Single versus Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel is currently recommended in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), this practice is not supported by sufficient evidence. This study was performed to compare DAPT to single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT).

An electronic search was completed of PubMed, Embase, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies comparing DAPT versus SAPT in patients undergoing TAVI were included.

Seven studies incorporating 1,445 patients were eligible for the present meta-analysis. There were no significant differences on 30-day all-cause mortality (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.63-2.25, p = 0.593), 6-month all-cause mortality (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.49-2.53, p = 0.796), or 1-year all-cause mortality (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.63- 2.25, p = 0.593). DAPT was associated with an increased risk for 30-day (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.85-4.58, p < 0.01), 6-month (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.26-5.10, p < 0.001), and 1-year major and lethal bleeding (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.04-6.77, p = 0.041) based on 896, 337, and 583 patients, respectively, compared to SAPT.

Compared to SAPT, DAPT was not shown to be superior in reducing thrombotic events, but presented an increased risk of major/life-threatening bleeding. More randomized controlled trials are needed to provide further evidence.