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Anti-inflammatory therapies to prevent cardiovascular events: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Boczar KE, Pearson AL, Hakimjavadi R, Shin S, Shahab S, Geejo A, Visintini SM, Fehlmann CA et al.

Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 2026

29,487 participants

Abstract

Background: Anti-inflammatory therapies have been increasingly investigated for the reduction of cardiovascular (CV) events. The objective of this paper was to summarize and compare the relative effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications for the reduction of CV events in patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD), either acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or stable CAD.

Methods: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that included at least one anti-inflammatory treatment and involved patients with CAD. Databases searched: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, clinical trial registry websites, Europe PMC, and conference abstracts. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to calculate risk estimates using fixed-effects analyses in patients with ACS and stable CAD. Risk of bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tool.

Results: 17,021 studies were screened; 41 met inclusion criteria. 29,487 patients were included in the ACS network and 41,791 in the stable CAD network. In the ACS network analysis, both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [OR: 0.30, 95% Credible Limits (CrI): 0.11-0.74] and colchicine (OR: 0.77, CrI: 0.62-0.95) were associated with a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events (MACE) compared to control. In the stable CAD analysis, both corticosteroids (OR: 0.44, 95% CrI: 0.26-0.72) and colchicine (OR: 0.65, CrI: 0.54-0.77) were…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 29,487 participants or records.

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