Table 1 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

• Published randomized controlled trial

• Dual vs mono (aspirin) therapy antiplatelet using in adults ages > 18 with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack which presented within 48 h of symptom onset

• Administration of medication/s within 72 h of the acute ischemic event

• NIHSS scores < 22, and a premorbid modified Rankin Scale of 0–2

• Studies with at least one clinical end point assessed (i.e. stroke recurrence, cardiovascular events, bleeding risk)

 ◦ Cardiovascular events include MI and death from cardiovascular causes

 ◦ Bleeding risk was defined by the Global Utilization of streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator for occluded coronary artery definition [10].

• Studies with cardioembolic stroke with a high-risk source as defined by TOAST criteria [13]

• Studies with the population already under medication with anti-platelet agents or any anticoagulants before stroke onset

• Studies with co-intervention of thrombectomy, population with pregnant patients, in congestive heart failure, with GI ulcers or malignancy within the past 5 years

• Studies judged inappropriate for the study by the investigator (due to lack of access to data)

• Studies where the mono therapy antiplatelet was other than aspirin.