Efficacy of citicoline in ischemic stroke as a supportive therapy

ABSTRACT

To study the efficacy of Citicoline in ischemic stroke as a supportive therapy. An open randomized trial to study the efficacy and tolerance of Citicoline. Setting: District Headquarters Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. Forty patients [22 males and 18 females] between the ages of 35$ 5 years, selected over a period of eight months suffering from acute ischemic stroke within twenty four hours. Thirtysix out of 40 patients [Hemiplegia 16, Hemiparesis 20] completed the study. Diabetes, hypertension and heart failure were the concomitant diseases seen in some patients. In the Hemiplegia group, 5 patients [31.25%] showed complete recovery, 8 patients [50%] partial recovery while There was no response in 3 patients [18.75°10]. In the Hemiparesis group, the results showed complete recovery in 16 patients [80%], partial recovery in 4 patients [20%] with no failure. Tolerance in both groups was good and did not necessitate cessation of therapy. When both groups are combined and taken as acute ischemic stroke, results show 58.3% complete recovery 33.3% partial recovery and 8.3% as nonresponders. Citicoline limits the size of infarct leading towards early recovery of motor and cognitive functions. As such, it can be used effectively in the management of ischemic stroke as supportive therapy