GPIIbIIIa inhibitors as adjunctive therapy in acute myocardial infarction

Thrombolytic therapy has proved useful in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction but is frequently associated with limited vessel reperfusion an d early reocclusion. Local platelet aggregation and activation play a role in these pathological processes, explaining the benefit of aspirin, a weak antiplatelet agent. Recent interest has turned to GPIIbIIIa antagonists, a class of potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation. Their concomitant use w ith fibrinolytics, in rescue and primary angioplasty for acute myocardial i nfarction treatment is explored. Efficacy and safety issues are addressed a nd the potential pivotal role of these agents in the treatment of acute myo cardial infarction is discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.