Analyses on safety and efficacy of non-standard dose of r-tPA in intravenous thrombolysis-treated AIS patients

BACKGROUND: Intravenous 0.9 mg/kg recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) is one of the most effective treatments in acute ischemic stroke patients. Practically, the dose of r-tPA is still a topic that is constantly being discussed. METHODS: For this observational study, data were obtained from 537 patients who received r-tPA thrombolysis at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital stroke center over 5 years (2014–2019). Patients were divided into two groups: a non-standard dose group (0.6 mg/kg ≤ dose < 0.9 mg/kg) and a standard dose group (0.9 mg/kg). Different outcomes were observed: efficacy: 3 months mRS 0-1 (3m-mRS0-1); safety: symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 24 h (24h-sICH) and 3 months mortality (3m-death). We also observed the effect of r-tPA dose coefficient on outcomes in different age groups and baseline National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score subgroups. RESULTS: There were 265 patients who gave the standard dose treatment and 272 gave the nonstandard dose. There was no significant difference between the non-standard dose group and the standard dose group in 3m-mRS0-1, 3m-death, and 24h-sICH (p = 0.567, 0.327, and 0.415, respectively). The dose coefficient presents a significant negative correlation (p = 0.034, B = −4.290) with 3m-death in NIHSS < 16 sub-group. Door-to-needle time (DNT) is the most important independent outcome-influential factor (MIOIF) in the NIHSS ≥16 sub-group. The diabetes history and baseline NIHSS score were the MIOIF in the age ≥80-year sub-group. CONCLUSIONS: The non-standard dose group (0.6 mg/kg ≤ dose < 0.9 mg/kg) shows no difference in safety and effectiveness than the standard dose group (0.9 mg/kg) in our study. The standard dose should be considered first according to current evidence and Guidelines, but the non-standard dose (0.6 mg/kg ≤ dose < 0.9 mg/kg) might be an option in the actual diagnosis and treatment process considering the patient's clinical profile and financial condition.