The research suggests that although it makes sense to open up vessels in patients with minor stroke, they didn't do better with thrombolysis.
Patients with minor deficits and evidence of an intracranial occlusion are a subpopulation at a high risk for early neurological deterioration, which most often occurs within the first 24 hours after presentation. The trial included patients with minor acute ischemic stroke and intracranial occlusion or focal perfusion abnormality who were within 12 hours from stroke onset.
Noting that previous studies have shown that patients with minor stroke and intracranial occlusion are at a risk for both progression and disability, the authors suggested that good supportive care may have improved outcomes in both groups.Commenting on the study at the ESOC meeting, Urs Fischer, MD, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland, said"What should we do for patients with mild stroke with vessel occlusion has been a huge unanswered question.
While TEMPO-2 did not prove that tenecteplase is better than the standard of care for the acute treatment of minor stroke, Sacco and Turc said the study confirms that tenecteplase is associated with a high rate of recanalization.