Single or dual antiplatelet therapy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Current expert consensus guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel as antithrombotic strategy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients without an indication for long-term oral anticoagulation. However, these recommendations have not been developed based on the results of large randomized clinical trials. The objective of this study is to compare single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) to DAPT in patients without an indication for long-term anticoagulation after TAVI. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and the main international conference proceedings were reviewed in the search for randomized controlled trials comparing SAPT to DAPT after TAVI. Data were pooled using a meta-analysis and a random-effects model. The primary endpoint was life-threatening or major bleeding. Results: Four trials enrolling 1086 patients were included. Compared to patients treated with DAPT, those treated with SAPT showed a lower risk of life-threatening or major bleeding (OR, 0.44; 95%CI, 0.27-0.70), and any bleeding (OR, 0.51; 95%CI, 0.360.71). No differences were observed between patients treated with SAPT compared to those treated with DAPT regarding all-cause mortality (OR, 1.01; 95%CI, 0.61-1.68), myocardial infarction (OR, 0.50; 95%CI 0.17-1.41), and stroke (OR, 0.98; 95%CI, 0.54-1.77). Conclusions: In patients without an indication for long-term anticoagulation undergoing TAVI, single antiplatelet therapy with aspirin compared to DAPT is associated with a lower risk of life-threatening or major bleeding and a comparable risk of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke.