Comparing clopidogrel and warfarin for preventing strokes in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome

Comparison of Clopidogrel-based Antiplatelet Therapy Versus Warfarin As Secondary Prevention Strategy for AntiPhospholipid Syndrome-related STROKE (APS-STROKE)

Phase 4 Interventional Seoul National University Hospital · NCT05995600

This study is testing whether clopidogrel or warfarin is better at preventing strokes in adults with antiphospholipid syndrome who have already had a stroke.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Locations32 sites (Anyang and 31 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05995600 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to determine the effectiveness of clopidogrel-based antiplatelet therapy compared to warfarin for secondary prevention in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) who have experienced ischemic strokes. The study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open, blinded-endpoint trial involving adult patients diagnosed with APS. It seeks to address the limitations of current treatment guidelines, which are based on outdated evidence, by providing high-quality clinical data on the use of antiplatelet drugs in this population. The trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of these two treatment strategies in preventing further strokes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 19 years or older with a history of ischemic stroke and a confirmed diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with a high-risk antiphospholipid antibody profile or those with conditions that prevent them from discontinuing anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with antiphospholipid syndrome at risk of stroke.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the use of clopidogrel for APS-related strokes, this study represents a novel approach to addressing a significant gap in current treatment strategies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 19 years or older
* History of ischemic stroke (cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attack, or retinal arterial ischemic event)
* Patients who meet the laboratory diagnostic criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
* Patients or guardians who agree to the study protocol and sign with informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with high-risk antiphospholipid antibody profile (triple positivity; persistent high-titers exceeding 80 U/mL of anti-cardiolipin or anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies)
* Systemic lupus erythematous
* Patients unable to discontinue previously taken anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents (e.g., atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, or a history of percutaneous coronary intervention)
* Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending to become pregnant during the study period
* Deemed unsuitable for participation in the study for more than four years, as per the investigators' discretion

Where this trial is running

Anyang and 31 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Antiphospholipid SyndromeIschemic StrokeTransient Ischemic AttackCerebrovascular DiseaseCardiovascular DiseasesMajor BleedAntiphospholipid syndromeIschemic stroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.