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Can the Use of Oral Minocycline Improve Ischemic Stroke Outcomes?Department of Veterans Affairs, New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, New York, Kathy.Lee3{at}va.gov Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as ischemic stroke, is the sudden onset of neurologic deficit attributable to a focal vascular cause.1 It is the third leading cause of death, with the death rate being reported as 50.0 (per 100,000 population) in the United States in 2004.2 It is also a leading cause for serious, long-term disability in the United States. While there are various causes, the large majority of strokes result from either global or focal ischemia of the brain. Ischemic stroke accounts for 87% of all strokes, while intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage makes up the remainder. 2 Currently, the primary pharmacological agents used in stroke treatment are thrombolytics, not without limitations, however, and antiplatelet therapy. 3 Minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline antibiotic, has recently gained attention as a neuroprotective agent. A recent study evaluated the use of minocycline in the treatment of acute stroke and demonstrated promising results.4 A review of the mechanisms of action and data presented in past studies will be examined to evaluate the efficacy and clinical impact of minocycline in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
Key Words: Minocycline • ischemic attack • stroke • neuroprotective agent
Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 21, No. 2,
159-164 (2008) |
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