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Meta-Analysis
. 2005 Oct 19;2005(4):CD001925.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001925.pub2.

Antiplatelet therapy for preventing stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and no previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks

M Aguilar, R Hart
Meta-Analysis

Antiplatelet therapy for preventing stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and no previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks

M Aguilar et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) carries an increased risk of stroke. Antiplatelet therapy (APT) is proven effective for stroke prevention in most patients at high-risk for vascular events, but its value for primary stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular AF merits separate consideration because of the suspected cardioembolic mechanism of most strokes in AF patients.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of long-term APT for primary prevention of stroke in patients with chronic non-valvular AF.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (searched August 2004). In addition, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2004), and the reference lists of recent review articles. We also contacted experts working in the field to identify unpublished and ongoing trials.

Selection criteria: Randomized trials comparing long-term APT with placebo or control in patients with non-valvular AF and no history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. A sensitivity analysis included one additional randomized trial involving primary prevention with aspirin plus very low dose warfarin.

Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted data for each outcome. Unpublished data were obtained from trial investigators.

Main results: Three trials tested aspirin in dosages ranging from 75 mg to 325 mg per day and 125 mg every other day to placebo (in two trials) or control (in one trial) in 1965 AF patients without prior stroke or TIA. The mean duration of follow up averaged 1.3 years per participant. Aspirin was associated with non-significant lower risks of all stroke (odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 1.07), ischemic stroke (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.07), all disabling or fatal stroke (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.49) and all-cause death (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.04). The combination of stroke, myocardial infarction or vascular death was significantly reduced (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.97 ). No increase in intracranial hemorrhage or major extracranial hemorrhage was observed.

Authors' conclusions: Aspirin appears to reduce stroke and major vascular events in patients with non-valvular AF similar to its effect in other high-risk patients (ie by about 25%). For primary prevention among AF patients with an average stroke rate of 4% per year, about 10 strokes would likely be prevented yearly for every 1000 AF patients given aspirin.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr Hart was a leader of the SPAF I trial that was included in this review.

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 1 All ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 2 All ischemic stroke (fatal and non‐fatal).
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 3 All disabling or fatal ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage.
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 4 Myocardial infarction.
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 5 All systemic emboli.
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 6 All intracranial hemorrhage.
1.7
1.7. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 7 All vascular death.
1.8
1.8. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 8 All major extracranial bleeds.
1.9
1.9. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 9 Composite: stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), myocardial infarction or vascular death.
1.10
1.10. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antiplatelet versus control, Outcome 10 All‐cause mortality.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Sensitivity analyses: three main aspirin trials plus SAFT (ASA + ineffective dose warfarin), Outcome 1 Three main aspirin trials plus SAFT. All ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage.
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Sensitivity analyses: three main aspirin trials plus SAFT (ASA + ineffective dose warfarin), Outcome 2 Three main aspirin trials plus SAFT. Ischemic stroke (fatal and non‐fatal).
2.3
2.3. Analysis
Comparison 2 Sensitivity analyses: three main aspirin trials plus SAFT (ASA + ineffective dose warfarin), Outcome 3 Three main aspirin trials plus SAFT. All‐cause mortality.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Sensitivity analysis: non‐disabling stroke (all stroke minus disabling stroke), Outcome 1 All stroke minus disabling or fatal stroke (non‐disabling stroke).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

References to studies included in this review

AFASAK I {published data only}
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