Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes: only for well defined subgroups or a therapeutic option for all patients?
Antiplatelet treatment of acute coronary syndrome without ST-elevation consists of aspirin and clopidogrel. Intravenous, but not oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists on top of this may be used in high-risk individuals, especially when they undergo early angioplasty, but these recommendations are derived from post-hoc analyses. They should be confirmed in future randomized trials in high risk patients. So far, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists should not be used as a routine in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-elevation.
Verheugt
Freek W A
FW
Heartcenter, University Medical Center St. Radboud, Nijmegen 6525 GA, The Netherlands. f.verheugt@cardio.umcn.nl
D000208:Acute Disease; D000075202:Contraindications; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex