Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Therapy Research Articles

Effect of ticagrelor monotherapy on mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials including 26 143 patients.

Optimal timing and strategy of antiplatelet monotherapy after dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisting of aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor for patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still being debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ticagrelor monotherapy after short-term DAPT after PCI on mortality. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using PubMed to search for ticagrelor monotherapy after short-term DAPT comparing conventional DAPT in patients who underwent PCI. Three randomized trials encompassing 26 143 patients [ticagrelor monotherapy after 1-3 months of DAPT (n = 13 062) vs. conventional therapy (n = 13 081)] were included. The efficacy endpoint of all-cause mortality was significantly lower with the ticagrelor monotherapy group vs. the conventional therapy group [risk ratio (RR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.98; P = 0.03; I2 = 0%; number needed to treat for benefit (NNTB) = 320]. The safety endpoint of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or 5 bleeding was also significantly lower with the ticagrelor monotherapy group vs. the conventional therapy group (RR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.92; P = 0.01; I2 = 65%; NNTB = 156). There were no significant differences in ischaemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis. The favourable effects of the ticagrelor monotherapy vs. the conventional therapy on all-cause mortality and BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding were consistent in the subset of patients presenting acute coronary syndromes (n = 15 157). Ticagrelor monotherapy after short-term DAPT of 1-3 months was associated with decreased all-cause mortality and BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding not offset by increase of cardiac death, ischaemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis.

Effects of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy on Graft Patency After Lower Extremity Bypass

The objective of this study was to explore prescribing patterns of single vs dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after lower extremity bypass surgery and to investigate the effects of antiplatelet therapy on bypass graft patency. A retrospective review of nonemergent infrainguinal lower extremity bypass operations entered in the national Vascular Quality Initiative (2003-2018) was performed. Patients discharged on aspirin monotherapy or DAPT were identified. Multivariable Cox regression investigated predictors of primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency. Of the 13,020 patients investigated, 52.2% were discharged on aspirin monotherapy and 47.8% on DAPT. The proportion of patients discharged on DAPT increased from 10.6% in 2003 to 60.6% in 2018 (P < .001). The DAPT cohort was younger, had higher rates of medical (hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and atherosclerotic (coronary artery disease, prior coronary artery bypass graft, prior lower extremity intervention) comorbidities, and had higher risk bypass procedures (more distal targets, prior inflow bypass procedure, prosthetic conduit use). Multivariable Cox regression analysis did not show any difference between the DAPT and aspirin cohorts in primary patency (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.10; P = .78), primary assisted patency (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.80-1.07; P = .30), or secondary patency (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74-1.06; P = .18). On subgroup analysis delineated by bypass conduit, DAPT was found to have a protective effect on patency only in the prosthetic bypass cohort: primary patency (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66-1.00; P = .05), primary assisted patency (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.94; P = .01), and secondary patency (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.44-0.82; P < .001). No patency differences were observed on adjusted subgroup analysis for the other conduits (Fig). A significant and increasing proportion of patients are discharged on DAPT after lower extremity bypass revascularization. These patients represent a higher risk cohort with more medical comorbidities and higher risk bypass features. After controlling for these differences, DAPT therapy had no beneficial effect on overall bypass graft patency or major adverse limb events. However, on subgroup analysis, DAPT was associated with improved bypass graft patency in patients receiving prosthetic bypass conduits.

Effects of dual antiplatelet therapy on graft patency after lower extremity bypass

ObjectiveCurrent guidelines recommend single-agent antiplatelet therapy for patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease and consideration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after surgical revascularization. The objective of this study was both to explore prescribing patterns of single antiplatelet therapy vs DAPT after lower extremity bypass surgery and to investigate the effects of antiplatelet therapy on bypass graft patency. MethodsA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected nonemergent infrainguinal lower extremity bypass operations entered in the national Vascular Quality Initiative (2003-2018) with captured long-term follow-up was performed. Patients discharged on aspirin monotherapy or DAPT were identified. Linear regression investigated temporal trends in antiplatelet use. Multivariable Cox regression investigated predictors of primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency. ResultsOf the 13,020 patients investigated, 52.2% were discharged on aspirin monotherapy and 47.8% on DAPT. The proportion of patients discharged on DAPT increased from 10.6% in 2003 to 60.6% in 2018 (P < .001). The DAPT cohort was younger, had higher rates of medical (hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and atherosclerotic (coronary artery disease, prior coronary artery bypass graft or percutaneous coronary intervention, prior lower extremity intervention) comorbidities, and had higher risk bypass procedures (more distal targets, prior inflow bypass procedure, prosthetic conduit use). Multivariable Cox regression analysis did not show any difference between the DAPT and aspirin cohorts in primary patency (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.10; P = .78), primary assisted patency (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.80-1.07; P = .30), or secondary patency (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74-1.06; P = .18). On subgroup analysis based on bypass conduit, DAPT was found to have a protective effect on patency only in the prosthetic bypass cohort (primary patency: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.66-1.00; P = .05]; primary assisted patency: HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.58-0.94; P = .01]; and secondary patency: HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.44-0.82; P < .001]). No patency differences were observed on adjusted subgroup analysis for the other bypass conduits. ConclusionsA significant and increasing proportion of patients are discharged on DAPT after lower extremity bypass revascularization. These patients represent a higher risk cohort with more medical comorbidities and higher risk bypass features. After controlling for these differences, DAPT therapy had no beneficial effect on overall bypass graft patency or major adverse limb events. However, on subgroup analysis, DAPT was associated with improved bypass graft patency in patients receiving prosthetic bypass conduits. Further study is warranted to investigate optimal duration of DAPT therapy and its possible bleeding complications in prosthetic bypass patients.

Discharge Prescription Patterns for Antiplatelet Therapy Following Lower Extremity Peripheral Vascular Intervention.

Despite current guidelines suggesting a benefit for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following peripheral vascular intervention (PVI), there are limited data on antiplatelet prescribing patterns post-procedure. We attempted to determine variables associated with DAPT prescription following lower extremity PVI. Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing lower extremity PVI in the Vascular Quality Initiative (2017-2018) was performed. Participants not on anticoagulation or DAPT before the procedure were considered for the final analysis. Postdischarge antiplatelet therapy regimen rates were determined (none, aspirin only, P2Y12 inhibitor only, and DAPT). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine variables associated with DAPT initiation compared with those discharged on single-agent or no antiplatelet therapy. A total of 16 597 procedures were included for analysis, with 49% initiated on DAPT post-PVI. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.05-1.20]), smoking (OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.09-1.32]), and coronary artery disease (OR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.11-1.27]) were associated with an increased likelihood of post-PVI DAPT prescription. Procedures requiring multiple types of interventions (OR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.15-1.42]), stent placement (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.06-1.27]), and with complications (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.14-1.52]) were also positively associated with DAPT prescription. In patients not already receiving anticoagulation or on DAPT at the time of lower extremity PVI, prescription of DAPT following intervention is ≈50%. Multiple factors were associated with the decision for DAPT versus single antiplatelet therapy, and further study is required to understand how this affects postintervention adverse limb and cardiovascular events.

A systematic review of the studies that evaluate the performance of the DAPT score.

The Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) score was derived to determine which patients may benefit from prolonged DAPT therapy after 12months based on the balance between ischaemic and bleeding events. Several studies have attempted to validate the score with inconsistent findings. We conducted a systematic review of the studies that evaluated the DAPT score in PCI populations. A search was performed on MEDLINE and EMBASE and two independent reviewers reviewed the search results for study inclusion and extracted data from studies which met the inclusion criteria. Data are presented in tables and narrative synthesis was performed. A total of 13 studies were included in this review. The study designs included post hoc analysis of randomised trials, prospective cohorts, retrospective cohorts and a case-control study. In the derivation/validation study, the c-statistic for ischaemic and bleeding outcomes were 0.64/0.70 and 0.68/0.64, respectively. Among the validation studies, the C-statistics for composite outcomes ranged from 0.53 to 0.71 for ischaemic outcomes and 0.49 to 0.71 for bleeding outcomes. Only one study randomised patients with high DAPT score to different combinations of antiplatelet after 1year of DAPT and found that continuation of DAPT was associated with fewer deaths because of myocardial infarction, but more bleeding. While not designed for this purpose many studies have shown that the DAPT score has modest predictive value for ischaemic and bleeding outcomes. A prospective randomised controlled trial is needed to evaluate the clinical benefits of utilising the DAPT score in guiding continued DAPT therapy beyond 1year.

Perioperative dual antiplatelets management for ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation in patients with hydrocephalus after stent-assisted coil embolization of the ruptured intracranial aneurysm

ObjectiveVentriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery is sometimes necessary in patients who present with symptomatic hydrocephalus after undergoing stent-assisted coil embolization of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. However, there are no guidelines for the perioperative management of VPS using dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and balancing between the thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications. Studies regarding discontinuation of DAPT and its substitution with a less potent drug for reducing the risk of hemorrhage have been previously attempted; however, the sample size in these studies was small. This study investigates the safety and feasibility of ibuprofen bridging therapy with discontinuation of DAPT for five days in patients who have recently received a neurovascular stent and require VPS. MethodsForty-one patients, who were administered DAPT after neurovascular stent placement and later underwent VPS, were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on the perioperative DAPT therapy: (1) Bridge: discontinuing DAPT and substituting it with ibuprofen 600 mg bid for five days, and (2) Continue: maintaining DAPT during surgery. The groups were compared and risk factors for hemorrhagic complication were investigated. ResultsOn comparison analysis, no ischemic complications were observed in both groups; however, hemorrhagic complications were significantly higher in the continue than in the bridge group (p = 0.004). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, “ibuprofen bridging” was identified as a significant factor negatively associated with hemorrhagic complications (p = 0.019). Conclusion“Ibuprofen bridging therapy with discontinuation of DAPT for 5 days” is a potential treatment strategy for patients having recently undergone neurovascular stent placement and are scheduled for VPS surgery.

Clinical benefits of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy following complex percutaneous coronary intervention.

Prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) requires consideration of both reduced thrombotic events and increased bleeding risk. The associated subtle balance between the benefits and harms depends upon patient's clinical factors and complexity of the coronary anatomy. Our aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of prolonged (>12 months) DAPT in patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A thorough computer-based search was performed using four major databases. Complex PCI was defined as a procedure with at least one of the following angiographic characteristics: 3 vessels treated, >3 stents implanted, >3 lesions treated, bifurcation lesions, total stent length >60 mm, left main or proximal left anterior descending, a vein graft stent, or chronic total occlusion as target lesion. Of the 3543 titles searched, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria comparing short and prolonged DAPT therapy. We applied a random-effects model to acknowledge the variation in study design, treatment duration, and length of follow-up among studies. There was a reduction in cardiac mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35-0.92; P = 0.02, I = 0%] and major adverse cardiovascular events (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.96; P = 0.02, I = 22%) with prolonged DAPT. Major bleeding was increased with prolonged DAPT (OR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.20-2.20; P = 0.004, I = 0%). There was no difference in the all-cause mortality (OR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.61-1.22; P = 0.41, I = 0%). Prolonged DAPT reduces cardiac mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in complex PCI. The results would need confirmation in a larger randomized study.

Benefits of short-term or prolonged as compared to standard 1 year DAPT in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with drug-eluting stents: a meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials

Optimal timepoint for the discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after an acute coronary syndrome is still debated. In fact, despite a shortening of DAPT duration should be advocated, based on the negligible risk of thrombotic complications observed with newer generations of drug-eluting stents (DES), in order to reduce the hemorrhagic risk, a more prolonged anti-ischemic protection would be suitable for certain higher-risk patients, rendering the traditional 12months strategy outdated. We performed an updated meta-analysis and indirect comparison of randomized trials comparing shorter vs extended DAPT duration in ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions with DES. Literature and main scientific session abstracts were searched for studies comparing 3-6 (short-term) or prolonged (> 12months) DAPT vs traditional 12months in ACS patients treated with DES. The primary efficacy endpoint was mortality, primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of major bleedings. Secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. We included three randomized clinical trials and six study sub-analysis comparing alternative (short-term or prolonged) DAPT vs 12months in post-ACS, with a total of 15,738 patients. Mortality occurred in 1.8% of patients, with no difference according to DAPT duration (short-term vs standard DAPT: OR [95% CI] 1.00 [0.72-1.39], p = 0.99; > 12 vs 12months: OR [95% CI] 0.87 [0.61-1.22], p = 0.41). No difference in the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis was observed between short-term and standard DAPT, while a significant reduction was achieved only when extending the duration beyond 12months (MI: OR [95% CI] 0.49 [0.36-0.67], p < 0.00001; ST: OR [95% CI] 0.40 [0.23-0.70], p = 0.001). However, prolonged DAPT was associated with a significant increase in major bleedings (OR [95% CI] 1.69 [1.17-2.45], p = 0.006). In fact, indirect comparison confirmed a significant interaction between short-term vs prolonged DAPT and the risk of myocardial infarction (p < 0.001), stent thrombosis (p = 0.0006) and major bleeding complications (p = 0.02). Based on the current meta-analysis, among ACS patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions with DES, a shorter-term (3 or 6months) DAPT can be safely considered, offering a non-inferior protection from major cardiovascular ischemic events as compared to the standard 12months strategy. Extending DAPT therapy beyond 12months enhances the antithrombotic protection, although paying the fee of increasing major bleeding complications, therefore resulting in a null effect on mortality.

