LAUSR

Background: The efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion in elderly is controversial as this age group is often excluded or under-represented in major randomized clinical trials. We evaluated the real-world trends in utilization and outcome of EVT in patients ≥80 years in a nationally representative database. Methods: Using nationwide inpatient sample (2014-2016), we identified patients admitted to hospitals in the United States with acute ischemic stroke who underwent EVT. Baseline demographics and clinical outcome were assessed among patients with age ≥80 years and those with age <80 years. The primary endpoint was favorable outcome defined as discharge to home or acute rehabilitation center. Hemorrhage and in-hospital mortality rates were assessed as secondary outcome measures. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of favorable clinical outcome in elderly. Results: A total of 6,230 patients were identified and 1,547 (24.83%) of them were ≥80. The number of patients ≥80 years who underwent EVT increased from 323 (22%) in 2014 to 695 (28%) in 2016. The rate of favorable outcome in elderly was 9% which was significantly lower than in younger patients (22%). In-hospital mortality was 19% in patients ≥80 years compared to 13% in their younger counterpart. There was no difference in the rate of hemorrhagic transformation between octogenarians and younger patients (3.2% vs 2.6%). Among patient ≥80, decreasing baseline comorbidity burden (Elixhauser Comorbidity Index) [OR; (95% CI): 1.24; (1.04-1.47)] was an independent predictor of favorable outcome. Conclusions: Two-fold increase in the number of EVT was seen from 2014 to 2016 among patients ≥80 years old. Although the rate of favorable outcome is lower in this age group, comparison to a historical control group suggests significant outcome benefit from EVT in these patients. Future prospectively designed studies are warranted for further characterization of the risks and benefit of EVT in elderly.