Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Acute TIA or Minor Stroke: Clarifying the Benefits

A meta-analysis provides data to better inform clinicians in deciding whether to prescribe DAPT for these patients.

The Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and minor ischemic stroke (POINT) trial was published earlier this year and showed benefit with the use of aspirin plus clopidogrel (A+C) compared to aspirin (A) alone (NEJM JW Neurol Jul 2018 and N Engl J Med 2018; 379:215). How do data from POINT reconcile with earlier data on this topic, and do we now have more precise information about the benefits of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)?

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of three trials that addressed A+C vs. A initiated within 24 hours after a minor ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). The trials totaled 10,447 patients (mean age, 63–68 years). Two trials included a 300-mg loading dose of clopidogrel and one trial had…

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

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Acute TIA or Minor Stroke: Clarifying the Benefits

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Reviewing Author