A meta-analysis of 17 randomized trials of a percutaneous coronary intervention-based strategy in patients with

Albert Schömig1, Julinda Mehilli, Antoinette de Waha

  • 1Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany. aschoemig@dhm.mhn.de

Insights

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may improve long-term survival for stable coronary artery disease patients compared to medical treatment alone. This invasive strategy showed a reduced risk of all-cause death in a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • The long-term prognostic impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) remains uncertain.
  • Existing evidence does not definitively establish the benefits of an invasive PCI strategy over optimal medical therapy for patients with stable ischemic heart disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to medical treatment on long-term mortality.
  • To assess the impact of an invasive PCI strategy versus a conservative medical approach in patients presenting with symptoms of myocardial ischemia but without acute coronary syndrome.

Main Methods:

  • A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials involving 7,513 patients with stable coronary artery disease.
  • Comparison of a PCI-based invasive strategy against a medical treatment-only strategy.
  • Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, with an average follow-up of 51 months.

Main Results:

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was associated with a 20% reduction in the odds ratio of all-cause death (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.64 to 0.99).
  • A nonsignificant 26% reduction in cardiac death was observed with PCI (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.06).
  • Rates of nonfatal myocardial infarction were similar between the PCI and medical treatment groups (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.23).

Conclusions:

  • An invasive strategy utilizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may enhance long-term survival in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
  • These findings suggest that PCI could be a beneficial treatment option for selected patients with stable ischemic heart disease.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
Angina IV: Management01:26

Angina IV: Management

IntroductionThe management of angina requires a comprehensive approach that includes pharmacological therapies, medical procedures, and lifestyle modifications.Pharmacological TherapiesAntiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, play a pivotal role in preventing thrombus formation in patients with angina. These medications inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the likelihood of myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular events.Anticoagulants, including...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...