NIMODIPINE IN ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE - RESULTS OF THE NIMODIPINE GERMAN-AUSTRIAN STROKE TRIAL

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study evalu ated the efficacy and tolerability of nimodipine given to 482 patients within 48 h after acute ischemic stroke. Nimodipine was given orally 120 mg daily for 21 days, concomitant hemodilution was allowed. The Ma thew scale and Barthel index scores monitored neurological and functio nal deficits. Three hundred and fifty-six patients were considered eli gible for analysis of efficacy. Intention-to-treat analysis and analys is of efficacy in all eligible patients did not show a significant dif ference between nimodipine and placebo. In the post hoc defined subgro up with more severe strokes (initial Mathew score less than or equal t o 65) the nimodipine-treated patients did significantly better compare d to the placebo group. The difference seemed more marked in women eve n though they were on average 5 years older than the men. No important side effects attributable to nimodipine were noted.