UCLA

Background

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a powerful endogenous mechanism whereby a sublethal ischemic stimulus confers a protective benefit against a subsequent severe ischemic insult. RIC has significant potential clinical implications for the prevention of delayed ischemic neurological deficit after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Although RIC has been extensively investigated in animal models, it has not been fully evaluated in humans.

Objective

To assess the feasibility and safety of RIC for aSAH in a phase I clinical trial.

Methods

Consecutive patients hospitalized for treatment of an aSAH who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were approached for consent. Enrolled patients received up to 4 RIC sessions on nonconsecutive days. Primary end points were the development of a symptomatic deep venous thrombosis, bruising, or injury to the limb and request to stop by the patient or surrogate. The secondary end points were the development of new neurological deficits or cerebral infarct, demonstrated by brain imaging after enrollment, and neurological deficit and condition at follow-up.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled and underwent 76 RIC sessions, 75 of which were completed successfully. One session was discontinued when the patient became confused. No patient developed a deep venous thrombosis or injury to the preconditioned limb. No patient developed delayed ischemic neurological deficit during enrollment. At follow-up, median modified Rankin Scale score was 1 and Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 5.

Conclusion

The RIC procedure was well tolerated and did not cause any injury. RIC for aSAH warrants investigation in a subsequent pivotal clinical trial.