Polypill approach to reduce vascular risk after stroke in Ghana

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

SMAART II is a phase 3 trial enrolling adults who recently had an ischemic stroke in several Ghanaian hospitals. The study compares daily Polycap fixed-dose therapy to standard care over 24 months, aiming to lower composite vascular risk. It uses a hybrid design to assess both efficacy and how best to implement polypill use in an under-resourced healthcare setting. Participants must meet criteria such as age over 18, ischemic stroke within 2 months, and at least one cardiovascular risk factor or comorbidity. The trial seeks to inform routine integration and policy adoption if beneficial.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Above the age of 18 years; male or female
* Ischemic stroke diagnosis no greater than two months before enrollment. Ischemic strokes including� lacunar, large-vessel atherosclerotic, cardio-embolic subtypes are eligible
* Subjects with stroke may present with at least one of the following additional conditions:

Documented diabetes mellitus or previous treatment with oral hypoglycemic or insulin; documented hypertension \>140/90mmHg or previous treatment with antihypertensive medications; Mild to moderate renal dysfunction (eGFR 60-30ml/min/1.73m2); Prior myocardial infarction

* Legally competent to sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to sign informed consent
* Contraindications to any of the components of the polypill
* Hemorrhagic stroke
* Severe cognitive impairment/dementia or severe global disability limiting the capacity of self-care
* Severe congestive cardiac failure (NYHA III-IV)
* Severe renal disease, eGFR \<30ml/min/1.73m2), renal dialysis; awaiting renal transplant or transplant recipient
* Cancer diagnosis or treatment in past 2 years
* Need for oral anticoagulation at the time of randomization or planned in the future months;
* Significant arrhythmias (including unresolved ventricular arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation)
* Nursing/pregnant mothers
* Do not agree to the filing, forwarding and use of his/her pseudonymized data.

Where it's running

• University Teaching Hospital of Parakou
  Parakou, Benin Recruiting
• University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
  Ilorin, Nigeria Recruiting
• Kwame Nkrumah Institute of Science & Technology
  Kumasi, Ghana Active not recruiting
• Aga Khan Hospital
  Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Bruce Ovbiagele, MD
• Email: bruce.ovbiagele@va.gov
• Phone: 415-750-2047

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

  This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

  Recruiting The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health · Heidelberg, Victoria and 1 other locations · NCT07019493

• Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

  This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Hokkaido University Hospital · Sapporo, Hokkaido · NCT06752720

• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

  This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · Leuven and 6 other locations · NCT07924371

• Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke

  This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.

  Recruiting Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · Taoyuan · NCT07921108

• Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2

  Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Sheffield, South Yorkshire · NCT07914647

• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

  In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.

  Recruiting Matia Foundation · San Sebastián, GUIPUZCOA · NCT07913620

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.