Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients With Abnormal Hemostasis Pooled Analysis of the MERCI and Multi MERCI Trials

Background and Purpose-Patients with abnormal hemostasis are not considered candidates for thrombolysis. We analyzed the MERCI/Multi MERCI cohort as an attempt to establish the risks and benefits of thrombectomy in this patient population. Methods-Two patient groups were identified: Group 1 (n=35): patients with INR >1.7 or PTT >45 seconds or platelet count <100 000/mu L; Group 2 (n=270): patients with INR <= 1.7, PTT <= 45 seconds, and platelet count >= 100 000/mu L. Clinical, radiographic, and revascularization outcomes were subsequently compared. Results-In Group 1, 20 patients had INR >1.7 (mean: 2.4; range: 1.8 to 4.9), 11 had PTT >45 seconds (mean: 95; range: 46 to 190), and 6 had platelets <100 000/mu L (mean: 63 400; range: 16 000 to 94 000). Two patients had both INR >1.7 and PTT >45 seconds. The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of age, gender, baseline NIHSS scores, intraarterial thrombolytic use/dosage, or occlusion site. Time-to-treatment was slightly earlier in Group 1. There was no significant difference in the rates of revascularization (TIMI 2 to 3: 60% versus 65%), mortality (40% versus 38%), or major symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH; 8.6% versus 8.5%). Group 2 had higher rates of good clinical outcomes (9% versus 35%; P=0.002). This was likely related to a lower prestroke health status in Group 1 patients. In Group 1, successful revascularization was associated with improved outcomes (P=0.015) and lower mortality (24% versus 64%; P=0.033). Conclusion-Patients with abnormal hemostasis who undergo thrombectomy do not appear to be at a higher risk for SICH but have lower rates of good outcomes. In this patient group, successful revascularization appears to be associated with improved clinical outcomes and lower mortality. (Stroke. 2009;40:516-522.)