A Study of the Effects of Minocycline on Cognitive Function After Carotid Endarterectomy

Summary

The primary aim of this protocol is to investigate a possible new, neuroprotective treatment to prevent cognitive deficits that occur after carotid endarterectomy. We will investigate whether a widely used antibiotic agent - minocycline - that has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of neurological diseases - can reduce the cognitive deficits associated with the surgical procedure of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Because these cognitive deficits are believed to be a result of small strokes (due to emboli and/or hypoperfusion), this study will provide preliminary data on the use of this drug as a neuroprotective agent in stroke - a leading cause of disability. (1) The first aim of this study is to examine whether 5 doses of minocycline administered 36 hrs before and 1 dose 12 hrs after the surgical procedure in patients undergoing CEA are effective to reduce the cognitive deficits associated with this procedure as compared with placebo. a. The null hypothesis is that there is no difference in cognitive performance changes after CEA between the patients that receive placebo or minocycline.

Timeline

Start

2006-10

Primary completion

2010-06

Completion

2010-06

Drugs

Indications