Propensity Score–Based Analysis of Percutaneous Closure Versus Medical Therapy in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke and Patent Foramen Ovale

Meta-analysis of patent foramen ovale closure versus medical therapy for prevention of recurrent ischemic neurological events: Impact of medication type

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment strategy for patent foramen ovale (PFO) patients with cryptic stroke remains controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of PFO closure versus different types of medical therapy.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The primary efficacy endpoints were the composite outcome of recurrent stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Secondary efficacy endpoints included separate stroke and TIA. Safety endpoints included new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter and bleeding.

RESULTS

Compared with antiplatelet therapy, PFO closure significantly reduced the risk of composite outcome (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-0.51), stroke (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.13-0.36], and TIA (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.98); Compared with the mixed medical therapy group (consist of antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, or both), PFO closure still showed some benefits, but the effect was not as significant as that of antiplatelet therapy (composite outcome: OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.41-0.69; stroke: OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.68; TIA: OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.96); Compared with anticoagulant therapy, PFO closure showed no benefit (composite outcome: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.46-1.28; stroke: OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.28-1.25; TIA: OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.50-2.04). In terms of safe endpoints, compared with antiplatelet therapy and anticoagulant therapy, PFO closure increased the risk of AF/atrial flutter (OR 9.56, 95% CI 2.85-32.06; OR 18.96, 95% CI 1.11-323.8, respectively) and reduced the risk of bleeding (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.24-1.05; OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.46, respectively); compared with mixed medical therapy, PFO closure increased the risk of AF/atrial flutter (OR 4.40,95% CI 2.24-8.67), but there was no difference in bleeding (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.56-1.68).

CONCLUSIONS

With the addition of anticoagulants, the benefit of PFO closure decreased gradually. Patient groups that adopt individualized medical therapy strategies may benefit more.

Prognosis of Cryptogenic Stroke With Patent Foramen Ovale at Older Ages and Implications for Trials: A Population-Based Study and Systematic Review

Importance

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure may prevent recurrent stroke after cryptogenic transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke (TIA/stroke) in patients aged 60 years or younger. Patent foramen ovale is associated with cryptogenic stroke in the older population, but risk of recurrence is unknown. Data on prognosis of patients receiving medical treatment at older ages (≥60 years) are essential to justify trials of PFO closure.

Objective

To examine the age-specific risk of recurrence in patients with cryptogenic TIA/stroke with PFO.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A prospective study was nested in the population-based Oxford Vascular Study between September 1, 2014, and March 31, 2019, with face-to-face follow-up for 5 years. A total of 416 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of cryptogenic TIA or nondisabling stroke, screened for PFO at a rapid-access TIA/stroke clinic, were included. A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies reporting on ischemic stroke recurrence after cryptogenic TIA/stroke in patients with PFO who were receiving medical therapy alone, or with PFO vs no-PFO was conducted. Sample size calculation for future trials on PFO closure was performed for patients aged 60 years or older.

Exposures

Patent foramen ovale and age as modifiers of risk of recurrent stroke after cryptogenic TIA/stroke in patients receiving only medical therapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Risk of ischemic stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic TIA/stroke and PFO receiving medical therapy only, and in patients with vs without PFO, stratified by age (<65 vs ≥65 years), as well as sample-size calculation for future trials of PFO closure in patients aged 60 years or older.

Results

Among the 153 Oxford Vascular Study patients with PFO (mean [SD] age, 66.7 [13.7] years; 80 [52.3%] men), recurrent ischemic stroke risk (2.05 per 100 patient-years) was similar to the pooled estimate from a systematic review of 23 other studies (9 trials and 14 observational studies) (2.00 per 100 patient-years; 95% CI, 1.55-2.58). However, there was heterogeneity between studies (P < .001 for heterogeneity), owing mainly to risk increasing with mean cohort age (meta-regression: R2 = 0.31; P = .003). In the pooled analysis of 4 studies including patients with or without PFO, increased risk of stroke recurrence with PFO was seen only at age 65 years or older (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.2; P = .001 for difference; P = .39 for heterogeneity). The pooled ischemic stroke risk was 3.27 per 100 patient-years (95% CI, 2.59-4.13) in 4 cohorts with mean age 60 years or older. Assuming the more conservative 2.0 per 100 patient-years ischemic stroke risk in the PFO nonclosure arms of future trials in patients aged 60 years or older, projected sample sizes were 1080 per arm for 80% power to detect a 33% relative risk reduction.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that age is a determinant of risk of ischemic stroke after cryptogenic TIA/stroke in patients with PFO, such that trials of PFO closure at older ages are justified; however, projected sample sizes are large.

