Glycerol for Acute Stroke

Abstract

Brain edema is a major cause of early death after stroke, but no treatment has been shown to be effective, and recommendations in American and European guidelines are based only on expert opinion. A 10% solution of glycerol is a hyperosmolar agent that is claimed to reduce brain edema, and its use has been (and probably still is) rather popular in some countries (Italy, Poland, China). The objectives of this study were to determine whether intravenous glycerol treatment in acute stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, influences death rates and functional outcome in the short-term or long-term, and whether the treatment is safe. The Cochrane Stroke Group trials register was searched (January 2003). Some trialists were personally contacted. All …