Bivalirudin versus heparin in STEMI after BRIGHT-4 trial: an updated meta-analysis

Background The use of bivalirudin-based anticoagulation over heparin-based anticoagulation for coronary percutaneous intervention has been debated for a long time. Multiple trials have shown promising benefits of bivalirudin over heparin therapy with the most recent addition being the BRIGHT-4 trial. We performed a meta-analysis to assess evidence from these trials, focusing on the coronary intervention of the STEMI population. Methods This meta-analysis was performed based on PRISMA guidelines after registering in PROSPERO (CRD42023394701). Databases were searched for relevant articles published before January 2023. Pertinent data from the included studies were extracted and analyzed using RevMan v5.4. Results Out of 2375 studies evaluated, 13 randomized control trials with 24 360 acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients were included for analysis. The bivalirudin-based anticoagulation reduced the net clinical events (OR 0.75, CI 0.61–0.92), major adverse cardiac or cerebral events (OR 0.85, CI 0.74–0.98), any bleeding (OR 0.61, CI 0.45–0.83), major bleeding (OR 0.54, CI 0.39–0.75), all-cause mortality (OR 0.79, CI 0.67–0.92) and cardiac mortality (OR 0.78, CI 0.65–0.93) significantly without increasing the risk of any stent thrombosis (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.52–1.61), definite stent thrombosis (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.62–2.22) and acute stent thrombosis (OR 2.06, 95% CI 0.69–6.09) significantly at 30 days. Conclusion Based on this meta-analysis, bivalirudin plus a post-PCI high-dose infusion-based anticoagulation during STEMI PCI has significant benefits over heparin therapy for cardiovascular outcomes without a significant increase in the risk of thrombotic outcomes.