Effects of intensive lipid-lowering therapy on mortality after coronary bypass surgery: A meta-analysis of 7 randomised trials

Background and aims The recent reported analysis from the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial showed that patients with previous coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) had enhanced clinical benefits in response to intensive low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c). Nonetheless, the impact on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was difficult to ascertain given the relatively small number. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis investigating the role of more versus less intensive lipid-lowering treatment, taking into consideration the difference in studies duration when reporting treatment effect. Results A significant 14% reduction in deaths from any cause [RR 0.86 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.99)] and 25% reduction in cardiovascular mortality [RR 0.75, (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.86)] were associated with intensive LDL-c reduction in patients post CABG. Importantly, this reduction was apparent in patients who were stable or developed an acute coronary syndrome following CABG. Conclusions Patients with previous CABG incurred reduction in all-cause mortality and particularly cardiovascular mortality in response to intensive LDL-c reduction. Patient's clinical presentation following CABG did not modulate the associated benefits with intensive LDL-c reduction. Characterising atherosclerotic disease may help identify other high-risk groups who may benefit maximally from additional lipid-lowering therapies.