USE OF ABCIXIMAB IN INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

The advent of platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors has changed the landscape of interventional cardiology. Given the comm ercial availability of abciximab and expected regulatory approvals for other receptor blockers, defining appropriate use of these agents in the interventional setting is mandated. One key issue is selection of patients who may benefit from GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockade. Focusing specifically on abciximab. data from three large-scale, randomized tri als demonstrate that abciximab is appropriate for all patients undergo ing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, regardless of risk stratum. Other important issues to consider when prescribing this the rapy include benefits in conjunction with stents and new devices, dosi ng and timing of administration, and the role of prophylactic versus ' 'bailout'' administration. This article reflects a distillation of the views and consensus regarding the use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in pa tients undergoing coronary intervention expressed by a group of intern ational experts convened in Davos, Switzerland, February 16, 1997. Thi s report attempts to review clinical progress to date, formulate recom mendations, and map out potentially fruitful lines of inquiry for futu re investigation.