Pilot study of low-molecular-weight heparin in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract

Our purpose was to assess the feasibility and risk of performing a double-blind placebo-controlled study of low-molecular-weight heparin in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Fifty-five patients were treated within 48 hours of stroke onset. Pretreatment computed tomography was performed to rule out cerebral hemorrhage. Fraxiparine (6000 IU per day) was given subcutaneously for 7 days. No adverse reaction was encountered during the treatment period. At 3 months, 26 patients were independent, 21 moderately disabled, 4 severely disabled, and 4 dead. It would be safe and practical to conduct a clinical trial on the use of Fraxiparine in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.