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McDonough R, Ospel J, Kashani N, Kappelhof M, Liu J, Yang P, Majoie C, Roos Y, Goyal M. Influence of recent direct-to-EVT trials on practical decision-making for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients. Interv Neuroradiol 2021; 28:668-674. [PMID: 34787489 DOI: 10.1177/15910199211057984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current guidelines recommend that eligible acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients receive intravenous alteplase (IVT) prior to endovascular treatment (EVT). Six randomized controlled trials recently sought to determine the risks of administering IVT prior to EVT, five of which have been published/presented. It is unclear whether and how the results of these trials will change guidelines. With the DEBATE survey, we assessed the influence of the recent trials on physicians' IVT treatment strategies in the setting of EVT for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. METHODS Participants were provided with 15 direct-to-mothership case-scenarios of LVO stroke patients and asked whether they would treat with IVT + EVT or EVT alone, a) before publication/presentation of the direct-to-EVT trials, and b) now (knowing the trial results). Logistic regression clustered by respondent was performed to assess factors influencing the decision to adopt an EVT-alone paradigm after publication/presentation of the trial results. RESULTS 289 participants from 37 countries provided 4335 responses, of which 13.5% (584/4335) changed from an IVT + EVT strategy to EVT alone after knowing the trial results. Very few switched from EVT alone to IVT + EVT (8/4335, 0.18%). Scenarios involving a long thrombus (RR 1.88, 95%CI:1.56-2.26), cerebral micro-hemorrhages (RR 1.78, 95%CI:1.43-2.23), and an expected short time to recanalization (RR 1.46 95%CI:1.19-1.78) had the highest chance of participants switching to an EVT-only strategy. CONCLUSION In light of the recent direct-to-EVT trials, a sizeable proportion of stroke physicians appears to be rethinking IVT treatment strategies of EVT-eligible mothership patients with AIS due to LVO in specific situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie McDonough
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, 37734University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Foothills Medical Center, 2129University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Johanna Ospel
- Division of Neuroradiology, Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 30262University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nima Kashani
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Foothills Medical Center, 2129University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Manon Kappelhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jianmin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, 12521Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengfei Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, 12521Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Charles Majoie
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvo Roos
- Department of Neurology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mayank Goyal
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Foothills Medical Center, 2129University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Ospel JM, McDonough R, Kunz WG, Goyal M. Is concurrent intravenous alteplase in patients undergoing endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusion stroke cost-effective even if the cost of alteplase is only US$1? J Neurointerv Surg 2021; 14:568-572. [PMID: 34187871 DOI: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2021-017817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The added value of intravenous (IV) alteplase in large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke over and beyond endovascular treatment (EVT) is controversial. We compared the long-term costs and cost-effectiveness of a direct-to-EVT paradigm in LVO stroke patients presenting directly to the mothership hospital to concurrent EVT and IV alteplase. METHODS We used a decision model consisting of a short-run model to analyze costs and functional outcomes within 90 days after the index stroke and a long-run Markov state transition model (cycle length of 12 months) to estimate expected lifetime costs and outcomes. Outcome data were from the DIRECT-MT trial (NCT03469206). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and net monetary benefits were calculated and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. Analysis was performed from a healthcare perspective and a societal perspective using both a minimal assumed alteplase cost of US$1 and true alteplase cost. RESULTS When assuming a minimal cost of alteplase of $1, EVT with concurrent IV alteplase resulted in incremental lifetime cost of $5664 (healthcare perspective)/$4804 (societal perspective) and a decrement of 0.25 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared with EVT only, indicating dominance of the EVT only approach. Net monetary benefits were consistently higher for EVT only compared with EVT with concurrent alteplase. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed increased costs without an increase in QALYs for EVT and concurrent IV alteplase compared with EVT only. Results were even more in favor of EVT when the true cost of alteplase was used for analysis. CONCLUSION EVT without concurrent alteplase is the preferred strategy from a health economic standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Maria Ospel
- Radiology, Universitatsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rosalie McDonough
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Mayank Goyal
