"A randomized trial such as SAMMPRIS is one of the most powerful scientific tools to bring us definitive answers," said Lopes. "The results from this trial will improve the management of patients at risk for stroke."
In addition, the study will determine the effectiveness of intensive medical management of underlying conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There has not been a landmark study looking at how the aggressive treatment of these underlying conditions can benefit stroke victims.
"This is a seminal study, one funded by the NIH and having significant implications on future management of patients with narrowed arteries in the brain," said Prabhakaran. "It will determine whether we should be offering stenting as a primary treatment of narrowed arteries or whether medications are sufficient."
The five-year SAMMPRIS study plans to enroll 764 patients from approximately 60 sites in the Unites States. Intensive medical therapy for all participants will consist of aspirin, clopidogrel (a blood thinner), and aggressive risk factor management primarily targeting blood pressure and cholesterol. Approximately half of the patients in the trial, selected randomly, will have a stent placed. Study participants will be evaluated by a neurologist every four months and will meet with internists who will manage the vascular risk factors.
To be eligible for this trial, patients must be between the ages of 30 and 80 years, have had a stroke or TIA within 30 days, and have stenosis (narrowing) of a major intracranial artery (blood vessel in the brain).
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| Contact: Kim Waterman kimberly_waterman@rush.edu 312-942-7820 Rush University Medical Center Source:Eurekalert |