Trends in stroke thrombolysis rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a hospital-based observation study

Abstract

<p><strong>Aim</strong> <br />To assess trends in thrombolysis rates and door-to-needle times in University Hospital Mostar.<br /><strong>Methods</strong> <br />Data from the University Hospital Mostar Registry were used. Information on the number of ischaemic stroke patients, intravenous thrombolysis rates and „door-to-needle times“ (DNT) were collected between January 2013 and December 2021.<br /><strong>Results</strong> <br />Out of the total of 3100 ischaemic stroke patients, alteplase was given to 130 patients giving a thrombolysis rate of 4.2%.<br />The mean hospital thrombolysis rate increased from 2.4% in 2013 to 10.6% in 2021.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong> <br />Although the hospital thrombolysis rate more than quadrupled, there is still a low proportion of acute ischaemic stroke<br />patients who received intravenous thrombolysis therapy. Education and interventions indicating the importance of recognition and treatment of acute ischemic stoke are necessary for all physicians.</p>