Are We Optimizing the Use of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Hospitalized with Acute Myocardial Infarction?

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAFT) is a mainstay treatment for hospital survivors of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, there are limited data on the prescribing patterns of DAFT among patients hospitalized with AMI during recent years. Objective: To examine decade-long trends (2001-2011) in the use of DAPT versus antiplatelet monotherapy and patient characteristics associated with DAFT use. Methods: The study population consisted of 2389 adults hospitalized with an initial AMI at all 11 central Massachusetts medical centers on a biennial basis between 2001 and 2011. DAFT was defined as the discharge use of aspirin plus either dopidogrel or prasugrel. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify patient characteristics associated with DAFT use. Results: The average age of the study population was 65 years, and 69% of patients were discharged on DAFT. The use of DAPT at the time of hospital discharge increased from 49% in 2001 to 74% in 2011; this increasing trend was seen across all age groups, both sexes, types of AMI, and in those who underwent a PCI. After multivariable adjustment, patients 65-74 years old (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80) and those who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (aOR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.07-0.18) were less likely to have received DAFT, while men (aOR = 14.60, 95% CI: 10.66-19.98) and those who underwent cardiac catheterization and stenting (aOR = 14.60, 95% CI: 10.66-19.98) were significantly more likely to have received DAFT at discharge than respective comparison groups. Conclusions: Between 2001 and 2011, the use of DAFT increased markedly among patients hospitalized with AMI. However, a significant proportion of patients were not discharged on this therapy. Greater awareness is needed to incorporate DAFT into the management of patients hospitalized with AMI. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.