Abstract | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: METHODS: We studied the safety and efficacy of ancrod in patients with acute ischemic stroke administered within 6 hours of stroke onset. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial 64 patients received intravenous ancrod and 68 received placebo for 7 days. Neurological outcome, disability, and brain infarct volume were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in overall mean scores on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale. No increase in bleeding occurred in the ancrod-treated patients. The target reduction of plasma fibrinogen levels of less than 100 mg/dL was achieved in only 15 (23%) of 64 ancrod-treated patients. Those patients with ancrod-induced 6-hour fibrinogen levels 130 mg/dL or less had a marginally significantly better neurological outcome on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale, mortality, and Barthel Index than ancrod-treated patients with higher fibrinogen levels. CONCLUSIONS:
Ancrod appears safe and potentially effective when administered to patients within 6 hours of onset of ischemic stroke.
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Authors | |
Journal | Stroke
(Stroke)
Vol. 25
Issue 9
Pg. 1755-9
(Sep 1994)
ISSN: 0039-2499 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8073455
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Adult
- Aged
- Ancrod
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Brain
(diagnostic imaging)
- Brain Ischemia
(drug therapy, mortality, physiopathology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Placebos
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Treatment Outcome
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