Dexamethasone as Treatment in Cerebrovascular Disease. 1. A Controlled Study in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Dexamethasone and a placebo were compared as treatment for 40 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Of 19 patients receiving dexamethasone, 17 (89.5%) died during their hospital admission. Of 21 patients receiving a placebo, 16 (76.2%) died. The mortality rate was 100% in 15 patients in the dexamethasone-treated group who were in coma or deep stupor on admission, and the mortality rate was 92% in 12 patients with similar levels of consciousness who received a placebo. Several parameters of the neurological examination showed an improved quality of survival in the Decadron®-treated group, but this was found only at certain days in the study. No overall statistically significant difference was found between the two therapies.