Optimizing antithrombotic therapy following mitral valve repair: a comprehensive network meta-analysis

Bibliographic Information
Authors: Gbreel M.I.; Elkasaby M.H.; Hassan M.; Becher M.U.; Balata M.
Journal: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd
Publication Date: 23 August 2025
Volume / Issue: Volume 25 / Issue 1
Article No.: 628
ISSN: 14712261
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-025-04974-4
Scopus: View on Scopus
PubMed: 40849614
Document Type: Article
Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
Authors and Affiliations
Gbreel M.I., Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt, Department of Cardiology, Epyptian Railway Medical Centre (ERMC), Cairo, Egypt; Elkasaby M.H., Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Hassan M., Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Becher M.U., Department of Cardiology, Städtisches Klinikum Solingen, Solingen, Germany; Balata M., Department of cardiology, University hospital Rostock, Rostock, Germany
Abstract
Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) presents either as primary or secondary, with options for surgical or transcatheter repair. Thromboembolic risks following surgery are significant despite the use of antithrombotic medications, and guidelines for postoperative anticoagulation therapy lack consistency. This systematic review aims to compare antithrombotic medications after mitral valve repair (MVR). In this study, we intend to compare antithrombotic medications after MVR. Materials and methods: The study followed the Cochrane handbook and PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched databases (PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Cochrane, Web of Science) until June 2024 for TMVR studies using specific criteria. Quality assessment utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data extraction encompassed study characteristics and outcomes. Primary outcomes included thromboembolic events and bleeding within six months. Statistical analysis employed R software to assess heterogeneity and publication bias. Results: From the 121 articles screened, 12 were included in the study. These cohort studies, involving 20,644 participants, spanned from 2008 to 2022. While most studies were of good to high quality, some exhibited lower quality. Analysis favored oral anticoagulants (OAC) over single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) for reducing bleeding risk (RR = 0.31, 95% CI: [0.11–0.87], P < 0.05), with moderate heterogeneity. Thromboembolic events did not significantly differ among interventions. Transient ischemic attacks and stroke outcomes were similar between SAPT and vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Six-month mortality rates were comparable between SAPT and VKA, with notable heterogeneity and higher mortality with SAPT in one study. Qualitative synthesis highlighted procedural success rates and bleeding complications across different interventions in transcatheter mitral valve repair studies. Conclusion: OACs showed a lower risk of bleeding compared to antiplatelet therapies, while VKAs and OAC + SAPT may reduce thromboembolic events. No significant differences were found in stroke, TIA, or short-term mortality. These findings support individualized therapy and highlight the need for further randomized trials. © The Author(s) 2025.
Keywords
Anticoagulant; ASA; Clopidogrel; Mitral regurgitation; Mitral valve repair; Network meta-analysis; Aged; Anticoagulants; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Mitral Valve Annuloplasty; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Network Meta-Analysis as Topic; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Thromboembolism; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; anticoagulant agent; antithrombocytic agent; antivitamin K; warfarin; fibrinolytic agent; antithrombotic activity; Article; bleeding; cerebrovascular accident; dual antiplatelet therapy; follow up; human; meta analysis; mitral valve regurgitation; mortality rate; Newcastle-Ottawa scale; systematic review; transient ischemic attack; adverse event; diagnosis; diagnostic imaging; etiology; heart valve replacement; mitral annuloplasty; mortality; network meta analysis (topic); pathophysiology; prevention and control; risk factor; surgery; time factor
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 8
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