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Background and Purpose— We aimed to evaluate the current practice patterns, safety and outcomes of patients who receive endovascular therapy (EVT) having mild neurological symptoms. Methods— From Jan 2010 to Jan 2018, 127,794 ischemic stroke patients were enrolled in the Florida-Puerto Rico Stroke Registry. Patients presenting within 24 hours of symptoms who received EVT were classified into mild (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] ≤5) or moderate/severe (NIHSS>5) categories. Differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results— Among 4110 EVT patients (median age, 73 [interquartile range=20] years; 50% women), 446 (11%) had NIHSS ≤5. Compared with NIHSS >5, those with NIHSS ≤5 arrived later to the hospital (median, 138 versus 101 minutes), were less likely to receive intravenous alteplase (30% versus 43%), had a longer door-to-puncture time (median, 167 versus 115 minutes) and more likely treated in South Florida (64% versus 53%). In multivariable analysis younger age, private insurance (versus Medicare), history of hypertension, prior independent ambulation and hospital size were independent characteristics associated with NIHSS ≤5. Among EVT patients with NIHSS ≤5, 76% were discharged home/rehabilitation and 64% were able to ambulate independently at discharge as compared with 53% and 32% of patients with NIHSS >5. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 4% of mild stroke EVT patients and 6.4% in those with NIHSS >5. Conclusions— Despite lack of evidence-based recommendations, 11% of patients receiving EVT in clinical practice have mild neurological presentations. Individual, hospital and geographic disparities are observed among endovascularly treated patients based on the severity of clinical symptoms. Our data suggest safety and overall favorable outcomes for EVT patients with mild stroke.

OBJECTIVES Although disparities in stroke care and outcomes have been well documented nationally, state-based registries to monitor acute stroke care in Florida (FL) and Puerto Rico (PR) have not been established. The FL-PR Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (CReSD) was developed to evaluate race-ethnicity and regional disparities in stroke care performance. The objective of this study was to assess and compare hospital characteristics within a large quality improvement registry to identify characteristics associated with better outcomes for acute ischemic stroke care. METHODS Trained personnel from 78 FL-PR CReSD hospitals (69 FL, 9 PR) completed a 50-item survey assessing institutional characteristics across seven domains: acute stroke care resource availability, emergency medical services integration, stroke center certification, data collection and use, quality improvement processes, FL-PR CReSD recruitment incentives, and hospital infrastructure. RESULTS The rate of survey completion was 100%. Differences were observed both within FL and between FL and PR. Years participating in Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (8.9 ± 2.6 years FL vs 4.8 ± 2.4 years PR, P < 0.0001) and proportion of hospitals with any stroke center certification (94.2% FL vs 11.1% PR, P < 0.0001) showed the largest variations. Smaller hospital size, fewer years in Get With The Guidelines-Stroke, and lack of stroke center designation and acute stroke care practice implementation may contribute to poorer outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Results from our survey indicated variability in hospital- and system-level characteristics in stroke care across hospitals in Florida and Puerto Rico. Identification of these variations, which may explain potential disparities, can help clinicians understand gaps in stroke care and outcomes and targeted interventions to reduce identified disparities can be implemented.

