Study Design:
Lixiana Acute Stroke Evaluation Registry (LASER) is a randomized controlled trial with an associated registry. Patients with previously known or newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute ischemic stroke within five days will be randomized 2:1 to early (≤ 5 days) or delayed (6-14 days) edoxaban initiation. Ischemic stroke will be defined as evidence of acute focal cerebral infarction confirmed on CT/MRI and/or focal hypoperfusion/vessel occlusion on multimodal CT, or by sudden focal and objective neurological deficits (i.e NIHSS ≥ 1) of presumed ischemic origin persisting \> 24 hours.
Study Aim and Objectives:
The primary aim of LASER is to demonstrate the safety of edoxaban initiation within five days of cardioembolic stroke. Secondary aim is to determine predictors of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after cardioembolic stroke. Investigators will systematically assess prospectively collected Computed Tomography (CT) scan images for evidence of HT and re-infarction.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Male or female patients
. 18 years of age or older
. Ischemic stroke, diagnosed and enrolled ≤5 days from symptom onset (Ischemic stroke is defined as evidence of acute focal cerebral infarction confirmed on CT/MRI and/or focal hypoperfusion/vessel occlusion on multimodal imaging, or by sudden focal and objective neurological deficits (i.e NIHSS ≥ 1) of presumed ischemic origin persisting \> 24 hours)
. Atrial Fibrillation (AF, paroxysmal or persistent), confirmed with ECG/Holter monitor, or by history (clinical documentation of previous AF must be provided).
. Informed consent
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Rate of incident radiological hemorrhagic transformation (HT)
Timeframe: Follow up CT scan at 7±2 days after edoxaban initiation
. Acute or chronic renal failure, defined as eGFR \<30 ml/min (Cockcroft Gault formula).
. Known hypersensitivity to edoxaban.
. Any significant ongoing systemic bleeding risk, i.e. active GI/GU bleeding or recent major surgery.
. Recent past history or clinical presentation of ICH, subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), arterio-venous malformation (AVM), aneurysm, or cerebral neoplasm.
. Hereditary or acquired hemorrhagic diathesis.
. Stroke mimics
. HT with a grade of parenchymal hemorrhage (PH1 or PH2) on baseline or screening CT. They will be eligible for the registry portion of LASER and follow-up will be identical to that in the trial.
. Any condition that, in the judgment of the investigator(s), could impose hazards to the patient if study therapy is initiated