Grant: Operating Grant

Anticoagulants, sometimes referred to as 'blood thinners' prevent blood clot formation and ischemic stroke. These drugs are used routinely in the treatment of acute (early after onset) heart attack and angina patients, as they improve survival rates. Older anticoagulants have also been tested in ischemic stroke patients. Ischemic stroke results from a blockage of blood flow to the brain by a blood clot. Although anticoagulants did prevent new strokes, there was also an increase in the rate of bleeding into the area damaged by the original stroke. These drugs are therefore not recommended in acute stroke. Newer anticoagulants, including dabigatran, are currently being used to prevent strokes in patients with irregular heart beats. It has been shown to be associated with lower rates of bleeding in the brain, compared to older anticoagulants. These drugs are not recommended for use within 14 days of an ischemic stroke, as it has not been tested in this group of patients. We believe these drugs may be helpful in acute stroke and have preliminary data suggesting they are safer than the older anticoagulants. We plan a study to demonstrate these drugs are safer, and to identify which patients will benefit or be harmed by early treatment. This may lead to a new treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients.