Enhanced clinical outcome and safety of Danhong injection combined with aspirin and clopidogrel for acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Danhong injection combined with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 110 AIS patients (aged 40-80 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 3-15) admitted between October 2021 and October 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=55) received Danhong injection (40 mL/day for 14 days) plus DAPT (aspirin 100 mg + clopidogrel 75 mg), while the control group (n=55) received DAPT alone. Primary outcomes included neurological function, infarct volume, and inflammatory/hemorheological markers. Safety was also assessed.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed greater neurological improvement, with NIHSS scores decreasing from 8.2 to 3.2 compared to 8.5 to 5.1 in the control group (P<0.001). Functional independence rate was higher in the intervention group (81.8% vs. 54.5%, P=0.002). Infarct volume reduction was more pronounced in the intervention group (5.0 cm vs. 6.5 cm at 1 month, P=0.003). Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and neutrophil count) and hemorheological measurements (plasma viscosity, whole-blood viscosity) improved significantly (all P<0.05). No severe adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Danhong injection combined with DAPT significantly enhanced neurological recovery, reduced infarct volume, and modulated systemic inflammation in AIS patients, with a favorable safety profile.