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Adenosine as an Adjunctive Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Feng XM, Zhang WH, Liu J

Reviews in cardiovascular medicine, 2025

2,467 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adenosine administration can improve coronary blood flow in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, the therapeutic effects of adenosine on ST resolution and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after PCI remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of adjunctive adenosine administration on patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing PCI using a meta-analytic approach.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic search across PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception through to March 2024. Primary outcomes included ST resolution and MACEs. The pooled analyses were all conducted using the random-effects model. Additionally, exploratory analyses were carried out through the application of sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

RESULTS: Twenty-one RCTs involving 2467 patients with AMI were selected for the meta-analysis. Adenosine significantly increased the incidence of ST resolution (relative risk [RR]: 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-1.46; p < 0.001), while it significantly reduced the risk of MACEs (RR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.51-0.87; p = 0.003). Moreover, the use of adenosine was associated with reduced incidences of no reflow (RR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.24-0.52; p < 0.001) and myocardial blush grade (MBG) 0 to 1 (RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58-0.99; p = 0.041). Furthermore, adenosine significantly reduced the risk of heart…

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: 2,467 participants or records.

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