Postprocedural low molecular weight heparin in patients at high risk of subacute stent thrombosis.
BACKGROUND
Subacute stent thrombosis (SAT) is a dramatic complication of percutaneous coronary stenting occurring in 0.4-20% of cases depending on several angiographic and clinical variables. The role of postprocedural low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in preventing early events after high-risk PCI is not well established. In this study we describe our experience with postprocedural LMWH in patients deemed to be at high risk of SAT.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients who were treated with subcutaneous LMWH for at least 7 days after the intervention were identified from our database. All cineangiograms and charts were retrospectively reviewed to confirm the high-risk intervention properties. Thirty-day and long-term major adverse coronary events (MACEs) were documented in all patients.


RESULTS
The most common indications for LMWH were the deployment of > or =3 consecutive stents, the presence of intracoronary thrombus or ulceration, poststenting residual stenosis, contraindication to aspirin or thienopyrideines, and persistent dissection. The majority of patients (61%) had > or =2 risk factors. Mean postprocedural treatment period was 12+/-3 days. At 30 days, none of the patients experienced a MACE including death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization. No major bleeding occurred and one patient (2.7%) had a minor bleeding. At a mean follow-up of 31 months, MACE occurred in 17% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Postprocedural LMWH is safe and effective in preventing SAT in patients undergoing high-risk coronary intervention.
Roy and Ann Foss Interventional Cardiology Research Program, Terrence Donnelly Heart Center, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Amin
A
Daoulah
Amit
A
Segev
Kori
K
Leblanc
Robert J
RJ
Chisholm
Bradley H
BH
Strauss
D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000628:therapy; D017985:Dalteparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D017985:Dalteparin