CASTRO-B: Selective depletion of C-reactive protein (CRP) by therapeutic apheresis (CRP apheresis) in stroke

Study Description:
In acute stroke, many patients experience a short-term increase in the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. Results from research over the past few years have shown that (among other things) the course of the disease is related to the amount of CRP that is present in the blood: Higher CRP levels lead to greater infarction and thus to possible limitations upon one’s quality of life. In most cases, patients with lower CRP levels in the blood have a better prognosis than those with higher concentrations.

The aim of this study is to determine whether using dialysis to partially remove CRP may be able to reduce the amount of infarction after a stroke and thereby positively influence the patient’s quality of life and mental performance. For this purpose, 20 stroke patients will be treated and examined.

During the planned dialysis (also called therapeutic apheresis) the CRP is specifically removed from the blood. This is done outside the body—with the aid of an apheresis machine (Ad-sorber PentraSorb® CRP). The "purified" blood is then returned to the body.

The PentraSorb® CRP adsorber is a medical device that has already been used in several clinical studies, including studies following acute myocardial infarction.
In addition to dialysis, a blood sample is taken, two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are performed, and patients are questioned about their condition, performance and quality of life.

In cooperation with Pentracor GmbH.

Principle Investigator: Prof. Dr. med. Andreas Meisel

Registration: The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03884153)

Course of the study: 12/2020