Triple Antiplatelet Therapy for Stroke Prevention
Author Information
Author(s): Nikola Sprigg, Laura J. Gray, Tim Willmot, Mark R. Zhao, Lian Sare, Gillian M. Bath, Philip M. W. Bath
Primary Institution: Stroke Trials Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Nottingham
Hypothesis
Can triple antiplatelet therapy maximize the benefit of treatment in secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke?
Conclusion
Triple antiplatelet therapy was associated with a significant increase in adverse events and bleeding rates compared to aspirin alone.
Supporting Evidence
- The trial was stopped prematurely after the ESPRIT trial results were published.
- 44% of patients in the triple therapy group discontinued treatment due to adverse events.
- Significantly increased rates of adverse events and bleeding were observed in the triple therapy group.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether taking three different medicines to prevent strokes is better than just one, but it found that the three-medicine approach caused more problems.
Methodology
A randomised, parallel group, observer-blinded phase II trial comparing triple therapy with aspirin alone.
Potential Biases
The trial was unblinded to patients and treating staff, which may introduce bias in treatment assessment.
Limitations
The study was stopped early with only 17 patients enrolled, which limited the power of the analyses.
Participant Demographics
17 patients, mean age 62 years, 71% male, with a history of ischaemic stroke or TIA.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.08
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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