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[Antiplatelet agents in secondary prevention of stroke]
Insights
Dual antiplatelet therapy is effective for early stroke prevention but increases bleeding risk long-term. Current evidence supports its use in the short term, not for extended periods.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Stroke significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality.
- Antiplatelet agents are crucial for secondary stroke prevention.
- Current guidelines recommend aspirin, clopidogrel, or aspirin- plus-dipyridamole.
Purpose:
- To review the evidence on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for stroke prevention.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAPT in different stroke phases.
- To discuss future research directions in antiplatelet strategies.
Summary:
- Early-phase stroke studies (24 hours to 3 months) demonstrate DAPT's superiority over single antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin).
- Long-term DAPT is associated with an elevated risk of intracranial hemorrhage, outweighing its benefits.
- The optimal duration and patient selection for DAPT remain areas of ongoing investigation.
Impact:
- Provides a concise overview of DAPT's role in secondary stroke prevention.
- Highlights the critical distinction between short-term efficacy and long-term risks of DAPT.
- Informs clinical decision-making regarding antiplatelet strategies for stroke survivors.
Abstract:
Stroke is responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Antiplatelet agents are the cornerstone for secondary prevention of stroke and prescription of aspirin, clopidogrel or aspirin and dipyridamole are recommended based on strong evidence. Whether combining two antiplatelet agents would be more effective is still debated. Studies conducted in the early phase of stroke (from 24 hours to 3 months) show the superiority of dual antiplatelet the- rapy compared to aspirin alone. In contrast, long-term dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage and therefore deleterious. This article reviews current evidence and outlines future perspectives.
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