Key result
Warfarin effectively reduces stroke and death in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, while aspirin and ticlopidine reduce stroke risk in patients with TIA or minor stroke.
Why the study?
Do medical treatments (anticoagulants, aspirin, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, sulfinpyrazone) reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death in patients at elevated risk for stroke?
Systematic Review
Do medical treatments (anticoagulants, aspirin, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, sulfinpyrazone) reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death in patients at elevated risk for stroke?
Warfarin is strongly recommended for stroke prevention in older patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, while aspirin or ticlopidine are preferred for those with TIA or minor stroke.
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Warfarin indicated for nonvalvular AF stroke prevention; confirms RCT efficacy while noting higher bleeding risk versus aspirin.
David B. Matchar (1994) conducted a systematic review in elevated risk for stroke. Anticoagulant or platelet antiaggregant treatment was evaluated on subsequent stroke and myocardial infarction, death, or complications. Warfarin effectively reduces stroke and death in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, while aspirin and ticlopidine reduce stroke risk in patients with TIA or minor stroke.
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