Early versus periprocedural administration of abciximab for primary angioplasty: a pooled analysis of 6 studies

Prepercutaneous coronary intervention Zalunfiban dose-response relationship to target vessel blood flow at initial angiogram in st-elevation myocardial infarction - A post hoc analysis of the cel-02 phase IIa study

BACKGROUND

Zalunfiban (RUC-4) is a novel, subcutaneously administered glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) designed for prehospital treatment to initiate reperfusion in the infarct-related artery (IRA) before primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Since GPIs have been reported to rapidly reperfuse IRAs, we assessed whether there was a dose-dependent relationship between zalunfiban treatment and angiographic reperfusion indices and thrombus grade of the IRA at initial angiogram in patients with STEMI.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis from the open-label Phase IIa study that investigated the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of three doses of zalunfiban - 0.075, 0.090 and 0.110 mg/kg - in STEMI patients. This analysis explored dose-dependent associations between zalunfiban and three angiographic indices of the IRA, namely coronary and myocardial blood flow and thrombus burden. Zalunfiban was administered in the cardiac catheterization laboratory prior to vascular access, ∼10 to 15 minutes before the initial angiogram. All angiographic data were analyzed by a blinded, independent, core laboratory.

RESULTS

Twentyfour out of 27 STEMI patients were evaluable for angiographic analysis (0.075 mg/kg [n=7], 0.090 mg/kg [n=9], and 0.110 mg/kg [n=8]). TIMI flow grade 2 or 3 was seen in 1/7 patients receiving zalunfiban at 0.075 mg/kg, in 6/9 patients receiving 0.090 mg/kg, and in 7/8 patients receiving 0.110 mg/kg (ptrend = 0.004). A similar trend was observed based on TIMI flow grade 3. Myocardial perfusion was also related to zalunfiban dose (ptrend = 0.005) as reflected by more frequent TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3. Consistent with the dose-dependent trends in greater coronary and myocardial perfusion, TIMI thrombus ≥4 grade was inversely related to zalunfiban dose (ptrend = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

This post hoc analysis found that higher doses of zalunfiban administered in the cardiac catheterization lab prior to vascular access were associated with greater coronary and myocardial perfusion, and lower thrombus burden at initial angiogram in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Spontaneous Reperfusion in Patients with Transient ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction-Prevalence, Importance and Approaches to Management

Patients with transient ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or spontaneous resolution (SpR) of the ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram could potentially represent a unique group of patients posing a therapeutic management dilemma. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms underlying SpR, its relation to clinical outcomes and the proposed management options for patients with transient STEMI with a focus on immediate versus early percutaneous coronary intervention. We performed a structured literature search of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from inception to December 2020. Studies focused on SpR in patients with acute coronary syndrome were selected. Available data suggest that deferral of angiography and revascularization within 24-48 h in these patients is reasonable and associated with similar or perhaps better outcomes than immediate angiography. Further randomized trials are needed to elucidate the best pharmacological and invasive strategies for this cohort.

Relationship between early administration of abciximab and TIMI flow in STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty: findings from a large regional STEMI network

AIMS

The aim of this study is to assess whether in S-T Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) a relationship between early administration of abciximab and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow before and after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 960 consecutive patients exists.

METHODS

From 1 February 2001 onward, in the Province of Mantua it has been operating a 'Cardiology Network for the Acute Infarction Care' having its Hub in the Central Coronary ICU/Cath Lab of Mantua Hospital and being its Spokes centers represented by the emergency rooms and Central Coronary ICUs of the four territorial hospitals.

RESULTS

T1 (time from symptoms onset to first medical contact) and T2 (time from first medical contact to angioplasty) are shorter for patients rescued by first aid units rather than for those presented in emergency rooms as well as Ta (time from symptoms onset to abciximab administration). Furthermore, the patients that received abciximab before hospital arrival had less frequently a coronary occlusion [odds ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (0.57-0.96), P = 0.013]. The patients with T1 less than 4 h are 753/960 (78.4%). For this type of patients, there was a significant Ta difference between the pre-PCI TIMI-flow classes (F = 4.467, df = 3, P = 0.04). Planned contrasts revealed that mean time of TIMI flow 0 (M = 104.2) is statistically different from mean time of TIMI flow 3 (M = 85.7), P = 0.013.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the use of abciximab, free from pharmacokinetic limits of oral P2Y12 inhibitors, should be considered in STEMI patients with early presentation before primary PCI.

Elevating local concentrations of GPIIb-IIIa antagonists counteracts platelet thrombus stability

Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) antagonists have the capacity to destabilize coronary thrombi and restore vessel patency. Antagonist concentration and residence time, which can be increased by local intracoronary (LIC) administration, and thrombus age may be key factors that influence thrombus stability. Light transmission aggregometry was used to examine the effects of exposing human platelet aggregates to extremely high local levels of GPIIb-IIIa antagonists versus conventional therapeutic levels in vitro. Freshly-formed or aged platelet aggregates were subjected to GPIIb-IIIa antagonists (abciximab, eptifibatide) or direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin at concentrations simulating either conventional intravenous (IV) or LIC administration. The degree of antagonist-induced disaggregation was significantly higher using elevated (LIC) doses versus conventional (IV) doses (60.1 % vs. 7.4 % for abciximab, 41.6 % or 45.3 % vs. 17.6 % for eptifibatide, p < 0.01). Bivalirudin did not promote disaggregation. Microscopy confirmed noticeably smaller, more dispersed aggregates for antagonist LIC treatments. Dosing at LIC levels also induced more disaggregation than IV levels when aggregates were aged for 30 min prior to exposure. An in vitro perfusion model was used to simulate the fluid dynamics of IV or LIC administration of abciximab using a microporous local drug delivery balloon catheter such as the Atrium ClearWay™ RX. The perfusion model resulted in more rapid thrombus clearance with LIC dosing levels compared to IV. In summary, boosting the concentration of GPIIb-IIIa antagonists enhances dispersal of human platelet aggregates in vitro. These data provide a foundation for investigating increased local concentrations of GPIIb-IIIa antagonists in patients, as with LIC administration.

Spontaneous and procedural plaque embolisation in native coronary arteries: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prevention

The detachment of atherothrombotic material from the atherosclerotic coronary plaque and downstream embolisation is an underrecognized phenomenon and it causes different degrees of impairment of the coronary microcirculation. During treatment of obstructive atherosclerotic plaque by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) distal embolisation (DE) is considered to be inevitable and it is associated with potential clinical and prognostic implications. This review aims to assess the main aspects of both spontaneous and procedural DE, analyze their different pathophysiology, provide specific insights on the main diagnostic tools for their identification, and finally focus on the main strategies for their treatment and prevention.

Intracoronary Reopro during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute and Stable Patient can Influence Stent Thrombosis Formation (IRPASST) Study

BACKGROUND

In patients with acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina undergoing coronary angioplasty, abciximab reduces major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Most clinical trials have studied mainly intravenous administration. Intracoronary (IC) bolus application of abciximab causes very high local drug concentrations and may be more effective in reducing acute and sub-acute stent thrombosis (ST). We studied whether IC bolus administration of abciximab is associated with a reduced ST and target vessels revascularization (TVR); therefore, less MACE rate compared with the standard intravenous IV bolus and infusion application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-center observational study conducted between June 2007 and 2009. We studied a total of 447 patients admitted with either acute coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting. Patients with bleeding disorder, recent major surgery and high blood pressure were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 199) patient received IC bolus of abciximab (reopro) 0.25 μg/kg during the PCI in cath lab. Group II (n = 248) received the standard dose of reopro-a bolus intravenous 0.25 μg/kg and maintenance dose of 0.125 μg/kg over 12 h.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the groups with regard to diabetes mellitus, group I (56%) vs. group II (58%), P = 0.613; ACS, group I (38%) vs. group II (44%), P = 0.175; Dietthylstilbestrol Drug eluted stent (DES) in group I (66.5%) vs. (57.6%) group II, P = 0.056; Bare Metal Stent (BMS) in group I (33%) vs. (40.7%) group II, P=0.093; target vessel revascularization (TRV) was seen in 9 patients (4%) in group I vs. 16 patients (6%) in group II. ST elevation was seen in 4 patients (2%) in group I vs. 7 patients (2.8%) in group II, all presented with STEMI.

