Safety and Efficacy of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors After Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Elevated circulating cholesterol levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) increase morbidity and mortality. Recent studies reported that PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) have a beneficial effect on various domains of patients’ lipid profiles and cardiovascular and mortality outcomes. Here, we aim to further investigate the efficacy and safety of PCSK9i in patients with ACS or who experienced recent episodes. Methods We comprehensively searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing PCSK9i versus placebo. Data were extracted and analysed using Stata/MP version 17.0. Results Eleven studies ( n = 24,732) were included in this meta-analysis. In terms of efficacy outcomes, compared with the control group, PCSK9i significantly decreased levels of LDL-C, TC, TG, Lp (a) and Apo-B, with the following values, respectively: Cohen’s d of − 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI − 1.64 to − 0.87); Cohen’s d of − 1.32, 95% CI (− 1.83 to − 0.81); Cohen’s d of − 0.26, 95% CI (− 0.37 to − 0.14); Cohen’s d of − 0.70, 95% CI (− 1.15 to − 0.26); and Cohen’s d of − 1.46, 95% CI (− 1.97 to − 0.94). The levels of HDL-C and Apo-A1 increased by: Cohen’s d 0.27, 95% CI (0.16–0.39) and Cohen’s d of 0.30, 95% CI (0.17–0.42), respectively. Regarding safety outcomes, PCSK9i was associated with lower odds of myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular events with the following values, respectively: OR = 0.87, 95% CI (0.78–0.97) and OR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.52–0.98). Conclusions PCSK9i was associated with better lipid profile and quality of life of patients and can be recommended as an optimal treatment strategy. Further trials should study combinations of PCSK9i with other lipid-lowering drugs.