Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) in Stroke Patients with Concomitant Vascular Disease—A Randomized Controlled Trial
2011

G-CSF in Stroke Patients with Vascular Disease

Sample size: 41 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Agnes Floel, Tobias Warnecke, Thomas Duning, Yvonne Lating, Jan Uhlenbrock, Armin Schneider, Gerhard Vogt, Rico Laage, Winfried Koch, Stefan Knecht, Wolf-Rüdiger Schäbitz

Primary Institution: Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Hypothesis

Can G-CSF promote recovery in chronic stroke patients with concomitant vascular disease?

Conclusion

The study shows that G-CSF is safe and reasonably well tolerated in chronic stroke patients, but did not demonstrate significant efficacy in improving hand motor function.

Supporting Evidence

  • G-CSF was well tolerated with mostly mild to moderate adverse events.
  • Leukocyte counts increased significantly during treatment but returned to baseline after cessation.
  • No significant effect on hand motor function was detected between G-CSF and placebo groups.

Takeaway

This study tested a drug called G-CSF to see if it helps people recover after a stroke, but while it was safe to use, it didn't really help them get better.

Methodology

41 chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to receive either G-CSF or placebo for 10 days, and their safety and efficacy were assessed.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the small sample size and the nature of the treatment assignment.

Limitations

The study was underpowered to detect significant effects due to a small sample size and a heterogeneous patient population.

Participant Demographics

41 individuals aged 48-85 years, with a mean age of 68, including 13 women.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0019767

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