An overview of the results of clinical trials with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

No-Reflow Phenomenon

“…Studies have shown that this group of drugs is beneficial in reducing rates of death, reinfarction, and urgent revascularization when used in conjunction with percutaneous coronary intervention. [97][98][99] They are particularly beneficial as a rescue strategy, 100 in certain settings such as vein graft intervention, 101 and in conjunction with the extraction atherectomy catheter. 102 Few controlled studies have confirmed their beneficial effect on the microcirculation.…”

Inhibition of Platelet Glycoprotein Ib, Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, or Both by Monoclonal Antibodies Prevents Arterial Thrombosis in Baboons

“…3,4 Various clinical studies and studies in experimental animals have clearly shown that inhibition of platelet aggregation, through prevention of the binding of the adhesive proteins to GP IIb/IIIa, is an effective approach to prevent thrombosis. [5][6][7][8] Unfortunately, this approach increases the risk of bleeding, especially at the doses that are effective in preventing thrombotic episodes. 8 Blocking GP Ib 9 -11 or vWF 12 results in an inability of the platelets to attach to the exposed subendothelium.…”

“…[5][6][7][8] Unfortunately, this approach increases the risk of bleeding, especially at the doses that are effective in preventing thrombotic episodes. 8 Blocking GP Ib 9 -11 or vWF 12 results in an inability of the platelets to attach to the exposed subendothelium. Therefore, the GP Ib-vWF axis is an attractive target on which to focus for the prevention of thrombus formation in stenosed arteries.…”

Stent in Acute Non-Q Wave Myocardial Infarction

“…In the TIMI-IIIB there was no significant difference in the rate of death or recurrent infarction at 6 weeks in the subgroup of 476 patients of non-Q MI, who were randomly assigned to invasive or conservative approach [2]. But there are certain limitations in these studies as these were conducted before coronary stents or platelet glycoproteins IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist were freely available which improve results of coronary intervention procedures [10,11].…”