[Long-term effect of policosanol on the functional recovery of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke patients: a one year study].
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability. Policosanol has been effective in brain ischemia models. The aim of this study is to investigate whether policosanol, added to aspirin therapy within 30 days of stroke onset, is better than placebo + aspirine for the long-term recovery of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke subjects.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eighty patients (mean age: 69 years) within 30 days of onset, with a modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) 2 to 4, were included. They were randomized in two groups (policosanol + aspirine or placebo + aspirine) for 12 months.


RESULTS
Policosanol + aspirine decreased significantly mean mRS from the first interim check-up (1.5 months). The treatment even improved after long-term therapy. More policosanol + aspirin (87.5%) than placebo + aspirine (0%) patients achieved mRSs <= 1. Policosanol + aspirine increased significantly Barthel Index, lowered LDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol versus placebo + aspirin.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term (12 months) administration of policosanol + aspirin given after suffering non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke was shown to be better than placebo + aspirin in improving functional outcomes when used among patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke of moderate severity.
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
J
J
Sanchez
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
J
J
Illnait
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
R
R
Mas
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
S
S
Mendoza
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
L
L
Fernandez
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
M
M
Mesa
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
H
H
Vega
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
J
J
Fernandez
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
P
P
Reyes
(CNIC) Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas, La Habana, Cuba.
D
D
Ruiz
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000209:etiology; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005233:Fatty Alcohols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D005233:Fatty Alcohols; C080710:policosanol; D002784:Cholesterol; D001241:Aspirin