Cerebrolysin^® included in EAN Guideline!

Since June 2021 clinical decision-making for neurologists treating stroke is strongly supported by the publication of the 1st EAN/EFNR guideline for neurorehabilitation after stroke.  

The EAN (European Academy of Neurology), the largest neurological society worldwide, representing over 45.000 medical experts in 48 countries used the strictest and most unbiased methodologies to develop this new guideline: the PRISMA statement, the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and the GRADE methodology.

Strongest recommendation for Cerebrolysin^®

The authors of this guideline found the following:   

Cerebrolysin^® has the highest quality evidence of all evaluated pharmacological compounds (n=10), demonstrating the best results in all relevant domains while proving that it is also a very safe medicine.  

The domains are:   

• early motor performance (1 and 3 months after stroke) 
• neurological function (1 and 3 months after stroke) 
• global functional outcome (1 and 3 months after stroke)
• safety (serious adverse events) 

It is important to note that the recommended treatment regimen (dosage 30ml daily; treatment duration for at least 10 days) also specifically mentions the start of therapy – within 7 days after onset of stroke.  

This clearly defines Cerebrolysin^® as a therapy in acute stroke medicine, widening the evidence-based armamentarium of acute-care physicians.  

Best evaluation for Cerebrolysin^® – Quotes 

The wording in the EAN/EFNR Guidelines leaves no room for doubt – Cerebrolysin^® should be part of any stroke patient’s treatment regimen for securing optimal recovery. See the relevant quotes below:  

“This guideline found sufficient evidence to recommend use of Cerebrolysin^® in moderate–severe cases, as an add-on therapy to standard rehabilitation, when initiated in the first 7 days after acute ischaemic stroke.” 

and  

“…Cerebrolysin^® add-on treatment should be prioritized in moderate–severe stroke cases (NIHSS?8).” 

Get with the guidelines! 

Most clinicians worldwide expect that treatments are evidence-based evaluated and recommended in international guidelines.  

Consequently, guidelines should also be implemented in clinical practice and it is hoped and expected that physicians worldwide will increasingly “get with the guidelines”.  

As a consequence, Cerebrolysin^® will be and become a global standard therapy in acute stroke, improving the prospects of stroke patients and their caregivers for recovery.