Long-term efficacy after closure of patent foramen ovale for ischemic neurological events in young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure remains controversial, and it is unclear which patient groups are best benefited. We performed this meta-analysis to clarify the efficacy of PFO closure of younger patients for prevention of recurrent ischemic neurological events.

METHODS

We systematically searched for studies of PFO closure for younger patients under the age of 55, and pooled available data on PFO closure of younger vs older patients and on PFO closure of younger patients vs medical therapy. The primary endpoints were the composite outcome of recurrent ischemic neurological events [stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (TIA)]. The secondary endpoints included recurrent stroke, TIA, atrial fibrillation (AF) and bleeding events. We calculated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using fixed-effect and random-effect models.

RESULTS

Three randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 13 observational studies were eligible. Compared with older patients undergoing PFO closure, younger patients undergoing closure had a lower risk of composite outcome (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.28 to .56; P < .001) and AF (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10-0.61; P = .003). Compared with medical therapy, PFO closure of younger patients reduced the risk of composite outcome (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.33-0.75; P<.001); there was no statistical difference in total complications of AF and bleeding events (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 0.15-30.37; P = .57). Separate analysis of stroke and TIA showed that PFO closure in younger patients was more effective in preventing stroke (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.28-0.72; P < .001) and TIA (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.21-0.58); P < .001) compared with older patients. Compared with medical therapy, PFO closure of younger patients reduced the risk of stroke (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13-0.51; P < .001); but there was no difference in the risk of TIA (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.16-7.01; P = .94).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with PFO closure of older patients and medical therapy, PFO closure of younger patients can benefit more for the prevention of recurrent ischemic neurological events. Our results indicate that PFO closure is the best treatment strategy for younger patients under the age of 55.

Patent foramen ovale closure versus medical therapy for stroke prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Previous randomized trials on patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure versus medical therapy for stroke prevention were inconclusive. Recently, two new randomized trials and new findings from an extended follow-up of a previous trial have been published on this topic. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing PFO closure with medical therapy for stroke prevention.

Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched until 16 ^th September 2017.  The following search terms were used for PubMed: "patent foramen ovale" AND (stroke OR embolism) and "randomized" AND "Trial". For Cochrane Library, the following terms were used: "patent foramen ovale" AND "closure" AND (stroke OR embolism).

Results: A total of 91 and 55 entries were retrieved from each database using our search strategy respectively, of which six studies on five trials met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis included 1829 patients in the PFO closure arm (mean age: 45.3 years; 54% male) and 1972 patients in the medical therapy arm (mean age: 45.1 years; 51% male). The median follow-up duration was 50 ± 30 months. When compared to medical therapy, PFO closure significantly reduced primary endpoint events with a risk ratio [RR] of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.44-0.83, P < 0.0001; I²: 15%). It also reduced stroke (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.35-0.73, P < 0.0001; I²: 32%) despite increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter (RR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.23-2.93, P < 0.01; I²: 43%). However, it did not reduce transient ischemic accident events (0.75; 95% CI: 0.51-1.10, P = 0.14; I²: 0%), all-cause bleeding (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.44-1.78, P = 0.74; I²: 51%) or gastrointestinal complications (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.32-2.70, P = 0.88; I²: 0%).

Conclusions: PFO closure significantly reduces risk of stroke when compared to medical treatment and should therefore be considered for stroke prevention in PFO patients.

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale vs. medical treatment for patients with history of cryptogenic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Patients with history of cryptogenic stroke are more likely to have a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and should be managed with antithrombotic agents, while the alternative option is percutaneous closure of PFOs. Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing percutaneous closure vs. medical treatment for patients with PFO and prior cryptogenic stroke.

METHODS

Medline, Scopus and Cochrane databases were reviewed. A random-effect model meta-analysis was used and I-square was utilized to assess the heterogeneity. New ischemic stroke was defined as the primary endpoint. A sensitivity analysis was performed for Amplatzer device. Subgroup analyses were performed for different patient and PFO characteristics for the composite endpoints as defined by the included RCTs.

