OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of Cortexin treatment on cognitive function and quality of life for young patients after ischemic stroke.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The open prospective observational study included 30 patients from 18 to 45 years old with confirmed ischemic stroke in the carotid blood supply who received a course of treatment with Cortexin. Before and after therapy, all patients in the study group underwent examination to assess their neuropsychological status (MoCA test), The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The study results were processed using statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Based on the results of neurocognitive tests, changes in indicators of neurodynamic, visual-spatial and mnestic functions were determined. Thus, in the beginning of the study the MoCA test scores were 25.1±1.4 points. Over time, there was an improvement mainly in the areas of attention, short-term memory, and multiple aspects of executive functions. However, statistical significance for MoCA was achieved by the end of the second course of treatment with Cortexin (visit 4) — 28.4±1.3 points. Delayed neuropsychological testing showed encouraging results — the achieved level of cognitive functioning was maintained (28.0±1.1). According to SF-36 questionnaire at the stage of inclusion in the observation, low results were noted, which indicated the negative impact of the underlying disease on the daily life of the patient who had suffered a stroke. Low quality of life scores persisted until the third visit; a significant improvement in SF-36 results was recorded at visit 4 and persisted with a positive trend at the fifth visit.

CONCLUSION

Cortexin therapy has been shown to be effective, safe and well tolerated in young people with cognitive deficits in the poststroke period.