Treating Stroke: The Doctors' Dilemma
Does a leading stroke treatment cause more harm than good? 91热爆 health correspondent Adam Brimelow examines the research behind the use of clot-busting drug Alteplase.
Later this month the medicines regulator, the MHRA, is due to complete its review into the clot-busting drug Alteplase, the frontline treatment used in many cases of stroke. A number of experts in the UK, US and Canada have raised serious doubts about the drug's safety and effectiveness. They are concerned about potentially fatal harm to patients through an increased risk of bleeding in the brain and they question the credibility of scientific research on which Alteplase was licensed. Supporters and regulators say any risks are outweighed by the benefits of improved recovery. 91热爆 Health Correspondent Adam Brimelow assesses the evidence and the dilemma posed for doctors and their patients.
Producer: Sally Chesworth.
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Does a leading stroke treatment cause more harm than good? 91热爆 Health Correspondent Adam Brimelow examines the research behind the use of clot-busting drug Alteplase.
Broadcasts
- Tue 16 Jun 2015 20:0091热爆 Radio 4
- Sun 21 Jun 2015 17:0091热爆 Radio 4
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