Cerebrolysin in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) is one of the acute neurological conditions that is associated with high mortality and recovery failure rates. In recent years, due to the development of endovascular and classical techniques, the mortality rate after SAH has decreased. Currently, more research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying SAH. Methods of treatment are investigated in order to obtain the best treatment result, not only survival. One of the drugs used in stroke, including SAH, is Cerebrolysin. It is a mixture of neuropeptides that has similar properties to neurotrophic factors. Its positive impact on strokes has been analyzed; however, there are no meta-analyses concerning only the subpopulation of patients diagnosed with SAH in the current literature. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of available clinical trials to evaluate the effect of Cerebrolysin on the treatment outcome. The data suggest a positive effect of Cerebrolysin on the mortality of SAH patients. However, further randomized clinical trials with larger groups of patients are needed to draw final conclusions.

Current neuroprotective agents in stroke

“…Further randomized clinical trials with larger patient cohorts are recommended. [ 41 ] In 2022, the Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea recommended cerebrolysin for improving motor function, with very low evidence level and conditional recommendation (level B) for stroke patients, depending on individual patient condition and risk of side effects. [ 42 ]…”