Summary
Since novel antiplatelet treatments (prasugrel, ticagrelor, high-dose clopidogrel)
have been predominantly tested against standard-dose clopidogrel, data on direct comparisons
between these therapies are scarce. We therefore indirectly compared their efficacy
and safety in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Electronic databases
were searched systematically to identify head-to-head randomised controlled trials
(RCTs). Network meta-analysis was performed using generalised linear mixed models
with adjustment for length of follow-up. Findings were corroborated by mixed treatment
comparison through Bayesian methods. Fourteen RCTs were identified and included in
the analysis (high- vs. standard-dose clopidogrel: 9 trials, prasugrel vs. high-dose
clopidogrel: 2 trials, prasugrel vs. standard-dose clopidogrel: 2 trials, ticagrelor
vs. standard-dose clopidogrel: 1 trial). No significant differences were found for
efficacy outcomes except for stent thrombosis favouring prasugrel (vs. ticagrelor:
odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42, 0.94; vs. high-dose clopidogrel:
OR 0.70, 95%CI: 0.48, 1.01). Prasugrel exhibited a similar bleeding risk as high-dose
clopidogrel, but more major (OR 1.43, 95%CI 1.07, 1.90) and major or minor bleeding
(OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.09, 1.69) compared to ticagrelor. Ticagrelor was also associated
with less major or minor bleeding compared to high-dose clopidogrel (OR 0.81, 95%CI
0.69, 0.96). No differences were seen for non CABG-related major bleeding between
the three strategies. Results were corroborated in a subgroup analysis comprising
only patients with acute coronary syndromes. In the absence of head-to-head clinical
trials, network meta-analysis suggests potentially relevant differences in efficacy
and bleeding risk among novel antiplatelet treatments and may thereby advance understanding
of their differential therapeutic properties.
Keywords
Antiplatelet agents - meta-analysis - percutaneous coronary intervention