The REstart or STop Antithrombotics Randomised Trial (RESTART) after stroke due to intracerebral haemorrhage: statistical analysis plan for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: For adults surviving stroke due to spontaneous (non-traumatic) intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) who had taken an antithrombotic (i.e. anticoagulant or antiplatelet) drug for the prevention of vaso-occlusive disease before the ICH, it is unclear whether starting antiplatelet therapy modifies the risks of recurrent ICH, major haemorrhagic events, major occlusive vascular events, or a composite of all major vascular events compared to avoiding antiplatelet therapy. METHODS/DESIGN: The REstart or STop Antithrombotics Randomised Trial (RESTART) is an investigator-led, parallel group, open, assessor-blind, randomised trial comparing starting versus avoiding antiplatelet therapy for adults surviving antithrombotic-associated ICH. Recruitment began on 22 May 2013 and ended on 31 May 2018. Follow-up ended on 30 November 2018. This update to the protocol describes the statistical analysis plan (version 1.7, finalised on 25 January 2019). Database lock and un-blinding occurred on 29 January 2019, after which the un-masked trial statistician conducted the final analyses according to this statistical analysis plan. DISCUSSION: Final results of RESTART will be analysed and disseminated in May 2019. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry 71907627. Prospectively registered on 25 April 2013. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3270-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.