Takeaway
A blood biomarker panel, including glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP-4) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), taken in suspected stroke patients could potentially be of use to rapidly assess whether thrombolytic therapy is needed prior to hospitalization.
Why this matters
Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and mechanical thrombectomy are thrombolytic therapies designed to recanalize cerebral blood vessels in people with acute ischemic stroke.
Early initiation of thrombolysis (within 90 minutes of onset) is associated with significantly reduced functional disability. However, a computed tomography scan is required to rule out intracerebral hemorrhage before thrombolysis can proceed.
There is evidence to suggest blood-based biomarkers might be able to quickly identify people with ischemic stroke to facilitate more rapid recanalization and improve outcomes.