title: Clinical trials of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.
abstract: Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors were developed to block platelet aggregation and potentially to abolish thrombus formation. Clinical trials have demonstrated that GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors are more potent antithrombotic agents than aspirin and heparin alone. GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors reduce short- and long-term complications of percutaneous revascularization. These agents also are effective as adjuncts to various treatment strategies for the management of patients with unstable angina (UA) or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (NQMI). Furthermore, recent clinical trials with a small number of patients suggest that GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in combination with low-dose fibrinolytics are safe and effective for the treatment of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. The clinical trials of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors summarized here examined different patient populations managed under different strategies. Moreover, these agents have different indications for clinical use and varying safety profiles.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Cardiology Associates of Paducah, 1532 Lone Oak Road, Suite 7, Paducah, KY 42001, USA. JDTalleyMD@gateway.net
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Talley
mesh_terms: D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000628:therapy; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex