Neurology® Journal Club: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on IV Thrombolysis in Patients With Minor Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The authors identified 9 reports encompassing 13 randomized controlled trials.

Intravenous thrombolysis was associated with lower odds of achieving functional independence and higher odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality at 90 days.

A major strength is the study's exclusive inclusion of randomized controlled trials, which minimizes methodological heterogeneity and enhances internal validity.

In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that intravenous thrombolysis does not confer additional benefit over nonthrombolytic standard of care for minor nondisabling stroke.