Comparison of Mobile Stroke Unit With Usual Care for Acute Ischemic Stroke Management A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE So far, uncertainty remains as to whether there is sufficient cumulative evidence that mobile stroke unit (MSU; specialized ambulance equipped with computed tomography scanner, point-of-care laboratory, and neurological expertise) use leads to better functional outcomes compared with usual care. OBJECTIVE To determine with a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature whether MSU use is associated with better functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase from 1960 to 2021. STUDY SELECTION Studies comparing MSU deployment and usual care for patients with suspected stroke were eligible for analysis, excluding case series and case-control studies. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Independent data extraction by 2 observers, following the PRISMA and MOOSE reporting guidelines. The risk of bias in each study was determined using the ROBINS-1 and RoB2 tools. In the case of articles with partially overlapping study populations, unpublished disentangled results were obtained. Data were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was excellent outcome as measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; score of 0 to 1 at 90 days). RESULTS Compared with usual care, MSU use was associated with excellent outcome (adjusted odds ratio [OR]. 1.64; 95% CI, 1.27-2.13; P < .001; 5 studies; n = 3228). reduced disability over the full range of the mRS (adjusted common OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.14 1.70; P = .001; 3 studies; n = 1563), good outcome (mRS score of 0 to 2: crude OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.09 1.44; P = .001; 6 studies; n = 3266). shorter onset-to-intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) times (median reduction, 31 minutes [95% CI, 23 39]; P < .001; 13 studies; n = 3322), delivery of IVT (crude OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.58 2.12; P < .001; 7 studies; n = 4790), and IVT within 60 minutes of symptom onset (crude OR, 7.71; 95% CI, 4.17 14.25; P < .001; 8 studies; n = 3351). MSU use was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality at 7 days or at 90 days or with higher proportions of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after IVT. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Compared with usual care, MSU use was associated with an approximately 65% increase in the odds of excellent outcome and a 30-minute reduction in onset-to-IVT times, without safety concerns. These results should help guideline writing committees and policy makers.

Automated summary

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the use of mobile stroke units (MSUs) is associated with improved functional outcomes and reduced treatment time for patients with acute ischemic stroke. These findings are important for guideline writing committees and policy makers.