title: Bridge to operation with the GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab in high-risk coronary patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Glycoprotein-IIb/IIIa inhibitors are now frequently used in the cardiological treatment of high-risk coronary patients even if the patient is considered suitable for surgical intervention. However, there is no consensus whether GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors should be stopped before operation because of an increased risk of bleeding or if surgery should even be delayed until the anticoagulating effect subsides.
  
  
  METHODS
  From June 2002 to August 2003 140 patients who had to undergo primary aorto-coronary bypass for ongoing myocardial ischemia were enrolled in the present study. The patients received either clopidogrel, aspirin and heparin or additionally abciximab until operation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although the intraoperative need for blood products was higher in the abciximab group, there was no significant difference in postoperative blood loss. The hemodynamic situation of the abciximab patients after the operation was better compared to the other groups. 30-day mortality was not increased when compared to the elective control group (6.7 % vs. 6.1 %).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab can be safely used as a bridge to operation and results in a better hemodynamic outcome in high-risk coronary patients while reducing the incidence of major ischemic events.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schoenhoff
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kayhan
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Haase
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Borggrefe
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Katus
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hagl
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Vahl
mesh_terms: D000077284:Abciximab; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015415:Biomarkers; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; D000077284:Abciximab