The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary stent implantation: to go too far is as bad as to fall short.

ABSTRACT: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is key for secondary prevention of recurrent coronary ischemic events and stent thrombosis. For this purpose, DAPT showed superior efficacy compared to aspirin alone, but it is also associated with an increased risk of major, and potentially fatal, bleeding. Hence, while secondary prevention with aspirin monotherapy is generally maintained for an indefinite period, the duration of DAPT after the index event is still debated. Multiple trials have challenged the guideline recommended standard of care of 12 months of DAPT duration. These studies tested on one side a treatment reduction to 6 or 3 months, and on the other side an extension of treatment beyond 12 months in order to define the optimal DAPT duration maximizing the

SUBMITTER: Costa F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6232356 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature