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[Side effects of antithrombotic treatment in the secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease]
A P Sempere1, M Ferrero, M L Tahoces
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Segovia, España. aperezs@meditex.es
Insights
Antithrombotic drugs like aspirin and ticlopidine are generally well-tolerated in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and mild ischemic strokes (IL). However, aspirin use is linked to gastrointestinal bleeding and cerebral hemorrhage, impacting overall tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Context:
- Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and mild ischemic strokes (IL) are critical neurological events requiring preventative treatment.
- Antithrombotic therapies, including antiplatelets and anticoagulants, are standard care for TIA and IL patients.
- Understanding the adverse effect profile of these drugs is crucial for optimizing patient management.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence and nature of adverse effects associated with antithrombotic drug use in patients diagnosed with TIA and mild IL.
- To compare the safety profiles of different antithrombotic agents, specifically aspirin, ticlopidine, and acenocumarol.
Summary:
- A community-based observational study followed 235 patients (average age 70.8 years) for 3.6 years, analyzing adverse effects of aspirin, ticlopidine, and acenocumarol.
- Overall, 6% of patients experienced adverse effects leading to treatment suspension: 5% for aspirin and acenocumarol, and 17% for ticlopidine.
- Aspirin was associated with significant hemorrhagic complications (2.8% digestive tract bleeding, 1.7% cerebral hemorrhage), while ticlopidine's effects were generally mild.
Impact:
- The findings indicate that while antithrombotic drugs are generally safe for TIA and IL patients, hemorrhagic complications, especially with aspirin, necessitate careful monitoring.
- This data can inform clinical decision-making regarding the choice and duration of antithrombotic therapy to balance efficacy and safety.
- Further research into mitigating aspirin-related bleeding risks could enhance long-term patient outcomes.
Objective:
To determine the incidence of adverse effects of antithrombotic drugs (platelet anti-aggregants and anticoagulants) in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and mild ischemic strokes (IL).
Patients And Methods:
Clinical follow-up data on the patients with TIA and IL included in a community-based observational study undertaken in the province of Segovia. Adverse effects which led to suspension of treatment or were a potential danger for the patient's life were recorded.
Results:
The groups studied included 235 patients and the average initial age was 70.8 years. The average follow-up time was 3.6 years. The treatment initially given included: aspirin (75.7%), ticlopidine (12.8%) and acenocumarol (9.4%). Adverse effects led to suspension of treatment in 6% (5% with aspirin and acenocumarol, 17% with ticlopidine). The adverse effects of ticlopidine were mild and patients did not need admission to hospital (cutaneous exanthema, diarrhoea and reversible leucopenia). Aspirin was associated with digestive tract bleeding (2.8%) and cerebral hemorrhage (1.7%) which required hospital admission in most cases. One patient treated with acenocumarol presented with a retroperitoneal hematoma.
Conclusions:
In general antithrombotic drugs are well-tolerated by patients with TIA and LI. Hemorrhagic complications, particularly of the digestive tract, associated with aspirin limit tolerance to it.
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