Dual antiplatelet therapy in acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Stroke recurrence is common in the early period after a cerebral ischemic event. Treatment with an antiplatelet agent is recommended to reduce recurrent stroke and death in patients with a non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. Compared to monotherapy, dual antiplatelet therapy has more robust inhibition of platelet activation but a higher risk of systemic bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that short-term use of dual antiplatelet treatment initiated early after ischemic stroke and TIA reduces the risk of recurrent stroke and major vascular events without significantly increasing the hemorrhagic complication rates, particularly in those with large-vessel disease, while long-term dual antiplatelet treatment increases the risk of systemic and intracranial hemorrhage over time, offsetting any potential benefit. Until further data becomes available, clinicians should carefully assess this risk and benefit in each case and continually reevaluate the need for prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy.