Prasugrel versus ticagrelor in patients with myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Review of the Ticagrelor Trials Evidence Base

Ticagrelor is a platelet P2Y12 receptor inhibitor approved for use in patients with acute coronary syndromes, coronary artery disease, and low-moderate risk acute ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack. Clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor on ischemic and bleeding outcomes for different indications and with varying treatment approaches. As a result, there is a large body of clinical evidence demonstrating different degrees of net clinical benefit compared with other platelet inhibitor drugs based on indication, patient characteristics, clinical presentation, treatment duration, and other factors. We provide a review of the major trials of ticagrelor in the context of other randomized trials of clopidogrel and prasugrel to organize the volume of available information, elevate corroborating and conflicting data, and identify potential gaps as areas for further exploration of optimal antiplatelet treatment.

Potent P2Y12 Inhibitor Selection and De-escalation Strategies in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Balancing the effects of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in the era of potent purinergic receptor type Y, subtype 12 (P2Y12) inhibitors remains a challenge in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following a 2-stage process consisting of searching for systematic reviews published between 2019 and November 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ACS patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention comparing (i) ticagrelor- vs prasugrel-based DAPT and (ii) P2Y12 inhibitor de-escalation strategies. Outcomes of interest were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause death, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding. We estimated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model.

Results

Eight RCTs (n = 5571) compared ticagrelor to prasugrel. Ticagrelor was associated with an increased risk of MACE compared to prasugrel (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.49, moderate certainty), without significant differences in death, stent thrombosis, or major bleeding. In 2 RCTs (n = 3343) comparing clopidogrel-based DAPT de-escalation after 1 month to potent P2Y12 inhibitor-based DAPT continuation, clopidogrel de-escalation did not significantly alter the incidence of MACE, death, or stent thrombosis, but reduced that of major bleeding (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.92, high certainty). The effect of prasugrel dose de-escalation was inconclusive for all outcomes based on one trial.

Conclusions

Ticagrelor was associated with an increase in MACE compared with prasugrel, based on low-certainty evidence, whereas de-escalation to clopidogrel after 1 month of potent P2Y12 inhibitor was associated with a decrease in incidence of major bleeding without increasing thrombotic outcomes in ACS patients post-percutaneous coronary intervention.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology 2023 Focused Update of the Guidelines for the Use of Antiplatelet Therapy

Antiplatelet therapy (APT) is the foundation of treatment and prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Selecting the optimal APT strategies to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events, while balancing bleeding risk, requires ongoing review of clinical trials. Appended, the focused update of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology guidelines for the use of APT provides recommendations on the following topics: (1) use of acetylsalicylic acid in primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; (2) dual APT (DAPT) duration after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients at high bleeding risk; (3) potent DAPT (P2Y12 inhibitor) choice in patients who present with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and possible DAPT de-escalation strategies after PCI; (4) choice and duration of DAPT in ACS patients who are medically treated without revascularization; (5) pretreatment with DAPT (P2Y12 inhibitor) before elective or nonelective coronary angiography; (6) perioperative and longer-term APT management in patients who require coronary artery bypass grafting surgery; and (7) use of APT in patients with atrial fibrillation who require oral anticoagulation after PCI or medically managed ACS. These recommendations are all on the basis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted as part of the development of these guidelines, provided in the Supplementary Material.

Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Limited data comparing prasugrel and ticagrelor in acute coronary syndrome are available. Online databases, including MEDLINE and Cochrane Central, were queried to compare these drugs. The primary outcomes of this meta-analysis are myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, noncardiovascular mortality, stent thrombosis, and stroke. The secondary outcome is major bleeding. A total of 9 studies, including 94,590 patients (prasugrel group = 32,759; ticagrelor group = 61,831), were included in this meta-analysis. The overall mean age was 62.73 years, whereas the mean age for the ticagrelor and prasugrel groups was 63.80 and 61.65 years, respectively. Prasugrel is equally effective as compared with ticagrelor in preventing MI. There was no difference between the 2 groups regarding all-cause mortality, stent thrombosis, stroke, or major bleeding. In patients with acute coronary syndrome, prasugrel is equally effective when compared with ticagrelor in preventing MI.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Concise Review for Clinicians

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) combines two antiplatelet agents to decrease the risk of thrombotic complications associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Emerging data about the duration of DAPT is being published continuously. New approaches are trying to balance the time, benefits, and risks for patients taking DAPT for established cardiovascular diseases. Short-term dual DAPT of 3-6 months, or even 1 month in high-bleeding risk patients, is equivalent in terms of efficacy and effectiveness compared to long-term DAPT for patients who experienced percutaneous coronary intervention in an acute coronary syndrome setting. Prolonged DAPT beyond 12 months reduces stent thrombosis, major adverse cardiovascular events, and myocardial infarction rates but increases bleeding risk. Extended DAPT does not significantly benefit stable coronary artery disease patients in reducing stroke, myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular death. Ticagrelor and aspirin reduce cardiovascular events in stable coronary artery disease with diabetes but carry a higher bleeding risk. Antiplatelet therapy duration in atrial fibrillation patients after percutaneous coronary intervention depends on individual characteristics and bleeding risk. Antiplatelet therapy is crucial for post-coronary artery bypass graft and transcatheter aortic valve implantation; Aspirin (ASA) monotherapy is preferred. Antiplatelet therapy duration in peripheral artery disease depends on the scenario. Adding vorapaxar and cilostazol may benefit secondary prevention and claudication, respectively. Carotid artery disease patients with transient ischemic attack or stroke benefit from antiplatelet therapy and combining ASA and clopidogrel is more effective than ASA alone. The optimal duration of DAPT after carotid artery stenting is uncertain. Resistance to ASA and clopidogrel poses an incremental risk of deleterious cardiovascular events and stroke. The selection and duration of antiplatelet therapy in patients with cardiovascular disease requires careful consideration of both efficacy and safety outcomes. The use of combination therapies may provide added benefits but should be weighed against the risk of bleeding. Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize antiplatelet treatment in different patient populations and clinical scenarios.

P2Y12 Inhibitors for Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

For patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), prasugrel was recommended over ticagrelor in a recent randomized controlled trial, although more data are needed on the rationale. Here, the effects of P2Y12 inhibitors on ischemic and bleeding events in patients with NSTE-ACS were investigated.

METHODS

Clinical trials that enrolled patients with NSTE-ACS were included, relevant data were extracted, and a network meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

This study included 37,268 patients with NSTE-ACS from 11 studies. There was no significant difference between prasugrel and ticagrelor for any end point, although prasugrel had a higher likelihood of event reduction than ticagrelor for all end points except cardiovascular death. Compared with clopidogrel, prasugrel was associated with decreased risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-0.99) and myocardial infarction (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68-0.99) but not an increased risk of major bleeding (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.97-1.74). Similarly, compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular death (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66-0.94) and an increased risk of major bleeding (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.00-1.77; P = .049). For the primary efficacy end point (MACE), prasugrel showed the highest likelihood of event reduction (P = .97) and was superior to ticagrelor (P = .29) and clopidogrel (P = .24).

CONCLUSION

Prasugrel and ticagrelor had comparable risks for every end point, although prasugrel had the highest probability of being the best treatment for reducing the primary efficacy end point. This study highlights the need for further studies to investigate optimal P2Y12 inhibitor selection in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Efficacy, Safety, and Role of Antiplatelet Drugs in the Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex condition characterized by myocardial ischemia or infarction which can lead to significant morbidity and death. Antiplatelet drugs play a crucial role in the management of ACS and have been shown to minimize the incidence of significant adverse cardiovascular events and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI). This comprehensive literature review is intended to summarize current information on the effectiveness, safety, and function of frequently used antiplatelet medications in treating ACS. Aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, abciximab, tirofiban, dipyridamole, cilostazol, and novel antiplatelets are included in the review. Aspirin's effectiveness as a first-line antiplatelet medication in ACS is well established. It has significantly lowered the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events. Clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor are P2Y12 receptor inhibitors found to lower the incidence of recurrent ischemia episodes in ACS patients. Using glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors such as abciximab, tirofiban, and eptifibatide is effective in managing ACS, especially in high-risk patients. Dipyridamole effectively reduces the risk of recurrent ischemic events in patients with ACS, particularly when used with aspirin. Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, has also been shown to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with ACS. Antiplatelet drugs' safety in managing ACS has also been well established. Aspirin is generally well-tolerated with a low risk of adverse effects, although the risk of bleeding events, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, cannot be eliminated. The P2Y12 receptor inhibitors have been associated with a small increase in the risk of bleeding events, particularly in patients with a high risk of bleeding. The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are associated with a higher risk of bleeding than other antiplatelet drugs, especially in high-risk patients. To summarize, antiplatelet drugs play a crucial role in the management of ACS, and the efficacy and safety of these drugs have been well-established in the literature. The choice of antiplatelet drugs will depend on the patient's risk factors, including age, comorbidities, and bleeding risk. The novel antiplatelets may offer new therapeutic options for managing ACS, and further studies are needed to determine their role in managing this complex condition.

