Long-term use of dual antiplatelet therapy for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The potential benefit of long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events is unclear. Data from different randomized controlled trials (RCT) using different agents in different subgroups showed inconsistent results.

Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis from RCTs that tested different prolonged durations of DAPT for secondary prevention.