Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center

Research – Clinical Trials

Acute Stroke Research Trials

Principal Investigator:  Carlos S. Kase, MD
Co-Investigators:  Viken Babikian MD, Jose Romero MD, Aleksandra Pikula MD, Alexander Norbash MD, Thanh Nguyen MD
Coordinator:  Helena Lau, RN, MSPH; 617.414.1171

PREDICT
DIAS
ATACH

PREDICT: Predicting Hematoma Growth And Outcome In Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Contrast Bolus CT Scan

Summary:  Intracerebral hemorrhage, or "stroke caused by a bleed," is a fatal condition that often leads to disability and death. A common observation in this kind of stroke is that the bleed can grow in size with time. The growth of the bleed, which commonly occurs in the first 3-6 hours, can cause compression of the nearby structures in the brain leading to rapid deterioration of consciousness and death. There is no imaging test available to date that can reliably predict the growth of the bleed and patient outcome.

Purpose:  This study will attempt to see if there are certain clues on the Computed Tomogram (CT) scan and Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) that will help to predict growth of the bleed at 24 hours and also clinical outcome at 3 months.

DIAS: Desmoteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Purpose:  This study examined the use of a synthetic drug derived from the saliva of vampire bats. The study examined whether this drug would extend the time window for treatment of acute ischemic strokes from three to nine hours after symptoms first appear, by dissolving the clot that caused the stroke.

More information on the DIAS study. 

ATACH

Summary: Intracerebral hemorrhage, or "stroke caused by a bleed," is a fatal condition that often leads to disability and death. A common observation in this kind of stroke is that the bleed can grow in size with time. The growth of the bleed, which commonly occurs in the first 3-6 hours, can cause compression of the nearby structures in the brain leading to rapid deterioration of consciousness and death. Reducing blood pressure in the early stages of a hemorrhagic stroke is thought to limit the amount of brain damage that occurs. Less brain damage may reduce the high levels of death and disability commonly found in this form of stroke.

Purpose: Currently, there is insufficient evidence on what blood pressure levels are best for treating patients suffering from an intracerebral hemorrhage. The purpose of this study is to find out if there is a benefit to reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) in a more intensive way (keeping SBP less than 140 mmHg) compared with standard SBP treatment (keeping SBP less than 180 mmHg). The primary way the study team will measure if intensive SBP treatment is better than standard SBP treatment is by assessing the disability levels of study participants three months after their stroke.

More information on the ATACH study.

Participation

Participation in these clinical research trials is voluntary. Patients are provided with complete information of the study, its rationale, risks and benefits of participating. There is no discrimination against patients who decline participation in a study. The study pays for all costs incurred as a result of participation.

The stroke service research coordinator is Helena Lau, RN. You can reach her by dialing 617.414.1171.