Comparison between aspirin combined with dipyridamole versus aspirin alone within 48 hours after ischemic stroke event for prevention of recurrent stroke and improvement of neurological function: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine efficacy and tolerability of aspirin plus dipyridamole (combination) versus aspirin alone in acute intervention treatment after acute ischemic stoke among Thai patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This pilot study enrolled ischemic stroke patients within 48 hours and randomized to aspirin 300 mg/d or combination (aspirin 300 mg/d+ standard release dipyridamole 75 mg thrice a day) and followed up for 6 months. Endpoints were recurrent ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack and vascular death. Side effects were recorded. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was assessed at entry and at 6 months period for determining neurological functions. RESULTS: Of 38 patients, mean age was 64.3 years. Male and female were 52.6% and 47.4% respectively. There were 18 patients in the aspirin group and 20 patients in the combination group. No patient developed end point events or no significant adverse event in both groups. The combination group showed more improvement in neurological function than the aspirin group (p-value 0.009). CONCLUSION: This pilot study showed equal efficacy and tolerability of the combination group and aspirin alone in acute intervention treatment for prevention of recurrent stroke or vascular death within 6 months.