Nitric oxide donors (nitrates), L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase inhibitors for acute ischaemic stroke

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#arginine #brain-ischemia #enzyme-inhibitors #humans #nitric-oxide-donors

Nitric oxide donors (nitrates), L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase inhibitors for acute ischaemic stroke

Bath et al., 2000 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Bath F J, Butterworth R J, Bath P M. Nitric oxide donors (nitrates), L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase inhibitors for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000(2):CD000398

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide has several effects that may be beneficial in ischaemic stroke and useful in the management of hypertension in acute stroke. Some forms of nitric oxide synthase inhibition may also be beneficial. However, high concentrations of nitric oxide are likely to be toxic to brain tissue. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of nitric oxide donors, L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase-inhibitors in people with acute ischaemic stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register (July 1997), Medline (for trials from 1965), Embase (from 1980) and ISI (from 1981). We contacted drug companies and researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing nitric oxide donors, L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase-inhibitors in patients within one week of onset of confirmed ischaemic stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria. MAIN RESULTS: No completed trials were found. One small placebo-controlled trial of glyceryl trinitrate patches is underway. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is currently no evidence from randomised trials on the effects of nitric oxide donors, L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase-inhibitors in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Key Findings

No completed trials were found. One small placebo-controlled trial of glyceryl trinitrate patches is underway. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is currently no evidence from randomised trials on the effects of nitric oxide donors, L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase-inhibitors in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population acute ischaemic stroke
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition hypertension

MeSH Terms

  • Arginine
  • Brain Ischemia
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide Donors
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Stroke

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: cochrane-amino-acids

Provenance

  • PMID: 10796357
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09