October 1, 2004

Dear Dr. _________,

I am writing on behalf of the University of Ottawa's Evidence-based Practice Center (UO-EPC). We are conducting a systematic review on Acute Stroke, Evaluation & Treatment under the clinical leadership of Dr. Mukul Sharma. This review is being conducted under a contract from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

The task involves the following three objectives:

• To determine what interventions for acute stroke (delivered within the first 24 hours from onset of symptoms) are effective in reducing stroke-related morbidity or mortality.
• To review how the safety and effectiveness of these interventions vary with the timing of intervention in relation to onset of symptoms.
• To determine what is the evidence that specific systems of care (i.e., dedicated stroke programs) improve outcomes of acute stroke.

We are seeking out principle investigators, such as you, for additional evidence including unpublished trials that may have been terminated early, in event these trials may yield some valuable data pertinent to our review. We understand that permission would be required to cite any information provided to us and introduced into the public domain.

We look forward to receiving any information you would deem appropriate for inclusion in this review at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards,

Chantelle Garritty, on behalf of Dr. Mukul Sharma & the University of Ottawa Evidence-based Practice Center (UO-EPC)