Lun R, Dhaliwal S, Zitikyte G, et al. - Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and either ticagrelor or clopidogrel following minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

• In this network meta-analysis including 22,098 patients from 5 randomized clinical trials, the goal was to compare ticagrelor and aspirin with clopidogrel and aspirin in patients with acute minor ischemic stroke or TIA in the prevention of recurrent strokes or death.

• In preventing recurrent stroke and death, superiority of both clopidogrel and aspirin (hazard ratio HR, 0.74) and ticagrelor and aspirin (HR, 0.79) to aspirin was evident.

• No statistically significant difference was found between clopidogrel and aspirin vs ticagrelor and aspirin (HR, 0.94).

• Higher rates of major hemorrhage were noted with both DAPT regimens vs aspirin alone.

• A reduced risk of functional disability was observed with clopidogrel and aspirin vs aspirin alone (HR, 0.82) and ticagrelor and aspirin (HR, 0.85).