Study of Ischemic Stroke Patients on Oral Anticoagulants with Atrial Fibrillation or Cardioembolic Arrhythmias Tracking Stroke Outcomes and Prevention Strategies Over Time

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating ischemic stroke cases in patients who are on oral anticoagulants due to atrial fibrillation or other cardioembolic arrhythmias. This observational study, called ASPERA, aims to understand the characteristics of these stroke cases and to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of different strategies used to prevent recurrent strokes. The study includes both retrospective and prospective data collection from multiple centers worldwide, coordinated by the University of LAquila. The study has two parts ASPERA-R and ASPERA-P. ASPERA-R collects retrospective data over five years, focusing on baseline demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging features of ischemic strokes in patients on oral anticoagulants. ASPERA-P enrolls patients prospectively for two years with follow-up for five years to assess risks of stroke recurrence and safety events under different secondary prevention approaches, such as continuing or changing oral anticoagulation. Participants will have their data collected at several time points, including hospital admission, discharge, and follow-ups at 90 days, 1 year, and 5 years after stroke. Assessments include clinical evaluations, neuroimaging exams, and monitoring for stroke recurrence, bleeding events, heart attacks, and mortality. The study tracks outcomes to better understand risks and to identify features linked to stroke recurrence and safety events, with total participation lasting up to seven years for prospective patients.

Advancing Knowledge in Ischemic Stroke Patients on Oral Anticoagulants