Published Online
on September 4, 2003

A more recent version of this article appeared on October 1, 2003

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Submitted on May 5, 2003
Accepted on June 20, 2003

Effects of a Perindopril-Based Blood Pressure-Lowering Regimen on Disability and Dependency in 6105 Patients With Cerebrovascular Disease. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study (PROGRESS) Collaborative Group

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 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.

Key words: antihypertensive therapy • indapamide • perindopril • stroke, hemorrhagic • stroke, ischemic

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