This study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of butylphthalide in patients with minor acute ischemic stroke (BLESS Trial).
A total of 1200 participants aged 40 to 80 years with a minor acute ischemic stroke confirmed by MRI will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive butylphthalide or placebo for 12 months.
The primary outcome is a hierarchical composite endpoint assessed at 12 months, including:
1. All-cause mortality
2. Stroke recurrence
3. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥2
4. New MRI-confirmed infarcts
5. Change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score from baseline
Secondary outcomes include additional functional, cognitive, and imaging-based assessments at 12 months.
This study aims to determine whether butylphthalide can improve long-term functional and cognitive outcomes in patients with minor ischemic stroke, contributing to better secondary stroke prevention strategies.