RESULTS

In total of 3440 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Closure devices were superior to medical therapy for prevention of recurrent ischemic strokes (HR = 0.29; CI: 0.02-0.56), but were associated with increased risk of new onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (RR = 4.67; CI: 2.22-9.81). However, in the sensitivity analysis for Amplatzer device, there was no difference between the two groups in new onset of atrial arrhythmias. Closure devices were superior across all different subgroups when compared to medical treatment with the exception of patients with a small shunt.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows that closure devices for patients with PFO and history of cryptogenic stroke can significantly decrease the risk of a new ischemic stroke. The use of Amplatzer device was not associated with increased risk of newly diagnosed atrial arrhythmias.

Percutaneous closure versus medical therapy for stroke with patent foramen Ovale: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure has emerged as a secondary prevention option in patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke. However, the comparative efficacy and safety of percutaneous closure and medical therapy in patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO remain unclear.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies that compared PFO closure against medical therapy, each with a minimal of 20 patients in the closure arm and 1-year follow-up were included.

RESULTS

We analyzed 6961 patients from 20 studies (5 RCTs and 15 observational studies) with a median follow-up of 3.1 years. Moderate-quality evidence showed that PFO closure was associated with a significantly lower incidence of the composite outcome of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or all-cause death (odds ratio [OR]: 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38 to 0.85; P = 0.006), mainly driven by lower incidence of stroke (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.63; P < 0.001). The numbers needed to treat were 43 and 39 for the composite outcome and recurrent ischemic stroke respectively. PFO closure increased the risks for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (OR: 5.74; 95% CI: 3.08 to 10.70; P < 0.001; high-quality evidence) and pulmonary embolism (OR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.06 to 8.63; P = 0.038; moderate-quality evidence), with the numbers needed to harm being 30 and 143 respectively. The risks for TIA, all-cause death, and major bleeding were not statistically different. Analyses limited to RCTs showed similar findings, as did a series of other subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, PFO closure reduced the incidences of stroke and the composite outcome of ischemic stroke, TIA, or all-cause death, but increased risks for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter and pulmonary embolism compared with medical therapy.

Patent foramen ovale closure versus medical therapy for stroke prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Previous randomized trials on patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure versus medical therapy for stroke prevention were inconclusive. Recently, two new randomized trials and new findings from an extended follow-up of a previous trial have been published on this topic. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing PFO closure with medical therapy for stroke prevention. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched until 16 th September 2017.  The following search terms were used for PubMed: "patent foramen ovale" AND (stroke OR embolism) and "randomized" AND "Trial". For Cochrane Library, the following terms were used: "patent foramen ovale" AND "closure" AND (stroke OR embolism). Results: A total of 91 and 55 entries were retrieved from each database using our search strategy respectively, of which six studies on five trials met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis included 1829 patients in the PFO closure arm (mean age: 45.3 years; 54% male) and 1972 patients in the medical therapy arm (mean age: 45.1 years; 51% male). The median follow-up duration was 50 ± 30 months. When compared to medical therapy, PFO closure significantly reduced primary endpoint events with a risk ratio [RR] of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.44-0.83, P < 0.0001; I 2: 15%). It also reduced stroke (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.35-0.73, P < 0.0001; I 2: 32%) despite increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter (RR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.23-2.93, P < 0.01; I 2: 43%). However, it did not reduce transient ischemic accident events (0.75; 95% CI: 0.51-1.10, P = 0.14; I 2: 0%), all-cause bleeding (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.44-1.78, P = 0.74; I 2: 51%) or gastrointestinal complications (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.32-2.70, P = 0.88; I 2: 0%). Conclusions: PFO closure significantly reduces risk of stroke when compared to medical treatment and should therefore be considered for stroke prevention in PFO patients.

Current Dataset for Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in Cryptogenic Stroke: Randomized Clinical Trials and Observational Studies

Approximately one-third of all strokes have no apparent cause. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present in as many as 60% of these patients with cryptogenic strokes, which is significantly more frequent than that of the general population. The presumed biologic mechanisms of ischemic stroke in the setting of a PFO are paradoxic embolism from the peripheral venous system through this interatrial shunt or embolism from in situ thrombosis. In this review, the authors summarize and critically assess the contemporary studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of PFO closure for prevention of recurrent cryptogenic strokes.