Safety and Feasibility of a "Fast-Track" Monitoring Protocol for Patients Treated With Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy

Background Our health care systems continue to face significant strain due to chronically taxed intensive care resources. A subgroup of patients following thrombolytic stroke may not require prolonged intensive monitoring, alleviating some burden. Here, we describe the safety, feasibility, and utility of a Fast-Track Protocol (FTP) for early deescalation of high-acuity monitoring. Methods We compared a prospective cohort of patients on the FTP at our stroke centers from April 2020 to February 2022 to a similar retrospective cohort. Those who presented with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale <10 and without large-vessel occlusion or flow-limiting stenosis, intravenous antihypertensive use, and any hemodynamic or respiratory concerns were eligible. Primary outcomes included early neurologic deterioration, defined as worsening of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of >= 4 points at 24 hours, parenchymal hemorrhage, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Results Of 574 patients undergoing thrombolysis, 119 (21%) were eligible for the FTP. A total of 100 (88%) were included for analysis. The median +/- interquartile range hospitalization was 2.0 +/- 1.6 days. None of the 4 cases of early neurologic deterioration were due to hemorrhage. No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages occurred, and no patients on the FTP were transferred back to the intensive care unit. Median +/- interquartile range 90-day modified Rankin scale score was 1 +/- 1. Conclusion FTP is a safe and feasible strategy to triage intensive care unit patients and decrease unnecessary intensive care unit monitoring. This is important in a postpandemic era as intensive care unit resources continue to fluctuate. Future studies are needed to establish the optimal level of monitoring in patients following thrombolysis.