8:30 a.m. Abstracts 34 Results due from trial of magnesium in treating stroke. Pilot studies suggested that IV administration of magnesium salts after acute stroke may reduce death and improve functional outcome. Now, Scottish investigators are ready to present final results of IMAGES (Intravenous Magnesium Efficacy in Stroke) Trial, "the largest acute neuroprotective trial undertaken to date." In this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial, 2,591 patients at 125 centers received either magnesium sulfate or placebo for 24 hours, within 12 hours of stroke onset. In 38 percent of patients, treatment began within 6 hours of onset. Patients' average age was 70, 53 percent male. Patient scores on two tests of neurological function were determined in clinic visits (996 patients) or telephone calls (1,448 patients). CT scans blinded to type of treatment were read at a central location. Results will include modified Rankin scale and Barthel index scores at 90 days for all patients receiving study medication and for the subgroup treated within 6 hours.

4 p.m. Abstract P206 Patient education best route to improving stroke treatment rate. Healthcare providers are accelerating their response and treatment rates for patients with ischemic stroke, but the public itself offers the best chance for further improvement, a California study found. As part of the Paul Coverdell Acute Stroke Pilot Registry in California, researchers studied patients with suspected stroke in 11 hospitals. Of the 375 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke, only 22, or 6 percent, had received clot-busting drugs or mechanical removal of the clot within three hours of symptoms onset. A specific ti
'"/>

Contact: Carole Bullock
carole.bullock@heart.org
214-706-1279
American Heart Association
6-Feb-2004