An updated systematic review of neuroprotective agents in the treatment of spinal cord injury.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin D, in combination with progesterone, as a neuroprotective agent for improving neurological outcomes in acute spinal cord injuries.
Results Summary
Notable improvements in neurological outcomes were observed with progesterone plus Vitamin D, suggesting a potential benefit in acute SCI cases. The study did not report significant adverse effects or lack of efficacy for this combination.
Population
Patients with acute spinal cord injuries.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
progesterone plus vitamin D | increase | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | Notable improvements were observed | #1 |
granulocyte colony-stimulating factor | increase | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | Notable improvements were observed | #2 |
methylprednisolone | no change | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | results were inconclusive | #3 |
erythropoietin | no change | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | results were inconclusive | #4 |
Sygen | no change | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | results were inconclusive | #5 |
Rho protein antagonist | no change | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | results were inconclusive | #6 |
Riluzole | no change | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | results were inconclusive | #7 |
nimodipine, naloxone, autologous macrophages, autologous bone marrow cells, vitamin D, minocycline, blood alcohol concentration | no change | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | No significant differences were found | #8 |
progesterone plus vitamin D | increase | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | may enhance | #9 |
granulocyte colony-stimulating factor | increase | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | may enhance | #10 |
methylprednisolone | increase | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | may enhance | #11 |
Sygen | increase | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | may enhance | #12 |
Rho protein antagonist | increase | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | may enhance | #13 |
Riluzole | increase | neurological outcomes | acute spinal cord injury cases | - | may enhance | #14 |
This systematic review aims to summarize the findings from all clinical randomized trials assessing the efficacy of potential neuroprotective agents in influencing the outcomes of acute spinal cord injuries (SCI). Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted comprehensive searches in four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) up to September 5th, 2023. Our analysis included a total of 30 studies. We examined the effects of 15 substances/drugs: methylprednisolone, tirilazad mesylate, erythropoietin, nimodipine, naloxone, Sygen, Rho protein antagonist, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, autologous macrophages, autologous bone marrow cells, vitamin D, progesterone, riluzole, minocycline, and blood alcohol concentration. Notable improvements in neurological outcomes were observed with progesterone plus vitamin D and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. In contrast, results for methylprednisolone, erythropoietin, Sygen, Rho Protein, and Riluzole were inconclusive, primarily due to insufficient sample size or outdated evidence. No significant differences were found in the remaining evaluated drugs. Progesterone plus vitamin D, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, methylprednisolone, Sygen, Rho Protein, and Riluzole may enhance neurological outcomes in acute SCI cases. It is worth noting that different endpoints or additional subgroup analyses may potentially alter the conclusions of individual trials. Therefore, certain SCI grades may benefit more from these treatments than others, while the overall results may remain inconclusive.