P1831 Predictors and clinical consequences of silent ischaemic brain lesions following transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements This study was supported by the János Bolyai Scholarship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Background A number of studies aimed to identify the predictors of periprocedural cerebral embolizations related to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Much less investigated is the prevalence and determinants of subacute ischaemic brain lesions that develop following TAVI. Purpose We sought to identify predictors of subacute clinically silent ischaemic brain lesions in patients following TAVI. Methods Patients were included from the Rule out Transcatheter Aortic Valve Thrombosis with Post Implantation Computed Tomography (RETORIC) prospective trial. Echocardiography and brain MRI were performed after TAVI procedure, before hospital discharge. Cardiac CT was performed 6 months later to identify subclinical leaflet thrombosis (HALT), as well as repeat brain MRI, to identify any silent ischaemic lesions that appeared since the intervention. The cognitive trajectory of patients was assessed using the Addenbrookes cognitive test (ACE), performed shortly after TAVI and at 6-month follow-up (FU). All-cause mortality data was retrieved from the National Mortality Database. Results 79 consecutive patients were included in the present analysis. 28% had known history of atrial fibrillation (AF). 33% of the cohort was treated with oral anticoagulant, of these 56% with single and 25% with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The mean CHA2DS2VASC score was 4. From discharge to the 6-month FU, 20 patients (25%) developed new silent ischaemic brain lesions on MRI. Clinically manifest stroke did not occur. On the 6-month CT, HALT was identified in 6 patients (8%). Clinical and imaging parameters, including age, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, smoking, statin-, OAC- and DAPT therapy, history of AF, history of stroke, echocardiographic metrics of left ventricular (ejection fraction, stroke volume index) and atrial (left atrial strain) function as well as HALT were analysed for association with ischaemic brain lesions. Of the above, only HALT showed significant association (OR:6,58; p = 0.04) with silent brain embolizations. The cognitive trajectory from discharge till 6-month FU did not differ between patients with or without ischaemic focuses (ΔACEscore: 1.0 vs. 0.1; p = NS). Over a median FU of 553 (IQR 453 – 665) days, 8 patients died; 2 with and 6 without ischaemic lesions. Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed no difference in outcome between the two groups (p = 0.68) Conclusion Subclinical leaflet thrombosis was identified as a significant predictor of subacute silent ischaemic brain lesions after TAVI. These lesions did not affect the overall cognitive performance or outcome of the patients.

714 Adherence to Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Current cardiac guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 12 months to prevent stent thrombosis after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Non-adherence to DAPT increases the risk of stent thrombosis, especially within 6 months post-PCI. To characterise non-adherence to DAPT in patients who underwent PCI for acute coronary syndrome. Local participants were identified from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry who had been using DAPT or triple therapy for 4-6 or 8-10 months (groups 1 and 2, respectively) post-PCI. A structured phone interview was conducted using validated adherence tools (MMAS-4). Non-responders were sent a paper questionnaire. Ethics approval was obtained. 149 participants were enrolled (n=66 in group 1; n=83 in group 2, mean (standard deviation) age 65.4±10.7 years; 75.8% male), from which 117 (78.5%) participants were still taking the DAPT they were discharged on. The remaining 32 participants had stopped the discharged DAPT. Most patients stopped due to switching to another antiplatelet therapy (nine). Only three patients stopped due to non-adherence, from which two claimed that DAPT had been stopped in hospital. Other reasons to stop included side effects, after cardiology or general practitioner review and unknown. Patient discontinuation of DAPT is low at 4-6 and 8-10 month in this patient cohort. Most patients who stopped or changed DAPT did this in consultation with their medical practitioner. Clarifying a patient’s understanding of DAPT at the point of discharge is an important consideration in reducing the risk of non-adherence and thus avoiding early stent thrombosis.

WATCHMAN implantation in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and intracranial hemorrhage.

Use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is often considered high risk as OAC-related ICH is associated with high mortality rates. Left atrial appendage closure with a WATCHMAN device is an alternative management strategy to OAC to decrease thrombotic risk in atrial fibrillation patients; however use of OAC followed by dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or DAPT therapy alone is required for 6months post-procedurally. In this study, we examined the safety of WATCHMAN implantation followed by 6months of anti-thrombotic therapy in patients with a history of ICH. This is a retrospective analysis of 63 patients with a history of ICH prior to WATCHMAN implantation (Group I) and 95 patients without a history of ICH who underwent WATCHMAN placement (Group II). The primary outcome was death, stroke, or major bleeding within 6months of WATCHMAN placement. The average CHA2DS2-VASc of Group I was 4.9 ± 1.7 vs 4.7 ± 1.4 for Group II (p = 0.34). The most common type of ICH in Group I was an intracerebral hemorrhage (57%). The median time between ICH and WATCHMAN implantation in Group I patients was 212days. A total of 19% of Group I patients were managed with DAPT alone post-procedurally vs. 3% in Group II (p < 0.001). Similar to 89% of Group II (p = 0.19), 95% of Group I patients were free of the primary outcome at 6months. No Group I patients had recurrent ICH within 6months after WATCHMAN implantation. In a retrospective, multicenter series of patients with a history of ICH prior to WATCHMAN implantation, WATCHMAN placement was performed safely with 6-month outcomes that were similar to patients without a history of ICH, encompassing the time during which a patient with a history of ICH would need antithrombotic therapy to facilitate WATCHMAN placement.

Meta-Regression to Identify Patients Deriving the Greatest Benefit from Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Without Thrombolytic or Thrombectomy Treatment

The patient's profile drawing the greatest benefit from dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after a noncardioembolic, ischemic cerebrovascular event is not well characterized. Aim of this metaregression analysis was to compare DAPT versus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). We searched randomized trials evaluating clinical outcome with aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor versus SAPT in patients with noncardioembolic stroke or TIA. Primary end point was the incidence of recurrent stroke; safety outcome measure was major bleeding. Eleven trials were included in the analysis, enrolling 24,175 patients treated with DAPT (aspirin plus clopidogrel, n = 12,074) or SAPT (n = 12,101) after a stroke or TIA event. In the DAPT group the rates of recurrent stroke were lower (7.1% vs 8.8% with SAPT; odds ratios [OR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 0.88; p = 0.0007) and the incidence of major bleeding was twofold higher (OR 2.01, 1.35 to 3.01; p = 0.0006). Metaregression indicated a positive correlation between prevention of recurrent stroke by DAPT and baseline stroke severity (p = 0.019), baseline risk profile (p = 0.0001), or prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis (p = 0.040). DAPT was more effective when initiated ≤7 days (OR 0.67, 0.58 to 0.77; p < 0.00001) and used for ≤3 months (OR 0.66, 0.58 to 0.76; p < 0.00001) after the event. In conclusion, in patients with stroke or TIA, the highest benefit of DAPT was observed in patients with higher baseline risk profile, greater stroke severity, or concomitant carotid disease, and when DAPT was initiated early and given for ≤3 months.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention During 2-Year Follow-Up, from a Nationwide Population Study

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are recommended to receive oral anticoagulants (OAC) and concomitant antiplatelet agents followed by OAC monotherapy continued beyond a year after PCI. However, long-term prescription patterns of antithrombotic therapy in real-world clinical practice were not fully investigated. From the National Health Insurance Service database of Korea, we obtained records of patients with AF who underwent PCI between 2009 and 2013. Patients without repeated PCI or death within 2 years following the procedure were included. Prescription records of antithrombotic therapy including anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents were reviewed at 3-month intervals after discharge. We investigated 8,891 patients. At discharge, 76.1% of the patients received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and only 17.1% received OAC. Although the proportion of patients receiving DAPT gradually decreased, >70% of patients received only antiplatelet agents (DAPT or single antiplatelet therapy) a year after PCI. During the 2-year follow-up, the proportion of patients receiving OAC remained <20%, and only 1.5% of the patients received OAC monotherapy a year after PCI. Female gender, previous myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, and prescription of DAPT at discharge were associated with underprescription of OAC a year after PCI. In conclusion, a significant proportion (76%) of patients with AF who underwent PCI were not prescribed OAC at discharge despite the high risk of stroke contrary to the current guidelines. Most patients continued to receive antiplatelet agents without OAC beyond the 1-year time point after PCI.