CONCLUSION

In this study, there was a trend toward less ST and TVR in patients who received IC reopro vs. intravenous route both in ACS and stable CAD. The percentage of DM was high in both groups (56%), especially in Saudi patients. In-stent restenosis (ISR) was less in group I than in group II, this was mainly associated with BMS usage. The percentage of BMS was more than 30% in both groups, either due to STEMI cases or large vessel size. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to further assess IC application of abciximab in reducing ST.

Historical perspective and future directions in platelet research

Platelets are a remarkable mammalian adaptation that are required for human survival by virtue of their ability to prevent and arrest bleeding. Ironically, however, in the past century, the platelets' hemostatic activity became maladaptive for the increasingly large percentage of individuals who develop age-dependent progressive atherosclerosis. As a result, platelets also make a major contribution to ischemic thrombotic vascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. In this brief review, I provide historical descriptions of a highly selected group of topics to provide a framework for understanding our current knowledge and the trends that are likely to continue into the future of platelet research. For convenience, I separate the eras of platelet research into the "Descriptive Period" extending from ~1880-1960 and the "Mechanistic Period" encompassing the past ~50 years since 1960. We currently are reaching yet another inflection point, as there is a major shift from a focus on traditional biochemistry and cell and molecular biology to an era of single molecule biophysics, single cell biology, single cell molecular biology, structural biology, computational simulations, and the high-throughput, data-dense techniques collectively named with the "omics postfix". Given the progress made in understanding, diagnosing, and treating many rare and common platelet disorders during the past 50 years, I think it appropriate to consider it a Golden Age of Platelet Research and to recognize all of the investigators who have made important contributions to this remarkable achievement..

Predictive value of ischemic mitral regurgitation during the acute phase of ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary intervention for left ventricular remodeling in long-term follow-up

Reperfusion therapy, mainly primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), has improved survival and lowered complication rate in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Nevertheless, some patients develop left ventricular remodeling (LVR) during long-term follow-up.

AIMS

To assess the incidence of ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) in the acute phase of STEMI treated with primary PCI. To assess prognostic value of MR during acute STEMI for prediction of LVR during long-term follow-up.

METHODS

This is a prospective, single-center study in 83 patients with the first STEMI. Inclusion criteria were as follows: time from symptom onset to PCI less than 12 h and successful restoration of blood flow (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 3) in the infarct-related coronary artery. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at discharge and 6 months after the MI.

RESULTS

At hospital discharge, ischemic MR was found in 35 (42%) patients. At 6 months follow-up, LVR was present in 21 (25%) patients. Univariate analysis revealed that remodeling could be predicted by age, weight, treatment with abciximab, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), leaflets coaptation, coaptation height, tenting area, presence of MR, degree of MR. The best multivariate logistic regression model for remodeling prediction at 6 months was combination of ischemic MR degree (odds ratio (OR)=14.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.89-54.0, P<0.00005), abciximab therapy (OR=0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.84, P<0.03) and LVEF (OR=0.89; 95% CI: 0.81-0.99, P<0.03).

CONCLUSION

Ischemic MR in STEMI is frequent, even despite effective primary PCI. The regurgitation grade and lower LVEF assessed at hospital discharge and lack of abciximab administration could predict development of LVR at 6 months.

