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Published on: June 6, 2025
Effect of cilostazol administration on cerebral hemodynamics and rehabilitation outcomes in poststroke patients
Shuji Matsumoto1, Megumi Shimodozono, Ryuji Miyata
1Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kirishima City, Kagoshima, Japan. shushu@m.kufm.kagoshima-u.co.jp
Primary Objective:
Cilostazol is an antiplatelet agent that inhibits phosphodiesterase III in platelets and the vascular endothelium. We assessed the effects of cilostazol on human cerebral hemodynamics and rehabilitation outcomes.
Research Design:
Prospective, consecutive, observational trial with pretreatment and posttreatment evaluations.
Experimental Interventions:
Cilostazol (200 mg/day) administered for 8 weeks.
Methods And Procedures:
Cerebral blood flow at rest, cerebrovascular reserve capacity, and rehabilitation outcomes (Brunnstrom stage, Barthel index score, modified Rankin Scale score, and Mini-Mental State Examination score) were measured in 104 poststroke patients with an average age ± standard deviation of 60.8 ± 9.2 years.
Main Outcomes And Results:
The cerebral blood flow increased by 23.8% on the affected side of the brain and by 16.9% on the nonaffected side. The cerebrovascular reserve capacity increased by 19.0% on the affected side of the brain and by 13.3% on the nonaffected side. Improvements were observed in the Brunnstrom stage, Barthel index score, modified Rankin Scale score, and Mini-Mental State Examination score.
Conclusions:
Cilostazol appeared to have beneficial effects in poststroke patients with cerebral ischemia and might improve cerebral circulation and rehabilitation outcome.
