A pilot study of the ticagrelor role in ischemic stroke secondary prevention

Mohamed G Zeinhom1, Hany M Aref2, Hala El-Khawas2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafr el-sheikh University, Kafr el-sheikh, Egypt.

European Neurology
|September 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Ticagrelor demonstrated comparable safety to aspirin for acute ischemic stroke patients. This antiplatelet drug also showed improved clinical outcomes, including better neurological function and reduced hospital stay.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ticagrelor is a modern antiplatelet medication for ischemic heart disease.
  • Its potential to match or surpass aspirin in treating acute ischemic stroke warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the safety and efficacy of a 180 mg loading dose of ticagrelor.
  • The study focused on patients receiving treatment within 9 hours of their first ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

  • An open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
  • 84 patients received aspirin, and 85 received ticagrelor, with treatment initiated within 9 hours of stroke onset.

Main Results:

  • No significant safety differences (hemorrhagic or non-hemorrhagic complications) were observed between ticagrelor and aspirin groups.
  • Ticagrelor showed superior efficacy, indicated by better NIHSS scores at 2 days and 1 week, and favorable mRS scores at various follow-up points.

Conclusions:

  • Ticagrelor is non-inferior to aspirin in terms of safety for acute ischemic stroke.
  • Ticagrelor offers improved clinical outcomes and shorter hospital stays compared to aspirin when administered within 9 hours of stroke onset.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors01:20

Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
764
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
47
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
405
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
84
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
75
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists01:23

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists

Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
286