Use of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy and Patient Outcomes in Those Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The ROCKET AF Trial

Clinical and subclinical acute brain injury caused by invasive cardiovascular procedures

Over the past 50 years, the number and invasiveness of percutaneous cardiovascular procedures globally have increased substantially. However, cardiovascular interventions are inherently associated with a risk of acute brain injury, both periprocedurally and postprocedurally, which impairs medical outcomes and increases health-care costs. Current international clinical guidelines generally do not cover the area of acute brain injury related to cardiovascular invasive procedures. In this international Consensus Statement, we compile the available knowledge (including data on prevalence, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation and management) to formulate consensus recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute brain injury caused by cardiovascular interventions. We also identify knowledge gaps and possible future directions in clinical research into acute brain injury related to cardiovascular interventions.

Impact of Underdosing of Direct Oral Anticoagulants on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Underdoses of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are sometimes prescribed due to bleeding risk concerns in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the prevalence of DOAC underdosing and its impact on clinical outcomes in AF patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This multicenter observational cohort study enrolled patients with AF on DOAC undergoing PCI between January 2015 and March 2021 at 15 institutions across Japan. Clinical outcomes within 1 year, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause mortality, ischemic stroke, and major bleeding events, were evaluated. Of 623 patients enrolled, 167 (26.8%) received underdoses, 224 (36.0%) received appropriate low doses, 210 (33.7%) received appropriate standard doses, and 22 (3.5%) received overdoses. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients with underdoses (n=167) and appropriate doses (n=434). Although the incidence of MACE, all-cause mortality, and major bleeding events did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (log-rank P=0.850, P=0.163, and P=0.711, respectively), ischemic stroke occurred more frequently in the underdose than appropriate-dose group (log-rank P=0.011). After propensity score matching, the same result was observed for the frequency of ischemic stroke (log-rank P=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with appropriate doses of DOAC, DOAC underdosing was associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke, despite no significant difference in MACE, all-cause mortality, and major bleeding events in AF patients undergoing PCI.

Tanshinone IIA alleviates atherosclerosis in LDLR-/- mice by regulating efferocytosis of macrophages

Background: Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) is the major lipid-soluble active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, which slows down atherosclerosis (AS). However, it remains unclear whether TIIA has the potential to enhance macrophage efferocytosis and thereby improve atherosclerosis. Objective: The focus of this examination was to determine if TIIA could reduce lipid accumulation and treat AS by enhancing efferocytosis. Methods: Firstly, we conducted in vivo experiments using LDLR knockout (LDLR-/-) mice for a period of 24 weeks, using histopathological staining, immunofluorescence and Western blot experiments to validate from the efficacy and mechanism parts, respectively; in addition, we utilized cells to validate our study again in vitro. The specific experimental design scheme is as follows: In vivo, Western diet-fed LDLR-/- mice for 12 weeks were constructed as an AS model, and normal diet-fed LDLR-/- mice were taken as a blank control group. The TIIA group and positive control group (atorvastatin, ATO) were intervened for 12 weeks by intraperitoneal injection (15 mg/kg/d) and gavage (1.3 mg/kg/d), respectively. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells were cultured with ox-LDL (50 ug/mL) or ox-LDL (50 ug/mL) + TIIA (20 uM/L or 40 uM/L). Pathological changes in aortic plaques and foam cell formation in RAW264.7 cells were evaluated using Masson and Oil Red O staining, respectively. Biochemical methods were used to detect lipid levels in mice. The immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect apoptotic cells and efferocytosis-related signal expression at the plaques. RT-qPCR and Western blot were carried out to observe the trend change of efferocytosis-related molecules in both mouse aorta and RAW264.7 cells. We also used the neutral red assay to assess RAW264.7 cells' phagocytic capacity. Results: Compared with the model group, TIIA decreased serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels (p < 0.01), reduced the relative lumen area of murine aortic lipid-rich plaques (p < 0.01), enhanced the stability of murine aortic plaques (p < 0.01), reduced ox-LDL-induced lipid build-up in RAW264.7 cells (p < 0.01), and upregulated efferocytosis-related molecules expression and enhance the efferocytosis rate of ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion: TIIA might reduce lipid accumulation by enhancing the efferocytosis of macrophages and thus treat AS.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

AIM

The objective of this article is to review the contemporary literature on the use of antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Special consideration was given to the type and duration of therapy, treatment strategies for the elderly (≥65 years of age), and strategies to reduce bleeding.

