title: Advances in neuroprotection trials.
abstract: With technological assistance, approaches to acute stroke trials may be improved. Dose selection, eligibility criteria, control of confounding factors and endpoints can each be optimised. Adaptive randomisation techniques and Bayesian approaches can assist not only dose selection, but also balance of prognostic factors between treatment groups. Magnetic resonance imaging can facilitate enrichment of the trial population with potential responders. Utilisation of existing trial databases can enhance statistical approaches to outcome assessment. Confounding imbalance may also be limited by controlling or adjusting for concomitant conditions and their management. Recent trials have not yet identified a neuroprotectant, but have greatly assisted the prospects of success.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Gardiner Institute, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK. k.r.lees@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Lees
mesh_terms: D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents