Steroid pill after brain surgery may cut bleed recurrence, but trial stopped early

NCT ID NCT01380028

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether taking oral corticosteroids (prednisone) for about two months after surgery for a chronic subdural hematoma (a slow brain bleed common in older adults) could reduce the chance of the bleed coming back. The trial planned to enroll 162 patients but was terminated early, so the results are incomplete. The approach is already used by some doctors in France, but its true benefit remains unconfirmed.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

prednisone (oral corticosteroid)

What this could lead to

If effective, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to lower the chance of a chronic subdural hematoma coming back after surgery.

What could go wrong

The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. Corticosteroids have side effects like infection risk and bone thinning, and the benefit over placebo is not proven.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic Recurrence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Gui de Chauliac Hospital

    Montpellier, 34090, France