Should P2Y12 inhibitors be given for 12 months in acute coronary syndrome?
OBJECTIVE
To provide updates regarding the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).


RESULTS
Within the past years, five moderate-sized randomized controlled trials evaluated different DAPT durations after percutaneous coronary intervention. These studies included a significant percentage of ACS patients that varied from 30 to 75% depending on the study. Results suggest that in selected populations prolonging DAPT does not offer additional protection from ischemic events and increases bleeding complications. However, results from a large-scale registry illustrate that DAPT durations beyond 6 months are associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Moreover, a multicenter registry demonstrated that the context underlying DAPT cessation is an additional correlate of outcomes after stent implantation.


CONCLUSIONS
Current guidelines suggest 12 months of DAPT after an initial presentation with ACS. Emerging evidence suggest that in selected populations shorter duration might be acceptable.
aThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai bCardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, USA.
Georgios
G
Christodoulidis
Usman
U
Baber
Roxana
R
Mehran
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058921:Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015607:Stents; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D058921:Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D013988:Ticlopidine; D001241:Aspirin