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Journal List > J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry > v.76(9); Sep 2005

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J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2005 September; 76(9): 1238–1241.
doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2004.049924.
PMCID: PMC1739786
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Outcome in patients with basilar artery occlusion treated conventionally
W Schonewille, A Algra, J Serena, C Molina, and L Kappelle
University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Neurology, HP G 03.228, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands. Email: w.j.schonewille/at/neuro.azu.nl
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Abstract
Background: Most data on the outcome of basilar artery occlusion are from recent case series of patients treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis. The limited knowledge on the outcome after a conventional treatment approach comes from a few small case series of highly selected patients.
Objective: To provide more data on the outcome of conventional treatment.
Methods: Data were analysed on patients from three centres with symptomatic basilar artery occlusion treated conventionally. Conventional therapy was defined as treatment with antiplatelets, anticoagulation, or both.
Results: Data were available on 82 patients. The case fatality was 40%. Among survivors, 65% remained dependent (Rankin score 4–5). Patients younger than 60 years (odds ratio = 3.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 9.5)) and those with a minor stroke (OR = 3.1 (1.0 to 9.6)) were more likely to have a good outcome (Rankin score 0–3). Patients with a progressive stroke were less likely to have a good outcome (OR = 0.3 (0.08 to 1.2)) than patients with a maximum deficit at onset or fluctuating symptoms at presentation.
Conclusions: Conventional treatment of symptomatic basilar artery occlusion is associated with a poor outcome in almost 80% of patients, which emphasises the importance of the search for a more effective treatment approach.
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Selected References
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