Ateplase for ischaemic stroke: increased risk of intracranial haemorrhage is balanced by improved stroke outcomes, particularly if treated within 3–4.5 h of onset

Thrombolysis given to appropriate patients within 4.5 h of the onset of stroke symptoms increases the chance of a good outcome. The earlier it is given, the more likely it is to be effective.

Thrombolysis increases the risk of early death, but by 3–6 months mortality is equivalent in treated and untreated patients.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/medicine-and-health-care/american-research-journal-of-nursing/