Arch Intern Med
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Combined aspirin-oral anticoagulant therapy compared with oral anticoagulant therapy alone among patients at risk for cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.
For patients receiving oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy, deciding whether to add aspirin to their treatment is a common clinical scenario with no clear guidelines to aid practice. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing these 2 treatment strategies (combined aspirin-OAC therapy vs OAC therapy alone) to assess the therapeutic benefits and risks. ⋯ Our findings question the current practice of using combined aspirin-OAC therapy except in patients with a mechanical heart valve, given the questionable benefits in reducing thromboembolic events and the increased risk of major bleeding.