Extrait

Background and study aims People who have a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke are at high risk of another stroke, particularly in the first week after the event. A recent study has shown that starting secondary prevention drugs early, in a specialist clinic, significantly lowers the risk of another stroke. RAPIDTIA is a pilot study to determine the feasibility of a larger study to see whether it is better for patients to receive extra medication to prevent further stroke from the primary care doctor or wait until they have been seen by a specialist. Who can participate? Approximately 170 patients with symptoms suggestive of TIA or minor stroke will be recruited from the catchment of three hospital TIA clinics (Birmingham, Cambridge and Oxford) and the emergency departments of these hospitals. What does the study involve? Participants with a probable diagnosis of TIA will be entered into the whole pilot study, those with possible TIA will be entered into the diagnostic study only. Participants with a probable TIA will be randomised to receive usual treatment as recommended by current guidelines (the control group) or usual treatment plus additional medications usually initiated by a specialist. All participants will be seen by a specialist as per current practice who will record final diagnosis and adjust medication accordingly. A further follow up appointment will be scheduled after 90 days. In addition, approximately 10 patients and 10 healthcare professionals will be invited to participate in one in-depth semi-structured interview lasting up to one hour. The interview will help us to identify how trial procedures might be modified for the main trial. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Benefits include starting secondary prevention medication on the same day instead of waiting, which may reduce the risk of another stroke. Risks include extension of haemorrhagic stroke from dual anti-platelet treatment, uncertainty about the effect of early statin treatment, and unnecessary treatment due to overdiagnosis. Where is the study run from? University of Birmingham When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study will run from December 2008 to December 2012. Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Who is the main contact? Dr Kate Fletcher [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Transient ischaemic attack / Stroke

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn