DRAGON score predicts functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving both intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular therapy.

Background: The DRAGON score, which includes clinical and computed tomographic (CT) scan parameters, predicts functional outcomes in ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA). We assessed the utility of the DRAGON score in predicting functional outcome in stroke patients receiving both IV tPA and endovascular therapy.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients treated at our institution from February 2009 to October 2015 was conducted.

Incidence and outcome of procedural distal emboli using the Penumbra thrombectomy for acute stroke.

Background: The Penumbra system is effective for recanalization of the primary arterial occlusion (PAO) in acute stroke. However, clinical outcomes are not as promising. The authors hypothesized that the formation of procedural distal emboli (PDE) during mechanical thrombectomy may lead to poorer patient outcomes.

Recombinant human factor VIIa-induced alterations in tissue factor and thrombomodulin in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis.

Background: Recombinant human factor VIIa (rhFVIIa) is used to treat hemophilia and occasionally individuals with liver disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consequences of rhFVIIa in individuals with advanced liver disease in an attempt to understand the mechanism of action of rhFVIIa in this unique population.

Methods: Levels of plasma tissue factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, fibrin split products, D-dimers and free thrombomodulin were measured following the administration of rhFVIIa in 17 subjects.