Treatment of stroke patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learnt from a major stroke center in Vietnam

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is placing enormous strain on the global health care systems. The pandemic has led to a global decline in the number of stroke hospitalizations and interventions (eg, thrombolytic rate reduced by 13%) [1]. The COVID-19 outbreak is continuing to spread around the world, with about 190 million confirmed cases and more than four million deaths across more than 200 countries [2]. For patients with acute stroke regardless of COVID-19 infection, evidence-based care is essential [3]. Country-specific strategies have been undertaken to respond to the pandemic to ensure access to treatment and care for stroke patients [4-6].