Aspirin in childhood acute ischemic stroke: The evidence for treatment and efficacy testing

Aspirin is the most commonly prescribed antiplatelet agent worldwide, but evidence supporting its use varies by age and disease process. Despite its frequent use in childhood acute ischemic stroke prevention and management, major knowledge gaps exist about optimal pediatric aspirin use, particularly in this setting, where high-quality clinical trials are urgently needed. This review focuses upon the evidence for aspirin use in childhood acute ischemic stroke, includes a summary of aspirin pharmacology to highlight misconceptions and common clinical situations which may limit its efficacy, and discusses the techniques and potential role of laboratory monitoring of aspirin efficacy in children.