Early Mobilization of Ischemic Stroke Patients Within 24-hours After Intravenous-Tissue Plasminogen Activator (IV-tPA)

Abstract:

Introduction

Historical precedence exists demonstrating that early intensive care unit (ICU) mobilization
of patients reduces risks of complication and lengths of hospital stay, and may improve
long-term health status of patients.

Objective

To determine the safety of early mobilization by physical and/or occupational therapy in
acute ischemic stroke patients within 24-hours of IV-tPA infusion and to examine if early
mobilization leads to shortened ICU and hospital length of stay.

Methods

Prospective study of incidence of adverse response and functional mobility status of study
patients mobilized by occupational and/or physical therapy between 12- 24 hours after IV-tPA
infusion with comparison of ICU and hospital Length of Stay data between study group and
pre-study patients who were mobilized by occupational and/or physical therapy services at no
pre-determined time after IV-tPA infusion. Additionally, patients will be contacted by study
personnel approximately 3 to 5-days and 30-days post-infusion for completion of Modified
Rankin Scale stroke disability survey as follow up of stroke recovery.

Setting

Medical and surgical intensive care units at Mayo Clinic Florida.

Patients

All patients with acute ischemic stroke who receive intravenous tissue plasminogen activator
(IV-tPA) infusion, survive to discharge from the hospital, are hemodynamically stable, and
are mobilized by physical and/or occupational therapy within 24 hours post-tPA infusion.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients post acute ischemic stroke that have been treated with intravenous tissue
plasminogen activator (IV-tPA)

- 13 hours have elapsed since initiation of intravenous TPA infusion

- Patients are hemodynamically stable (e.g., not on vasopressors or antihypertensive
drips or requiring multiple IV PRN boluses of either medication)

- Patient is able to actively engage in the evaluation

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients with femoral sheaths or recent removal of femoral sheaths

- Patients who are hemodynamically unstable, with active bleeding from lines,
catheters, INT site or wounds or angioedema

- Electrocardiogram showing (HR>100)

- Vital signs (HR > 100, SBP <90 or >180, DBP <70 or > 105)

- Patients experiencing marked diaphoresis, facial pallor, intense anxious or painful
facial expression (especially in aphasic patients)