DefinePK

Abstract

Objective: To compare meanfunctional outcome (mRS score), and incidence of complications and mortality rate in acute stroke patients with and without acetaminophen.
Methods:  A randomized controlled trial was conducted department of Neurology, Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College, Sialkot from 11-04-2025 to 10-07-2025. A total of 200 patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A was given paracetamol 1g every 6 hours, while Group B was not given paracetamol. Patients were called for follow-up, and mRS was calculated at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. During the 8-week period, the development of fever, pneumonia, UTI, sepsis, or death was recorded. mRS was compared using t-test, and mortality and complications were compared using chi-square test, taking p-value of ?0.05 as statistically significant.
Results: At both 4 and 8 weeks, Group A demonstrated significantly better functional outcomes, with lower mean mRS scores (2.87 vs. 3.81, p=0.001; 2.15 vs. 3.44, p<0.001). Complications were less frequent in Group A, as pneumonia occurred in 20% compared to 33% in Group B (p=0.037), and sepsis in 13% vs. 24% (p=0.045). UTI was slightly higher in Group A (36% vs. 30%), though not statistically significant (p=0.367). Mortality was also significantly reduced in Group A (20%) compared to Group B (34%, p=0.026).
Conclusion: Acetaminophen use in acute stroke improved functional outcomes, reduced mortality, and lowered complication rates, supporting its potential as a simple and cost-effective adjunct therapy.