Single or dual antiplatelet therapy after PCI

Impact of perioperative low-molecular-weight heparin therapy on clinical events of elderly patients with prior coronary stents implanted > 12 months undergoing non-cardiac surgery: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the safety and efficacy of discontinuing antiplatelet therapy via LMWH bridging therapy in elderly patients with coronary stents implanted for > 12 months undergoing non-cardiac surgery. This randomized trial was designed to compare the clinical benefits and risks of antiplatelet drug discontinuation via LMWH bridging therapy.

METHODS

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive subcutaneous injections of either dalteparin sodium or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was cardiac or cerebrovascular events. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding.

RESULTS

Among 2476 randomized patients, the variables (sex, age, body mass index, comorbidities, medications, and procedural characteristics) and percutaneous coronary intervention information were not significantly different between the bridging and non-bridging groups. During the follow-up period, the rate of the combined endpoint in the bridging group was significantly lower than in the non-bridging group (5.79% vs. 8.42%, p = 0.012). The incidence of myocardial injury in the bridging group was significantly lower than in the non-bridging group (3.14% vs. 5.19%, p = 0.011). Deep vein thrombosis occurred more frequently in the non-bridging group (1.21% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.024), and there was a trend toward a higher rate of pulmonary embolism (0.32% vs. 0.08%, p = 0.177). There was no significant difference between the groups in the rates of acute myocardial infarction (0.81% vs. 1.38%), cardiac death (0.24% vs. 0.41%), stroke (0.16% vs. 0.24%), or major bleeding (1.22% vs. 1.45%). Multivariable analysis showed that LMWH bridging, creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, preoperative hemoglobin < 10 g/dL, and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of ischemic events. LMWH bridging and a preoperative platelet count of < 70 × 109/L were independent predictors of minor bleeding events.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the safety and efficacy of perioperative LMWH bridging therapy in elderly patients with coronary stents implanted > 12 months undergoing non-cardiac surgery. An alternative approach might be the use of bridging therapy with half-dose LMWH.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN65203415.

Association between diabetes mellitus and primary restenosis following endovascular treatment: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

IMPORTANCE

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is thought to be closely related to arterial stenotic or occlusive disease caused by atherosclerosis. However, there is still no definitive clinical evidence to confirm that patients with diabetes have a higher risk of restenosis.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of DM on restenosis among patients undergoing endovascular treatment, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) or stenting.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION

The PubMed/Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched from 01/1990 to 12/2022, without language restrictions. Trials were included if they satisfied the following eligibility criteria: (1) RCTs of patients with or without DM; (2) lesions confined to the coronary arteries or femoral popliteal artery; (3) endovascular treatment via PTA or stenting; and (4) an outcome of restenosis at the target lesion site. The exclusion criteria included the following: (1) greater than 20% of patients lost to follow-up and (2) a secondary restenosis operation.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two researchers independently screened the titles and abstracts for relevance, obtained full texts of potentially eligible studies, and assessed suitability based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.. Disagreements were resolved through consultation with a third researcher. Treatment effects were measured by relative ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effects models. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main observation endpoint was restenosis, including > 50% stenosis at angiography, or TLR of the primary operation lesion during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

A total of 31,066 patients from 20 RCTs were included. Patients with DM had a higher risk of primary restenosis after endovascular treatment (RR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.25-1.62; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis of all currently available RCTs showed that patients with DM are more prone to primary restenosis after endovascular treatment.

Impact of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme versus coronary revascularisation in patients with stable angina pectoris: study protocol for the PRO-FIT randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Currently, in the majority of patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) treatment consists of optimal medical treatment, potentially followed by coronary angiography and subsequent coronary revascularisation if necessary". Recent work questioned the effectiveness of these invasive procedures in reducing re-events and improving prognosis. The potential of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease is well-known. However, in the modern era, no studies compared the effects of cardiac rehabilitation versus coronary revascularisation in patients with SAP.