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada .,Diagnostic Imaging, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Bulmer T, Volders D, Kamal N. Analysis of Thrombolysis Process for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Urban and Rural Hospitals in Nova Scotia Canada. Front Neurol 2021; 12:645228. [PMID: 33790851 PMCID: PMC8005571 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.645228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stroke is a devastating disease, but it is treatable with alteplase or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The effectiveness of tPA is highly time-dependent, meaning rapid treatment is critical. Fast treatment with tPA has been reported in many urban hospitals, but hospitals in rural locations struggle to reduce treatment times. This qualitative study examines current thrombolysis processes in one urban and two rural hospitals in Nova Scotia, Canada, by mapping and comparing the treatment process in these settings for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, and by analyzing the healthcare professionals views on various treatment topics. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals involved in stroke treatment across the three sites. The interviews focused on the various activities in the thrombolysis treatment at each site. Additionally, participants were asked about the following 10 topics: comfort treating acute ischemic stroke patients; perceptions about tPA; appropriate tPA treatment window; stroke patient priority; tPA availability; patient consent; urban-rural treatment differences; efficiency of their treatment process; treatment delays; and suggested process improvements. Results were analyzed using the Framework Method, as well as through the development of process maps. Results: Twenty three healthcare professionals were interviewed at 2 rural hospitals and 1 urban hospital. Acute ischemic stroke patients are triaged as the highest or urgent priority at each included site. Physicians are more hesitant to treat with tPA in rural settings. A total of 11 urban-rural treatment differences were noted by the rural sites. Additionally, 11 patient-related and 29 system treatment delays were described. A process map was developed for each site, representing the arrival by ambulance and by private vehicle pathways. Conclusions: Guidelines and clear protocols are critical in reducing treatment times and ensuring consistent access to treatment. The majority of treatment delays encountered are system delays, which can be appropriately planned for to reduce delays within the care pathway. There is a general consensus that there is an urban-rural treatment gap for acute ischemic stroke patients in Nova Scotia, and that continuing education is key in rural hospitals to improve Emergency Department (ED) physician comfort with treating patients with tPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Bulmer
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - David Volders
- Interventional & Diagnostic Neuroradiology, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Noreen Kamal
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Ospel JM, Kashani N, Fischer U, Menon BK, Almekhlafi M, Wilson AT, Foss MM, Saposnik G, Goyal M, Hill MD. How Do Physicians Approach Intravenous Alteplase Treatment in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Who Are Eligible for Intravenous Alteplase and Endovascular Therapy? Insights from UNMASK-EVT. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:262-267. [PMID: 31974081 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE With increasing use of endovascular therapy, physicians' attitudes toward intravenous alteplase in endovascular therapy-eligible patients may be changing. We explored current intravenous alteplase treatment practices of physicians in endovascular therapy- and alteplase-eligible patients with acute stroke using prespecified case scenarios and compared how their current local treatment practices differ compared with an assumed ideal environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS In an international multidisciplinary survey, 607 physicians involved in acute stroke care were randomly assigned 10 of 22 case scenarios, among them 14 with guideline-based alteplase recommendations (9 with level 1A and 5 with level 2B recommendation) and were asked how they would treat the patient: A) under their current local resources, and B) under assumed ideal conditions. Answer options were the following: 1) anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy, 2) endovascular therapy, 3) endovascular therapy plus intravenous alteplase, and 4) intravenous alteplase. Decision rates were calculated, and multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with the decision to abandon intravenous alteplase. RESULTS In cases with guideline recommendations for alteplase, physicians favored alteplase in 82.0% under current local resources and in 79.3% under assumed ideal conditions (P < .001). Under assumed ideal conditions, interventional neuroradiologists would refrain from intravenous alteplase most often (6.28%, OR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.01-5.71). When physicians' current and ideal decisions differed, most would like to add endovascular therapy to intravenous alteplase in an ideal setting (196/3861 responses, 5.1%). CONCLUSIONS In patients eligible for endovascular therapy and intravenous alteplase, we observed a slightly lower decision rate in favor of intravenous alteplase under assumed ideal conditions compared with the decision rate under current local resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ospel
- From the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences (J.M.O., B.K.M., M.A., A.T.W., M.M.F., M.G., M.D.H.)
- Division of Neuroradiology (J.M.O.), Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - N Kashani
- Radiology (N.K., B.K.M., M.A., M.G., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - U Fischer
- University Hospital Bern (U.F.), Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - B K Menon
- From the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences (J.M.O., B.K.M., M.A., A.T.W., M.M.F., M.G., M.D.H.)
- Radiology (N.K., B.K.M., M.A., M.G., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M Almekhlafi
- From the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences (J.M.O., B.K.M., M.A., A.T.W., M.M.F., M.G., M.D.H.)
- Radiology (N.K., B.K.M., M.A., M.G., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - A T Wilson
- From the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences (J.M.O., B.K.M., M.A., A.T.W., M.M.F., M.G., M.D.H.)
| | - M M Foss
- From the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences (J.M.O., B.K.M., M.A., A.T.W., M.M.F., M.G., M.D.H.)
| | - G Saposnik
- Division of Neurology (G.S.), Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Goyal
- From the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences (J.M.O., B.K.M., M.A., A.T.W., M.M.F., M.G., M.D.H.)
- Radiology (N.K., B.K.M., M.A., M.G., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M D Hill
- From the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences (J.M.O., B.K.M., M.A., A.T.W., M.M.F., M.G., M.D.H.)
- Radiology (N.K., B.K.M., M.A., M.G., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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