Conivaptan for the Reduction of Cerebral Edema in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Safety and Tolerability Study

Perihematomal edema (PHE) growth in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a biomarker for worse outcomes. Although the management of PHE is potentially beneficial for ICH patients, there is currently no proven clinical therapy that both reduces PHE and improves outcomes in this population.

To examine the safety and tolerability of conivaptan, a non-peptide vasopressin (AVP) receptor antagonist, for the management of PHE in ICH patients.

We performed a single-center, open-label, phase I study in seven patients with ICH at risk for developing PHE. Conivaptan (20 mg) was administered every 12 h for 2 days, along with the standard ICH management. Electrolyte levels, renal and cardiac function, and vital signs were monitored throughout treatment. Neurological status, ICH, and PHE volumes were assessed at study baseline, 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days from the first conivaptan administration, as well as at the 3-month follow-up.

Conivaptan was well tolerated in our patients. We observed the expected increase in sodium levels following conivaptan administration (p = 0.01), with no change in cardiac or renal function. All patients survived to follow-up, and adverse event rates were comparable with those of the neurocritical care unit overall.

These data indicate that conivaptan can be safely administered to ICH patients and support further clinical investigation into the efficacy of this drug for ICH treatment.

clinicaltrials.gov; NCT03000283, 22 December 2016.