The SPARCL study enrolled 4,732 patients with prior stroke or TIA and no known CHD to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin 80 mg/day on secondary stroke prevention.
RCT (n=4,732)
Double-blind
Randomized
Yes
Does atorvastatin 80 mg/day prevent secondary stroke in patients with prior stroke or TIA and no known CHD?
SPARCL is the first study primarily designed to prospectively evaluate the effect of statin treatment in secondary stroke prevention for patients without known CHD.
Evidence suggests that statin therapy reduces the risk of stroke in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), but its benefit for patients with cerebrovascular disease and no history of CHD remains uncertain. The Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) Study is a prospective, multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin 80 mg/day in patients who previously experienced a stroke or transient ischaemic attack, but who have no known CHD. A total of 4732 patients have been enrolled, and the data collection phase of the study is expected to be completed by October 2004. SPARCL is the first study primarily designed to prospectively evaluate the effect of statin treatment in secondary stroke prevention.
Amarenco et al. (Wed,) conducted a rct in Stroke or transient ischemic attack with no known coronary heart disease (n=4,732). Atorvastatin vs. Placebo was evaluated on Secondary stroke prevention. The SPARCL study enrolled 4,732 patients with prior stroke or TIA and no known CHD to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin 80 mg/day on secondary stroke prevention.