Objective: To examine racial/ethnic disparities in 30-day all-cause readmission after stroke. Methods: Thirty-day all-cause readmission was compared by race/ethnicity among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries discharged for ischemic stroke from hospitals in the Florida Stroke Registry from 2010 to 2013. We fit a Cox proportional hazards model that censored for death and adjusted for age, sex, length of stay, discharge home, and comorbidities to assess racial/ethnic differences in readmission. Results: Among 16,952 stroke patients (54% women, 75% white, 8% black, and 15% Hispanic), 30-day all-cause readmission was 15% (17.2% for blacks, 16.7% for Hispanics, 14.4% for whites, and 14.7% for others; P = .003). There was a median of 11 days between discharge and first readmission. In adjusted analyses, there was no significant difference in readmission for blacks (hazard ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 0.99-1.33), Hispanics (1.00, .90-1.13), and those of other race/ethnicity (.91, .71-1.16) compared with whites. Nearly 1 in 4 readmissions were attributable to acute cerebrovascular events: 16.6% ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, 1.5% hemorrhagic stroke, and 5.2% cerebral artery interventions. Interventions were more common among whites and those of other race than blacks and Hispanics (P = .029). Readmission due to pneumonia or urinary tract infection was 8.2%. Conclusions: Readmissions attributable to acute cerebrovascular events were common and generally occurred within 2 weeks of hospital discharge. Racial/ethnic disparities were present in readmissions for arterial interventions. Our results underscore the importance of postdischarge transitional care and the need for better secondary prevention strategies after ischemic stroke, particularly among minority populations.

Background Racial/ethnic disparities in acute stroke care may impact stroke outcomes. We compared outcomes by race/ethnicity among elderly Medicare beneficiaries in hospitals participating in the FL‐PR CReSD (Florida–Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities) registry with those in hospitals not participating in any quality improvement programs (non‐ QI ) in Florida and Puerto Rico (PR). Methods and Results The population included fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries age 65+ in Florida and PR , discharged with primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke ( International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD‐9‐CM], codes 433, 434, 436) in 2010–2013. We used mixed logistic models to assess racial/ethnic differences in outcomes (in‐hospital, 30‐day, and 1‐year mortality, and 30‐day readmission) for CR e SD and non‐ QI hospitals, adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics. The study included 62 CR e SD hospitals (N=44 013, 84% white, 9% black, 4% Florida Hispanic, 1% PR Hispanic) and 113 non‐ QI hospitals (N=14 422, 78% white, 7% black, 5% Florida Hispanic, 8% PR Hispanic). For patients treated at CR e SD hospitals, there were no differences in risk‐adjusted in‐hospital mortality by race/ethnicity; blacks had lower 30‐day mortality versus whites (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.97), but higher 30‐day readmission (hazard ratio, 1.09; 1.00–1.18) and 1‐year mortality (odds ratio, 1.13; 1.04–1.23); Florida Hispanics had lower 30‐day readmission (hazard ratio, 0.87; 0.78–0.98). PR Hispanic and black stroke patients treated at non‐ QI hospitals had higher risk‐adjusted in‐hospital, 30‐day and 1‐year mortality, but similar 30‐day readmission versus whites treated in non‐ QI hospitals. Conclusions Disparities in outcomes were less common in CR e SD than non‐ QI hospitals, suggesting the benefits of quality improvement programs, particularly those focusing on racial/ethnic disparities.

Background: 30-day readmission after ischemic stroke is an important health quality of care metric, but little is known about potential race-ethnic disparities for this outcome. We examined 30-day rates and causes for readmission among Medicare beneficiaries in the NINDS-funded Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (CReSD) Study. Methods: We examined 30-day all-cause readmission for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries treated for ischemic stroke (ICD-9 433,434, 436) in FL CReSD hospitals from 2010-2013. We fit a Cox proportional hazards model that censored for death and adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities to assess race-ethnic differences in readmission, and identified reasons for readmissions. Results: Among 16,952 unique ischemic stroke patients (54% women, 75% white, 8% black, 15% Hispanic), all-cause 30-day readmission was 15%. Readmission rates were 17.2% for Blacks, 16.7% for Hispanics, 14.4% for Whites, and 14.7% for Others (p=0.003). There was a median of 11 days between discharge and first readmission. In risk-adjusted analyses, there was no significant difference in 30-day readmission for Blacks (hazard ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 0.99-1.33), Hispanics (1.00, 0.90-1.13), and those of other race (0.91, 0.71-1.16) compared to Whites. Nearly 1 in 4 readmissions were attributable to an acute cerebrovascular event: 16.6% ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, 1.5% hemorrhagic stroke, and 5.2% cerebral artery intervention (carotid endarterectomy or stenting, endovascular). Interventions were more common among Whites (6.0%) and those of other race (7.5%) than among Blacks (1.8%) and Hispanics (3.8%; p=0.029). Readmission due to pneumonia or urinary tract infection was 8.2%. Conclusions: Readmissions varied by race/ethnicity, but generally occurred within two weeks of hospital discharge. Our results underscore the importance of post-discharge transition of care and the need for better secondary stroke prevention strategies early after ischemic stroke. Implementation of effective transition of care after acute stroke hospitalization may reduce potentially preventable readmissions, particularly among minority populations.

Background: Patients with minor ischemic stroke were largely excluded from the randomized trials of endovascular therapy (EVT) in stroke. In the Florida-Puerto Rico Registry we sought to determine the utilization of EVT in this population. Methods: From January 2010 to March 2017, 57,750 acute ischemic stroke patients within 24 hours of symptom onset were prospectively included from 88 sites in four Florida regions (south, west central, north and panhandle, east central) and Puerto Rico. Differences between minor (NIHSS ≤ 5) and moderate/severe (NIHSS>5) stroke patients who received EVT were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. Results: Among 2,845 EVT patients (50% women, mean age ±SD 71±14 years), 347 (12%) had NIHSS ≤ 5. As compared to NIHSS>5, minor stroke patients were younger (mean age 67 vs. 71, p5. Majority of minor stroke patients who received EVT were discharged home or to rehab (75%) while 53% of those with NIHSS>5. Conclusions: More than 1 in 10 cases that received EVT had mild neurological symptoms. Many factors including hospital expertise and time of presentation affect the use of this treatment. Further study of EVT in minor stroke is warranted.

Background: Among stroke survivors, worse functional outcomes have been reported in race/ethnic minority groups. Race/ethnic differences in post-stroke independent ambulation may be evident early and largely influenced by age. Independent ambulation is defined as the ability to walk without supervision or assistance from another person. Discharge ambulation status may have implications for long term rehabilitation after stroke. We sought to determine the impact of age on race/ethnic differences in discharge ambulation status in the large NINDS-funded FL-PR CReSD Registry of Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) data. Methods: Discharge ambulation status was analyzed for 51,859 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) survivors from 69 FL and 13 PR sites. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test whether age modifies the relationship between race/ethnicity and independent ambulation at discharge (IAD). Stratified analyses were performed in 3 age groups: 18-64, 65-79, 80+. Models were adjusted for sex, vascular risk factors, independent ambulation status at admission and hospital characteristics. Results: IAD was achieved in 52%, of which 71% were non-Hispanic White (NHW), 13% NH Black (NHB), 12% FL Hispanic (FLH), and 4% PR Hispanic (PRH). IAD was most common in NHW (57%), followed by FLH (53%), NHB (47%), and PRH (40%). Older age was associated with lower odds of IAD (18-64: 68%, 65-79: 54%, 80+: 32%). After full adjustment, IAD was less likely in older [65-79 vs 18-64: OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.63-0.73; 80+: OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.32-0.39] and NHB vs. NHW patients [OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.92]. In age-stratified analyses, NHBs were less likely than NHWs to achieve IAD among those age 65-79 (47% vs. 57%) and 80+ (29% vs 34%) [OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.90; OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.88]. This association was not seen in the 18-64 age group (66% vs 69%), [OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.06]. Conclusions: About half of AIS survivors are unable to ambulate independently after stroke at discharge. Elderly NHB are less likely to IAD, though the disparity is not observed in working age adults. Post-stroke ambulation is a public health issue that substantially contributes to the economic burden of US healthcare. Further studies are warranted to identify causes of race/ethnic disparities in IAD.

Background: As key components of the AHA Life’s Simple 7 campaign, lifestyle modifications play an integral role in the prevention of vascular disease. Little is known about the prevalence of lifestyle modification counseling in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to investigate disparities in the delivery of lifestyle interventions to AIS patients in the large NINDS-funded FL-PR CReSD Registry of Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) data. Methods: GWTG-S collects data on the provision of several lifestyle interventions including counseling on exercise/weight loss, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, diabetes (DM) education and antihypertensive (low sodium) diet. 80,598 AIS cases were prospectively included from 82 sites (69 FL; 13 PR) from 2010-2016. Multilevel logistic regression models adjusted for age, race, and aphasia were used to evaluate differences in the provision of lifestyle interventions as indicated for patients prior to hospital discharge. Results: Among AIS cases, 51% were men, 62% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 18% NH-Black (NHB), 13% FL-Hispanic (FLH), and 6% PR-Hispanic (PRH). Mean age was 71±14 years. The highest mean BMI was in PRH (29±7 kg/m 2 ), with the lowest in NHW (27±6 kg/m 2 ) and FLH (28±6 kg/m 2 ). Despite this, PRH were less likely to receive exercise/weight loss counseling compared to NHW (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.90) and FLH (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22-0.97). PRH also had lower odds of receiving TLC diet counseling compared to NHW and FLH (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.68). Though NHB presented with higher rates of DM compared to NHW (38% vs. 25%), they were less likely to receive DM education (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99). Women were less likely to receive TLC diet counseling (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98) and DM education (OR 0.94, CI 0.92-0.97) compared to men. Despite higher HTN frequency in women and NHB (67% and 69%), both were less likely to receive low sodium diet recommendations as compared to men (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.92-0.97) and NHW (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99). Conclusion: Overall, disparities were identified in the provision of several lifestyle interventions in AIS patients. These interventions can benefit all and providers should continue counseling patients regarding modifiable risk factors to prevent future stroke.

Introduction: Primary stroke center (PSC) and comprehensive stroke center (CSC) designation in Florida aims to improve delivery of care and outcomes for stroke patients. In line with the goals of the NINDS funded Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study, we sought to compare ischemic stroke performance metrics by stroke center designation in participating Florida hospitals. Methods: We analyzed 74,623 cases with acute ischemic stroke from 26 CSC and 40 PSC from January 2010-April 2016. We described patient demographics, comorbidities and Get With The Guidelines-Stroke performance metrics of defect free care (compliance with 7 pre-defined performance core measures), door to CT time (DTCT) ≤25 mins and door to needle time (DTN) ≤60 mins. Results: Compared with PSC patients, CSC patients were younger (70 ± 15 vs. 71 ± 14 years, p; < 25 mins 33% vs. 31%, p Conclusion: Patients treated in CSC, compared with those treated in PSC, received better defect-free care and had lower DTCT and DTN times. Race-ethnic disparities in performance metrics are still evident in both CSC and PSC. Identification of these disparities is important to design interventions to reduce disparities and improve stroke quality of care for all.

Background and Purpose: Endovascular thrombectomy improves functional outcome in select ischemic stroke patients. In the NINDS-funded CReSD Registry we sought to determine the clinical, hospital and regional characteristics associated with use of this therapy in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Ischemic stroke patients within 24 hours of onset were prospectively included from 82 sites in Florida and Puerto Rico from January 2010 to April 2016. Independent predictors of endovascular therapy were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. Results: Among 58,204 patients with acute ischemic stroke (50% male, 65% white, 15% black, 20% Hispanic, mean age±SD 71±14 yrs), 2105 (3.6%) received endovascular thrombectomy (50.9% men, 62.3% white, 13.7% black, 24% Hispanic, mean age±SD 70±15yrs) with (35.2%) or without intravenous thrombolysis. Patients who received endovascular therapy had a significantly lower risk of vascular risk factors except for Afib (33.7% vs 19.0%), more severe strokes (median NIHSS 15 vs. 5) and were more likely to arrive quickly (126 min vs. 210 min), via EMS (70.4% vs. 59.6%) or as a transfer from another hospital (20.8% vs 5.8%,) during working hours (47.7% vs. 45.6%), to large hospitals (≥ 680 beds) (48.3% vs 28.8%), and treated in South Florida (47.3% vs. 35.9%) as compared to those not receiving this treatment. In multivariable analysis; age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96- 0.98), Blacks (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56-2.28) vs. White, off-hour presentation (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66- 0.96), to regions other than South Florida (North OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.93, Panhandle OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04-0.36) remained independently associated with lower use of endovascular therapy. In contrast, Hispanics (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03- 1.69) vs. White and presenting to large hospital (OR 4.92, 95% CI 1.05- to 22.6) were associated with higher use of endovascular treatment. Conclusions: There are significant race, regional and hospital disparities in delivery of endovascular care. Efforts should me made to improve access to endovascular treatment in patients presenting across the region to all stroke centers.

Background and Purpose— In the United States, about half of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) receive treatment within 60 minutes of hospital arrival. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients receiving tPA within 60 minutes (door-to-needle time [DTNT] ≤60) and 45 minutes (DTNT ≤45) of hospital arrival by race/ethnicity and sex and to identify temporal trends in DTNT ≤60 and DTNT ≤45. Methods— Among 65 654 acute ischemic stroke admissions in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-funded FL-PR CReSD study (Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities) from 2010 to 2015, we included 6181 intravenous tPA-treated cases (9.4%). Generalized estimating equations were used to determine predictors of DTNT ≤60 and DTNT ≤45. Results— DTNT ≤60 was achieved in 42% and DTNT ≤45 in 18% of cases. After adjustment, women less likely received DTNT ≤60 (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–0.92) and DTNT ≤45 (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.93). Compared with Whites, Blacks less likely had DTNT ≤45 during off hours (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.98). Achievement of DTNT ≤60 and DTNT ≤45 was highest in South Florida (50%, 23%) and lowest in West Central Florida (28%, 11%). Conclusions— In the FL-PR CReSD, achievement of DTNT ≤60 and DTNT ≤45 remains low. Compared with Whites, Blacks less likely receive tPA treatment within 45 minutes during off hours. Treatment within 60 and 45 minutes is lower in women compared with men and lowest in West Central Florida compared with other Florida regions and Puerto Rico. Further research is needed to identify reasons for delayed thrombolytic treatment in women and Blacks and factors contributing to regional disparities in DTNT.

Background and Purpose— Sex-specific disparities in stroke care including thrombolytic therapy and early hospital admission are reported. In a large registry of Florida and Puerto Rico hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines—Stroke program, we sought to determine sex-specific differences in ischemic stroke performance metrics and overall thrombolytic treatment. Methods— Around 51 317 (49% women) patients were included from 73 sites from 2010 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations evaluated sex-specific differences in the prespecified Get With The Guidelines—Stroke metrics for defect-free care in ischemic stroke, adjusting for age, race-ethnicity, insurance status, hospital characteristics, individual risk factors, and the presenting stroke severity. Results— As compared with men, women were older (73±15 versus 69±14 years; P P P P P P value of 0.13 for time-by-sex interaction. Women were less likely to receive thrombolysis (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.86–0.99; P =0.02) and less likely to have a door-to-needle time P =0.02) as compared with men. Conclusions— Women received comparable stroke care to men in this registry as measured by prespecified Get With The Guidelines metrics. However, women less likely received thrombolysis and had door-to-needle time

