Neurochemical monitoring of neuroprotection in human stroke patients

Introduction: Neurochemical monitoring of brain tissue with microdialysis allows continuous analysis of extracellular substances over several days during the acute stage of human stroke. We investigated whether cerebral microdialysis helps to monitor a potential neuroprotective effect of hypothermia and hemicraniectomy in the initial treatment phase. Methods: Open, prospective observational study in 24 patients suffering from large, potentially space-occupying MCA infarction. Patients were treated either conservatively or by moderate hypothermia (33°C.) or hemicraniectomy as rescue therapies. Microdialysis probe…