Lab animals were given either half of the original dose of albumin, one quarter of the original dose, or a placebo. Researchers then tested for a variety of functions including reflexes and response to visual and tactile stimuli. Researchers already know brain swelling is highly responsive to albumin therapy. This study not only confirmed albumin's effect on brain swelling but also showed a 58 percent reduction in neurological damage at just one-forth of the previous dose studied. The group that received half of the original dose showed a nearly 70 percent reduction in neurological damage.
Researchers emphasize the advantage of the multi-functional properties of the drug.
It protects neuronal tissue, reduces brain swelling, and it has antioxidant effects, among other benefits. He says initiating early-phase clinical trials is a feasible next step. The results of the study were presented at the 26th International Stroke conference in Ft. Reported by Ivanhoe Broadcast News Correspondent, Stacie Overton, from the 26th International Stroke Association meeting in Ft.