A major cause of death in acute stroke is postinfarction edema. Glycerol is a hyperosmolar agent that is claimed to reduce edema and improve cerebral blood flow and metabolism. Intravenous glycerol therapy has been tested in 8 controlled, randomized trials including 603 patients but with conflicting results. Of 7 studies, the results of the effect of glycerol therapy on death within the first 3 weeks after infarction were combined in a statistical review. Statistical analysis indicated a significant positive effect with a relative odds reduction in death by 38 % (confident limits: 9 % to 59 %) within the first 3 weeks but with wide confidence limits. The long-term results and influence on morbidity are uncertain.