Predictors of early neurological deterioration following intravenous thrombolysis: Difference between risk factors for ischemic and hemorrhagic worsening

Background: Prevention of early neurological deterioration (END) is becoming an important therapeutic target in acute ischemic stroke management. The aim of the study is to ascertain the causes and predictors of early neurological deterioration following thrombolysis and determine the predictive value of IScore. Methods: In this single center prospective study, we analyzed clinical, imaging and outcome data in 168 patients thrombolyzed intravenously ≤4.5 hours from onset of stroke. Early neurological deterioration was defined as worsening ≥2 points in the NIHSS score at 24 hours. Results: END occurred in 34 patients (20%) and caused significantly worse short term outcome. Ischemic END (ENDi) (n = 23) was twice as common as symptomatic hemorrhage (ENDh) (n = 11). Ischemia progression (n = 15) was the most common cause. Early malignant edema was another major cause. On multivariate analysis, significant predictors (p