Role and Impact of Cerebrolysin for Ischemic Stroke Care

Abstract

Stroke is still a significant health problem that affects millions of people worldwide, as it is the second-leading cause of death and the third-leading cause of disability. Many changes have occurred in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Although the innovative concepts of neuroprotection and neurorecovery have been vigorously investigated in a substantial number of clinical studies in the past, only a few trials managed to increase the number of promising outcomes with regard to the multidimensional construct of brain protection and rehabilitation. In terms of pharmacological therapies with proven benefits in the post-ischemic process, drugs with neurorestorative properties are thought to be effective in both the acute and chronic phases of stroke. One significant example is Cerebrolysin, a combination of amino acids and peptides that mimic the biological functions of neurotrophic factors, which has been shown to improve outcomes after ischemic stroke, while preserving a promising safety profile. The purpose of this paper is to offer an overview on the role and impact of Cerebrolysin for ischemic stroke care, by touching on various aspects, from its complex, multimodal and pleiotropic mechanism of action, to its efficacy and safety, as well as cost effectiveness.

Keywords: Cerebrolysin; brain diseases; cerebrovascular disorders; early motor rehabilitation; ischaemic stroke; neuroplasticity; neuroprotection; neuroprotective agents; neurorehabilitation; neurotrophic activity; protective agents; recovery; stroke; thrombolysis.

Figure 1

Endogenous defense activity (EDA) and damage mechanism (DM) [5].

Figure 2

Multimodal drugs with pleiotropic neuroprotective effect—mechanism of action [5].