emDocs - August 13, 2020 - By Pugh A and Stephen R
Edited by: Koyfman A and Long B
"Take home messages
- Two major life-threatening complications of administration of tPA for ischemic stroke include angioedema and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.
- Angioedema is usually benign and self-limited, however one must be vigilant to signs of developing airway compromise and be ready to intubate.
- Consider symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in any patient with neurological deterioration following tPA administration; stop the tPA infusion and get a head CT.
- Cryoprecipitate and TXA are important first line therapies for ICH; consider platelets, FFP and / or PCC in certain populations."