Using Milrinone to Improve Blood Flow and Prevent Brain Damage After Aneurysm Bleeding

Efficacy of 10 Days Intravenous Milrinone Treatment to Optimize Cerebral Hemodynamic and Prevent Delayed Cerebral Ischemia (DCI) in Patients with Severe Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Due to Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture

Phase 2 Interventional University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT04282629

This study is testing if the drug milrinone can help improve blood flow and prevent brain damage in patients who have had a severe brain bleed from an aneurysm.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment234 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Bordeaux and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04282629 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study is a randomized, multi-center, double-blind trial that investigates the effectiveness of intravenous milrinone in optimizing cerebral blood flow and preventing delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in patients who have suffered a severe subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysm rupture. The trial will compare the effects of milrinone against a placebo over a period of 10 days, focusing on patients who are comatose or sedated. The primary outcome will be assessed through CT imaging to measure the volume of DCI lesions one month after treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (WFNS IV-V) who are comatose or require sedation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-severe subarachnoid hemorrhage or those with significant pre-existing neurological disabilities will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia and improve neurological outcomes for patients after a severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited strong evidence for the efficacy of milrinone in preventing DCI, this approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with severe SAHa (WFNS IV and V,) whose neurological examination is impossible because of coma (Glasgow coma score of 8 or less) or need for sedation at D3
* absence of pre-existing neurological handicap (mRS 0-2)
* major patient (≥ 18 years)
* affiliation to social security or benefiting through a third person
* free patient, without tutorship or curatorship or under judicial protection
* obtaining a signed informed consent by a relative (or the person of trust) after clear and fair information about the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients with non-severe SAHa (WFNS I, II and III)
* Occurrence of a major complication (haemorrhagic or ischaemic) documented during the procedure of securing the aneurysm and endangering the short-term vital prognosis
* heart failure requiring inotropic administration at the time of randomization
* ICHT at the time of randomisation (ICP\> 25 mmHg for at least 20 min)
* known severe obstructive heart diseases
* flutter patient or atrial fibrillation
* hypotension and / or severe hypovolemia with hemodynamic instability
* septic shock
* acute / chronic renal insufficiency (Cl \<50ml / min)
* major hydroelectrolytic disorders (hypokalemia \<3 mmol / L)
* known hypersensitivity to milrinone or any of the excipients
* early limitation of life-sustaining care
* pregnancy, breastfeeding
* permanent contraindications to MRI
* participation in another clinical interventional study

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Aneurysmal Subarachnoid HemorrhageMilrinoneVasospasmDelayed Cerebral Ischemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.