation (SV), average real variability (ARV) after EVT were collected for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The favorable outcome was defined as functional independence by 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS 0-2). In our cohort, higher BPV parameters significantly resulted in 90d functional dependence in CE-LVO patients (SBPSV OR: 1.083, 95%CI = 1.009-1.163; SBPARV OR: 1.121, 95%CI = 1.019-1.233; DBPSD OR: 1.124, 95%CI = 1.007-1.1256; DBPCV OR: 1.078, 95%CI = 1.002-1.161). However, for LAA-LVO patients, no positive results correlated 90d functional dependence with 24-hour BPV. Additionally, 90d functional dependence in CE patients with poor collaterals were significantly dependent on post-procedural BPV (DBPmax OR: 1.044, 95%CI = 1.002-1.087; DBPSD OR: 1.229, 95%CI = 1.022-1.1.479; DBPCV OR: 1.143, 95%CI = 1.009-1.295). Whereas to patients with good collaterals, there did not exist such a correlation. In summary, stroke etiologies should probably be taken into consideration to optimize individualized BP management strategies. In order to achieve better clinical outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion, stricter blood pressure management should be taken in cardioembolic stroke patients in contrast with large artery atherosclerotic stroke patients after successful endovascular therapy.

Efficacy and Safety of Alteplase on Treatment of Acute Single Small Subcortical Infarction

BACKGROUND

Single Small Subcortical Infarction (SSSI) is an isolated small infarction in the territory of perforating artery with a maximum diameter of 20 mm in axial Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI). About 20 to 30% of SSSI patients were reported to have Early Neurological Deterioration (END) in the acute phase, which brought adverse effects on long-term outcomes. The effect of the alteplase on the outcome of SSSI, especially END and long-term outcomes, was ambiguous.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to find out the efficacy and safety of intravenous recombinant tissue Plasminogen Activator (rt-PA) on long-term and short- outcomes of patients with SSSI as compared to patients who received standard medical care.

METHODS

The patients were retrospectively screened from a stroke registry of the neurology department of 1st Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to December 2020. Based on treatment modality, patients were dichotomized into alteplase and standard medical care groups. To minimize confounding factors in subgroups, a propensity score matching analysis was done. The primary outcome was the favorable functional outcome 3 months after stroke onset, defined by attaining a score of ≤2 points on the modified Rankin scale (mRS), secondary outcome was the prevention of occurrence of END, defined as an increase of ≥2 points in the total score or ≥1point on motor subunit in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score within 72 hours after admission, safety features were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) or death. Multivariate analysis was employed to find the efficacy and safety of alteplase in the treatment of SSSI.

RESULTS

A total of 717 patients with anterior circulation SSSI were selected, and 132 were included in the final analysis. Forty-five patients were treated with alteplase within 4.5 hours and 87 with standard medical care, and 44 pairs were successfully matched by propensity score. Pre-match data showed that the alteplase thrombolysis group showed a higher proportion of favorable outcomes at 3-month follow-up [OR=0.315, 95%CI:0.106, 0.931, P = 0.037] but did not reduce the incidence of END compared with the non-thrombolytic group [OR = 1.033, 95%CI:0.417,2.554, P = 0.943]. Post-match data showed that the alteplase group also showed a higher proportion of favorable outcomes at 3-month follow-up [OR = 0.247, 95%CI: 0.074, 0.830, P = 0.024]; however, it did not reduce the incidence of END compared with the non-thrombolytic group [OR = 1.241, 95%CI: 0.433,3.554, P = 0.688]. There was one case of asymptomatic ICH in alteplase treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with SSSI in the anterior circulation are more likely to achieve 3 months favorable outcomes than those who were treated with standard medical care; however, treatment with alteplase may not prevent the occurrence of END.

Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke with Large Vessel Occlusion According to Different Stroke Subtypes: Data from ANGEL-ACT Registry

Introduction

Endovascular treatment’s (EVT) safety and efficacy have been proven in treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, limited data exist in different stroke subtypes. We aimed to investigate the differences in efficacy and safety of EVT for acute LVO according to different stroke subtypes.

Methods

A total of 1635 AIS patients with LVO undergoing EVT from a prospective cohort of the Endovascular Treatment Key Technique and Emergency Work Flow Improvement of Acute Ischemic Stroke (ANGEL-ACT) registry were classified into three types according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. We compared the primary outcome: 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, the secondary outcomes: 90-day mRS (0–1, 0–2, and 0–3), successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3), and complete recanalization (mTICI 3), and the safety outcomes: death within 90 days, parenchymal hemorrhage (PH), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) among the three subtypes of stroke patients. Then, multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for potential baseline-confounding variables to determine the associations between stroke subtypes and safety and efficacy endpoints were performed. Finally, we performed subgroup analyses to explore discrepancies in the relationships.

Results

EVT of cardioembolic LVO (CE-LVO) had a higher rate of mTICI 3 (71.7% vs. 65.9% and 63.2%; P = 0.024) and a higher rate of PH (13.8% vs. 5.4% and 6.7%; P < 0.001) when compared to other stroke subtypes. Even multivariable analysis demonstrated that CE-LVO was associated with mTICI 3 [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.50 (95% CI 1.04–2.17)] and PH [adjusted OR, 1.97 (95% CI 1.09–3.55)]. However, the 90-day mRS distribution and 90-day mRS (0–1, 0–2, and 0–3) did not differ among the stroke subtypes, and nor did the SICH (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Functional outcomes were similar among different stroke subtypes. Despite a higher rate of complete recanalization, there is an increased risk of parenchymal hemorrhage in CE-LVO.

Trial Registration

Clinical trial registration number: NCT03370939.

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous rtPA in Ischemic Strokes Due to Small-Vessel Occlusion: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (iv-rtPA) has been routinely used to treat ischemic stroke for 25 years, following large clinical trials. However, there are few prospective studies on the efficacy and safety of this therapy in strokes attributed to cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). We evaluated functional outcome (modified Rankin scale, mRS) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) using all available data on the effects of iv-rtPA in SVD-related ischemic stroke (defined either using neuroimaging, clinical features, or both). Using fixed-effect and random-effects models, we calculated the pooled effect estimates with regard to excellent and favorable outcomes (mRS=0-1 and 0-2 respectively, at 3 months), and the rate of sICH. Twenty-three studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria, 11 of which were comparative, and there were only 3 randomized clinical trials. In adjusted analyses, there was an increased odds of excellent outcome (adjusted OR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.29-1.82, I2: 0%) or favorable outcome (adjusted OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.31-2.15,I2: 0%) in patients who received iv-rtPA compared with placebo. Across the six studies which reported it, the incidence of sICH was higher in the treatment group (M-H RR = 8.83, 95% CI: 2.76-28.27). The pooled rate of sICH in patients with SVD administered iv-rtPA was only 0.72% (95% CI: 0.12%-1.64%). We conclude that when ischemic stroke attributed to SVD is considered separately, available data on the effects of iv-rtPA therapy are insufficient for the highest level of recommendation, but it seems to be safe. Although further therapeutic trials in SVD-related ischemic stroke appear to be justified, our findings should not prevent its continued use for this group of patients in clinical practice.

Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Review of 97 Patients

BACKGROUND

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) has now become a standard treatment in eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who present within 4.5 h of symptom onset.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of IVT and the subset of patients who will benefit from IVT in AIS within 4.5 h.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with AIS within 4.5 h of symptom onset who underwent IVT were studied prospectively. The study period was from October 2011 to October 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 97 patients were thrombolysed intravenously. The mean onset to needle time in all patients was 177.2 ± 62 min (range: 60-360). At 3 months follow-up, favorable outcome was seen in 65 patients (67.1%) and poor outcome including death in the remaining 32 patients (32.9%). Factors predicting favorable outcome was age <65 years (P = 0.02), the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) <15 (P < 0.001), small vessel occlusion (P = 0.006), cardioembolism (P = 0.006), and random blood sugar (RBS) <250 mg/dl (P < 0.001). Factors predicting poor outcome was diabetes mellitus (P = 0.01), dyslipidemia (P = 0.01), NIHSS at admission >15 (P = 0.03), RBS >250 mg/dl (P = 0.01), Dense cerebral artery sign, age, glucose level on admission, onset-to-treatment time, NIHSS on admission score >5 (P = 0.03), and occlusion of large artery (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Milder baseline stroke severity, blood glucose <250 mg/dL, younger patients (<65 years), cardioembolic stroke, and small vessel occlusion benefit from recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

