argatroban, early neurological deterioration (END), minor ischemic stroke (MIS), activated partial thrombin time (APTT), prognosis, functional outcome, Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system, RC346-429

BackgroundMinor ischemic stroke (MIS) is associated with early neurological deterioration (END) and poor prognosis. Here, we investigated whether argatroban administration can mitigate MIS-associated END and improve functional outcomes by monitoring activated partial thrombin time (APTT).MethodsData were collected for patients with MIS admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2022. Patients were divided into a dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) group (aspirin + clopidogrel) and an argatroban group (aspirin + argatroban). Those in the latter group who achieved a target APTT of 1.5–3-fold that of baseline and