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Understanding Ischemic Stroke in Patients Taking Blood Thinners

Advancing Knowledge in Ischemic Stroke Patients on Oral Anticoagulants - The ASPERA International Registry

Observational University of L'Aquila · NCT06823466

This study looks at how ischemic strokes affect people taking blood thinners for heart issues to see what helps prevent future strokes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of L'Aquila Academic / other
Locations47 sites (Zagreb and 46 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06823466 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The ASPERA study investigates the characteristics and outcomes of ischemic stroke cases in patients who are on oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation or other cardioembolic arrhythmias. This multicenter, observational study collects both retrospective and prospective data from acute ischemic stroke patients worldwide. It aims to assess the short and long-term outcomes associated with various secondary prevention strategies to prevent stroke recurrences. The study is coordinated by the University of L'Aquila and involves multiple emergency services and stroke units.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an ischemic stroke while on oral anticoagulation.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced an ischemic stroke or are not on oral anticoagulation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing recurrent strokes in patients on anticoagulants.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar topics, but the specific focus on ischemic stroke in patients on oral anticoagulation represents a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years at the time of the index ischemic stroke.
* Confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition.
* Availability of at least one neuroimaging exam (either a non-contrast computed tomography \[NCCT\] or magnetic resonance imaging \[MRI\] of the brain) demonstrating one or more ischemic lesions consistent with patient symptoms.
* Ongoing oral anticoagulation at the time of the index ischemic stroke, defined as the last intake within 48 hours prior to stroke symptom onset for patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), or an international normalized ratio (INR) of ≥1.5 in patients on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), regardless of the time elapsed between the last intake and stroke symptom onset.
* Prior diagnosis of AF or other cardioembolic arrhythmias.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Symptoms not indicative of acute stroke (i.e., syncope, tonic or clonic activity, dizziness alone, confusion and amnesia alone, chronic or subacute development of focal neurological deficit).
* Ongoing parenteral (intravenous or subcutaneous) anticoagulation at the time of the index event, including bridging with heparin in patients initiating VKA.

Where this trial is running

Zagreb and 46 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.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Ischemic StrokeOral AnticoagulationAtrial FibrillationOutcome AssessmentClinical PresentationsIschemic strokeOral anticoagulationAtrial fibrillation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.