The efficacy and safety of cilostazol in ischemic stroke patients with peripheral arterial disease (SPAD): Protocol of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial

Rationale: It is not uncommon for patients with ischemic stroke to have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients with polyvascular diseases carry greater burden of atherosclerosis and higher risks of developing vascular events and death. More effective regimens, such as dual antiplatelet agents, may be more effective for controlling progression of atherosclerosis in secondary prevention. Aim: This study aims to evaluate whether cilostazol plus aspirin is more efficacious than aspirin alone for preventing progression of atherosclerosis in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) who also have peripheral arterial disease. Design: The Safety and Efficacy of Cilostazol in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (SPAD) study is a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Patients with previous ischemic stroke or TIA who had been taking aspirin (100mg per day), aged 50 years or older, with PAD in the lower limbs based on ankle-brachial index (ABI)