Abstract 11472: De-Escalation of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Elderly Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the superiority of treating patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) uniform de-escalation strategy (i.e., switching from potent P2Y 12 inhibitors to clopidogrel one month after the event). However, it remains unclear if this strategy would be effective in elderly patients. We aimed to assess the efficacy of the available DAPT strategies, including the uniform de-escalation strategy, in ACS patients older than 65. Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to December 2021 for RCTs or subgroup analyses investigating DAPT strategies for elderly ACS patients (age ≥65 years) and conducted a network meta-analysis. The endpoint was net clinical benefit outcome, defined as a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding. The P-score was used to rank the treatments. Results: Seven RCTs with 5,079 patients were included. The uniform de-escalation strategy was associated with a better net clinical benefit outcome (hazard ratio: 0.62; 95% confidence interval [0.41-0.92]) compared with DAPT using potent P2Y 12 inhibitors, and it was similarly effective compared with other DAPT strategies. There was no significant heterogeneity ( I 2 =0%; p =0.82) or inconsistency ( p =0.40). The uniform de-escalation strategy was ranked as the most effective strategy (by P score) superior to DAPT using clopidogrel or low-dose prasugrel. Conclusions: The uniform de-escalation strategy was an effective strategy for older ACS patients. Compared with conventional DAPT using potent P2Y 12 inhibitors, this strategy decreased the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding events.