The third international stroke trial (IST-3) of thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke

P. Sandercock, R. Lindley, J. Wardlaw, M. Dennis, S. Lewis, G. Venables, A. Kobayashi, A. Czlonkowska, E. Berge, K.B. Slot, V. Murray, A. Peeters, Graeme Hankey, K. Matz, M. Brainin, S. Ricci, M.G. Celani, E. Righetti, T. Cantisani, G. GubitzS. Phillips, A. Arauz, K. Prasad, M. Correia, P. Lyrer

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    96 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is approved for use in selected patients with ischaemic stroke within 3 hours of symptom onset. IST-3 seeks to determine whether a wider range of patients may benefit. Design: International, multi-centre, prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint (PROBE) trial of intravenous rt-PA in acute ischaemic stroke. Suitable patients must be assessed and able to start treatment within 6 hours of developing symptoms, and brain imaging must have excluded intracerebral haemorrhage. With 1000 patients, the trial can detect a 7% absolute difference in the primary outcome. With3500 patients, it can detect a 4.0% absolute benefit & with 6000, (mostly treated between 3 & 6 hours), it can detect a 3% benefit. Trial procedures: Patients are entered into the trial by telephoning a fast, secure computerised central randomisation system or via a secure web interface. Repeat brain imaging must be performed at 24–48 hours. The scans are reviewed 'blind' by expert readers. The primary measure of outcome is the proportion of patients alive and independent (Modified Rankin 0–2) at six months (assessed via a postal questionnaire mailed directly to the patient). Secondary outcomes include: events within 7 days (death, recurrent stroke, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage), outcome at six months (death, functional status, EuroQol). Trial registrationISRCTN25765518
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)online - approx 5-20pp
    JournalTrials
    Volume9
    Issue number37
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The third international stroke trial (IST-3) of thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this