Risks of atrial fibrillation and death at discharge after thrombolysis in stroke patients: Northumbrian Sentinel Stroke Audit, 2013-2015

Background - The aim of this study was to examine risks of atrial fibrillation and death at discharge in stroke patients treated with thrombolysis in a subregional setting covering full calendar years with a clear study catchment drawn serving as a confirmatory statistical analysis from the northeast of England in the last 2 years. Methods - Data between 16 June, 2013 and 15 June, 2015 were extracted from Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme in Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust that has covered health service for Northumberland and North Tyneside. Results - The very old people aged 80 and above were less likely to have thrombolysis treatment, while there was no sex difference observed. Moreover, thrombolysis treatment was more likely to be given in ischemic patients with severe stroke symptoms. There was no difference in comorbidities including atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke/TIA as well. Those who received thrombolysis treatment were more likely to have atrial fibrillation or die at discharge. The ORs were higher after additionally adjusting for comorbidities. Similarly, these patients also had poorer scoring in modified Rankin scale than those who did not receive thrombolysis treatment. However, there was no difference at 6 months after survival. Conclusion - For future research, clinical outcomes in addition to atrial fibrillation and quality of life both at discharge and 6 months after thrombolysis treatment should be included for examination as well. For clinical practice, giving thrombolysis treatment in hospitals might need to be reconsidered if clinical outcomes were actually worse than not.