[Major stroke clinical trials in 2006]

After the proof of the efficacy of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke 10 years ago, the attitude toward stroke management has been made active. Since that time, there have been several important clinical studies directing the management of stroke patients and stroke prevention. Here, some important clinical trials published in 2006 that may affect stroke prevention and management were selected. A total of fifteen studies were reviewed and involved 141,585 participants. These studies included antithrombolytic therapy for stroke prevention in 3, statin to reduce cholesterol level for stroke prevention in 2, neuroprotection for acute ischemic stroke in 1, stenting for carotid artery stenosis management in 2, vitamin supplement and diet control for stroke prevention in 4, intracranial stenosis management in 1, and thrombolytic therapy in 2. It is required for realization of these studies because these may influence the stroke guidelines and implicate our clinical management of stroke patients.