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Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) III Trial

Interventional Management of Stroke Trial (IMS III): A Phase III Clinical Trial Examining Whether a Combined Intravenous (IV) and Intra-Arterial (IA) Approach to Recanalization is Superior to Standard IV Rt-PA (Activase®) Alone

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00359424
Acronym
IMSIII
Enrollment
656
Registered
2006-08-02
Start date
2006-08-31
Completion date
2013-04-30
Last updated
2013-12-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Keywords

acute ischemic stroke, rt-PA, thrombolytic, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, recanalization, blood clot, stroke, clot-dissolving, Activase®, Actilyse®, Concentric Merci® Retriever, EKOS® Micro-Infusion catheter (MicroLysus), The Penumbra System™, Standard microcatheter

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to compare two different treatment approaches to recanalization started within 3 hours of symptom onset-combined intravenous (IV) and endovascular therapy and standard intravenous (IV) rt-PA alone.

Detailed description

Stroke remains a major cause of death and disability. Acute thrombolytic therapy offers the potential to achieve early recanalization (reopening of blocked arteries), save tissues, and improve outcome. Currently, intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the only approved acute stroke therapy. IV rt-PA is an effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke but has substantial limitations when used alone to open blocked arteries The Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS III) Trial is a multi-center study that will compare two different treatment approaches for restoring blood flow to the brain. One approach, giving the clot-dissolving drug rt-PA, is already FDA-approved when given through a vein (IV). This treatment will be compared to a new approach, giving rt-PA at a lower dose first through IV in the arm and then, if a blood clot in the brain artery is found, through a small tube or catheter at the site of the blood clot (intra-arterial or IA) to see which is better. Both approaches must be initiated within three hours of stroke onset. The primary goal of this trial is to determine if individuals with ischemic stroke treated with rt-PA using an endovascular therapy approach to recanalization started within 3 hours of onset are more likely to have a better outcome than individuals treated with standard IV rt-PA alone. While information on device use was collected, individual device performance was not a primary outcome. Nine hundred participants with moderate to severe ischemic stroke will be enrolled at more than 50 centers in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Subjects will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive endovascular therapy or IV only with adjustment for clinical site and NIHSSS strata. If enrolled under Amendment 5 or later both treatment groups will receive the standard approved therapy dose of rt-PA (0.9 mg/kg, 90 mg max) administered intravenously over one hour. The consent process and randomization can take place prior to or anytime up to forty minutes after the IV bolus dose. If, at the 40 minute time point, no consent has been obtained or randomization has not been completed, the patient will no longer be eligible for IMS III enrollment. After consent, the endovascular therapy group will then undergo immediate angiography. If clot is not demonstrated, no more treatment is administered. If clot is demonstrated, the neurointerventionalist will then choose from currently available but trial defined endovascular therapy approaches, choosing the treatment they feel will be most effective in attempting to reopen the blocked artery. These approaches utilize local regulatory, US FDA and IMS III Executive Committee approved devices for the intra-arterial infusion of investigational rt-PA using standard microcatheter or the EKOS Micro-Infusion Catheter® (in US) or embolectomy devices including the Concentric Retriever Device®, the Penumbra System ™, or the Solitaire™ FR Revascularization Device. All devices must be used per the manufacturer's instructions for use. Endovascular therapy, whether initially with the Merci® Retriever, EKOS Micro-Infusion Catheter, Penumbra System™, Solitaire™, a future device, or infusion of IA rt-PA via a standard microcatheter, must be started within 5 hours and completed within 7 hours of symptom onset. The maximum dose of IA rt-PA is 22mg (maximum 2 to 4 mg bolus and infusion at a rate of 10 mg/hr). Use of tandem devices (i.e. EKOS Micro-Infusion Catheter, Merci Retriever®, Penumbra System™, or Solitaire™) in a single case is a protocol violation. Only standard microcatheter rt-PA infusion therapy may be administered following attempt with a device. The primary measure of benefit in this trial is the ability of the individual with stroke to live and function independently 3 months after the stroke. This trial will also determine and compare the safety and cost effectiveness of the combined endovascular therapy to the standard IV rt-PA approach. Duration of the study for participants is approximately 12 months.

Interventions

DRUGIV rt-PA alone

Intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the only approved acute stroke therapy; Group one will receive the standard dose of IV rt-PA given over an hour.

OTHERendovascular therapy

Group two will receive a lower dose or the standard dose of IV rt-PA and then undergo an angiogram test (cerebral angiography) right after the medicine is given to check for blood clots. If a clot is not seen then no more treatment will be given. If a clot is seen, the neurointerventionalist will then choose a protocol approved endovascular treatment given directly in the brain artery that will be most effective in reopening the blocked artery. Endovascular therapy can be implemented with or without interarterial rt-PA use.

Sponsors

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
CollaboratorNIH
Medical University of South Carolina
CollaboratorOTHER
University of Calgary
CollaboratorOTHER
Joseph Broderick
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 82 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age: 18 through 82 years (i.e., candidates must have had their 18th birthday, but not had their 83rd birthday) * Initiation of intravenous rt-PA within 3 hours of onset of stroke symptoms. Time of onset is defined as the last time when the subject was witnessed to be at baseline (i.e., subjects who have stroke symptoms upon awakening will be considered to have their onset at beginning of sleep) * An NIHSSS \>/= 10 at the time that intravenous rt-PA is begun or an NIHSSS \>7 and \<10 with an occlusion seen in M1, ICA or basilar artery on CTA at institutions where baseline CTA imaging is standard of care for acute stroke patients. * Investigator verification that the subject has received/ is receiving the correct IV rt-PA dose for the estimated weight prior to randomization

Exclusion criteria

* History of stroke in the past 3 months * Previous intra-cranial hemorrhage, neoplasm, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or arteriovenous malformation * Clinical presentation suggests a subarachnoid hemorrhage, even if initial CT scan is normal * Hypertension at time of treatment; systolic BP \> 185 or diastolic \> 110 mm Hg) or aggressive measures to lower BP to below these limits are needed. * Presumed septic embolus, or suspicion of bacterial endocarditis * Presumed pericarditis, including pericarditis after acute MI * Suspicion of aortic dissection * Recent (within 30 days) surgery or biopsy of parenchymal organ * Recent (within 30 days) trauma, with internal injuries or ulcerative wounds * Recent (within 90 days) severe head trauma or head trauma with loss of consciousness * Any active or recent (within 30 days) hemorrhage * Pts with known hereditary or acquired hemorrhagic diathesis, coagulation factor deficiency or oral anticoagulant therapy require coagulation labs results prior to enrollment. Any subject with INR \> 1.7 or institutionally equivalent prothrombin time is excluded. Patients without history or suspicion of coagulopathy do not require INR or prothrombin time lab results to be available prior to enrollment. * Females of childbearing potential who are known to be pregnant and/or lactating or who have positive pregnancy tests on admission * Baseline lab values: glucose \< 50 mg/dl or \> 400 mg/dl, platelets \<100,000, or Hct \<25 * Requires hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or has a contraindication to an angiogram for whatever reason * Received heparin or a direct thrombin inhibitor (Angiomax, argatroban, Refludan, Pradaxa) within 48 hours must have a normal partial thromboplastin time (PTT) to be eligible * History of an arterial puncture at a non-compressible site or a lumbar puncture in the previous 7 days * History of seizure at onset of stroke * History of a pre-existing neurological or psychiatric disease that would confound the neurological or functional evaluations, mRS score at baseline must be \< 2. This excludes patients who live in a nursing home or who are not fully independent for activities of daily living (toileting, dressing, eating, cooking and preparing meals, etc.) * Other serious, advanced, or terminal illness * Any other condition that the investigator feels would pose a significant hazard to the subject if Activase (Alteplase) therapy is initiated * Current participation in another research drug treatment protocol * Informed consent is not or cannot be obtained. * High density lesion consistent with hemorrhage of any degree on baseline imaging * Significant mass effect with midline shift on baseline imaging * Large (\>1/3 of the middle cerebral artery) regions of clear hypodensity on the baseline CT scan. (ASPECTS of \< 4 can be used as a guideline) Sulcal effacement and/or loss of grey-white differentiation are not contraindications to tx * CT evidence of intrapararenchymal tumor * Baseline CTA without evidence of arterial occlusion

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2.at 90 days post randomizationThe modified Rankin Scale (mRS) runs from 0-6 running from perfect health without symptoms to death. 0 - No symptoms at all. 1 - No significant disability. Able to carry out all usual duties and activities. 2 - Slight disability. Unable to carry out all previous activities but able to look after own affairs without assistance. 3 - Moderate disability. Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. 4 - Moderately severe disability. Unable to walk unassisted and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance. 5 - Severe disability. Bedridden, incontinent, and requires constant nursing care and attention. 6 - Dead. Persons with a Rankin of 0-2 are considered functionally independent.
Death Due to Any Causewithin 90 days post randomization
Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhagewithin the first 30 hours post IV rt-PASymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage- Symptomatic ICH is defined as an intracranial hemorrhage temporally related to a decline in neurological status as well as new or worsening neurologic symptoms in the judgment of the clinical investigator and which may warrant medical intervention. These events are identified via Adverse Event CRF submitted by the site

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.at 90 days post randomizationThe National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), a serial measure of neurologic deficit, is a 42-point scale that quantifies neurologic deficits in 11 categories, with 0 indicating normal function without neurologic deficit and higher scores indicating greater severity of deficit.
Barthel Index (BI) Dichotomized 0-90 Versus 95-100at 90 days post randomizationThe Barthel Index (BI)is an ordinal scale used to measure a subject's performance in activities of daily living (ADL) in ten variables- feeding, transfer (bed to chair), grooming, toilet use, bathing, mobility on a level surface, stair use, dressing, bowels and bladder. It is an assessment of independence in ADL and is scored in increments of 5 points. The lowest possible score on the index is 0 which implies total dependence on others for ADL and the highest total score is 100 which indicate full independent in ADL. A higher score is associated with a greater likelihood of being able to live at home with a degree of independence.
Incidence of Parenchymal Type II (PH2) Hematomaswithin 30 hours post IV rt-PAa dense intracerebral hematoma involving more than 30% of the infarcted area with substantial space-occupying effect or any hemorrhagic area outside the infarcted area, determined via central read of the submitted CT scans.
Trail Making Test Part B Timeat 90 days post randomizationThe Trail Making Test is a neuropsychological test of visual attention and task switching that is thought to be sensitive to the presence of cerebral dysfunction. It is a timed test consisting of two parts where the subject is asked to draw a trail made by connecting numbers in sequential order (part A) and then in part B the combination of numbers and letters. Scoring is calculated separately for Parts A and B but both scores are provided as the minutes and seconds it takes for the subject to complete each part. Normally, the entire test (A and B) can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes.
Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2at 180 daysThe modified Rankin Scale (mRS) runs from 0-6 running from perfect health without symptoms to death. 0 - No symptoms at all. 1 - No significant disability. Able to carry out all usual duties and activities. 2 - Slight disability. Unable to carry out all previous activities but able to look after own affairs without assistance. 3 - Moderate disability. Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. 4 - Moderately severe disability. Unable to walk unassisted and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance. 5 - Severe disability. Bedridden, incontinent, and requires constant nursing care and attention. 6 - Dead. Persons with a Rankin of 0-2 are considered functionally independent.
Trail Making Test Part A Time90 days post randomizationThe Trail Making Test is a neuropsychological test of visual attention and task switching that is thought to be sensitive to the presence of cerebral dysfunction. It is a timed test consisting of two parts where the subject is asked to draw a trail made by connecting numbers in sequential order (part A) and then in part B the combination of numbers and letters. Scoring is calculated separately for Parts A and B but both scores are provided as the minutes and seconds it takes for the subject to complete each part. Normally, the entire test (A and B) can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes.
Asymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhagewithin 30 hours post IV rt-PAAsymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage is defined as an intracranial hemorrhage without evidence of decline in neurological status or new or worsening neurologic symptoms in the judgment of the clinical investigator. These events are identified via Adverse Event CRF submitted by the site.
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) >> Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.at 24 hours post randomizationThe National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), a serial measure of neurologic deficit, is a 42-point scale that \>\> quantifies neurologic deficits in 11 categories, with 0 indicating normal function without neurologic deficit and higher \>\> scores indicating greater severity of deficit.

Countries

Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

A total of 656 participants underwent randomization * participants to endovascular therapy \>\> and 222 to intravenous t-PA alone) at 58 study \>\> centers between August 25, 2006, and April 17, \>\> 2012 in the United States (41 sites), Canada (7), \>\> Australia (4), and Europe (6)

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Endovascular Therapy
Group two will receive a lower dose or a standard dose of IV rt-PA and then undergo an angiogram test (cerebral angiography) right after the medicine is given to check for blood clots. If a clot is not seen then no more treatment will be given. If a clot is seen, the neurointerventionalist will then choose (based on the location and extent of the blood clot) a protocol approved endovascular treatment given directly in the brain artery that will be most effective in reopening the blocked artery.
434
IV Rt-PA Alone
Group one will receive the standard dose of intravenous (IV) rt-PA alone given over an hour.
222
Total656

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyDeath9958
Overall Studyfollow up not conducted20
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up197
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject102

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicEndovascular TherapyIV Rt-PA AloneTotal
Age, Continuous69 years68 years69 years
NIHSS Score17 Score on a scale16 Score on a scale17 Score on a scale
NIHSS Score Strata
NIHSS Score <20
302 participants150 participants452 participants
NIHSS Score Strata
NIHSS Score > = 20
132 participants72 participants204 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
216 Participants100 Participants316 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
218 Participants122 Participants340 Participants
Time from stroke onset to initiation of IV rt-PA122.4 minutes
STANDARD_DEVIATION 33.7
121.2 minutes
STANDARD_DEVIATION 33.8
122.0 minutes
STANDARD_DEVIATION 33.7

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
385 / 434202 / 222
serious
Total, serious adverse events
256 / 434126 / 222

Outcome results

Primary

Death Due to Any Cause

Time frame: within 90 days post randomization

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis includes all subjects who were randomized, and each subject analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned. Subjects who ended the study prior to 90 days post- randomization for a reason other than death (LTFU etc) (n=8 in group two; n=2 in group one) are assumed to be alive

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyDeath Due to Any Cause83 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneDeath Due to Any Cause48 participants
Comparison: Test of null hypothesis (equal proportions of subjects with mortality within 90 days post-randomization in IV Only and Endovascular treatment arms) versus alternative hypothesis (unequal proportions of subjects with mortality within 90 days post-randomization in IV Only and Endovascular treatment arms).p-value: 0.524199% CI: [-10.3, 6.2]Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel
Primary

Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2.

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) runs from 0-6 running from perfect health without symptoms to death. 0 - No symptoms at all. 1 - No significant disability. Able to carry out all usual duties and activities. 2 - Slight disability. Unable to carry out all previous activities but able to look after own affairs without assistance. 3 - Moderate disability. Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. 4 - Moderately severe disability. Unable to walk unassisted and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance. 5 - Severe disability. Bedridden, incontinent, and requires constant nursing care and attention. 6 - Dead. Persons with a Rankin of 0-2 are considered functionally independent.

Time frame: at 90 days post randomization

Population: The primary analysis was conducted according to intention to treat. All subjects were analyzed in the treatment group to which they were randomized. Subjects with missing mRS (n=9 in group two; n=4 in group one) or mRS assessed \<60 days or \>120 days post-randomization (n=10 in group two; n=4 in group one) are assigned an unfavorable outcome(mRS \>2)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2.mRS 0-2177 participants
Endovascular TherapyModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2.mRS 3-6257 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2.mRS 0-286 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2.mRS 3-6136 participants
Comparison: Test of null hypothesis (equal proportions of subjects with mRS of 0-2 at 90 days post-randomization in IV Only and Endovascular treatment arms) versus alternative hypothesis (unequal proportions of subjects with mRS of 0-2 at 90 days post-randomization in IV Only and Endovascular treatment arms).p-value: 0.703195% CI: [-6.1, 9.1]Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel
Primary

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage- Symptomatic ICH is defined as an intracranial hemorrhage temporally related to a decline in neurological status as well as new or worsening neurologic symptoms in the judgment of the clinical investigator and which may warrant medical intervention. These events are identified via Adverse Event CRF submitted by the site

Time frame: within the first 30 hours post IV rt-PA

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis sample includes all subjects who are randomized, and each subject is analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapySymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage27 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneSymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage13 participants
Comparison: Test of null hypothesis (equal proportions of subjects with sICH within 30 hours post IV tPA initiation in IV Only and Endovascular treatment arms) versus alternative hypothesis (unequal proportions of subjects with sICH within 30 hours post IV tPA initiation in IV Only and Endovascular treatment arms).p-value: 0.827599% CI: [-4.6, 5.5]Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel
Secondary

Asymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage

Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage is defined as an intracranial hemorrhage without evidence of decline in neurological status or new or worsening neurologic symptoms in the judgment of the clinical investigator. These events are identified via Adverse Event CRF submitted by the site.

