Edaravon: Caution for use in traumatic brain injury. Experience in 127 patients

Abstract

Introduction

Edaravon, being a potential neuro-protective and neuro-tropic agent, was suggested for use in traumatic brain injury. During its use in 94 patients, a higher incidence of hypoalbuminemia was noted in a subset of trauma patients with severe brain injury.

Material and method

94 patients were evaluated after administration of edaravon for the outcome of therapy in terms of Glasgow outcome score and the incidence of hypoalbuminemia. This was compared with 33 non-parallel patients of head injury who were not administered the medicine.

Result

The incidence of hypoalbuminemia and associated morbidity was found to be significant to reconsider the use of this medicine for severe traumatic brain injury. The outcome of patients treated with the medicine when compared with a non-parallel control group suggested that there was no significant benefit in administering edaravon in traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

In spite of its limitations, this study emphasizes the need for further randomized placebo controlled studies before edaravon is considered for use in neuro-trauma.

Keywords

Edaravon - Severe brain injury - Hypoalbuminemia in brain injury - Neuro-protective agent

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