Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. Brain oedema is a major cause of early death after stroke. The Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register was searched, conference proceedings were screened and some trialists were personally contacted. Death from all causes, functional outcome and adverse effects were analysed. Eleven completed, randomised trials comparing I.V. glycerol and control were considered.
Haemolysis seems to be the only relevant adverse effect of glycerol treatment.
Due to the relatively small number of patients and that the trials have been performed in the pre-CT era, the results must be interpreted cautiously. The lack of evidence of benefit in long term survival does not support the routine or selective use of glycerol treatment in patients with acute stroke. This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. Update Software Ltd. All rights reserved.