Italian Hospital Pioneers Faster Stroke Treatment with New Drug, Achieves Regional Leadership
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A new era in stroke care has begun at the Santa Rosa hospital in Viterbo, Italy, as the facility becomes the first in the Lazio Region to adopt tenecteplase, a recently authorized medication designed to accelerate treatment for ischemic stroke. The implementation of this innovative therapy, alongside existing methods, is already yielding promising results and solidifying the hospital’s position as a regional leader in neurological care.
Faster Revascularization for Improved Outcomes
Tenecteplase offers a significant advantage in the revascularization process – restoring blood flow to the brain – and significantly reduces treatment time, a critical factor in minimizing long-term damage after a stroke.
National Recognition for Excellence in Neurological Care
The hospital’s advancements haven’t gone unnoticed.A recently released National Outcome Program (PNE) developed by Agenas,the Italian National Agency for Regional Health Services,recognized Santa Rosa as one of just 26 hospitals nationwide with “very high” performance in the nervous system area.The study highlighted a remarkable 30-day mortality rate of 6.25% from ischemic stroke at Santa Rosa, substantially lower than the national average of 9.16%.
“The operational unit of Neurology/UTN at Santa Rosa Hospital confirms a trend of high treatment capacity,” stated a senior hospital official. Data indicates that in 2024, 20% of ischemic strokes in the province of Viterbo were treated with revascularization procedures – a figure approaching the “desirable rate” outlined in the national Stroke Action Plan and exceeding the national average of 15.4%.
Telemedicine Expansion Enhances Regional Access to Specialized Care
The hospital is also leveraging technology to extend its reach. In the first six months of 2025, over 100 teleconsultations were conducted between emergency rooms in surrounding hospitals and the Santa Rosa Neurology department via the Advice platform. Approximately 30% of these patients required hospitalization,with 40% ultimately receiving revascularization procedures.
This expansion of services is part of a broader strategy by the Lazio Region to reorganize its time-dependent networks, formally designating Santa Rosa as the Hub for Area 5. This designation grants the hospital obligation for managing cerebrovascular events throughout the Tuscia region and the Civitavecchia area. Hospitals in Civita Castellana, Tarquinia, Acquapendente, and san Paolo in Civitavecchia can now refer patients with suspected or confirmed ischemic, hemorrhagic stroke, or TIA (transient ischemic attack) to Santa Rosa for specialized consultation and care.
Investment in Resources Drives Improved Patient Outcomes
The availability of tenecteplase is bolstered by ongoing investments in the hospital’s infrastructure and personnel. These include strengthened collaboration with the hospital pharmacy, increased staffing levels, and an expansion of Neurology/UTN beds. “These relevant performance indicators are part of a global strategy,” explained Alessandro Valenza, head of the Cerebrovascular Disease Center.”We are seeing a growth phase at the Viterbo structure, allowing for even more effective management of this widespread pathology.”
The general director of the Viterbo local health authority,Egisto Bianconi,emphasized the long-term vision behind these improvements. “The data from the national outcome plan,the recognition of Santa Rosa as a hub,and the introduction of tenecteplase are the result of a strategic path aimed at strengthening the time-dependent network in our province,” Bianconi stated. “Investing in technologies, innovative drugs, and professional resources means giving concrete answers to citizens, strengthening a public health model that focuses on quality and safety.”
bianconi further noted a positive shift in the hospital’s appeal, both to patients and medical professionals, after years of declining interest. “This result is further confirmation of the quality of the work that we are all doing together,” he concluded. “we are bringing Santa Rosa to levels of excellence, with a clear betterment in the perceived quality of services offered, fostering trust and a sense of belonging among patients and their families.”