Therapeutic Challenges in Patients With Noncardioembolic Acute Ischemic Stroke in Need of Double Antiplatelet Therapy for Coronary Artery Disease.

The risk of ischemic stroke (IS) is significant within 6-12 months from the myocardial revascularization for an acute cardiac event. Consequently, we can expect to have patients with an acute IS occurring right in the time frame of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) imposed by the coronary heart disease (CHD). Until present, there are no evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with acute IS in need of DAPT for ischemic heart disease. The aim of this article was to go through the available data and to depict the appropriate therapeutic strategy for this category of patients. We have performed a systematic review of the literature through June 2018, using Medline/PubMed database. DAPT (aspirin and only clopidogrel among all P2Y12 inhibitors) might be maintained or initiated for CHD in patients with minor acute stroke and high-risk transient ischemic attack patient with IS attributable to an important intracranial stenosis, as long as this drug combination proved to be safe for them in the prevention of stroke recurrence. In patients with IS receiving thrombolysis, with increased size of infarction or high National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS), the risk of hemorrhagic transformation under DAPT must be weighed against the risk of stent thrombosis in the coronary arteries, which, on its turn, depends on the clinical form for which myocardial revascularization was performed, the time interval from the complexity of a certain interventional procedure. In the acute phase of an IS, maintenance or initiation of DAPT therapy imposed by CHD relies, on one hand, on the risk of hemorrhagic transformation of the brain injury and, on the other hand, on the risk of stent thrombosis in the coronary arteries. The management of these patients must be carried on by a vascular team, on an individualized basis.

Durée du traitement antiagrégant plaquettaire chez le sujet âgé stenté

Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of death in Europe. At the same time, older patients are at high risk for coronary heart disease and represent an increasing proportion of patients in the catheterization laboratory in the context of an ageing population. The elderly patients are also at higher bleeding risk, and were poorly represented in major randomized trials. Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be modulated in a personalized way taking into account hemorrhagic and ischemic risk factors, using risk scores based on the latest recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology. Even if the optimal duration of DAPT after PCI is 6 months in case of stable coronary disease and 12 months in case of an acute coronary syndrome, it can be drastically reduced, up to one month in case of high hemorrhagic risk, or can be prolonged for more than 12 months in case of high ischemic risk. The use of latest generation drug eluting stents associated with a short duration of DAPT has thus demonstrated its safety compared to these durations. In case of triple therapy treatment, associating DAPT and anticoagulation therapy, DAPT is recommended to be as short as possible, potentially reduced to 1 month. Finally, the concomitant prescription of proton pump inhibitor is essential to prevent gastrointestinal bleedings. This literature review will discuss the hemorrhagic risk stratification and choice of DAPT in elderly patients.

Antithrombotic Therapy and Outcomes of Patients With New-Onset Transient Atrial Fibrillation After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and AF might require anticoagulant treatment in some conditions. There are no clear recommendations about vitamin K antagonist (VKA) use in patients with STEMI who complicated with new-onset transient AF. In this study, we examined the association of concomitant use of VKA and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clinical outcomes of this patient population. A total of 4086 patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention retrospectively investigated. Among these patients, a total of 286 patients who developed new-onset transient AF during hospitalization were enrolled. VKA group consisted of 116 patients treated with warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel, and DAPT group consisted of 170 patients treated with aspirin and clopidogrel. One-year mortality, ischemic stroke, major, and minor bleeding were determined as clinical outcomes. Although VKA group had proportionally lower mortality (17.2% vs. 20.0%) and ischemic stroke (7.8% vs. 11.8%) compared with DAPT group, the differences did not reach to statistical significance, whereas the 1-year major bleeding had higher rates at VKA group and that had 3.5-times higher major bleeding than DAPT group. This relationship was persisted after multivariable analysis (hazard ratio = 3.37, 95% CI, 1.76-10.04, P = 0.012). There is not a widely accepted treatment algorithm in patients with STEMI who complicated with new-onset AF in clinical guidelines. The current study indicated that transient form of new-onset AF might not require long-term VKA. Besides, addition of VKA to DAPT therapy may increase the rates of major and minor bleeding.

Antiplatelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Disease: A Daunting Dilemma.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the contemporary standard of care. Such treatment is followed by dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) comprising of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor. The efficacy of this therapy has been well established but the optimal duration of DAPT remains elusive, and has thus far attracted a prodigious deal of scientific attention. The decision regarding DAPT duration can be clinically challenging in the modern era with the evolution of newer stents, more potent antiplatelet agents, and novel anticoagulant drugs in addition to an older patient population with multiple comorbidities. Major societal guidelines have emphasized comprehensive assessment of ischemic and bleeding risk, in turn recommending individualization of DAPT duration, thus encouraging “shared decision making”. The following review is aimed at critically evaluating the available evidence to help make these crucial clinical decisions regarding duration of DAPT and triple therapy.

Panax quinquefolius saponins combined with dual antiplatelet drug therapy alleviate gastric mucosal injury and thrombogenesis through the COX/PG pathway in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.

ObjectivesPrevious studies have found that Panax quinquefolius saponins (PQS) combined with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of aspirin and clopidogrel enhances antithrombotic effects while reducing gastric mucosal injury induced by DAPT. We investigated the effects of the combined drug therapy (PQS+DAPT) through the COX/PG pathways.MethodsAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced in Wistar rats by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, and the animals were randomly divided into Model, DAPT, and PQS+DAPT groups. Rats in the sham group did not undergo artery ligation. They were intragastrically treated for 14 days. Myocardial infarct size; myocardial pathology; platelet aggregation rate, CD62p activation, concentrations of thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-PGF1α, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio were measured. The ultrastructure of the gastric mucosa was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The expression of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1α in gastric mucosa was measured by radioimmunoassay, and levels of COX-1, COX-2, and VEGF in gastric mucosa were assessed using immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe addition of Panax quinquefolius saponins (PQS+DAPT) to standard DAPT therapy significantly decreased the myocardial infarct area, degree of myocardial lesions, TXB2 and PAI levels, and the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio, while increasing 6-keto-PGF1α and t-PA levels and reducing the degree of gastric mucosal injury. Expression of PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1α, COX-2, and VEGF in the gastric mucosa was upregulated in the PQS+DAPT group compared with the standard DAPT group.ConclusionPQS increases the degree of DAPT inhibition of myocardial necrosis and antiplatelet effects in AMI rats, as well as reducing damage to the gastric mucosa caused by DAPT. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of TXB2 and PAI activity and elevation of 6-keto-PGF1α and t-PA levels in blood, and may be associated with upregulated expression of COX-2, PGE2, PGI2, and VEGF in gastric tissue.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with coronary artery disease on antithrombotics and subsequent mortality risk.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common complication for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) due to the use of antithrombotic medications. Limited data exist describing which patients are at increased risk for mortality. This study aims to (i) determine whether patients on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or triple therapy are at higher risk of 90-day and 6-month mortality compared with patients on aspirin alone and (ii) evaluate risk factors for mortality in patients with CAD on antithrombotics hospitalized with LGIB. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with LGIB and CAD while on aspirin at a single academic medical center from 2007 to 2015. Patients were identified using a validated, machine-learning algorithm and classified by use of aspirin, DAPT, or triple therapy. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards were used to determine mortality associated risk factors. Seven hundred sixteen patients were identified with LGIB and CAD. Four hundred seventy-two (65.9%) patients were on aspirin monotherapy, 179 (25%) on aspirin and thienopyridine (DAPT), and 65 (9.1%) on aspirin, thienopyridine, and systemic anticoagulant (triple therapy). On univariate analysis, triple therapy use was associated with increased risk of 90-day (hazard ratio [HR] 3.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52-5.92, P=0.003) and 6-month (HR 2.46, 95%CI 1.29-4.35, P=0.008) mortality. Holding anticoagulation was associated with higher mortality at 90days (HR 2.30, 95%CI 1.27-4.07, P=0.007). On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounding variables, the use of triple therapy remained associated with higher 90-day mortality (HR 3.23, 95%CI 1.56-6.16, P=0.003). Triple therapy is associated with mortality at 90days and at 6months post discharge.

Thirty days only double antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stenting: could a 'short-term' treatment be advantageous?

Thirty days only double antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stenting: could a 'short-term' treatment be advantageous?