Is thrombolytic therapy associated with increased mortality?
GROUND: Although thrombolytic therapy has shown substantial benefits in neural outcomes, concerns remain regarding the association between thrombolytic therapy and possible increased mortality. OBJECTIVE: To determine the mortality risk of certain thrombolytic agents that are a treatment option for acute ischemic stroke. DATA SOURCES, EXTRACTION, AND SYNTHESIS: Studies were identified using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the reference lists of the articles selected. Randomized placebo-controlled trials of thrombolytic agents for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients were eligible. Study quality was evaluated using a previously validated scale. Data were extracted in duplicate by two independent investigators. All-cause mortality during follow-up was the main outcome. Random effects models were used to pool the individual effects of trials. Several preplanned sensitivity and subgroup analyses were completed to explain the heterogeneity among t
