Effect of abciximab on the pattern of reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty. RAPPORT investigators. ReoPro And Primary PTCA Organization and Randomized Trial

Antiplatelet agents for chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Antiplatelet agents are widely used to prevent cardiovascular events. The risks and benefits of antiplatelet agents may be different in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for whom occlusive atherosclerotic events are less prevalent, and bleeding hazards might be increased. This is an update of a review first published in 2013.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of antiplatelet agents in people with any form of CKD, including those with CKD not receiving renal replacement therapy, patients receiving any form of dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 13 July 2021 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials of any antiplatelet agents versus placebo or no treatment, or direct head-to-head antiplatelet agent studies in people with CKD. Studies were included if they enrolled participants with CKD, or included people in broader at-risk populations in which data for subgroups with CKD could be disaggregated.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Four authors independently extracted data from primary study reports and any available supplementary information for study population, interventions, outcomes, and risks of bias. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated from numbers of events and numbers of participants at risk which were extracted from each included study. The reported RRs were extracted where crude event rates were not provided. Data were pooled using the random-effects model. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 113 studies, enrolling 51,959 participants; 90 studies (40,597 CKD participants) compared an antiplatelet agent with placebo or no treatment, and 29 studies (11,805 CKD participants) directly compared one antiplatelet agent with another. Fifty-six new studies were added to this 2021 update. Seven studies originally excluded from the 2013 review were included, although they had a follow-up lower than two months. Random sequence generation and allocation concealment were at low risk of bias in 16 and 22 studies, respectively. Sixty-four studies reported low-risk methods for blinding of participants and investigators; outcome assessment was blinded in 41 studies. Forty-one studies were at low risk of attrition bias, 50 studies were at low risk of selective reporting bias, and 57 studies were at low risk of other potential sources of bias. Compared to placebo or no treatment, antiplatelet agents probably reduces myocardial infarction (18 studies, 15,289 participants: RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.99, I² = 0%; moderate certainty). Antiplatelet agents has uncertain effects on fatal or nonfatal stroke (12 studies, 10.382 participants: RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.59, I² = 37%; very low certainty) and may have little or no effect on death from any cause (35 studies, 18,241 participants: RR 0.94, 95 % CI 0.84 to 1.06, I² = 14%; low certainty). Antiplatelet therapy probably increases major bleeding in people with CKD and those treated with haemodialysis (HD) (29 studies, 16,194 participants: RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.65, I² = 12%; moderate certainty). In addition, antiplatelet therapy may increase minor bleeding in people with CKD and those treated with HD (21 studies, 13,218 participants: RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.90, I² = 58%; low certainty). Antiplatelet treatment may reduce early dialysis vascular access thrombosis (8 studies, 1525 participants) RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.70; low certainty). Antiplatelet agents may reduce doubling of serum creatinine in CKD (3 studies, 217 participants: RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.86, I² = 8%; low certainty). The treatment effects of antiplatelet agents on stroke, cardiovascular death, kidney failure, kidney transplant graft loss, transplant rejection, creatinine clearance, proteinuria, dialysis access failure, loss of primary unassisted patency, failure to attain suitability for dialysis, need of intervention and cardiovascular hospitalisation were uncertain. Limited data were available for direct head-to-head comparisons of antiplatelet drugs, including prasugrel, ticagrelor, different doses of clopidogrel, abciximab, defibrotide, sarpogrelate and beraprost.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Antiplatelet agents probably reduced myocardial infarction and increased major bleeding, but do not appear to reduce all-cause and cardiovascular death among people with CKD and those treated with dialysis. The treatment effects of antiplatelet agents compared with each other are uncertain.

Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers during percutaneous coronary intervention and as the initial medical treatment of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS), the risk of acute vessel occlusion by thrombosis is high. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers strongly inhibit platelet aggregation and may prevent mortality and myocardial infarction. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2001, and previously updated in 2007 and 2010.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety effects of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers when administered during PCI, and as initial medical treatment in patients with NSTEACS.

SEARCH METHODS

We updated the searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on The Cochrane Library (Issue 12, 2012), MEDLINE (OVID, 1946 to January Week 1 2013) and EMBASE (OVID, 1947 to Week 1 2013) on 11 January 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing intravenous IIb/IIIa blockers with placebo or usual care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted data. We collected major bleeding as adverse effect information from the trials. We used odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for effect measures.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixty trials involving 66,689 patients were included. During PCI (48 trials with 33,513 participants) glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers decreased all-cause mortality at 30 days (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.97) but not at six months (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.05). All-cause death or myocardial infarction was decreased both at 30 days (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.72) and at six months (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.86), although severe bleeding was increased (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.61; absolute risk increase (ARI) 8.0 per 1000). The efficacy results were homogeneous for every endpoint according to the clinical condition of the patients, but were less marked for patients pre-treated with clopidogrel, especially in patients without acute coronary syndromes.As initial medical treatment of NSTEACS (12 trials with 33,176 participants), IIb/IIIa blockers did not decrease mortality at 30 days (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.02) or at six months (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.15), but slightly decreased death or myocardial infarction at 30 days (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98) and at six months (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.96), although severe bleeding was increased (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.45; ARI 1.4 per 1000).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When administered during PCI, intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers reduce the risk of all-cause death at 30 days but not at six months, and reduce the risk of death or myocardial infarction at 30 days and at six months, at a price of an increase in the risk of severe bleeding. The efficacy effects are homogeneous but are less marked in patients pre-treated with clopidogrel where they seem to be effective only in patients with acute coronary syndromes. When administered as initial medical treatment in patients with NSTEACS, these agents do not reduce mortality although they slightly reduce the risk of death or myocardial infarction.

Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers during percutaneous coronary intervention and as the initial medical treatment of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS), the risk of acute vessel occlusion by thrombosis is high. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers strongly inhibit platelet aggregation and may prevent mortality and myocardial infarction. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2001, and previously updated in 2007 and 2010.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety effects of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers when administered during PCI, and as initial medical treatment in patients with NSTEACS.

SEARCH METHODS

We updated the searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on The Cochrane Library (Issue 12, 2012), MEDLINE (OVID, 1946 to January Week 1 2013) and EMBASE (OVID, 1947 to Week 1 2013) on 11 January 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing intravenous IIb/IIIa blockers with placebo or usual care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted data. We collected major bleeding as adverse effect information from the trials. We used odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for effect measures.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixty trials involving 66,689 patients were included. During PCI (48 trials with 33,513 participants) glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers decreased all-cause mortality at 30 days (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.97) but not at six months (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.05). All-cause death or myocardial infarction was decreased both at 30 days (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.72) and at six months (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.86), although severe bleeding was increased (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.61; absolute risk increase (ARI) 8.0 per 1000). The efficacy results were homogeneous for every endpoint according to the clinical condition of the patients, but were less marked for patients pre-treated with clopidogrel, especially in patients without acute coronary syndromes.As initial medical treatment of NSTEACS (12 trials with 33,176 participants), IIb/IIIa blockers did not decrease mortality at 30 days (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.02) or at six months (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.15), but slightly decreased death or myocardial infarction at 30 days (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98) and at six months (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.96), although severe bleeding was increased (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.45; ARI 1.4 per 1000).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When administered during PCI, intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers reduce the risk of all-cause death at 30 days but not at six months, and reduce the risk of death or myocardial infarction at 30 days and at six months, at a price of an increase in the risk of severe bleeding. The efficacy effects are homogeneous but are less marked in patients pre-treated with clopidogrel where they seem to be effective only in patients with acute coronary syndromes. When administered as initial medical treatment in patients with NSTEACS, these agents do not reduce mortality although they slightly reduce the risk of death or myocardial infarction.

Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers during percutaneous coronary intervention and as the initial medical treatment of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS), the risk of acute vessel occlusion by thrombosis is high. IIb/IIIa blockers strongly inhibit platelet aggregation and may prevent mortality and myocardial infarction (MI). This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2001, and previously updated in 2007.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects and safety of IIb/IIIa blockers when administered during PCI, and as initial medical treatment in patients with NSTEACS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2009), and EMBASE (1980 to October 2009).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing intravenous IIb/IIIa blockers with placebo or usual care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted data. We collected major bleeding as adverse effect information from the trials. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for effect measures.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-eight trials involving 62,417 patients were included. During PCI, IIb/IIIa blockers decreased mortality at 30 days (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.95) and at six months (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.00). Death or MI was decreased both at 30 days (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.72), and at 6 months (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.81), although severe bleeding was increased (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.59; absolute risk increase (ARI) 8.0 per 1000). The efficacy results were homogeneous for every endpoint according to the clinical condition of the patients, but were less marked for patients pre-treated with clopidogrel, especially in patients without ACS.As initial medical treatment of NSTEACS, IIb/IIIa blockers did not decrease mortality at 30 days (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.03) or at six months (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.15), but slightly decreased death or MI at 30 days (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.99) and at six months (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.96), although severe bleeding was increased (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.43; ARI 1.4 per 1000).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When administered during PCI, intravenous IIb/IIIa blockers reduce the risk of death and of death or MI at 30 days and at six months, at a price of an increase in the risk of severe bleeding. The efficacy effects are homogeneous but are less marked in patients pre-treated with clopidogrel where they seem to be effective only in patients with ACS. When administered as initial medical treatment in patients with NSTEACS, these agents do not reduce mortality although they slightly reduce the risk of death or MI.

Association of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and long-term survival following administration during percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the impact of GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockers on long-term mortality in patients undergoing PCI for AMI.

BACKGROUND

Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are potent suppressors of platelet aggregation and when used during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may improve short-term clinical outcomes, including survival. However, the impact of GP IIb/IIIa treatment during PCI for AMI on long-term survival is unknown.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary or rescue PCI for AMI within 24 hours of symptom onset with or without GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor treatment were identified from a multicenter PCI database. All cause mortality at a mean follow-up of 3 years was the primary end point.

RESULTS

Of the 269 patients treated with primary or rescue PCI for AMI, 107 (40%) received a GP IIb/IIIa antagonist. Patients treated with GP inhibitors were more likely to present with or develop heart failure (13% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.052). Left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced in those treated with GP IIb/IIIa antagonists (44% vs. 48%, P = 0.051). The extent of coronary artery disease did not differ between groups. Stent use was 80% in both groups. Procedural success was high and did not differ between groups. In-hospital mortality was low and did not differ between groups. The mortality at a mean follow-up of 3 years was 1.9% among patients treated with a GP IIb/IIIa antagonist and 15% for those who were not treated (log-rank P = 0.0005). Treatment with a GP IIb/IIIa antagonist was independently associated with a significant reduction in the hazard of long-term mortality (Hazard Ratio, 0.159; 95% Confidence Interval, 0.034-0.729; P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of patients undergoing PCI for AMI with GP IIb/IIIa antagonists appears to be associated with a profound reduction in late mortality.

Prognostic Implications of Creatine Kinase Elevation After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction

OBJECTIVES

We examined the prognostic implications of the absolute level and rate of increase of creatine kinase (CK) elevation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Peak creatine kinase (CK(peak)) and the rate of CK increase are related to reperfusion success and clinical outcomes after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The utility of routine serial CK monitoring after primary PCI, in which normal antegrade blood flow is restored in most patients, is unknown.

METHODS

In the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial, 1,529 patients with AMI randomized to either stenting or balloon angioplasty, each with or without abciximab, had CK levels determined at baseline and at 8 +/- 1 h, 16 +/- 1 h, and 24 +/- 1 h after PCI.

RESULTS

The CK(peak) occurred at baseline in 3.9% of patients, at 8 +/- 1 h in 69.6%, at 16 +/- 1 h in 20.0%, and at 24 +/- 1 h in 6.5%. The CK levels at all post-procedural time points were significantly higher in patients who died compared with the one-year survivors, as was CK(peak) (mean, 2,865 U/l vs. 1,885 U/l, respectively, p < or = 0.001). By multivariate analysis, CK(peak) was a significant predictor of one-year mortality (hazard ratio = 2.15, p = 0.0002), independent from post-PCI Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow. Both the improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline to seven months and its absolute level were inversely correlated with CK(peak) (p < 0.001 for both). In contrast, the time to CK(peak) was not an independent predictor of mortality or myocardial recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The CK(peak) after primary PCI is a powerful predictor of one-year mortality independent of other clinical and angiographic measures.

Comparison of the X-SIZER Thrombectomy Device with Adjunct Abciximab During Primary Angioplasty and Stenting for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the X-SIZER thrombectomy device versus the use of abciximab during primary angioplasty for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI from October 2000 to December 2002 using the X-SIZER thrombectomy device versus abciximab.

SETTING

National University Hospital, Singapore.

PATIENTS

Out of 79 patients, 44 underwent X-SIZER use, while 35 received adjunct abciximab. Both groups were similarly represented with regards to age, gender, risk factors, target vessel site/diameter, cardiogenic shock, and onset of chest pain to procedure time. The infarct-related artery was occluded in 88.6% in both groups.

INTERVENTIONS

A 2-mm X-SIZER was used in 34/44 (77.3%), while a 1.5-mm device was used in the remainder. Final TIMI 3 flow was obtained in 38/44 (86.4%) in the X-SIZER group compared to 26/35 (74.3%) in the abciximab group (P = 0.175).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Coronary TIMI flow rate, electrocardiogram (ECG) resolution, slow flow/no reflow phenomenon, and patient outcome (death, cardiac failure, or repeat revascularization) at 1 month.

RESULTS

ECG resolution and slow flow/no reflow were better in the X-SIZER group (77.3% vs 54.3%, P = 0.031; 9.1% vs 25.7%, P = 0.047, respectively). Patient outcome at 1 month was, however, not significantly different (18.2% vs 17.1%, P = 0.904, respectively, for X-SIZER and abciximab).

CONCLUSION

X-SIZER thrombectomy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for thrombus-laden STEMI is a safe and effective strategy. When compared to patients receiving abciximab, it was associated with improved ECG resolution, less slow flow/no reflow and a trend to better TIMI 3 flow.

Effect of a Synthetic Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor (ONO-4817) on Neointima Formation in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters

Degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins plays an important role in the development of vascular remodeling. We investigated the alteration of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on the development of neointima formation and the effect of a newly synthesized MMP inhibitor using hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Endothelial injury was achieved by a catheter in the hamster carotid artery. Two weeks after the injury, neointima was detected in all hamsters. Oral administration (twice a day) of ONO-4817 was started 2 hours before injury and continued for the next 2 weeks. The neointimal area, with appearance of maze-like structures, was markedly reduced by 52.4 +/- 8.4% by treatment with ONO-4817 at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day. The treatment by ONO-4817 (20 mg/kg per day) significantly reduced the indexes of histone H1 on day 1, 5, and 10 and the BrdU index of intimal smooth muscle cells on day 5 and 10, but not on day 1. Whereas DNA synthesis was not reduced by ONO-4817, in vitro SMC migration on the other hand was reduced dose dependently. According to the results of western-blotting analysis, the expressions of MMPs were increased 1 week after injury. Especially, MMP-12 was not detected in hamsters without cholesterol diet, but it was much increased after injury in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Additionally, active form of MMP-12 increased in the injured artery of hypercholesterolemic hamsters. In conclusion, inhibition of MMPs results in the suppression of neointima following vascular injury via both prevention of SMC migration and SMC proliferation of late phase in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. MMP-12 plays an important role on vascular stenosis in hypercholesterolemia and ONO-4817 could be a useful compound for the therapy for this field.

Effect of Combined Intracoronary Adenosine and Nicorandil on No-Reflow Phenomenon During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to clarify the effect of intracoronary administration of combined adenosine and nicorandil on the no-reflow phenomenon.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fifty patients (67+/-10 years, 30 male) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who developed no-reflow phenomenon during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between June 2001 and May 2003 comprised the study group, which was divided into 2 groups: group I [25 patients, 67+/-10 years, 13 male; adenosine (24 microg/ml) alone in addition to nitrate] and group II [25 patients, 66+/-9 years, 17 male; combined intracoronary administration of adenosine and nicorandil (2 mg/ml) in addition to nitrate]. In-hospital and 6-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after PCI were compared between the 2 groups. Risk factors of coronary disease, left ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion score were not significantly different between the 2 groups (p=NS). Time interval from the onset of chest pain to PCI, number of involved vessels, lesion type according to ACC/AHA classification and TIMI flow grade (TFG) were not significantly different in both groups (p=NS). Incidence of thrombosis or dissection after balloon angioplasty, diameter and length of stent, and use of Reopro during PCI were not significantly different. TFG after PCI (2.0+/-0.9 vs 2.6+/-0.6, p=0.024), DeltaTFG (1.5+/-1.1 vs 2.2+/-1.0, p=0.033) and difference in TIMI frame count (TFC) before and after PCI (DeltaTFC) were greater in group II than group I (45.2+/-24.5 vs 63.6+/-23.2, p=0.014). Myocardial blush score 3 was obtained more frequently in group II than group I (44% vs 76%, p=0.014). In-hospital death did not occur in any of group II, but 4 patients of group I died (p=0.043). Two cases of MACE developed in each group and heart failure occurred in 3 (12%) of group I and 1 (4%) of group II patients during the 6-month follow-up (p=NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracoronary administration of adenosine combined with nicorandil may improve both the occurrence of no-reflow in patients during PCI for AMI and short-term clinical outcome, compared with adenosine alone.

Acute procedural complications and in-hospital events after percutaneous coronary interventions: eptifibatide versus abciximab

BACKGROUND

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists reduce peri-angioplasty ischemic complications and improve in-hospital outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Prior studies have demonstrated favorable results with both eptifibatide and abciximab. The purpose of this study was to assess whether there are any differences in rates of acute procedural complications and in-hospital events with the use of these two agents.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 359 elective PCIs from June 1998 to August 2000 identified 152 PCIs treated with eptifibatide (bolus 180 microg/kg, infusion 2 microg/kg/min for 12-48 h) and 205 PCIs treated with abciximab (bolus 0.25 mg/kg, infusion 10 microg/min for 12 h). All patients received IIb/IIIa antagonists at the initiation of the intervention.

RESULTS

The clinical demographics, the angiographic morphology, the indications, and the procedural details were similar in both groups. In the eptifibatide group, the maximum ACT was lower (235+/-45 vs. 253+/-40, P<.0001). The incidence of major procedural and in-hospital events was compared. Eptifibatide and abciximab had similar rates of major complications (death or myocardial infarction) (1.4% vs. 2.9%), repeat PTCA (3.4% vs. 1.9%), and major bleeding (3.3% vs. 4.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Eptifibatide is comparable to abciximab in regards to acute procedural complications and in-hospital events after PCI.

Abciximab therapy improves 1-month survival rate in unselected patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing routine infarct artery stent implantation

BACKGROUND

The impact of abciximab therapy on mortality in unselected patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing routine primary infarct-related artery (IRA) stent implantation is not yet defined, and previous randomized studies have produced conflicting results.

METHODS

A strategy of IRA stenting alone as opposed to IRA stenting plus abciximab was compared in a series of 561 consecutive unselected patients with AMI. Abciximab treatment was strongly encouraged for all patients. The contraindication for abciximab therapy was a high risk of major bleeding as assessed by the operator before mechanical intervention.

RESULTS

Of 561 patients, 348 patients underwent abciximab therapy and 213 underwent primary IRA stenting alone. The 1-month overall mortality rate was 2.9% in the abciximab group and 10.8% in the stent alone group (P <.001). The relative reduction in mortality rate was 73% for patients overall, 77% in the subset of patients aged < or =70 years (mortality rate, 1.2% vs 5.2%, P =.020), 57% in patients aged >70 years (7.7% vs 18%, P =.043), 63% in patients with cardiogenic shock (17% vs 46%, P =.022), and 77% in patients without cardiogenic shock (1.3% vs 5.6%, P =.002). Multivariate analyses on the basis of all patients, and on the subset of patients aged < or =70 years, showed that abciximab therapy was independently related to the risk of death at 1 month. No differences were seen between groups in the procedural success rate (99.1% vs 98.1%) or in the incidence rates of nonfatal reinfarction (0.3% vs 1.9%) or repeat target vessel revascularization (1.7% vs 1.9%).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study strongly support the use of abciximab therapy in nonselected patients with AMI undergoing routine IRA stent implantation. The mechanism of the clinical benefit of abciximab was not related to the patency of the IRA.

Fibrinogen and C-reactive protein on admission as markers of final infarct size after primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

In acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated conservatively or with thrombolysis, marked increases of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen have been observed. No data are however available concerning a possible relation between CRP and fibrinogen levels on admission and markers of infarct size after obtaining thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow III by primary angioplasty.

METHODS

We studied 34 patients with a first AMI (29 men, mean age 54+/-11 years) who were treated with primary angioplasty (TIMI flow III in all patients, no concomitant treatment with glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antagonists) within 6 h of onset of pain. CRP and fibrinogen levels on admission were determined and related to the following markers of infarct size: peak creatine kinase MB (CKMB) levels, radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at discharge and thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) infarct size at 1 month.

RESULTS

Median CRP levels were 0.4 mg/dl (range 0.09-3 mg/dl), median fibrinogen levels 412 mg/dl (range 198-679 mg/dl), mean CKMB was 178+/-151 U/l, mean LVEF 52+/-8% and mean thallium-201 infarct size 7+/-6%. Although CRP levels were related to fibrinogen levels on admission (r=0.56, P=0.002), only fibrinogen levels were related to markers of infarct size (r=0.58, P=0.001 for CKMB, r=-0.44, P=0.01 for LVEF and r=0.64, P=0.001 for thallium-201 infarct size). No relation was found between CRP or fibrinogen levels on admission and the extent of coronary artery disease or the myocardial area at risk. In multiple regression analysis, the relation between fibrinogen and markers of infarct size was independent of CRP levels and the duration of pain on admission.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate a relation between fibrinogen levels on admission and myocardial infarct size in patients treated with primary angioplasty for AMI. This relation seems to be independent of CRP levels and the duration of pain on admission. If confirmed in larger patient populations, fibrinogen levels on admission could have an important value for risk stratification and more aggressive reduction of infarct size in patients who are treated with primary angioplasty.

Update on strategies to improve thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction

Therapy for acute myocardial infarction involves rapid restoration of blood flow through a coronary artery that has been occluded by a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque. Thrombolytic therapy, the pharmacologic standard to achieve this outcome, significantly improves survival; however, current regimens have limitations: they can fail to achieve complete reperfusion, they can cause significant bleeding events, and they can result in reocclusion. In addition, complex regimens of some agents can cause dosing errors. Accordingly, newer compounds were developed to address some of these issues, and alternative strategies are being implemented. The combination of platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor inhibitors plus thrombolytic agents produced promising results in clinical trials, including faster clot lysis and greater flow rates than either therapy alone. The addition of unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin to thrombolytic-antiplatelet therapy is being evaluated, as is administration of thrombolytic-antiplatelet before percutaneous coronary intervention.

Abciximab and early adjunctive percutaneous coronary intervention are associated with improved ST-segment resolution after thrombolysis: Observations from the TIMI 14 Trial

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves clinical outcomes in selected patients with failed thrombolysis but has not been proven to benefit patients who achieve a patent infarct-related artery. Even after successful epicardial reperfusion, myocardial perfusion may be inadequate. We sought to evaluate whether a strategy that uses a reperfusion regimen containing abciximab and a reduced-dose thrombolytic agent (combination therapy), followed by early adjunctive PCI, would result in improved myocardial perfusion, as assessed by ST-segment resolution.

METHODS

ST resolution from 90 to 180 minutes after therapy was calculated for all 410 patients from the TIMI 14 trial who had evaluable electrocardiograms at both time points and who were treated with alteplase or reteplase. Patients were grouped according to whether they were treated with combination therapy or full-dose thrombolytic agent alone and whether they underwent PCI between the 90- and 180-minute electrocardiographic measurements.

RESULTS

Among 105 patients who underwent adjunctive PCI between 90 and 180 minutes, mean ST resolution from 90 to 180 minutes was significantly greater in those who had received combination therapy versus those who had received full-dose thrombolytic alone (54% vs 8%; P =.002). Among 241 patients with TIMI grade 3 flow in the infarct-related artery at 90 minutes, adjunctive PCI significantly improved mean ST resolution in patients who had been treated with combination therapy (57% [PCI] vs 24% [no PCI]; P =.006), but PCI did not have this effect in patients who had received thrombolytic therapy alone (1% [PCI] vs 10% [no PCI]; P =.70). In a multivariate model controlling for factors that would be expected to independently influence 90- to 180-minute ST resolution, abciximab treatment remained significantly associated with greater ST resolution (P =.008).

CONCLUSIONS

A strategy that uses a combination reperfusion regimen that includes abciximab, followed by early adjunctive PCI, is associated with greater ST-segment resolution, which may reflect enhanced tissue level and microvascular perfusion. Future studies should evaluate prospectively the clinical efficacy of this strategy.

Efficacy of heparin-coated stent in early setting of acute myocardial infarction

Primary stenting has been reported to be superior to balloon percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for recurrent ischemia, target lesion revascularization, and restenosis. However, concerns about early reocclusion or thrombosis after stenting in the very thrombotic environment of acute myocardial infarction still remain. Therefore, postprocedural short-term heparin or GpII(b)/III(a) receptor blockades has been used. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and long-term efficacy of heparin-coated stent in the early setting of AMI without postprocedural heparin or GpII(b)/III(a) receptor blockade infusion. We studied 102 consecutive patients presenting to cardiac catheterization laboratory < or = 6 hr from the onset of chest pain. No patients who were implanted with heparin-coated stents received heparin or GpII(b)/III(a) receptor blockade infusion after the procedures, not even patients who showed an angiographically large thrombus burden before stenting. Patients were evaluated for clinical endpoints at 30 days and 6 months. Coronary angiography was required for all patients at 2 weeks and 6 months after the procedure. Angiographic and procedural successes were 100% and 98%, respectively. Two patients (2%) died of heart failure without evidence of reocclusion of stented vessel during the hospitalization and 4 (4%) additional patients died of refractory heart failure within the first 6 months. Major bleeding complication occurred in one patient (1%). Recurrent myocardial infarction developed in one patient at 4 months. Early angiographic follow up at 2 weeks was performed in 88% of all patients, none of whom showed thrombotic stent occlusion. Six-month angiographic follow-up was completed in 71%(64/91) of eligible patients and binary restenosis was present in 17.2% of stented vessels. Eight(8%) patients underwent repeat PTCA. Cardiac event-free survival rate at 6 months was 86.3%. This study demonstrates that heparin-coated stents are safe in the early setting of acute myocardial infarction and no additional heparin infusion after stenting is necessary, which may reduce bleeding complications. Angiographic restenosis rate compares favorably to the binary restenosis rate from other studies with uncoated stents.

Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers for percutaneous coronary revascularization, and unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

During percutaneous coronary revascularisation (i.e. coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with or without stent implantation), and in unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, the risk of acute vessel occlusion by thrombosis is high in spite of treatment with aspirin and heparin. GP IIb/IIIa antagonists inhibit platelet aggregation and may prevent mortality and myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of GP IIb/IIIa blockers during percutaneous coronary revascularisation, and in patients with unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Library (issue 1, 2000), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2001), EMBASE (1980 to Nov 1999), reference list of articles, medical websites and handsearch among abstracts from cardiology congresses.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous GP IIb/IIIa blockers with standard medical treatment during percutaneous coronary revascularisation, and in patients with unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A list of titles and abstracts was screened separately by two reviewers who assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Percutaneous coronary revascularisation: Fourteen trials involving 17,788 patients were included. GP IIb/IIIa blockers were associated with decreased mortality at 30 days (OR 0.71 (95% CI 0.52, 0.97)) but not at 6 months (OR 0.85 (0.66, 1.11)). Mortality or infarction was decreased both at 30 days (OR 0.62 (0.55, 0.70); ARR: 31 per 1,000), and at 6 months (OR 0.65 (0.58, 0.73); ARR: 38 per 1,000)), but severe bleeding was increased (10 per 1,000; OR 1.38 (1.04, 1.85)). Unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Eight trials involving 30,006 patients were included. GP IIb/IIIa blockers were not associated with decreased mortality at 30 days (OR 0.90 (0.80, 1.02)) or at 6 months (OR: 1.01 (0.88, 1.16)). Mortality or infarction was decreased at 30 days (OR 0.91 (0.85, 0.98); ARR: 13 per 1,000)) and at 6 months (OR 0,88 (0.81, 0.95); ARR: 13 per 1,000)), although severe bleeding was increased (1 per 1,000; OR 1.27 (1.12, 1.44)).

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous GP IIb/IIIa blockers reduce the risk of death at 30 days and markedly that of death or MI at 30 days and 6 months in patients submitted to percutaneous coronary revascularisation at a price of a moderate increased risk of severe bleeding. In contrast, in patients with unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, these agents do not reduce mortality, only slightly reduce the risk of death or MI, and slightly increase the risk for severe bleeding.

Value of antiplatelet therapy in preventing thrombotic events in generalized vascular disease

Atherothrombosis is the major underlying cause of acute coronary syndromes, ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease, and thus is the leading cause of death and disability in Western countries. Platelet inhibitors play a major role in preventing these ischemic complications. There is strong evidence from the Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration meta-analysis that aspirin reduces the combined risk of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or vascular death in atherosclerotic patients. The Ticlopidine Aspirin Stroke Study (TASS) compared aspirin and ticlopidine in the secondary prevention of high-risk patients after ischemic stroke and demonstrated a significant advantage for ticlopidine over aspirin. In peripheral arterial disease, the Swedish Ticlopidine Multicentre Study (STIMS) showed that ticlopidine was very effective against placebo. Intravenous antiplatelet agents, such as abciximab, tirofiban, and eptifibitide were also proven effective in acute coronary syndromes and unstable angina. In the Clopidogrel versus Aspirin in Patients at Risk of Ischaemic Events (CAPRIE) trial, clopidogrel was compared with aspirin in patients with symptomatic atherothrombosis regardless of the initial localization of the ischemic event (coronary, cerebral, or peripheral). The efficacy of clopidogrel based on the first occurrence of ischemic stroke, MI, or vascular death showed a relative risk reduction of 8.7% over and above the 25% reduction currently accepted with aspirin (p < 0.05). The greatest benefit of clopidogrel was in the reduction of fatal and nonfatal MI in the most severe groups of patients, providing a 19% relative risk reduction (p = 0.008). The recent disappointing results obtained with oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blocking agents may emphasize the need for other antiplatelet combination therapy, such as aspirin-clopidogrel, in coronary disease, stents, stroke, and possibly atherothrombosis in high-risk patients.

A process for ensuring optimal cardiovascular intervention and identifying candidates for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor therapy

Data from trials with glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors have led to a new standard of care for patients with unstable angina or non-wave myocardial infarction (MI) who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Additional data are necessary to compare patient responses to various GP IIb/IIIa agents in a nontrial setting with results from clinical trials. Seton Medical Center has designed a database to accommodate this task. Data from >20,000 patients have been collected since 1979 and the interventional experience from the years 1997 through 1999 has been analyzed for patients who were candidates for receiving these agents. The data are being used to evaluate the outcomes of therapy and to devise models that can stratify patients according to risk, thereby ensuring optimal cardiovascular intervention and choice of the most cost-effective GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor agent.