IV alteplase use fails to improve functional outcomes in patients with ICH and IVH: JAMA

USA: Intraventricular alteplase use is associated with a small reduction in the parenchymal intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volume in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), suggests a recent study. However, the researchers observed no association between change in ICH volume and improved functional outcomes or mortality. The study was published in JAMA Network Open on December 3, 2021. 

Intraventricular thrombolysis is known to reduce IVH volume in patients with spontaneous ICH. However, if there is existence of a similar association with parenchymal ICH volume remains unclear. To throw some light on the association, Jens Witsch, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the association between the use of intraventricular alteplase and ICH volume as well as the association between a change in parenchymal ICH volume and long-term functional outcomes in a cohort study. 

The study was a post hoc exploratory analysis of data from the Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage phase 3 randomized clinical trial with blinded outcome assessments. Patients with ICH with IVH and ICH were randomized to receive either intraventricular alteplase or normal saline via an external ventricular drain between September 1, 2009, and January 31, 2015. Participants with primary IVH were excluded. 

The primary outcome was the change in parenchymal ICH volume between the hematoma stability and end-of-treatment computed tomography scans. 

Out of the total 454 included patients (254 men [55.9%]; mean age, 59 years), 230 (50.7%) were randomized to receive alteplase and 224 (49.3%) to receive normal saline. 

"The study findings suggest the need for further exploration of the role of intraventricular thrombolysis in reducing parenchymal ICH volumes and potentially improving outcomes in patients with a moderate to large ICH with IVH and those with a thalamic ICH," wrote the authors.

"Examining patients with ICH and IVH who may benefit from intraventricular thrombolysis, such as those with moderate to large ICH in thalamic location, may yield useful information," they concluded. 

Reference:

Witsch J, Roh DJ, Avadhani R, et al. Association Between Intraventricular Alteplase Use and Parenchymal Hematoma Volume in Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Intraventricular Hemorrhage. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(12):e2135773. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.35773