Adrenergic blockade in subarachnoid haemorrhage

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage is linked to sympathetic nervous system over-activity and cerebral artery spasm.
• Adrenergic blockade has been investigated for its potential to influence subarachnoid hemorrhage outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of alpha-adrenergic blockade (phenoxybenzamine) in reducing mortality and late morbidity after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• To assess the impact of beta-adrenergic blockade (propranolol) on the course and prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.

Main Methods:

• Two double-blind trials were conducted.
• Trial 1: Single intracarotid injection of phenoxybenzamine.
• Trial 2: Prolonged treatment with propranolol in 100 patients (50 per group).

Main Results:

• Intracarotid phenoxybenzamine did not improve mortality or late morbidity.
• Prolonged propranolol treatment did not reduce mortality or severe morbidity.

Conclusions:

• Neither alpha-adrenergic blockade nor beta-adrenergic blockade demonstrated a benefit in improving mortality or morbidity for subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.
• Further research may be needed to explore other therapeutic avenues for subarachnoid hemorrhage management.