Chronic aspirin is effective—if data are massaged sufficiently

doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7332.295

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John G F Cleland, professor of cardiology

University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX

EDITOR—Baigent et al argue passionately for the effectiveness of aspirin but also warn against the power of prejudice.1 Perhaps there is more than one reasonable perspective on the aspirin meta-analyses, which they should have the courage to admit.

So to arithmetic—250 patients were reported lost to follow up on aspirin in the original ISIS-2 report, more than the 216 deaths' difference between aspirin and placebo.2 This was subsequently revised.3 Which figure should we believe? However, my real concern is about the long term efficacy and risks of aspirin. Should aspirin be a short term intervention after a vascular event or …