Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models
10:37

Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models

Published on: September 5, 2016

Iron chelators for acute stroke

Junpeng Ma1, Chao You, Li Hao

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|September 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Current research on iron chelators for stroke treatment is limited. No completed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found, indicating insufficient evidence to support their use in acute stroke patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Stroke represents a significant global health burden, causing widespread morbidity and mortality.
  • Iron chelators are being investigated as potential neuroprotective agents for both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.
  • Understanding the role of iron in stroke pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of iron chelator administration in patients experiencing acute stroke.
  • To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding iron chelator therapy for stroke.
  • To identify gaps in current research and guide future clinical investigations.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index up to May 2012.
  • Inclusion of published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing iron chelators with placebo or no treatment in acute stroke.
  • Independent screening and selection of trials by two review authors to ensure rigorous methodology.

Main Results:

  • No completed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria for this review.
  • One ongoing RCT was identified, but no data were available at the time of the review.
  • The current evidence base for iron chelators in acute stroke treatment is critically lacking.

Conclusions:

  • There is insufficient evidence to either support or refute the use of iron chelators in the management of acute stroke.
  • Further high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to determine the potential benefits and risks of iron chelators for stroke patients.
  • Future research should focus on well-designed RCTs to establish the role of iron chelators in neuroprotection and stroke recovery.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Ferric Chloride-induced Canine Carotid Artery Thrombosis: A Large Animal Model of Vascular Injury08:39

Ferric Chloride-induced Canine Carotid Artery Thrombosis: A Large Animal Model of Vascular Injury

Published on: September 7, 2018

Induction of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mice Using the Distal Middle Artery Occlusion Technique07:34

Induction of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mice Using the Distal Middle Artery Occlusion Technique

Published on: December 15, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants01:18

Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Oral anticoagulants are vital tools in preventing and treating blood clotting disorders. This diverse class of medications can be categorized as vitamin K antagonists, exemplified by warfarin, and direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), such as dabigatran, as well as factor Xa inhibitors, including rivaroxaban.
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...