SPARCL (Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels)

18 Mar, 14

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Aim

To determine whether atorvastatin 80 mg/day would reduce the risk of stroke in patients with no known coronary heart disease (CHD) who had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within the previous six months

Study patients

Recent stroke or TIA (1-6 months) and no history of CHD (N=4731)

Study groups

Atorvastatin 80 mg (N=2365) vs. placebo (N=2366)

Study period

4.9 years

Results

High-dose atorvastatin significantly reduces fatal/nonfatal stroke

Treatment effect on stroke and TIA

Significant reduction in other CV events

Significant improvement in lipids

Safety

No significant differences in incidence of serious adverse events
No cases of liver failure in either groups

Conclusion

Aggressive statin therapy should be strongly considered soon after stroke or TIA.

N Engl J Med 2006;355:549-59

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