Clopidogrel versus newer P2Y12 inhibitors in the dual antiplatelet therapy for stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms: A meta-analysis

Introduction Stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE) for cerebral aneurysms requires dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), commonly clopidogrel plus aspirin is preferable to ticagrelor or prasugrel plus aspirin. However, there are few studies assessing the safety of the association of ticagrelor or prasugrel plus aspirin. Objectives Compare the safety of newer P2Y12 inhibitors with clopidogrel in patients that underwent a SACE for cerebral aneurysms. Methods In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we searched PubMed and Embase for studies comparing newer P2Y12 inhibitors with clopidogrel in patients undergoing DAPT for SACE. Outcomes were total number of complications, number of hemorrhagic complications, and number of thromboembolic complications both intraoperative and follow-up. A random effects model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We included 1026 patients from six studies. Newer P2Y12 inhibitors were used in 562 (54,77%) patients. There were no significant differences between groups in total number of complications (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.32, 1.99; p < 0.01; I 2 = 78%), in intraoperative hemorrhagic complications (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.09, 4.71; p = 0.68; I 2 = 0%), follow-up hemorrhagic complications (OR 1.23; 95% CI 0.70, 2.15; p = 0.49; I 2 = 0%), intraoperative thromboembolic complications (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.14, 1.35; p = 0.25; I 2 = 24%), and in follow-up thromboembolic complications (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.33, 2.39; p = 0.03; I 2 = 59%). Conclusion In patients who underwent a SACE, newer P2Y12 inhibitors showed no differences in intraoperative and follow-up complications compared with clopidogrel.