Single versus dual antiplatelet after transcatheter aortic valve
replacement: An updated meta - analysis of randomized controlled trials
and observational studies
Abstract
Aim: Although current guidelines recommend 3-6 months of dual
antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for patients without indications for
anticoagulation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR),
evidence-based evidence was lacking. Our aim was to review the most
recent evidence comparing the safety and efficacy of both treatment
modalities, single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) and DAPT, after TAVR.
Methods: We systematically searched the literature on Embase, PubMed,
Cochrane and Medline until January 5, 2022. Our primary outcome
indicators were: all-cause mortality, stroke and total bleeding rates,
and secondary outcome indicators were: cardiovascular mortality,
myocardial infarction (MI) and the incidence of major and
life-threatening bleeding (LTB). A random-effects model was used, and
subgroup analyses were performed according to study type and follow-up
time. Results: A total of 14 studies (4 RCTs, 10 observational studies)
involving 21,546 patients were finally screened. Compared with the DAPT
treatment modality, patients in the SAPT group showed a significant
difference in short-term cardiovascular mortality after TAVR (RR [95%
CI] =0.39 [0.19-0.78], P = 0.008) and a significantly lower risk
of bleeding (RR [95% CI] =0.56 [0.48-0.65], P
<0.001). There was also a significant difference in the
incidence of major bleeding and LTB (RR [95% CI]
=0.59[0.47-0.76], P <0.0001), but no statistically
significant difference in other aspects. Conclusion: Compared with DAPT
treatment modalities, the choice of SAPT for patients without
anticoagulation indication after TAVR better reduces the risk of
postoperative bleeding and short-term cardiovascular death without
increasing the incidence of all-cause mortality, stroke, and MI.