Risk of stroke associated with abciximab among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Abstract

Intravenous platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors effectively reduce thrombotic complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).^1-6 In randomized studies, treatment with abciximab (a monoclonal antibody Fab fragment directed against the platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor⁷) resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in the composite of death or myocardial infarction at 30 days.^1-4 However, inhibition of platelet aggregation by GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockers such as abciximab increases the risk of bleeding complications, particularly when these agents are combined with conventional doses of heparin.^1-8