Window for stroke treatment opened

Researchers have presented the results of a new study which could extend emergency treatment times for stroke.

The DAWN trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed benefits of clot removal treatment (endovascular thrombectomy) were significant for selected patients up to 24 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. Previously it was thought this treatment would only benefit patients within six hours after the onset of stroke.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the results had been so positive the research trial was concluded early.

“Stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre, it happens in an instant but with the right treatment at the right time many people are able to recover,’’ Ms McGowan said. “We know that stroke treatment is time critical, the earlier it is delivered the better the outcomes for patients.

“This latest breakthrough could considerably change how and when acute stroke patients are treated.”

Clot removal became standard treatment for appropriate Australian stroke patients with the release of the Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management in September this year. The results of this research mean the treatment could potentially be available to more patients.

“This is a significant finding when it comes to stroke treatment, particularly for regional Australians, who are 19 percent more likely to have a stroke,’’ Ms McGowan.

Stroke Foundation Clinical Council Chair Associate Professor Bruce Campbell said the research changed the consensus on best practice stroke treatment.

“Previously, if the time of stroke onset was unknown or there were unavoidable delays in reaching hospital, no treatment to restore blood flow was offered,” A/Prof Campbell said.

“Now some of these patients will get back to independent living because of thrombectomy.

“It is crucial to note that this does not reduce the urgency of stroke treatment, every minute wasted leads to increased disability.” A/Prof Campbell.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said stroke treatment is moving so quickly and Australian researchers are leading the way.

“The challenge now is to ensure all Australian stroke patients have access to these best practice stroke treatments,” Ms McGowan said.