Prospects for improving outcome by research

Journal/Book: J Head Trauma Rehabil. 1997; 12: 7201 Mckinney Circle, Frederick, MD 21704. Aspen Publ Inc. 88-92.

Abstract: Some of the major clinical advances in treatment of acute brain injury are discussed chronologically. These advances have resulted in a progressive decrease in mortality rate of patients with severe brain injury since 1975. Most of these improvements in care have been recently incorporated into a guidelines document for acute care, which has received broad organizational support. Animal models of brain injury, in which behavioral outcome could be used to test early therapy, became available in 1985. To date, completed multicenter clinical trials of early therapy to block the biochemical cascade after injury derived from these models have been negative. A number of ongoing trials are not yet completed, however. The potential reasons for negative results are discussed.

Note: Article Clifton GL, Univ Texas, Sch Med, Hlth Sci Ctr, Vivian L Smith Ctr Neurol Res, Dept Neurosurg, 6431 Fannin, Houston,TX 77030 USA

Keyword(s): SEVERE HEAD-INJURY; CLINICAL-TRIAL

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