METHODS

Relevant studies were searched through MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar. Of the 236 publications retrieved, 76 were considered relevant including 35 randomized controlled trials, 17 meta-analyses, 16 observational studies, and 8 published major guidelines.

RESULTS

Most trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines support 1 month of triple therapy (TT) with an oral anticoagulant (OAC), dual antiplatelet agents (DAPT) with aspirin (ASA)/clopidogrel, and, afterward, dual therapy (DT) with OAC and single antiplatelet agent for an additional 11 months, or alternatively DT alone for 12 months after PCI. Individual consideration is given to the risk and impact of stent thrombosis (ST), thromboembolism, and bleeding. Several trials and meta-analyses have also suggested that shorter DAPT duration (≤6 months) may be safer than longer therapy (≥6 months) when weighing the risk of bleeding with ischemic outcomes, especially with newer generation drug-eluting stents. The selective use of proton-pump inhibitors in patients prone to gastrointestinal bleeding who are subjected to prolonged exposure with TT or DT may be beneficial. In the elderly, the risk of bleeding from TT, compared with DT, outweighs the benefit of reducing ischemic events.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, tailoring therapy to the individual patient is recommended considering the ischemic and bleeding risk as well as the risk of thromboembolism. For most patients with AF, 1 month of TT and subsequently DT for additional 11 months are recommended.

Outcomes of Cardiac Catheterization in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation on Anticoagulation in Contemporary in Practice: An Analysis of the ORBIT II Registry

BACKGROUND

Patients with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation (OAC) undergoing cardiac catheterization face risks for embolic and bleeding events, yet information on strategies to mitigate these risks in contemporary practice is lacking.

METHODS

We aimed to describe the clinical/procedural characteristics of a contemporary cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation on OAC who underwent cardiac catheterization. Use of bleeding avoidance strategies and bridging therapy were described and outcomes including death, stroke, and major bleeding at 30 days and 1 year were compared by OAC type.

RESULTS

Of 13 404 patients in the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation II Registry from 2013 to 2016, 741 underwent cardiac catheterization (139 with percutaneous coronary intervention) in the setting of OAC. The patients' median age was 71, 61.8% were male, white (87.2%), had hypertension (83.7%), hyperlipidemia (72.1%), diabetes mellitus (31.6%), and chronic kidney disease (28.2%); 20.2% received warfarin while 79.8% received direct acting oral anticoagulant. One third of patients underwent radial artery access, and bivalirudin was used in 4.6%. Bridging therapy was used more often in patients on warfarin versus direct acting oral anticoagulant (16.7% versus10.0%). OAC was interrupted in 93.8% of patients. Patients on warfarin versus direct acting oral anticoagulant were equally likely to restart OAC (58.0% versus 60.7%), had similar use of antiplatelet therapy (44.0% versus 41.3%) after catheterization, and had similar rates of myocardial infarction and death at 1 year, but higher rates of major bleeding (43.3 versus 12.9 events/100 patient years) and stroke (4.9 versus 1.9 events/100 patient years).

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world registry of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac catheterization, most cases are elective, performed by femoral access, with interruption of OAC. Bleeding avoidance strategies such as radial artery access and bivalirudin were used infrequently and use of bridging therapy was uncommon. Nearly 40% of patients did not restart OAC postprocedure, exposing patients to risk for stroke. Further research is necessary to optimize the management of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation with Coronary or Peripheral Artery Disease

The efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in atrial fibrillation (AF) with coronary or peripheral artery disease (CAD or PAD) remain largely unresolved. We, therefore, conducted a meta-analysis to explore the effect of NOACs compared with warfarin in these populations.We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving NOACs versus warfarin in AF patients with CAD or PAD. A random-effect model was selected to pool the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).A total of 7 RCTs were included. In AF patients with CAD, compared with warfarin use, the use of NOACs was associated with reduced risks of stroke/systemic embolism (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.70-0.96) and intracranial hemorrhage (RR 0.41; 95% CI 0.26-0.63), but NOACs versus warfarin showed similar risks of all-cause death (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.86-1.05), cardiovascular death (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.80-1.13), stroke (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.64-1.00), myocardial infarction (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.83-1.21), and major bleeding (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.65-1.04). Among patients with AF and PAD, NOACs versus warfarin had similar risks for stroke (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.61-1.42), myocardial infarction (RR 1.10; 95% CI 0.64-1.90), all-cause death (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.70-1.19), major bleeding (RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.70-1.81), and intracranial hemorrhage (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.16-1.85).NOACs seem to be at least as effective and safe as warfarin in AF patients with CAD. whereas NOACs versus warfarin have similar efficacy and safety in patients with PAD.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) post-percutaneous coronary intervention: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinicians must balance the risks of bleeding and thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in people with an indication for anticoagulation. The potential of non-vitamin K antagonists (NOACs) to prevent bleeding complications is promising, but evidence remains limited.

