Abstract
Abstract only Introduction: Short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) lowers the risk of early stroke recurrence after mild non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke (NCIS) and high-risk transient ischemic attack. However, DAPT benefit in moderate-to-severe NCIS is unknown. We sought to investigate time-trends and determinants of DAPT prescription after moderate-to-severe NCIS in the Florida Stroke Registry (FSR). Methods: Within 168 FSR-participating hospitals, between January 2010 and September 2022, we analyzed NCIS patients with NIHSS score >3, without other indication(s) for DAPT (e.g., carotid stenting) or systemic anticoagulation, hemorrhagic complications, and whom received at least one antiplatelet agent upon discharge. Using single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) as comparison, we assessed DAPT determinants through logistic regression models adjusted for demographics, hospital characteristics, clinical presentation, vascular risk factors and stroke subtype. Results: Out of 283,264 ischemic stroke patients during the study period, 53,282 had moderate-to-severe NCIS (mean age 68 +/-14 years, 50% women, median presenting NIHSS score 7 [interquartile range 6]). DAPT was prescribed in 15,107 (28.4%) and SAPT in 38,175 (71.6%). DAPT prescription increased from 24.2% in 2010 to 44.8% in 2022 (Figure 1). Independent determinants of DAPT prescription are shown in Table 1. Conclusion: DAPT prescription after moderate-to-severe NCIS is common now, and has nearly doubled over the past decade. Major DAPT determinants were premorbid SAPT and large-artery atherosclerosis. Further research may determine DAPT efficacy and safety in this population.