Short-term intensive statin treatment to lower cholesterol after ischemic stroke
Effects of Short-term Intensive Statin Therapy on Lipid Levels in Patients With Ischemic Stroke or Large Artery Atherosclerosis: A Prospective Observational Study
This study will see if a short course of higher-dose statins quickly lowers cholesterol in adults who recently had an ischemic stroke or have significant arterial stenosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shenyang, Liaoning) |
| Trial ID | NCT07344610 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective observational study of adults with acute ischemic stroke or imaging-confirmed intracranial/extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis who start intensive statin therapy within 24 hours of admission. Patients will receive higher-dose atorvastatin or rosuvastatin for at least one week, and investigators will track changes in lipid levels over the short term. The study will analyze variability in lipid response and explore clinical and demographic factors that influence that response. Results are intended to help tailor short-term lipid management after stroke.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with ischemic stroke within 14 days of onset or ≥50% intracranial/extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis who can start intensive statin therapy within 24 hours and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People already on recent statin therapy, those using other lipid-lowering drugs, pregnant or lactating women, or patients with serious comorbidities and limited life expectancy are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help doctors personalize statin dosing soon after stroke to achieve faster and more reliable cholesterol lowering.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown that high-intensity statins lower LDL and stabilize plaques and can reduce recurrent stroke risk, but short-term variability in lipid response after acute stroke is less well described.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years; * Diagnosis of ischemic stroke (within 14 days of onset) confirmed by cranial CT/MRI; or imaging-confirmed intracranial/extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (stenosis rate ≥ 50%); * Intensive statin therapy (e.g., atorvastatin 40-80 mg/day or rosuvastatin 20 mg/day) initiated within 24 hours of admission, with a planned continuous application for at least one week; * Signed informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of statin therapy within 1 week prior to admission; * Receiving other lipid-lowering treatments; * Presence of other serious comorbidities (e.g., malignant tumors, end-stage heart failure) with an expected survival of \<1 year; * Pregnant or lactating women; * Participation in other drug clinical trials within 3 months; * Other conditions deemed unsuitable by the investigator.
Where this trial is running
Shenyang, Liaoning
- Lu Wang — Shenyang, Liaoning, China (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.