OBJECTIVES

To review the evidence from randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared to vitamin K antagonists post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in people with an indication for anticoagulation.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified studies by searching CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, the Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science and two clinical trials registers in February 2019. We checked bibliographies of identified studies and applied no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCT) that compared NOACs and vitamin K antagonists for people with an indication for anticoagulation who underwent PCI.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently checked the results of searches to identify relevant studies, assessed each included study, and extracted study data. We conducted random-effects, pairwise analyses using Review Manager 5 and network meta-analyses (NMA) using the R package 'netmeta'. We ranked competing treatments by P scores, which are derived from the P values of all pairwise comparisons, and allow ranking of treatments on a continuous 0 to 1 scale.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified nine RCTs that met the inclusion criteria, but four were ongoing trials, and were not included in this analysis. We included five RCTs, with 8373 participants, in the NMA (two RCTs compared apixaban to a vitamin K antagonist, two RCTs compared rivaroxaban to a vitamin K antagonist, and one RCT compared dabigatran to a vitamin K antagonist). Very low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests little or no difference between NOACs and vitamin K antagonists in death from cardiovascular causes (not reported in the dabigatran trial), myocardial infarction, stroke, death from any cause, and stent thrombosis. Apixaban (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.95), high dose rivaroxaban (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.00), and low dose rivaroxaban (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92) probably reduce the risk of recurrent hospitalisation compared with vitamin K antagonists. No studies looked at health-related quality of life. Very low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests that NOACs may be safer than vitamin K antagonists in terms of bleeding. Both high dose dabigatran (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.97), and low dose dabigatran (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.70) may reduce major bleeding more than vitamin K antagonists. High dose dabigatran (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.96), low dose dabigatran (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.75), apixaban (RR 0,67 , 95% Cl 0.51 to 0.88), high dose rivaroxaban (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.83), and low dose rivaroxaban (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.88) probably reduce non-major bleeding more than vitamin K antagonists. The results from the NMA were inconclusive between the different NOACs for all primary and secondary outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Very low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests no meaningful difference in efficacy outcomes between non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) and vitamin K antagonists following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. NOACs probably reduce the risk of recurrent hospitalisation for adverse events compared with vitamin K antagonists. Low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests that dabigatran may reduce the rates of major and non-major bleeding, and apixaban and rivaroxaban probably reduce the rates of non-major bleeding compared with vitamin K antagonists. Our network meta-analysis did not show superiority of one NOAC over another for any of the outcomes. Head to head trials, directly comparing NOACs against each other, are required to provide more certain evidence.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated Medically or With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention or Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the AUGUSTUS Trial

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of antithrombotic regimens may differ between patients with atrial fibrillation who have acute coronary syndromes (ACS), treated medically or with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and those undergoing elective PCI.

METHODS

Using a 2×2 factorial design, we compared apixaban with vitamin K antagonists and aspirin with placebo in patients with atrial fibrillation who had ACS or were undergoing PCI and were receiving a P2Y12 inhibitor. We explored bleeding, death and hospitalization, as well as death and ischemic events, by antithrombotic strategy in 3 prespecified subgroups: patients with ACS treated medically, patients with ACS treated with PCI, and those undergoing elective PCI.

