Potent P2Y₁₂ Inhibitors in Men Versus Women: A Collaborative Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Sex-specific differences in response to antiplatelet therapies have been described. Whether women and men derive comparable benefit from intensification of antiplatelet therapy remains uncertain.

The study investigated the efficacy and safety of the potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors in patients with coronary artery disease.

A collaborative sex-specific meta-analysis was conducted of phase III or IV randomized trials of potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors, including prasugrel, ticagrelor, and intravenous cangrelor. Seven trials were included that enrolled a total of 24,494 women and 63,346 men. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as the primary endpoint for each trial.

Potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of MACE by 14% in women (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78 to 0.94) and by 15% in men (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.90; p interaction = 0.93). Treatment reduced the risk of myocardial infarction by 13% in women (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.96) and 16% in men (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.91; p interaction = 0.65), and the risk of stent thrombosis by 51% in women (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.65) and 41% in men (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.84; p interaction = 0.85). Directional consistency was seen for cardiovascular death in women (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.01) and men (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.95; p interaction = 0.86). The potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors increased major bleeding in women (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.88) and men (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.07; p interaction = 0.62).

In randomized trials, the efficacy and safety of the potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors were comparable between men and women. Given these data, sex should not influence patient selection for the administration of potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors.