Effect of cerebrolysin on moderate and severe head injury: Preliminary result of a cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebrolysin is a compound with neurotropic activities and has a beneficial effect in the treatment of mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease. The present study investigated whether the addition of cerebrolysin to the initial treatment regimen in patients with moderate and severe head injury would improve their functional outcome. Method and Results: At 6 months, 42% of the rehabilitated patients achieved good recovery without significant cognitive deficit. The study group was compared with the historical cohort of patients eligible for active rehabilitation. Despite a younger population of the historical cohort, the functional outcome was not significantly different from the study group. No significant side-effects requiring cessation of cerebrolysin was noted. Conclusion: Use of cerebrolysin as a part of the initial management of moderate and severe head injuries was safe and well-tolerated. The result suggests that cerebrolysin is beneficial to the functional outcome in these patients, especially in elderly patients.