RESULTS

Of 4614 patients enrolled, 1097 (23.9%) had ACS treated medically, 1714 (37.3%) had ACS treated with PCI, and 1784 (38.8%) had elective PCI. Apixaban compared with vitamin K antagonist reduced International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding in patients with ACS treated medically (hazard ratio [HR], 0.44 [95% CI, 0.28-0.68]), patients with ACS treated with PCI (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.52-0.89]), and patients undergoing elective PCI (HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.64-1.04]; Pinteraction=0.052) and reduced death or hospitalization in the ACS treated medically (HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.54-0.92]), ACS treated with PCI (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.74-1.06]), and elective PCI (HR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.72-1.04]; Pinteraction=0.345) groups. Compared with vitamin K antagonists, apixaban resulted in a similar effect on death and ischemic events in the ACS treated medically, ACS treated with PCI, and elective PCI groups (Pinteraction=0.356). Aspirin had a higher rate of bleeding than did placebo in patients with ACS treated medically (HR, 1.49 [95% CI, 0.98-2.26]), those with ACS treated with PCI (HR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.53-2.67]), and those undergoing elective PCI (HR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.48-2.47]; Pinteraction=0.479). For the same comparison, there was no difference in outcomes among the 3 groups for the composite of death or hospitalization (Pinteraction=0.787) and death and ischemic events (Pinteraction=0.710).

CONCLUSIONS

An antithrombotic regimen consisting of apixaban and a P2Y12 inhibitor without aspirin provides superior safety and similar efficacy in patients with atrial fibrillation who have ACS, whether managed medically or with PCI, and those undergoing elective PCI compared with regimens that include vitamin K antagonists, aspirin, or both.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02415400.

Novel Oral Anticoagulant Based Versus Vitamin K Antagonist Based Double Therapy Among Stented Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the PIONEER AF-PCI Trial

BACKGROUND

Among stented patients with atrial fibrillation, double therapy with a novel oral anticoagulant plus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) reduces bleeding or cardiovascular rehospitalizations compared with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) based triple therapy regimen. A recent study demonstrated that apixaban based double therapy reduced bleeding compared with VKA based double therapy. However, it remains unknown whether rivaroxaban based double therapy is superior to a VKA based double therapy.

METHODS

Patient with stented atrial fibrillation (n=2124) were randomized to 3 groups: rivaroxaban 15 mg od plus a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor (Group 1, n=709); rivaroxaban 2.5 mg bid plus dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT; Group 2, n=709); and warfarin plus DAPT (Group 3, n=706). Before randomization, subjects were stratified according to a prespecified duration of DAPT (1, 6, or 12 months). After the prespecified DAPT duration, subjects in Group 2 were switched to rivaroxaban 15 mg plus low dose aspirin, and those in Group 3 were switched to VKA plus low dose aspirin. The Wei, Lin, and Weissfeld time to multiple events method was used to compare the occurrence of all bleeding and cardiovascular rehospitalizations among subjects on a novel oral anticoagulant versus VKA based double therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 906 subjects were prespecified to a 1 or 6 months DAPT duration and received at least one dose of study drug. Twenty subjects (3.3%) assigned to novel oral anticoagulant+SAPT, and 15 (5.1%) subjects assigned to VKA+SAPT experienced multiple rehospitalizations. In total, 124 (20.3%) events occurred among subjects on novel oral anticoagulant+SAPT compared with 87 (29.6%) among subjects on VKA+SAPT (hazard ratio=0.65 [95% CI, 0.45-0.93], P=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Among stented patients with atrial fibrillation, rivaroxaban plus SAPT was superior to warfarin plus SAPT in lowering total bleeding and cardiovascular rehospitalization.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01830543.

Vitamin K antagonist vs direct oral anticoagulants with antiplatelet therapy in dual or triple therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention or acute coronary syndrome in atrial fibrillation: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The combination of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) and antiplatelet agents following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with an increased bleeding risk.

HYPOTHESIS

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are associated with a greater safety profile but the optimal antithrombotic treatment strategy, especially when considering ischemic events, is unclear.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing outcomes in AF patients following PCI and/or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) when treated with DOAC vs VKA, both in combination with one (dual) or two (triple) antiplatelet regimens. A systematic review was performed by searches of electronic databases MEDLINE (source PubMed) and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register Database as well as Cardiology annual meetings. Three studies were finally included.

RESULTS

Compared to VKA triple therapy, the use of DOAC was associated with a decreased risk of any bleeding (relative risk [RR] 0.68 [0.62; 0.74]), major bleeding (RR 0.61 [0.51; 0.75]) and intracranial bleeding (RR 0.33 [0.17; 0.66]) and similar rates of the composite efficacy endpoint (RR 1.0 [0.87; 1.14]) and its components. Similar and consistent results were observed with both dual and triple therapy including a DOAC compared to VKA.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis supports the use of dual therapy combining a DOAC and clopidogrel as the default regimen in most AF patients after PCI and/or ACS.

