A recent study revealed that in migraine patients with or without patent foramen ovale (PFO), P2Y12 platelet inhibitor may prevent the outbreak of migraine headache after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure (ASDC). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the researchers aimed to determine the efficacy of the P2Y12 platelet inhibitor for treating migraine and avoiding new-onset migraine headaches.

Databases including Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were comprehensively explored for relevant studies. The new-onset migraine attacks rate after ASDC and headache responder rate were the major endpoints ascertained. Overall, 4 studies including 262 subjects suffering from migraine with or without PFO and 3 studies including 539 subjects with antiplatelet therapy to prevent the outbreak of migraine after ASDC were incorporated.

Notably, 0.64 was found to be the pooled responder rate of P2Y12 inhibitor for migraine. The usage of antiplatelet regimens incorporating P2Y12 inhibitor, compared with regimens without P2Y12 inhibitor eventuated in a reduced rate of new-onset migraine headache (odds ratio: 0.41) for ASDC undergone subjects. Thus, the responsiveness of the P2Y12 inhibitor may aid select candidates who would profit from PFO closure.