Balancing the benefits and risks of dual-antiplatelet therapy is critical for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. This study was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025. 

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized clinical trials was performed, including 43,882 patients who received either short-term dual-antiplatelet therapy (<3 months) or guideline-recommended durations (6–12 months) following PCI. Most patients were male (75%) with a mean age of 64 years, and 57% presented with acute coronary syndrome. 

In seven studies, P2Y12 inhibitors were continued as single antiplatelet therapy after DAPT, while aspirin was used in three studies. Over 12 to 24 months of follow-up, short-term DAPT significantly reduced rates of major bleeding (risk ratio 0.55, p<0.001) without increasing the risk of death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, or target vessel revascularization.

These findings support the safety of shorter DAPT regimens, highlighting a potential strategy to lower bleeding complications while maintaining cardiovascular protection after PCI.