Effects of a Perindopril-Based blood pressure-lowering regimen on disability and dependency in 6105 patients with cerebrovascular disease - A Randomized controlled trial

Background and Purpose - We sought to quantify the effects of blood pressure lowering on long-term disability and dependency among patients with cerebrovascular disease. Methods - We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 6105 participants with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack in the past 5 years were recruited from 172 hospital outpatient clinics in 10 countries. Subjects were randomly assigned to the following groups: active treatment (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril [ 4 mg/d] for all patients, with the diuretic indapamide added at the discretion of treating physicians) or matching placebo(s). Measurements were disability ( defined as a Barthel Index score less than or equal to 99/100) and dependency ( a positive response to the following question: In the last 2 weeks has the patient required regular help with everyday activities?). Results - The median duration of follow-up was 4 years. At the last available assessment, 19% of the active treatment group and 22% of the placebo group were disabled ( adjusted odds ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.89; P < 0.001). Twelve percent of the active treatment group and 14% of the placebo group were dependent ( adjusted odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.99; P = 0.04). The effects of treatment appeared to be mediated primarily through the prevention of disability and dependency associated with recurrent stroke. Four-year treatment with the study drug regimen would be expected to result in the avoidance of 1 case of long-term disability for every 30 ( 95% CI, 19 to 79) patients. Conclusions - Among individuals with cerebrovascular disease, a perindopril-based blood pressure - lowering regimen not only reduced the risk of stroke and major vascular events but also substantially reduced the risks of associated long-term disability and dependency.