Investigating gut microbiota in patients with acute stroke

Gut Microbiota in Acute Stroke Patients

Observational Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT03934021

This study is trying to see if the bacteria in the gut of people who have had a stroke can help us understand their recovery and disability over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT03934021 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the role of gut microbiota in patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke. Participants will be recruited from the Prince of Wales Hospital and will provide stool samples for analysis. Their neurological and radiological outcomes will be assessed at 3 and 6 months post-stroke to identify any correlations between microbiota composition and clinical outcomes. The study will also evaluate the degree of disability and imaging findings to better understand stroke mechanisms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese adults aged 18 and above who have been diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with alternative diagnoses, gastrointestinal infections, or recent antibiotic use may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new insights into the relationship between gut health and stroke recovery, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of gut microbiota in various health conditions is being explored, this specific approach in acute stroke patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed as acute ischaemic stroke
2. Aged 18 or above Chinese
3. Radiological evidence of acute ischaemic stroke by Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient with symptoms and signs suggestive of alternative diagnoses,
2. Evidence of intracerebral haemorrhage,
3. Absence of DWI evidence of acute ischaemic infarct,
4. Pregnancy,
5. Evidence of gastrointestinal infection/ inflammation/ obstruction
6. History of partial or total resection of small or large bowel, as well as gut re-anastomosis,
7. Use of antibiotics within 2 weeks prior to symptoms onset,
8. Gastrointestinal malignancy
9. Any hospitalization within 3 months before recruitment
10. Institutionalized patients

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 StrokeStroke, AcuteStroke, IschemicMicrobiomeAtherosclerosis CerebralIschemic strokemicrobiomeatherosclerotic
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.