Treatment Approaches to Lacunar Stroke

Lacunar strokes are appropriately named for their ability to cavitate and form ponds or "little lakes" (Latin: lacune -ae meaning pond or pit is a diminutive form of lacus meaning lake). They account for a substantial proportion of both symptomatic and asymptomatic ischemic strokes. In recent years, there have been several advances in the management of large vessel occlusions. New therapies such as non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and left atrial appendage closure have recently been developed to improve stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation; however, the treatment of small vessel disease-related strokes lags frustratingly behind. Since Fisher characterized the lacunar syndromes and associated infarcts in the late 1960s, there have been no therapies specifically targeting lacunar stroke. Unfortunately, many therapeutic agents used for the treatment of ischemic stroke in general offer only a modest benefit in reducing recurrent stroke while adding to the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage and systemic bleeding. Escalation of antithrombotic treatments beyond standard single antiplatelet agents has not been effective in long-term lacunar stroke prevention efforts, unequivocally increasing intracerebral hemorrhage risk without providing a significant benefit. In this review, we critically review the available treatments for lacunar stroke based on evidence from clinical trials. For several of the major drugs, we summarize the adverse effects in the context of this unique patient population. We also discuss the role of neuroprotective therapies and neural repair strategies as they may relate to recovery from lacunar stroke.

Overlap in the Genetic Architecture of Stroke Risk, Early Neurological Changes, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background and Purpose- The genetic relationships between stroke risk, stroke severity, and early neurological changes are complex and not completely understood. Genetic studies have identified 32 all stroke risk loci. Polygenic risk scores can be used to compare the genetic architecture of related traits. In this study, we compare the genetic architecture of stroke risk, stroke severity, and early neurological changes with that of 2 stroke risk factors: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension. Methods- We assessed the degree of overlap in the genetic architecture of stroke risk, T2DM, hypertension, and 2 acute stroke phenotypes based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), which ranges from 0 for no stroke symptoms to 21 to 42 for a severe stroke: baseline (within 6 hours after onset) and change in NIHSS (ΔNIHSS=NIHSS at baseline-NIHSS at 24 hours). This was done by (1) single-nucleotide polymorphism by single-nucleotide polymorphism comparison, (2) weighted polygenic risk scores with sentinel variants, and (3) whole-genome polygenic risk scores using multiple P thresholds. Results- We found evidence of genetic architecture overlap between stroke risk and T2DM ( P=2.53×10^-169), hypertension ( P=3.93×10^-04), and baseline NIHSS ( P=0.03). However, there was no evidence of overlap between ΔNIHSS and stroke risk, T2DM, or hypertension. Conclusions- The genetic architecture of stroke risk is correlated with that of T2DM, hypertension, and initial stroke severity (NIHSS within 6 hours of stroke onset). However, the genetic architecture of early neurological change after stroke (ΔNIHSS) is not correlated with that of ischemic stroke risk, T2DM, or hypertension. Thus, stroke risk and early neurological change after stroke have distinct genetic architectures.

A Novel Neuroimaging Model to Predict Early Neurological Deterioration After Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective:

In acute ischemic stroke, early neurological deterioration (END) may occur in up to one-third of patients. However, there is still no satisfying or comprehensive predictive model for all the stroke subtypes. We propose a practical model to predict END using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Method:

Patients with anterior circulation infarct were recruited and they underwent an MRI within 24 hours of stroke onset. END was defined as an elevation of ≥2 points on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 72 hours of stroke onset. We examined the relationships of END to individual END models, including: A, infarct swelling; B, small subcortical infarct; C, mis-match; and D, recurrence.

