TRIFLUSAL

Triflusal is an antiplatelet agent structurally related to the salicyl ate group of compounds, but it is not derived from aspirin (acetylsali cylic acid). Platelet antiaggregant properties of triflusal and its ac tive 3-hydroxy-4-trifluoro-methylbenzoic acid metabolite are primarily mediated by specific inhibition of platelet arachidonic acid metaboli sm. Triflusal, compared with placebo for 6 months, significantly reduc ed the incidence of nonfatal myocardial infarction in patients with un stable angina. In patients with peripheral arteriopathy, total and pai n free walking distances were markedly improved in triflusal compared with placebo recipients. The cumulative event rate for stroke, ischemi c cardiopathy and vascular death was lower, but not significantly diff erent, in patients with atherothrombotic stroke who received triflusal than in aspirin recipients, Differences were significant, and favoure d triflusal, in a subgroup of patients with > 70% carotid stenosis. Pr ophylaxis with triflusal for 6 months after aortocoronary vein graftin g reduced the number of new distal anastomosis occlusions and the graf t attrition rate more than aspirin or placebo. The incidence of deep v ein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in more than 500 patients undergo ing hip surgery was similar for these 3 treatments. The amount of bloo d transfused was significantly reduced in triflusal compared with aspi rin recipients who underwent hip surgery. Risk of haemorrhage was also reduced in ischemic stroke patients receiving triflusal versus aspiri n.