Intracoronary compared with intravenous bolus abciximab application during primary percutaneous coronary intervention: design and rationale of the Abciximab Intracoronary versus intravenously Drug Application in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (AIDA STEMI) trial

BACKGROUND

Intravenous abciximab reduces major adverse cardiac events in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Intracoronary abciximab bolus application during PCI results in high local drug concentration, improved perfusion, reduction of infarct size, and less microvascular obstruction. The hypothesis of this trial is that abciximab bolus intracoronary in comparison to standard intravenous application will improve the outcome of patients undergoing primary PCI in STEMI.

STUDY DESIGN

The Abciximab Intracoronary versus intravenously Drug Application in STEMI (AIDA STEMI) study is a 1,912-patient, prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled trial. The study is designed to compare the efficacy and safety of intracoronary versus intravenous bolus abciximab administration during primary PCI with subsequent intravenous infusion for 12 hours. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to 1 of the 2 treatments. The primary efficacy end point of AIDA STEMI is the composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent MI, or new congestive heart failure within 90 days of randomization. The primary safety outcome assessment will be major bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The AIDA STEMI study addresses important questions regarding the efficacy and safety of intracoronary abciximab bolus administration during primary PCI in patients with STEMI, potentially optimizing the route of administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the catheterization laboratory.

Transportation with very long transfer delays (>90 min) for facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the Krakow Network

BACKGROUND

The majority of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are admitted to centers without primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities. Purpose of the study was to determine safety and outcomes in STEMI patients with transfer delay to PCI>90 min receiving half-dose alteplase and abciximab before PCI (facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Outcomes of 669 STEMI patients (<12 h chest pain, non shock, fibrinolysis eligible, <75 years) with transfer delay to PCI>90 min who received half-dose alteplase and full-dose abciximab and were immediately transferred for PCI were compared with primary PCI effects in 1311 patients with transfer delay <90 min. Mean time from symptom-onset to PCI was longer (357 ± 145 min vs. 201 ± 177; P<0.001) in facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis group. In-hospital and 12-month outcomes were similar in both groups, however bleeding events were more frequent in facilitated PCI group (hemorrhagic stroke 0.9% vs. 0%; P<0.001; severe+moderate 5.5% vs. 2.3%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first large report showing the safety and benefits of transportation with very long transfer delay (>90 min) for facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis in STEMI patients. In fact, pharmacological treatment (combotherapy) was effective in overcoming the deleterious effects of long time-delay on outcome, with similar survival as compared to short-time transportation, despite higher risk of major bleeding complication.

Early abciximab administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves clinical outcome in elderly patients transferred with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: data from the EUROTRANSFER registry

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available concerning benefits and risks of early abciximab (EA) administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in elderly ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of EA before PPCI in elderly (>or=65 years) patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We identified 545 patients <65 years (354 with EA administration (>30 min before PPCI), 191 late abciximab (LA)), and 541 patients >or=65 years of age (373 EA, 168 LA) in the EUROTRANSFER Registry database. Elderly patients were more likely to have comorbidities, angiographic PCI complications, and bleeding events. EA promotes infarct-related artery patency before PPCI and improves myocardial reperfusion after PPCI in both age groups, but the risk of 30-day death (EA vs. LA: <65 years, 2.0% vs. 1.6%; p=0.999; >or=65 years, 5.9% vs. 14.3%; p=0.001) and 30-day death+reinfarction (EA vs. LA: <65 years, 2.5% vs. 2.1%; p=0.999; >or=65 years, 7.5% vs. 17.3%; p=0.001) was reduced in elderly patients only. There was no difference in bleedings, especially major bleedings requiring transfusion (EA vs. LA: patients <65 years, 2.3% vs. 0%, p=0.055; >or=65 years, 2.4% vs. 3%; p=0.448) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients >or=65 years of age have a substantially increased risk of angiographic PCI complications, death and bleeding events compared with their younger counterparts. Strategy of EA before PPCI improves reperfusion parameters and clinical outcome in elderly patients and is not associated with elevated risk of major bleeding.

