tPA usage is controversial. Listen to find out why. Read more to form your own opinions.

Episode Sources:

After Re-Analysis, No Trials Show Efficacy of tPA in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Clinical Policy: Use of Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator for the Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Emergency Department

Why we can’t trust clinical guidelines – BMJ

Alteplase for Stroke: Money and Optimistic Claims Buttress the “Brain Attack” Campaign

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Net benefits and harms unclear due to uncertainty in data – the NNT