Understanding Ischemic Stroke in Patients Taking Blood Thinners

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

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Department of Neurology, Sveti Duh University Hospital
  Zagreb, Croatia Recruiting
• Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg Hospital
  Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting
• Neurology Department, Assiut University Hospitals
  Asyut, Egypt Recruiting
• Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine , Ain Shams University
  Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
• Neurology Unit, Kobry Elkoba Medical Complex
  Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
• Université Cote d'Azur UR2CA-URRIS, Unité Neurovasculaire, CHU Hôpital Pasteur 2
  Nice, France Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Simona Sacco, MD
• Email: simona.sacco@univaq.it
• Phone: +39 0862433561

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

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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.