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Oral clopidogrel load in aspirin-resistant capsular warning syndrome
Christopher D Fahey1, Mark J Alberts, Richard A Bernstein
1Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Insights
High-dose clopidogrel with aspirin shows promise for preventing stroke in patients with Capsular Warning Syndrome (CWS). Further randomized trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in this high-risk transient brain ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Capsular Warning Syndrome (CWS) presents a substantial risk of irreversible stroke.
- Current therapeutic options for preventing stroke in CWS are limited.
Observation:
- Two patients with aspirin-resistant CWS were treated with a loading dose of oral clopidogrel.
- This clinical observation explored an alternative treatment approach.
Findings:
- Both patients experienced positive neurological outcomes.
- One patient developed an asymptomatic brain infarction despite treatment.
Implications:
- High-dose oral clopidogrel in combination with aspirin warrants further investigation.
- Randomized controlled trials comparing clopidogrel plus aspirin to aspirin alone are recommended for CWS management.
Introduction:
Capsular warning syndrome (CWS) carries a significant risk of permanent stroke. There are no proven therapies for preventing completed stroke in this unstable situation.
Methods:
Clinical observation in two patients with aspirin-resistant CWS treated with a loading dose of oral clopidogrel.
Results:
Both patients had excellent neurological outcome, although one sustained an asymptomatic brain infarction.
Conclusion:
High-dose oral clopidogrel plus aspirin merits formal evaluation in high-risk transient brain ischemia such as CWS, preferably in a randomized trial compared to aspirin alone.
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