Extending the Benefit of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Cerebral Ischemia

A randomized trial from China shows a benefit from aspirin plus clopidogrel given up to 72 hours after a minor stroke or high-risk TIA.

For patients with an acute ischemic stroke that is not treated with thrombolysis, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is recommended for patients with minor stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA) who can be treated within 24 hours. Whether there could be benefit beyond 24 hours has not been extensively studied.

These authors conducted a randomized trial from more than 200 centers in China to assess DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel. The trial was partially manufacturer-supported. Enrolled patients had a minor stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score of 5 or less) or high-risk TIA based on clinical factors measured by the ABCD² score. Participants had to have events of presumed atherosclerotic origin, typically with >50% symptomatic stenosis …

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Extending the Benefit of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Cerebral Ischemia

Topics

Reviewing Author