A recent study has unveiled that a novel combination of treatments could substantially boost survival rates and decrease major disability among patients afflicted with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a specific type of stroke. The new protocol, which includes the immediate control of elevated blood pressure among other strategies, has shown remarkable improvement in patient recovery, reduced fatality rates, and enhanced patient quality of life. The study posits that, if universally implemented, this treatment regimen could potentially save countless lives worldwide each year.
Such integrated treatments have been demonstrated to amplify the effectiveness, showing notable advantages particularly in low- to middle-income countries where the majority of brain hemorrhage instances are reported.
The George Institute for Global Health has disclosed the results of the phase III INTERACT3 trial. The study validates that a creative combination of treatments for stroke resulting from ICH significantly improves survival rates and reduces major disabilities. The results were discussed at the European Stroke Organisation Conference in Munich, Germany, and published in The Lancet.
The INTERACT3 trial stands as the first randomized controlled study ever to report a distinctively positive outcome for ICH treatment. The application of this innovative treatment methodology, known as a Care Bundle, predominantly focusing on rapid control of high blood pressure, led to superior patient recovery, diminished mortality rates, and an overall improvement in the quality of life of those battling this severe condition.
Professor Craig Anderson, Director of Global Brain Health at The George Institute and a senior author of the study, remarked, “Despite the high rates of ICH and its severity, there are limited proven options for treating it, but early control of high blood pressure is the most promising. Time is of the essence in treating this type of stroke, so we trialed a combination of interventions to quickly stabilize the patients to improve their outcomes. We anticipate that if this protocol was universally adopted, it could save tens of thousands of lives annually worldwide.”
ICH, often known as hemorrhagic stroke or brain bleed, is the second most common type of stroke and the deadliest, with 40% to 50% of patients succumbing within 30 days. It occurs when blood escapes from a blood vessel into the brain tissue, accounting for over a quarter of all stroke cases and impacting approximately 3.4 million people a year.
In the INTERACT3 trial, over 7,000 patients were enlisted across 144 hospitals in 10 countries, including nine middle-income countries and one high-income country.
The research team evaluated the efficacy of the new Care Bundle, comprising early intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure, strict glucose control, fever management, and rapid reversal of abnormal anticoagulation.
They concluded that employing this new treatment protocol compared to standard care diminished the probability of a poor functional outcome, including death, after six months. This was estimated to prevent one additional death for every 35 patients treated.
The pivotal part of this was a quick reduction in systolic blood pressure, where target levels were reached, on average, in 2.3 hours [range 0.8 to 8.0 hours], compared to 4.0 hours [range 1.9 to 16.0 hours] in the control group. The interventional protocol led to a statistically significant reduction in mortality, serious adverse events, and hospital stay duration, as well as an improvement in health-related quality of life.
The impact of ICH is heaviest in low- and middle-income countries. In 2019, 30% of all stroke cases in LMICs were ICH, almost twice the percentage seen in high-income countries (16%). This is partly due to high rates of hypertension and insufficient resources for primary prevention strategies, including the identification and management of stroke risk factors by healthcare services.
Dr.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stroke Treatment Protocol
What is the new treatment protocol for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) presented in the study?
The new protocol for treating ICH, as presented in the study, involves a combination of interventions known as a Care Bundle. The primary focus of the Care Bundle is the rapid control of high blood pressure. The regimen also includes early intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure, strict glucose control, fever treatment, and quick reversal of abnormal anticoagulation.
Who conducted the study on the new treatment protocol for ICH?
The study was conducted by The George Institute for Global Health. The research, known as the phase III INTERACT3 trial, was led by Professor Craig Anderson, the Director of Global Brain Health at the institute.
What were the main findings of the INTERACT3 trial?
The INTERACT3 trial found that the new Care Bundle for treating ICH significantly improved survival rates, reduced major disabilities, and led to better recovery and quality of life for patients. It found that immediate control of high blood pressure is critical in treating ICH, and that the new protocol could potentially save tens of thousands of lives each year if universally adopted.
How could this new protocol affect low- to middle-income countries?
The majority of brain hemorrhage cases are reported in low- to middle-income countries. The new protocol, which utilizes accessible treatment combinations, could significantly enhance patient outcomes in these countries, especially considering their limited resources.
What is the impact of ICH globally?
ICH, also known as hemorrhagic stroke or brain bleed, is the second most common type of stroke and the most deadly. It affects approximately 3.4 million people per year worldwide, and 40% to 50% of patients die within 30 days. The impact of ICH is particularly heavy in low- and middle-income countries, where 30% of all stroke cases are due to ICH.
More about Stroke Treatment Protocol
- The George Institute for Global Health
- European Stroke Organisation Conference
- The Lancet Journal
- National Health and Medical Research Council
- Medical Research Council
- The Wellcome Trust
- West China Hospital
7 comments
wow, this is amazing news! anythin that could save lives is a big deal. hope it gets implemented soon everywhere.
Impressive stuff indeed, but let’s not get our hopes up too much. Trials are one thing, practice is another. Fingers crossed anyway.
Finally some good news. lost a close friend to ICH, wish this was around earlier. hoping this saves lots of lives.
I can’t imagine how many people could benefit from this! my gran suffered from a stroke, so its close to my heart. Lets hope it works.
sounds promising! but how long till its available to the public though?
OMG… Can’t believe we’ve come this far in medicine. Let’s pray this becomes a common treatment soon. Life is precious after all!
It’s great, but can’t help but wonder about the cost factor involved. Healthcare is so expensive.