"Rescue" utilization of abciximab for the dissolution of coronary thrombus developing as a complication of coronary angioplasty.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to test the effect on thrombus score of the "rescue" utilization of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist abciximab given to patients in whom intracoronary thrombus has developed as a complication after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and to determine its clinical utility.


BACKGROUND
Abciximab is effective in the prevention of acute ischemic complications when given prophylactically to patients during high risk PTCA. However, its ability to therapeutically dissolve newly formed intracoronary thrombus occurring as a complication after PTCA is not known.


METHODS
We performed an observational study in 29 consecutive patients who received abciximab (0.25 mg/kg body weight intravenous bolus, followed by a 12-h infusion at 10 microg/min) after attempted PTCA caused either the new development or further progression of thrombus. Angiograms were analyzed to determine thrombus score and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade before and after abciximab. Procedural and clinical success and long-term outcome were also determined.


RESULTS
Thrombus score decreased from 3.0 +/- 0.9 (mean +/- SD) to 0.86 +/- 0.92 (p < 0.001), and TIMI flow grade increased from 2.5 +/- 0.7 to 2.9 +/- 0.3 (p = 0.008). No instances of distal embolization or no-reflow were noted. The procedural success (< or = 50% residual stenosis) rate was 97%. The clinical success (procedural success with no in-hospital myocardial infarction, bypass surgery or death) rate was 93%.


CONCLUSIONS
Dissolution of thrombus and restoration of TIMI grade 3 flow were readily achieved after administration of abciximab when delivered in a "rescue" manner after the development of thrombosis after PTCA. This novel use of abciximab will need to be validated in randomized trials.
Muhlestein
J B
JB
Department of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City 84143, USA.
Karagounis
L A
LA
Treehan
S
S
Anderson
J L
JL
D000077284:Abciximab; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000628:therapy; D003328:Coronary Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000077284:Abciximab