A Multicenter, Three-Arm, Open-Label, Endpoint-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Optimal Duration of Early Tirofiban After Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality among dults in China. Although intravenous thrombolysis serves as first-line reperfusion therapy, nearly half of patients fail to achieve vascular recanalization. The reocclusion rate ranges from 14% to 34%, and many patients are left with residual neurological deficits. Early antiplatelet therapy initiated after thrombolysis may sustain persistent reperfusion and improve prognosis. However, current guidelines generally recommend delaying antiplatelet treatment until 24 hours post-thrombolysis due to bleeding risks, and direct evidence for the optimal initiation timing remains lacking. Tirofiban is a rapidly acting, short-half-life, reversible glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist. Previous studies indicate its potential benefits and acceptable safety when administered after intravenous thrombolysis. This is a multicenter, three-arm, open-label, endpoint-blinded randomized controlled trial. A total of 1482 non-cardioembolic patients without large or medium vessel occlusion and with residual neurological deficits (NIHSS ≥4) after thrombolysis will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly allocated to the tirofiban 24-hour group, tirofiban 48-hour group, or blank control group. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with excellent functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-1 at 90 days. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and neurological outcomes will also be evaluated. The study aims to determine the optimal duration of tirofiban treatment after thrombolysis and provide high-level evidence for precise interventions in the acute phase of stroke.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥ 18 years. 2. Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke meeting the diagnostic criteria from Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke 2023, and the patient has received intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase, alteplase or reteplase. 3. Disabling stroke remains at 2-24 hours after completion of intravenous thrombolysis. Disabling stroke is defined as NIHSS score ≥ 4, or single limb motor subscore ≥ 2. 4. Written informed consent is obtained from the patient or legal representative. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Intracranial hemorrhage confirmed by CT or MRI after intravenous thrombolysis and prior to randomization. 2. CTA/MRA/DSA demonstrates occlusion of the internal carotid artery, M1 or M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, or vertebrobasilar artery. 3. History of atrial fibrillation or suspected cardioembolic stroke. Platelet count \