Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Objectives: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant and devastating complication in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis (ESRD/HD). Since one-third of AIS in ESRD/HD patients occurs during or soon after dialysis, patients are more likely to present within the time window when intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) can be performed. IVT may improve prognosis in ESRD/HD patients with AIS. However, ESRD/HD patients have been excluded from large trials and may have been withheld from IVT due to concerns about bleeding complications. To date, there is no clear evidence and firm guidance on the safety and efficacy of IVT in ESRD/HD patients with AIS. This narrative review aimed to evaluate critical scientific data on the benefits and risks of IVT use in patients with ESRD/HD and AIS. Materials and Methods: We searched the electronic database of PubMed for studies evaluating the relationship between AIS, ESRD/HD, and IVT. Reference sections and additional publications were also searched manually. Studies on AIS in patients with ESRD/HD requiring maintenance dialysis that referred to IVT were included. Results: In total, 560 studies were found in the PubMed electronic database during the period covered, of which 10 met the selection criteria. IVT for AIS in ESRD/HD patients could improve neurological outcomes and be safely performed even with the possibility of hemorrhagic complications associated with hypertension. Despite the high complication and mortality rates in ESRD/HD patients with AIS after IVT, the association with IVT was unclear. Conclusions: IVT for AIS in ESRD/HD patients may improve outcomes and should not be withheld based solely on ESRD/HD status.