Early rhythm-control therapy for stroke patients with atrial fibrillation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

EAST-STROKE is a multicenter, randomized, PROBE study designed to see if early comprehensive rhythm control for atrial fibrillation after acute ischemic stroke improves cardiovascular outcomes. Participants may receive antiarrhythmic drugs, ablation, or electrical cardioversion as part of the rhythm-control strategy, or standard care as a control. The primary outcome combines recurrent stroke, cardiovascular death, and hospitalizations for heart failure or acute coronary syndrome, with secondary outcomes including safety, health status, and socio-economic factors. The trial uses an adaptive design and aims to enroll up to 1,746 patients with 90% power. The study is investigator-initiated and includes blinded outcome assessment to reduce bias.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Acute ischemic stroke in the previous four weeks, diagnosed by imaging (CT or MRI) or clinical diagnosis
* Possibility to start the trial treatment within 4 weeks after stroke, and as soon as clinically justifiable
* AF first detected ≤1 year prior to randomization
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* End-stage cancer or life-expectancy \< 12 months due to other advanced co-morbid illness
* Prior AF ablation or surgical therapy of AF
* Patients not suitable for rhythm control of AF due to cardiac conditions

Where it's running

• University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
  Hamburg, Germany Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Götz Thomalla, MD — Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
• Study coordinator: Märit Jensen, MD
• Email: m.jensen@uke.de
• Phone: +4940741053770

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.