Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator use for ischemic stroke in the United States: a doubling of treatment rates over the course of 5 years.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In 2004, 1.8% to 2.1% of AIS patients in the United States received rtPA. Given incentives from regulatory agencies and payors to increase rtPA use, we hypothesized that rtPA use in the United States would increase from 2005 to 2009.

Methods

AIS cases were defined by exclusion of hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack International Classification of Diseases 9th revision codes (430, 431, 432, and 435) from diagnosis-related groups 14, 15, 524, and 559 discharges. Patients receiving thrombolytics were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9th revision code 99.10 (Medicare Provider and Analysis Review and Premie

SUBMITTER: Adeoye O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4114342 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature