Tissue plasminogen activator and stroke: review of the literature for the clinician.

BACKGROUND Alteplase (tPA) is a United States (US) Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke, though there are significant barriers to thrombolytic use, including Emergency Physicians' (EPs') concern for level of supporting evidence. STUDY OBJECTIVES To review the medical literature on the topic of acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) management and to offer EPs evidence-based recommendations for patients who present to the Emergency Department with an acute CVA. METHODS A MEDLINE literature search from 1990 to 2011 and limited to human studies written in English for articles with keywords of: CVA AND (thromboly* OR alteplase). Guideline statements and non-systematic reviews were excluded. Studies targeting differences between specific populations (males vs. females) were excluded. Studies identified then underwent a structured review from which results could be evaluated. RESULTS There were 407 papers on thrombolytic use screened, and 15 appropriate articles were rigorously reviewed and recommendations given. CONCLUSIONS tPA is an effective treatment for stroke when given in prepared stroke centers; EPs and hospitals treating stroke patients with tPA need to have the necessary resources in place and a specific plan for timely care of patients with acute stroke.