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Administration of antithrombotic drugs during catheter treatment of stroke is unsafe
Administration of antithrombotic drugs during catheter treatment of stroke patients leads to an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, with no beneficial effect on recovery. The researchers, led by Erasmus MC, expect their results to change worldwide guidelines for administration of antithrombotic drugs during catheter treatment of stroke.
In the MR CLEAN-MED trial, funded by the CONTRAST Consortium*, 15 Dutch hospitals investigated the effectiveness and safety of using antithrombotic drugs acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and heparin during the catheter treatment of stroke. Neurologist and coordinating researcher Dr. Bob Roozenbeek is pleased that this study now provides a definite answer regarding the administration of a acetylsalicylic acid or heparin during catheter treatment of stroke. 'We knew we were dealing with the balance between the bleeding risk and the potential benefit of opening the small vessels. Now it is clear that the benefits do not outweigh the harms.' The researchers emphasize that their study results do not concern the antithrombotic drugs that stroke patients are prescribed to prevent another stroke. 'It's safe and very important to continue using this medication', Roozenbeek says.
Dr. Rick van Nuland, who coordinates the CONTRAST Consortium as Program Manager at Lygature adds: “Lygature is proud to be a partner of the CONTRAST Consortium in which we provide partnership management. I’d like to congratulate the whole CONTRAST team on this very important finding.”
The publication in The Lancet is published in the edition of 12 March 2022.
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*The CONTRAST Consortium is supported by Netherlands Cardiovascular Research Initiative (CVON), an initiative of the Dutch Heart Foundation, by the Brain Foundation Netherlands, Medtronic and Cerenovus. Find out more on the consortium website and our project page.