DAPT-CHF Subgroup Analysis Index: Explanation and Clinical Context The DAPT-CHF Subgroup Analysis Index estimates the net clinical benefit of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with coronary stents who have coexisting chronic heart failure (CHF).
The original DAPT Study demonstrated that extended DAPT beyond 12 months reduced stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction but increased moderate or severe bleeding. In the CHF subgroup analysis, patients with left ventricular dysfunction or symptomatic heart failure experienced attenuated ischemic benefit and a proportionally higher bleeding risk compared with non-CHF cohorts.
This index integrates components from the validated DAPT Score (age, diabetes, prior MI, stent characteristics, and bleeding history) while adjusting for CHF-specific modifiers such as reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and heart failure symptom status. A higher score indicates net benefit from extended DAPT, while lower or negative scores suggest a bleeding-dominant profile where shorter DAPT is advisable.
Clinically, this tool aids in personalized decision-making regarding antiplatelet therapy duration post-PCI in patients with reduced LVEF or symptomatic CHF. It supports evidence-based risk stratification, optimizing ischemic protection while minimizing hemorrhagic complications.
Reference:
Yeh RW, Secemsky EA, Kereiakes DJ, et al. Benefits and Risks of Extended Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After PCI in Patients With or Without Heart Failure: Insights From the DAPT Study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016;67(16):1886–1897. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2016.02.017
Mauri L, Kereiakes DJ, Yeh RW, et al. Twelve or 30 Months of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Drug-Eluting Stents. N Engl J Med. 2014;371:2155–2166. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1409312