Meta-Analysis of Studies Comparing Dual- Versus Mono-Antiplatelet Therapy Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Current guidelines recommend dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), although some studies suggest mono-antiplatelet therapy is equally efficacious with an improved safety profile. We performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing DAPT with mono-antiplatelet therapy after TAVI. Study quality and heterogeneity were assessed using Jadad score, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and Cochran's Q statistics. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed effect models as the primary analysis. Eight studies including 2,439 patients met the inclusion criteria. At 30 days, DAPT was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (OR 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34 to 3.18, p = 0.001), major or life-threatening bleeding (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.59, p <0.001), and major vascular complications (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.51 to 3.06, p <0.001). There was no difference in the rate of the combined end point of stroke or transient ischemic attack, or myocardial infarction. Outcome data up to 6 months were available in 5 studies; all-cause mortality and stroke were similar between groups, although major or life-threatening bleeding was more frequent with DAPT. In conclusion, in patients undergoing TAVI, DAPT is associated with increased risk at 30 days of all-cause mortality, major or life-threatening bleeding, and major vascular complications without a decrease in ischemic complications; at 6 months, the excess bleeding risk persisted. These data suggest a safety concern with DAPT and justify further investigation of the optimal antiplatelet therapy regimen after TAVI.