Bridging therapy versus direct mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: an updated meta-analysis of real-world evidence.

ABSTRACT: While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared bridging therapy (BT: IV thrombolysis prior to mechanical thrombectomy) with direct mechanical thrombectomy (dMT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), their findings are inconsistent and may not fully represent real-world clinical practice. This study provides an updated synthesis of real-world observational data comparing the safety and efficacy of BT versus dMT in AIS due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). A systematic literature search was conducted across four major databases. Non-randomized studies comparing BT with dMT in AIS patients were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models for key clinical outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcast

SUBMITTER: Huang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12827676 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature