title: Meta-analysis of transcatheter closure versus medical therapy for patent foramen ovale in prevention of recurrent neurological events after presumed paradoxical embolism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, a meta-analysis of observational studies was performed to compare the rate of recurrent neurological events (RNE) between transcatheter closure and medical management of patients with cryptogenic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and concomitant patent foramen ovale (PFO).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  A significant controversy surrounds the optimal strategy for treatment of cryptogenic stroke/TIA and coexistent PFO.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a MEDLINE search with standard search terms to determine eligible studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Adjusted incidence rates of RNE were 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5 to 1.1) events and 5.0 (95% CI: 3.6 to 6.9) events/100 person-years (PY) in the transcatheter closure and medical management arms, respectively. Meta-analysis of the limited number of comparative studies and meta-regression analysis suggested that the transcatheter closure might be superior to the medical therapy in prevention of RNE after cryptogenic stroke. Comparison of the anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy subgroups of the medical arm yielded a significantly lower risk of RNE within patients treated with anticoagulants. Device-related complications were encountered at the rate of 4.1 (95% CI: 3.2 to 5.0) events/100 PY, with atrial arrhythmias being the most frequent complication. After transcatheter closure, RNE did not seem to be related to the pre-treatment shunt size or the presence of residual shunting in the follow-up period. Significant benefit of transcatheter PFO closure was apparent in elderly patients, patients with concomitant atrial septal aneurysm, and patients with thrombophilia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rates of RNE with transcatheter closure and medical therapy in patients presenting with cryptogenic stroke or TIA were estimated at 0.8 and 5.0 events/100 PY. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to conclusively compare these 2 management strategies.
authors: Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
authors: Shikhar
authors: S
authors: Agarwal
authors: Navkaranbir Singh
authors: NS
authors: Bajaj
authors: Dharam J
authors: DJ
authors: Kumbhani
authors: E Murat
authors: EM
authors: Tuzcu
authors: Samir R
authors: SR
authors: Kapadia
mesh_terms: D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D018570:Risk Assessment; D055989:Septal Occluder Device; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*