Effects of cerebrolysin on functional recovery in patients with severe disability after traumatic brain injury: A historical cohort study

- Cerebrolysin is associated with improved functional recovery in patients with severe disability after TBI.
- Cerebrolysin is associated with decreased mortality rate in patients with severe disability after TBI.
- Cerebrolysin is associated with increased favorable outcome in patients with severe disability after TBI.
- Seizure is important side effect of cerebrolysin administration in TBI patients.

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of cerebrolysin on functional recovery in patients with severe disability after traumatic brain injury (TBI).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study being performed during a 2-year period in a level I trauma center in Southern Iran including all the adult patients (>16 years) with severe disability (GOS of 2 and 3) 1-month after trauma. We excluded those with posttraumatic seizures and those with meningitis or current infections. Some patients received cerebrolysin (n = 65) and some did not (n = 64). Cerebrolysin was administered intravenously in 10 mL dosage daily for 30 days. Patients in two study groups were matched regarding the baseline characteristics including age, gender, GCS on admission, pupil reactivity and Rotterdam score. The administered cerebrolysin dosage was 10 mL intravenously daily for 30 days. The 3- and 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) was recorded. The outcome scales were compared between two study groups.ResultsOverall we included 129 patients with severe disability 1-month after TBI. The baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. We found that GOSE at 3-month (p = 0.017) and 6-month (p = 0.009) was significantly higher in those receiving cerebrolysin. Cerebrolysin administration was associated with lower mortality rate, and higher good recovery after 6 month of therapy (p = 0.024). Cerebrolysin administration was also associated with higher favorable and lower unfavorable outcome (p = 0.043). Cerebrolysin was associated with higher seizure rate (p = 0.042).ConclusionCerebrolysin administration in patients with severe disability after TBI is associated with improved functional recovery, decreased mortality rate and increased favorable outcome. Seizure is important side effect of cerebrolysin administration in TBI patients.