Background
Abciximab reduces major adverse cardiac events in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Intracoronary bolus application of abciximab results in high local drug concentrations and may be more effective than standard intravenous bolus application for reduction of infarct size, no-reflow and improvement in perfusion.
Methods
Patients undergoing primary PCI were randomized to either intracoronary (n=77) or intravenous (n=77) bolus administration of abciximab with subsequent 12 hour intravenous infusion. Primary endpoint was infarct size and extent of microvascular obstruction assessed by delayed enhancement magnetic resonance. Secondary endpoints were ST-resolution at 90 minutes, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)-flow and perfusion grade post PCI, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events within 30 days.
Results
The primary endpoint infarct size could be reduced by absolute 7% (17.7% i.c. versus 24.7% i.v., p=0.005). Similarly, the extent of microvascular obstruction was significantly smaller in i.c. patients in comparison to i.v. patients (p=0.02). Myocardial perfusion measured as early ST-segment resolution was significantly improved in i.c. patients with an absolute ST-resolution of 76±23% versus 64±31% (p=0.009). The TIMI flow after PCI was not different between treatment groups (p=0.51), but there was a trend towards an improved perfusion grade (p=0.12). There was a trend towards a higher major adverse cardiac event rate after intravenous versus intracoronary abciximab application (15.6% versus 5.2%, p=0.06; relative risk 3.00; 95% confidence intervals 0.94 –10.80).
Conclusions:
Intracoronary bolus administration of abciximab is superior to standard intravenous treatment with respect to infarct size, extent of microvascular obstruction, and perfusion in primary PCI. An adequately powered trial for major adverse cardiac event reduction is warranted.
Eptifibatide provides additional platelet inhibition in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients already treated with aspirin and clopidogrel: Results of the PEACE study
