The Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) Study
Author Information
Author(s): Kent David M, Thaler David E, RoPE Study Investigators
Primary Institution: Tufts Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How patient-specific factors affect the likelihood that a discovered PFO is related to an index stroke or affect the risk of recurrence is not well understood.
Conclusion
The RoPE Study aims to develop predictive models to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from PFO closure for preventing stroke recurrence.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately 40% of all strokes are classified as cryptogenic, meaning that the cause is unknown despite an extensive work up.
- About 40% to 50% of patients younger than age 55 with cryptogenic stroke have PFO on transesophageal echocardiography.
- The overall rate of stroke recurrence is relatively low in patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO, averaging approximately 2% per year.
Takeaway
The RoPE Study is trying to figure out which patients with a heart condition called PFO are at risk for having another stroke, so doctors can help them better.
Methodology
The study will combine existing cohort studies to create a large database of patients with cryptogenic stroke, both with and without PFO, to develop predictive models.
Potential Biases
Potential for bias due to varying definitions and data quality across different studies included in the pooled analysis.
Limitations
The study may face challenges due to the low rate of stroke recurrence and the need for high statistical power to develop predictive models.
Participant Demographics
Patients with cryptogenic stroke, both with and without PFO, including a diverse age range.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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