Evaluating dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel in post-ischemic stroke patients
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 16th, 2024
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Following a transient ischemic stroke, 10% of patients experience a recurrent stroke within 90 days. Aspirin, known for its antiplatelet properties, is a common management therapy. To explore potential compounding benefits, a study investigated the effectiveness of dual therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel.
The study enrolled 6,100 patients aged 35 to 80 who had experienced an ischemic stroke, displaying 50% stenosis of a major cranial artery or multiple cerebral infarctions. Over 66% had hypertension, and 27% had diabetes mellitus. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either aspirin alone or a combination of clopidogrel and aspirin. Aspirin was administered at a daily dosage of 100 mg, while clopidogrel was given at 75 mg daily with a 300 mg loading dose on the first day. After 90 days, the dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel demonstrated a 21% reduction in the risk of recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes compared to the aspirin monotherapy group. However, no significant difference was observed in the rate of myocardial infarction between the two groups. The combined use of aspirin and clopidogrel was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of moderate to severe bleeding.
The study enrolled 6,100 patients aged 35 to 80 who had experienced an ischemic stroke, displaying 50% stenosis of a major cranial artery or multiple cerebral infarctions. Over 66% had hypertension, and 27% had diabetes mellitus. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either aspirin alone or a combination of clopidogrel and aspirin. Aspirin was administered at a daily dosage of 100 mg, while clopidogrel was given at 75 mg daily with a 300 mg loading dose on the first day. After 90 days, the dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel demonstrated a 21% reduction in the risk of recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes compared to the aspirin monotherapy group. However, no significant difference was observed in the rate of myocardial infarction between the two groups. The combined use of aspirin and clopidogrel was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of moderate to severe bleeding.