Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Committee Chair

Trey Boyd

Abstract

Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) results in death of brain tissue necessitating prompt intervention to restore blood flow and minimize neurological damage. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), specifically alteplase, has long been the standard treatment for AIS. However, recent research explores the potential advantages of tenecteplase, an alternative thrombolytic agent.

Methods: PubMed was searched, utilizing free text, randomized control trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses from 2019-2024. The literature search yielded four relevant results to include in this review comparing tenecteplase and alteplase, focusing on efficacy, safety, and overall clinical outcomes.

Results: All four articles reviewed were systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on efficacy and safety outcomes. The results suggest that tenecteplase may offer superior early neurological improvement and recanalization rates compared to alteplase, although both treatments show comparable long-term recovery and safety profiles.

Discussion: Tenecteplase demonstrates a more favorable outcome in terms of recanalization and early neurological benefits, without higher risk of poor neurological recovery, intracranial hemorrhage, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, or parenchymal hematoma. These findings underscore the potential for tenecteplase to become a viable alternative to alteplase. Further research is needed to determine dosing strategies of tenecteplase for optimized patient outcomes.

Download

Share

COinS