Left Main Revascularization in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ioannis Gialamas1, Konstantinos Kalogeras1, Panteleimon Pantelidis1

  • 13rd Department of Cardiology, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Current Cardiology Reviews
|September 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) shows better long-term outcomes than percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This meta-analysis highlights CKD as a critical factor in revascularization decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) poses significant risks, especially when co-occurring with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Revascularization strategies, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), are crucial for managing LMCAD.
  • The impact of CKD on the comparative effectiveness of PCI versus CABG in LMCAD patients remains an area of active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze existing evidence comparing PCI and CABG in patients with LMCAD and CKD.
  • To evaluate the impact of CKD on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) following revascularization for LMCAD.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL.
  • A pre-registered study protocol (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024496529) guided the systematic review and meta-analysis.
  • The primary endpoint was MACCE, a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or ischemia-driven revascularization.

Main Results:

  • Seven studies involving 3,475 patients were analyzed.
  • PCI was associated with a significantly higher incidence of MACCE (HR: 1.50; 95% CI 1.26-1.79), driven by increased all-cause mortality, MI, and ischemia-driven revascularization.
  • No significant differences were observed in stroke rates or 30-day all-cause mortality between PCI and CABG.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) demonstrates superior long-term outcomes compared to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with LMCAD and CKD.
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may significantly influence clinical outcomes in LMCAD patients, warranting consideration in treatment decisions.
  • Further randomized controlled trials stratified by CKD stage are necessary to optimize revascularization strategies in this high-risk population.
Abstract

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