The EAST-STROKE Trial for Improved Cardiovascular Outcomes
The EAST-STROKE Trial for Improved Cardiovascular Outcomes
EAST-STROKE (Early treatment of Atrial fibrillation for Stroke prevention Trial in acute STROKE) is an international investigator-initiated, prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint assessment (PROBE) trial to test whether early rhythm-control therapy prevents adverse cardiovascular outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation compared to usual care.
Patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation are at high risk for recurrent stroke and other adverse cardiovascular events. Current treatment of atrial fibrillation in stroke patients (usual care) includes oral anticoagulation, management of cardiovascular risk factors and rate control. To date, it is unclear whether additional treatment with rhythm control can reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in these vulnerable patients.
EAST-STROKE is set out to address this major health burden and to provide evidence for more effective prevention of adverse outcomes in an area of high public health need. Up to 1,746 patients will be enrolled in several countries in Europa and worldwide, with the start of the study scheduled in Europe for early 2025.
Trial organisation relies on an international network of experienced clinical researchers, patient representatives and health economics experts. The study has the potential to change the clinical practice in the treatment of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation worldwide and to help prevent many thousands of new strokes. EAST-STROKE will not only lead to improving patient care but also offers the potential for significant cost-savings to European health systems and societies.
EAST-STROKE partners
The EAST-STROKE consortium consists of eight international project partners bringing together experts from medical science, healthcare, social sciences and humanities, and patient representatives. The partners represent a strong network possessing excellent expertise in the field of stroke and atrial fibrillation.
Each partner has a dedicated role which is essential for achieving the goals of the project. More information can be found on the partner sites with detailed descriptions and contact details for each project partner.
EAST-STROKE: an international trial
EAST-STROKE will initially be launched in 42 clinics in Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Participation of other countries is planned in the course of 2025. Partner studies are currently being prepared in an international cooperation in Australia, Brazil and the USA, among other places.
Information about participating sites, national principal investigators and other information in local languages for each country can be found under “Countries”.
Focus on the patient
EAST-STROKE aims to improve quality of life of patients by improving clinical practice in the treatment of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and by preventing new strokes. Patients’ interests are considered in the trial organization and ensured during the runtime of the study. A patient representative will be a member of the Steering Committee of the trial, involved in all major decisions. Furtheron, a patient organization for stroke patients (“SAFE”) is member of the EAST-STROKE consortium, supporting communication and dissemination of trial related topics to patients and the public.
News and Press Releases
Kick-off Meeting on 16/17 January 2025
Successful project start: Following the official launch of the project on 1 December 2024, the kick-off meeting on 16-17 January 2025, marked a successful start to six years of collaboration. During the meeting, the participating partners presented their [...]
New treatment option for acute stroke in atrial fibrillation in a clinical trial – EU funds joint project
Patients with an acute stroke and atrial fibrillation have a particularly high risk of a recurrent stroke and other serious cardiovascular events. A Europe-wide clinical trial led by scientists from the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is now [...]
