Number needed to treat for stroke thrombectomy based on a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death worldwide, which has defied treatment efforts well into the era of modern medicine [1]. Beginning in the 1990s, the NINDS rt-PA trial revolutionized medical management of acute ischemic stroke, demonstrating that rt-PA started within 3hours of symptoms results in improved outcomes at 90days (OR 1.7 [1.2 –2.6]) [2]. Three years later, the ECASS III trial showed similar results for rt-PA given within 4.5hours [3]. The number needed to treat (NNT) for rt-PA administered with 4.5hours is between 4 and 13 [4].

Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery - March 9, 2017 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Ephraim W. Church, Alexandra Gundersen, Michael J. Glantz, Scott D. Simon Tags: Review Source Type: research