Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor (Tirofiban) in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Studies have shown conflicting results for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (tirofiban) use in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The authors aimed to determine if an upstream conventional dose of tirofiban in addition to a standard treatment regimen improved coronary patency and clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI. A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with STEMI, who underwent emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the authors' hospital from July 2000 to April 2006 was performed. All patients received loading doses of aspirin, clopidogrel or ticlopidine, and unfractionated heparin with or without tirofiban in the emergency department prior to PCI. It was found that adding a conventional dose of tirofiban to the standard treatment regimen prior to PCI did not improve coronary patency in STEMI patients. Tirofiban also failed to show favorable outcomes for 90 days of follow-up, but there was a favorable trend for short-term 30-day survival.