Rationale, Design and Methods of the Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA (PRODAST) Study

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of anticoagulation following acute ischaemic stroke or TIA in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent challenge. Early initiation of anticoagulation can reduce the risk for recurrent ischaemic events, but may lead to an increased risk for intracerebral haemorrhage. AIM: The Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA (PRODAST) study was initiated to investigate outcome events under antithrombotic therapy after ischaemic stroke or TIA in patients with AF. The main objective is to compare the three-month rates of major haemorrhagic events between early (≤ 7 days) versus late (> 7 days) administration of dabigatran or treatment with vitamin-K antagonists started at any time. Occurrences of ischaemic and major haemorrhagic events will be evaluated to determine the optimal time point for initiation or resumption of anticoagulation. DESIGN AND METHODS: PRODAST is a prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventional post-authorization safety study. 10,000 patients with recent (≤ 1 week from index event) ischaemic stroke or TIA and non-valvular AF were recruited at 86 German sites starting in July 2015. The observational plan includes a baseline visit, documentation of data during hospitalization and a telephone-based, central follow-up at three months after the index event. The primary endpoint is the major bleeding rate within three months. Secondary endpoints include rates of recurrent ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, TIA, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction and death. SUMMARY: PRODAST will provide important real-world data on safety and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy after acute stroke and TIA in patients with AF.