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Antiplatelet Therapy in Combination with rt-PA Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke (ARTIS): Rationale and Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial

2009; Karger Publishers; Volume: 29; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1159/000256651

1421-9786

Sanne M. Zinkstok, M. Vermeulen, J. Stam, Rob J. de Haan, Yvo B.W.E.M. Roos,

Antiplatelet Therapy and Cardiovascular Diseases

<i>Background:</i> Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is currently the only approved acute therapy for ischemic stroke. After rt-PA-induced recanalization, reocclusion is observed in 20–34%, probably caused by platelet activation. In acute myocardial infarction, the combination of thrombolytic and antiplatelet therapy leads to a better outcome compared to thrombolytic treatment alone. In patients with acute ischemic stroke, several studies showed that those on antiplatelet treatment prior to rt-PA had an equal or even better outcome compared to patients without prior use of antiplatelet therapy, despite an increased risk of bleeding. <i>Methods:</i> We present the protocol of a multicenter randomized clinical trial (n = 800) investigating the effects of immediate addition of aspirin to rt-PA on poor outcome (modified Rankin score >2) in ischemic stroke patients. <i>Conclusion:</i> This study will answer the question whether the combination of rt-PA and antiplatelet therapy improves the functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients.