Lumbrokinase for Stroke Prevention: What the Research Says

randomized-controlled-trial PMID: 24229674

Quick Summary: A study found that taking lumbrokinase, a supplement, after an ischemic stroke may help prevent future strokes and other vascular problems. It worked by reducing a blood clotting factor called fibrinogen.

What The Research Found

Researchers studied people who had already had an ischemic stroke (a stroke caused by a blood clot). They found that those taking lumbrokinase, along with standard stroke treatment, had:

Fewer future strokes and other vascular problems

Lower levels of fibrinogen (a substance that helps blood clot)

Healthier arteries

Study Details

Who was studied: 310 people who had recently been hospitalized for an ischemic stroke.

How long: The study lasted for 12 months (1 year).

What they took: Some patients received standard stroke treatment. Others received the standard treatment plus lumbrokinase capsules.

What This Means For You

If you've had an ischemic stroke, this research suggests that lumbrokinase might help lower your risk of having another stroke or heart-related problems. However, it's crucial to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements. They can help you understand if lumbrokinase is right for you and how it might interact with any medications you're already taking.

Study Limitations

Dosage not specified: The exact dose of lumbrokinase used in the study wasn't clearly stated, making it hard to know how much to take.

One year is short: The study only followed people for a year. Longer studies are needed to see if the benefits last.

Specific group: The study only looked at people who had already had an ischemic stroke.

More research needed: While promising, more research is needed to fully understand how lumbrokinase works and its long-term effects.

Key Findings

The study found that one-year oral therapy with enteric-coated lumbrokinase capsules significantly reduced plasma fibrinogen (Fg) levels, carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), vulnerable plaque detection rate, carotid plaque volume, and neurological deficits (NIHSS scores) compared to standard care alone. Total vascular event incidence was 6.78% in the control group versus 2.08% in the treatment group (P < 0.05), reflecting a 4.7% absolute risk reduction. Cerebral vascular events were reduced from 5.93% to 1.04% (P < 0.05). However, the correlation between Fg reduction and plaque volume was weak (P = 0.056), suggesting other mechanisms may contribute to lumbrokinase’s efficacy.

Study Design

This was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial conducted over 12 months. It enrolled 310 hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke (192 in treatment group, 118 in control). Primary outcomes included mortality, recurrent stroke/TIA, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, angina, and noncerebral ischemia/hemorrhage. Data analysis used Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, and parametric/non-parametric comparisons for continuous variables.

Dosage & Administration

The treatment group received standard stroke care plus oral enteric-coated lumbrokinase capsules. However, the provided summary does not specify the exact dosage, frequency, or duration of lumbrokinase administration. This critical omission limits reproducibility and clinical application of the findings.

Results & Efficacy

Fibrinogen Levels: Significantly lower in treatment group (P < 0.05).
Carotid IMT: Reduced in treatment group (P < 0.05).
Plaque Volume: Treatment group showed smaller plaque volume (P < 0.05).
Vulnerable Plaques: Detection rate was lower in treatment group (P < 0.05).
Neurological Outcomes: NIHSS scores improved more in treatment group (P < 0.05).
Vascular Events: Treatment group had 2.08% incidence vs. 6.78% in controls (P < 0.05).
Cerebral Events: 1.04% vs. 5.93% (P < 0.05).
Plaque Correlates: Plaque volume correlated strongly with IMT (P = 0.000), plaque diameter (P = 0.000), and width (P = 0.000) but weakly with Fg levels (P = 0.056).

Limitations

Dosage Ambiguity: The lack of explicit dosing details hinders interpretation and replication.
Short Duration: A one-year follow-up may be insufficient to assess long-term safety and efficacy.
Population Specificity: Results apply only to hospitalized ischemic stroke patients, limiting generalizability to other populations.
Mechanistic Gaps: Weak correlation between Fg reduction and plaque volume suggests unclear pathways of action.
Statistical Reporting: F values and some P-values are noted, but confidence intervals and effect sizes (e.g., hazard ratios) are omitted in the summary.

Clinical Relevance

For individuals recovering from ischemic stroke, adding enteric-coated lumbrokinase to standard care may reduce secondary vascular events by lowering fibrinogen and stabilizing carotid plaques. However, the absence of dosing information and reliance on a single trial from 2013 necessitate caution. Users should consult healthcare providers to weigh potential benefits against bleeding risks, especially given fibrinogen’s role in coagulation. Future studies should clarify optimal dosing, long-term safety, and mechanisms linking plaque stabilization to Fg depletion.

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