METHODS

In this multicentre randomised controlled trial, 216 patients with stable angina pectoris and residual anginal complaints under optimal medical treatment will be randomised to: 1) usual care (i.e., coronary revascularisation), or 2) a 12-month cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme. CR consists of a multidisciplinary intervention, including education, exercise training, lifestyle coaching and a dietary intervention with a stepped decline in supervision. The primary outcome will be anginal complaints (Seattle Angina Questionnaire-7) following the 12-month intervention. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness, ischemic threshold during exercise, cardiovascular events, exercise capacity, quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing.

DISCUSSION

In this study, we will examine the hypothesis that multidisciplinary CR is at least equally effective in reducing anginal complaints as the contemporary invasive approach at 12-months follow-up for patients with SAP. If proven successful, this study will have significant impact on the treatment of patients with SAP as multidisciplinary CR is a less invasive and potentially less costly and better sustainable treatment than coronary revascularisations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register, NL9537. Registered 14 June 2021.

Reduced-dose prasugrel monotherapy without aspirin after PCI with the SYNERGY stent in East Asian patients presenting with chronic coronary syndromes or non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes: rationale and design of the ASET Japan pilot study

The Acetyl Salicylic Elimination Trial (ASET) Japan pilot study is a multicentre, single-arm, open-label, proof-of-concept study with a stopping rule based on the occurrence of definite stent thrombosis. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of low-dose prasugrel monotherapy following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Japanese patients presenting with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) or non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). Four hundred patients with a SYNTAX score <23 requiring PCI due to CCS or NSTE-ACS will be screened and considered eligible for the study. The enrolment is planned in two phases: 1) 200 patients presenting with CCS, followed by 2) 200 patients presenting with NSTE-ACS. After optimal PCI with implantation of a SYNERGY (Boston Scientific) stent, patients will be enrolled and loaded with prasugrel 20 mg, followed by a maintenance dose of prasugrel 3.75 mg once daily without aspirin continued for 3 months in Phase 1 (CCS patients), and for 12 months in Phase 2 (NSTE-ACS patients). After these follow-up periods, prasugrel will be replaced by standard antiplatelet therapy according to local practice. The primary endpoint is a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or definite stent thrombosis after the index procedure. The primary bleeding endpoint is any Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 or 5 bleeding occurring within 3 months of the index PCI for CCS patients, or 12 months for NSTE-ACS patients. The ASET Japan study is designed to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of reduced-dose prasugrel monotherapy after PCI in East Asian patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes.

The factors influencing the efficiency of drug-coated balloons

The drug-coated balloon (DCB) is an emerging percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) device that delivers drugs to diseased vessels to decrease the rate of vascular stenosis. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that DCBs tend to have both good safety and efficacy profiles, leading to extended application indications in the clinic, including in-stent restenosis (ISR) for metal stents such as drug-eluting stents (DESs), small vascular disease, bifurcation disease, large vascular disease, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and high bleeding risk. However, some previous clinical data have suggested that DCBs performed less effectively than DESs. No studies or reviews have systematically discussed the improvement strategies for better DCB performance until now. Drug loss during the process of delivery to the target lesion and inefficient delivery of the coating drug to the diseased vascular wall are two key mechanisms that weaken the efficiency of DCBs. This review is the first to summarize the key influencing factors of DCB efficiency in terms of balloon structure and principles, and then it analyzes how these factors cause outcomes in practice based on current clinical trial studies of DCBs in the treatment of different types of lesions. We also provide some recommendations for improving DCBs to contribute to better DCB performance by improving the design of DCBs and combining other factors in clinical practice.

Several Non-salt and Solid Thienopyridine Derivatives as Oral P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitors with Good Stability

A series of novel thienopyridine derivatives were designed and synthesized as P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitors. Several solid compounds were assessed for inhibitory effect where they exhibited stronger potency than clopidogrel. Compound 6b and 6g were evaluated for metabolism to verify that they could overcome clopidogrel resistance and for toxicity where they showed lower toxicity than prasugrel. Compound 6b exhibited lower risk of bleeding than prasugrel and showed good stability under stress testing. Overall, as a promising antiplatelet agent, representative compound 6b showed the following advantages: (1) no drug resistance for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers; (2) higher potency than clopidogrel; (3) lower toxicity than prasugrel; (4) lower risk of bleeding than prasugrel; (5) good stability as a non-salt solid.

Cilostazol combined with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors: A substitute antiplatelet regimen for aspirin-intolerant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary stent implantation

Background

Cilostazol combined with P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitor has been used as a substitute regimen for aspirin‐intolerant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary stent implantation on a small scale. Its exact impact on platelet functions and clinical benefits of aspirin‐intolerant patients is unknown.

Hypothesis

Cilostazol combined with P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitors could be used as a substitute antiplatelet regimen for aspirin‐intolerant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary stent implantation.

Methods

In this multicenter prospective cohort trial, patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary stent implantation were assigned to the cilostazol group (cilostazol plus P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitors), based on aspirin intolerance criteria, or the aspirin group (aspirin plus P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitors). Platelet PAC‐1, CD62p, and vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP‐P) were detected by flow cytometry. The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) including all‐cause death, acute myocardial infarction, emerging arrhythmia, nonfatal stroke, and heart failure. The secondary endpoints were the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding events.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐four aspirin‐intolerant percutaneous coronary stent implantation patients and 154 matched aspirin‐tolerant patients from a total of 2059 percutaneous coronary stent implantation patients were enrolled. The relative activation level of PAC‐1, CD62p, and platelet reaction index reflected by the VASP‐P test were similar in the two groups (p > .05). After 12 months of follow‐up, the incidence of all‐cause death was 1.9% in the cilostazol group and 1.3% in the aspirin group (risk ratio [RR], 1.500; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.254–8.852; p = 1.000); the incidence of acute myocardial infarction was 0.6% in the cilostazol group and 1.3% in the aspirin group (RR, 0.500; 95% CI, 0.046–5.457; p = 1.000). No significant difference was seen in other MACCE events, or in any types of BARC bleeding events.

Conclusions

Cilostazol combined with P2Y₁₂ inhibitors was not inferior to aspirin‐based standard therapy and could be used as a reasonable substitute antiplatelet regimen for aspirin‐intolerant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary stent implantation, but again with limitations, which required a larger sample and longer follow‐up to confirm its efficacy.

Randomised controlled trial to investigate optimal antithrombotic therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a study protocol of the OPTIMA-AF trial

INTRODUCTION

The optimal antithrombotic strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncertain. For patients with non-AF, many trials are now evaluating short 1-month dual antiplatelet therapy. In patients with AF undergoing PCI, in contrast, short dual therapy (P2Y₁₂ inhibitor +direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)) has not yet been evaluated.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The OPTIMA-AF trial (OPTIMAl antiplatelet therapy in combination with direct oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with everolimus-eluting stent) is an investigator-initiated, open-label, nationwide, multicentre, prospective, randomised controlled trial. The primary objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of short dual therapy (1-month DOAC +P2Y₁₂ inhibitor followed by DOAC monotherapy) against long dual therapy (12-month DOAC +P2Y₁₂ inhibitor followed by DOAC monotherapy) in the treatment of AF subjects undergoing PCI. The primary efficacy endpoint is a composite of death or thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, stroke or systemic embolism) at 365 days; and the primary safety endpoint is bleeding (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding) at 365 days. This trial is intended to show the non-inferiority of short dual therapy versus long dual therapy in terms of the primary efficacy endpoint and show superiority in terms of the primary safety endpoint. A total of 1090 subjects will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio at approximately 60 sites.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study received approval from the Certified Review Board of Osaka University (a certified research ethics committee by the Japanese Clinical Research Act). The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCTs051190053; Pre-results.

Optimal duration and combination of antiplatelet therapies following percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The ideal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still unknown. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare very short-term (1-3 months), short-term (6 months), standard-term (12 months) and long-term (>12 months) DAPT durations for efficacy and safety.

METHODS

Overall DAPT comparisons were classified as "any shorter-term"/"any longer-term" DAPT. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke and cardiovascular death). The primary safety outcome was major bleeding.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies comprising 103.394 patients were included. Compared with standard-term DAPT duration, very short-term DAPT duration with subsequent drop of aspirin (RR 1.06, 95% CI, 0.95-1.18, p = 0.26) or drop of the P2Y₁₂ inhibitor (RR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.72-1.16, p = 0.47) was not associated with a higher risk of MACE. Any longer-term compared with any shorter-term DAPT durations led to a significantly lower risk of MACE (RR 0.88, 95% CI, 0.81-0.96, p = 0.002), but a significantly higher risk of BARC 3-5 major bleeding events (RR 1.63, 95% CI, 1.22-2.17, p = 0.001). In the ACS subgroup receiving prasugrel or ticagrelor but not clopidogrel, any longer-term DAPT duration was associated with a significantly lower risk of MACE compared to any shorter-term DAPT duration (RR 0.84, 95% CI, 0.77-0.92, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

DAPT may be shortened to 1-3 months in patients with low ischemic but high bleeding risk followed by aspirin or P2Y₁₂ monotherapy. Prasugrel or ticagrelor based DAPT may be extended to >12 months in case of high ischemic and low bleeding risk.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NO

CRD42020163719.

Benefits and Risks of Prolonged Duration Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (Clopidogrel and Aspirin) After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in High-Risk Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

The efficacy and safety of prolonged (>1-year) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration in high-risk patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain unknown. All patients undergoing PCI at Fuwai hospital between January 2013 and December 2013 were prospectively enrolled into the Fuwai PCI registry. A total of 3,696 high-risk diabetics patients with at least one additional atherothrombotic risk factor were screened for inclusion. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The median follow-up duration was 887 days. 69.8% of DM patients were on DAPT at 1 year without discontinuation. Based on multivariate Cox regression model and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis, long-term (>1-year) DAPT reduced the risk of primary efficacy outcome (1.7% vs 4.1%; adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR]: 0.382, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.252 to 0.577; IPTW-HR: 0.362 [0.241 to 0.542]), as well as cardiovascular death and definite/probable stent thrombosis, compared with short-course (≤1-year) DAPT. Risk of the safety end point of clinically relevant bleeding (adjHR: 0.920 [0.467 to 1.816]; IPTW-HR: 0.969 [0.486 to 1.932]) was comparable between longer DAPT and shorter DAPT. A lower number of net clinical benefit adverse outcomes was observed with >1-year DAPT versus ≤1-year DAPT (adjHR: 0.471 [0.331 to 0.671]; IPTW-HR: 0.462 [0.327 to 0.652]), which appeared increasingly favorable in those with multiple atherothrombotic risk characteristics. In high-risk patients with DM receiving PCI who were event free at 1 year, DAPT prolongation resulted in significant reduction in the risk of ischemic events not offset by increase of clinically meaningful bleeding events, thereby achieving a net clinical benefit. Extending DAPT beyond the period mandated by guidelines seems reasonable in high-risk DM patients not deemed at high bleeding risk.

Association of Sex With Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Subgroup Analysis of the GLOBAL LEADERS Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Women experience worse ischemic and bleeding outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Objectives

To assess the association of sex with patient outcomes at 2 years after contemporary PCI and with the efficacy and safety of 2 antiplatelet strategies.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study is a prespecified subgroup analysis of the investigator-initiated, prospective, randomized GLOBAL LEADERS study evaluating 2 strategies of antiplatelet therapy after PCI in an unselected population including 130 secondary/tertiary care hospitals in different countries. The main study enrolled 15 991 unselected patients undergoing PCI between July 2013 and November 2015. Patients had an outpatient clinic visit at 30 days and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the index procedure. Data were analyzed between January 1, 2019, and March 31, 2019.

Interventions

Eligible patients were randomized to either the experimental or reference antiplatelet strategy. Experimental strategy consisted of 1 month of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by 23 months of ticagrelor monotherapy, while the reference strategy comprised of 12 months of DAPT followed by 12 months of aspirin monotherapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary efficacy end point was the composite of all-cause mortality and new Q-wave myocardial infarction at 2 years. The secondary safety end point was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 or 5 bleeding.

Results

Of the 15 968 patients included in this study, 3714 (23.3%) were women. The risk of the primary end point at 2 years was similar between women and men (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.83-1.20). Compared with men, women had higher risk of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 or 5 bleeding (adjusted HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.67) and hemorrhagic stroke at 2 years (adjusted HR, 4.76; 95% CI, 1.92-11.81). At 2 years, there was no between-sex difference in the efficacy and safety of the 2 antiplatelet strategies. At 1 year, compared with DAPT, ticagrelor monotherapy was associated with a lower risk of bleeding in men (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53-0.98) but not in women (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.80-1.89; P for interaction = .045).

Conclusions and Relevance

Compared with men, women experienced a higher risk of bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke after PCI. The effect of 2 antiplatelet strategies on death and Q-wave myocardial infarction following PCI did not differ between the sexes at 2 years.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01813435.

Multiple intra-aneurysmal WEB devices: Case discussions and operative technique

The Woven Endobridge (WEB, Sequent Medical, Aliso Viejo, California) device has emerged as an FDA approved endosaccular flow diverting alternative for patients with complex aneurysm morphology. We describe for the first time, in patients with dual anti platelet therapy (DAPT) non compliance, two cases during which multiple WEB devices were deployed within the aneurysm sac to achieve flow disruption. Two ophthalmic segment internal carotid artery aneurysms are treated by the deployment of an additional WEB device within the sac. We subsequently discuss the techniques utilized to ensure parent vessel patency. We demonstrate that patients with contraindications to endovascular modalities requiring DAPT may be candidates for a multi WEB intra-aneurysmal construct.

Lifelong Aspirin for All in the Secondary Prevention of Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Still Sacrosanct or Is Reappraisal Warranted?

Four decades have passed since the first trial suggesting the efficacy of aspirin in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. Further trials, collectively summarized by the Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration, solidified the historical role of aspirin in secondary prevention. Although the benefit of aspirin in the immediate phase after a myocardial infarction remains incontrovertible, a number of emerging lines of evidence, discussed in this narrative review, raise some uncertainty as to the primacy of aspirin for the lifelong management of all patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). For example, data challenging the previously unquestioned role of aspirin in CCS have come from recent trials where aspirin was discontinued in specific clinical scenarios, including early discontinuation of the aspirin component of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention and the withholding of aspirin among patients with both CCS and atrial fibrillation who require anticoagulation. Recent primary prevention trials have also failed to consistently demonstrate net benefit for aspirin in patients treated to optimal contemporary cardiovascular risk factor targets, indicating that the efficacy of aspirin for secondary prevention of CCS may similarly have changed with the addition of more modern secondary prevention therapies. The totality of recent evidence supports further study of the universal need for lifelong aspirin in secondary prevention for all adults with CCS, particularly in stable older patients who are at highest risk for aspirin-induced bleeding.

[Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Carotid Artery Disease]

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Carotid Artery Disease Abstract. A quarter of all ischemic strokes is caused by atherosclerotic obliterations of the extra- and intracranial brain-supplying vessels. The prevalence of atherosclerotic extracranial carotid stenosis rises up to 6-15 % from the age of 65. The risk of stroke in symptomatic carotid stenosis, i.e. after stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is very high at 25 % within 14 days. Conservative therapy is the cornerstone of treatment by controlling the risk factors, treatment with platelet aggregation inhibitors and antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the first line treatment for symptomatic patients with a >50 % and asymptomatic patients with a >60 % carotid stenosis. In order to ensure the best possible treatment of patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis, interdisciplinary cooperation in diagnostics, therapy and aftercare in a neuromedical centre of maximum care is necessary.

Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing drug-eluting stent implantation: A meta-analysis

Objective

This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the optimal discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted without language restrictions using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials.gov from January 2008 to July 2019. Studies that met the following criteria were included: (1) randomized trials that compared DAPT durations of <12 months (“short DAPT”) or ≥12 months (“long DAPT”); (2) studies that included data on patients with ACS; and (3) studies that included data on outcomes. The outcomes were pooled using the Mantel–Haenszel model, generating relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochrane Q statistic P-value and I² value. Publication bias was assessed by visually inspecting the funnel plots.

