Abstract WP255: Omega-3 Fatty Acids as a Treatment for Experimental Ischaemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: The number of stroke patients arriving at hospital within a therapeutic timeframe is increasing, enabling earlier and more successful intervention with thrombolysis and thrombectomy. Despite promising animal data, no neuroprotectants have translated into clinical practice. Brain tissue contains a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid essential for normal brain growth and cognitive function. As DHA plays a critical role in neuronal survival and synaptic function, and is also a potent modulator of brain inflammation, it is a strong candidate for a successful neuroprotectant in stroke. Aims: We therefore aimed to summarise the current evidence for omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for experimental acute ischaemic stroke. Methods: A systematic literature review of papers reporting omega-3 administration in animal models of acute stroke was conducted using the CAMARADES systematic review facility (SyRF). 1173 titles were screen...