Early glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in primary angioplasty (EGYPT) cooperation: an individual patient data meta-analysis

Background:

Even though time-to-treatment has been shown to be a determinant of mortality in primary angioplasty, the potential benefits from early pharmacological reperfusion by glycoprotein (Gp) IIb–IIIa inhibitors are still unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to combine individual data from all randomised trials conducted on facilitated primary angioplasty by the use of early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors.

Methods and results:

The literature was scanned by formal searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE) from January 1990 to October 2007. All randomised trials on facilitation by the early administration of Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were examined. No language restrictions were enforced. Individual patient data were obtained from 11 out of 13 trials, including 1662 patients (840 patients (50.5%) randomly assigned to early and 822 patients (49.5%) to late Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitor administration). Preprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study (TIMI) grade 3 flow was more frequent with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Postprocedural TIMI 3 flow and myocardial blush grade 3 were higher with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors but did not reach statistical significance except for abciximab, whereas the rate of complete ST-segment resolution was significantly higher with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Mortality was not significantly different between groups, although early abciximab demonstrated improved survival compared with late administration, even after adjustment for clinical and angiographic confounding factors.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis shows that pharmacological facilitation with the early administration of Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI is associated with significant benefits in terms of preprocedural epicardial recanalisation and ST-segment resolution, which translated into non-significant mortality benefits except for abciximab.

Two-by-two factorial comparison of high-bolus-dose tirofiban followed by standard infusion versus abciximab and sirolimus-eluting versus bare-metal stent implantation in patients with acute myocardial infarction: design and rationale for the MULTI-STRATEGY trial

BACKGROUND

Current treatment standards for patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention support early infusion of abciximab, followed by bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation. Whether the use of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) would result in a further improvement of clinical outcomes remains to be proven. Similarly, whether tirofiban administered at high-bolus dose (HBD) followed by standard infusion is a valuable alternative to abciximab in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction remains uncertain.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicentre evaluation of single high-bolus dose tirofiban versus abciximab and sirolimus-eluting versus bare metal stent in acute myocardial infarction (MULTI-STRATEGY) is a phase III, open-label, multinational investigator-driven clinical trial evaluating, with a 2-by-2 factorial design, the safety/efficacy profile of 4 interventional strategies of reperfusion: tirofiban given at HBD (bolus of 25 microg/kg over 3 minutes), followed by an infusion of 0.15 microg/kg per minute for 18 to 24 hours versus abciximab and SES, as compared to BMS implantation in primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The coprimary objectives are (i) the evaluation of the effect of SES versus BMS on the incidence of major adverse cardiac events within 8 months of the index procedure and (ii) the degree of ST-segment resolution obtained after the mechanical intervention for the comparison of HBD tirofiban versus abciximab. The protocol mandates clinical follow-up for 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

MULTI-STRATEGY will evaluate the role of SES and HBD tirofiban versus BMS and abciximab in the acute management of patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Randomized Early Versus Late Abciximab in Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Coronary Intervention (RELAx-AMI Trial)

OBJECTIVES

This prospective randomized trial evaluates the impact of early abciximab administration on angiographic and left ventricular function parameters.

BACKGROUND

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors improve myocardial reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but optimal timing of administration remains unclear.

METHODS

Two-hundred ten consecutive patients with first AMI undergoing primary PCI were randomized to abciximab administration either in the emergency room (early group: 105 patients) or in the catheterization laboratory, after coronary angiography (late group: 105 patients). Primary end points were initial Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC), and myocardial blush grade (MBG), as well as left ventricular function recovery as assessed by serial echocardiographic evaluations.

RESULTS

Angiographic pre-PCI analysis showed a significantly better initial TIMI flow grade 3 (24% vs. 10%; p = 0.01), cTFC (78 +/- 30 frames vs. 92 +/- 21 frames; p = 0.001), and MBG 2 or 3 (15% vs. 6%; p = 0.02) favoring the early group. Consistently, post-PCI tissue perfusion parameters were significantly improved in the early group, as assessed by 60-min ST-segment reduction > or =70% (50% vs. 35%; p = 0.03) and MBG 2 or 3 (79% vs. 58%; p = 0.001). Left ventricular function recovery at 1 month was significantly greater in the early group (mean gain ejection fraction 8 +/- 7% vs. 6 +/- 7%, p = 0.02; mean gain wall motion score index 0.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.3, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AMI treated with primary PCI, early abciximab administration improves pre-PCI angiographic findings, post-PCI tissue perfusion, and 1-month left ventricular function recovery, possibly by starting early recanalization of the infarct-related artery.

Early abciximab administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves infarct-related artery patency and left ventricular function in high-risk patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Early abciximab administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is recommended in practice guidelines. However, the evidence supporting abciximab use before and during transfer for PPCI is limited. We investigated the effect of early abciximab administration on early reperfusion, ST-segment resolution, enzymatic infarct size, and left ventricular function in patients with first anterior wall STEMI.

METHODS

A total of 59 nonshock patients with STEMI admitted <12 hours to remote hospitals with anticipated delay to PPCI of <90 minutes were randomly assigned to 2 study groups: 27 patients received abciximab before transfer to catheterization laboratory (Early group), and 32 patients received abciximab immediately before PPCI (Late group).

RESULTS

Angiography revealed more frequent infarct-related artery patency in the Early group than in the Late group (TIMI 2 + 3: 48% vs 20%, P = .04). Better ST-segment resolution of >50% 60 minutes after PPCI was found in Early group than in the Late group (84% vs 56.7%, P = .04). The area under the curve for creatine kinase-MB indicated a significantly greater extent of myocardial injury in the Late group versus the Early group (8324 +/- 4185 vs 5938 +/- 3949 U/L . h, P = .04). There was a significant difference in the 30-day left ventricular end-systolic volume index (P = .02) and end-diastolic volume index (P = .05) in the echocardiography favoring the Early group.

CONCLUSIONS

Early abciximab administration before transfer for PPCI in patients with first anterior wall STEMI results in more frequent infarct-related artery patency before PPCI, better myocardial tissue perfusion after PPCI, with lower enzymatic infarct size and lower degree of left ventricular remodeling during 30-day follow-up.

Newer Pharmacotherapy in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: A Guide for Pharmacists and Other Health Care Professionals

Significant advances in pharmacotherapy for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have occurred during the past decade, including the introduction and approval of new antithrombin and antiplatelet therapies, as well as modifications in dosing, administration, and/or duration of older pharmacotherapy regimens. Also, off-label (i.e., not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration) use of certain agents has become common. Given the novel nature of these agents and the nuances of therapy, the pharmacist and other health care professionals should play an integral role in collaboration with interventional cardiologists in development of hospital protocols, determination of appropriate agent selection, assessment of patient renal function and hematologic status, dosing, and monitoring for adverse effects. In this guide, the newer antiplatelet and antithrombin drugs that may be used during PCI are reviewed, and recommendations regarding the proper administration of these agents are provided.

Effects on mortality of abciximab in ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention including stent implantation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of abciximab on mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) including stent implantation.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of three selected randomized studies and analysis of data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR).

SUBJECTS

Pooled data from randomized studies containing in total 1,736 patients undergoing PCI with stent implantation because of STEMI with duration between symptom and treatment <12 h, and 7,436 patients from SCAAR treated with PCI because of STEMI (52% treated with abciximab) in Sweden 2000-2004.

RESULTS

Analyses of pooled data showed that abciximab was associated with a decreased risk of reinfarction [odds ratio (OR) 0.38] and urgent target vessel revascularization (OR 0.38) at 30 days. No effect was seen on mortality at 30 days or 6 months. Multivariate analysis of data from SCAAR showed that abciximab reduced the risk of death during 14 months of follow-up (hazard ratio 0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

The results are encouraging and support the ACC/AHA and ESC recommendation to use abciximab in treatment of STEMI with PCI including stent implantation. Considering that the pooled results from previous trials showed no effect of abciximab on mortality and the registry part of the present study was observational, the results encourage carrying out new randomized studies of abciximab in STEMI treated with PCI, including stent implantation, with sufficient size and length of follow-up.

