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Ambulatory Stroke Unit Treatment for Elderly Patients
Sponsor: University Hospital Heidelberg
Summary
ARTIFICE is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, exploratory non-inferiority trial evaluating whether an ambulatory stroke unit model (aSU) is non-inferior to conventional inpatient stroke unit care (SU) in patients aged 60 years or older with acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or retinal ischemia and non-disabling neurological deficits. Eligible patients are randomized 1:1 to same-day comprehensive ambulatory multiprofessional stroke evaluation (aSU) or guideline-based inpatient stroke unit treatment (SU). The primary endpoint is favorable functional outcome at 90 days, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 or return to pre-stroke mRS. Endpoint assessment at 90 days is performed by blinded assessors (PROBE design). Secondary outcomes include early neurological deterioration, recurrent stroke, delirium, mortality, health-related quality of life, healthcare utilization, and cost-effectiveness. A mixed-methods process evaluation examines feasibility, acceptability, and implementation aspects of the ambulatory care model.
Official title: Ambulatory Stroke Unit Treatment for Elderly Patients: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Exploratory Non-Inferiority Trial (ARTIFICE)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
60 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
400
Start Date
2026-03-25
Completion Date
2028-12
Last Updated
2026-03-31
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Ambulatory Stroke Unit Care
Structured ambulatory stroke care model providing same-day neurological assessment, diagnostic work-up, therapeutic evaluation, and multidisciplinary case review, followed by discharge home if medically appropriate.
Conventional Stroke Unit Care
Standard inpatient stroke unit treatment according to national clinical guidelines, including hospital-based monitoring, diagnostic evaluation, and initiation of secondary prevention.
Locations (1)
Heidelberg University Hospital
Heidelberg, Germany