Brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage: the role of thrombin and iron.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke with high morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying ICH-induced brain injury have become better understood during the past decade. Experimental investigations have indicated that thrombin formation, red blood cell lysis, and iron toxicity play a major role in ICH-induced injury and that these mechanisms may provide new therapeutic targets. This article reviews the role of thrombin and iron in ICH-induced injury.