Role of abciximab in the treatment of coronary artery disease

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex is a crucial membrane receptor for platelet aggregation, binding platelets to fibrinogen and establishing interplatelet bridges. This receptor is the common end point of the multiple activation pathways of a platelet. Antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin or thienopyridines, including ticlopidine and clopidogrel, inhibit one or more but not all, of these pathways. Inhibitors of the receptor are powerful platelet antiaggregants and include two groups of agents: non-competitive receptor blockers, such as abciximab, and competitive antagonists, such as tirofiban and eptifibatide. Abciximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex, thus blocking the interaction with fibrinogen. It is used for treatment of coronary artery disease, being well-studied in the setting of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary intervention, in which a rapid and effective antiaggregation is clinically important.

Clinical Guidelines and Practice

Data from randomized clinical trials, non-randomized studies, and registries, as well as expert panel consensus are appropriately weighted and woven into the context of clinical practice guidelines. Recent guidelines for the care of patients with ischemic heart disease have emphasized both risk stratification and early coronary angiography with revascularization of patients with high-risk indicators. Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes and the dynamics of therapeutic innovation (improvement in catheter-based technologies and adjunctive pharmacotherapy) mandate the timely update and revision of practice guidelines. We believe that the weight of evidence remains clearly in support of an early invasive treatment strategy based on risk stratification. Arguments regarding treatment strategy (invasive vs. conservative) are misguided, and greater focus should be placed on improving the treatment-risk paradox demonstrated in clinical practice as well as on strategies to enhance current guideline compliance and utilization. Interest exists in establishing regional centers of excellence for care of patients with acute ischemic heart disease, analogous to the regionalized approach already established for patients with trauma or stroke. This approach is supported by data that demonstrate an inverse relationship between both institutional and operator procedural volumes and mortality, as well as by existing constraints in resources such as specialized nurses and subspecialty-trained physicians. It is appropriate at this time to briefly review specific aspects of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association practice guidelines and the current process of care for acute ischemic heart disease.

Implementation of reperfusion therapy in acute myocardial infarction. A policy statement from the European Society of Cardiology

Reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most important component of treatment, as it strongly influences short- and long-term patient outcome. The main objective of healthcare providers should be to achieve at least 75% of reperfusion therapy applied to patients suffering from STEMI in a timely manner, and preferably within the first 3 h after onset of symptoms. Establishing networks of reperfusion at regional and national level, implying close collaboration between all the actors involved in reperfusion therapy, namely hospitals, departments of cardiology, PCI centres, emergency medical systems (EMS), (para)medically staffed ambulances, private cardiologists, primary care physicians, etc., is a key issue. All forms of reperfusion, depending on local facilities, need to be available to patients. Protocols must be written and agreed for the strategy of reperfusion to be applied within a network. Early diagnosis of STEMI is essential and is best achieved by rapid ECG recording and interpretation at first medical contact, wherever this contact takes place (hospital or ambulance). Tele-transmission of ECG for immediate interpretation by experienced cardiologists is an alternative. Primary PCI is the preferred reperfusion option if it can be performed by experienced staff within 90 min after first medical contact. Thrombolytic treatment, administered if possible in the pre-hospital setting, is a valid option if PCI cannot be performed in a timely manner, particularly within the first 3 h following onset of symptoms. Thrombolysis is not the end of the reperfusion therapy. Rescue PCI must be performed in the case of thrombolysis failure. Next-day PCI after successful thrombolysis has been proven efficacious. Quality control is important for monitoring the efficacy of networks of reperfusion. All elements that influence time to reperfusion must be taken into account, particularly transfer delays, in-hospital delays, and door-to-balloon or door-to-needle times. The rate of reperfusion achieved must also be taken into consideration. Professional organizations such as the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) have the responsibility to impart this message to the cardiology community, and inform politicians and health authorities about the best possible strategy to achieve reperfusion therapy.