Abstract WP211: Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Mild Thrombocytopenia is Safe and Effective; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: MT is a effective treatment for AIS patients with LVO, but MT on TP patients is risky due to lack of data and potential hemorrhage. Methods: Our review followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic review and meta-analysis. We defined thrombocytopenia as platelet count ≤150х109/L, with further sub-classification into two groups: 1) Mild TP (Platelet count 100,000 - 149,000x109/L); 2) Moderate/severe TP (platelet count <100х109/L). A favorable outcome was 90-day functional independence (mRS) ≤ 2). Unfavorable outcomes were mortality at 90 days and (sICH). Results: Compared to patients with normal platelets, patients with TP had no significant difference in outcomes (mRS >2) at 90 days (RR 0.80 [95% CI: 0.69 - 0.94] p = 0.006). Further analysis based on sub-groups, the difference in mRS score was not statistically significant in patients with mild TP group (RR 0.84 [95% CI: 0.70 - 1.00] p = 0.05) and moderate/severe TP group (RR 0.71 [95% CI: 0.48 - 1.06] p = 0.09) when compared to patients with normal platelets. However Mortality was found to be higher in the TP group (RR 1.95 [95% CI: 1.62 - 2.36] p < 0.00001), with similar trends of increased mortality in the mild and severe TP group (RR 1.88 [ 95% CI: 1.34 - 2.63] p = 0.0002 and RR 2.07 [95% CI: 1.46 - 2.92] p < 0.0001). There was an overall slight increase in the incidence of sICH in the TP group (Relative Risk [RR] 2.47 [95% CI: 1.51 - 4.05], p = 0.0003) compared to patients with normal platelet counts, however subgroup demonstrated no significant higher risk in the mild thrombocytopenia group (RR 2.34 [95% CI: 1.24 - 4.40], p = 0.008) Conclusions: Mechanical thrombectomy for LVO in patients with mild thrombocytopenia is safe and does not increase the risk of sICH or worse outcomes. However, caution is advised in cases of moderate to severe thrombocytopenia, as there is a slightly higher risk of sICH and mortality. Nonetheless, we recommend thrombectomy for LVO patients with thrombocytopenia.