Genetic test hopes to prevent future strokes for thousands of Scots survivors

A new genetic test aims to prevent future strokes for thousands of survivors in Scotland.

Described as a “transformation” in stroke care across NHS Scotland, the test aims to identify the most effective treatment for each patient, improve outcomes and prevent future strokes.

Each year, around 13,000 cases of stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA) are recorded.

Clopidogrel is the most commonly prescribed drug to reduce a patient’s risk of having a further stroke.

However, research shows that approximately one in three patients does not respond to this treatment due to common genetic variants.

In collaboration with the University of Dundee, NHS Tayside carried out the UK’s first routine genotyping testing project for prescribing Clopidogrel in acute stroke patients.

More than 2,000 patients were tested, with almost a third found to be less responsive to Clopidogrel.

The programme is expected to test 100,000 patients over the next five years, with around 30,000 benefiting from tailored medication.

It is also projected to prevent nearly 1,000 secondary strokes over the five-year period, avoiding £17.9m in healthcare costs, as well as £30.6m in wider social care costs.

The test allows clinicians to quickly and effectively identify patients who have these variations in order to prescribe a more effective medication.

Pioneered by clinicians at NHS Tayside, the programme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, is being rolled out nationally this year.

The rollout begins with NHS Grampian and NHS Western Isles, led by NHS Golden Jubilee’s national Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD).

Petrus Elofuke, consultant in Stroke/Acute Medicine and Clinical Lead for the project in NHS Grampian, said: “Developing the healthcare solutions of the future is very much a team effort and we’re pleased to be working with colleagues across NHS Tayside, NHS Western Isles and NHS Golden Jubilee.

“The adoption of genetic testing for patients at Western Isles Hospital, Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary will be of huge benefit to them and it’s great to be part of helping Scotland take this step forward in delivering precision medicine.”

David Baty, consultant clinical scientist at NHS Tayside, said: “This is a very exciting development in stroke treatment for NHS Scotland, which will allow us to make sure that every patient receives the medication that works best for them as quickly as possible.

“Providing the right care, at the right time, gives people the best possible chance of recovery and regaining their independence. This also has the potential to reduce hospital stays, prevent future strokes and ultimately save lives.”

Health secretary Neil Gray said: “This is a perfect example of how an innovation developed in NHS Tayside will now benefit patients across Scotland through our Accelerated National Innovation Adoption pathway.

“This new test will enable clinicians to make more informed decisions and help to prevent further strokes.

“I look forward to seeing this rolled out across the country over the next 12 months.”