Sex-based Differences in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Outcomes in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease

In high-income countries, ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and men, accounting for more than 20% of deaths in both sexes. However, women are less likely to receive guideline-recommended percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) than men. Women undergoing PCI have poorer unadjusted outcomes because they are older and have greater comorbidity than men, but uncertainty remains whether sex affects outcome after these differences in clinical characteristics are considered. In this paper, we review recent published evidence comparing outcomes between men and women undergoing PCI. We focus on the sex differences in PCI outcomes in different scenarios: acute coronary syndromes, stable angina and complex lesions, including the approach of left main coronary artery. We also review how gender is considered in recent guidelines and offer a common clinical scenario to illustrate the contemporary management strategies an interventional cardiologist should consider when performing PCI on a female patient.

Thrombogenicity and endothelial progenitor cells function during Acute myocardial infarction - comparison of Prasugrel versus Ticagrelor

BACKGROUND

Thrombin generation (TG), platelet function and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have an important role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). To date, the effect of novel P2Y₁₂ inhibitors on these aspects has mostly been studied in the sub-acute phase following myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES

Comparing the effects of prasugrel and ticagrelor on TG and EPCs in the acute phase of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

STEMI patients were randomized to either ticagrelor or prasugrel treatment. TG, platelet reactivity and EPCs were evaluated prior to P2Y₁₂ inhibitor loading dose (T0), and one day following (T1).

RESULTS

Between December 2018 - July 2021, 83 consecutive STEMI patients were randomized to ticagrelor (N = 42) or prasugrel (N = 41) treatment. No differences were observed at T0 for all measurements. P2Y₁₂ reactivity units (PRU) at T1 did not differ as well (prasugrel 13.2 [5.5-20.8] vs. ticagrelor 15.8 [4.0-26.3], p = 0.40). At T1, prasugrel was a significantly more potent TG inhibitor, with longer lag time to TG initiation (7.7 ± 7.5 vs. 3.9 ± 2.1 min, p < 0.01), longer time to peak (14.1 ± 12.6 vs. 8.3 ± 9.7 min, p = 0.03) and a lower endogenous thrombin potential (AUC 2186.1 ± 1123.1 vs. 3362.5 ± 2108.5 nM, p < 0.01). Furthermore, EPCs measured by percentage of cells expressing CD34 (2.6 ± 4.1 vs. 1.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.01) and CD133 (2.3 ± 1.8 vs. 1.4 ± 1.5, p = 0.01) and number of colony forming units (CFU, 2.1 ± 1.5 vs. 1.1 ± 1.0, p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the prasugrel group.

CONCLUSION

Among STEMI patients, prasugrel as compared to ticagrelor was associated with more potent TG inhibition and improved EPCs count and function.

Diabetes Mellitus Is Still a Strong Predictor of Periprocedural Outcomes of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Patients Presenting with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (from the ORPKI Polish National Registry)

The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was confirmed by several studies. However, it is unclear whether this effect is still present in large groups of unselected patients undergoing up-to-date treatment. Thus, we sought to assess the impact of DM on periprocedural outcomes of primary PCI in STEMI using data from the Polish National Registry of PCI. Data on 150,782 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI were collected. Of them, 26,360 (17.5%) patients had DM. Patients with DM were higher-risk individuals who experienced longer reperfusion delays and were less likely to have closed infarct-related artery at baseline (TIMI 0 + 1 flow: 73.2% vs. 72.0%; p < 0.0001) and achieve optimal reperfusion after PCI (TIMI 3 flow: 91.8% vs. 88.5%; p < 0.0001). The periprocedural mortality (1.1% vs. 1.9%; p < 0.0001) was higher in patients with DM and DM was identified as an independent predictor of periprocedural death. In conclusion, despite continuous progress in STEMI treatment, DM remains a strong predictor of periprocedural mortality. However, this detrimental effect of DM may be partially explained by the overall higher risk profile of diabetic patients.

Reversal of Platelet Inhibition in Patients Receiving Ticagrelor

Antiplatelet treatment is one of the pillars of contemporary therapy in acute coronary syndromes. It is based on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisting of aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Antiaggregatory treatment reduces ischemic events, but at cost of increased bleeding rates. As a result of irreversible inhibition of platelet P2Y12 receptors, the antiplatelet action of clopidogrel and prasugrel is prolonged for the lifespan of thrombocytes and lasts up to 7 days. The antiaggregatory effect of ticagrelor may persist up to 5 days despite its reversible nature of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. These pharmacodynamic properties may prove problematic in patients requiring immediate reversal of antiplatelet effects due to severe or life-threatening bleeding, or in presence of indications for an urgent surgery. The current review summarizes available knowledge on different strategies of restoring platelet function in patients treated with ticagrelor. Non-specific methods are discussed, including platelet transfusion, human albumin supplementation and hemadsorption. Finally, bentracimab, the first specific antidote for ticagrelor, and in fact against any antiplatelet agent, is described.

