Results of a multicentre, randomised controlled trial of intra-arterial urokinase in the treatment of acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke

Cerebrovasc Dis. 2005;20(1):12-7. doi: 10.1159/000086121. Epub 2005 May 30.

Abstract

Background: Patients with ischaemic stroke due to occlusion of the basilar or vertebral arteries may develop a rapid deterioration in neurological status leading to coma and often to death. While intra-arterial thrombolysis may be used in this context, no randomised controlled data exist to support its safety or efficacy.

Methods: Randomised controlled trial of intra-arterial urokinase within 24 h of symptom onset in patients with stroke and angiographic evidence of posterior circulation vascular occlusion.

Results: Sixteen patients were randomised, and there was some imbalance between groups, with more severe strokes occurring in the treatment arm. A good outcome was observed in 4 of 8 patients who received intra-arterial urokinase compared with 1 of 8 patients in the control group.

Conclusions: These results support the need for a large-scale study to establish the efficacy of intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute basilar artery occlusion.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Ischemia / drug therapy*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intra-Arterial
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Plasminogen Activators / administration & dosage
  • Plasminogen Activators / therapeutic use
  • Stroke / drug therapy*
  • Survivors
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / administration & dosage
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / therapeutic use*
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Plasminogen Activators
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator