A natural form of vitamin E called tocotrienol (TCT) has blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties, both of which may benefit stroke survivors. This study is being conducted to determine the blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties of TCT in stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack, which is also referred to as a "mini-stroke") survivors that are receiving the standard treatment for prevention of recurrent stroke. Study Hypothesis: Oral TCT decreases the incidence of aspirin and clopidogrel nonresponders, increases the extent of inhibition of platelet aggregation, and decreases LDL without significant side effects in stroke patients.
In this Phase IIB trial the goal is to determine the effects of orally supplemented TCT on platelet function and cholesterol as well as the safety in patients with TIA (transient ischemic attack) or stroke in addition to the standard treatment for stroke prevention. Recurrent cardiovascular events including stroke, TIA, heart attack, venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, systemic embolism will also be recorded. In patients with recurrent stroke, severity of the stroke and stroke size measured from MR (magnetic resonance) or CT (computed tomography) imaging will also be collected. We expect that TCT will inhibit blood clotting and lower cholesterol more than current standard treatment without significantly increasing bleeding risks or other side effects. Future work is planned in a larger TIA/stroke population to examine whether TCT adds to standard medical care in terms of decreasing incidence of stroke and improving outcomes following stroke.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
300
Vitamin E TCT capsules- 400mg to 800mg per day (2 in the morning and 2 in the evening)
Placebo capsules per day (2 in the morning and 2 in the evening)
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Mount Carmel Health System
Columbus, Ohio, United States
platelet aggregation activity
Platelet aggregation activity will be measured using standard clinical laboratory procedures
Time frame: up to 1 year
Incidence of recurrent stroke
Incidence of recurrent stroke after previous diagnosed stroke or TIA.
Time frame: up to 1 year
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