Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors for acute ischaemic stroke

Most strokes are due to a sudden blockage of an artery in the brain (this type of stroke is called an ischaemic stroke). In most ischaemic strokes, the blockage is caused by a blood clot. Glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa inhibitors might help to dissolve these blood clots, prevent new clots and so improve the blood supply to the brain. It is possible, if the drug is given within a few hours of the start of the stroke, that this would reduce brain damage and improve the chances of making a good recovery. However, GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors may also cause bleeding in the brain, and so this complication could offset any benefits. This review aimed to evaluate whether GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors administered within six hours from stroke onset increases the proportion of independent survivors. The results from two small included studies with 474 patients are inconclusive and cannot rule out a clinical benefit or harm. Future results from ongoing trials will be important to understand the balance of risk and benefit of GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors for acute ischaemic stroke.