[Evaluation of a selective strategy for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors administration in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes]

Aims: We evaluated the impact of a selective strategy for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors administration in non ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Patients and method: Between February 1st, 2007, and February 1st, 2009, 331 consecutive patients were prospectively included in the study. Criteria for upstream glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors administration were as follows: transient ST elevation greater than 1mm, ST-segment depression greater than 2mm, ischemic recurrence, TIMI risk score greater than 5. Global mortality and cardiovascular outcomes were assessed at Day 7 and Day 30.

Results: The overall use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors was 16%. The procedure was successfully applied in 98%. Compared with non eligible patients (group 1, n = 254), eligible patients (group 2, n = 77) had a higher risk profile, median age: 73 versus 66, p < 0.01, TIMI risk score: 4 versus 3, p < 0.001. Eligible patients (66%) actually received the treatment. Among the 26 eligible but untreated patients, 19% had major bleeding risk, 34% had an unfavourable risk-benefit ratio and 34% were not suitable for an invasive strategy. Cardiovascular events occurred in 5.1% at Day 7 (Group 1, 1.6%), and 6.0% at Day 30 (group 1, 2.4%). Overall mortality at Day 30 was 1.2% (0.4% in Group 1).

Conclusion: A strategy for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors administration in non ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome restricted to 4 very high risk situations may be considered, without evidence for a loss of chance in intermediate risk patients, untreated although eligible for treatment according to the current guidelines.