Short duration of dual antiplatelet therapy following complex percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The optimal composition and duration of antiplatelet therapy after complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare 1-3 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by monotherapy vs. 12 months of DAPT. METHOD: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried for studies comparing 1-3 months of DAPT followed by monotherapy vs. 12 months of DAPT in the outcomes of complex PCI from inception through January 2023. Outcomes of interest included major bleeding, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization, and stroke. RESULTS: Compared to 12 months, 1-3 months of dual antiplatelet therapy had a weak association with less major bleeding (OR 0.67; 95 % CI, 0.44-1.00; p = 0.05; I2 = 28 %). There were no significant differences between the shorter and longer antiplatelet therapy in terms of all-cause mortality (OR 0.83; 95 % CI, 0.59-1.16; p = 0.21; I2 = 17 %), cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.87; 95 % CI, 0.53-0.42; p = 0.50; I2 = 0), MI (OR 0.97; 95 % CI, 0.69-1.35; p = 0.82; I2 = 32 %), stent thrombosis (OR 1.17, 95 % CI, 0.77-1.76; p = 0.38; I2 = 0 %), target vessel revascularization (OR 1.05, 95 % CI, 0.58-1.89; p = 0.82; I2 = 64 %), or stroke (OR 1.10, 95 % CI, 0.55-2.17; p = 0.37; I2 = 7 %);. CONCLUSION: Among patients undergoing complex PCI, DAPT for 1-3 months may be associated with less major bleeding but similar rates of cardiovascular events (death, MI, stroke, stent thrombosis, and revascularization) compared to DAPT for 12 months.

Long-term Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Pre-existing Coronary Artery Ectasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Coronary artery ectasia is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction. This meta-analysis evaluates outcomes following acute myocardial infarction in patients with pre-existing coronary artery ectasia. A search strategy was designed to utilize PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Google scholar for studies including the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery ectasia from inception to February 10, 2022. We reported effect sizes as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We used I2 statistics to estimate the extent of unexplained statistical heterogeneity. There were 7 studies comprising 13,499 patients in the final analysis. There was no significant difference between patients with coronary ectasia and patients without coronary ectasia in terms of all-cause mortality (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.58 to 1.56; P = 0.79; I2 = 0%), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; OR 4.04; 95% CI 0.34 to 47.57; P = 0.17; I2 = 95%), myocardial re-infarction (OR 2.13; 95% CI 0.83 to 5.47; P = 0.08; I2 = 59%), target vessel revascularization (OR 1.31; 95% CI 0.69 to 2.48; P = 0.21; I2 = 0%), or requiring mechanical supportive devices (OR 1.32; 95% CI 0.22 to 7.83; P = 0.57; I2 = 56%). Acute myocardial infarction in the presence of coronary artery ectasia is not associated with an increased risk of death, MACE, myocardial infarction, or the need for mechanical circulatory support.

Efficacy and safety of the new generation Watchman FLX device compared to the Watchman 2.5: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The first-generation Watchman 2.5 (W 2.5)TM presented several limitations, such as challenges in implantation within complex left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomies, higher incidence of peri-device leak, device recapture, and device-related thrombus (DRT). The newer generation Watchman FLX (W-FLX)TM was introduced with a modified design aiming to overcome these limitations. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to conduct a comparative assessment of the safety and efficacy of the W-FLX and 2.5 devices in clinical practice. METHOD: The meta-analysis was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA). Studies were located through a search strategy utilizing PubMed, Cochrane, Google scholar and MEDLINE from inception to March 2023, with a primary objective to compare the safety and efficacy of the W-FLX and W 2.5 devices. After applying the selection criteria, five studies were included in this analysis. RESULTS: The analysis included five studies comprising 54,727 patients. The W-FLX is associated with an increase in procedural success (OR 7.49 [95% CI 1.98-28.26, P = 0.02; I2 = 0%]), and a significant reduction in mortality (OR 0.52 [95% CI 0.51-0.54, P<0.01; I2 = 0%], major bleeding 0.57 [95% CI 0.51-0.64, P<0.01; I2 = 0%]), device embolism (OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.18-0.70, P = 0.02; I2 = 0%]), and pericardial effusion (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.26-0.41, P<0.01; I2 = 0%]). The rates of DRT and stroke were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to the W 2.5, the W-FLX was associated with a higher procedural success rate and significantly reduced adverse outcomes including mortality, major bleeding, device embolization, and pericardial effusion.

Initial optimal medical therapy with or without invasive strategy for stable coronary disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: There is a persistent controversy regarding the benefit and timing of angiography in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). With this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) the advantages of initial invasive strategy and medical therapy compared with only medical therapy. METHODS: We conducted a literature search of the following databases Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Embase. Data was collected from all the RCTs that compared early invasive approach with medical therapy alone in treating stable CAD which was conducted by two independent authors. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI), while the secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization, hospitalization due to unstable angina and revascularization events. The Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 15 RCTs (13 916 patients, mean age 63.1, 78.9% men). The early invasive strategy, compared with medical therapy alone, did not reveal a significant reduction in the incidence of all-cause mortality (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.84-1.05, P = 0.30) or MI (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79-1.10, P = 0.42). Furthermore, the early invasive strategy did not reduce the incidence of cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization or the revascularization rate compared with medical therapy alone (P > 0.05). However, the incidence of MACE and hospitalization due to unstable angina were lower in patients treated with early invasive strategy (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.99, P = 0.04), and (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.67, P < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early invasive strategy with medical therapy did not reduce the incidence of all-cause mortality and MI when compared with medical therapy alone among patients with stable CAD with significant stenosis. However, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of MACE and hospitalization due to unstable angina in the early invasive group.