Time frame: within 30 hours post IV rt-PA

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis sample includes all subjects who are randomized, and each subject is analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyAsymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage119 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneAsymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage42 participants
Secondary

Barthel Index (BI) Dichotomized 0-90 Versus 95-100

The Barthel Index (BI)is an ordinal scale used to measure a subject's performance in activities of daily living (ADL) in ten variables- feeding, transfer (bed to chair), grooming, toilet use, bathing, mobility on a level surface, stair use, dressing, bowels and bladder. It is an assessment of independence in ADL and is scored in increments of 5 points. The lowest possible score on the index is 0 which implies total dependence on others for ADL and the highest total score is 100 which indicate full independent in ADL. A higher score is associated with a greater likelihood of being able to live at home with a degree of independence.

Time frame: at 90 days post randomization

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis sample includes all subjects who are randomized, and each subject is analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned. Subjects with missing BI and BI measured \<60 days or \>120 days post-randomization are assigned an unfavorable outcome (BI 0-90).

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyBarthel Index (BI) Dichotomized 0-90 Versus 95-100BI 95-100183 participants
Endovascular TherapyBarthel Index (BI) Dichotomized 0-90 Versus 95-100BI 0-90251 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneBarthel Index (BI) Dichotomized 0-90 Versus 95-100BI 95-10086 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneBarthel Index (BI) Dichotomized 0-90 Versus 95-100BI 0-90136 participants
Secondary

Incidence of Parenchymal Type II (PH2) Hematomas

a dense intracerebral hematoma involving more than 30% of the infarcted area with substantial space-occupying effect or any hemorrhagic area outside the infarcted area, determined via central read of the submitted CT scans.

Time frame: within 30 hours post IV rt-PA

Population: Subjects were excluded if a post-baseline CT scan was not obtained within 30 hours of randomization (i.e., participants who died, had care withdrawn at the request of the family, or underwent imaging after the 30-hour window).

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyIncidence of Parenchymal Type II (PH2) Hematomas25 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneIncidence of Parenchymal Type II (PH2) Hematomas13 participants
Secondary

Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) runs from 0-6 running from perfect health without symptoms to death. 0 - No symptoms at all. 1 - No significant disability. Able to carry out all usual duties and activities. 2 - Slight disability. Unable to carry out all previous activities but able to look after own affairs without assistance. 3 - Moderate disability. Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. 4 - Moderately severe disability. Unable to walk unassisted and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance. 5 - Severe disability. Bedridden, incontinent, and requires constant nursing care and attention. 6 - Dead. Persons with a Rankin of 0-2 are considered functionally independent.

Time frame: 360 days post randomization

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis sample includes all subjects who are randomized, and each subject is analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned. Subjects with missing mRS and mRS measured \<330 days or \>390 days post-randomization are assigned an unfavorable outcome (mRS\>2).

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 0-2191 participants
Endovascular TherapyModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 3-6243 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 0-295 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 3-6127 participants
Secondary

Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) runs from 0-6 running from perfect health without symptoms to death. 0 - No symptoms at all. 1 - No significant disability. Able to carry out all usual duties and activities. 2 - Slight disability. Unable to carry out all previous activities but able to look after own affairs without assistance. 3 - Moderate disability. Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. 4 - Moderately severe disability. Unable to walk unassisted and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance. 5 - Severe disability. Bedridden, incontinent, and requires constant nursing care and attention. 6 - Dead. Persons with a Rankin of 0-2 are considered functionally independent.

Time frame: at 180 days

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis sample includes all subjects who are randomized, and each subject is analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned. Subjects with missing mRS and mRS measured \<150 days or \>210 days post-randomization are assigned an unfavorable outcome (mRS\>2).

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 0-2179 participants
Endovascular TherapyModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 3-6255 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 0-286 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 3-6136 participants
Secondary

Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) runs from 0-6 running from perfect health without symptoms to death. 0 - No symptoms at all. 1 - No significant disability. Able to carry out all usual duties and activities. 2 - Slight disability. Unable to carry out all previous activities but able to look after own affairs without assistance. 3 - Moderate disability. Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. 4 - Moderately severe disability. Unable to walk unassisted and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance. 5 - Severe disability. Bedridden, incontinent, and requires constant nursing care and attention. 6 - Dead. Persons with a Rankin of 0-2 are considered functionally independent.

Time frame: 270 days

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis sample includes all subjects who are randomized, and each subject is analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned. Subjects with missing mRS and mRS measured \<240 days or \>300 days post-randomization are assigned an unfavorable outcome (mRS\>2).

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 0-2177 participants
Endovascular TherapyModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 3-6257 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 0-288 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneModified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score Dichotomized to 0-2 Versus Greater Than 2mRS 3-6134 participants
Secondary

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) >> Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), a serial measure of neurologic deficit, is a 42-point scale that \>\> quantifies neurologic deficits in 11 categories, with 0 indicating normal function without neurologic deficit and higher \>\> scores indicating greater severity of deficit.

Time frame: at 24 hours post randomization

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis sample includes all subjects who are randomized, and each subject is analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned. Subjects with missing NIHSS and NIHSS measured \<18 hours or \>30 hours post-randomization are assigned an unfavorable outcome (NIHSS score\>1).

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) >> Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.NIHSS 0-144 participants
Endovascular TherapyNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) >> Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.NIHSS 2+390 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) >> Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.NIHSS 0-122 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) >> Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.NIHSS 2+200 participants
Secondary

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), a serial measure of neurologic deficit, is a 42-point scale that quantifies neurologic deficits in 11 categories, with 0 indicating normal function without neurologic deficit and higher scores indicating greater severity of deficit.

Time frame: at 90 days post randomization

Population: The intent-to-treat analysis sample includes all subjects who are randomized, and each subject is analyzed according to the treatment group to which they were randomly assigned. Subjects with missing NIHSS and NIHSS measured \<60 days or \>120 days post-randomization are assigned an unfavorable outcome (NIHSS score\>1).

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Endovascular TherapyNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.NIHSSS 0-1120 participants
Endovascular TherapyNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.NIHSSS 2+314 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.NIHSSS 0-150 participants
IV Rt-PA AloneNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) Dichotomized 0-1 Versus 2 or Greater.NIHSSS 2+172 participants
Secondary

Trail Making Test Part A Time

The Trail Making Test is a neuropsychological test of visual attention and task switching that is thought to be sensitive to the presence of cerebral dysfunction. It is a timed test consisting of two parts where the subject is asked to draw a trail made by connecting numbers in sequential order (part A) and then in part B the combination of numbers and letters. Scoring is calculated separately for Parts A and B but both scores are provided as the minutes and seconds it takes for the subject to complete each part. Normally, the entire test (A and B) can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes.

Time frame: 90 days post randomization

Population: Participants were excluded if the Trail Making Test was not assessed or if they failed to complete Part A.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Endovascular TherapyTrail Making Test Part A Time84.2 secondsStandard Deviation 64.3
IV Rt-PA AloneTrail Making Test Part A Time82.0 secondsStandard Deviation 62.3
Secondary

Trail Making Test Part B Time

The Trail Making Test is a neuropsychological test of visual attention and task switching that is thought to be sensitive to the presence of cerebral dysfunction. It is a timed test consisting of two parts where the subject is asked to draw a trail made by connecting numbers in sequential order (part A) and then in part B the combination of numbers and letters. Scoring is calculated separately for Parts A and B but both scores are provided as the minutes and seconds it takes for the subject to complete each part. Normally, the entire test (A and B) can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes.

Time frame: at 90 days post randomization

Population: Participants were excluded if the Trail Making Test was not assessed or if they failed to complete Part B.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Endovascular TherapyTrail Making Test Part B Time143.8 secondsStandard Deviation 75.3
IV Rt-PA AloneTrail Making Test Part B Time141.3 secondsStandard Deviation 78.4

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 24, 2026