Results:

There were 163 patients recruited and 43 (26.4%) of them had END. The END models A, B and C significantly predicted END respectively after adjusting for confounding factors (p=0.022, p=0.007 and p<0.001 respectively). In END model D, we examined all imaging predictors of Recur-rence Risk Estimator (RRE) individually and only the “multiple acute infarcts” pattern was signifi-cantly associated with END (p=0.032). When applying END models A, B, C and D, they success-fully predicted END (p<0.001; odds ratio: 17.5[95% confidence interval: 5.1–60.8]), with 93.0% sensitivity, 60.0% specificity, 45.5% positive predictive value and 96.0% negative predictive value.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrate that the proposed model could predict END in all stroke sub-types of anterior circulation infarction. It provides a practical model for clinical physicians to select high-risk patients for more aggressive treatment to prevent END.

Outcome after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute lacunar stroke: An observational study based on SITS international registry and a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for lacunar stroke (LS) is debated, as the underlying pathophysiological mechanism may not be thrombogenic.

AIMS

To investigate outcomes after IVT in LS in the SITS International Stroke Thrombolysis Register and perform a meta-analysis.

METHODS

LS was identified by both baseline NIHSS-subscores and discharge ICD-10 codes, and contrasted by IVT to non-IVT treated. IVT patients were predominantly from Europe, non-IVT patients predominantly from South America and Asia. Outcome measurements were functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤2), excellent outcome (mRS ≤ 1), and mortality at three months. Matched-control comparisons of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) between IVT-treated LS and IVT-treated non-LS patients were performed. Additionally, we performed a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Median age for IVT-treated LS patients (n = 4610) was 66 years vs. 64 years and NIHSS score was 6 vs. 3, compared to non-IVT-treated LS (n = 1221). Univariate outcomes did not differ; however, IVT-treated LS patients had higher adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for functional independence (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.28-2.13) but similar mortality at three months (aOR = 0.57, 0.29-1.13) than non-IVT-LS. Propensity-score matched analysis showed that IVT-treated LS patients had a 7.1% higher chance of functional independency than non-IVT LS patients (p < 0.001). IVT-treated LS patients had lower odds for SICH (aOR = 0.33, 0.19-0.58 per SITS, aOR = 0.40, 0.27-0.57 per ECASS-2) than matched non-LS controls, which was mirrored in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our adjusted results show that IVT treatment in LS patients was associated with better functional outcome than non-IVT-treated LS and less SICH than IVT-treated non-LS patients.

Clinical outcome of cardioembolic stroke treated by intravenous thrombolysis

INTRODUCTION

Cardioembolic stroke (CS) in patients without thrombolytic treatment is associated with a worse clinical outcome and higher mortality compared to other types of stroke. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of CS in patients treated by intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY

Data of patients from the SITS-EAST register (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke) were analyzed in patients who received IVT treatment from 2000 to April 2014. The effect of the stroke etiology according to ICD-10 classification on outcome was analyzed using a univariate and multivariate analysis. The outcomes were assessed as follows: excellent clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-1) at 3 months, the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), mortality, and improvement at 24 hours after IVT.

RESULTS

Data of 13 772 patients were analyzed. CS represented 30% of all strokes. The mean age of patients with CS, atherothrombotic stroke, lacunar stroke, and other stroke was 70.8, 66.7, 66.2, and 63.3 years, respectively (P < .001). Severity of stroke on admission by median NIHSS score was 13 points in patients with CS, 12 points - in atherothrombotic stroke, 7 points - in lacunar stroke, and 10 points-in other stroke types (P < .001). No difference in mortality was detected among atherothrombotic and CS; however, atherothrombotic strokes had higher odds of sICH [OR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.07-2.47), P = .023], lower odds of early improvement [OR = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72-0.86), P < .001], and excellent clinical outcome [OR = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67-0.87), P < .001] compared with CS.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardioembolic strokes are not associated with increased mortality. Patients with CS are less likely to have sICH and have better outcome after IVT.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hospital Mortality among Ischemic Stroke Patients in Hawaii

BACKGROUND

We evaluated disparities in in-hospital mortality rates among whites, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI), Filipinos, and other Asian groups in Hawaii who were hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a statewide hospital claims database, we performed a retrospective study including sequential acute ischemic stroke patients between 2010 and 2015. We compared in-hospital mortality rates among whites, NHOPI, Filipinos, other Asian groups excluding Filipinos, and other races (Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, mixed race).

