28 Dec 2023 • A study published in NEJM explored the effect of clopidogrel plus aspirin as compared with aspirin alone administered within 72 hours after the onset of acute cerebral ischemia from atherosclerosis.

• In patients with mild ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA, combined clopidogrel–aspirin therapy initiated within 72 hours after stroke onset significantly lowered the risk of a new stroke at 90 days compared to aspirin alone (7.3% vs. 9.2%).
• However, the combined therapy was associated with a slightly higher risk of moderate-to-severe bleeding (0.9% vs. 0.4%).

These findings shed light on a potential strategy to reduce recurrent strokes in patients with mild ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA, emphasizing the need for a balanced consideration of benefits and risks in clinical decision-making for early stroke management.

Source: NEJM | Read full story