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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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