Randomised trials and meta-analyses of double vs triple antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation-ACS/PCI: A critical appraisal

• The optimal antithrombotic regimen to be used in patients with AF and PCI or ACS is still debated. • Each of the six randomised controlled trials comparing double to triple therapy has limitations. • None was powered to assess differences between treatment arms in ischaemic event rates. • The contrasting results regarding ischaemic events within published meta-analyses can be explained by heterogeneity, incompleteness and varying definitions of stent thrombosis. • The overall reduced bleeding rates, but increased early definite and probable stent thrombosis rates with double versus triple antithrombotic therapy encourage consideration of triple therapy during the first weeks from PCI followed by double therapy.