Background: Sex is a contributing factor to inequalities in stroke care. In line with the aims of the FL-PR CReSD Study to assess Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) quality improvement data, we sought to compare stroke performance metrics by sex among 9 GWTG-S participating Puerto Rico hospitals from 2010-2014. Methods: Age and NIHSS-adjusted hierarchical generalized linear models, stratified by sex, were evaluated for the following GWTG-S performance metrics: IV tPA treatment, early antithrombotic therapy, DVT prophylaxis, antithrombotic therapy at discharge, anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) at discharge, statin medication at discharge, smoking cessation counseling, defect-free care (compliance with all performance measures), in addition to CT scan ≤25 minutes and door-to-IV tPA administration ≤60 minutes of hospital arrival. Results: Among 3,277 acute ischemic stroke cases, 48% were women. As compared to men, women were older (72±14 vs. 68±13 years, P Conclusions: Overall, stroke care remains lower for Puerto Rican women than men. Continued adoption of the GWTG-S quality improvement program may help reduce sex disparities in quality of care across the island.

Background: It is unknown whether atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible for increased morbidity and disability seen in women with ischemic stroke. We sought to determine whether patients with ischemic stroke and AF had poorer outcomes than ischemic stroke patients without AF and whether this effect is more pronounced among women. Methods: We analyzed data from the FL-PR CReSD Study, a large quality improvement registry of Florida (N=66) and Puerto Rico (N=9) hospitals based on the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) program. Discharge disposition was utilized as a surrogate marker for morbidity and disability, with discharge to home or rehabilitation in comparison to other discharge dispositions (skilled nursing facility, hospice or died). Multilevel generalized linear models were used to evaluate AF and sex disparities in discharge disposition adjusted for demographics, risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, previous stroke/TIA), and NIHSS and CHADS2 scores. Results: We examined a total of 55,945 ischemic stroke patients, of whom 11,797 (21%) had AF at discharge. AF patients were older than non-AF patients (79.0±10.9 years vs. 68.7±14.4 years), had higher proportion of women (54% vs. 49%) and more severe strokes (mean NIHSS 10±9 vs. 7±7). Among AF patients, women were older (81±10 vs. 76±11 years) and had greater NIHSS (11±9 vs. 9±8) and CHADS2 scores (3.9±0.9 vs. 3.7±1.0) than men. Overall, AF patients were less likely discharged to home or rehabilitation than those without AF (54% vs. 71%, OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98). There was a significant effect modification between AF and discharge disposition by sex. In stratified analyses by sex, AF was associated with less discharged to home or rehabilitation among women (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.91), but not among men (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.96-1.11). Conclusion: Women with AF were less likely discharged to home or rehabilitation facility after ischemic stroke. Baseline differences in age, stroke severity, risk factors, and comorbidities between men and women had little impact on the poorer outcome and discharge disposition after ischemic stroke in women. Further studies are warranted to identify the causes of sex-specific differences in stroke outcomes for patients with AF.

Background: Minor stroke/TIA is the most common cause for thrombolysis exclusion in patients acutely presenting to the hospital. Thrombolysis administration in this subgroup is highly variable amongst different clinicians and institutions. We aim to study the predictors of thrombolysis in patients with mild ischemic stroke in the FL-PR CReSD Study. Methods: 73,712 patients with ischemic stroke/TIA were prospectively enrolled from January 2010 to April 2015. We included 7,746 patients who had persistent neurological symptoms with NIHSS score ≤5 and arrived within 4 hours of symptom onset. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of thrombolysis in the subgroup of patients without contraindications to thrombolysis Results: 6,826 patients (25% final diagnosis TIA, 75% minor stroke) were included (mean age=70±14 years), 52.7% male, 70.3% white, 13% black, 16.7% Hispanic, median NIHSS=2 (IQR=1,4). Patients who received thrombolysis (N=1281, 18.7%) were younger (67 vs. 70.7 years, P Conclusion: Minor acutely presenting stroke patients were more likely to receive thrombolysis if they were young, white or Hispanic, and arrived early to the hospital with more severe neurological presentation specifically aphasia and altered level of consciousness. Identification of predictors of thrombolysis utilization is important in the design of educational programs and randomized trials to increase the use of thrombolysis for minor stroke.