Results

Eight studies comprising 10,537 participants were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint was not different between short-term and long-term DAPT (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.92–1.34).

Conclusion

A meta-analysis of the available evidence suggests that DAPT can be reduced to 3 or 6 months without increasing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with ACS who are undergoing DES implantation.

Separation-free spectrophotometric platforms for rapid assessment of combined antiplatelet therapy in complex matrices

Aim: To develop simple and rapid UV-spectrophotometric platforms for the simultaneous quantification of a binary mixture containing clopidogrel bisulphate (CPS) and aspirin (ASP) in complex matrices without prior separation. Experimental: Five mathematical models namely ratio-difference method, mean centering of the ratio spectra, dual wavelength, induced dual wavelength and H-Point Standard Addition method, were utilized for resolving spectral overlap by mathematical processing of ratio and zero-order absorption spectra. Analytes were extracted from tested matrices (whole blood, pharmaceutical formulations and dissolution media buffer) and quantified using the proposed methods. The methods were validated according to ICH guidelines. Results: The developed methods demonstrated limits of detection ranging from 0.67 to 1.09 μg/ml-1 for CPS and 0.49 to 0.71 μg.ml-1 for ASP. All proposed methods allowed for reliable determination of CPS and ASP in complex matrices within reported reference ranges, indicating their potential application for therapeutic drug monitoring and quality control testing.

Omitting aspirin in PCI patients: Myth or reality?

In the current era of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with the use of contemporary drug-eluting stents, refined techniques, and adjunctive pharmacotherapy, the role of aspirin peri-PCI remains undisputable. Beyond the initial period, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisting of aspirin and a P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitor for 6 months in stable coronary artery disease and 12 months in acute coronary syndromes is the standard of care. However, concerns regarding bleeding adverse events caused by aspirin have led to shortened DAPT duration or even omission of aspirin. Aspirin free-strategies have been increasingly encountered in several studies and showed a significant reduction in bleeding events, without any sign of increased ischemic risk. Individualization of DAPT duration particularly in high bleeding risk patients appears therefore mandatory, making aspirin not necessary in several cases. Moreover, recent randomized trials have shed light on how to treat PCI patients in the presence of concomitant anticoagulant treatment with P2Y₁₂ monotherapy and excluding aspirin. These aspirin-free strategies have been proved safer than the "older" standard triple antithrombotic treatment, without compromising safety. Ongoing studies may further dispel the myths and establish real facts regarding post-PCI-tailored treatment with or without aspirin.

Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent: systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of standard term (12 months) or long term (>12 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) versus short term (<6 months) DAPT after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES).

DESIGN

Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Relevant studies published between June 1983 and April 2018 from Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library for clinical trials, PubMed, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Clinicaltrialsregister.eu.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomised controlled trials comparing two of the three durations of DAPT (short term, standard term, and long term) after PCI with DES were included. The primary study outcomes were cardiac or non-cardiac death, all cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and all bleeding events.

RESULTS

17 studies (n=46 864) were included. Compared with short term DAPT, network meta-analysis showed that long term DAPT resulted in higher rates of major bleeding (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.27 to 2.49) and non-cardiac death (1.63, 1.03 to 2.59); standard term DAPT was associated with higher rates of any bleeding (1.39, 1.01 to 1.92). No noticeable difference was observed in other primary endpoints. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the risks of non-cardiac death and bleeding were further increased for ≥18 months of DAPT compared with short term or standard term DAPT. In the subgroup analysis, long term DAPT led to higher all cause mortality than short term DAPT in patients implanted with newer-generation DES (1.99, 1.04 to 3.81); short term DAPT presented similar efficacy and safety to standard term DAPT with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presentation and newer-generation DES placement. The heterogeneity of pooled trials was low, providing more confidence in the interpretation of results.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with all clinical presentations, compared with short term DAPT (clopidogrel), long term DAPT led to higher rates of major bleeding and non-cardiac death, and standard term DAPT was associated with an increased risk of any bleeding. For patients with ACS, short term DAPT presented similar efficacy and safety with standard term DAPT. For patients implanted with newer-generation DES, long term DAPT resulted in more all cause mortality than short term DAPT. Although the optimal duration of DAPT should take personal ischaemic and bleeding risks into account, this study suggested short term DAPT could be considered for most patients after PCI with DES, combining evidence from both direct and indirect comparisons.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42018099519.

Meta-Analysis Comparing Single Versus Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

To compare dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) versus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) as antithrombotic treatment after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the prevention of ischemic events, vascular and bleeding events, and death. Data from the 3 randomized trials comparing DAPT versus SAPT post-TAVI were pooled and analyzed in a patient-level meta-analysis. The primary end point was the occurrence of death, major or life-threatening bleedings, and major vascular complications at 30-day follow-up. Events were adjudicated according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definitions. A total of 421 patients randomized to DAPT (210 patients) or SAPT (211 patients) post-TAVI were analyzed. There were no differences between groups in baseline clinical and procedural characteristics. The occurrence of the 30-day combined primary end point was higher in the DAPT group (17.6% vs 10.9%, odds ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 2.98, p = 0.050), with an increased rate of major or life-threatening bleeding events in the DAPT group (11.4% vs 5.2%, odds ratio 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 4.46, p = 0.022). There were no differences between DAPT and SAPT groups in the incidence of death (5.2% vs 3.8%, p = 0.477), global ischemic events (3.8% vs 3.8%, p = 0.999), or stroke (2.4% vs 2.4%, p = 0.996). DAPT (vs SAPT) was associated with a higher rate of major adverse events after TAVI, mainly driven by an increased risk of major or life-threatening bleeding complications along with a lack of beneficial effect on ischemic events. These results do not support the current recommendation of DAPT as antithrombotic therapy after TAVI.

P2Y12 receptor inhibitors: an evolution in drug design to prevent arterial thrombosis

INTRODUCTION

P2Y12 inhibitors are a critical component of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), which is the superior strategy to prevent arterialthrombosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and undergoing stent implantation.. Areas covered: Basic science articles, clinical studies, and reviews from 1992-2017 were searched using Pubmed library to collet impactful literature. After an introduction to the purinergic receptor biology, this review summarizes current knowledge on P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. Furthermore, we describe the subsequent improvements of next-generation P2Y12 receptor inhibitors facing the ambivalent problem of bleeding events versus prevention of arterial thrombosis in a variety of clinical settings. Therefore, we summarize data from relevant preclinical and clinical trials of currently approved P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, cangrelor) and provide strategies of drug switching and management of bleeding events. Expert opinion: An enormous amount of pharmacologic and clinical data is available for the application of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. Today prasugrel, ticagrelor and clopidogrel are the standard of care drugs during dual antiplatelet therapy for ACS patients, but have considerable rates of bleeding. Recent and future clinical trials will provide evidence for subsequent escalation and de-escalation strategies of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. These data may pave the way for an evidence-based, individualized P2Y12 receptor inhibitor therapy.

The role of oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonist represents the current standard of care to prevent atherothrombotic recurrences in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, despite the use of DAPT, the recurrence rate of cardiovascular ischemic events still remains high. This persistent risk may be in part attributed to the sustained activation of the coagulation cascade leading to generation of thrombin, which may continue to play a key role in thrombus formation. The use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) as a strategy to reduce atherothrombotic recurrences after an ACS has been previously tested, leading to overall unfavorable outcomes due to the high risk of bleeding complications. The recent introduction of non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs), characterized by a better safety profile and ease of use compared with VKA, has led to a reappraisal of the use of oral anticoagulant therapy for secondary prevention in ACS patients. The present article provides an overview of the rationale and prognostic role of oral anticoagulant therapy in ACS patients as well as recent updated clinical data, in particular with NOACs, in the field and future perspectives on this topic.