Abstract NS7: Presenting Symptoms and Response to Dysphagia Screen Predict Unfavorable Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Who Do Not Receive IV tPA Due to Mild and Rapidly Improving Stroke Symptoms

Background & Purpose: Studies have shown that patients who do not receive IV t-PA due to mild and rapidly improving stroke symptoms (MaRISS) are often not discharged home. The purpose of this study was to identify whether presenting symptoms and response to initial dysphagia screen can predict which patients not treated with IV tPA due to MaRISS have an unfavorable outcome. Methods: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients presenting to hospitals participating in the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry and not treated with IV t-PA due to MaRISS alone from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2013 were included in this analysis. Patients who were unable to ambulate or needed assistance to ambulate prior to admission were excluded. Presenting symptoms and response to dysphagia screen were collected from retrospective chart review at participating hospitals. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with a lower likelihood of favorable outcome, defined as discharge to home. Du...