Remote ischemic conditioning prevents ischemic cerebrovascular events in children with moyamoya disease: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a significant cause of childhood stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) in children with MMD. Methods In a single-center pilot study, 46 MMD patients aged 4 to 14 years, with no history of reconstructive surgery, were randomly assigned to receive either RIC or sham RIC treatment twice daily for a year. The primary outcome measured was the cumulative incidence of major adverse cerebrovascular events (MACEs). Secondary outcomes included ischemic stroke, recurrent TIA, hemorrhagic stroke, revascularization rates, and clinical improvement assessed using the patient global impression of change (PGIC) scale during follow-up. RIC-related adverse events were also recorded, and cerebral hemodynamics were evaluated using transcranial Doppler. Results All 46 patients completed the final follow-up (23 each in the RIC and sham RIC groups). No severe adverse events associated with RIC were observed. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a significant reduction in MACEs frequency after RIC treatment [log-rank test (Mantel–Cox), P = 0.021]. At 3-year follow-up, two (4.35%) patients had an ischemic stroke, four (8.70%) experienced TIAs, and two (4.35%) underwent revascularization as the qualifying MACEs. The clinical improvement rate in the RIC group was higher than the sham RIC group on the PGIC scale (65.2% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.01). No statistical difference in cerebral hemodynamics post-treatment was observed. Conclusions RIC is a safe and effective adjunct therapy for asymptomatic children with MMD. This was largely due to the reduced incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular events. Graphical abstract