Gender Differences in Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies indicate that women with atrial fibrillation (AF) are less likely to receive anticoagulants despite their higher risk of stroke compared with men.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) differ in women with AF as compared with men. Our secondary aim was to examine gender differences regarding the safety and efficacy of specific DOACs.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through March 2017.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Randomized clinical trials that reported on major bleeding and stroke with DOACs in women and men with AF were included. Meta-analysis and network meta-analysis was performed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Five trials met the inclusion criteria. Among 66 389 patients, 37.8% were women. Women treated with DOACs were at higher risk of stroke and systemic embolism compared with men (RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.04-1.35; I2 = 10%) but there was a significantly lower risk of major bleeding in women compared with men (RR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.78-0.94; I2 = 0%). Network meta-analyses suggested differences between various DOACs in men and women.

LIMITATIONS

Patient-level data enabling control for differences in baseline risk and head-to-head comparisons between DOACs were not available. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Undertreatment with DOACs among women cannot be justified.

CONCLUSION

Women treated with DOACs had a lower rate of major bleeding and higher rate of stroke and systemic emboli compared with men. Further investigation of DOACs, including differences between the DOACs in specific populations is warranted.

Platelet-targeted dual pathway antithrombotic inhibits thrombosis with preserved hemostasis

Despite advances in antithrombotic therapy, the risk of recurrent coronary/cerebrovascular ischemia or venous thromboembolism remains high. Dual pathway antithrombotic blockade, using both antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, offers the promise of improved thrombotic protection; however, widespread adoption remains tempered by substantial risk of major bleeding. Here, we report a dual pathway therapeutic capable of site-specific targeting to activated platelets and therapeutic enrichment at the site of thrombus growth to allow reduced dosing without compromised antithrombotic efficacy. We engineered a recombinant fusion protein, SCE5-TAP, which consists of a single-chain antibody (SCE5) that targets and blocks the activated GPIIb/IIIa complex, and tick anticoagulant peptide (TAP), a potent direct inhibitor of activated factor X (FXa). SCE5-TAP demonstrated selective platelet targeting and inhibition of thrombosis in murine models of both carotid artery and inferior vena cava thrombosis, without a significant impact on hemostasis. Selective targeting to activated platelets provides an attractive strategy to achieve high antithrombotic efficacy with reduced risk of bleeding complications.

Triple Antithrombotic Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing PCI: a Fading Role

Triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT), consisting of aspirin, a P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonist and oral anticoagulant (OAC) medication has been considered as an 'unavoidable' strategy for a 1-12 months for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients post acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary angioplasty with stenting. However, TAT has rather poorly been adopted in real life practice, mainly because of an accompanying increased bleeding potential and lack of definitive results of randomized clinical trials. Several registries, meta-analyses and small randomized trials have so far provided the base of guidelines recommendations. Furthermore, in the recently published Open-Label, Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Study Exploring Two Treatment Strategies of Rivaroxaban and a Dose-Adjusted Oral Vitamin K Antagonist Treatment Strategy in Subjects with Atrial Fibrillation who Undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PIONEER AF-PCI) trial involving 2124 patients, the primary safety endpoint of clinically significant bleeding was significantly reduced in the rivaroxaban low dose (15 mg daily) plus single P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonist arm compared to TAT, with no difference in the secondary efficacy endpoint. Despite several limitations of the PIONEER AF-PCI trial, it appears that among patients who omit aspirin, there may be equivalent ischemic protection with dual therapy and no disadvantage for additional risk of thrombotic events.

Percutaneous coronary intervention and antiplatelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving apixaban or warfarin: Insights from the ARISTOTLE trial

BACKGROUND

We assessed antiplatelet therapy use and outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the ARISTOTLE trial.

METHODS

Patients were categorized based on the occurrence of PCI during follow-up (median 1.8 years); PCI details and outcomes post-PCI are reported. Of the 18,201 trial participants, 316 (1.7%) underwent PCI (152 in apixaban group, 164 in warfarin group).

RESULTS

At the time of PCI, 84% (267) were on study drug (either apixaban or warfarin). Of these, 19% did not stop study drug during PCI, 49% stopped and restarted <5 days post-PCI, and 30% stopped and restarted >5 days post-PCI. At 30 days post-PCI, 35% of patients received dual -antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), 23% received aspirin only, and 13% received a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor only; 29% received no antiplatelet therapy. Triple therapy (DAPT + oral anticoagulant [OAC]) was used in 21% of patients, 23% received OAC only, 15% received OAC plus aspirin, and 9% received OAC plus a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor; 32% received antiplatelet agents without OAC. Post-PCI, patients assigned to apixaban versus warfarin had numerically similar rates of major bleeding (5.93 vs 6.73 events/100 patient-years; P = .95) and stroke (2.74 vs 1.84 events/100 patient-years; P = .62).

CONCLUSIONS

PCI occurred infrequently during follow-up. Most patients on study drug at the time of PCI remained on study drug in the peri-PCI period; 19% continued the study drug without interruption. Antiplatelet therapy use post-PCI was variable, although most patients received DAPT. Additional data are needed to guide the use of antithrombotics in patients undergoing PCI.

Antithrombotic therapy strategies for atrial fibrillation patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of antiplatelet agents, vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify clinical trials comparing antiplatelet drugs with VKA and NOACs or their combination in AF patients undergoing PCI with a mean/median follow-up of at least 12 months. A network meta-analysis was conducted to directly and indirectly compare the efficacy and safety of competitive antithrombotic regimens with a Bayesian random-effects model. Results were presented as relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 15 studies enrolling 13,104 patients were included. Among 5 regimens, rivaroxaban 15 mg daily plus P2Y₁₂ inhibitor treatment demonstrated significant superiority over dual- and triple-antiplatelet therapies (DAPT, TT) in reducing thromboembolic events (0.64 [0.38, 0.95] and 0.68 [0.43, 0.98], respectively) but showed the maximum possibility of major bleeding risk, while VKA plus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) seemed the safest. Significantly less risk of major bleeding was seen in DAPT group than that in TT group (0.63 [0.39, 0.99]).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that combination of VKA and SAPT is the best choice for AF patients undergoing PCI considering both efficacy and safety. Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus DAPT treatment owns the highest probability to be the optimal alternative to VKA plus SAPT for these patients.

Management of Patients on Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in the Acute Care and Periprocedural Setting: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are now widely used as alternatives to warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and management of venous thromboembolism. In clinical practice, there is still widespread uncertainty on how to manage patients on NOACs who bleed or who are at risk for bleeding. Clinical trial data related to NOAC reversal for bleeding and perioperative management are sparse, and recommendations are largely derived from expert opinion. Knowledge of time of last ingestion of the NOAC and renal function is critical to managing these patients given that laboratory measurement is challenging because of the lack of commercially available assays in the United States. Idarucizumab is available as an antidote to rapidly reverse the effects of dabigatran. At present, there is no specific antidote available in the United States for the oral factor Xa inhibitors. Prothrombin concentrate may be considered in life-threatening bleeding. Healthcare institutions should adopt a NOAC reversal and perioperative management protocol developed with multidisciplinary input.

Antithrombotic management in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention requiring oral anticoagulation

The dynamic evolution of therapeutic options including the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA), non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC), more potent antiplatelet drugs as well as new generation drug-eluting stents could lead to the view that the current recommendations on the management of patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requiring oral anticoagulation do not keep up with the results of several clinical studies published within the last 5 years. In the present overview, we summarize the recent advances in antithrombotic management used in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing PCI for stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The safety and efficacy of prasugrel and ticagrelor taken with oral anticoagulants also remain to be established in randomized trials; therefore the P2Y₁₂ inhibitor clopidogrel on top of aspirin or without is now recommended to be used together with a VKA or NOAC. It is still unclear which dose of a NOAC in combination with antiplatelet agents and different stents should be used in this clinical setting and whether indeed NOAC are safer compared with VKA in such cardiovascular patients. Moreover, we discuss the use of anticoagulation in addition to antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention in patients with ACS. To minimize bleeding risk in anticoagulated patients following PCI or ACS, the right agent should be prescribed to the right patient at the right dose and supported by regular clinical evaluation and laboratory testing, especially assessment of renal function when a NOAC is used.