Short-term DAPT after coronary stenting has similar ischemic and bleeding outcomes as long-term DAPT: a 5-year population-based cohort study

Background Optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. Aim We investigated the relationship between DAPT duration following PCI and long-term ischemic and bleeding outcomes under real-world conditions. Methods Patients aged >= 65 years who underwent PCI with stenting in Western Australian hospitals between 2003 and 2008 and survived 2 years were identified from linked hospital admissions data. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) defined as a composite of all-cause death and admissions for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery revascularization procedure, stroke, and major bleeding. Secondary outcomes were ACS admissions, all-cause death, and major bleeding admissions. Patients were followed up for 5 years from initial PCI. Results A total of 3963 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the cohort was 74.5 +/- 6.1 years with 67.3% males. No significant difference was seen with 6-12, 12-18, or 18-24 months DAPT, compared to 0-6 months DAPT duration for MACCE and all secondary outcomes at 3- and 5-year post-PCI. Conclusion There is no significant difference in both bleeding and ischemic outcomes in long-term DAPT as compared to short-term DAPT for first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents in a real-world population.