Stroke Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stroke, including details on treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, signs, symptoms.

The risks and safety of clopidogrel in pediatric arterial ischemic stroke.

Soman T, Rafay MF, Hune S, Allen A, MacGregor D, deVeber G

Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine safety and tolerability of clopidogrel in children with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). Clopidogrel is the alternative antiplatelet medication when aspirin is not tolerated or fails. The possible risks and safety of clopidogrel in children with AIS have not been assessed. METHODS: This is a prospective consecutive cohort study of children with AIS who were started on clopidogrel. Seventeen children were included. RESULTS: Two children developed subdural hematomas while on clopidogrel in conjunction with aspirin. Two others had headache or hand numbness. No other side effects like rash or gastrointestinal upsets were reported. CONCLUSIONS: We found clopidogrel to be relatively well tolerated in the pediatric population. In combination with aspirin and in the presence of other risk factors, intracranial bleeding may be seen.

Published 28 March 2006 in Stroke, 37(4): 1120-2.
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