GTN in acute stroke
Dr Paul Guyler (Southend University Hospital NHS Trust)
A number of major randomised controlled trials reported final results at the meeting, including the ENOS (Efficacy Of Nitric Oxide In Stroke) trial.
Nitric oxide (NO) has multiple actions and is a potential candidate for the treatment of acute stroke. Among the properties which may be beneficial are lowering blood pressure, cerebral vasodilation, and improvements in central and systemic haemodynamics. NO donors are effective in experimental stroke, and pilot studies in patients suggest that one, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), can be delivered easily as a transdermal prepa