title: Triple antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke.
abstract: Antiplatelet agents are effective for secondary prevention after ischemic stroke, although they do not always prevent recurrent events. Laboratory studies confirm that therapy with 3 antiplatelet agents is superior to dual therapy or monotherapy at inhibiting platelet and leucocyte function. We report here a 69-year-old man who had recurrent strokes despite single or dual antiplatelet agents, but who responded to a combination of aspirin, dipyridamole, and clopidogrel. Likewise, triple antiplatelet therapy was effective in a series of 8 additional patients during a period of 28 months of follow up. Because combining 3 agents runs the risk of major bleeding, clinical trials are essential to address issues of safety and efficacy in patients with stroke.
authors: University of Nottingham, Institute of Neurosciences, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Willmot
authors: Lian
authors: L
authors: Zhao
authors: Stan
authors: S
authors: Heptinstall
authors: Philip
authors: P
authors: Bath