Original Research
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Introduction: After an ischemic stroke occurs, there’s a hyperinflammation fallowed by the stroke which results in more damage to the neurons. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a drug with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and general neuroprotective properties. Treatment with such agent may prevent complications of this cerebrovascular attack.
Research Question or Hypothesis: We aimed to conduct a feasibility study for evaluating the efficacy and safety of DMF by measuring its effect on infarct volume and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Study Design: A double-blind randomized pilot clinical trial was implemented to investigate the safety and efficacy of the DMF in acute stroke.
Methods: Sixteen patients with a new stroke (within 24 hours) were enrolled in the trial. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups, receiving either 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate or placebo three times daily for a week. The baseline NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) was calculated, and a Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DW-MRI) was used to calculate the infarct volume. The follow-up was 30±15 days later after taking the first dose of the DMF/placebo with an NIHSS examination and a T2-weighted-Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery MRI. The patients were also evaluated for side effects.
Results: There was a significant difference between the DMF and placebo group regarding NIHSS score (P=0.005) but not the infarct volume reduction (P=0.743). No significant adverse drug reaction was reported.
Conclusion: DMF may be safely used for prevention of neuronal damage in ischemic stroke patients. Patient recruitment for a well-designed clinical trial may be challenging. Further studies are needed to investigate DMF's role in managing ischemic strokes.
Presenting Author
Niayesh Mohebbi Pharm. D.Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Authors
Siamak Abdi M.D
Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Kheirollah Gholami PharmD
Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Seyed Mehrdad Savar Pharm. D.
Murdoch University