Meta-Analysis of Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Stroke

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of aspirin in primary stroke prevention by meta-analysis. Methods: By searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, China Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database and Wanfang Database, we collected randomized controlled trials on aspirin for primary prevention of stroke. The retrieval time limit is from the establishment of the database to December 2021. Two researchers independently conducted literature search, screening, data extraction and quality evaluation, and Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Results: A total of 19 articles were included, including 220,636 subjects. Meta-analysis results show that long-term preventive use of aspirin can reduce the incidence of stroke [RR = 0.91, 95% CI (0.85, 0.98), P = 0.009], and reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke [RR = 0.84, 95% CI] (0.77, 0.91), P RR = 0.80, 95% CI (0.72, 0.88), P RR = 0.85, 95% CI (0.75, 0.97), P RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.04, 1.46), P = 0.01] and gastrointestinal bleeding [RR = 1.62, 95% CI (1.35, 1.93), P RR = 0.97, 95% CI (0.93, 1.02), P = 0.20]. Conclusion: Long-term prophylactic use of aspirin can reduce the overall incidence of stroke, but there is also a risk of bleeding. The advantages and disadvantages of aspirin should be fully evaluated and strict screening should be carried out before medication, which can minimize adverse reactions and improve the safety and effectiveness of aspirin in the primary prevention of stroke.