Key result
Antiplatelet agents did not significantly affect the annual growth rate of abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter compared to control (MD -0.04, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.30).
Why the study?
It was unknown whether antiplatelet agents are associated with the reduction, expansion, and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Do antiplatelet agents reduce the expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with AAA?
Meta-Analysis (n=5,392)
Do antiplatelet agents reduce the expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with AAA?
Mean Difference: -0.04 (95% CI -0.37–0.3)
Antiplatelet agents do not provide a benefit in slowing the growth rate or preventing the expansion and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
No AAA-specific benefit from antiplatelets; confirms lack of effect on growth or rupture and leaves open need for targeted trials.
Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate whether antiplatelet agents are associated with the reduction, expansion, and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: A thorough exploration was conducted on four prominent databases, namely EMBASE, Ovid, PubMed, and Scopus, to identify studies that reported the influence of antiplatelet agents on the sac development of AAA. The assessment was carried out until March 2023. R software v.4.1 was used for statistical analysis. Results: After reviewing 13 publications which included a total of 5392 patients (1446 in the antiplatelet group and 2540 in the control group), a meta-analysis was conducted. The results of the analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the annual growth rate of AAA diameter between those who received antiplatelet agents and those who did not (mean difference (MD) = –0.04, 95% CI = [–0.37, 0.30]; heterogeneity: p < 0.01, I2 = 91%, τ2 = 0.1278). Additionally, there was no difference in the number of patients who experienced aneurysm diameter expansion between the two groups, significantly (odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% CI = [0.41, 2.25]; heterogeneity: p < 0.01, I2 = 78%, τ2 = 0.5849). Conclusions: Antiplatelet agents do not affect AAA’s reduction, expansion, or rupture. There is no benefit to AAA patients taking antiplatelet agents for the purpose of slowing down growth rates of sac diameter.
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Yang et al. (2023) conducted a meta-analysis in Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (n=5,392). Antiplatelet agents vs. Placebo or no antiplatelet agents was evaluated on Annual growth rate of AAA diameter (MD -0.04, 95% CI -0.37, 0.30). Antiplatelet agents did not significantly affect the annual growth rate of abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter compared to control (MD -0.04, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.30).
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