Treatment first, transport second: rethinking stroke management with mobile stroke units—A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials - Report - MDSpire
Clinical Report: Prioritizing Treatment Over Transport in Stroke Management
Overview
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of mobile stroke units (MSUs) on acute stroke care. Findings indicate that MSUs significantly reduce critical time intervals for treatment.
Background
Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating rapid and accurate diagnosis to minimize neuronal loss. Mobile stroke units (MSUs) integrate advanced diagnostic tools and trained personnel to facilitate timely thrombolytic therapy.
Data Highlights
Outcome
MSU Group
Control Group
P-value
Pooled median time reduction
26.3 min
Control
<0.001
ICH Odds Ratio
1.019
-
0.918
Mortality Odds Ratio
1.23
-
0.271
Key Findings
MSUs reduced the pooled median time to treatment by 26.3 minutes compared to traditional EMS.
No significant difference was found in safety outcomes (ICH and mortality) between MSUs and conventional care.
Subgroup analysis indicated no significant difference in outcomes between MSUs with onboard neurologists and those with remote neurologists.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider the operational models of MSUs when planning stroke care services.
Conclusion
The review highlights the effectiveness of MSUs in improving time-sensitive outcomes in acute stroke management.
by Aishah Ibrahim Albakr, Ziyad Masoud Alqahtani, Abdulmonem Mohammed AlSharidah, Adel Abdalla Zeidan, Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Ibrahim, Mohammed Abdulmonem Al Zaher, Khurshid Khan