RESULTS

A total of 13,030 patient discharges were included in this study. The mean (±SD) age in years at the time of stroke was 63.5 ± 14.3 for NHOPI, 69.6 ± 14.4 for Filipinos, 67.8 ± 14.2 for other race, 71.4 ± 13.8 for whites, and 76.1 ± 13.5 for other Asians (P < .001). NHOPI patients had higher rates of diabetes (48.8%), obesity (18.4%), and tobacco use (31.3%) compared with patients in other racial-ethnic categories. Filipino patients had the highest rate of hemorrhagic transformation (9.7%). Age-adjusted stroke mortality rates were highest among Filipinos (15.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.3%-17.6%), followed by other Asian groups (15.1%; 95% CI = 14.0%-16.2%), NHOPI (14.8%; 95% CI = 12.8%-16.8%), other race (14.4%; 95% CI = 11.3%-17.4%), and lowest among whites (12.8%; 11.5%-14.2%). After adjusting for other confounding variables, Filipinos had higher mortality (odds ratio = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03-1.45), whereas other Asian groups, NHOPI, and other race patients had mortality rates that were similar to whites.

CONCLUSION

In Hawaii, Filipino ethnicity is an independent risk factor for higher in-hospital stroke mortality compared with whites.

Predictors of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Acute Stroke Patients Receiving Intravenous Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Background:

Symptomatic Intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a serious complication of recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence and predictors of sICH in patients after receiving IV rt-PA for AIS.

Material and Methods:

Consecutive patients of AIS thrombolysed between January 2010 and June 2016 in a University hospital in Hyderabad (India) were studied prospectively for sICH and it's various variables compared with the control group without sICH to determine any sigificantant difference.

Results:

Out of 113 patients , sICH was detected in 12 (10.61%) whose mean age(58±12.0 years) and gender ratio ( 2:1 ) was not statistically significant from controls. In s ICH group mean NIHSS score was 16.53± 5.81 vs 10.19± 5.06 in controls (p<0.001), gap between stroke onset and thrombolysis was 227.50±46.15 min vs 178.50± 69.20 min in controls(p=0.018). At presentation mean blood sugar was 208.75±90.97 mg/dl in sICH group vs 146.83±70.21 mg/dl in controls (p=0.002). Prior diabetes was in 7(53.30%) vs 23 (22.8%) in controls (p= 0.014)and hypertension in 11 (91.7%) vs (56(55.4%) in controls (p= 0.026) The mortality in sICH was 7 (58.30%)vs 4 (4.94%) in controls (p<.0.001). At 3 months mean mRS ofsICH patients was 5.57± 0.54 vs 2.17± 1.69 in controls (p<.05).

Conclusion:

High NIHSS score, increased stroke onset to thrombolysis time , high blood sugar at presentation ,prior diabetes and hypertension increase the chances of sICH. None of these contraindicate thrombolysing strokes but should caution the physician.

The Chinese Stroke Association scientific statement: intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke

The most effective medical treatment for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is to offer intravenous thrombolysis during the ultra-early period of time after the onset. Even based on the Consensus of Chinese Experts on Intravenous Thrombolysis for AIS in 2012 and 2014 Chinese Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of AIS, the rate of thrombolysis for AIS in China remained around 2.4%, and the rate of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator usage was only about 1.6% in real world. The indication of thrombolysis for AIS has been expanded, and contraindications have been reduced with recently published studies. In order to facilitate the standardisation of treating AIS, improve the rate of thrombolysis and benefit patients who had a stroke, Chinese Stroke Association has organised and developed this scientific statement.