The first case of thrombolysis for stroke in pregnancy in the UK (2014)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Ritchie J., *Lokman M., *Panikkar J.

Citation:
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, November 2014, vol./is. 121/(7), 1470-0328 (November 2014)

Abstract:
Case: A healthy 28-year-old Caucasian woman presented to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) in her second pregnancy at 39 weeks of gestation with a sudden onset of dense left hemiparesis. This woman had no preceding risk factors. An urgent CT scan showed no acute changes suggesting a diagnosis of ischaemic stroke. Through discussion between the stroke specialist and consultant obstetrician, it was decided for thrombolysis which was performed in the emergency department prior to transfer to a larger hospital with stroke facilities. We wished to discover how many other women had undergone thrombolysis for stoke in pregnancy and the associated risks. We conducted a literature review concentrating on stroke and pregnancy including known risk factors and thrombolyis in pregnancy. We have found no other documented case of thromboylsis being used for stroke in pregnancy in the UK. Additionally there are many case reports not from the UK that demonstrate good maternal and fetal outcomes after thromobolysis. Conclusion: Our case appears to be the first reported case of thrombolysis for stroke in pregnancy in the UK. All post investigations have so far come back as normal, which is unusual as most other cases have had known risk factors for stroke. Our patient has recovered well post thrombolysis, which demonstrates the importance of dealing with stroke in pregnancy efficiently to allow thrombolysis to be achieved quickly. Although the risks and benefits need to be weighed up on an individual basis, our case and the relevant literature show that thrombolyiss can be safely used in pregnancy with good maternal and fetal outcomes.

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