Frontiers in Neurology (Apr 2018)

Periprocedural Antithrombotic Treatment During Acute Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review

  • Rob A. van de Graaf,
  • Rob A. van de Graaf,
  • Vicky Chalos,
  • Vicky Chalos,
  • Vicky Chalos,
  • Gregory J. del Zoppo,
  • Gregory J. del Zoppo,
  • Aad van der Lugt,
  • Diederik W. J. Dippel,
  • Bob Roozenbeek,
  • Bob Roozenbeek

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00238
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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BackgroundMore than one-third of the patients with ischemic stroke caused by an intracranial large vessel occlusion do not recover to functional independence despite fast and successful recanalization by acute mechanical thrombectomy (MT). This may partially be explained by incomplete microvascular reperfusion. Some antithrombotics, e.g., antiplatelet agents and heparin, may be able to restore microvascular reperfusion. However, antithrombotics may also increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). The aim of this review was to assess the potential safety and functional outcome of periprocedural antiplatelet or heparin use during acute MT for ischemic stroke.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane for studies investigating the safety and functional outcome of periprocedural antiplatelet or heparin treatment during acute MT for ischemic stroke. The primary outcome was the risk for sICH. Secondary outcomes were functional independence after 3–6 months (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) and mortality within 6 months.Results837 studies were identified through the search, of which 19 studies were included. The sICH risks of the periprocedural use of antiplatelets ranged from 6 to 17%, and for heparin from 5 to 12%. Two of four studies reporting relative effects of the use of antithrombotics are pointing toward an increased risk of sICH. Among patients treated with antiplatelet agents, functional independence varied from 23 to 60% and mortality from 18 to 33%. For heparin, this was, respectively, 19–54% and 19–33%. The three studies presenting relative effects of antiplatelets on functional independence showed neutral effects. Both studies reporting relative effects of heparin on functional independence found it to increase this chance.ConclusionRandomized controlled trials investigating the effect of periprocedural antithrombotic treatment in MT are lacking. Some observational studies report a slight increase in sICH risk, which may be acceptable because they also suggest a beneficial effect on functional outcome. Therefore, randomized controlled trials are warranted to address the question whether the potentially higher risk of sICH could be outweighed by improved functional outcome.

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