The chimeric monoclonal antibody abciximab: a systematic review of its safety in contemporary practice.
BACKGROUND
Abciximab is a monoclonal antibody that prevents platelet aggregation by blocking platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor.


OBJECTIVE
To study the safety profile of this agent in contemporary clinical practice.


METHODS
We evaluated efficacy and safety end points (major and minor bleeding, thrombocytopenia) in patients treated with abciximab and compared them to those treated with placebo in main randomized clinical trials of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).


CONCLUSIONS
Use of abciximab is associated with an improved outcome in high-risk patients undergoing PCI but with a worse outcome in ACS patients treated conservatively. Use of abciximab is associated with an acceptable safety profile even when used on a background of aspirin and high doses of thienopyridine but has a potential to increase thrombocytopenia and minor bleeding. Small molecule GP IIb/IIIa antagonists are increasingly preferred over abciximab in clinical practice, and recent observational data have demonstrated these agents to have a similar efficacy and safety profile. As an increasing number of agents are being evaluated for peri-PCI anti-thrombotic therapy, the role of abciximab is likely to be further restricted to the highest risk patients.
Tamhane
Umesh U
UU
University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, 2A394, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5853, USA.
Gurm
Hitinder S
HS
D000077284:Abciximab; D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000379:methods; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; D000077284:Abciximab