Comparison of the effect of single vs dual antiplatelet agents on post-operative haemorrhage after renal transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Transplantation reviews (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2021-01, Vol.35 (1), p.100594-100594, Article 100594
• Main Authors: Lee, Taina, D'Souza, Kenneth, Hameed, Ahmer, Yao, Jinna, Lam, Susanna, Chadban, Steven, Ying, Tracey, Celermajer, David, Sandroussi, Charbel, Pleass, Henry Claud Capron, Laurence, Jerome Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiplatelets agents; Dual anti-platelet therapy; Kidney transplantation; Post-operative haemorrhage
• ISSN: 0955-470X; 1557-9816
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2020.100594

A significant proportion of renal transplant patients have cardiovascular comorbidities for which they receive treatment with antiplatelet agents. The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature reporting perioperative outcomes for patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy compared to single antiplatelet therapy at the time of kidney transplantation with particular reference to the risks of postoperative haemorrhage. Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases were utilized to identify articles reporting outcomes of renal transplant recipients on single antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy. These outcomes were compared using a random effects model meta-analysis where appropriate. Six articles were incorporated in the analysis, including 130 receiving dual antiplatelet therapy, and 781 in the single antiplatelet therapy group. There was a significantly higher risk of post-operative haemorrhagic events in the dual antiplatelet therapy group compared to the single antiplatelet therapy group (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.19–2.09, p = 0.001). Post-operative cardiovascular event rates were similar between both groups in individual studies, although this could not be quantitatively analysed. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy was associated with a higher risk of post-operative haemorrhage compared to the use of single antiplatelet therapy without increased rates of surgical intervention. However, the use of dual antiplatelet therapy may provide protection from cardiovascular events in an inherently higher risk patient group. •Dual anti-platelet agents use is not an uncommon issue seen in kidney transplant recipients.•Dual anti-platelets in kidney transplantation have an increased risk of haemorrhage.•Further studies measuring outcomes for haemorrhage and cardiovascular events needed