Pharmacotherapy of cerebral ischemia

Andrew F Ducruet1, Bartosz T Grobelny, Brad E Zacharia

  • 1Columbia University, Department of Neurological Surgery, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. afd12@columbia.edu

Insights

Pharmacologic treatments for ischemic stroke are limited. Future therapies may combine interventional techniques with advanced pharmacotherapy for improved outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Stroke Medicine

Background:

  • Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability globally.
  • Current effective pharmacologic treatments include aspirin and tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute thrombolysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review approved pharmacologic therapies for acute ischemic stroke.
  • To explore promising future treatment strategies for acute ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Exhaustive PubMed search (1950-2009) for pharmacotherapy of acute ischemic stroke.
  • Focus on agents in Phase III trials or approved for clinical use.
  • Interpretation of existing literature and future outlook.

Main Results:

  • Limited pharmacologic options currently approved for ischemic stroke.
  • Ongoing Phase III investigations for several neuroprotective agents.
  • Advancements in interventional techniques for localized drug delivery.

Conclusions:

  • Research continues to define optimal patient populations and extend therapeutic windows for thrombolysis.
  • Future pharmacotherapy for ischemic stroke likely involves a combination of interventional methods and drug treatments.
Abstract

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