Clot-bursting drug tPA given to stroke victims, but within 60 minutes of having stroke symptoms, have the best chance to avoid brain damage and even death. Despite knowing the stellar performance it can deliver, studies unveiled just 30% of patients eligible for having intravenous drug are able to have it in the above mentioned time period.

Now, a UCLA-led study found that hospitals participating in the 'Target: Stroke' have been able to reduce the time they take to treat patients with tPA. The initiative started by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association was started in 2010.

Researchers have analyzed more than 1,000 hospitals in which data of 71,169 stroke patients treated with tPA was seen. The average time taken to deliver tPA to patients fell from 74 minutes to 59 minutes. Some other improved outcomes include reduced mortality, fewer treatment complications and increased chance of patients leaving the hospital for home rather than getting referred to a skilled nursing facility.

"These findings reinforce the importance and clinical benefits of faster administration of intravenous tPA. Through this national initiative, more patients were able to be treated with this beneficial therapy", affirmed study researchers.

The initiative has also come up with 10 key best strategies to enhance timely tPA administration. Among them are informing hospital in advance from emergency services in field that stroke patient is on the way. Without any delay taking patient for CT scans to identify candidates for tPA.

There are a number of factors lined up to ensure quick, effective and safe stroke treatment is carried out, said study co-author Dr. Jeffrey L. Saver from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.