Ticlopidine aspirin stroke study: Outcome by vascular distribution of the qualifying event

Abstract

Outcomes from the Ticlopidine Aspirin Stroke Study (TASS) population stratified by the vascular distribution of the qualifying ischemic event are described. Among patients having a qualifying event in the carotid circulation, the 1-year risk reduction for death or nonfatal stroke was 49% and for fatal or nonfatal stroke was 49.7% for ticlopidine versus aspirin. For those with a vertebrobasilar distribution, the 1-year risk reductions for death or nonfatal stroke and fatal or nonfatal stroke were 22% and 46% (NS), respectively, for ticlopidine relative to aspirin. The overall risk reduction for fatal or nonfatal stroke was 24.6% (1.35, 42.4; p = 0.039) for an event in the carotid distribution and 28.0% (-20.6, 57.0; p = 0.211) for one in the vertebrobasilar distribution. The incidence of adverse events was greater in the ticlopidine group (40% versus 28%); however, the incidence of serious or life-threatening adverse events was similar (1.4% with ticlopidine and 1.5% with aspirin.