Verdoia M, et al. - Researchers analyzed evidence from 10 randomized clinical trials, with 73,121 patients, to determine whether a ticagrelor-based antiplatelet regimen is safe and effective in the prevention of cardiac, cerebral or vascular atherothrombotic events vs traditional antiplatelet regimens. The studies were identified from the literature and main scientific session abstracts and included mortality as the primary efficacy endpoint and the occurrence of major bleedings as a primary safety endpoint. Myocardial infarction and stroke were also mentioned as secondary endpoints. Among patients treated for coronary disease, a marked attenuation in mortality and recurrent cardiovascular events was reported in relation to treatment with a newer antiplatelet strategy based on ticagrelor vs a traditional treatment; such impacts were not seen among those with non-coronary atherothrombotic disease. A significant increase in major bleeding complications was also noted in relation to ticagrelor therapy.