Journal of neurological surgery. Part A, Central European neurosurgery
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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg · Aug 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialEarly survival of comatose patients after severe traumatic brain injury with the dual cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptor agonist KN38-7271: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial.
BACKGROUND AND STUDY OBJECT: Despite many drug trials, no substance has yet been identified that improves the outcome of severe head injury. The dual cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptor agonist KN38-7271 mediates potent neuroprotection in animal models. We describe here the first randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled clinical phase IIa proof-of-concept trial to investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and potential efficacy of a cannabinoid receptor agonist in humans. ⋯ KN38-7271 appeared beneficial in the acute early phase of the comatose patient after a head injury. Its use was safe and well tolerated by patients. These results may provide the basis for further phase II/III trials in larger study populations.
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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg · Aug 2012
Review Historical ArticleTraumatic brain injuries in the ancient Egypt: insights from the Edwin Smith Papyrus.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is probably as old as human beings. The Edwin Smith Papyrus is the first treatise describing the treatment of patients with TBI and allows insights into the medical examination and treatment of head-injured patients in ancient Egypt. ⋯ The Edwin Smith Papyrus reveals astonishing observation skill when considering the methods and limits of ancient times. These physicians were able to recognize many symptoms of TBI and assign them a prognostic value.