Dextran reduces embolic signals after carotid endarterectomy.
One hundred fifty patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were randomly assigned to receive intravenous 10% dextran 40 or placebo. Transcranial Doppler monitoring of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery 0 to 1 hour postoperatively detected embolic signals in 57% of placebo and 42% of dextran patients, with overall embolic signal counts 46% less for dextran (p = 0.052). Two to 3 hours postoperatively, embolic signals were present in 45% of placebo and 27% of dextran patients, with embolic signal counts 64% less for dextran (p = 0.040). We conclude that dextran reduces embolic signals within 3 hours of CEA.
Levi
C R
CR
Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia.
Stork
J L
JL
Chambers
B R
BR
Abbott
A L
AL
Cameron
H M
HM
Peeters
A
A
Royle
J P
JP
Roberts
A K
AK
Fell
G
G
Hoare
M C
MC
Chan
A T
AT
Donnan
G A
GA
D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D003911:Dextrans / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial
D000925:Anticoagulants; D003911:Dextrans