Clopidogrel may decrease the risk of post-stroke infection after ischaemic stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The P2Y12 receptor is implicated in platelet activation, thrombosis, and systemic inflammation.
• Clopidogrel, a P2Y12 receptor antagonist, is known to reduce inflammation and systemic infection.
• Post-stroke infections are a significant complication following ischaemic stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential protective effect of clopidogrel against post-stroke infections.
• To evaluate the association between clopidogrel use and the incidence of infection after ischaemic stroke.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 1643 patients with acute ischaemic stroke was analyzed.
• Patients were divided into clopidogrel users and non-users.
• Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for baseline differences.

Main Results:

• Post-stroke infection occurred in 6.7% of clopidogrel users versus 12.2% of non-users (P ≤ 0.001).
• Clopidogrel users had a significantly lower risk of post-stroke infection (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.42-0.75) after IPTW adjustment.
• Clopidogrel use was also linked to reduced intensive care unit admission.

Conclusions:

• Clopidogrel use is associated with a decreased risk of infection after ischaemic stroke.
• The findings suggest clopidogrel may mitigate infection severity and incidence in stroke patients.
• Further prospective research is warranted to confirm these results.