A Landmark Study Has Global Impact for Neurointervention; Countless Stroke Patients May Benefit

JFK Medical Center Investigators Play Pivotal Role in International Study Demonstrating a 73% Reduction in Disability in Stroke Patients Treated Within 24 Hours.

The Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center Stroke and Neurovascular Center was a key participant in the DAWN™ trial (May 2017), a multi-center investigation that delivered compelling evidence that more patients suffering ischemic stroke may benefit from endovascular treatment.

While previous randomized clinical trials showed the benefit of stent retrievers within six hours of stroke onset, the DAWN Trial is the first to evaluate the late-window and wake-up stroke patient population.

Standard guidelines for stroke treatment currently recommend clot removal only within six hours of stroke onset. But this study (with results published in the New England Journal of Medicine) shows clot removal up to 24 hours after stroke leads to significantly reduced disability for properly selected patients.

Under the leadership of Jawad Kirmani, M.D., the JFK Medical Center Stroke and Neurovascular Center was one of few programs in the country to demonstrate success with tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, for stroke more than four hours out. tPA works by preventing the enlargement of blood clots that obstruct the flow of blood in the brain. When the irreversibly damaged brain area affected by the stroke is small, clot removal can make a significant positive difference, even if performed outside the six-hour window.

Dr. Kirmani and his team currently are involved in other related studies. Even with the results from the DAWN Trial, there is still significant work required to ensure patients receive fast and effective treatment for stroke.