Intravenous Tenecteplase vs Alteplase Before Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke. A Systematic Review & Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of Alteplase (ALT) bridging to endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard approach in treating patients with large vessel stroke (LVO). Tenecteplase (TNK) has emerged as an equivalent fibrinolytic agent in treating ischemic stroke due to its remarkable pharmacological characteristics. This study aims to compare the use of intravenous TNK to ALT bridging to MT in patients with LVO. METHODS: We included observational and randomized controlled trials of patients with LVO who received bridging TNK vs ALT before undergoing MT. Efficacy outcomes included functional independence which is indicated by a modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0-2 at 90 days. Radiological outcomes included the rate of successful recanalization post-MT (Modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia [mTICI] score of 2b/3), and the rate of pre-MT recanalization, indicated by an mTICI of 2b/3 at the first angiographic assessment. The all-cause mortality at 90 days (mRS of 6) was considered the primary safety outcome, while the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rate was reported as an adverse event. RESULTS: We identified 5 comparative observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial, totaling 4,186 patients with LVO. The crude odds ratio for post-MT recanalization in patients with LVO who received TNK was comparable to those who received ALT (OR = 1.14; 95% CI 0.57-2.27, I² = 54%). The rate of pre-MT recanalization was significantly higher in those given TNK as a bridging therapy to MT compared to those who received ALT (OR = 2.66; 95% CI 1.60-4.41, I² = 0%; P = <0.001). Functional independence at 90 days was not significantly different between patients with stroke who received TNK and those who were given ALT before MT (OR = 1.41; 95% CI 0.84-2.35; I² = 45%). The 90-day mortality was similar between patients with LVO who received TNK and those who were given ALT prior to undergoing MT (OR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.46-1.21; I² = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LVO who received TNK as the primary fibrinolytic agent bridging to MT demonstrated higher rates of pre-MT recanalization, similar rates in post-MT recanalization, and equivalent functional independence outcomes at 90 days compared to those who received ALT. The administration of TNK before MT showed comparable results in the 90-day all-cause mortality rate compared to those who received ALT. These results warrant further trials for TNK to be used as a superior fibrinolytic agent to ALT in LVO-MT candidates.

Foodborne botulism outbreak with potential new management options.

OBJECTIVES: To shed some light on a potential therapeutic modality that may facilitate resolution of botulism symptoms, namely 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP). METHODS: In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we recently encountered a foodborne botulism outbreak that, luckily, was discovered early. In Prince Sultan Military Medical city, we admitted, during a period of approximately 3 weeks, 15 probable cases, 2 of which were excluded due to more likely alternative diagnoses. We report in this case series 13 highly suspected cases of botulism that we encountered during the outbreak. RESULTS: A total of 12 out of 13 patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, one of which required intubation. Symptoms included cranial nerve palsies, gastrointestinal symptoms, limb and respiratory muscle weakness. Patients showed clinical improvement when received botulinum antitoxin and 3,4-DAP if given early in the course of the disease. CONCLUSION: Early admisntration of 3,4-DAP may facilitate recovery and prevent disease progression. Larger prospective trials should be carried out to confirm that.

The Impact of Preprocedural Platelet Function Testing on Periprocedural Complication Rates Associated With Pipeline Flow Diversion: An International Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is necessary to minimize the risk of periprocedural thromboembolic complications associated with aneurysm embolization using pipeline embolization device (PED). We aimed to assess the impact of platelet function testing (PFT) on reducing periprocedural thromboembolic complications associated with PED flow diversion in patients receiving aspirin and clopidogrel. METHODS: Patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms requiring PED flow diversion were identified from 13 centers for retrospective evaluation. Clinical variables including the results of PFT before treatment, periprocedural DAPT regimen, and intracranial complications occurring within 72 h of embolization were identified. Complication rates were compared between PFT and non-PFT groups. Differences between groups were tested for statistical significance using the Wilcoxon rank sum, Fisher exact, or χ 2 tests. A P -value <.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: 580 patients underwent PED embolization with 262 patients dichotomized to the PFT group and 318 patients to the non-PFT group. 13.7% of PFT group patients were clopidogrel nonresponders requiring changes in their pre-embolization DAPT regimen. Five percentage of PFT group [2.8%, 8.5%] patients experienced thromboembolic complications vs 1.6% of patients in the non-PFT group [0.6%, 3.8%] ( P = .019). Two (15.4%) PFT group patients with thromboembolic complications experienced permanent neurological disability vs 4 (80%) non-PFT group patients. 3.7% of PFT group patients [1.5%, 8.2%] and 3.5% [1.8%, 6.3%] of non-PFT group patients experienced hemorrhagic intracranial complications ( P > .9). CONCLUSION: Preprocedural PFT before PED treatment of intracranial aneurysms in patients premedicated with an aspirin and clopidogrel DAPT regimen may not be necessary to significantly reduce the risk of procedure-related intracranial complications.