Omega-3 supplementation and heart failure: A meta-analysis of 12 trials including 81,364 participants.

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality. Marine omega-3 fatty acid supplements (omega-3 s) have shown efficacy in decreasing sudden cardiac death and improving the left ventricle ejection fraction percent (LVEF%). In this review, we evaluated the effect of marine omega-3 fatty acid supplements (omega-3 s) on HF hospitalization, recurrent HF hospitalization, and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. We found that omega-3 supplementation did not reduce first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular mortality but did significantly reduce recurrent HF hospitalizations, as compared with placebo.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus.

CONTEXT: The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains controversial because most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been small or have reported low doses of vitamin D. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of RCTs testing vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of T2DM. DATA SOURCES: Database search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was performed by 2 reviewers from inception through September 15, 2019. STUDY SELECTION: We included RCTs that reported the effect of vitamin D supplementation for at least 1 year on T2DM prevention. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted the data. The risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Primary outcome of the meta-analysis was the incidence of T2DM. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nine RCTs were included (43 559 participants). The mean age (standard deviation) was 63.5 (6.7) years. The RR for vitamin D compared with placebo was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.90-1.03); P = 0.30. In trials testing moderate to high doses of supplementation (≥1000 IU/day), all conducted among participants with prediabetes, the RR for vitamin D compared with placebo was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.79-0.99). In contrast, the trials testing lower doses, which were conducted in general population samples, showed no risk reduction (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10; P, interaction by dose = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In patients with prediabetes, vitamin D supplementation at moderate to high doses (≥1000 IU/day), significantly reduced the incidence risk of T2DM, compared with placebo.

Targeted Temperature Management in Cardiac Arrest Patients With an Initial Non-Shockable Rhythm: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Targeted temperature management (TTM) is now recommended for patients presenting with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, there are limited data that support its use in patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm (NSR). METHODS: A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase was conducted by two independent authors for studies that compared TTM along with standard care versus standard care alone in treating cardiac arrest with initial NSR. Outcomes were short-term and long-term survival, and a Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score of 1 to 2 at the longest follow-up period. The Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed on the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Thirty studies were included in the final analysis: 25 observational and five RCTs, totalling 10,703 patients, 4,023 of whom received TTM and 6,680 received standard care alone. Compared with standard care, patients who presented with an initial NSR cardiac arrest and received TTM (target of 32°C -34°C) had a significantly higher short-term survival (OR 1.44 95% CI 1.15-1.81; P = 0.002), long-term survival (OR 1.52 95% CI 1.03-2.26; P = 0.04), and CPC score of 1 to 2 (OR 1.63 95% CI 1.22-2.17; P = 0.0010). Sensitivity analyses by including only RCTs showed a trend, although not significant, toward better short-term survival (OR 1.25 95% CI 0.82-1.89; P = 0.30), long-term survival (OR 1.15 95% CI 0.80-1.66; P = 0.46), and neurologic outcomes (OR 1.51 95% CI 0.81-2.80; P = 0.19). However, TSA performed on the RCTs revealed that the results were inconclusive. CONCLUSION: Among patients who survived cardiac arrest with an initial NSR, TTM is associated with a higher rate of survival and favorable neurological outcomes compared with no TTM. However, analyses from the included RCTs did not support this conclusion.

Comparison of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Drug-Eluting Stents in Patients with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the optimal choice of therapy when treating LMCAD in patients with CKD. METHOD: We performed an electronic database search of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for all studies that compared PCI with CABG when treating LMCAD in the setting of CKD. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular events, all-cause mortality, and repeat revascularization. RESULTS: Our analysis included 5 studies (2 randomized controlled trial and 3 retrospective) representing a total of 1212 patients. Mean follow up was 3.4 ±â€¯1.3 years. Our study demonstrated a significant reduction in MACCE for patients treated with CABG compared with PCI (odd ratio [OR] 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.95, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%). We also found a significant reduction in both MI (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.34-0.87; P = 0.01; I2 = 0%) and repeat revascularization (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.10-0.51; P < 0.001, I2 = 63%) in the CABG group. However, CABG was associated with increased risks of cerebrovascular disease events compared with PCI (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.02-4.08; P = 0.04, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: In patients with CKD requiring LMCAD intervention, CABG is associated with a lower risk of MACCE, MI, and repeat revascularization, however it was associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents when compared to patients who received PCI therapy. Further RCTs with sufficient power are required to confirm these findings.

The role of anticoagulation in venous thromboembolism primary prophylaxis in patients with malignancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with cancer. As such, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated anticoagulants as primary prophylaxis against VTE in cancer patients. METHODS: Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were screened for all RCTs that used anticoagulation therapy in cancer patients for primary prevention of VTE. The primary outcomes were VTE events. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, VTE-related mortality and major bleeding. A random effects model was used to report the risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and odds ratios (ORs) with Bayesian 95% credible intervals for both direct and network meta-analyses, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-four RCTs were included totaling 13,338 patients (7197 received anticoagulation and 6141 received placebo). The mean age ranged between 54.6 and 68.1 years, with 50.5% male. Compared with placebo, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or direct Xa inhibitors were associated with lower VTE events (RR 0.58; 95%CI 0.48-0.69, P < 0.001) and (RR 0.39; 95%CI 0.24-0.63, p < 0.001), respectively. LMWH was associated with decreased VTE and all-cause mortality when compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Regarding safety outcomes, LMWH and direct Xa inhibitors were not associated with increased risks of major bleeding (P > 0.05) when compared with placebo. Results regarding VTE events and major bleeding were consistent in both lung and pancreatic cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Both LMWH and direct Xa inhibitors were associated with a lower VTE events compared with placebo. However, this potentially protective effect must be balanced against the possible increased risk of bleeding for some patients.