SynthesisEFORT open reviews2026
Antiplatelets match anticoagulants for VTE prevention after joint arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Synthesis in EFORT open reviews, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Purpose: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), encompassing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), remains a major risk after joint arthroplasty. This study compares antiplatelet agents versus anticoagulants for VTE prevention in adults undergoing joint arthroplasty. Methods: The review process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antiplatelets with anticoagulants for VTE prevention in adults undergoing joint arthroplasty were included. Data were pooled using a random effects meta-analysis to account for heterogeneity. Results: Nineteen RCTs involving 30,290 patients met the inclusion criteria. No significant difference was found between antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in preventing VTE (risk ratio (RR): 1.08; 95% CI: 0.81-1.44), DVT (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.83-1.51), or PE (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.94-1.69). However, in studies conducted after 2015 and those incorporating mechanical prophylaxis, the antiplatelet group had higher rates of VTE, DVT, and PE. Notably, female patients on antiplatelets had lower VTE rates, suggesting potential sex-specific benefits. Regarding safety, antiplatelet agents were associated with fewer bleeding complications compared to anticoagulants. Conclusion: Antiplatelet agents are as effective as anticoagulants in preventing VTE, DVT, and PE after joint arthroplasty and may offer a better safety profile with fewer bleeding complications. Despite some heterogeneity and potential biases, the evidence supports considering antiplatelet agents, particularly aspirin, as a cost-effective and reliable option for VTE prophylaxis in this patient population.
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