Efficacy and safety of topical hirudin (Hirudex): a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Hirudin, a thrombin inhibitor isolated from the leech Hirudo medicinalis, has been long known for its anticoagulant effects. In 1990, the former German BGA has published a monograph on Hirudo medicinalis extract (containing Hirudin and Eglin), stating that its local use is indicated in bruises with or without hematoma. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Hirudin-containing cream (Hirudex cream; Hirudo medicinalis extract 280 UI/100 g) in patients affected with bruises with or without hematoma.

Functional methods for evaluation the occurrence of delayed ischemic deficit in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Detection of early circulatory and electrophysiologic changes due to vasospasm (VS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a necessity for in-time and adequate therapeutic management. The aim of the present case report is to describe and demonstrate the results of transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) examination, which indicate the development of combined circulatory insufficiency in two vascular systems. On the 14th day after SAH, TCD showed accelerated velocities in the territory of middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery (BA).