Addition of Cilostazol to Aspirin and a Thienopyridine for Prevention of Restenosis After Coronary Artery Stenting: A Meta‐Analysis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of adding cilostazol to dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and thienopyridine) on rates of restenosis after coronary artery stenting. A meta‐analysis is conducted of randomized, controlled trials comparing 3 drug regimens (cilostazol, thienopyridine, aspirin [triple therapy]) with dual antiplatelet therapy to reduce restenosis after coronary stenting. A total of 5 studies are included for analysis. The analysis reveals that triple therapy is used in 796 patients, whereas dual therapy is used in 801 patients. Approximately 56% of patients receive a drug‐eluting stent. The 6‐month restenosis rates are significantly lower with triple versus dual antiplatelet therapy (12.7% vs 21.9%; odds ratio 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.66; P < .001). This benefit is seen regardless of whether a bare‐metal or drug‐eluting stent is used. Rates of major adverse cardiac events and bleeding are reported for 3 of the 5 studies (n = 1426); analysis of these outcomes shows no difference between treatment groups (P = .21 and .48, respectively). The addition of cilostazol to standard dual antiplatelet therapy reduces angiographic restenosis and increases MLD at 6 months without significantly affecting rates of major adverse cardiac events or bleeding.