A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing percutaneous coronary intervention with optimal medical therapy in stable obstructive coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for patients suffering from stable obstructive coronary artery disease (SOCAD) is controversial. Many studies have examined the value of performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in these patients but so far no study has been able to demonstrate an improvement in outcomes by performing PCI in addition to optimal medical therapy (OMT). This study aimed to examine the added value of performing PCI plus OMT vs. OMT alone regarding cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a systematic search and a meta-analysis for randomized controlled trials comparing PCI plus OMT vs. OMT in SOCAD patients. We included six trials (N = 11 144) with follow-up ranges 2.2-11.4 years. The pooled analysis showed no significant difference between PCI + OMT vs. OMT group regarding all-cause mortality, odds ratio (OR) = 0.98 [confidence interval (CI) 0.86-1.12, P = 0.79, I2 = 0%]. In addition, we have found no difference between the two groups regarding cardiovascular mortality, OR = 0.91 (CI 0.76-1.08, P = 0.27, I2 = 24%). Moreover, there was no difference in the incidence of myocardial infarction, OR = 0.92 (CI 0.81-1.04, P = 0.18, I2 = 49%).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that there is no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes of patients with SOCAD by performing PCI plus OMT vs. OMT alone. This study provides an insight that should be taken under consideration in the management of SOCAD patients.