Diurnal Variability of Platelet Aggregation in Patients with Myocardial Infarction Treated with Prasugrel and Ticagrelor

Background: Contemporary antiplatelet treatment in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is based on one of two P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, prasugrel or ticagrelor. The aim of this study was to compare diurnal variability of platelet reactivity between patients receiving prasugrel and ticagrelor during the initial phase of maintenance treatment after AMI. Methods: It was a prospective, two-center, pharmacodynamic, observational study. Blood for platelet testing was sampled at four time points on day four after AMI (8:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00). Diurnal variability of platelet reactivity was expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV) of the above-mentioned measurements. Results: 73 invasively-treated patients were enrolled (ticagrelor: n = 47, prasugrel: n = 26). CV was greater in patients treated with ticagrelor compared with prasugrel according to a VASP assay (47.8 [31.6–64.6]% vs. 21.3 [12.9–25.5]%, p < 0.001), while no statistical differences were detected when the CVs of platelet aggregation according to Multiplate were compared between ticagrelor- and prasugrel-treated patients. Ticagrelor-treated patients showed more pronounced platelet inhibition than prasugrel at 16:00 and 20:00 (VASP_16:00: 20.6 ± 15.0 vs. 24.9 ± 12.8 PRI, p = 0.049; VASP_20:00: 18.6 ± 17.7 vs. 26.0 ± 11.7 PRI, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Ticagrelor shows greater diurnal variability in platelet aggregation than prasugrel during the initial maintenance phase of AMI treatment, and this is due to the continuous increase of platelet inhibition after the morning maintenance dose. Both drugs provide an adequate antiplatelet effect early after AMI. Evaluation of the clinical significance of these findings warrants further investigation.

Ticagrelor versus Prasugrel in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention - analysis from the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey (ACSIS)

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to compare the outcomes of ACS (acute coronary syndrome) patients undergoing in-hospital PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) treated with prasugrel versus ticagrelor.

METHODS

Among 7,233 patients enrolled to the ACSIS (Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey) between 2010 and 2018, we identified 1126 eligible patients treated with prasugrel and 817 with ticagrelor. Comparison between the groups was preformed separately in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, propensity score matched (PSM) STEMI patients, and non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) patients.

RESULTS

In-hospital complication rates, including rates of stent thrombosis, were not significantly different between groups. In PSM STEMI patients, 30-day re-hospitalization rate (p <0.05), 30-day MACE (the composite of death, MI, stroke and urgent revascularization; p=0.006), and 1-year mortality rates (p = 0.08) were higher in the ticagrelor group compared to the prasugrel group; In NSTE-ACS patients, outcomes were not associated with drug choice. In cox regression analysis applied on the entire cohort, prasugrel was associated with lower 1-year mortality in STEMI patient but not in NSTE-ACS patients (p for interaction 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to ticagrelor, prasugrel was associated with superior clinical outcomes in STEMI patients, but not in NSTE-ACS patients.

A review of the effects of ticagrelor on adenosine concentration and its clinical significance

BACKGROUND

Ticagrelor is an oral antiplatelet drug that can reversibly bind to the platelet P2Y12 receptor. Ticagrelor is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4 and produces a rapid blood concentration-dependent platelet inhibitory effect. Unlike other P2Y12 receptor antagonists, many clinical features of ticagrelor are not related to P2Y12 receptor antagonism.

PURPOSE

This review aims to gather existing literature on the clinical effects of ticagrelor after inhibiting adenosine uptake.

METHODOLOGY

The current study reviewed literature related to the effects of ticagrelor on adenosine metabolism. The review also examined the drug's biological effects and clinical characteristics to see how it could be used in a clinical setting.

RESULTS

Many studies have shown that ticagrelor can inhibit equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). This inhibition leads to intracellular adenosine uptake, increased adenosine half-life and plasma concentration levels and an enhanced adenosine-mediated biological effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the studies reviewed, it was found that ticagrelor essentially inhibits adenosine absorption of adenosine into cells through ENT1, which increases the concentration in the blood and subsequently increases the protection of the heart muscle by adenosine. It also prevents platelet aggregation, and extends the biological effects of coronary arteries. Moreover, it leads to a lower mortality rate in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.