Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) in stroke trial: results of a randomized, double blind clinical trial

Background: Body temperatures over 37.5°C are found in about a third of patients within the day after stroke onset and have been associated with increased case fatality and poor functional outcome. This relation is probably limited to the first 12 to 24 hours from stroke onset. In patients with acute ischaemic stroke, paracetamol in a daily dose of 6g reduces body temperature by about 0.3°C within 4 hours from start of treatment. The aim of the Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) In Stroke trial (PAIS; ISCRTN74418480) was to assess whether early treatment with paracetamol improves functional outcome in patients with acu…