What are the benefits and risks of dual antiplatelet treatment for acute minor ischemic stroke or high risk transient ischemic attack?
BEEM Bottom Line
Why is this study important?
Current guidelines recommend antiplatelet therapy in the management of acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), most commonly aspirin (ASA) alone. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to date, the benefits and safety of clopidogrel and ASA versus ASA alone have been demonstrated. These findings strongly suggest that dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) should be used for these patients and that clinical guidelines should reflect this new evidence.
Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?
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