B Ratilal1, J Costa, C Sampaio. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de São José, Rua José António Serrano, Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, 1150-199. bratilal@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anticonvulsant therapy is sometimes used prophylactically in patients with chronic subdural haematoma, although the benefit is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To establish the effectiveness of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with chronic subdural haematoma, for both pre- and post-operative periods. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Database and abstract books of conference proceedings of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies. We also searched the references of all identified studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing any anticonvulsant versus placebo or no intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No trials met the inclusion criteria for the review. MAIN RESULTS: No randomised, controlled trials were identified. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: No formal recommendations can be made about the use of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with chronic subdural haematoma based on the literature currently available. Non-controlled studies came up with conflicting results. There is an urgent need for well-designed randomised controlled trials.
BACKGROUND: Anticonvulsant therapy is sometimes used prophylactically in patients with chronic subdural haematoma, although the benefit is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To establish the effectiveness of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with chronic subdural haematoma, for both pre- and post-operative periods. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Database and abstract books of conference proceedings of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies. We also searched the references of all identified studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing any anticonvulsant versus placebo or no intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No trials met the inclusion criteria for the review. MAIN RESULTS: No randomised, controlled trials were identified. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: No formal recommendations can be made about the use of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with chronic subdural haematoma based on the literature currently available. Non-controlled studies came up with conflicting results. There is an urgent need for well-designed randomised controlled trials.