CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF INTRAVENOUS THROMBOLYSIS WITH ALTEPLASE IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE: AN EXPERIENCE AT MUKHTAR A SHEIKH HOSPITAL, MULTAN

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and to assess the clinical and functional outcomes, time intervals and any complications associated with the treatment. Methods: This observational retrospective study was conducted at Mukhtar A. Sheikh Hospital, Pakistan from January 2025 to December 2025. Patients aged ≥ 18 years old with AIS were included. Only patients who were treated with IV alteplase in a specific time window were included. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS. The stroke severity was measured as NIHSS scores. Continuous outcomes were expressed as medians. Frequencies were used to express categorical variables. Mann Whitney U test and chi square test were used to determine the incidence of favorable functional outcomes among different categories. Results: The study included 48 participants. The median age was 62 years (50 – 68.25). The baseline NIHSS score was 13 (10-17.75). The symptom onset to arrival time was 150 (120-180) mins. The NIHSS score significantly improved over time (p<0.0001). The functional outcome at 3 months was favourable for 37 (77.1%). The functional outcomes were significantly associated with age (p=0.032). Conclusion: The IV administration of alteplase was associated with increased early neurological improvement and good safety outcomes.